Women’s Golf Championship coming later in 2021

First Professional Women's Tournament in Jacksonville Market since 1976 will Support and Celebrate Women in Golf. ORCA Golf Bags Women’s Match Play Championship has just announced PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) – an innovative golf company dedicated to developing high-performance equipment and apparel – as presenting sponsor for its inaugural tournament. The unique, two-week tournament series for women professional players will take place at World Golf Village in October 2021. As part of its sponsorship, PXG will be featured in the official tournament logo.

The ORCA Golf Bags Women’s Match Play Championship presented by PXG will feature 64 women professionals pursuing their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour, battling over two weeks in two separate, but connected, tournaments. The first week will feature a 54-hole Stroke-Play tournament on the King & Bear course, which will also seed the second week’s event, a 64-woman Match-Play championship at Slammer & Squire. There will be no cut in the Stroke-Play event and all players will advance to Match-Play.

Since the company’s inception, PXG has taken a strong stance in its support of women in golf. The company lists a dozen exceptionally talented women on the LPGA Tour on its official pro roster and provides equipment to many other top-ranking female professionals.

PXG’s clubs are built to spec for each individual golfer and the company will be providing onsite Swing Sessions for interested attendees to get a club in hand experience. There will also be opportunities to test PXG’s extensive line of putters on the World Golf Village 18-hole putting course.

In addition to the golf competition – and of equal importance – the tournament will celebrate women’s initiatives by providing programming such as leadership forums, executive networking, and education. The programming will be developed and provided by Generation W, a national nonprofit based in Jacksonville Beach (FL) founded and run by Donna Orender, whose mission embraces the guiding tenets of education, inspiration, and connection and the power of women’s leadership.

“The Generation W programming is a critical aspect of this event,” said Erica Bennett. “There are myriad career opportunities outside the ropes for women in the golf business and in the manufacturing business, and we want to promote that aspect of our industry as well.”

Each tournament will have its own prize purse, a guarantee of $50,000 shared between the two events. The winner of the Match-Play event will be The ORCA Champion, and in addition to cash prize money will also receive a $2,500 Gift Card from PXG, as well as a commemorative golf bag designed by Erica Bennett of ORCA Golf Bags. The tournament series will feature a pro-am event, junior clinics, and local community-based activities and fundraising opportunities.

Produced as a collaboration among MediaShare Consulting Group, On the Green Consulting and the WAPT, The ORCA Golf Bags Women’s Match Play Championship presented by PXG represents two of the 14 official events on the Women’s All Pro Tour (WAPT) in 2021. The WAPT was established in 2019 in partnership with the LPGA’s Symetra Tour. The WAPT is the Official Qualifying Tour for the LPGA’s Symetra Tour, providing more opportunities for women to play professional golf and to advance their careers to the next level. “We are very excited to bring the WAPT to the Jacksonville area and, in particular, the World Golf Village”, says Gary DeSerrano, WAPT president. “We are certain the next stars of women’s professional golf will look forward to this new and exciting event.”

Information on elevated hospitality opportunities, Pro-Am spots, tickets, key sponsorships, and volunteering is available on the tournament website, and by calling MediaShare Consulting Group at (904) 838–4962. You may reach the office by email.

Rock Duo ‘Air Supply’ comes to the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce that world-renowned rock duo "Air Supply" will perform at the Florida Theatre on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. Patrons attending this event will become a part of Air Supply and Florida Theatre history, as the show will be filmed and eventually broadcast worldwide this February for the band’s Valentine’s Day livestream.

Air Supply is the Australian soft rock duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock. The duo formed in 1975 after meeting during the first day of rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar in Sydney, Australia; they became instant friends with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing.

American music industry executive Clive Davis heard their first record, Life Support, and immediately signed Air Supply to Arista Records in 1980. "Lost in Love" became the fastest selling single in the world, leaping to the top of all of the charts. The second single was "All Out of Love," and that went up the charts even quicker.

Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The Beatles' run of consecutive top five singles. The albums Lost in Love, The One That You Love, Now & Forever, and The Greatest Hits sold in excess of 20 million copies. “Lost in Love” was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles, sold more than 10 million copies.

The trademark sound of Russell Hitchcock's soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell's simple yet majestic songs created a unique sound that would forever be known as Air Supply. "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "The One That You Love,” "Sweet Dreams," and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio.

In 2013, the duo was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association’s Hall of Fame. Air Supply celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2015 and continue to delight audiences all over the world.

This will be a socially-distanced event with health and safety protocols in place. Patrons can visit floridatheatre.com/home/breaking-news for the most up to date information on The Florida Theatre’s safety protocols and general updates. Additionally, ticket purchasers will be notified by email of specific safety requirements prior to the event.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website.

