Merritt Island Now January 2016 Issue by Merritt Island Now

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VOL. 1 • ISSUE 9 • JAN • 2016

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— Contents — January 2016 Volume 1 • Issue 9 Community

10 Chickens Make History 14 Body Workout has Kick 15 Faith Brings Hope 16 Millennials: 16 in 2016 School & Sports

18 MIHS Club Nails It 19 Edgewood Nabs Grant 20 MICS Star Nets LSU Signing 21 Rising Stars

Feature

22 Dream Home Shines Health & Wellness

24 Helping Seniors Age 25 Electronics Hurting Your Vision? 26 Avoid Alcohol/Drug Combos Lifestyle

28 MI Raptors Rule Skies 30 Sea Trout Steady Action 31 Inside Pets Get Heartworms 32 Lovin’ MI, Then and Now Business & Real Estate

33 Service Prevents AC Breakdowns 36 Use Pro for Tax Filings 37 Keeping Your Money 39 File Homestead Exemptions 42 Computer Downloads to Eye

ON THE COVER HGTV Dream Home Photo by Diana Fasanella

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Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Courtney Henderson.....14

Lynn Perry.......................28

Letter from Publisher..................4

Pastor Steve Hart...........15

Capt. Alex Gorichky.....30

Celebrations.................................6

Santina DeMartini..........16

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa.......31

Calendar of Events.....................8

Wanda Luthman.............18

Allyson Goolsby............33

Islander of the Month............... 12

Dr. Kenneth Winn............19

Diana Craig.....................36

Feature Article.......................... 22

Ingrid Hall....................... 20

Terry Coapstick.............. 37

Dining Guide........................ 34-35

Elaine Deremer Cook...24

Cheryl Hurren................38

MIRA............................................ 38

Dr. Bernadette Woods...25

Heather Dawson...........39

Recent Home Sales................. 40

Jessica Beal...................26

Jonathan Skinner..........42

Reference Directory.......... 43-44

Publisher: ILMIdeals, Inc. Magazine President: Lou Colombo Editor: Diana Fasanella editor@merrittislandnow.com Art Director: Charlie Amrich charlieamrich@gmail.com Staff Photographer: Paul Cooper Advertising Sales: Lou Colombo lou@merrittislandnow.com • 321.453.4121 Community Relations: Julie Colombo

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

Merritt Island Now Merritt Island Now magazine is being published 11 issues per year and direct mailed free to approximately 16,000 Merritt Island homes.

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Letter from the Publisher

appy New Year Fellow Islanders, Before looking to the year ahead, I always try to take some time to look back at the last year to reflect, measure and learn from all I’ve experienced. This past year was probably filled with more “pivotal” events than any year I can remember. My oldest graduating MIHS and going into the U.S. Coast Guard was definitely the high, losing my wonderful mother, the low. Launching this magazine and pulling off this year’s Christmas tree event with the weather issues were both more Lou and Julie challenging than anticipated. Colombo founded the I Love My Island This brings me to a big lesson I learned this year Merritt Island, FL that I would like to share with you. For those of you who don’t know me, I would say I have that “I Facebook page can fix the problem” controlling personality, to put along with the it mildly. Anyway, here’s my lesson learned. MerrittIslandNow.com website. As you know, my wife Julie and I had the 3rd Annual Merritt Island Christmas Tree event on Dec. 4th and 5th. This event is something we immensely enjoy doing every year. We look forward to highlighting our Island children and watching them perform on stage in front of the Christmas tree. It’s something we hope is magical for them and will forever be a part of their childhood memories. This year we were blessed to have so many sponsors, including and in particular, the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island (FBCMI). For the second year, they stepped in to organize the performances and handle the lighting and sound. Our friend Richard Fuller even agreed to take the microphone and MC for us. When it comes to serving the community they always seem to go above and beyond. One day before the event the severe weather forecast predicted high winds and rain, which would force the event to be cancelled. The FBCMI offered to move the entire event indoors. They handled everything from contacting all of the performers to completely staffing the event with teams of smiling faces backstage, onstage, on sound and lights, and throughout both nights, making sure no detail went unattended. The two-night event went on as if rehearsed for weeks. Because of their generosity, selflessness and hard work, the Merritt Island community had a Christmas tree lighting this year and all of our Island children did get to perform for their families and friends. Throughout the event, I felt like I just couldn’t say thank you enough, and I also felt guilty that they needed to “fix” MY problem. I’m supposed to be the fixer. It was a very helpless feeling. For most of us, giving is always so much easier than receiving. My thoughts were “why do I have such a problem with receiving?” After thought and reflection, I have to accept that even I am sometimes in need of help from others, encouragement and charity. More importantly, I need to learn to accept it as a gift and not feel like I have failed because I am on the receiving end of such kindness. It only takes away from the giver of the gift. I should cherish the fact that other people want to give. I have always given from the heart and would never want someone on the receiving side to feel as I did. FBCMI gave me the greatest gift that touched me much deeper than they even realized. I know that they, and all of the other churches in the area, give tremendously to the community each and every day. I am no one in comparison. But it is worth sharing this with you today because I learned that their generosity, fellowship and genuine concern for our community event, was one of the greatest Christmas gifts I’ve ever received. I accept their gift with a warm open heart and smile, and now plan to pass it along.

Lou Colombo

DISCLAIMER *All content provided by contributing writers to Merritt Island Now is for informational use only. Merritt Island Now

makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information submitted. Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of any published information by contributing writers.The material in this magazine has been prepared and is copyrighted by ILMIdeals, Inc. The material is for information purposes only. The material is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. Information provided by or cited by third parties does not necessarily reflect the opinions of endorsements of Merritt Island Now (ILMIdeals, Inc.).

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

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Celebrations

Sally Peters January 6

Rhonda Nagy January 7

Hector January 1

Marrina Wells January 2

Trish Stultz January 8

Rachel Hodgin January 9

Erik Schechinger January 10

Haley Fust January 11

Eric Post January 14

Joe DeMartini January 17

Joseph McGrath January 24

Josephine January 28

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FREE! Tony Giannotti Leigh Giannotti Nicole & Mark Levine January 11 January 10 January 26 â&#x20AC;˘ www.MerrittIslandNow.com JAN 2016 6 |

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January —CALENDAR OF EVENTS— January 1st: Seniors at Lunch (10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.) at Cocoa West Recreation Complex, 230 S Burnett Road, Cocoa, Fl. Contact Felicia Fallen, felicia.fallen@brevardparks.com (321) 633-1987. January 2nd: AEG LIVE presents SOJA with Collie Buddz

(5:00p.m. – 10:30p.m.) at Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, Fl 32922 (561) 681-5623. Cost: Advance: $25; Day of Show $30; VIP $50. Tickets may only be purchased through Ticketmaster.com. January 2nd: Cocoa Beach Contra Dance (1st Saturday of every month) (7:30p.m. – 11:00p.m.) at the Cocoa Beach Rec Center. Admission is $10, under 21 is $6. The doors open at 7:00 p.m., the lesson starts at 7:30 p.m., the dance is from 8:00p.m. - 11:00 p.m. There is a live band and caller at each dance. No partner needed. Wear cool, comfortable clothes and non-marking shoes. We have snacks to share at the break. January 8th- 10th: Nunsense at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse (Times vary) The original classic version of

January 16th: 5th Annual Florida Key Lime Pie Festival

(10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m.) at Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral, 670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Cape Canaveral, Fl 32920. Tickets available on Groupon. Enjoy Live Music, Street Performers, Vendors, Live Alligator Shows, Cooking Demonstrations and much more. January 16th: 1st Annual Transmissions for Missions Car and Truck Show (9a.m. – 3p.m.) at the First Baptist Church Merritt

Island Parking Lot. General Admission is FREE. Car Exhibition pre-registration $25. All proceeds support missions. Food and drink, awards, etc. For more information, contact Denise (321) 863- 0592 or harrelldev@aol.com. January 16th – 18th: The Raptor Project at the Brevard Zoo,

8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, Fl 32940 (321) 2549453. They’re the top predators in the sky. Meet eagles, owls and other astonishing birds of prey as part of this touring show and exhibit. January 22nd: Mardi Gras Card Party Fashion Show (9:00a.m.

“Nunsense”, a musical comedy with book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin. ONE WEEKEND ONLY! Performance dates/times: Friday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 9th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 10th at 2 p.m.

– 2:00p.m.) at Divine Mercy Catholic Church Dome, 1940 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, Fl. Contact Betty Gaulin (321) 453-4180. DMCCW sponsor this event which includes a fashion show, luncheon, games, raffles and fun for all.

January 9th: Walkability Workshop, Diamond Square, Cocoa

January 22nd - 24th: 2016 Quilting Retreat (All Day Event) at the International Palms Hotel in Cocoa Beach, Fl. $395 for all three days. Join the Sew Central Team for our annual Babes on the Beach Sewing Retreat. This year we will feature Debbie Caffrey in a Mystery Quilt Adventure. Price includes meals, kits, patterns and fabrics for the 3 day event at the beautiful International Palms Hotel on Cocoa Beach, Fl.

(9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.) at Emma Jewel Charter Academy, 705 Blake Avenue, Cocoa, Fl. Price: Free. Bring your camera, walking shoes and/or bike and above all your creative mind! Seating is limited, so please RSVP in advance on our Facebook event, EventBrite, by email to walkablebrevard@gmail.com, or by phone or text at (321) 355-2747. See you there! January 12th: Super Senior Luncheon (every 2nd Tuesday of every month) (10:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.) at the First Baptist Church Merritt Island, 140 Magnolia Ave, Merritt Island, Fl. Price: Free. Join other area super seniors from around the community for lunch, fun, a community moment and devotional speaker. Make your FREE reservation by the Sunday before by calling (321) 453-2144.

January 29th: CATS (January 29th – February 14th) (Times

Vary) at Cocoa Village Playhouse. Price: $16-$24. Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot. Cats is presented through special arrangements with R&H Theatricals.

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Community

Chicken Dinners Put Feather in MIVFD’s Cap Photos courtesy of former volunteer Bill Matta

BY DIANA FASANELLA

t’s been almost 29 years since “Brock! Brock! Brock! Chicken dinner, chicken dinner … come and get your chicken dinner!” blared over loud speakers at the Merritt Island Volunteer Fire Department’s chicken shack on Magnolia Avenue. The chicken dinners, cooked and sold the second Sunday of every month to fund equipment and trucks for the department, ceased to exist in April 1987, ending an era during which hundreds of thousands of Islanders, astronauts, celebrities and politicians alike were served. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill,” said Bill Matta, retired MIVFD volunteer and 30-year Brevard County Fire and Rescue veteran, about serving John Denver, Vice President Hubert Humphrey and President Lyndon B. Johnson. The more than 800,000 chicken dinners that were sold over the 36-year span from 1951 to 1987 were prepared and cooked solely by fire department volunteers who gave freely of their time to make their station the best equipped firehouse it could be, he said. “We did everything, from chopping the cabbage for the coleslaw, to preparing the chicken halves, to boxing it all up after it was fried,” Matta said about the about the assembly line production of volunteers who whipped up the dinners that originally sold for $1. “The lines of people waiting to get their dinners were so long they would wrap around the firehouse.” Originally, fire department members began offering fish fries on weekends to raise money, but they switched to chicken in the late ‘50s due to a shortage in a supply of fish, according to a department flyer. Lifelong resident and former volunteer Mark Mahoney, who was in charge of the last chicken spectacular before the chicken shack was torn down to make way for the widening of SR 520, said the change from selling mullet to barbeque chicken didn’t go over very well.

