Vero Beach Magazine June 2024

eroBeach

MADE IN VERO BEACH

Country music star Jake Owen always comes back—and gives back—to his hometown

Dreams into Realty.

WHERE YOU ARE ALWAYS OUR

#1 PRIORITY

Personalized Service | Professional Expertise | Local Knowledge

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Professional Guidance to Safeguard Your Investments

Safeguard your investments with professional legal guidance in real estate matters:

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS

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2024 Vero Beach Magazine

PHOTO CONTEST

Grab your cameras and put on your walking shoes! For this year’s photo contest, we want to see what you love about the little paradise we call home. Is it the beach? Water and nature views? Historical sites? Downtown? Ocean Drive? Whatever it is, take advantage of our beautiful weather and get out with your camera (even if it’s your phone!) and share your love of Vero Beach with us. Winners will be published in the September 2024 issue of Vero Beach Magazine

5 ENTRIES MAXIMUM PER PHOTOGRAPHER

1. High-resolution photos taken in Indian River County

2. Your name and phone number

3. Photo description, including location and date taken

Email entries to: photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com

Entry deadline: June 14

WHO MAY ENTER

The contest is open to photographers aged 18 years or older. Individuals affiliated with Vero Beach Magazine or Palm Beach Media Group, including employees and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and household members, are not eligible.

WHAT TO ENTER

Photographs must be taken in Indian River County and submitted by the photographer. The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the photograph.

HOW TO ENTER

Email photographs and required information to photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com.

QUESTIONS?

You must complete a separate email for each photo. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Winners will be notified by August 1. Failure to respond within 5 business days may result in disqualification. Decisions of Vero Beach Magazine are final.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

By submitting a photo, you are granting Vero Beach Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group the right to reproduce the work in our print publications, on our website, and in materials/ social media used to promote the magazine, the contest, and/or future related contests.

Contact Kelly Rogers, Editor in Chief, at kelly@verobeachmagazine.com

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MADE

IN VERO BEACH

Jake Owen always comes back—and gives back—to his hometown By Heather O’Shea

80

HOMETOWN LOVE

Are you eager to try some new activities? Pretend you’re a tourist! By Kelly Rogers and Teresa Lee Rushworth

88

A PIONEER’S PARADISE

Charlo e Tripson oversees a ‘whimsical world of tranquility’ created by her great-grandfather By Ann Taylor

94

FLYING COLORS

Remote-controlled airplanes have evolved beyond mere toys

By Amy Robinson

Life on John’s Island. A private, member-owned club located north of Vero Beach, this gem plays host to miles of unspoilt beaches, naturefilled river access, elegant residences, and watercolor sunsets. These serene offerings each combine luxury with traditional appeal. Replete with gorgeous architectural details, spacious living areas and lush grounds - all of our homes take advantage of prime location with access to an incredible array of amenities from sparkling ocean to iconic river. We invite you to indulge in a life of bliss in John’s Island.

luxuryestates : condominiums : homesites : townhouses : cottages : seasidesuites

Watercolor Skies. Cool Water. Warm Welcome.

A local firefighter’s dedication extends off the clock

Teresa Lee Rushworth

For Indian River schools, there is no ‘I’ in team, only an ‘A’

Jeffrey R. Pickering

The 1995 Honda Acty Street Racoon

Patrick Merrell

Dive into the world’s foremost incarnation of all-inclusive excellence at Kudadoo Maldives private island

Paul Rubio

Homely, out-of-the-way clothing storage? Not anymore!

Valerie Cruice

It’s time to prepare our yards for hurricane season

Nickie Munroe

KELLY ROGERS

Jacqueline au chevalet, 1956 terre de faience blanche 16 1/2 in.

Hibou, 1954 terre de faience 9 3/4 x 7 x 5 in.

Want to burn more calories, lose fat, and develop a lean, toned body? Pump it up! By Renáe Tesauro

Dogs have their personal preferences when it comes to petting By Amy Robinson

Chef Wesley Campbell brings his Caribbean heritage with an international flair By Chris Fasolino

The Lake House by Kate Morton By Elizabeth Leonard

Introducing the health care providers of Vero Beach

Products, people, and possibilities abound with local businesses and organizations

This wine is many things, but it is not pink By Chris Fasolino

Cognac and The Pink Moke By Jules Aron

Courtney Ellen Cotherman & Alberto Tonizzo

Local residents have a flair for giving back to the community

The beauty of art helps us welcome summer

Entertainment, education, and celebration are all on the June agenda

Thank you for supporting our local businesses

Nettie Mills often found herself in front of Rodney Kroegel’s camera By Ellen E. Stanley

TRUST YOUR FACE TO A SPECIALIST

JEAN-PAUL AZZI, M.D.

Double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Jean-Paul Azzi, M.D. focuses his approach at The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery on what he does best. By specializing exclusively on the face, nose, and neck, he not only stands out as South Florida's go-to facial plastic surgeon, but as a leading expert in the industry.

Renowned for his beautiful, natural-looking results, Dr. Azzi answers some frequently asked questions about his signature procedures and being one of the country’s leading experts in revision procedures.

Given your specialized focus, what procedures do people typically seek you out for?

I’m a facial plastic surgeon, so by definition, I only do the neck and up. Things like facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts), brow lifts, lip lifts, skin cancer reconstruction, etc. I’ve had patients come from all over the world for cosmetic surgery, but revision procedures are what I’m best known for. It's these specialized procedures that patients are more likely to travel for. Specifically, revision facelifts. I do a very special type of facelift called a deep plane facelift. Another commonly performed procedure for out-oftown patients is my modified lip lift.

What are the advantages of the deep-plane facelift?

It is the most advanced technique for facelifting and very few surgeons are specialized in this technique. Gravity causes the heavier structures of the face — like muscles and tissues — to sag over time. A standard facelift stretches the skin over those drooping facial structures, which typically results in a very tight, wind-swept look. During a deep plane facelift, I go underneath the skin and reposition the drooping structural elements of the face back to where they were at an earlier point in life, allowing me to lift the entire face instead of simply pulling the skin tight.

The best part is how natural but dramatic the results can be. In addition to minimal downtime, patients love that deep plane facelifts are performed in my office without general anesthesia, with results that last so much longer than a regular facelift.

You mentioned a "lip lift". Can you explain it?

Sure, it's a natural and relatively permanent solution to create a fuller look for aging lips. As we age, the skin between the nose and upper lip lengthens and the upper lip becomes thinner — and using fillers to treat this condition can look unnatural. During a modified upper lip lift, I remove the excess skin by creating a small incision hidden at the base of the nose in the natural crease. By shortening the distance from the nose to the lip, the upper lip is brought upward and rolled out. The result is fuller lips, improved facial proportions, and a natural cupid’s bow. The procedure can be done in my office in 30 minutes with no general anesthesia.

Do you have Before & After photos?

Absolutely, you can find photos at palmbeachfacialsurgery.com or on Instagram & Facebook at @palmbeachfacialsurgery

Palm City Location 3658 SW 30th Ave

Palm City, FL 34990

Jupiter Location 4495 Military Trail Suite 202

Jupiter, FL 33458

Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery

LEARN MORE

June, Jake & You

At the risk of aging myself, I’d say that after more than 40 years of living and working in Indian River County, I may not be a native, but I consider myself a local. You’d think that would mean that I know all the great places for fun and most of the interesting people in town. How wrong I am.

That’s our June issue in a nutshell: it’s where we introduce you to fun locals you may not have met and share some unforgettable experiences you can look forward to having.

Our cover shows you a face you may already be familiar with, country star Jake Owen. We caught up with him back in December while he was home in Vero Beach for his annual fundraising weekend, and he talked about all his favorite local places.

The big heart Jake shares with his beloved hometown has ridden the wave of success through his rise in the music business and the work of his foundation, which has helped many local nonprofits.

Jake isn’t the only one taking us all over town for fun; Teresa Rushworth and I put our heads together to come up with lots of options for experiencing new things in and around our favorite town, Vero Beach. From sunrise to sunset, we have your day covered with a possible meetup with “Princess Fergie” and suggestions for showing some love to our local musicians, athletes, and unique environment. Take your pick—there’s something in there for everyone.

Want to know a secret? We didn’t include one beautiful place in Vero Beach in our list, because we thought it deserved its own space on our pages. Charlotte Tripson, a great-granddaughter of quintessential local Waldo Sexton, is bringing her generations-old family homestead of Waldo’s Secret Garden on 12th Street back to its original glory, opening it up for events and tours. And wow, is it beautiful!

Finally, on a gorgeous day in the northern part of Indian River County, we spent some time flying high with the Airmasters Club, a group with a shared passion for remote-controlled planes—and these aren’t the Styrofoam gliders of our youth. Learn from all ages what it takes to succeed in this hobby, but 12-year-old Zaiden Roth gives the best advice of all: “Make sure you are three mistakes high.”

To embrace the start of summer, you might want to take our advice and head to the beach for a beautiful sunrise. Enjoy!

Kelly Rogers editor@verobeachmagazine.com

Say Hello to Summer

Spring is fading and summer is on the horizon. Are you ready for longer, warmer days? I definitely am! Summer is my favorite time of year; the warm ocean breeze brings me a sense of rejuvenation, and the scent of the ocean is refreshing. Speaking of refreshing—how about the rosé featured in this month’s Off the Vine column? Chris Fasolino paints a wonderful picture of a perfect wine on a warm summer day.

On the other hand, the one element of summer I am not excited about is hurricane season, which officially starts in June. For some tips on preparing your yard for high winds and heavy rains, and for some general summer garden guidance, be sure to check out what Nickie Munroe has to say in our Homegrown column.

“Homegrown” reminds me to recommend that you attend the 19th annual Waterlily Festival June 15 at McKee Botanical Garden, which has been cultivating one of Florida’s most impressive water lily collections right here in Vero Beach for decades.

Another major June event is United Against Poverty’s Burgers & Brews party on the 29th. Of course we all want to know who is going to emerge victorious in the competition for the title of Best Burger in Indian River County!

Maybe you would prefer to stay indoors, in which case there is plenty of art to keep you mesmerized in the nice, cool galleries, so take a look at our Gallery Guide section for this summer’s exhibits and a list of local galleries.

However you spend your June days, we hope that all the wonderful dads out there have a great Father’s Day.

Thank you to all the readers who continually support the local businesses of Vero Beach, and thank you for your support of Vero Beach Magazine. To keep up with everything happening in the area this summer, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter at verobeachmagazine.com.

Teri Amey-Arnold, Publisher publisher@verobeachmagazine.com

KELLY ROGERS Editor in Chief

OLGA M. GUSTINE Creative Director

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH Senior Editor

RENÁE TESAURO Editor at Large

ANN TAYLOR Senior Writer

JENNY FERNANDEZ-PRIETO Art Director

JANINE FISHER

Senior Graphic Designer

LEONOR ALVAREZ-MAZA

Digital Imaging Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jules Aron, Valerie Cruice, Chris Fasolino,

Elizabeth Leonard, Evelyn Wilde Mayerson, Patrick Merrell, Nickie Munroe, Heather O’Shea, Jeffrey R. Pickering, Amy Robinson, Paul Rubio, Ellen E. Stanley

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Roberto De Riccardis/Snap 2 Photo Studio, Steven Martine, Patrick Merrell, Gyorgy Papp, Sam Wolfe

Founder

CEO

President

INDIAN RIVER HOME CARE

— presents —

BROOKE DERBY, RN, BSN

Clinical Nursing Educator

Brooke elevates home health care with more than 20 years of experience as a clinical instructor, specializing in wound care.

