Political domino dancing
Although the election to replace term-limited Rich Crotty as Orange County Mayor is still a full year away, several announced candidates are already lining up LGBT support. Commissioner Linda Stewart recently solicited votes at a meeting of the Metropolitan Business Association. And on Sept.17, a who’s who of local LGBT movers and shakers will host a fundraiser for Commissioner Bill Segal at the impressive Winter Park home of designer Michael Abbott and his partner, Todd Scala. Segal and Stewart are both Democrats who have expressed their support of LGBT equality. Possible competitors for the most powerful position in local government are Republicans Mildred Fernandez and Dan Webster. If Fernandez throws her hat in the ring, watch for State Rep. Scott Randolph to run for her County Commission seat, thus opening up one of the choicest districts for an LGBT candidate in the state. Hmmm.
Big softball
It was gloriously overcast for opening day of the Central Florida Softball League’s Fall 2009 Season, Sunday, Sept. 13. All four fields at Lake Fairview Park were busy throughout the afternoon to accommodate a whopping 34 teams, including 12 women’s teams. The men’s division is bottom heavy (pun intended), with 15 of 22 teams playing in the least competitive D-Division. But that didn’t mean less enthusiasm on the ball field. In fact, ambulances were called to the fields twice to address serious injuries. At one point, two outfielders collided and when one came to and raised his head he asked, “Was I safe?” Another heartwarming observation: the numbers of LGBT-friendly straight people participating on teams, with spouses and kids in tow. Not that’s how you prevent homophobia!
Recommended
There’s No Place Like Home consists of three fast-paced one-act plays penned by Michael Wanzie. It plays Saturday nights at the Parliament House Footlight Theatre through Sept. 26. All are touching, well-acted and very different in tone. In the first, a daughter worries over her aging mother. In the last, Judy Garland receives a deathbed visit from a now-decrepit Glinda, the Good Witch. But the middle piece, featuring Wanzie as a proud priest and and a stunning Michael Marinaccio as his former altar boy, is the award-winning Orlando playwright at his most powerful. Don’t miss it.