“Folks from all over the Island would come out and support the fire department by buying a chicken dinner.” – Gary Gilroy “No one liked sticky fingers from the barbeque sauce,” he said. So, the firefighters then settled on frying the chicken in a secret sauce, which no longer is all that secret, according to former volunteer Martin Scott of Orlando. “Aunt Jemima Pancake batter, salt, and pepper mixed together,” he said about the recipe. “You want the batter to be like soup, very runny. Dip the chicken in it and let it drain, you

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

only want a thin coat. Then, deep fry it in peanut oil at 400 to 500 degrees.” Former MI resident Gary Gilroy, whose father, Don, was chief for many years, said his dad was there to serve up the first dinner in 1951 to last dinner in 1987. “Folks from all over the Island would come out and support the fire department by buying a chicken dinner. I remember helping my dad cut the chickens in half the Friday and Saturday before, and making those great baked beans,” Gilroy said. “I still have the recipe. The chicken was called Vulcan 4.” Like Gilroy and other volunteers and family members of volunteers, Sandy Chasteen Hotary and Bill Tate said they also helped box the chicken, put in the rolls, plastic ware and napkins. “They asked us what we liked the least,” Tate, a MIHS ’69 graduate, said about the firefighters. “For me it was the slaw. So, they had me serve slaw so I wouldn’t eat the food.” Growing up on Merritt Island in the ‘50s and ‘60s was very special, Gail Webb said. And, the chicken dinners? “It was the best chicken I ever ate and have never found a way to duplicate it,” she said. It was only logical that the people who knew how to put out fires would know how to maintain one underneath some chicken, Matta said. “The volunteers were the backbone of the department,” He added. “Everyone supported MIVFD,” former volunteer Paul Hollified said. “I’m so glad I was a part of it. It was something to be proud of.” Susan Ferguson Parker says she remembers the joy of Family Day held at the department. “My days growing up around the firehouse were rich,” she said. “And the volunteers used to serve up some pretty awesome spaghetti, too.” Diana Fasanella is a native Merritt Islander, Huffington Post blogger; and editor and columnist, formerly with Gannett/USA Today newspapers.

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Community

Islander of the Month Islander Helps Children Develop Love of Reading BY DIANA FASANELLA

It’s a sobering fact, but if Merritt Island resident Lynne Rover – and some 250 other Rolling Readers Space Coast volunteers – have anything to do about it, those numbers won’t increase in Florida prisons because Brevard County children can’t read.

er Islantd of he h Montover R e n Lyn

Photos Courtesy of Rolling Readers

any states estimate the number of prison beds they need in the future by analyzing third- and fourth-grade reading test scores, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Rover, who volunteers and works part-time with for the organization, spends much of her time reading to at-risk and low-income students in Title 1 elementary schools throughout the county. She also trains volunteers who want to “give back” to the community and its children though Rolling Readers’ Read Aloud, Reading Skills, and G.R.I.P. programs. “It’s my dream job,” said Rover, who recently retired from teaching after 30 years as a high school Spanish teacher in New Jersey. “Volunteering for Rolling Readers was a good fit to utilize my teaching skills.” With all the benefits of teaching and “none of the paperwork,” the 501(c)(3) non-profit offered Rover the opportunity to “do something for others,” especially those Pre-K to 5th-grade students eligible under the program, she said.

Many Title 1 schools have few resources to promote literacy and “the joy of reading,” as well as help underprivileged students establish good reading habits, which is why the 19-year-old program always is in need of volunteers. During the 2014-15 school year, every week 171 volunteers read aloud to 290 classes in 26 elementary schools, and 62 tutors mentored 101 students. “We want to create a community of lifelong readers,” said Rover, adding that 29 of their volunteers, and seven supporters of the program live on Merritt Island. “It takes a village to raise a child.” Rolling Readers is a voice for the importance of reading, she said. It encourages children to read, which helps them gain a greater vocabulary and boosts their self-esteem. “We’re another caring adult, besides mom and dad, who these kids can depend on every week, and who get them excited about reading,” Rover said about reading aloud to the children. “I’m often surprised with some of the things they say.”

“In addition to instilling in students the love of reading, we also support the community with giveaways that recycle donated books from sponsors like Florida Today” she said about the more than 1,000 gently used books recently given to Rolling Readers by the Friends of the Melbourne Library.

For more information about volunteering, contact a Rolling Readers representative at (321) 254-9976 or email read@rollingreadersspacecoast.com. 12 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

The annual Gift Book giveaway, through which 5,413 children received a new book, also is a big hit with the kids and their teachers. “When we give them the books, they’re thrilled,” Rover said smiling. “One little girl said she was going to put hers high on the shelf so ‘the dog doesn’t get it.’ Sometimes these books are the only brand new ones they’ve ever owned.” Rover said she also is very thankful for the great volunteers who help make Rolling Readers such a successful and wonderful program. “They are very committed to promoting literacy with this recreational reading forum,” she said about the volunteers. “It’s a real joy for all of us to see these kids develop.”

JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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Community

Kickboxing Effective Training Technique for Full Body Workout BY COURTNEY HENDERSON

ver feel like your workouts are similar to running on a treadmill going nowhere fast? Looking for a motivating way to stay active, not just for adults but for the entire family? Kickboxing could be the answer. Kickboxing for fitness, or Core Kickboxing, is an empowering way to incorporate both cardio and full body strength training in a nonstop 600-1,000 calorie burning hour! Imagine punching and kicking a heavy bag in a series of combinations, combined with core training and self-defense knowledge. This proven effective workout helps relieve stress, leaving participants feeling confident and strong. “Kickboxing, with mentorship style instruction, builds disciple, confidence and respect,” says David DiQuollo, owner of Unlimited Kickboxing of Merritt Island and former professional USA Champion. Experienced trainers will perfect your technique and help modify moves depending on your fitness level. Look for kickboxing gyms run by professionals and certified by worldrecognized sanctioning bodies. Kickboxing combinations practiced on heavy bags provides a more advanced and challenging work out, opposed to aerobics style kickboxing classes, where participants kick and punch in the air. Interval training, with repeated bursts of high-intensity activity, is effective in improving multiple health-related factors,

including muscular power, weight loss and metabolic rate. This High Intensity Interval Training workout also improves balance, flexibility, coordination and endurance. Kickboxing is recognized as a way to cross train with other sports, including soccer, lacrosse and any involving speed, agility and a quick reaction. Whether you desire to be the next UFC champion or just diversify your workout, kickboxing will be an empowering, results-oriented addition to your routine. “With a regular commitment, kickboxing could easily sculpt you in the best shape of your life. Stick with it, and you’ll be a knockout in no time”, Mulak said. Courtney Henderson is a personal trainer and core kickboxing class instructor at Unlimited Kickboxing. She has been a Merritt Island resident for more than 31 years.

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

Community

The Meaning of Hope at the New Year’s Beginning BY PASTOR STEVE HART

s new residents of Merritt Island, my family and I are truly pleased to call this beautiful place home. As a pastor, I get the joy of experiencing the weeks of the holiday season now behind us with a full emphasis upon concepts such as gratitude, unconditional love, faith that is routinely tested and refined, and a hope for the future. Of course, by the time Christmas day arrives, I am ready to rest and reflect upon the year that has passed. Perhaps as a result of the busy nature of the season, I typically embrace the beginning of the year with enthusiasm. I truly appreciate a fresh start and I have high expectations. One dictionary definition of hope is “confident expectation.” With so much negative news in the world and even in our local community, it may seem irrational to approach the year with confident expectation. But the core of the Christian faith is rooted in trusting the power of God to redeem and transform this broken and hurting world. In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, we trust God’s power to use all of us as positive change agents in every interaction, every day of the year. Grace United Methodist Church seeks to serve the people of Merritt Island by building bridges between Christ and our community. Because of this mission, our first question for

me i t y n lA

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anyone we encounter is “How can we serve you and your family?” I firmly believe that the life of faith is a rich, evolving process in which a loving God meets us where we are and reminds us that we are not alone. Personally, I know that my understanding of my faith is different now than it was five years ago. And five years from now, I am confident that it will be different than it is now. Life in faith is dynamic, not static. We are all works in process. If you want to explore faith and confident expectation more, Grace UMC offers a sermon series, beginning Jan.10th, on the various temptations and distractions that interfere with our hope for the future. Please join us! Steve Hart is pastor of Grace United Methodist Church. He is a second-career pastor, having practiced law for 15 years prior to entering full-time ministry in 2008

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Community

Aging with the Century: Millennials Plan to Make a Difference

BY SANTINA DEMARTINI

Photo courtesy of Good Karma Booths Flickr Creative Commons

eople born in the year 2000, known as the Millennial Generation, no doubt have a lot of expectations to meet. With other defining terms such as Global Generation or Generation Y, it’s an exciting thing of which to be a part. “It’s a very amazing thing to turn the same age as the year,” said Chandler Donovan, a 15year-old freshman at Merritt Island High. “You never forget how old you are!” Always being the same age as the year definitely has its perks, said Jamie Hartley, who also attends MIHS. “I find it’s very convenient, especially for my family, for them to always know my age,” Hartley said. “My birthday is only a few weeks after New Year’s, so it makes it even easier.” However, turning the same age as the year isn’t the only exciting thing happening to Generation Y. This year, they are excited to be celebrating their 16th birthday and what comes with it. “I’m most excited about getting my license,” student Brandi Thaqqard said. “I’ll have more freedom with my friends.” Hartley agreed. “It definitely is one of the biggest stages in life. When I turn 16 I am going to uptake so many more responsibilities.”

“I expect nothing less than success.” – Chandler Donovan

With turning 16 also comes the burden of more responsibility and maturity; and the Millennial Generation have big plans for their futures.

“After high school I plan to get my associates degree as a sales representative.” Chandler Donovan said. “Then, after I am working with one, I will go back for my Masters as a sales manager.” Donovan isn’t the only 16-year-old with big plans, either. “I hope to be a physician in the military,” said Franky Perrin,

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

who also is a freshman attending MIHS. Thirty years from now, the Millennial Generation will be at the peak of their lives. When asked where they see themselves in the future, their answers varied. However, they all showed promise. “I see myself happily working as a professional companion animal veterinarian.” Thaggard said. “Also, I hope to be playing clarinet professionally.” Hartley, on the other hand, said, “I am very big on adventure, so I want to travel the world. I want to see the world, go on crazy adventures, meet people of all backgrounds, and eat foods of different cultures.” No matter what their interests, their goals are all the same: to make a difference in the world. “I see myself in the job of my dreams with a wife and children.” Donovan said. “I am going to make a difference on this earth. I expect nothing less than success.” Santina DeMartini is a junior at MIHS. She is a collegiate student attending EFSC, majoring in journalism and foreign language.