JAMES THOMAS, PT, MBA Director of Clinical Services

James, an esteemed physical therapist with a Master of Business Administration, has 40 years of expertise in skilled nursing facilities and home care.

About Us

Vero Beach Magazine is the first magazine to be dedicated exclusively to Vero Beach and remains the only local magazine with verified circulation. A minimum of 10,000 magazines are distributed monthly, to at least 30,000 readers in almost every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Vero Beach Magazine’s staff is committed to using print media to make Indian River County a better place for all residents, mindful of environmental and historic preservation, while underscoring the best aspects of life in this charming oceanfront community.

Winner of numerous awards since its inception, starting with the Florida Magazine Association’s Best New Magazine Award in 1998, Vero Beach Magazine has made its greatest impact by providing meaningful information to readers about the needs of local nonprofit organizations in Indian River County, inspiring philanthropy and prompting nonprofit coverage by many other media companies.

Our office is located at 3375 20th Street, Suite 100, on the corner of 34th Avenue and State Road 60, in Vero Beach. Visitors are welcome by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for subscription, article, and advertising questions.

3375 20th Street, Suite 100, Vero Beach, FL 32960

772-234-8871

hello@verobeachmagazine.com

MOULTON LAYNE ARCHIT EC TURE

OUR 2024 ADVISORY BOARD

LEAD ADVISER

SOPHIE BENTHAM-WOOD is a native of London. At Sheffield University, she studied the history of art, design, and film, earning a bachelor’s degree. She then embarked on an illustrious career in marketing and public relations that now spans 25 years. She has often been responsible for the implementation of global strategic communications and branding campaigns and has worked with prominent clients in a variety of fields. Sophie moved to the United States in 2008. In 2012, she became the director of marketing and communications at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, establishing the marketing and PR department, playing a major role in reenvisioning and shaping the VBMA’s strategic plan, and implementing a fully integrated marketing campaign for the museum. Recently, she accepted a position as executive director of global marketing and sales strategies for Sebastian-based Triton Submarines.

KEVIN GIVEN hails from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, home of the worldfamous Greenbrier resort and hotel, where he was a fourth-generation team member. He earned a degree in hospitality and tourism management, with a minor in business administration, from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, and has now been in the resort/private club management field for over 40 years. He is a board member at the West Virginia University Foundation and a hospitality management advisory board member at WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics. In 2001, he was one of the founding partners at Quail Valley, and he was also on the executive team developing Windsor and Orchid Island. Kevin has served on the boards of the Indian River Community Foundation, the Environmental Learning Center, and Saint Edward’s School.

TRUDIE RAINONE has lived in Vero Beach for 23 years and has served the community in leadership roles with a variety of Indian River County nonprofits. Her passion for outreach has her currently serving on the executive boards of Senior Resource Association, ORCA, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, and Senior Collaborative. She is also a health care partner volunteer with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and vice chair of Quail Valley Charities, which funds 43 local children’s organizations. A native of New York City, Trudie reared her children with her husband of 50 years, Donald, in both New York and New Jersey. She is the proud grandmother of two boys, Chase and Drew. She has a merchandising background in the fashion industry and was a business owner specializing in fine antiques.

JON R. MOSES is the managing director and COO of Riverside Theatre, where he has worked for 25 seasons. A Treasure Coast native, he studied theater design technology at Florida State University’s School of Theatre, followed by graduate studies at Florida Atlantic University. He has been involved in every aspect of theater for over 32 years. He has even served as an adjunct faculty member at Indian River State College, where he taught and coordinated an associate of science technical theater program. Jon’s involvement in the community includes serving as treasurer on the board of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Exchange Club of Indian River. He was also a board member of the Oceanside Business Association and president of the Florida Professional Theatre Association.

JESSICA LINUS WATFORD moved to Vero Beach as a 10th grader and attended Saint Edward’s School. A graduate of Auburn University (War Eagle!), she lived in Atlanta and Raleigh before returning to Vero Beach in 2015 and joining her father and grandfather in the family business, Linus Cadillac Buick GMC. In 2019, she graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy and is now a proud third-generation dealer-operator at Linus. Jessica resides in Okeechobee with her husband and two young daughters. She enjoys the best of both worlds, between boating days on the water and country life, rodeos, and ranching.

Gregory Allan Ness Principal Designer

Crystal Lemley Senior Designer

Vero Vibes

into the world’s

incarnation of

excellence at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island.

From the World to the Word

A WRITERS’ RETREAT CAN BE AN INTENSE EXPERIENCE

BY EVELYN WILDE MAYERSON

ncient Rome’s Forum of Vespasian, famed for its massive amount of gold and other precious materials plundered from the Temple in Jerusalem, also sheltered a map of Rome carved in marble. The map, called the Forma Urbis, was used as a reference in property disputes in the Eternal City, which was then home to

1.5 million people, with streets, monuments, houses, temples, baths, columns, staircases, and fountains hewn with precision from 150 slabs of marble quarried from the coastal town of Proconnesus.

Lately, my personal diary is almost as obdurate as the Forma Urbis, with certain segments of the week dedicated, as if written in stone,

to researching and writing this column, walking my dog, walking me (not in a stop-andsniff pattern but in a straight line), attending an occasional lecture or art performance, playing bridge or mah-jongg, dabbling in my new hobby of drawing dog portraits in pastels for indulgent family and friends, and working out at the gym—trying to better my

performance, but beginning to realize that 100 pounds on the leg press is as good as it’s going to get. I like to think I am more than a billion more or less cooperating cells with a brain made up of a reptilian stem. I also like to think of myself as still evolving, like some of my artist friends whose newer paintings continue to eclipse the ones before. Since evolution demands changing conditions, change is mutually exclusive with a scheduled week in which every hour is accounted for; although maybe all this busyness is a self-inflicted ordeal, to see if things still work, like kicking the tires of a used car or entering the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii—a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile

run—just to see if you can make it out alive.

While my days are structured, each allotted like a breviary to specific tasks, it is the nighttimes that are not, when I fall asleep with all the worries of the previous day spinning around with old regrets as well as concerns for the future, all interrupted by disjointed dreams, of which there seems to be no lack.

When I awake I try to get outside with the first sign of light— like Emily Dickinson, “Somehow myself survived the night / And enter with the day.” Then I begin to think that maybe my nighttime ruminations have to do with the day, the orderly regimen of which nighttime does not share. What if they were reversed?

DESIGN

GROUP

772-492-9348

hello@vbhome.us

Several of Emily Dickinson’s poems speak of nighttime and the dawning of a new day.

“In a story, something has to change.”

– JOSEPH MILLS

Left: William Wordsworth’s The World Is Too Much with Us laments the industrialization of society and the resulting human disconnection from nature. Below: Homer, Alaska is home to both a popular annual writers’ conference and a retreat center for women writers.

British Romantic poet William Wordsworth wrote a sonnet in 1807 blaming the new Industrial Revolution for material pursuits, for people rushing from one thing to the next, losing their ability to connect with nature or themselves. The sonnet begins, “The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; / Little we see in

Nature that is ours.” The part that remains with me is the first line, at odds with all the current conventions telling me that to survive as a single, I must at all times be connected and committed.

Maybe it’s okay to disconnect, if just for a little while, like rebooting your iPhone.

During an interview with Sara Wilson, director of the Laura (Riding) Jackson

Foundation, I learned of the foundation’s writers’ retreat scheduled for February. I jotted down the information, not considering it for myself. It was days later, while I was making meatloaf for my dog (with bacon drippings) when I thought that a retreat right here in Vero Beach was something I might want to do.

Retreats are not new. Every culture that has accumulated any wisdom knows that there are times when it’s okay to walk out into the desert, like the aging St. Jerome depicted in the painting by Caroselli, or trek up a mountain. Not to forget Frederick Delius, composer of the Florida Suite and the tone poem Appalachia, who left Leipzig to sail to Florida and grow citrus, there to sit alone on his porch looking at the glowing dusk on the St. Johns River and listen to the chorus of insects, or the French writer Marcel Proust, who liked to stay in bed all day under the covers.

Today there are countless retreats: team-building

corporate retreats, usually held in a hotel with a conference room; cloistered retreats in which one may live the monastic life in contemplation and prayer for a weekend or even longer; wellness retreats like the posh Golden Door in San Diego, where you are massaged with heated stones; meditation retreats with neither conversation nor meat, where you might learn archery the Zen way, which is to release the arrow without releasing the arrow; human potential retreats like Esalen in California’s Big Sur, where participants explore subjects such as extraterrestrial intelligence, at odds with Fermi’s Paradox, which suggests that there is no one out there; and artist retreats for painters, writers, sculptors, composers, and dancers who wish to perfect their technique.

There seem to be hundreds of writers’ retreats, such as Kachemak Bay in Homer, Alaska—which is some serious retreating if you live in the Southeast; Blue Mountain

WEST PALM NAPLES

JUPITER

MYERS

PALM BEACH WELLINGTON

Lake in New York; and Ragdale in Lake Forest, Illinois. The one I chose to attend was here in Vero Beach, offered by the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation and housed in the Garden Club of Indian River County.

It was on a Saturday, when early morning traffic was light. I got there early, while LRJF director Sara Wilson and board president Jacque Jacobs were setting up, filling coffee urns, turning on lights, laying out doughnuts, and checking projection equipment.

The instructor walked in soon after, a man with close-cropped gray hair and a smile. “I’m Joe,” he said. “Joe,” I learned, was Joseph Mills, who holds a PhD in English and is a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Arts, where he holds an endowed chair in the humanities.

A well-published poet and writer, Mills has been the recipient of numerous

awards. Now he was about to lead an all-day workshop with 15 participants, most decades older than his usual students, some strangers to one another, and each looking for something different.

We began almost immediately. Mills handed out name tags and told us we would spend the first half of the day generating material and the second half refining it. While some points were emphasized on a screen, most of what he taught was delivered off the cuff. In an exercise at odds with the image of writer as romantic free spirit, and harking back to the writer’s ancient community role of just plain storyteller, we would work on the ordinary— specifically, food and its preparation.

We began with a food memory. I wrote of my mother taking me to the A&P to buy my favorite food, a can of Ann Page spaghetti. We broke out in groups of two,

moment things shift.” He advised us to think of beginning in the middle of things, perhaps with dialogue. “Openings,” he said, “tell it all.” He offered a few caveats: you have to be able to step back from your work, and you have to revise your work. The section on titling was particularly interesting. Mills advised that the title should tell some of the story. We examined single-word titles, titles that were quotations, titles that were questions, and titles with a gerund, like

then three, to discuss what we had written. One writer’s story was especially poignant, telling of her mother suffering from the onset of dementia, forgetful in most things except a particular recipe—and a complicated one at that—for a dish she was able to prepare.

Full of energy, Mills moved from one group to the next, making comments like, “In a story, something has to change” or “Focus on the

“Driving Miss Daisy.” I came away fried, the intensity of the day’s experience sifting down like flour. I already knew most of what Mills taught. I had taught it myself and executed many of the principles in my own work; but the experience had left me somehow different— perhaps more committed to others who work in the written word, or simply enjoying what it means to still learn.

The home of the Garden Club of Indian River County served as a fitting venue for a writers’ retreat.

Professor Joseph Mills brings enthusiasm to all of his writing students.

DIANA GREENE

MARTINA TANNERY

Diane DeFrancisci 772-538-1614

Martin Carder 772-696-0131

2

2

Candace

VOLUNTEERING

On Fire for Service

A LOCAL FIREFIGHTER’S DEDICATION EXTENDS OFF THE CLOCK

BY TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

For Bradley Eskew, 2023 was a banner year. The 33-yearold Vero Beach native was named Lieutenant of the Year by Indian River County, Emergency Provider of the Year by Treasure Coast Fire Chiefs, and Distinguished Fire Medic of the Year by the Exchange Club of Vero Beach.