“Air Supply”
DATE: Sat., Jan. 30, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $69.50 – $89.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

Neighboring and learning during COVID-19

This morning I asked my neighbor, who is a Fire/Rescue person, if it would be alright to record their Granddaughters releasing some energy between their homeschool classes. It was interesting that he had recently put up a trampoline to give the girls a little recess, and I had an opportunity to catch up on him, his family and his work.

I’ve known my neighbor to work long hours and he’s a devout Christian who serves as a firefighter. I learned that he and his wife contacted COVID last year (yes, all this pandemic started last year), but they did not need to be hospitalized. This disease is affecting numerous people, yet it is NOT to be feared, but respected (wearing masks, keeping as much distance as they can, and keeping hands as sanitary as possible). It’s up to every individual to do their part for the betterment of all.

Upon asking about his work, he let me know that fire stations have been doing double & triple duty transporting pandemic patients to the hospital (some who really needed to be ventilated and others who were not in need, but wanted to be checked out). There are numerous patients who need to be seen due to heart conditions, accidents, or other emergencies, but they refused to go to the hospital because of unknown COVID fear. People cannot be forced to go to the hospital and all that can be done is pray for them and get refusal to be treated forms signed.

During these times of uncertainty, keep in touch with others, stay safe and trust in God. This too shall pass. #TBR

Comedian Brian Regan rescheduled for the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the return of comedian Brian Regan on Friday, Jan. 23, 2021 at 8 p.m. {Tickets to the original show date (December 11, 2020) will be honored}. This will be a half-capacity event with public health measures in place.

Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.”  Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year.

Brian stars in his own Netflix series, Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan, which premiered on Christmas Eve 2018.  Brian and Jerry Seinfeld Executive Produce the four-episode original half-hour series that combines sketch comedy and stand-up.

Brian premiered his seventh hour of comedy, the Netflix special, Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers, on November 21, 2017, which is also available as a vinyl album.  This is the first special in a two-special deal with Netflix, joining Brian with Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and others in multi-special deals with the leader in worldwide streaming.  Brian’s second Netflix special is planned for release in 2020.

Brian can be seen in the role of “Mugsy” in the Peter Farrelly TV series, Loudermilk, on The Audience Network. Farelly personally cast Regan in the series, which premiered on October 17, 2017 to rave reviews with Brian earning accolades for his portrayal of a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Brian is the rare guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy.  Previously, Brian was a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, making 28 appearances on the CBS show.

Brian made a scene-stealing cameo in Chris Rock’s film, Top Five, and he is a guest on two episodes of Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which is now streaming on Netflix.

The following protocols are currently in place for Florida Theatre performances (protocols will be continually updated for the safety of our audience):

Please wear your face mask inside the Theatre and while you’re seated. Please bring your own, but if you forget, face masks will available at the door.
If you’re consuming a beverage, sip your drink, and put your mask back on in between sips.
Temperatures will be scanned at the door. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F or higher will not be admitted. (Refunds will be available for those not admitted.
The Theatre will be sanitized before your arrival and during the performance.
Hand sanitizer stations are readily available. If you are in need of an attendant with cleaning supplies, please ask a staff member.
Please cooperate with all social distancing measures in place.
If you suspect you are ill or reside with someone who is ill with flu-like symptoms, please do not attend. You can exchange your tickets for a future show, or receive a full refund. See Refund Request information below.
Your e-tickets can be scanned from your phone. If you have printed tickets, please hold them for scanning. Staff will not be handling physical tickets.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website.

“Comedian Brian Regan”
DATE: Fri., Jan. 23, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $43.50 – $59.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

The Times Union Theater is socially and safely reopening

FSCJ Artist Series and Times-Union Center Safety and Security Protocols are as follows: In consideration of the CDC’s state and local recommendations, the FSCJ Artist Series has continued to temporarily modify operations and our staff is working remotely.

Florida State College at Jacksonville offices are currently closed to the public, with includes the FSCJ Artist Series office and box office. The website will be continually updated; unless otherwise noted on the show page, shows on sale are currently scheduled as planned. A listing of upcoming shows can be found HERE. The health and well-being of the audience and staff is their top priority. The FSCJ Artist Series, alongside with their colleagues at the Times-Union Center, have put together the below list of Safety and Security Protocols for a safe return. 

Parking: Pre-purchase a parking pass at checkout for any of our shows for the Enterprise Parking garage on Pearl Street. Garage has a 4-person limit in elevators and stairwells are one-way. Masks are required while in the garage.

Building and Moran Theater and Terry Theater Protocols: Masks are required for all patrons ages two years and older to enter the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and must be worn (covering both nose and mouth) at all times. Please bring your own mask. Patrons not in compliance will be asked to leave the building. For the health and safety of all patrons, we ask all individuals to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination record. The use of a face shield will only be permitted in combination with the wearing of a face mask. Lines to enter the building will be physically distanced as marked on the pavement. Each show page has the details of the socially distance policy. All parties will be separated by two or more seats, with the total capacity at 50% for the Moran theater.