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School & Sports

MIHS Students Help Build Communities One Nail at a Time BY WANDA LUTHMAN

abitat for Humanity does a lot of great things for the people in the Merritt Island community, and now they’re getting a helping hand from students at Merritt Island High School. Catherine (Catie) Deckers, a senior at MIHS, is the founder of the school’s Habitat for Humanity Club and the current president. Deckers said her interest in Habitat for Humanity goes back to her grandmother, Cathy McCann, who founded a chapter in South Miami before going on to become the first female mayor there. In an effort to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, Deckers said she wanted to help the area Habitat chapter. She approached Charles Parker, MIHS Academy director and engineering teacher, to sponsor the club in the summer of 2014, and he agreed to help. They completed the necessary paperwork and became an official MIHS club in October 2014. “The club already has nearly 30 members, and I get calls or texts daily from new people who want to join,” she said, adding, while there’s no official meeting day and time, students can be part of the club just by showing an interest. Deckers main desire is to put homework stations in every Habitat home that will house children, she said. The homework station consists of a fold-down desktop. Parker explained that the station works on a Murphy bed concept. “While the desk is folded up, it looks like a blackboard hanging

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

on the wall,” he said. “When it is folded down, it provides a desktop and a couple of storage shelves for pens and pencils and other items.” Deckers said that her brother is able to build these homework stations for only $20 each. “The goal is for him to teach the students in the club how to build them and supervise the process,” she said, adding that despite the low cost, there still are financial needs, and students in the club are conducting fundraisers to help. The students also go to build sites and help to construct the homes, according to Parker. “The students are excited to be involved in a worthy cause and are ecologically-minded,” he said. “There is a lot of parental support as well.” Parents sign waivers for their children to go to the build sites, but some also have gone For more information on how to get to help in the building involved or donate to this project, process. please contact Charles Parker at

Parker explained that parker.charles@brevardschools.org. MIHS is unique because no other high school in Brevard County has a Habitat club. And, while Parker and Deckers are excited to be breaking ground with this inaugural Habitat club, their hope is that other high schools will want to start their own club, too, he said. “There will be a Habitat for Humanity Festival in February located in Melbourne,” Deckers said. “Here the aclub will show samples of the homework stations being built. Hopefully, other high schools will see this project and want to get involved.” Wanda Luthman is MIHS Guidance Department chair and guidance counselor. She also is the author of The Lilac Princess.

School & Sports

Department of Education Awards Edgewood $300,000 Technology Grant BY DR. KENNETH WINN

Photo courtesy of r.nial bradshaw Flickr Creative Commons

dgewood Jr./Sr. High School recently received a huge technology grant to enhance the school’s academic programs. The Florida Department of Education awarded a $300,000 technology grant to the school with the understanding the teachers and students will combine efforts to blend technology into the classroom settings. Edgewood has a unique population of students working in an accelerated college prep program with a curriculum that encompasses a fast-paced learning environment preparing students for college level studies. At the end of a six-year sequence, 12th grade students enroll in a Senior Leadership course, expecting to practice public speaking, develop presentations, write thesis papers, and produce various products. Along the way, the students have the opportunity to enroll in any number of 27 Advanced Placement courses including the AP Capstone Seminar and Research Course. In order for Edgewood to continue its success of offering such a high caliber curriculum, the school was in desperate need of enhancing its technology capabilities. To do so, a team of teachers led by Melissa Hall, the school’s curriculum coordinator, submitted a “Digital Classroom” grant proposal to the Florida Department of Education.

Research has shown that incorporating digital tools in the MESH classrooms was key to increasing student achievement. The grant writing team noted that according to the Florida core standards across the curriculum in math, English, science, and history (MESH) courses, students were required to write arguments to support claims using text-based evidence. Using technology in the classrooms would be vital to complete research projects, to produce and publish writing pieces, and to work on computer-based activities found in digital textbooks. Research has shown that incorporating digital tools in the MESH classrooms was key to increasing student achievement. According to the U.S. Department of Education, technology ushers in fundamental structural changes that can be integral to achieving significant improvements in productivity. The good news came to Edgewood in late November. At the time of this writing, 280 individual laptop computers are expected to be delivered soon. Along with the computers, the school also is scheduled to receive 10 charge carts and all the necessary hardware and software to support the system.

access significantly. To the existing standalone computer labs throughout various buildings, the school will have an additional 10 mobile computer labs. Students will have greater opportunities for collaboration, writing, and research. Dr. Kenneth Winn is principal of Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School on Merritt Island.

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School & Sports

MICS Beach Volleyball Senior Signs with LSU BY INGRID HALL

livia Powers has been playing volleyball since she was in the 6th grade, but it was the summer after her freshman year that she realized she wanted to pursue a collegiate career in the sport. Powers, a Merritt Island Christian School senior, recently signed with Louisiana State University to compete on the NCAA Division 1 Beach Volleyball team for the 2016-17 season. Powers honed her skills when she played for the highly successful MICS varsity volleyball program. Her interest in beach volleyball came later when she began playing with her partner, Sarah Eaton, also a senior at MICS. They started out playing for fun, but it quickly turned into becoming members of the Cape Coast Beach Volleyball Club summer league. “I loved playing with my best friend, Sarah. We travelled around playing volleyball tournaments at different beaches all around Florida. It was so awesome,” Powers said. After that, Powers played with the highly competitive USA Beach Volleyball High Performance for three years. She said she realizes that playing volleyball at MICS opened the door to her for beach volleyball. The MICS Varsity Volleyball program is consistently strong. The school recently won its 13th consecutive District Championship. MICS Varsity Volleyball Coach Clint Chupka is quick to attribute the success of the MICS volleyball program to others.

Prospective New Student Open House

Olivia Powers, center, is flanked by her parents, Paul and Laurie Powers at the LSU signing, while MICS Secondary Principal Jamie Bopp, top left, and MICS Varsity Volleyball Coach Clint Chupka look on. “MICS has been blessed with success in volleyball because of the community we have here. Parents, fans, family members, players, teachers, administrators, and coaches all contribute to a volleyball season, and it becomes more about community and family than about wins and losses. This breeds culture that, I believe, facilitates success,” Chupka said. Chupka played a major role in the influence volleyball has had on Powers, she said. “My high school coach, Mr. Chupka has had a great influence on my love for the sport. He is probably the best influence I have ever had in my life, not only on the volleyball court, but also in my spiritual life. I have been able to talk to him and receive advice from him over the years. He is a fantastic example of a mentor,” Powers said. Coach Chupka sees the talent in Powers and is not surprised she was recruited by a Divison 1 school. He has coached Powers for the past five years and saw her potential early on. “Being tall opened the door for being a great indoor player, but it isn’t only her height, it is her build and her mechanics. She has a very good, mechanical arm swing. She also has very good mechanics in passing, which usually taller girls don’t get the opportunity to pass,” Chupka said.

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Chupka went on to explain that the thing that makes Powers stand out isn’t only her physical ability. “Olivia is a great teammate, which is going to help her in beach volleyball because she makes up half the team. She is competitive, but she is such an encouraging teammate. When you make up half the team, and you’re fun to play with, that is huge,” Chupka said. As far as deciding to pursue her beach volleyball dream with LSU, Powers explained that although she received other offers from other schools, there were two reasons she went with LSU. “I visited a lot of schools, but when I stepped onto the campus of LSU, I just really knew this is where I wanted to be,” Powers said. Assistant to the Superintendent Ingrid Hall is presently in her 20th year at Merritt Island Christian School.

MERRITT ISLAND

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School & Sports

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8th Grade

1st Grade

Ambassador Christian Academy

Divine Mercy Charlotte is an excellent student and athlete. She is a member of the Titusville Gymnastics team and has won many medals for her performances in vault, beam, bars and floor exercises. She often is seen helping out in the music room with our choir as she anxiously awaits joining next year.

Natalie enjoys music and dancing. She has a spunky personality, loves to get the most out of life, and entertains her peers with her cheerful jesting.

JORDAN HITCHINS 6th Grade

ASHLYN GARBISO

Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School

1st Grade

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Jordan is an excellent student academically and has demonstrated kindness and responsibility, among many other fine character traits on a daily basis.

Ashlyn exhibits actively engaged behavior every day by consistently staying on task, actively listening, raising her hand, and paying attention. She is a wonderful student, and we are very fortunate to have her setting such a good example.

ALEXANDRA WEBER 8th Grade

Merritt Island Christian School Alexandra is on the Honor Roll and well-liked by her peers. She has a love for horseback riding and also is a member of the MICS bowling team where she recently earned the distinction of having the highest average on the girl’s team.

JACOB MELBY 8th Grade

Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School Jacob has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the tract team. He also is an active member of a youth group at Suntree United Methodist Church.

STEPHEN HAZEL 5th Grade

Tropical Elementary School Stephen is a determined, hard-working student who demonstrates a strong work ethic in his classroom each day. He plays Pop Warner football as quarterback and running back for Merritt Island Mustangs Mighty Mites while continually striving to maintain his grades and academics.

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Feature

HGTV 20th Anniversary Dream Home:

Hidden Gem of the East Coast Shines on Merritt Island BY DIANA FASANELLA

t wasn’t chosen by a name pulled out of a hat or a dart thrown at a map. It wasn’t a numbered ball randomly sucked up a tube that turned the tide.

It wasn’t even the location’s welcome sign that coincidentally reads “Where Dreams are Launched!” that swayed HGTV bigwigs to select Merritt Island as the landing pad for its 20th Anniversary Dream Home.

The Utopia Circle home, selected from more than 100 houses across the country, will set a new precedent for the HGTV sweepstake this year in that it’s a renovation, rather than an original build, Interior Designer Brian Patrick Flynn said. And, since many HGTV fans have a keen interest in home remodels, it made sense to make the anniversary Dream Home a makeover project because the home’s footprint is already here, making for less impact on the environment, he added. Josh Temple, the major architect for the project, said the Dream

Photos (4): Diana Fasanella

Instead, it was the Island’s expansive waterfront views, close proximity to beaches, nearby wildlife sanctuaries, and overall warm climate that pushed this tropical paradise to the top of list, according to Ron Feinbaum, senior vice president and general manager of Home Productions for Scripps Networks Interactive.

Team “threw out the playbook” with this 90s Mediterranean revival, changing the 3,150 square-foot home to a classic Caribbean design focused on indoor/outdoor living. “The great weather all year round was key in determining the architectural changes,” Temple said, which included extending the roofline toward the pool to make a larger outdoor living area that overlooks the Indian River. The bank of French glass doors topped with windows at the rear of the house also lets in natural sunlight that floods the inside of the home’s main living areas. “Since HGTV Dream Home 2016 is in Florida and sits on the water, there’s amazing natural light, therefore light and bright colors work perfectly in almost every room,” said Flynn who has put a “classic spin” on the interior of the coastal property. “It’s the ultimate Floridian escape,” he said. While the existing-home renovation, dubbed a one-of-a-kind retreat, is a deviation from HGTV’s Dream Home format of building new homes, officials say this year’s sweepstake will take people on an unforgettable rebuild journey. “The bones of this home are solid, but every roof tile, window, door and piece of flooring is new,” Temple said. This fully furnished East Coast gem originally sold for $826,000, but now the entire package, which includes a 2016

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

GMC Acadia Denali, a new boat, and $250,000 in cash, is worth more than $1.5 million, according to the popular cable station. Eventually, it all will be awarded to one lucky sweepstake winner chosen from an expected 100 million entries. Merritt Island resident Bob Lewandowski said he, his wife and 7-year-old daughter followed the Dream Home design and rebuild closely last year. “We visited by boat a few times (while the home was under construction) to get an up-close view of the vast exterior changes to the rear landscape and dockage,” he said. “We also studied the (pre-construction) interior photos, and yes, it needed a modern update. I like the open-air spaces they’ve created now.” The Dream Home property originally was part of a 28-acre tract called Utopia Groves, according to Julie Wilson whose grandparents, Harold and Margaret Bostwick, bought the land in the ‘50s. Harold Bostwick planted orange and grapefruit trees, and sold the fruit out of a roadside fruit stand he built, she said. “My memories of Utopia are of great pool parties, walking the long driveway to the house from the school bus, climbing orange trees and going out on the houseboat my grandpa built,” said Wilson who, at 7 years old, was given a golf cart in which to drive around the grove. “My Grandpa Bostwick was my hero!” It wasn’t until after Wilson’s grandparents passed away in the late ‘70s that her mother, Joan, began the process of selling off the property. Soon 26 large homes were built on the land that at one time produced oranges, grapefruits, mangos, carambolas and guava. While most Islanders were excited and honored that Merritt Island had been chosen as the anniversary Dream Home location, others weren’t as happy.