Yet his recognized service as an Indian River County fire lieutenant and paramedic is just the beginning. In his free time, the married father of one stays busy on a volunteer basis.

As president of the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association, Eskew leads efforts to assist fellow firefighters in need. The IRFFB also puts on two annual fundraising events that benefit other local nonprofits.

Led by a five-member board, the IRFFB was established to “support the health, safety, and welfare” of local firefighters and their families.” This support can take many forms: covering hotel costs when a firefighter has to take a relative out of town for medical treatments; helping with funeral-related expenses; or footing out-of-pocket portions of medical bills—“whatever we can try to do to help,” Eskew says. Sometimes it’s just a phone call to a colleague who is going through a difficult time: “Sometimes just talking to someone is really appreciated,” he points out.

Eskew also spearheads IRFFB’s annual golf and fishing tournaments. He creates a committee to help plan and organize things and make sure there are enough

volunteers. “If you want to put on a good event, you have to start several months in advance,” he says. His wife, Lisa, is by his side on these projects, as is friend and neighbor Will Willmot, a battalion chief with IRC Fire Rescue.

The golf tournament, held in October to coincide with World Mental Health Day (October 10), benefits the Mental Health Association in Indian River County. Mental health awareness is a cause that is near to the hearts of first responders; as a group, they are five-times more likely to experience depression and PTSD than the general population, given the gruesome and distressing things they see on a regular basis. It’s an issue that strikes particularly close to home for our local firefighters, who suffered a heartbreaking PTSD-related loss in their department several years ago.

The IRFFB Offshore Fishing Tournament, always scheduled for Father’s Day weekend in June, supports Captains for Clean Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Florida’s waters. Why is water important to IRFFB members— aside from the fact that they use it to put out fires? “We grew up fishing in the lagoon,” says Eskew, with Willmot chiming in, “Being born and raised here, we see how bad the lagoon has gotten.”

With both events, the IRFFB donates $10,000 to the beneficiary charity and applies the funds left over to its own expenses. “Our goal was being able to give back to the

community as much as possible while still meeting our needs,” explains Willmot.

Like Eskew, Willmot is tireless in his service to his fellow firefighters and to the local community at large. He serves as president of the Vero Beach Firefighters Association, the organization that puts on the IRC Firefighters’ Fair every year. All proceeds from this popular event are put back into the community, particularly in the form of assistance for people who have suffered burn injuries.

Eskew and Willmot have worked together on a new IRFFB initiative, the Indian River Fire Conference, which just marked its second year. The IRFFB pays for all 300 Indian River County firefighters to attend the two-day event, which provides both informative lectures and hands-on training, known as HOT. Eskew and Willmot explain that such an event is in line with their mission of protecting and caring for their fellow firefighters, since the additional training and knowledge help them do their job more safely and effectively.

Though Eskew takes his responsibilities very seriously and works to hone his leadership skills, he is adamant that all of his efforts are as part of a team: “I can’t do it without the help of the volunteers from our fire department.” It is natural for him to downplay the sacrifices he makes for the sake of others— he’s a firefighter. But his service does not go unnoticed. Willmot sums it up well: “He does excellent work, and he’s a great leader.”

Lieutenant Bradley Eskew and Battalion Chief Will Willmot KELLY ROGERS

Giving & Receiving

‘ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY’ REPRESENTS TWO SIDES OF THE COIN

BY JEFFREY R. PICKERING

The act of giving is a gift. It is also an economic opportunity. I thought a lot about this axiom during a recent trip to Bakersfield, California to rendezvous with two of my three children who are in college on the West Coast. While there is nothing about a trip to that part of the country that

screams “spring break,” this ended up being the best destination for a family get-together that coordinated with each child’s school location and calendar this year.

This area in the southern San Joaquin Valley of Central California has been called the “Breadbasket of the World,” as it generates the bulk of Califor-

nia’s agricultural production. Grapes, citrus, milk, almonds, and pistachios are the top commodities grown in Kern County, where Bakersfield is located. When combined with all other crops, it made the county the leading agricultural producer in the United States, with approximately $8 billion in gross value last year, slightly

Welcome

Tom Mantione of the Shantz Mantione Group, Stamford, CT, now serves the Vero Beach market.

Having worked closely with his friend Andrew Shantz for almost three decades, Tom and their team are committed to helping simplify the lives of a select group of exceptional families. Serving the complex needs of ultra high net worth clients, Tom has fostered a unique perspective on wealth management that brings together the best in advanced planning and relationship management. With his experience, continued education and access to a network of experts, Tom develops solutions that are specific to the needs of each family.

Please joining us in welcoming Tom and feel free to reach out for an introduction.

Thomas Mantione, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA® has been recognized as an industry leader.

– Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, 2014, 2015, 2017 – 2019, 2021 – 2024. The Barron’s rating is awarded annually in March based on information from the prior year Q3.

– Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, 2018 – 2024. The Forbes rating is compiled by SHOOK Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12-month period ending June of the prior year.

– Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024. The Forbes rating is compiled by SHOOK Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12-month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice.

Thomas Mantione, CFP ® , CIMA®, CEPA Managing Director–Wealth Management Private Wealth Advisor 203-705-4222 thomas.mantione@ubs.com

The Shantz Mantione Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 1701 Highway A1A Vero Beach, FL 32963 203-705-4222 866-860-7266

For more information on third-party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the Certified finanCial PlannerTM certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of Investment Management Consultants Association Inc. doing business as Investments & Wealth Institute® in the United States of America and worldwide. © UBS 2024. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-908718746 Exp.: 04/30/2025 advisors.ubs.com/shantzmantione

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

Every year, Indian River County ranks as one of the most generous communities in America.

higher than the entire value of all of Florida’s agricultural products.

But even with so much economic activity, not only in agriculture, but also in the energy, logistics, and aerospace industries, there is so little economic opportunity that almost 60 percent of the population lives in poverty or just one paycheck away from it. It was starting to feel like home, back in Vero Beach and Indian River County.

While measuring a much smaller population, data from the most recent community needs assessment conducted by Indian River Community Foundation shows that almost half of Indian River County’s 66,000 households live either in poverty or one paycheck away from it. More specifically, 11 percent of local households (7,260) live below the poverty level, which is $20,440 for a family of two and $31,200 for a family of four.

Kern County, California is considered the leading agricultural producer in the United States because of the scope of its food production.

Almost three-fourths of these households are made up of single mothers with children. ALICE households, which the United Way says stands for “asset-limited, incomeconstrained, employed,” make up another 35 percent of our county’s population, with a little over 23,000 households earning just enough income to stay above the federal poverty level but not enough to afford basic necessities such as health care, nutritious food, childcare, transportation to and from work, or housing. Last year, it took a family of four at least $64,000 in household income to cover these everyday living expenses in Indian River County. No matter where you live, getting by on that amount is still a real stretch.

In places like Kern and Indian River Counties, where there is such great need, people often comment about how fortunate these communities are to have such thriving nonprofit sectors supported by extraordinarily generous giving. For example, for decades Bakersfield has ranked among the top 10 fundraisers nationwide for the

American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life. It is also home to The Wonderful Company, a privately held agribusiness that is one of the nation’s most generous corporations and a global leader in corporate social responsibility.

And what Indian River County lacks in corporate philanthropy, it more than makes up for in giving from individuals. Every year, our county ranks as one of the most generous communities in America, with household giving as a percentage of adjusted gross income nearly twice the national average.

Surprisingly, this statistic holds true at all income levels and not just in wealthy neighborhoods.

In my role as president and CEO of a local grantmaking foundation, when the topic of economic opportunity comes up, the conversation usually turns to examples in which philanthropy might help alleviate the greatest amount of human suffering by supporting proven programs that lift people out of poverty. One such example is STEP, United Against Poverty’s employment training program, which is

Colin, Olivia, Jeff, and Stephanie Pickering enjoy a recent family gathering in California.

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

“United Against

Poverty

and STEP changed my life.”

ALEX DEJESUS

funded by donations of more than $400,000 annually to assist participants to overcome barriers to employment and to secure and remain in living-wage jobs. Together with its clients, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants to help UP clients lift themselves out of poverty through proven programs like STEP.

Last year, nearly 100 people graduated from STEP, and the majority of them gained employment. Alex DeJesus, a single mother of two, is one of those success stories. After graduation, she was able to leave a minimum-wage job working 60 hours per week for one that increased her household income and supports her on a path toward

personal and professional growth.

“United Against Poverty and STEP changed my life,” DeJesus declares. Her smile shows her gratitude for the economic opportunity she has received. What about the economic opportunity on the “giving” side of the equation, however?

By all accounts, we are living in the most generous time in American history. Last year, a record of almost $500 billion was given to charity, most of which came from individual donors like you and me. In the

Bible, Acts 20:35 says, “It is better to give than to receive.”

As the children and grandchildren of baby boomers begin to experience the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, I think a lot about whether we are passing this lesson down or not.

We are about to find out. The first test will be taken by Generation X, Americans born between 1965 and 1980. As a proud member of Generation X myself, I believe it is not too late to encourage your 50-something sons or daughters to embrace the economic

opportunity of philanthropy. It will, however, take a deliberate effort to make it stick. Here are a few lessons I have learned by advising several clients at the Community Foundation on the most effective ways to pass on the habit of giving to the next generation.

Provide a vehicle, but not the map. (And definitely not the specific coordinates.) Making a modest donation to establish a donor-advised fund in your son’s or daughter’s name, which they may use to organize and carry out their own charitable giving, is a great way to do this.

Let them know that philanthropy is important to you and that you would like to provide them with the opportunity to experience the same joy that comes with giving back to a cause they believe in. Tell them why you give to specific charities, but let them choose their own charitable causes instead of restricting grants to a particular field of interest that is important only to you, such as the arts or health care.

Katy Healy and dad Sam Block learn from each other about giving back.

Ben Bailey and George Hamner Jr. carry on their family tradition of giving.

Give them examples of the characteristics you look for in a charity when donating, such as an engaged board of directors or experienced management. Try not to discredit features they may be more attracted to initially. Remember, giving typically starts with an emotional connection that is eventually reinforced by more analytical considerations.

Remind them that if they are successful in business, clients or other associated organizations are going to ask for donations. Rather than give to everyone, teach them how to politely decline a request that does not align with their charitable giving priorities. When they do pick

a cause, encourage them to be ambassadors for the organization by telling others about the impact the charity is making in the community.

United Against Poverty was founded with the idea of providing people in need of an economic opportunity a hand up, not a handout. Most of the baby boomer generation clients I work with share a similar attitude when it comes to their adult children and the financial assistance they might provide.

As someone who watched two parents work very hard, without any real financial assistance from others, to make a better life for themselves and their family, I

Dace Stubbs, center, has benefited from the philanthropy advice given by Todd

understand where this attitude comes from. While I still carry my own sense of pride for what I have accomplished personally and professionally, I recognize that I didn’t get here on my own. None of us does.

Support from family and

friends. The kindness of strangers. A lucky break or two. The joy of helping others financially or otherwise. All have led to economic opportunities, in some cases where I least expected them. You can’t put a price on that.

ALIMENTARI

CITRON BISTRO

TOMMY BAHAMA

G. MATHEOS

Fennell and Jeff Pickering.

CLASSIC CARS

At 10.6 feet long, this Honda Acty microvan is a bit less than twice the length of the bicycle—and 4 feet shorter than a VW Bus.

