Twistid Arts fits the JWC mission

It’s about time.

In my fifth year as Just Wright Citrus, I finally took a plunge Thursday that’s been on my to-do list.

Just Wright Citrus is now a sponsor of Twistid Arts Initiative, the incredible Inverness nonprofit run by Elisha Belden.

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It’s my first full business sponsorship, and I’m thrilled. No kidding. I’ve participated in the sponsorship of events, but this is a commitment that I’m more than excited to make.

Here’s how it happened.

From the start, I wanted Just Wright Citrus to give back to the community. This blog has no purpose without Citrus Countians who support it with their interest and energy. Just Wright Citrus is a Citrus County hybrid that does one thing: a daily blog.

Despite that narrow window, thousands read it each day. I’m extremely grateful for sponsoring advertisers who keep the whole thing afloat.

I’m convinced this blog is on a mission. Which means it cannot be solely a source of income. It must serve a community purpose.

That includes more than just the written word. It means giving back.

Two years ago, we sold JWC T-shirts at Mike’s 65th and Bluegrass to raise money for Club Recovery, which, at that time, was searching for a new home. That worked out rather well, as Club Recovery now operates the Old Schoolhouse Community Center in Hernando. Certainly not saying T-shirt sales made that happen, but the effort received decent billing on the blog.

Last year, we sold Buddy Bandanas in memory of my precious Buddy to raise money for a scholarship.

I didn't know how this year would work out. My world kinda shut down after Oct. 24, and going into 2026, it was difficult to see how Just Wright Citrus could be helpful to anyone. My thinking was to write the blog and keep my head down.

Well, that didn’t last long. I have too many community friends who wouldn’t let me sit on the sidelines.

Slowly, I began looking around to see where I could help. There are so many worthy causes and nonprofits that help the homeless, the hungry, the jobless, those with mental illness or addiction, and others just trying to figure out life. 

I couldn’t get my mind off Twistid Arts Initiative, which I've mentioned a few times. There is something about adults who mentor kids on the fringe — like me 50 years ago — to fire their imagination and curiosity. I'm drawn to those people. 

That’s what Elisha does. Teens trust her because she encourages them to take risks with their acting and art. Her studio is a safe place to express themselves without grown-ups pointing out they’re painting outside the lines. The kids know that. It’s on purpose.

The clincher for me was last Friday’s opening performance of “The Last Encore.” Simple plot: Three teens gather around the closed casket of a dead friend, wondering how they missed the warning signs. 

Man, that was moving. Sad. Powerful. Not easy to see or hear. Although, and I guess this is the point, it had an effect. I need to spot if my friends start to veer off emotionally.

(Ask if they’re OK. Then, ask again.)

It takes courage to stage a performance like that in our little community. But it's exactly the kind of performance that leads to discussions about some really challenging and difficult subjects.

I greatly admire Elisha, her husband Danny, and all those involved in the Twistid Arts Initiative. They’re reaching teens in a way the classroom sometimes can’t. What a wonderful asset to our community.

I’m proud that the first Just Wright Citrus corporate sponsorship goes to Twistid Arts. It’s on mission. Writing out that check really made my day.

And please consider "The Last Encore" this weekend, even as the school year closes. We never know what others are dealing with or facing during these happy summer days. This performance will open eyes.

“The Last Encore” goes deep. Here’s the ticket info.

Have an awesome weekend, friends.

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