The HGTV Dream Home is the American cable network Home & Garden Television’s annual project house and sweepstakes, held since 1997. The sweepstakes will commence with a January 1 television special showcasing the fully furnished, custom-built home. Viewers are now invited to enter online at www.hgtv.com/ design/hgtv-dream-home/sweepstakes.

“Those of us who knew Merritt Island in the early years don’t want more recognition (from HGTV),” said resident Gay Woodham Christie, who grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s on Crooked Mile Road adjacent to Utopia Groves. “Its beauty has been obscured by too many people with enough money to build those monster homes with their highly fertilized lawns that pollute the rivers. Yes, I’m bah humbug when it comes to development.” Christie added that those who have moved to the Island in the last 30 or 40 years see a different paradise than those who lived on and loved the Island in the rough, less developed days. “The original cinder block homes were owned by real people who loved the Island for its undeveloped value,” she said. Still, Merritt Island resident Donna Kissiah said the Island has always been and always will be an undiscovered paradise. “It’s come a long way from the cinder block ranch homes of the ‘60s, but the beauty of the Island still exists,” she said.

JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 23

Health & Wellness

Funding Agencies Available to Help Seniors Age in Place BY ELAINE DEREMER COOK

erritt Island is a prime area to which people are retiring. As more seniors move in, more are interested in modifying their homes rather than moving to assistedliving facilities. With the high cost of assisted-living facilities and the sometime long wait time to secure a space, it is often more cost effective for seniors to modify their homes so they can age in place. As we move into this new era where our senior population is changing and expanding, we also must change and expand to ensure that Merritt Island can support our retiree population. We must increase awareness of the changing ideas and technologies that can offer this to every one of our citizens. Funding of these components will become key to continuing development for our citizens. A few current funding avenues are as follows: • For areas that qualify, the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program provides funding for housing rehabilitation. • Local members of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging provide budgeted funding to provide assistance to people with disabilities. An example in Brevard County is Aging Matters. • Insurance providers that provide long-term care insurance will sometimes fund home modifications that assist in the performance of activities of daily living. As the concept of

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aging-in-place becomes more accepted, more insurance companies should offer home modification as another choice in long-term care options. • For veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a Specially Adaptive Housing Grant Program. • Private banks and mortgage lenders can provide home equity loans and lines of credit to provide funding for home modifications. Current terms range from 0 percent for one year to 5 percent over the length of the loan, which make these options somewhat affordable. To ensure that our Island can make remodeling affordable to all our citizens who require it, we will need to work with the above funding avenues to expand their reach and educate our public on what is available and how to apply. Merritt Island can and will remain the prime area to retire to due to its wonderful climate and people, but also because we can and will change to meet the demands of our expanding population that wishes to age in place. Elaine Deremer Cook is a licensed professional engineer and president of HandyPro of the SpaceCoast.

Health & Wellness

Are Electronic Devices Dangerous to Children’s Vision? BY DR. BERNADETTE WOODS

Light is essential for our bodies. It’s all around us. Nobody stops to think about the effects of different colors of light on our bodies. Did you know that blue light could make you feel better? It can also lead to insomnia, and the wrong kind of blue light can be dangerous to our eyes. The good blue light helps us see well and perceive color. It helps us regulate our sleep/wake cycle, which in turn helps to maintain memory, mood and hormones. The bad blue light can disrupt our sleep patterns and penetrates the eye cause damage to the retinal cells, which can lead to macular degeneration. In its natural form, blue light helps us determine day from night. At night, blue light has a tendency to throw our bodies off its circadian rhythm. With the widespread increase of digital devises and LEDs in our lives, blue light is having a bigger impact on our ability to sleep. Blue light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that tells our bodies it’s time for bed.

Digital devices, although a way of life, may actually be harming our eyes.

Digital devices, although a way of life, may actually be harming our eyes. A Harvard Medical study states that high energy visible blue light is identified as the most dangerous light for the retina. Chronic exposure can increase the risk of retinal degeneration and eyestrain. Blue light is emitted from the sun, TVs, computers, laptops, electronic devices, fluorescent and LED lights. On computers, the blue light can cause flickering and glare which can cause digital eyestrain. Common symptoms of Digital eyestrain are headaches, burning, tearing, grittiness and mental fatigue. Children today are especially at risk when it comes to the effects of blue light According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children and teenagers (ages 8 to 18) spend more than seven hours a day consuming electronic media. Before age 10, children’s eyes are still developing, and they don’t have the protective pigment to help filter this blue light. That’s why, just like with UV radiation, most blue light exposure comes before kids are 18 years old. So what can you do about it?

Photo courtesy of Noah Flickr Creative Commons

ave you heard of blue light? You are most likely being exposed to it right now by looking at your computer, tablet or smart phone.

First, you can take steps to protect your children’s eyes from the harmful effects of blue light. Limit your children’s digital device before bedtime. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents ban TVs and computers from their kid’s bedroom. Limiting tech use at night means better sleep, increased productively at school and better moods.

Second, you should talk to your eye doctor about lenses that filter out harmful blue light, while still allowing the good light to pass through. These lenses have little or no tint and can help minimize the direct blue light exposure you get throughout the day. Bernadette Woods is a board certified optometric physician who resides on Merritt Island and has been practicing in Brevard County for 20 years.

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Health & Wellness

Avoid Alcohol, Drug Combos to Stay Fit for 2016 and Life JESSICA BEAL, PHARMD

oming off the holidays where alcohol is a familiar sight at most celebrations, many New Year’s resolutions are being made to get healthy. When doing so, one might wonder how alcohol affects his or her health and how it might interact with medications. One of the most common questions pharmacist get asked is about drinking alcohol and drug interactions, since many medications don’t mix well with alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with the way your body processes medications, change how medications work in your body, or create or make side effects worse. The classes of medications that interact with alcohol is vast, along with the severity of side effects that may occur. These interactions can cause minor symptoms like nausea, vomiting and headaches. Other side effects can include drowsiness, fainting or loss of coordination. More severe interactions can cause bleeding, heart problems, trouble breathing or even death. Alcohol also can prevent some medications from working all together. In older adults especially, alcohol use may increase the risk for falls, serious injury, and disability related to balance problems. Alcohol use also may trigger or worsen certain medical conditions. When alcohol use is combined with multiple medications, it may magnify these problems. Older adults don’t metabolize alcohol as quickly as younger adults do, so alcohol stays in their systems longer and has a greater potential to interact with medications. Even though most people older than 65 drink less than the maximum recommended amount, this drinking still is considered harmful for many of them, due to their general condition, medical problems and medications.

pressure; blood-thinning medications, which can lead to internal bleeding; and pain and sleep medications, which can lead to impaired breathing, motor control, and unusual behavior. One of the most common causes of severe liver damage including some cases requiring a liver transplant is a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen (available over the counter as Tylenol and in some prescription drugs) and alcohol. Other serious alcohol interactions are associated with over-the-counter antihistamines and herbal remedies such as kava kava, St. John’s wort, chamomile, valerian, and lavender. Being aware of how your meds interact with alcohol will help you enjoy the New Year while taking care of your health. Make sure to talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about your medications and how they mix with alcohol. Wishing you a happy 2016 and enjoy responsibility!

Hundreds of commonly used prescription and over-thecounter drugs may adversely interact with alcohol. Examples of commonly used prescription drugs associated with serious alcohol interactions include heart and blood pressure medications, which can cause rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in blood

Jessica Beal is a pharmacist at Hobbs Pharmacy located at 133 North Banana River Drive, Merritt Island.

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Lifestyle

Osprey

The Raptor that Rules the Skies Above Merritt Island BY LYNN PERRY

very day, Merritt Island offers a vast array of avian aerial displays. Residents can watch from their backyards, or within a short walk, pelicans skim the rivers for breakfast, great blue herons hunt the canals for lunch, and turkey buzzards gather for an evening carrion feast. They can view bald eagles returning yearly to nest and raise young in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. It is the osprey, however, a permanent Florida resident, that rules the skies above the Island. On the endangered species list during the 1950s due to chemical pollutants, this beautiful bird of prey, capable of astonishing aerodynamic skill, has made a remarkable comeback. Ospreys now inhabit every continent on earth, with the exception of Antarctica. Gifted with 5- to 6-foot wingspans, the birds are capable of remaining aloft for long periods riding the morning onshore breeze.

Eating almost exclusively fish, these raptors demonstrate expert vision and unique “carry-out dining” skills. They are able to perform aerial plunges up to 100 feet, close their nostrils, hit the water feet first, and pluck fish from the surface. Often called “fish eagle or fish hawk” because of their superb hunting talents, technically, Osprey belong to the falcon family. Supreme opportunists, ospreys have adapted well to the Island’s urban environment. Besides outstanding flying and fishing skills, the birds seem undeterred by the surge of humans across their landscape. As more and more land is cleared and trees felled, they alter their nesting locations, taking advantage of human intervention. Utilizing the crotch of trees, as well as utility poles, streetlights, and even channel markers as platforms, the birds construct nests of twigs, sod, leaves, and Spanish moss. Along the NASA Causeway on the John F. Kennedy Space Center, there is nest after nest atop the utility lights installed to accommodate nighttime equipment movement, and with good reason. The lush Banana River, teaming with fish ready for plucking, borders KSC’s NASA Causeway. With powerful leg muscles and sharp backward-facing scales, the raptor’s talons act as barbs for snatching good size mullet from the river. There is an osprey nest perched atop a utility pole not more than 35 feet above a busy Merritt Island thoroughfare. The pair tend eggs, school fledglings, and begin the process over again. All this birdie romance and family rearing takes place amidst the drone of emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, and the din of 18-wheel trucks. Ignoring the daily human chaos below, the birds remain loyal mates for life and attentive parents, sprucing up and reusing the nest year after year. So, before you call the tree specialist or get out the chain saw, ask yourself if that snag really requires removal. If the dead tree is not in harm’s way, allow it to stand, and with a little luck, you may find yourself the honored guardian of the superbly magnificent osprey.

Guarding a fresh catch

28 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

Lynn Perry has been a Merritt Island resident for more than 40 years. She is a retired aerospace engineering technical writer, avid wildlife gardener, dog lover, and bird watcher.

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JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 29

Lifestyle

Sea Trout Produce Steady Action in January BY CAPT. ALEX GORICHKY

new year has come to the Space Coast and it’s going to be a wonderful one. I hope everyone’s holiday season was full of friends, family, fun, and fishing.

Be on the lookout for some exciting stuff from LocalLinesCharters.com in 2016; including an amazing new/ old fully refurbished flagship of our charter fleet; 24 feet of river to ocean awesomeness, all pretty and shiny for my clients to enjoy on their fishing adventures! The “new rig” has been in my family for a couple of decades, and is grandpa’s love. She’s getting some new life, but keeping all that great Gorichky soul. You just can’t go wrong sea trout fishing this time of year. The canals and deep holes surrounding Merritt Island will produce steady action on average (14 to 20 inch) sea trout, and a cast in the quietest, muddy-bottomed canals could have you latched on a true Gator trout of 6 pounds or better. The best way to connect with these willing fish is a 1/8 ounce Slayer jig head with Slayer SST (paddle tail). Slowly bounce this rig along the bottom and wait for the telltale thump of a lethargic trout. Dead end canals, especially ones with a natural shorelines, will be loaded; so catch them up!

Shallow water, small baits, high sun, and good glasses are all parts of this game.