Micro Economics

FROM TREASURE COAST KEIS IN VERO BEACH: THE 1995 HONDA ACTY STREET RACOON

Kei-class vehicles, a lightweight category of microcars, microvans, and mini trucks, are a Japanese phenomenon. Over the past several decades, they’ve accounted for more than a third of all car sales in Japan. Maybe you’re familiar with keis, but I wasn’t until I spotted several sitting in a dealership lot on U.S. Highway 1. One of them was the 1995 Honda Acty you see here (Acty is short for “Activity”). To give you an idea of just how small this van is, a classic Volkswagen Bus is 4 feet longer and nearly a foot and a half wider.

The Japanese government created the kei category (pronounced “kay”) in 1949 to encourage car production and ownership. The goal was to create a minimally sized “people’s car” that was inexpensive, easy to operate, and useful for commuters, shoppers, and small businesses. Lower tax and insurance rates, as well as good fuel mileage, added to the cost savings. Just as important, in a country that’s slightly smaller than California but with three times as many people, kei cars would be easy to maneuver and park on Japan’s narrow, crowded roads.

JAPANESE KEI CARS

In recent decades,

a

kei-class vehicles have accounted for

third of all car sales in Japan. Daihatsu currently leads the pack, followed by Suzuki and Honda.

CLASSIC CARS

engine

In 1958, the first mass-produced kei car was introduced: the Subaru 360. Its name reflected the maximum engine size allowed, 360 cubic centimeters. The tiny four-passenger car weighed just 1,210 pounds. It could hit 59 mph, but it had to abide by a kei speed limit of 24.9 mph.

In later years, the maximum engine size for a kei was increased to 550 cubic centimeters and then to the present-day 660. The speed limit was raised as well.

Honda was cautious about expanding from motorcycles into the kei market, but that changed in 1961 when the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) proposed a bill that would limit kei production to just a few existing carmakers. Honda had already spent several years on research and development, and it wanted to ensure it was part of the conversation. Management quickly shifted into high gear, and six months later, Honda’s S360 sports car debuted. A T360 mini truck followed several months later, along with a higher-displacement sports car designed for the world market, the S500.

In the end, the MITI bill was never enacted, but Honda was off and running. The T360 and S500 went on sale in 1963, leaving the S360 behind in the prototype garage. Most of the other Japanese carmakers had similar programs, and over

The engine is accessed via a hatch behind the back seats. In lieu of seat belts, back-seat passengers can hold on to a metal bar that sits atop the front seats.

This Street Racoon has four-wheel drive and a 38-horsepower

that can produce a speed of 65 mph.

the next decade the cute little runabouts became a popular option in showrooms.

In 1977, Honda introduced its Acty microvans and mini trucks. Although originally designed for commercial use, “Street” trim versions with more creature comforts were introduced soon after. The Acty Street Racoon shown here is one.

In most of the United States, kei-class vans and trucks that are 25 years or older can be driven on public roads. However, that’s not true for kei cars, nor for recent kei vehicles of any type, which can only be used off-road after modifications.

Because of those restrictions, and an American preference for larger vehicles, kei sightings in this country are rare. It’s quite the opposite in Japan, however, where the bestselling car for the last few years has been a kei: the Honda N-Box.

Despite the vehicle’s size, there’s decent room inside, including a lot of headroom and just over 6 feet of cargo space when the back seats are

Measuring only 4.6 feet wide, the Acty Street Racoon is more than 10 inches narrower than a Smart car!

folded down.

ESCAPE

Luxury without Limits

DIVE INTO THE WORLD’S FOREMOST INCARNATION OF ALLINCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AT KUDADOO MALDIVES PRIVATE ISLAND

BY PAUL RUBIO

If you’ve traveled to the world’s finest resorts and think you’ve seen the best hospitality has to offer, think again. Ensconced among the 35,000 square miles of ocean blues comprising Asia’s smallest country, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is the ultimate, next-generation, ultra-luxe overwater fantasy, brought to life by meticulous eco-chic design, a sublime location, over-the-top amenities, and an unparalleled “anything, anytime, anywhere” policy in which nothing is off limits or costs extra.

The 15-residence, Yuji Yamazaki–designed property in the Lhaviyani Atoll is a study

in sustainable, contemporary Japanese elegance. At Kudadoo’s core lies The Retreat, a bi-level, open-air pagoda crowned by 989 solar panels that power the resort in its entirety. Cross-ocean breezes cool the bold yet understated structure, which, ironically, houses the most overstated of enticements, including a world-class wine and cheese cellar, an ocean-fronting international restaurant (catering to all dietary preferences), a sleek live music lounge, an infinity-edge swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a world-class spa.

Yamazaki’s architectural prowess is further evidenced in

each of the 15 ryokan-inspired floating residences, which begin at 3,300 square feet. The wood-framed villas are bordered by overlapping latticestyle screens on three sides, while the fourth is marked by retractable glass doors that bring the outdoors in. Within this transitional space is an expansive, tiered sundeck that optimizes the Maldivian magic through the likes of a private infinity pool, a glass-bottom dining area, swinging daybeds, and a ladder that ends in the sparkling turquoise waters exploding with marine life.

Kudadoo’s light-on-earth build is trailblazing, but its “anything, anytime, anywhere”

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island boasts 15 ryokan-inspired overwater residences.

DESTINATIONS

(AAA) philosophy, in which all experiences are bundled into a single nightly rate, is even more so. This unique concept allows guests to fulfill their sun-kissed bucket-list desires in every and any way imaginable. At first, it’s a bit difficult to fully grasp the breadth of this too-good-to-be-true AAA policy, but a few simple examples elicit indication, starting with something as simple as breakfast.

You could head to The Retreat for a traditional morning meal overlooking the water, feasting on items from the 21-page menu, which opens with a choice of 24 seasonal

fruits—from the familiar to the exotic— mixed, matched, and plated to your liking. (The menu then moves on to fresh juices and smoothies, egg-forward creations, superfood-driven delights, and healthy pan-Asian specialties, among others.) But why “settle” for this restaurant reverie when it’s possible to attain even wilder tropical dreams? Instead, request a decadent, Instagram-worthy floating breakfast in your infinity pool, indulge in a Champagne castaway breakfast marooned on a massive sandbar (dubbed Dream Island), or go healthy with a vegan detox brunch on the beach. Almost any dish you desire is fair game—with that 21-page digital breakfast menu as a guide—as are the libations, the location, and the time. Come lunch and dinner, repeat similar exercises in epicurean extravagance.

Beyond meals, plan languid or actionpacked days based on endless island activities, all of which are private and included. Consider immersing in the open ocean alongside a marine biologist in search of the Maldives’ majestic giant mantas, followed by guided (or solo) snorkeling above the vibrant reef that frames Kudadoo island. Treat yourself to endless hours of massage and beauty treatments in the Sulha Spa, which has the first and only Himalayan salt room in the Maldives, a sprawling steam room embellished with twinkling lights, a Finnish sauna, a colossal gym, and two overwater treatment rooms.

Above: Interior of an island residence Right: Aerial view of Kudadoo island

Above: Outdoor amenities include a private pool in each residence. Below: The Himalayan salt room

Continue the wellness theme with private fitness training, boxing, or vinyasa, hatha, or aerial yoga sessions, courtesy of a resident team of spa therapists, personal trainers, yoga instructors, and meditation gurus who are at your beck and call—at no extra charge.

If water sports are more your speed, take the house Jet Skis out for a spin or try your hand at flyboarding. Keep the adrenaline levels up by playing a bit of paddle tennis with a pro. As a break from the tropical heat, engage in an educational wine and cheese tasting in The Retreat cellar, where six Champagnes and 80 wines from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list are readily available as endless pours.

Discover a few wines you like? Keep a stock in the wine fridge in your residence (again, at no extra charge). In all cases, activities, experiences, and meals are flawlessly executed thanks to a dedicated private butler, whose sole job is to deliver your perfect stay in paradise.

Across the Maldives, tropical splendor shines at its finest with the softest sand imaginable, dense coconut forests, and an unequivocal

water world brushstroked by infinite shades of blue. It’s no surprise that the world’s most remarkable resorts have materialized across this small island nation. However, even those who have previously experienced Earth’s foremost resorts—whether in the Maldives or elsewhere—will find Kudadoo the ultimate castaway fairy tale, where a boundless narrative on tropical luxury is yours to write. (kudadoo.com)

Brown

Above left: Romantic dinners on the beach are part of the inclusive experience. Above: Kudadoo’s Keyolhu Restaurant offers panoramic waterfront views.

DESIGN

Hung Up on Closets

HOMELY, OUT-OF-THE-WAY CLOTHING STORAGE? NOT ANYMORE!

BY VALERIE CRUICE

t’s ironic.

I SPACES

The word “closet” is derived from a Middle English word, which in turn comes from the Anglo-French word “closett”—a small private room or enclosure—which ultimately traces back to the Latin verb “claudere,” meaning to shut or close.

Today, the closet stars in movies such as Clueless and Sex and the City, on Instagram, and in voyeuristic television shows such as Cribs and The Kardashians. Closets, it seems, have come out of the closet.

The clothes closet has evolved from our ancestors storing their two outfits in trunks, baskets, cabinets, and armoires (for armor and weapons alongside your doublet), to two-story clothing cathedrals rivaling the chicest fashion boutiques, where one’s prized possessions are exhibited, displayed, revered, and elevated for all the world to see.

American closets were not officially designated as such until an 1870s ad for the new Dakota apartment building in New York City touted them

as a must-have amenity. As clothing became more affordable, designated spaces to hold it became standard in both grand and modest homes alike. By the 1950s, closets were as ubiquitous as bobby socks. A wooden rod, maybe a shelf above, possibly a built-in shoe rack—that was luxury.

David Lyons, VP of Croom Construction Company, has noticed two big trends in primary suite closets. “At the very highest luxury end, clients are opting for custom-built cabinets from a custom shop,” he says. “For years we would build closet shelving and drawers right on-site. People are having millwork companies build their closets. It’s going to another level.”

Secondly, he says, the closet manufacturers have upped their game. “For years you were always going to get white cabinetry; that’s changed. With the advancement of man-made products that resemble natural products, it makes the closets look very custom.” Lyons says his team does a lot of LED lighting under the rods, which illumi-

nates the clothes from above. They also do many islands, which, besides offering storage, act as packing tables. But there’s more.

“Every closet we do has some kind of dresser component with drawers,” he adds. “It used to be a luxury. We’re seeing built-in dressers in all the guest closets as well.”

Of course, the unsung heroes behind the hangers are the architects, who used to just designate “closet” on the blueprints. Not anymore. “It’s gone to this other level with more elaborate designs that the architects have to draw,” Lyons says.

They need to know how their clients live, while incorporating the attendant bells and whistles: biometric safes and jewelry drawers; watch rewinding; charging ports; revolving shirt racks; mirrors; dry-cleaning capabilities; concealed ironing boards; glass-doored, illuminated shoe or purse cabinets; retractable rods; and sunglass drawers.

Kimberlee Marcil-Wieleba, a former psychotherapist, and her husband, Mark, opened

Closet cabinetry was once predictably white, but nowadays custom options abound.

The closet island not only adds storage space, it functions as a packing table.

and right: These chandeliers, integrated

at the

time being

Inspired Closets in Vero Beach in 2019 and frequently hear this request: “I want a Kardashian closet.” That would look like a large room with floor-based cabinetry in the company’s “Houghton” white oak “wood” finish, with in-cabinet lights, pullout mirrors, an island, a tuffet, a chandelier, and every accessory imaginable.