We recommend no handbags, or if necessary, bring a small one to expedite your entry. All patrons will be subject to a bag search, walk through a metal detector and will have a touchless temperature check done. A suggested arrival time will be provided closer to your performance. Watch your email for updates.

Masks must be worn at all times (covering both nose and mouth) in the Moran Theater and Terry Theater. Theatergoers will be assigned a specific door through which to enter the Moran Theater or Terry Theater. Your closest entry point to your seat location will be determined by the Ushers. This will reduce lines at the doors and in the aisles. Information regarding seating arrangements can be found on individual show pages, click here for the current listing of shows.

Lobby Protocols: Masks must be worn at all times (covering both nose and mouth) while in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the lobby area. No more than four people will be allowed into the elevator at one time. In the case of a wheelchair, only two people will be permitted in the elevator.

Concessions and bars Protocols: Concessions and bars will be located near or in the Uible Gallery (located on the riverside) Drinks and food will only be allowed in the Uible Gallery where you may temporarily remove your mask. Masks must be worn outside the Uible Gallery.

Savor will be cashless: Credit cards only. For the touchless experience, Savor bartenders will enter total and turn the machine around for the guest to put their card in and they will select a tip amount, no signing required or entering pin.  The Savor bartender will sanitize the machines and the countertop after every guest with a wipe. Everything is pre-packaged and pre-wrapped with a choice of new food items for safer service. Plexiglass and stickers are on the ground to show guests where to stand while in line. Hand sanitizer available at every Savor location.

Cleaning Protocols: All high-touch areas such as banisters, elevator buttons, seating, etc. in the theaters and lobby areas will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each show. There are over 50 high-grade air filters throughout the building that will be checked and changed regularly. They have been upgraded to CDC’s recommended MERV-13. Additional cleaning staff will be at every event. Electrostatic cleaning will be done between building events.

Staff: All staff will have their temperature taken before entering the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. All staff members are required to wear masks.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, please notify the FSCJ Artist Series box office by emailing at least 5 hours prior to the performance start time for ticketing options. Please note that this will invalidate your tickets to that performance.

Tests going through a COVID pandemic

Well, God has done “IT” (He does a lot) once again. If you’ve read my previous two testimonies (Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic & Part II - Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic), you will note that I’ve been going through hell and I wasn’t about to stay there.  My last bout with the devil was as if I was being “punk’d” by him. I had to get a full “Skeletal Survey PTV” which is a series of X-rays from my head to my feet (26 films in all). It took an hour and a half. Let me take a moment to thank all who prayed for my healing and recovery without asking a lot of questions.

As some of you might know, an Oncologist specializes with your blood, and is also associated with cancer related matters.  Sure, the enemy tried to put fear in my mind, but I’ve been taught not to allow the devil have any power over me.

I believe that God is continually with us as we go through unfamiliar territory in order to be a blessing to others who may need help in building their faith; just as He did with Job in the Bible.

As it stands, I’m slowly gaining my weight, and overcoming some minor equilibrium issues. The doctor will see me again in December to make sure my numbers continue to be positive and hopefully he’s not trying to maintain a paycheck from me. I’ll be going back to the gym real soon, as I continue to live my life through this 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and beyond. #TBR and #FollowMeAsIFollowChrist.

I also need to give God the glory for supplying all my needs according to all that He possesses. We received a portion of the hospital bills, lab results and numerous doctors. God blessed my husband to have served in the military and have great insurance. I’m grateful that my mature age also allots me to collect the monies that I earned through social security. God creates many avenues of blessing, yet He is our source.

Van went with me to the Oncologist (October 20, 2020) to get the results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy, the urine test (I had to collect my urine for a full 24 hours - I had over a gallon and a half to take to the lab), Numerous blood tests, and a couple of consultations.

Call me crazy, but every time I see a butterfly cross my path, I praise and thank my God for LIFE!  Been doing that for many, many years and will continue to appreciate God speaking to me in this manner. OBTW, the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to go on and my bubble of protection remains steadfast and unmovable.

Part II - Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic

Have I got a praise report for y’all.  If you don’t know what I’ve been experiencing, please read my first Blog on my health.  On Oct. 5, 2020 I went to the Nephrology (kidney) Doctor.  When the doctor entered the room, she asked me how I felt.  Well, I told her that I originally went to the doctor’s office with symptoms of a UTI, and now other things are exposing themselves; no offense to her, but I didn’t want to come to her office.  I appreciate her profession, yet I needed one less specialist.