With natural bait you can free-line a shrimp or add a bobber to keep it right off the bottom. Though, a fresh cut-bait soaked on a circle hook might just account for the biggest sea trout, and

don’t ever discount a live shrimp suspended 3 to 5 feet below a bobber. Notice all of the fishing methods are focused on the lower part of our water column. The canal trout will hit early in the day when lures are fished slowly, and if a flat is close by you can follow the fish out of the canal as the sun warms the shallows. Best soft plastic colors are white/pearl, bounty hunter, and smokin’ mullet. As our cold fronts push through the Island and usher in north winds, the water levels in our lagoon will drop. This signals sight fishing time in the Indian and Banana river lagoons. Shallow water, small baits, high sun, and good glasses are all parts of this game. More on that next month! The New Year also will bring renewed focus on the health of our lagoons and Port Canaveral’s cargo rail situation. As always, lovers of these lagoons will be keeping a watchful eye out, and we ask that you join us. After all, as Merritt Island residents, we are smack dab in the middle (literally) of this very important issue. Stay tuned to news, local papers, social media (NoFillNoKill/ FaceBook), and the like for chances to help. I picked Port Canaveral’s plan for an earthen berm causeway and cargo rail line through the North Banana River (Manatee Sanctuary) and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge as a cause to devote my time. Many other opportunities can be found, from oyster restoration projects, to cleanups and mangrove planting. Every bit helps, and absolutely every small bit helps. Even taking some of your neighbors out on the water can be helpful, as you never can tell who the next great conservationist might be. Capt. Alex Gorichky is a lifelong Merritt Island resident and owner/operator of LocalLinesCharters.com

30 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

Lifestyle

Florida Climate Perfect for Mosquitos Carrying Heartworms BY DR. ELIZABETH CHOSA

Island Adopt a Pet

Photo by Diana Fasanella

s you read this article, you are probably feeling grateful for our beautiful Florida weather. This climate attracts people from all over the world but it also is a perfect environment for some unwanted visitors: mosquitos.

The year-round presence of mosquitos in Florida means that pets here are always at risk for contracting heartworms. The good news is that heartworm disease is completely preventable! All dogs and cats, even those taking preventive medicine, can be infected with heartworm larvae every time a mosquito bites. The larvae slowly develop in the bloodstream. If the pet takes preventive, any larvae transmitted in the previous 30 days will die before they become adults. If the pet is not taking preventive, those larvae will have time to develop further and will migrate to the heart. The adults are approximately the size of spaghetti strands and can live for years, causing significant damage to the heart and blood vessels. If left untreated, this damage will eventually be fatal for the pet. Once the worms are adults, preventive medication will not kill them. That’s why it is essential to give preventive every single month. There is a treatment option to kill adults in dogs (not cats) but it is very expensive and carries risks for the dog. Prevention is much more affordable and much safer! It is one of the most important things to do for your pet as a Florida resident. Depending on the size of the pet and the selected product, prevention is available for $5-10 per month. A common misconception is that primarily indoor dogs do not need prevention. Even though they may go outdoors for only a short time, mosquitos can bite them! We have also diagnosed heartworms in pets who have never stepped outdoors, presumably contracted from mosquitos who have gotten inside the home. There are lucky pets who do not take preventive and somehow remain negative but we have also diagnosed heartworms in patients who have only missed occasional doses of prevention. There is no way to know which mosquitos carry the larvae and which pets will be bitten. We continue to diagnose heartworms multiple times each year, despite the wide availability of heartworm prevention. Owners are almost always surprised to learn that their pets are heartworm positive. We are hopeful that educating families to better understand the physiology of heartworm disease will lead to fewer cases and longer, happier lives! Dr. Elizabeth Chosa is the owner of Courtenay Animal Hospital. She has been a practicing veterinarian since 2005, first on active duty in the U.S. Army and here on Merritt Island since 2010.

Sylvia (ID#14909398 ) White Domestic Shorthair Mix 4 years old Female/Spayed Adoption fee: $27.50 For more information on Ryan, contact the Brevard Humane Society’s Merritt Island Adoption Center at

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Best of Merritt Island Holds True for Residents Then and Now BY DIANA FASANELLA

ome 7,000 years ago, rising sea levels caused by melting ice glaciers slowly swallowed up half of Florida. The peninsula’s largest barrier island and its surrounding lagoons were formed as a result, and it wasn’t long before this ever-evolving, 47.2-square-mile land mass and its waters soon became a flourishing habitat for diverse wildlife.

down scenic South Tropical Trail or through the National Wildlife Refuge.” he said about the 140,000-acre nature sanctuary on North Merritt Island. “It’s also a huge perk being only 15 minutes from the beach.”

By 2000 BC, the first inhabitants lived off the land’s vast resources, foraging for nuts, fishing the rich waters, and hunting small mammals such as squirrel, rabbit and deer. They existed with mastodons, giant armadillo, camels, bison and mammoths that roamed the mainland, according to archeological evidence. And yet, these Paleo-Indians continued to prosper on this bountiful island, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Indian and Banana rivers.

“I love the scent of the orange blossoms on Tropical Trail,” she said.

Today, Merritt Island – named for a Spanish nobleman, Merritt, who was given the land by the King of Spain in the 1500s – offers a much different way of life. Still, most residents like Gloria King, say they, too, are content, and thankful to have lived, worked, and played on this … their “little piece of paradise.” Licensed Mental Health Counselor Daniel Resh, founder of Space Coast Counseling Center and 18-year Merritt Island resident, believes people love living on the Island because there is so much water. “Think about it, water is very therapeutic,” he said about how swimming in a pool or soaking in a hot tub instills calmness within us and elevates our sense of self. “It’s relaxing to watch the dolphins swimming while you’re on a boat floating in the river. And Merritt Island has rivers on both sides! You only have to go a short distance to see water.” Former resident Susan Rufo-Ewing agrees that there’s something about the waterways that surround Merritt Island that make her want to return.

While wildlife and Merritt Island’s unspoiled natural beauty are of upmost importance to many residents, others find pride in living juxtaposed to the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Photo: Courtesy of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

More than likely, they were content.

The natural surroundings and the orange groves are MI favorites for Lori White Taylor, former resident.

“Yes, there is natural beauty everywhere,” said MI resident Sue Hollowell Falcioni. “But, it’s the best place on earth to live while seeing (technological advances), from the dawn of the Space Age to a place where dreams are truly launched.” Investment Agent Sarah Shockley also holds a more futurist mindset about her time on the Island. Having lived here from 2002-09, she said her favorite thing was being able to “watch the (space) launches” from almost anywhere. Merritt Island resident Ed Maurer agrees… “It’s America’s launch pad!”

With more grounded ideas, many residents felt the people are what make the Island a great place to live. Former resident Carolyn McCay said, “It’s the best place to grow up. Everyone was your friend. Old and young,” and Nancy Cotter added that Merritt Island is “peopled by a community that demonstrates the concept that it takes a village to raise a child.” With its exotic beauty, its Mustang spirit, its people and a small town feel, Merritt Island has in many ways reached out to touch its residents, who say they feel blessed to live here.

“I can put my toes in the water and my toes in the sand. And, it’s not just a song!” she said.

“I have never been more comfortable anywhere else then when I am on Merritt Island,” said Bambi Pierson, who grew up there. “It’s a little Island with a huge personality.”

Lots of sunshine elevates people’s moods, too, said Resh, who added that great weather also allows Islanders be at one with nature.

Yes, there are a lot of things to love about the Island, but, according to former resident Bill Tate, “Merritt Island isn’t just a place on the map.”

“You’ll find so much beauty and nature if you take a drive

32 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

“It’s a place in our hearts.”

Photo: Diana Fasanella

Lifestyle

Prevent Summer Air Conditioning Breakdowns in the Winter BY ALLYSON GOOLSBY

loridians are all too familiar with the scorching temperatures found year round in the Sunshine State. There is one thing, however, that no Floridian can go very long without. That’s right, it’s air conditioning. Air conditioning is the one thing that brings relief from the constant high temperatures, and there is nothing worse than when your air conditioning system breaks in the heat of the summer months. Due to the harsh conditions in the summer, the winter months bring residents much needed relief from the heat. However, many residents are unaware that they can significantly reduce the risk of their air conditioning and heating system breaking down in the summer if they take action in the winter. Getting maintenance on your air conditioning and heating system in the cooler months of the year may seem unnecessary to some, but making proper maintenance a priority is a proactive way to ensure your cooling and heating system is ready for the summer. When maintenance is done before summer, it minimizes the risk of inconvenient breakdowns, and it prolongs the life of the air conditioning system. Proper maintenance will keep your system in tip top condition. That means your cooling and heating

system will last much longer as it keeps your indoor environment comfortable. Proactive maintenance also keeps your system operating efficiently. And an efficient system means lower energy bills which could save you large amounts of money when the temperatures begin to rise in the summer. Florida residents not only have to battle the heat but also the unpredictability of coastal weather. This includes the risk of rust and corrosion due to the harsh, salt air, and of course, we always to have to be prepared for a hurricane. Pre-summer maintenance will allow technicians to thoroughly inspect for rust and corrosion while also securing and anchoring your outdoor air conditioner to withstand the high winds of a hurricane. As we enjoy the cooler winter months, make your air conditioning system maintenance a priority before the summer heat is upon us. Prepare now, and enjoy all the wonderful things summer brings later. Allyson Goolsby is a life-time resident of Brevard County who specializes in marketing and advertising for Kabran Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

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MERRITT ISLAND

Dining Guide RESTAURANT

Casual & Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS A Live and Healthy Cafe 321-338-2926 Vegan no yes Thr/ Fri clsd Sun. none 85 E. Merritt Avenue (Next to Home Depot) and Mon. See Our Alfredo’s Paradiso 321-453-6119 Italian no yes yes no beer, wine AD on Page 35 217 Crockett Blvd. Applebee’s 321-455-9898 American no yes yes yes full bar 100 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Bagel World Victoria Square 321-452-0737 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Bagel World & Deli 321-452-3007 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 137 N. Banana River Drive Basil Pizza & Pasta 321-338-4333 Italian no yes yes no beer, wine 727 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Beef ‘O’Brady’s 321-455-6665 American no yes yes yes full bar Game Time 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Favorite See Our Bizzarro’s 321-453-2610 Italian no yes yes yes beer, wine AD on Pa ge 9 325 E. Merritt Island Cswy Bonefish Grill 321-453-3011 Seafood no Sat only yes yes full bar 795 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Bruno’s Pizzeria 321-453-7200 Italian no yes yes yes none 117 W. Merritt Ave. Carrabba’s Italian Grill 321-453-7045 Italian no yes yes yes full bar 60 Palmetto Ave. Causeway Diner 321-454-9898 Family Diner yes yes Thr/ Fri yes none 3712 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Chilli’s Grill & Bar 321-454-4738 American no yes yes yes full bar 530 E. Merritt Island Cswy. Cozy Corner Café 321-452-0305 Family Diner yes yes no yes none 2425 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Debbie’s Diner 321-459-3209 Family Diner yes yes no no none 118 E. Merritt Island Cswy. See Our El Tucan 321-453-7501 Mexican no yes yes no full bar AD on Page 35 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. See Our Firehouse Subs 321-449-8818 Sandwiches no yes yes yes none AD on Page 27 125 Merritt Island Cswy. Gina’s Café & Deli 321-452-8828 Café & Deli yes yes no no none 135 S. Courtenay Pkwy. Hayes Meats & Gourmet Foods 321-453-3550 Café & Deli no yes yes until 6pm no beer, wine 285 Fortenberry Road e Our Hokkaido Japanese Steakhouse 321-452-8288 Japanese Se no yes yes yes beer, wine AD on Pa ge 7 125 E. Merritt Island Cswy Hooter’s 321-449-0752 American no yes yes yes full bar 125 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Ichiban Buffet 321-453-1117 Asian American Buffet no yes yes yes none 735 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Gecko Grill 321-301-4479 American yes yes no yes none 773 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 321-806-3661 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 1891 E. Merritt Island Cswy Kelsey’s Pizzeria 321-735-4810 Italian no yes yes yes beer, wine 1850 N. Courtenay Pkwy. LongHorn’s Steakhouse 321-456-5559 American no yes yes yes full bar 770 E. Merritt Island Cswy See Our Mi Island Restaurant 321-301-44208 Fusion yes yes Fri/Sat no pending AD on Page 17 2137 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Molly’s Seafood 321-453-1288 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 Seafood no yes yes clsd Sun none 580 West Merritt Island Causeway & Mon Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 2700 Harbortown Drive