“A lot of women want white so they can use their bags and shoes as pop-up color,” MarcilWieleba says. Reach-in closets start around $2,500, walk-ins start around $10,000 to $12,000, and the Kardashian-style

boutique temple-to-your-togs will run anywhere from $20,000 up. “I believe as a therapist that having a place for everything makes your life less chaotic. I had clients because their houses were such a mess,” she says.

Once your shoe shrine is installed, be sure to pick up some nicely scented shoe inserts, tuck lavender sachets into the drawers, or splurge on Diptyque closet fragrances. Your dress destination may not look like a closet, but no matter how good the millwork or flattering the lighting, it shouldn’t smell like there’s a skeleton in there.

Above

into the design by Leah Muller, show that lighting can be useful while

same

a work of art. Below: Sandra Morgan uses a circular light fixture to bring a modern but warm feel above a circular table.

With Inspired Closets’ boutique designs, the sky’s the limit. Projects can take up to five days and exceed $20,000, but the result is a dream closet.

HORTICULTURE

Weathering the Storm

IT’S TIME TO PREPARE OUR YARDS FOR HURRICANE SEASON

BY NICKIE MUNROE

For almost 30 years, my brothers and I prayed to experience a hurricane. You would think our streak could not have possibly been that long, since we traveled between two Caribbean islands and lived in Florida, but alas, we missed the notorious Gilbert and devastating Andrew by a matter of days. In 2004, after several near misses, we were granted our wish by the indomitable Hurricane Ivan. Arriving as a Category 5, he sat over Grand Cayman for 36 punishing hours. The reality of experiencing a hurricane showed me that preparation is about before, during, and after the storm, and this includes the landscape.

June begins the season when weekly surveys of your landscape are most impor-

tant. Regular forays will help you troubleshoot your hurricane preparedness plan. Early in the mornings, I dedicate my little stroll to rotating sides of my landscape. It helps me to linger long enough in one space to perform a proper assessment of the area.

Large trees proximate to my house receive my most studious gaze. I look at the limbs and branches. Are they over my building already? Is their health compromised? All things that could damage my home or a neighbor’s need to be pruned before a hurricane or other strong summer storm does the job for me. The process for palm trees is the same. The “hurricane cut” is not the best practice and will compromise the health and resilience of

Pruning trees of dead limbs, fronds, and fruit long before a storm threatens is important.

the tree. Prune for safety and health by removing fruit and completely dead (browned) fronds. Weekly scouting is the best way to stay ahead of any structural issues.

Loose objects need to be secured. For practicality’s sake, I move things I can carry into sheltered spaces. If I cannot move the item, I figure the wind would have to be pretty strong—in which case I have bigger issues. Scan your trees and hard structures for hanging planters. Last year, I secured a basket of orchids to

the tree with a bungee cord. Baskets on the deck were nestled in nearby shrubbery. Outdoor furniture is stowed away or tethered. If you have a pet with outdoor housing, try to ensure that its home is anchored. Pay attention to whether this pet will need to be temporarily housed in a sturdier, drier structure. Observe your landscape during a heavy rain event. Look at the areas where water settles for more than 24 hours. This is the space with the most potential for flooding during

a hurricane. Make a plan that either addresses the drainage issue or allows you to avoid these areas for a few days.

June is the month when we begin to cling to every cooling thing: air-conditioning, iced drinks, and dreams of the Arctic. Walk your landscape, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and take note of each section

so you can plan how each area will be managed. July will soon be here with all its bombast and pleasing rain. Why not use it to our advantage—palm trees anyone?

Nickie Munroe is an environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Indian River County Extension

Outdoor plants and furniture should be secured before a storm.

Muscle Matters

WANT TO BURN MORE CALORIES, LOSE FAT, AND DEVELOP A LEAN, TONED BODY? PUMP IT UP!

BY RENÁE TESAURO

It may seem counterintuitive, but the path to losing weight involves lifting weight.

“If you want to lose weight, get o the treadmill and start lifting weights,” advises personal trainer Lori Long, who owns Grow Strong Fitness on Old Dixie Highway. “People tend to focus too much on cardio and the scale. e scale only tells you how much you

weigh, not what you’re made of. When people skip meals and starve themselves, their body eats its own muscle to survive. at’s like destroying your body’s engine.”

Research shows that torching calories is not all about cardio moves. Here’s why: our bodies burn calories all day just to keep us alive. is constant calorie burn is called the basal metabolic rate. Just

as no two people are alike, no two metabolic rates are alike. Our metabolic rates are in uenced by age, sex, height, weight, genetics, and our ratio of muscle to fat. When we exercise, we may burn more calories, but we don’t change our basal metabolic rate.

One simple way to increase our metabolic rate is to build more muscle. Lean muscle requires more energy—or

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“Make strength training a priority.”

– RACHEL POLICH

calories—from our bodies, even at rest. at’s why strength training can help us lose and manage weight. A 2017 study found that dieters who did strength training four times a week for 18 months lost more body fat (18 pounds) than dieters who didn’t exer-

cise (10 pounds) and those who did only aerobic exercise (16 pounds).

If looking t and trim isn’t reason enough to get you pumped, consider this: research shows that strength training can help you live

Above: Personal trainer Lori Long advocates for strength training more than treadmill work for weight loss. Le : Nurse practitioner Rachel Polich helps her patients understand the benefits of learning their body composition.

longer and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis as well as breast, endometrial, and prostate cancers. It can reduce in ammation and depression, and it has been found to improve bone

density, strength, balance, posture, sleep, blood pressure, cognitive function, and selfesteem.

Strength training is even more important as we age, because after 30 we begin losing roughly 3 to 5 percent of muscle mass per decade. By age 80, some people may have lost up to 50 percent of their muscle. Age-related muscle loss may contribute to an increased risk of falls and fractures, limited mobility, and a lower quality of life.

Like many women, 65-yearold Cathy has been active throughout her life, even entering bodybuilding competitions in her 20s. But, over the years, the pounds crept up along with her birthdays, and she felt tired, sluggish, and out of sorts with her body. She visited the Regenerative Biologics and Age Management Institute in Vero Beach with the goal of losing weight and optimizing her overall health. Under the guidance of nurse practitioner

Rachel Polich, Cathy took a deep dive into understanding what was impeding her e orts to shed pounds and regain her energy level.

During her initial visit, weighing 152 pounds at a height of 5 feet, 3 inches, she learned that her small frame was composed of 32 percent body fat and 56 pounds of skeletal muscle mass. Subsequent blood work revealed that she could bene t from thyroid hormone supplementation, B12 and other essential vitamins, and a glucogen-like peptide (GLP-1) to combat insulin resistance.

While following the therapeutic regimen Polich prescribed, Cathy diligently continued spinning, walking, weight training, and eating healthier. After six months, her weight and body composition analysis revealed that she had shed 40 pounds and reduced her body fat to 21 percent—while maintaining nearly 50 pounds of skeletal

mass. “I can run on the treadmill for 20 minutes without feeling winded. I feel stronger and I have more energy,” says Cathy, who has regained some of the muscle definition she had as a 26-year-old bodybuilder.

“One of the biggest risks of GLP-1 injections, which are very popular right now, is the muscle wasting that can accompany rapid weight loss,” says Polich. Losing muscle, she points out, slows metabolism and calorie burn, resulting in the exact opposite of the desired result.

“I advise my patients to make strength training a priority in addition to good nutrition.” Polich continues.

“ anks to her exercise program, Cathy was able to preserve her muscle mass while decreasing her percentage of body fat, which will fuel her metabolism and lead to improved long-term metabolic health.”

“Societally, we—especially women—focus entirely too much on our weight,” Polich observes. “If we want to strive for our best body, we must shift our focus away from the scale and understand body composition. Lean body mass is key. It di ers for men and women because women naturally need a slightly higher bodyfat percentage to maintain hormonal health, but we

often are remiss in harnessing the bene ts of increasing our skeletal muscle mass.”

“Your waist-to-hip ratio is another simple way to assess excess body fat,” says Long. It is calculated by measuring the widest part of the waist and dividing that by the measurement taken at the widest part of the hip. Scores greater than 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women are indicative of excess weight around the waist and could be predictors of heart disease or diabetes.

For most of us, cardio comes naturally and can be as easy as getting on a treadmill. Strength training, on the other hand, is intimidating

TCHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY KIND OF STRENGTH-TRAINING ROUTINE. THEN ENLIST A WELL-QUALIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER, WHO CAN HELP SET UP A DETAILED PROGRAM AND SUPERVISE YOUR INITIAL WORKOUTS TO ENSURE YOU PERFORM THEM SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY.

for some people because it can take many forms and incorporate different tools, such as bands, machines, free weights, or one’s own body weight.

Many experts advocate progressive resistance training (PRT) to constantly challenge muscle development and avoid plateaus that impede progress. With this method, you improve strength and endurance by gradually increasing weight, reps, and sets. Polich, who incorporates a mix of power, endurance, and agility styles of strength training into her own fitness program, is a proponent of “time under tension.” With this method of lifting, you perform exercises such as biceps curls, squats, push-ups, and dead lifts with slow, intentional movements, exposing the muscles to more time under tension. “I encourage people to approach strength training with caution and curiosity,” she says. “Start with light

weights and increase slowly. If a style of strength training does not give you the results you prefer, don’t think of it as failure; realize it is a journey and explore something else! Have fun!”

Before you pick up a dumbbell, it’s helpful to understand the basics of muscle development. The human body includes more than 600 muscles, each composed of thousands of fibers working together to keep you and your organs moving. Muscle tissue contains proteins that store and release energy. Thus, the key to building muscle is protein synthesis and cellular repair.

Resistance training places added stress on muscles, causing microtears in the muscle fibers. This damage stimulates the body to rush in with a repair response, resulting in an increase in muscle size and stored energy. The repair response occurs 24 to 48 hours after resistance training,

Benefits of Strength Training

Preserves and enhances muscle mass

Increases metabolism and helps burn more calories at rest

Helps long-term weight control

which means that what you eat and how much you rest following a workout are key factors in determining how effectively you build muscle. Age, gender, and genetics also play a role. Men, for instance, can build bigger, stronger muscles because they have more testosterone than women.

“You can’t build muscle if you’re eating Cheetos and ice cream,” says Long. “To build muscle, we need to feed muscle with plenty of protein. What you eat should come from a tree or the ground, not out of a bag with 20 different ingredients.”

Sticking to the Mediterranean Diet at least 80 percent of the time is best, she says, because it incorporates lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, healthy fats, and dairy products. For an extra boost, add protein powder to shakes, oatmeal, or yogurt. This may be especially beneficial for men, who typically experience a

Strengthens bones and reduces risk of osteoporosis

Improves balance and reduces risk of falls

Improves lipid profile and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

Improves blood sugar levels

Reduces pain and stiffness associated with arthritis

Improves mood and selfesteem

decreased ability to synthesize protein as they age.

Exercise, diet, sleep, and stress reduction are all essential components of what Long calls the life-fitness balance.

“I have very fit, energetic, mentally sharp 97-year-old clients, one of whom likes to say, ‘Treat your body as if it were the last vehicle you’ll ever own. Keep it out of the sun and give it regular tune-ups.’” Just don’t forget to make “vroom” for strength training!

It’s important to include lean protein in your diet when trying to build muscle mass.

Family Secrets

KATE MORTON’S FIFTH NOVEL WEAVES A TALE OF DISAPPEARANCE, DECEIT, AND DRAMA

BY ELIZABETH LEONARD OF THE VERO BEACH BOOK CENTER

THE LAKE HOUSE

by Kate Morton Atria Books, 2015

In the summer of 1933, on a remote estate in Cornwall, a child is abducted during a party hosted by the Edevane family. No trace of him is ever found. Unable to continue with life in their home, the Edevanes leave “Loeanneth,” or the “Lake House,” and it remains abandoned and neglected for the next 70 years.