Well, she had my bloodwork in her hand and God had gotten my lab results down to normal.  I’ll just be checking back in 6 months before being completely dismissed. I gave God the glory right there in the office.  He is so faithful!  May I say that I was apprehensive about having a Physician Assistant tend to my needs due to the fact that it was a PA who prescribed the antibiotic that weakened my kidneys in the first place, but you shouldn’t assume that all PA’s are negligent.

Before getting that great news, I did go to do some errands and walked more than I have in weeks.  Still feeling a little weak, nonetheless, I’m not dizzy any more.  When you’ve changed your eating habits and diet, it’s difficult (but not impossible) to redirect your body to gain weight.  Since my hospitalization on September 10th, I’ve managed to gain 5 pounds.  Also, the Hepatitis C is still cured and not a threat.

On Tuesday (10/6/2020) Van & I went to the outpatient part of a local hospital to get a Bone Marrow Biopsy.  The test wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated it to be and I only needed a couple of Tylenols (can’t take anything with aspirin) for leg pain from my hip area after the anesthesia wore off.  The specialist wanted to see why my blood has some clots and why some other blood levels are off.  I’ll continue on the blood thinners, that the Oncologist prescribed, for another 2 months.  And guess what, the Bone Marrow Biopsy was done by a Physician Assistant.  I was praying hard and heavy before I had that mild sedative.  I was awake for most of the test - I think (lol).  It only took about 10 minutes to extract the marrow.

I am believing God that all things will be in order, in Jesus name.  My hopes are that my blog posts will be a blessing to someone who may be tested in their faith, may be fearful, or may disbelieve what God can and/or will do for them.  I continue to keep my faith strong as I follow directions from Holy Spirit.  Let me also thank everyone for their prayers.

OBTW, I am still very conscious of the Coronavirus, and so are the establishments where I’ve been visiting.  All places require masks, maintain social distancing (especially in chair seating) and constant hand sanitizing.  I will also get back to the gym in the near future, but I’m not rushing.

Please continue to pray for the persons affected by: Hurricane Delta, the California fires, racial injustices, those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and their families, & the upcoming election.  People must continue to be wise as they maintain their health.  Keep your mental health intact.  Stay positive as you surround yourself with positive people.  Stay active and accomplish some tasks each day.  Remember, You Are Your Future!

Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic

Where in the world has Ms. “V” been?  For those of you who like details - here it is.  It has been awhile since I’ve been on social media and it was a little difficult getting back; but I’m alive and getting better every day.  The devil tried to take me out, but God has many more great years in store for me and mine.

Our Granddaughter came to visit for the Summer this past July.  We have been surrounded in a “Bubble of Protection” (Job 1:10) that God has for us.  It wasn’t until August 20th that I began to feel chills and fever from a UTI.  Because I’ve had so many of these, I had an antibiotic on hand, but it had no effect.  I packed to go to ATL for that weekend, feeling a little better, but still was weak and not myself.

It took me a week and wanting to sleep all day that I got a virtual conference with a doctor on the base.  A urinalysis confirmed that the infection was still present.  The antibiotic that was prescribed for me was wrong.  I became weaker, lost my balance a couple times and fell to the floor.

God gave me enough strength to enjoy our Grandchild although I wish that I was feeling 100% instead of 35%.  Well, things were getting worst instead of better.  When you’re nice to people and talk as if you have sense, you will obtain favor.  I called the base and got an appointment on Sept. 9 with a doctor who would be saving my life.  This same doctor called me the next morning at 6:30 a.m. and told me to go straight to the nearest emergency room; that the base is not equipped to handle AKI (Acute Kidney Injury).

Van and I were in the ER from 7:15 a.m. as they started IV’s for my dehydration.  My veins were so small that I now look like a ‘pin cushion’.  Talk about being tested for FEAR, before I went to my semi-private room, my blood pressure had risen to 175/98.  They took it twice and I prayed that I wouldn’t stroke out.  It came down immediately after that.  God is so faithful and always there.

More testing came to my Faith as my room was right next to the Kidney Dialysis room.  I was asked so many questions and was given a Sonagram of my Kidneys and Liver (to make sure that the Hepatitis C was still cured and no harm was done in that organ.  The CAT Scan didn’t reveal anything, yet one examination and a Sonagram of my legs indicated that I have a blood clot in my left leg.  I had Thrombophlebitis over 40 years ago when I was a nurse, and got treatments just as I’m getting blood thinners now.  I am gaining my strength daily and slowly gaining the 13 pounds that I’ve seemed to misplace; nonetheless, I miss going to the gym and my lack of muscle tone needs help.  I was discharged from the hospital on the 14thh and will be seeing an Oncologist for the blood, and a Nephrologist to follow up and make sure that I continue to heal.

Thank you to those who inquired about my wellbeing and for the prayers and thanksgiving to God.  Sometimes you just need to be alone with close family and not a lot of questions.  #TBR