34 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

RESTAURANT Olive Garden 321-459-0306 205 East Merritt Island Causeway Outback 321-454-4450 777 Merritt Is. Cwy Pacific Rim 321-305-4902 300 North Courtenay Parkway Pizza Company 321-455-6515 868 North Banana River Drive Red Lobster 321-453-3520 215 East Merritt Island Causeway Ruby Tuesdays 321-453-6340 777 East Merritt Causeway Shuttles 321-305-4143 6100 North Courtenay Parkway Sonny’s 321-449-9102 310 North Courtenay Parkway Sumo Monkey 321-453-3123 925 North Courtenay Parkway TGI Friday’s 321-452-8071 785 Merritt Island Causeway The Donut Shop 321-459-1074 480 North Courtenay Pkwy Tijuana Flats 321-453-1881 76 East Merritt Island Csway Umpa’s Diner 321-454-3422 1115 North Courtenay Pkway Victoria’s Family Restaurant 321-459-1656 370 North Courtenay Pkwy Wabi Sabi 321-452-0507 455 North Courtenay Pkwy

CUISINE

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS

Italian

yes

full bar

American

yes

full bar

Sushi

yes

beer, wine

Italian

yes

none

Seafood

yes

full bar

American

yes

full bar

American

yes

beer, wine

BBQ

yes

beer, wine

Thai

yes

wine

American

yes

full bar

Breakfast

yes

none

Mexican

yes

beer, wine

Family Diner

yes

none

Greek/American Thr, Fri only Sushi

yes

beer, wine

yes

beer, wine

R NEW TRY OU RITAS!

SANGA

Autentico Ristorante Pizzeria & Panineria

321-453-6119

Family Owned & Operated since 1988 Voted Best in Brevard 2005, 2006, 2013 & 2014

Open Menu & Lunch Buffet.....11am-3pm, Mon-Fri Serving Dinner.....5pm-10pm, Mon-Fri 4pm-10pm, Saturday Closed Sunday

FREE Select Bottle of Wine Voted Best Mexican Restaurant on Merritt Island 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy - 321-453-7501 www.eltucanrestaurant.com

with purchase of two main dishes

Please present coupon when ordering. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1-31-2016

Visit us at www.alfredoparadiso.com

Located at 217 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 35

Business & Real Estate

Clueless About Filing Tax Returns? Time to Get Professional Help BY DIANA CRAIG

Photo courtesy of Beatrice Murch Flickr Creative Commons

t is that time of year again.

We are winding down from the holidays (and wonderful memories), gearing up for the beginning of an exciting new year and determined to do better this year. That’s when you realize you have no idea what you need to get together for your tax returns or where it is. Just like all new resolutions, now is the time to get started. Get those boxes of receipts out of the attic and closets. You know the one the cat confused with the litter box (true story). Call that professional who can assist you and make that appointment. Then just load up the truck and drop off those tote boxes. If you’re not comfortable doing your own taxes, let the professionals handle it. After all, they know how to put your returns together in half the time, which will help you feel like a champion.

Call that professional who can assist you and make that appointment.

As an individual or small business owner, filing your taxes often can be overwhelming and maybe a bit embarrassing to admit to a total stranger that

It’s Not Too Early to Start Thinking About Year-end Taxes and We’re Here to Help! DIANA CRAIG, EA Accounting & Tax Services

✔ Bookkeeping ✔ Tax Return Prep ✔ Consulting ✔ Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor ✔ IRS Representation

Call 321.633.0080 230 Forrest Ave. • Cocoa, FL 32922 www.DianaCraigLLC.com 36 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

you need help. But, who better to do them than a total stranger? A good accountant can get it done and might even come up with an entertaining story or two to make you realize it’s not as bad as you think. After all, it’s a new year and you’re making a new start. Diana Craig has worked with accounting firms preparing monthly accounting services for more than 30 years. She has lived in Brevard County since 2001.

Business & Real Estate

How Can I Keep My Money from Slipping Away? BY TERRY COAPSTICK

s with virtually all financial matters, the easiest way to be successful with a cash management program is to develop a systematic and disciplined approach.

By spending a few minutes each week to maintain your cash management program, you not only have the opportunity to enhance your current financial position, but you may save yourself some money in tax preparation, time, and fees. Any good cash management system revolves around the four As — accounting, analysis, allocation, and adjustment. Accounting quite simply involves gathering all your relevant financial information together and keeping it close at hand for future reference. Gathering all your financial information — such as mortgage payments, credit card statements, and auto loans — and listing it systematically will give you a clear picture of your overall situation. Analysis boils down to reviewing the situation once you have accounted for all your income and expenses. You will almost invariably find yourself with either a shortfall or a surplus. One of the key elements in analyzing your financial situation is to look for ways to reduce your expenses. This can help to free up cash that can either be invested for the long term or used to pay off fixed debt.

mortgage. On a $130,000 30-year mortgage, this extra $100 per month could enable you to pay it off 10 years early and save you thousands of dollars in interest payments. Allocation involves determining your financial commitments and priorities and distributing your income accordingly. One of the most important factors in allocation is to distinguish between your real needs and your wants. Adjustment involves reviewing your income and expenses periodically and making the changes that your situation demands. For example, as a new parent, you might be wise to shift some assets in order to start a college education fund for your child. Using the four As is an excellent way to help you monitor your financial situation to ensure that you are on the right track to meet your long-term goals.

For example, if you were to reduce restaurant expenses or spending on non-essential personal items by $100 per month, you could use this extra money to prepay the principal on your

Terry Coapstick is a 42-year Merritt Island resident and registered principal of Capital Choice Financial Group, as well as a Dave Ramsey ELP for Investing.

Financial Planning is for Everyone at ANY Income Level “I’ve Been Serving Merritt Island Families since 1990”

Terry R. Coapstick Registered Principal CCF Investments, Inc. 100 Parnell St., Ste. G Merritt Island, FL 32953

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MEMBER Securities are offered through CCF Investments, Inc., a registered broker dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc., 1041 Founders Row, Greensboro, GA 30642 (706) 453-1995. The Dave Ramsey ELP Designation is an endorsement paid by and applicable to Terry Coapstick only, and does not apply to CCF Investments, Inc, or Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc. Furthermore the endorsement does not guarantee future performance or success, and does not represent or guarantee the experience of customers. Neither CCF Investments, Inc., Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc., nor Terry Coapstick are affiliates of, or affiliated with Dave Ramsey. Capital Choice Financial Services, Inc. is a member of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, neither Terry Coapstick nor CCF Investments, Inc. are members.

JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 37

Business & Real Estate

MIRA Directors Welcome in the New Year with Eye on Future Projects BY CHERYL HURREN

s we welcome in 2016, the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency would like to introduce its volunteer Board of Directors and Beautification Committee members who are local residents and/or business owners within the district. Donating their time and talent for Merritt Island are:

Board of Directors

Beautification Committee

Sue-Nisbet Lawrence, Chair Marcus Herman, Vice-Chair Chris Cook Andy Barber Wayne Snyder Tom Vani Eddie Lebron

Marcus Herman, Chair Beth Kring Denise Berg Teresa Demark Linda Brandt Terri Pentz Richard Webb

If you would care to join us, all meetings are open to the public, and we welcome your input! The approved meeting dates for 2016 are: Board of Directors beginning at 2:00 p.m

Beautification Committee beginning at 3:00 p.m.

January 28 January 21 February 25 February 18 March 31 March 24 April 28 April 21 May 26 May 19 June 30 June 23 July 28 July 21 August 25 August 18 September 29 September 22 October 27 October 20 November – No Mtg. November – No Mtg. December 8 December 1

WHAT ARE MIRA’S FUTURE PLANS? In fall 2015, MIRA held a workshop to identify and prioritize the projects presented in the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The Redevelopment Master Plan for Merritt Island’s Redevelopment Area was adopted. The following describes a number of projects being proposed for the next several years. 1. SR 520 Commercial Core Sub-Area • Merritt Island Gateway Signage • Merritt Square Mall Small Area Plan • Merritt Island Commercial Core Area Sub-Basin Storm Water Improvements • Kiwanis Park Sign and Ecotourism Improvements 2. SR 3 Sub-Area • Pursue FDOT corridor study with Brevard County to secure funding for aesthetic and functional improvements including intersections, lighting, and bus stops

38 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

3. Barge Canal Sub-Area • Initiate Small Area Plan in conjunction with Brevard County and the Port Authority. • Work with the State of Florida to develop ecotourism opportunities. 4. Cone Road Sub-Area • Cone Road improvements including pipe ditch, provide sidewalks and landscaping, and sanitary sewer. • Work with the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority to coordinate economic development goals in and around the Merritt Island Airport

Cheryl Hurren has been with MIRA since 2008 as the special projects coordinator. She began with Brevard County in the Land Development Office in 2001 and was promoted to the Planning and Zoning Office in 2003.

New Home? Don’t Forget to File for Homestead Tax Exemption BY HEATHER DAWSON

or those who are beginning the New Year in a new home, things are going be special for you this year. With all the excitement that comes with a new home, it’s important that you don’t forget to file for you Homestead Tax Exemption. How do you know if you are eligible for the Homestead exemption? To be eligible, you must: • Own and establish your permanent residence on the property on or before Jan. 1. • An application must be filed with the county property appraisers’ office on or before March 1. Remember, if you have moved the Homestead Exemption benefit does not automatically transfer to a new residence. Also, if you have changed the way you’ve taken title to the property, then you must re-apply for you Homestead Exemption. State law allows Florida homeowners to claim up to a $50,000 Homestead Exemption on their primary residence. The first $25,000 of this exemption applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 excludes School Board taxes and applies to properties with assessed values greater than $50,000. What does all that mean to you? That means you save money. Other exemptions include: • Fallen Heroes Family Tax Relief Act Surviving Spouses of First Responders • Widow/widower exemption • Disability Exemptions Disabled veterans, permanently disabled persons, blind persons

Business & Real Estate

• Limited Income Exemption, 65 years and older • Granny Flat Exemption Reduction in assessments for living quarters of parents or grandparents • Deployed Military Exemption For a full list of other exemptions and reductions, log onto www.BCPAO.us and click on Exemptions or Forms, choose Homestead Exemption Application, and voila, you can fill out the application online. There is no fee. When do you need to do this? Again, the application deadline is March 1. If you are uncertain about what deductions you are allowed to take and you would like to apply for your Homestead Tax Exemption in person, there is an office located in Merritt Island at the Central Brevard Service Complex, 2575 North Courtenay Parkway. You will need to bring your driver’s license, voter registration card, vehicle registration, a Social Security card or a copy of your tax bill. For questions call (321) 455-1444. For those homeowners who are renewing you Homestead Tax Exemption, you should receive the renewal notice in the mail in late December.

Heather Dawson, your “Island Specialist,” is a Merritt Island resident and realtor with Trafford Realty.