Fast-forward to 2003, and Detective Sadie Sparrow, out for a jog while on a four-week leave from her high-stress career, stumbles upon the dilapidated estate and is immediately intrigued. Forgetting all about her mandatory break from the police force after a particularly tragic case shook her, she begins her own investigation into the past. Sparrow discovers that one of the Edevane children, Alice, is still alive.

Alice is drawn back into the past after receiving a letter from Sparrow, and layers of family secrets that had remained hidden for decades come to light. An accomplished mystery writer, Alice Edevane realizes that her own family itself is a mystery. The relatives and friends she thought she knew everything about had secrets that all inadvertently contributed to the tragedy on that warm summer night.

The lingering melancholy of post–World War I England sets the perfect stage for a dramatic mystery with twists and surprises that will keep you guessing until that last page (and possibly leaving work a tad early to get home to read—sorry Chad). Atmospheric and suspenseful, The Lake House is one of those stories that is a perfect pairing with a cozy blanket, candlelight, and a glass of wine on a rainy night.

STAFF PICKS

AFTER ANNIE by

Anna Quindlen

When Annie, a mother, wife, and best friend, dies, everyone connected to her is left to move forward without her. Ultimately, it’s Annie who saves them all with the clear and hopeful voice she’s left behind.

SKYWAY by

Bill DeYoung

In the wake of Baltimore’s Key Bridge disaster, readers may wish to revisit Florida’s worst bridge tragedy: the 1980 collapse of Tampa Bay’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge after it was struck by the MV Summit Venture.

Adesola

Getting in Touch

DOGS HAVE THEIR PERSONAL PREFERENCES WHEN IT COMES TO PETTING

BY AMY ROBINSON

eople are a touchy lot— reaching, grasping, and feeling things that we are attracted to. Imagine being in a store with luxurious clothing or home goods. We feel fabric, heft decor items, and root around in purses to see how much of our stuff we can put in there. When it comes to our beloved canine friends, who

can resist reaching out to show appreciation for their presence in our lives? We can and should interact fondly with dogs we meet. It is good for us and for them, even if our method of approach isn’t always what the dog would wish for. Our language of love is not the same as theirs, but we can learn to convey a positive message. When we meet a person for

the first time, a handshake may be in order. Reach midway and wait for the other person to extend his or her hand into that middle space for the ritual greeting. You rarely see someone grab the other person’s hand when it is still at their side and then pump as if calling up well water. Reaching gently into the neutral zone is a good rule of thumb for greeting dogs, too.

The dog’s reaction will vary greatly, from regal disdain all the way to overjoyed jumping and licking. Often, the dog will give you a sign that it is open to petting. Soft eye contact, a wagging tail, and an approach to sniff your outstretched hand are all good indicators that your touch is welcome.

Sometimes, we don’t give the sniffing opportunity its due because we can’t wait to get our hands on the dog, but sniffing reveals information: where you have been, what other dogs you may have been with, your mood and state of health—and that is just the start. Withdrawing your hand too quickly and then trying to pet the top of the dog’s head usually results in a quick retreat.

Stacy Gradel, founder and lead therapist of South Paw Massage and Wellness in Vero Beach, believes in building trust before laying hands on a client’s dog. “To initiate touch, I will take a gentle and respectful approach,” she says. Even before her massage begins, Gradel is making a visual assessment: is the dog happy

to greet her or cautiously peeking out from behind the owner? Then, she will ask the owner’s permission to touch the dog, who is also observing the human interaction and can see that Gradel is deferring to the owner. “Respecting the owner’s authority helps the dog feel safe,” she explains. “I’ll move slowly and calmly, minimizing eye contact and staying relaxed. It takes time to build trust, so if the dog seems hesitant, I give him some space.”

The massage starts slowly, so Gradel can observe what the dog likes or doesn’t like. “I would begin with gentle strokes or light petting in areas where the dog typically enjoys being touched, such as the shoulders or back,” she says. Depending on what she observes, pressure will slowly increase. “Signs they aren’t loving the technique include licking lips, stiffening body, or just leaning away from the touch.” Conversely, Gradel has seen very definite indications that the dog never wants it to stop. “Some dogs talk during the massage, just like people.

“Cathy did an amazing job finding us the perfect home for our family. Her local knowledge and market expertise really helped make this experience a pleasurable one. We would highly recommend anyone looking in the Vero Beach area to consult with Cathy first. “ -Connecticut Buyer

REALTOR®

Ask Amy

amy@verobeachmagazine.com

I want to give my dog some more outside time, but we don’t have much backyard grass due to the pool. She gets a couple of short walks per day, and, in addition to that, I take her out on leash to relieve herself several times. For a 9-year-old dog, Lady definitely has a lot of energy. How can I exercise her more without pounding the pavement?

– Kathy in Vero Beach

It is great that you are thinking about this, since being outside is every dog’s desire. I encourage you to add a little time to each walk while you vary the route. A change of scene is enriching for the brain and the body. You might even ask a neighbor with a friendly dog to go with you, because when dogs share a positive experience, it is amplified. To enjoy outside time when you aren’t walking, sit on the pool deck or the front porch with her. Just sniffing the air and listening to the birds is a very satisfying activity. It looks like nothing is happening, but Lady’s senses are busy assessing all that is going on in the neighborhood. You may not be able to read her mind, but the happy expression on her face will tell the tale.

My 11-month-old Dalmatian is a busy boy. I have been crating him when I am showering or working in the garage, because he will put his paws up on my desk and steal things; plus, he nibbles at the corners of area rugs and even went under our bed and chewed the bottom of the box spring. I know Panda is past teething, since he has all of his adult teeth. Is this behavior something I should worry about?

– Bob in West Palm Beach

Welcome to the naughty teenager stage, which comes after teething and before full adult maturity. Even though Panda is past teething, my training clients report that their dogs go through a chewing phase around the age of 1 year. This can be maddening, since dogs are generally housetrained by now and you’d like to give them more freedom in the house, but, as you say, Panda likes to stay busy. Try giving him a job to do before you step into the garage. Take a cardboard box and put a couple of toys in the bottom. Then, pack it with brown paper, toss a couple of treats inside, and close it up. He will work on this intriguing puzzle while ripping up the paper and chewing on the box before getting to the good stuff.

TRUE TAILS

Their version of ‘Yes, that’s the spot’ can be a dramatic sigh, contended moaning, or they may just fall asleep,” she laughs. “The snoring gives them away.”

There is an art to petting one’s own dog that is solely self-taught. Each dog is an individual, and no one knows your dog better, but our handsy tendencies aren’t always in line with what the dog likes. Some owners, thrilled with a milestone accomplishment or just a simple sit and stay might reward their dog by grabbing his furry head with both hands and planting a kiss between his eyes. For most dogs, this is the opposite of a reward. Note the dog’s body language when this is happening. He may lean back and screw up his face as if he just bit into a lemon, bracing himself for the affectionate onslaught. He knows you mean well, but it’s not his favorite way to be praised. It is entirely possible, however, that your particular dog actually loves this approach.

To find out, try an experiment. Start toward your dog, then praise him and bend over

with your two hands cupped, but stop a foot short of grabbing his head. Does he move toward your hands or retreat? Is he making eye contact and wagging his tail or leaning back? Now try this: turn sideways and extend a hand as you praise the dog. If he rushes to you, this is a green light to pet him as much as you both like. Without overthinking the whole petting process, try to balance what you want with

“Some dogs talk during the massage, just like people.”

STACY GRADEL

MORE, PLEASE!

CERTIFIED CANINE MASSAGE THERAPIST

GO LIGHTLY: “To promote relaxation, use just your fingertips to lightly stroke from head to tail in the direction the fur grows.” These long, slow touches should send your dog into dreamland.

ROUND AND ROUND: “Using very light pressure, make small circular motions with your fingertips. Concentrate on the shoulders, back, and back toward the base of the tail.” Avoid hard pressure, which can be uncomfortable to the dog.

EFFLEURAGE: This is a French term for a gentle, gliding stroke commonly used in massage therapy. “To perform effleurage on your dog, use the palm of your hand to make long, smooth strokes along their body.” Try doing this down the dog’s side from shoulder to hip as your dog is standing. If he leans in, you have him in the palm of your hand.

what the dog wants. It may be fun for us to scoop up a small dog and bury our faces in that soft fur, but it is frankly alarming to the little guy. Some kind words and light touch will be appreciated. Timing matters, too. If your dog is chasing a ball with real gusto and brings it back to drop it at your feet, he is not looking for congratulatory petting. Sure, you are delighted that he likes to retrieve and want to reward that, but petting is out of context here. Toss the ball, which is what he most wants in this moment, and save the petting for when he is done.

Once we understand what kind of touch works and when, our dogs will beg for more.

Each dog tends to have a petting preference.

Dogs can invite or discourage petting with their body language.

STACY GRADEL TELLS US HOW TO FIND THE SWEET SPOT.

Made in W

VERO BEACH

Jake Owen always comes back—and gives back—to his hometown

By Heather O’Shea

hen it comes to hometown celebrities, you don’t get to pick and choose. If you did, you might look for someone who loves this town and epitomizes the things that make it special. Like 232 days of sunshine a year, or the fact that ocean waves roll in from the east while cattle lean against the sunset. You would want someone with the courage to compete with the big boys and a big heart for helping others. Finally, if you were fortunate enough to nd just that person, you might want him to have a big voice, so he could sing the praises of the town you love.

from left: Owen has recorded multiple music videos in the area, including “On the Boat Again”; his Flamingo fundraising weekend in December included his Fishing Classic in the Indian River Lagoon, Songwriter Splash at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, Golf Classic at Quail Valley, and Candy Cane 3K.

Clockwise

“This town, there’s just a million different things you can do.”

— JAKE OWEN

Lucky for Vero Beach, country music singer Jake Owen, whose seventh studio album, Loose Cannon, was released in 2023, fits the bill like a favorite pair of blue jeans. With his confidence to dream big and his desire to give back, Owen gives voice to some of the things

we love best about 27.63 north by 80.39 west. He throws in a healthy dose of gratitude and a little nostalgia for the people and place that made him who he is.

Let’s start with the big voice and the sunshine. Owen, who taught himself to play guitar when an injury sidelined his

plan to become a professional golfer, rolled into Nashville in 2003 with big dreams in his gas tank and a few months rent in his pocket. By 2006 those dreams were well on their way to coming true when he released his first album, Startin’ with Me. Since then, his sun-drenched music has found good company atop Billboard’s Hot 100, with three No. 1 singles topping the Hot Country chart.

Long before last summer’s Hollywood blockbuster turned “beach” into a verb (and a job for Barbie’s sidekick, Ken), Jake Owen was “just beachin.’” In other words, he was “strollin,’ chillin,’ breezin,’ sippin,’” and “singin’” with “sunshine, blue eyes, tan lines,” and “rolling white sand.” His music celebrates summertime and the outdoor beach town life he reveled in as a child. He has filmed several music videos here, including one for “American Country Love Song” at Riverside Café and Vero Beach High School and, more recently, “On the Boat Again” on the waters of Fort Pierce.

Owen’s love for his hometown doesn’t stop at the high

tide line. “I was into everything as a kid,” he says. “This town, there’s just a million different things you can do.” He rattles off a few, including fishing, playing sports, surfing, hunting, and riding four-wheelers west of town. He attended Beachland Elementary and Gifford Middle before graduating from Vero Beach High School. “I’ve been really fortunate to grow up all over this town, not just in part of it,” he says. “When I was 5 years old, we lived on the barrier island, on Painted Bunting [Lane]. And by the time I graduated high school I was on 16th Street off 43rd Avenue. “So,” he concludes, “I was really immersed in a lot of the different cultures that make Vero Vero.”

