The story of disaster is a strangely uniting factor in some of Jacksonville’s most innovative architecture, from the 1901 Great Fire that lay the foundation for Henry Klutho’s dozens of signature buildings, to Hurricane Dora in 1964, which devalued properties enough to permit architect William Morgan to acquire a stretch of beachfront for the innovative residential designs of “Morgan’s Row.” Sadly, the story of destruction is woven into the fabric of First Coast architecture, with many landmark structures falling to time, indifference and “innovation.” Author, educator and historian Wayne Wood captures it all in his lavish new coffee table book, Avant-Garde Architecture in Jacksonville. We talk to Wood ahead of his presentation and book signing at the Jacksonville History Center this Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Guests:
- Wayne Wood, historian-at-large for the Jacksonville History Center and author of Avant-Garde Architecture in Jacksonville
- Alan Bliss, CEO, Jacksonville History Center
Undercover
The remarkable real-life story of a seemingly normal 1940s housewife and mother of two who was in fact a notorious and high-ranking soviet spy is the inspiration for a new historical novel by Katherine Reay, the bestselling author of Lizzy & Jane, Dear Mr. Knightly and The Printed Letter Bookshop. We ask her about the espionage and culinary research behind The Undercover Bookshop ahead of her reading and book signing on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. at The Book Loft Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach.
Guest: Katherine Reay, bestselling author, The Undercover Bookshop
Lucky dogs
One of the most recognizable storybook pups in history swings by the First Coast Connect studios on his tour of elementary schools in and around Nassau County. We sit down with Clifford the Big Red Dog to preview a literacy event and book giveaway sponsored by the Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture. The center’s foundation has given out hundreds of free books to children this year, in addition to sponsoring a weekly storytime featuring Clifford (every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.), with all efforts backed by more than 100 local volunteers. We talk about getting kids reading and the eternal appeal of the beloved perro rojo.
Guests:
- Maggie Williams, managing director of the Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
- Clifford the Big Red Dog
Comedy for caregivers
An upcoming benefit performance at WJCT Studios blends stage hypnotism and stand-up comedy to raise funds for Northeast Florida seniors and their caregivers. ElderSource is a local nonprofit that helps older adults, veterans and those living with disabilities age at home independently. The group also supports caregivers through programs ranging from mental health services to organized respites designed to counter burnout. It’s a mission that comedian and hypnotist Rich Guzzi knows well. In addition to performing around the world for more than three decades, Guzzi served as a primary caregiver for 12 years. We sit down with him and ElderSource CEO Linda Levin ahead of the Giggles for Good benefit this Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Guests:
- Linda Levin, CEO, ElderSource
- Rich Guzzi, caregiver, comedian and hypnotist
Topics and guests subject to change.