Having More Retirement Accounts Is Not the Same As Having More Money When it comes to the number of retirement accounts you have, the saying “more is better” is not necessarily true. In fact, if you hold multiple accounts with various brokers, it can be difficult to keep track of your investments and to see if you’re properly diversified.* At the very least, multiple accounts usually mean multiple fees. Bringing your accounts to Edward Jones could help solve all that. Plus, one statement can make it easier to see if you’re moving toward your goals. *Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

To learn why consolidating your retirement accounts to Edward Jones makes sense, call your local financial advisor today. Joe DelBene

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Financial Advisor IRT-1435C-A

270 N Sykes Creek Parkway Ste 102 Merritt Island, FL 32953 321-452-2532

JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 39

Business & Real Estate

Merritt Island Homes Sold In November ADDRESS

1770 Manta Bay Street 1463 Newfound Harbor Dr 255 Bimini Drive 2010 Hamlin Avenue 1685 E Central Avenue 2177 Hedgerow Drive 1855 Abbeyridge Drive 1965 Worchester Way 1165 Delmonte Street 1020 Meadow Lark Lane 140 Utopia Circle 1255 Plum Avenue 755 Lakewood Circle 375 Aztec Avenue 235 Stewart Drive 604 5th Street 240 Belair Avenue 1265 Altman Drive 1760 Randall Ave 1520 Sunrise Drive 1320 Holiday Blvd 465 Parkside Avenue 2635 Overlook Court 1507 Stafford Avenue 1573 Stafford Avenue 355 Island Oaks Place 2135 N Courtenay Parkway 2230 S Courtenay Parkway 1325 N Tropical Trail 2860 S Courtenay Parkway 294 Lura Lane 330 W. Crisafulli Road 725 Manderine Street 325 Quail Drive 375 River Island Street 1160 Granada Avenue 3035 Savannahs 3415 Sunset Ridge Drive 3955 Savannahs Trail 3100 Savannahs Trail 2280 Pineapple Place 225 S Tropical Trail 225 S Tropical Trail 225 S Tropical Trail 541 Sunset Lakes Drive 812 Killarney Court 3840 Sunflower Court 3740 Sunward Drive 1101 Dusk View Drive 1365 Trout Street 1520 Bream Street 1550 Eddy Street 1625 Amberjack Court 12 Bogart Place 1923 Sykes Creek Drive 179 Via De La Reina 2125 Sykes Creek Drive

SUBDIVISION

Banana River Drive Banana River Drive Belaire Carlton Groves Caveral Copperfield Copperfield Copperfield Country Club Manor Country River Estates Egrets Cove Floral Park Fortenberry Place Garden Park Hacienda Del Sol Hampton Homes Hampton Homes Harborview Cove Harborview Cove Holiday Cove Holiday Cove Indian River Village Indian River Village Island Crossings Island Crossings Island Oaks Island Village Marsh Harbor none none none none Orange Grove Manor Quail Run Estates River Island Estates Riverside Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs South Merritt Estates Sunset Bay Sunset Bay Sunset Bay Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Sunset Ridge Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Townhomes and Villas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas Villa De Palmas

BDRMS BATHS LVG SQ FT

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 2 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 4 4 3 2 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 5 2 2 2 3 5 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 4 4

2 2 2 2 2.5 2 2 2.5 2 3 4 2 2 2 3.5 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2.5 3 1 2 2 2 3.5 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2.5 4 2 2

1560 1633 1512 1528 2002 1862 1680 1710 1200 2669 3285 1376 3048 1090 3895 1133 1356 1347 1056 1675 1673 1351 2330 2067 2070 1224 1187 2364 3290 1995 1226 1702 1526 2389 2979 2680 2327 2063 2429 2344 2133 1081 1010 1155 1944 2991 1852 2828 2995 1261 1553 1351 1583 1376 4279 1755 2126

POOL

WTRFRNT

YR BUILT

SOLD PRICE

No No No No Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes No No No Yes No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No Comm Yes No No No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No Comm Comm Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes Comm Yes Yes Yes

No Nfnd Hbr No No Yes No No No No canal No Sykes Crk canal No Indn Rvr No No No No No canal No No No No No No No Yes No No lake/pond No lake/pond lake/pond No No No lake/pond lake/pond No Yes No Yes No No No lake/pond No No canal No No No Sykes Crk No lake/pond

2015 1977 1963 1963 1973 1998 1997 1999 1965 1996 1989 1972 1999 1965 1984 1959 1962 1967 1965 1964 1968 1979 1980 1996 1997 1995 1974 2003 1990 2001 1972 1989 1965 1994 1991 1965 1999 2015 1990 2000 1979 1986 1986 1986 1998 2000 1998 2000 2000 1979 1966 1964 1981 1986 1991 1973 1989

$222,000 $465,000 $100,000 $118,000 $440,000 $195,000 $235,000 $218,000 $90,000 $590,000 $492,375 $254,950 $440,000 $127,000 $975,000 $77,500 $121,000 $149,900 $110,000 $131,000 $287,352 $151,722 $260,000 $175,150 $255,000 $132,500 $82,500 $289,000 $491,700 $274,000 $60,000 $275,000 $145,000 $265,000 $395,000 $253,000 $280,000 $292,500 $280,000 $330,000 $318,000 $58,000 $116,000 $60,000 $190,000 $360,000 $275,000 $369,000 $378,000 $116,250 $310,000 $90,300 $228,500 $122,500 $940,000 $215,000 $347,000

*Public records sales data provided by Cheryl D’Cruz of Matlock-D’Cruz (see ad on next page)

40 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

Business & Real Estate

Our Relationships Recommend Us… For All Their Real Estate Needs — “Who You Work With Matters“

Do you know anyone planning to Downsize, Move or Relocate? Are they?....  Overwhelmed with thoughts of sorting through possessions?  Unable to sort and pack due to emotions or time constraints?  Unsure how to store and sell some possessions?  Thinking of downsizing their homes ? WE will guide them step by step... STEP 1: Offer a full service plan which includes how to sort and organize their belongings. STEP 2 : Advise on how to repair their homes for sale and help them find a new home. STEP 3: We will sell their home with three objectives in mind:

Cheryl D’Cruz and Stacy Matlock

Always Working For You “Over & Above” www.happyhousehunting.com Million Dollar Sellers:

Stacy Matlock - 321.544.5235 or

Cheryl D’Cruz - 321.338.7841

A) Maximize dollars obtained B) Sell in the shortest period of time C) Sell with the least amount of inconvenience JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 41

Business & Real Estate

So You Bought a New Computer – What Now? BY JONATHAN SKINNER

f you just bought a new computer, you might find that you still need a few bells and whistles to make your computer work better for you. There are all sorts of free programs that you can download, based on your needs. Here is a list of our top five recommended free programs:

1. Should I Remove It? − Quickly locate and remove unwanted programs including adware, toolbars, bloatware, crapware and other junk. Should I Remove It? simply scans your computer for all its’ installed programs and then ranks what should be removed to determine what should not be installed.

2. Open Office − Compatible with other major office suites, Apache OpenOffice is free to download, use, and distribute. The software looks and feels familiar and is instantly usable by anyone who has used a competitive product (Like Microsoft Office, with its hefty price tag).

against all types of threats, secures your data, protects your privacy and ensures your PC remains virus-free.

4. Google Chrome/Firefox − Internet Explorer is popular, so bad guys exploit known problems with the browser. If you use multiple computers, both Firefox and Chrome have built-in features to synchronize bookmarks. Both Mozilla (Firefox) and Google (Google Chrome) pay anyone who finds a bug in their browser and brings it their attention. Microsoft does not. As a result Mozilla and Google are more likely to be aware of their bugs.

5. Adblocker Plus − Adblock Plus is a free extension that allows you to, among other things, block annoying ads, disable tracking and block domains known to spread malware.

3. Avira − With more than 430 million downloads, this is a popular and efficient free antivirus. Of course, they have an upgrade option to a paid version, but Avira offers protection

Jonathan Skinner is the owner of Virusbusters, a local computer repair shop in Merritt Island. Ph. 321-453-1119

You Own a Gun… Now What? How about getting properly trained on how to use it...by the BEST. BAT Defense is owned & operated by former US Special Operations professionals. Our instructors have planned & conducted several hundred counter terrorist missions & specialize in the training of Special Operations Forces & Law Enforcement.

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TRAINING CLASSES WE OFFER: Concealed Carry License (CWL)

Beyond Concealed Carry

This is not your typical CWL “sit in a classroom & fire one round into a bullet trap” class. In this course students will earn their certificate of training by demonstrating COMPETENCY with a firearm at a range.

The Beyond Concealed Carry course is for those who have their Concealed Carry License and or someone slightly more advanced than a beginner but had never had any formal training outside of the CCW course.

Home Defense (Handgun/Carbine or Shotgun)

Home Defense training was designed to create a shooter who attains the confidence of defending their family & home with the knowledge of multiple methods of home defense tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).

Call for Special Merritt Island Now Discount For more information or to register for an upcoming training class visit www.BatDefense.com or call 321-693-7458 42 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

MERRITT ISLAND AREA CONTACTS — STATE GOVERNMENT — Governor Rick Scott..............................................................(850) 488-7146 Senator Thad Altman............................................................ (321) 868-2132 Representative Steve Crisafulli..............................................(321) 449-5111

BREVARD COUNTY GOV’T ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS Commissioner Robin Fisher - District 1..................................(321) 264-6750 Commissioner Jim Barfield - District 2 (MI)........................... (321) 454-6601 Commissioner Trudie Infanini - District 3............................. (321) 952-6300 Commissioner Curt Smith - District 4....................................(321) 633-2040 Commissioner Andy Anerson - District 5................................(321) 253-6611

— SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS — Dr. Desmond Blackburn........................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 402 School Board Ms. Misty Belford - District 1..................................................(321) 591-9387 Mr. John Craig (MI) - District 2...............................................(321) 271-9705 Ms. Amy Kneessy - District 3................................................ (321) 779-5034 Ms. Karen Henderson - District 4.......................................... (321) 631-5905 Mr. Andy Ziegler - District 5...................................................(321) 821-0510

— BREVARD COUNTY GOVERNMENT RESOURCES — Animal Control......................................................................(321) 633-2024 Building, Permits, Business Licenses....................................(321) 633-2072 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals)...................................... (321) 637-5437 Environmental Health........................................................... (321) 633-2100 Jury Phone............................................................................(321) 637-6559 Justice Center.......................................................................(321) 637-2000 Planning & Zoning................................................................(321) 633-2070 Housing & Human Services...................................................(321) 633-2007 Sheriffs Office (non emergency)............................................(321) 633-7162 Voter Registration................................................................. (321) 633-2124 Code Enforcement................................................................(321) 633-2086 Occupational Licensing........................................................(321) 264-6935 Tax Collector - www.brevardtaxcollector.com.....................(321) 264-6930 Merritt Island Post Office.......................................................(321) 453-1479 Public Library on Merritt Island............................................ (321) 455-1369 Department of Health.............................................................(321) 454-7111

— CHILDREN AND FAMILY RESOURCES — FL Department of Children and Family Central Region........(321) 634-3600 Brevard CARES (prevent child abuse)................................... (321) 632-2737 Brevard CARES Crisis Hotline.............................................. (888) 227-3709 Brevard County Boys and Girls............................................. (321) 301-4484 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline........................................(800) 500-1119 Family Counseling Center....................................................(321) 632-5792 Circles of Care......................................................................(321) 722-5200 Women’s Center....................................................................(321) 242-3110 Alcoholic’s Anonymous........................................................ (321) 724-2247 Help Line 24 hour.................................................................(321) 632-6688 Rape Hotline......................................................................... (321) 784-4357 Sharing Center...................................................................... (321) 631-0306 Alternative Pregnancy Center..............................................(321) 454-9853 Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Center............................(321) 726-8282 Crisis Hotline....................................................................... (800) 962-2873 Sundance Ranch Christian Counseling.................................(321) 305-5946 Poison Control..................................................................... (800) 222-1222 Emergency Veterinary Clinic................................................(321) 725-5365