He was disappointed when he had to let go of his first dream, but, he says, “I still had the fire in me to be successful in something that I loved.” He picked up a guitar, found success playing local gigs, and knew exactly what he needed to do next. In a conversation with Nashville DJ and friend Bobby Bones, Owen reflects on the confidence behind his decision

As seen on the bottom right of the opposite page, the

The annual Flamingo Golf Classic was held at Quail Valley Golf Club.

event hosted celebrities Darius Rucker, radio host Bobby Bones, and his producer, Eddie Garcia.

to drop out of college and head to Nashville. “I don’t know who that guy was,” he says. “That guy didn’t ask himself any questions.”

He might not know who that guy was, but he knows exactly where he came from. Owen credits growing up in Vero Beach with twin brother Jarrod and a core group of childhood friends for sparking his competitive drive. “You’re constantly pushing each other to be better at whatever it is you’re doing. We were all really pushing each other as kids to be the best we could be.” It didn’t hurt that tennis phenom Mardy Fish, who launched his successful career before finishing high school, was (and still is) one of those close friends. “If Mardy did it,” he says, “what can I do?”

In true Vero Beach fashion, it didn’t take long before Owen’s success led him to want to give back. “I was really blessed, and I think that’s what gave me morals and understanding and values,” he says. He created the Jake Owen Foundation in 2010, initially inspired by the Country Cares program to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Today, the foundation’s mission is “helping people in the places they call home.” It’s raised more than $3 million to do just that.

This past December, Owen’s annual fundraising festival in Vero Beach showcased the breadth of his connection to his hometown. It included a concert at Corporate Air, a comedy show at Riverside Theatre, a fun run at American Icon Brewery, a “songwriter splash” at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, a golf tournament at Quail Valley, and a fishing tournament at Riverside Café. “I’m good at bringing people together,” Owen says. “That’s what I do for a living. So if I can do that every night and make people happy, why can’t I bring all kinds of different people together and do that for good?”

The list of local nonprofits that have benefited is long. As Owen says, “We’ve helped everyone from Autism Speaks to Habitat for Humanity to Boys & Girls Club.” Hibiscus Children’s Center, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, and Children’s Home Society of Florida are just a few of the other local organizations that

belong on the list. “When I had the opportunity to have a voice,” Owen says, “I thought, ‘Let’s do some good with that.’”

If you’re a beach town that takes “town” as seriously as “beach,” you might also hope for a hometown celebrity who can bring a little gravitas to the game, someone who can shake the sand off his feet and get serious when the moment calls for it. What Owen most likes to do when he comes home is “just drive down the streets I grew up on.” He reflects, “It makes me remember those moments when it felt like life wasn’t so important. The biggest joy I get out of coming home is that it allows me to slow down and see the people that fulfill my heart.”

The singer who brought us “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” the title track of his third album, was “never gonna grow up, never gonna slow down.” Jake Owen is just a tiny bit north of 40 these days. His next goal? “I definitely would like to be a really great dad” he says. “I think I’m a good dad, but I’d like to be a great one.”

As hometown celebrities go, Jake Owen will do just fine.

The Flamingo Jam was held in the Corporate Air hangar at Vero Beach Regional Airport and featured performances by Jake Owen, left, and Darius Rucker, right.

“The biggest joy I get out of coming home is that it allows me to slow down and see the people that fulfill my heart.”

— JAKE OWEN

HOMETOWN LOVE

Are you eager to try some new activities? Pretend you’re a tourist!

BY KELLY ROGERS AND TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

It’s easy to fall into a recreational rut; we find certain local interests we enjoy, and eventually we may stop noticing all the available options for fun and interesting ways to spend our time. We, the editors of Vero Beach Magazine, who have each lived in Vero for well over 40 years, do the same thing. So we decided to sit down and look at our hometown with fresh eyes, the eyes of a visitor open to new experiences. So come along for the ride with us and have some fun!

This place is a Zoo!

How about a good old-fashioned (or not) day at the zoo? Our neighboring county to the north has a zoo, and, if you haven’t been to one in a while, it may surprise you. In addition to the homey, open-air habitats housing more than 900 animals representing 195 species, Brevard Zoo offers many exciting activities, informative talks, and encounter experiences. Check out Bear Necessities, Monkeying Around, Rainforest Revealed, Gator Chat, and Breakfast with Bigfoot; or try your hand at feeding the gentle giraffes and kangaroos (don’t be intimidated by the fact that a group of kangaroos is called a “mob”!). Maybe you’ll also want to hop onto a zip line, canopy walk, kayak tour, or the Cape to Cairo Express. Several new babies have been born over the past few months, and a major renovation of Expedition Africa is underway. brevardzoo.org

There’s something for all levels of adventurers at Brevard Zoo, from feeding baby kangaroos to taking a stroll above the habitats with a canopy walk.

KELLY ROGERS

Here Comes The Sun

We’re aware that the sun pops up over the Atlantic horizon every morning sometime between 6:30 and 7:30, depending on the time of year, but some of us rarely make time to enjoy this majestic spectacle. If you haven’t done it in a while, catch a sunrise at the beach as if you don’t have the opportunity to do it every day. Pack a picnic breakfast; bring your camera or sketch pad; do some exercises, yoga, or tai-chi; spend some time in prayer, meditation, or reflection; or just sit and watch the colors unfold.

Riverside Theatre hosts a variety of bands for its free concert series, Live in the Loop.

Outside the Box

There’s something rejuvenating about live music, especially if it is experienced outdoors. Riverside Theatre offers its Live in the Loop concerts most Friday and Saturday nights year-round. Each month from September to April, the Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park present Night Sounds concerts at the park’s pavilions. Once a month from November to April, the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts a band for Sunset Saturdays at Humiston Park. These events all feature Florida-based bands. Around February and March, Vero Beach Museum of Art hosts two concerts, usually jazz, in its sculpture park. If an outdoor concert isn’t adventurous enough for you, how about trying a performance that is outside your usual tastes? Operas, symphonies, ballets, choral presentations, rock concerts, and musicals are all here to sprinkle the spice of variety into our lives. riversidetheatre.com, friendsof sebastianinletstatepark.org, verochamber.com, vbmuseum.org

Left: Princess Fergie stops for a rest after greeting visitors. Right: Billy Bob watches over the farm.

Animal MAGNETISM

There’s nothing like the quirky innocence of animals to bring a smile to your face. LaPorte Farms in Sebastian is a 5-acre petting farm where guests can meet dozens of critters of all kinds, such as Elmo the emu, Skippy the kangaroo, Moondance the llama, assorted horses, lemurs, colorful birds, and, the newest addition to the family, Princess Fergie the baby camel. Purchase species-appropriate treats and feed them to the animals, watch your little ones take pony rides, enjoy the antics of the goats, or sit on a shaded bench and listen to the sounds of the farm. All ages are welcome, and admission is by donation. laportefarms.com

Hide & beak

Birding can seem like an arcane hobby requiring lots of study, travel, and endless hours in the woods with binoculars. But a major commitment is not required for an engaging experience. The Pelican Island Audubon Society, based in Vero Beach, leads field trips. Or you might strike out on your own in search of a Florida scrub jay, the only bird species that makes its home in Florida exclusively. Despite their endangered status, scrub jays are fairly plentiful in parts of Sebastian. The North Sebastian Conservation Area, just off

Main Street, is an excellent place to spot them. Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s free Merlin app is a fantastic tool. Just download it to your smartphone and start identifying birds by taking photos or letting the app “listen” as the birds sing or call. Even if multiple birds are vocalizing simultaneously, Merlin will identify them in real time, indicating each time a different species chimes in. Instead of merely enjoying birds’ songs, you’ll learn to name the singers, even if you can’t see them—now there’s a feather in your cap!

Osprey Acres Stormwater Park and Nature Preserve is home to dozens of bird species. Below: The Florida scrub jay can be an elusive bird to spot, but the North Sebastian Conservation Area can be a good place to start looking.

KELLY ROGERS

ART

Quite a few local buildings boast murals. It would be difficult to see them all in one day, so we designed a one-block walking route in downtown Vero Beach that will show you about a dozen murals. Park by the Masonic lodge at the corner of 14th Avenue and 19th Place. On the north wall of the Highwaymen gallery, you will see the first mural of your little excursion. Walk south to the intersection of 14th Avenue and 19th Street and look across the street at the mural on the north side of the Nordic Comfort store at 1875 14th Ave. Turn left, cross 14th Avenue, and proceed to the rear of the yellow Town Plaza building, where you will find some otherworldly artwork on your left. As you head back in a northerly direction, you can’t miss the bright brushwork on the back wall of the Kilted Mermaid on your right. Take a spin around to the front of the building for another mural. Walk back westward, toward your car, and check out the five murals on the back of the Firestone building on your right. There—you are now in the early stages of mural-mania!

Murals on the back of the Firestone building include Carol Makras’s, top, and Teala June’s more recent creation on the west end of the building.

Your Shell Come out of

We live in one of the world’s loggerhead and green sea turtle nesting hotspots. While strict laws forbid interfering with these endangered creatures, professionals such as the rangers of Sebastian Inlet State Park and the conservationists of Coastal Connections may, by permit, lead unobtrusive nighttime “turtle walks” that allow small groups to observe a nesting female. Three days after a nest hatches, the Coastal Connections folks conduct a “turtle dig” to examine the shells and collect data on the success of the nest. We are privileged to have the chance to accompany these experts and get a glimpse into the fascinating world of sea turtles. Turtle walks take place several nights a week in June and July, and digs can be accessed in July and August. coastal-connections.org, friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org

BE A GOOD Sport

Attending athletic events is a classic American pastime. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident who has never quite gotten over the Dodgers’ minor- and majorleague decampments years ago, you may miss watching professional sports in person. How about becoming a Fighting Indian, Shark, Pirate, or Patriot fan for a day? There’s no shortage of vibrant high school athletic programs in Indian River County. Even if you don’t have children or grandchildren at one of these schools, why not check their websites for team schedules, put on the colors, and get in on the excitement? Of course, we’re making this suggestion in June—not the best time for attending high school sporting events, but at least now you have a couple months to decide which of the many sports you prefer! indianriverschools.org, mastersvb.org, steds.org

JOE RIMKUS

JOE RIMKUS

JPR IMAGES

JOE RIMKUS

Turtle digs hosted by Coastal Connections are a great way to learn more about sea turtles.

Local boys and girls high school sports teams deserve support from their community.

Fishing, surfing, boating, hiking, swimming, and relaxing are just a few of the activities worth checking out at Sebastian

A Day at ThE PARK

State parks are popular destinations for vacationers. Florida has 175 state parks, and one of the favorites is right in our own backyard. Sebastian Inlet State Park is a thousand acres of what the state bills as “A True Beach Lover’s Paradise” straddling Indian River and Brevard Counties. With 3 miles of beach (complete with beach wheelchairs), boat ramps, canoe/ kayak launch areas, fishing piers, hiking/ biking trails, picnic facilities, two museums, a swimming cove, and an ocean floor contour conducive to great surfing waves, this park is sure to provide an amazing adventure. And, at the end of the day, instead of retiring to a tent or RV, you can return to your cool, comfortable home. floridastate parks.org/sebastian-inlet

The right to Float

Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are perfect for exploring our picturesque lagoon, and the Environmental Learning Center has them! Set out on your own or engage a guide; either way, you’ll glide across the calm waters and through secluded mangrove tunnels. Dolphins and manatees might swim past, and ospreys and pelicans will be diving for the catch of the day. Don’t be surprised if you see a dozen different bird species. Can you recognize the three different types of mangroves? By the way, it’s also okay if you want to admire the lovely homes and boats you may coast by in your travels. discoverelc.org

Paddling through the mangrove tunnels at the Environmental Learning Center is an escape from the hustle and bustle.