— SUPPORT GROUPS — The Sunflower House.............................................................(321) 452-4341 Senior and Caregiver Resource Center inside the Merritt Square Mall Bipolar and Al-anon and Al-ateen Support Groups...............(321) 452-4080 280 E Merritt Avenue (Faith Lutheran Church)

Reference

— HOSPITALS — Cape Canaveral Hospital........................................................ (321) 799-7111 701 West Cocoa Beach Causeway • Cocoa Beach, FL Wuesthoff Medical Center.....................................................(321) 636-2211 110 Longwood Avenue • Rockledge, FL

— KID ACTIVITIES — Parks and Recreation............................................................(321) 633-1874 www.brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/Home Hockey - The Space Coast Iceplex........................................(321) 504-7500 YMCA.................................................................................... (321) 433-7770 Lacrosse - www.merrittislandlax.com..................................(321) 454-4943 Football - Pop Warner........................................................... (321) 591-6282 www.eteamz.com/merrittislandpopwarner Football - MIYFCA - www.merrittislandmustangs.net............ (321)446-1170 Soccer - Central Brevard Soccer...........................................(321) 394-5083 www.centralbrevardsoccer.org Volleyball - Cape Coast Volleyball......................................(321) 639-3800 www.capecoastvolleyball.com Cheerleading - MIYFCA.........................................................(321) 960-3443 Cheerleading - Competition Coastal Elite............................. (321) 505-1002 Softball - Merritt Island Lassie League.................................(321) 626-8040 www.milassieleague.com Baseball - North Merritt Island Little League........................ (321) 543-6215 www.misllbaseball@yahoo.com Flag Football - Brevard......................................................... (321) 452-3105 www.brevardflagfootball.com Calema Windsurfing and Watersports..................................(321) 453-3223 www.calema.com Merritt Island Swim School ISR Master Instructor Infant and Up......................................(321) 698-5840 Upward Basketball............................................................... (321) 453-2146 US Naval Sea Cadets - The Courageous Division................. (321) 951-0432 ......................................................................................... or (321) 631-0440 Y-Indian Guides...................................................www.canaveralnation.net Girl Scouts of Citrus Council................................................ (407) 896-4475 Boy Scouts........................................................................... (407) 889-4403 Paintball, Skate, DMX - Brevard Extreme Sports ..................(321) 454-7777 Unlimited Kickboxing............................................................(321) 368-9307 Marta’s Legacy Dance Studio............................................... (321) 453-6277 Dussich Dance Studio...........................................................(321) 452-2046 Brevard Shotokan Karate.....................................................(321) 323-9480 Ross Karate.......................................................................... (321) 698-7957 M.Y. Martial Arts Studio.........................................................(321) 452-7229 Shorin-Ryu Karate............................................................... (321) 459-3000 Lauts Music...........................................................................(321) 453-6424 Classes in keyboard, home organ, acoustic piano, acoustic and electric guitar, and voice.

— UTILITIES — Florida Power and Light......................... (800) 226-3545 or (321) 723-7795 Brighthouse..............................................................(866) 309-EASY (3279) Waste Management..............................................................(321) 636-6894 AT&T.................................................................................... (888) 757-6500 Florida City Gas Company................................................... (888) 352 5325 City Of Cocoa Water Dept.....................................................(321) 433-8400 Call Before You Dig ................................................................................ 811

— PUBLIC SCHOOLS — Brevard County Public Schools Main Office............ (321) 633-1000 ext 500 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way • Viera, Florida 32940 Ethics Hotline .......................................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 170 Audubon Elementary............................................................(321) 452-2085 1201 North Banana River Drive

JAN 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 43

Reference Tropical Elementary............................................................. (321) 454-1080 885 South Courtenay Parkway Stevenson Elementary School..............................................(321) 454-3550 1450 Martin Blvd Mila Elementary School........................................................ (321) 454-1070 288 W Merritt Avenue Lewis Carroll Elementary School.......................................... (321) 452-1234 1 Skyline Blvd Jefferson Middle School....................................................... (321) 453-5154 1275 South Courtenay Parkway Edgewood Junior Senior High School................................... (321) 454-1030 180 East Merritt Avenue Merritt Island High School.................................................... (321) 454-1000 100 East Mustang Way Florida Virtual School ......................................................... (407) 513-3587 Brevard Virtual ....................................................................(321) 633-3660

— PRIVATE SCHOOLS — Merritt Island Christian School .............................................(321) 453-2710 140 Magnolia Avenue Divine Mercy Catholic Academy...........................................(321) 452-0263 1940 North Courtenay Parkway Ambassador Christian Academy........................................... (321) 305-6931 175 Cone Road Brevard Private Academy.....................................................(321) 459-3466 508 South Plumosa Alpha Learning..................................................................... (321) 453-7077 3700 North Courtenay Parkway Suite 102 Faith Lutheran Pre-School and Day Care ..............................(321) 452-4143 280 East Merritt Avenue

— BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS — Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce................... (321) 459-2200 Merritt Island Rotary Club....................................................(321) 223-4362 BNI Beeliners........................................................................(321) 690-2328 BNI Profiteers.......................................................................(321) 536-5973

— MI CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS & FOOD BANKS — My Island Thrift Store............................................... (321) 473-3355 (I Love My Island, Inc. non-profit) (Proceeds support the MI Community, Free Donation pick up available) 245 Crockett Blvd Molly Mutt—Thrift Store........................................................ (321) 459-1525 (supports Central Brevard Humane Society Adoption Center located at 155 Pioneer Road (321) 636-3343 ext 214) 2525 North Courtenay Parkway Walk on Water Horses.......................................................... (321) 412-8057 Equine Therapy • www.walkonwaterhorses.com SPCA-Thrift Store..................................................................(321) 704-8480 (supports the adoption center(321) 453-5323 at the Merritt Square Mall) A+ Thrift Shop (supports Merritt Island Schools)......................(321) 453-4338 95 South Plumosa Street Pet Priorities Exotic Bird Rescue............................................(321) 289-1738 House of Hope Ministry........................................................ (321) 453-0318 (Food Bank, Clothing, Bicycles, Showers) Every Monday including Holidays beginning at 6:30am-10:30am 330 Magnolia Avenue Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry.......................(321) 452-2420 Merritt Island Residents only Thursdays 9-noon and 1-3:30pm 65 Needle Boulevard Quarterly Country Store and Children’s Clothes Closet East Coast Christian Center Food Pantry.............................. (321) 452-1060 670 North Courtenay Parkway Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-1pm Open Thursday Evenings 6pm-8pm

44 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • JAN 2016

— LOCAL CLUBS — The Moose Lodge.................................................................(321) 452-8383 3150 North Courtenay Parkway The Elks Lodge.....................................................................(321) 452-2650 1520 Sykes Creek Parkway Fraternal Order of Eagles.....................................................(321) 452-4258 1050 North Courtenay Parkway ABATE of Florida Brevard County Chapter...........................(321) 636-9720 241 Peachtree Street Cocoa Space Coast Mothers of Multiples......................................... (321) 795-1381 115 N. Indian River Drive Kiwanis Club of Merritt Island...............................................(321) 430-6630 P.O. Box 540142 Space Coast Square Dance Club.......................................... (321) 427-7950 155 Cone Road Merritt Island Masonic Lodge No.353....................................(321) 338-7391 247 S. Tropical Trail

— COMMUNITY OF FAITH — East Coast Christian Center.................................................. (321) 452-1060 680 North Courtenay Parkway First Baptist Church of Merritt Island.....................................(321) 453-2144 140 Magnolia Avenue Calvary Chapel Merritt Island............................................... (321) 453-6779 3500 North Courtenay Parkway Grace United Methodist Church............................................(321) 452-2420 65 Needle Boulevard Georgiana United Methodist Church....................................(321) 452-7523 3925 South Tropical Trail Lighthouse Christian Church..................................................(321) 452-1012 1250 North Banana River Drive Island Community Church....................................................(321) 453-4656 1000 North Banana River Drive Merritt Assembly of God.......................................................(321) 454-4263 165 N. Grove Street Mi Church............................................................................. (321) 747-0658 170 North Courtenay Parkway North Courtenay Church of Christ.........................................(321) 452-8822 2455 North Courtenay Parkway Divine Mercy Catholic Church...............................................(321) 452-5955 1940 North Courtenay Parkway River of Life Assembly of God...............................................(321) 452-6990 1890 North Courtenay Parkway St Luke Episcopal Church.....................................................(321) 452-5260 5555 North Tropical Trail North Merritt Island United Methodist Church...................... (321) 452-7180 6355 North Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island Presbyterian Church.......................................(321) 452-5689 600 South Tropical Trail Grace Lutheran Church.........................................................(321) 986-9689 5455 North Courtenay Parkway Unity of Merritt Island...........................................................(321) 452-2625 4725 North Courtenay Parkway Orsino Baptist Church...........................................................(321) 452-0373 4505 North Courtenay Pkwy Faith Lutheran Church..........................................................(321) 452-4080 280 East Merritt Avenue Redeemer Lutheran Church (WELS)...................................... (321) 453-1000 560 South Tropical Trail Redemption Bible Fellowship...............................................(321) 208-7959 890 N. Banana River Drive Faith Presbyterian Church, ARP............................................. (321) 452-1715 1900 South Tropical Trail Islander Alliance Church...................................................... (321) 453-0770 2450 N. Courtenay Parkway

*Please e-mail lou@merrittislandnow.com if any information needs to be updated or to add a resource. Information believed to be accurate but not warranted.

January Featured Listings

1475 Mars St, Diana Shores

2895 S Tropical Trail, Indian River Waterfront

$243,500

$930,000

Beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in great family neighborhood. This 2,211 sq. ft. home sits on a large corner lot with fenced back yard. Call Heather for showing appointment (321) 266-1110.

One of Merritt Island’s most unique riverfront properties features a 5-bedroom custom home plus two cottages. One cottage is a boat house built directly over the Indian River. Call Heather for showing appointment. (321) 266-1110

Are you thinking of selling your home? As a full-time real estate professional and Merritt Island resident, I’ll give your home the Maximum Exposure to potential buyers and other agents by: ✓ Listing in the Multiple Listing Service for easy access to all other real estate agents with buyers ✓ Maximum online presence attracting in-town and out-of-town potential buyers ✓ Hold open houses for prospective buyers ✓ Featured listings in Merritt Island Now magazine which is direct mailed to over 16,000 homes on Merritt Island ✓ Professional photography and literature

I will guide you through the sale of your home from listing to closing. It all starts with a phone call. I look forward to speaking with you.

(321) 266-1110

As a Merritt Island resident, I am your “Island Specialist!” Florida Island Living

SAVE TIME, PAY LESS! MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 7PM SATURDAY 8AM TO 3PM

321-636-0005

MERRITT ISLAND LOCATION

ROCKLEDGE LOCATION

1205 N. COURTENAY PKWY. MERRRITT ISLAND, 32953

1950 US. HWY 1 ROCKLEDGE, FL 32955

We Wish You a Very Happy & Healthy New Year

DO YOU HAVE A HARD TIME LOSING WEIGHT?

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WALK-INS AND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED - Nous parlons Francais - Se Habla Español - Wir sprechen Deutsch

www.BrevardFamilyWalkInClinic.com

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.