KELLY ROGERS

KELLY ROGERS

Inlet State Park.

CHARLOTTE

TRIPSON OVERSEES A ‘WHIMSICAL WORLD OF TRANQUILITY’ CREATED BY HER GREAT-GRANDFATHER

BY ANN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN MARTINE

Did you know that nestled between residential communities, bu ered from the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s a secret garden? It’s not your typical garden, mind you; it’s where pioneer, entrepreneur, and eccentric architect Waldo Sexton settled when he arrived in Vero Beach over a century ago. Only 13 acres remain of the sprawling homestead where he planted citrus, raised beef and dairy cattle, established Vero Beach Dairy, and built two family homes.

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

“We let the jungle run its wild course and manicure where we see fit.”

CHARLOTTE TRIPSON

Today, an unmarked road o 12th Street takes visitors back to a simpler, grittier time when people worked the land from dawn to dusk, counted neighbors as close friends, and never thought about locking their doors.

Not far from the entrance, a narrow driveway with a hand-painted sign welcomes you to Waldo’s Secret Garden, where a smaller sign cautions, “Slow: Grandparents at Play.” If you stay on the main road, you nd yourself winding past weathered buildings, various types of machinery, and an odd but fascinating assortment of artifacts.

It’s a mini-glimpse into what Old Florida might have looked like, and we have Sexton’s great-granddaughter Charlotte Tripson—born in Vero Beach and raised on the homestead that her parents, Mark and Hildie Tripson, purchased in 1980—to thank for keeping Waldo’s legacy alive and the land she and her family treasure accessible.

“When I was growing up, the back of the property was rented out by another dairy operation called Velda Farms,” Tripson explains, “so basically I had a built-in ice cream truck when I came home from school. I remember family dinners every night, raising farm animals alongside my brothers, making ower arrangements with my mother, getting an idea and building things.” She smiles fondly as she recalls these moments in time.

“ e roots of Waldo’s Secret Garden go deep, as does the love and care the Tripsons have shared for this special place,” she says. “ e rich history of the land and the development of it, when it was nothing but trees and swamp, into a thriving farm and dairy and now an event venue makes me want to continue transforming it into a beautiful place for others to enjoy.” Tripson shares the garden’s quirky charm

Waldo Sexton had a penchant for collecting different objects that he found beautiful, constructing his properties with his eclectic style. Many of these items were pulled from the remains of Palm Beach mansions.

Several buildings on the property house collectibles.

and enduring appeal by hosting weddings, special events, and community celebrations.

“We call the garden ‘secret’ because the property is nestled in a hammock in town, protected by a lush jungle,” she explains. “We let the jungle run its wild course and manicure it where we see t. When people arrive, they’re transported to a whimsical world of tranquility.

“I love watching the utter amazement in people’s eyes as they see the natural beauty and what my great-grandfather created. He had a way of thoughtfully placing a menagerie of objects that draw your attention throughout his other structures in Vero, and the way he built his homestead was no di erent.” Tripson is referring to McKee Botanical Garden’s Hall of Giants and Spanish Kitchen, the Driftwood Inn and Waldo’s Restaurant,

Marjorie McCabe, a newer resident of Vero Beach, gets a tour of the garden from Charlo e Tripson, having originally discovered the property and its history from a recent community open house.

The tree house on the property was built by Waldo Sexton for his daughter Barbara and her new husband, John Tripson. Le : The original 160-acre property along 12th Street had two homes and a working dairy farm.

take a good look around. Sensing opportunity, he purchased 160 acres a world away from what Vero Beach was at the time—a dusty crossroad with a few buildings on what would become 14th Avenue.

He married Elsebeth Martens, whom he had met at the lodge, and set about building a two-story house, room by room, where they would raise their two sons and two daughters. In what was to become Sexton’s signature style, it was rustic, rambling, and furnished with items that struck his fancy.

moved to Vero Beach last fall, took it all in during a community open house held early this year. “It was a beautiful day and I was curious to see what the Secret Garden was all about. Surrounded by new communities, it’s like an oasis out there,” McCabe enthuses.

the Ocean Grill, the former Patio and Szechuan Palace restaurants, and the gone-but-notforgotten Waldo’s Mountain.

None of it would have happened if the Hoosier Sexton, who arrived in Vero Beach in 1914 thinking it was nothing more than an overnight sales stop, hadn’t needed to stay at the Sleepy Eye Lodge 10 additional days due to a delivery delay. That gave him time to

When his daughter Barbara married John Tripson, Sexton set about building what is fondly referred to as the tree house.

With an open kitchen and dining area on the lower level and the family’s living room and three bedrooms above, it’s equally rustic, rambling, and adorned with items that struck his fancy, such as wrought iron gates and decorative tiles as well as an odd assortment of other items, including Buddhas, safari sculptures, and wooden tables, all salvaged from the remains of Palm Beach mansions.

Marjorie McCabe, who

“After I walked around and looked at everything, I talked to some of the family; they all have such an attachment to the land. Afterwards a few of us sat around on benches listening to Sean [Sexton, a grandson of Waldo] read poetry. I’m such a fan of his. e whole experience was wonderful.”

That’s music to Charlotte Tripson’s ears, as maintaining the garden where she and her father, Mark, continue to live (her mother passed away three years ago) is an ongoing labor of love. ere’s always something that needs to be repaired, replaced, or rearranged.

“ ere are days that I don’t know why I do it,” she admits; “however, the garden has the ability to put a spell on you, and you see all of its glory and potential. It can be frustrating at times, as the structures are

Quirky and historic articles are found all around the property, some placed decades ago by Waldo and others refl ective of the progression of generations living in the garden.

Katherine Larson leads a plein air painting class at the garden.

older and the upkeep is constant but worth it.”

“My family and I have also been reorganizing decades’ worth of collections that have deteriorated due to being in the elements, and that has been quite a process,” says Tripson, a graphic artist who received a BFA in digital media from the University of Central Florida.

“I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, marketing, and art, which was a winding road, but I fell into it eventually. Turning our family home into an event venue has given me the opportunity to have an unconventional schedule—which I love and thrive on.”

“I envision the property being used for multifunctional events or a place for people to visit, like

a pocket park,” Tripson continues, referring to small spaces where people can escape the busyness and noise of everyday life, surround themselves with nature’s beauty, and simply breathe.

“I love to paint and create,” she says. “Owning the garden has allowed me to take my ideas and put them into reality. New ideas give me a glimmer of excitement. I get to design things I envision on a daily basis, and with the garden I’m using exactly what is in front of me to repurpose the perfectly imperfect for others to enjoy.”

Around every corner are items collected and displayed on walls, patios, and throughout the garden.

Charlotte Tripson embraces life on the property, working to transform the space for others to enjoy.

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

Conway Bolt, president of the Airmasters RC club, works on one of his remote-controlled planes.

By AMY ROBINSON

Photography by STEVEN MARTINE

n a bright, breezy day, a group of hobbyists gather at a grassy aireld adjacent to the Sebastian Buffer Preserve. These wideopen spaces are perfect for the Airmasters, a 160-member remote control flying club. I expect to see small planes that look like toys buzzing about just over my head, but I have vastly underestimated the scale and complexity of the planes and what it takes to y them.

Zaiden Roth is ying his Cirrus SR 22 T, with a 1.5-meter (4.9-

Remote-controlled airplanes have evolved beyond mere toys

foot) wingspan, at about 300 feet of altitude. He lands it expertly, pulls the hot battery and swaps it for a fresh one to prepare for a new ight.

“This is the most advanced Cirrus model,” he says. “I like level ight, but this plane can do some rolls, too.” Zaiden has a built-in advantage that helped him learn quickly how to control his plane: he is 12 years old, which means he is experienced with video game technology. “You can’t be constantly looking at your keyboard when you’re

playing a game, so you need to know the controls and buttons and what they do,” he explains.

Zaiden apologizes for the scratches on his propeller: “I accidentally ran it into a rock while it was taxiing.” He loves the sport and comes to the air eld with his grandfather. “It is very satisfying when you have a good ight and your plane doesn’t end up in a million pieces,” Zaiden says.

Paul Jacobs is an instructor at Airmas-

“Make sure you are three mistakes high.”

ZAIDEN ROTH

ters. “All kinds of people come into this sport,” he says. “We have professionals, retired people, commercial and private plane pilots. Teenagers are the easiest to teach because of their video game literacy. I can teach a kid like that in a couple of days.”

Jacobs has o ered me a lesson on the club’s training plane. Zaiden has some advice for me: “Make sure you are three mistakes high,” he grins, referring to allowing su cient time to correct your control

before your plane ends up, as he would say, “in a million pieces.”

Fortunately, Jacobs has a “buddy box,” which serves the same purpose as the auxiliary brake your driver’s education teacher had to keep student drivers from crashing. e buddy box allows Jacobs to control the plane, then switch the controls over to my receiver so I can y. He shows me the minijoysticks and their functions. One is for turning and the other is the throttle. is

At 12, Zaiden Roth has an advantage over his elders: video gaming skills help with RC plane control.

Above right: The plane this B-52 bomber is modeled a er now sits in the Palm Springs Air Museum. Right: Paul Jacobs uses a “buddy box” that allows him to take over if a trainee’s plane gets into trouble. Above: Horizon Hobby is a major distributor of RC planes such as this lightweight model.

AMY ROBINSON

seems simple enough, but Jacobs warns, “Don’t touch the throttle.” It seems I will have enough to do with just the one control.

My instructor gets the plane into the air swiftly. He orients it in a straight line and ips the buddy box switch. e plane is now mine, but as I begin a slow turn, it has other ideas, making for a tall copse of pine trees. My eyes are locked on the impending disaster, but Jacobs takes over and steers it in a straight line again.

It takes several attempts for me to make turns without having the plane lose altitude, but once this happens, it feels fantastic and I can’t wait to do it again. Jacobs tells me not to feel bad that I’m not an immediate ace. He has taught some real pilots, and it doesn’t always work out for them either. “ ey are so used to thinking from behind the controls, they can’t transition their minds because if it is coming at you, right is left and left is right.”

Conway Bolt is the president of the Airmasters club. “I have always been a geek,” he laughs. “I started with model rockets as a kid, then got into rocket-launched gliders called ‘boost gliders.’” Now, he owns a number of remote-controlled planes that he ies at the air eld leased and maintained by Airmasters.

Bolt explains that planes can be purchased ready to y—set to go right out of the box once the wings are attached—or almost ready to y, with a bit more assembly time. Or hobbyists can get the kits that include dye-cut pieces that are then glued together over a full-size blueprint.

Bolt’s two-story shop behind his home in

Right: This impressive model fl ies on jet fuel. Below: Instructor Tim Persky inspects a plane prior to fl ight.

Conway Bolt spends about 25 hours a week in his home workshop.

There is so much variety in the world of remotecontrolled planes that Conway Bolt’s two-story workshop is stocked with planes and spare parts. He even makes some of his own parts with a 3D printer.

“All kinds of people come into this sport.”

PAUL JACOBS

Grant is a study in the di erent types and sizes of remote-controlled planes, their accompanying parts, and multiple spares of everything. A fully assembled A-10 hangs from the ceiling; it is modeled after a military plane called the Warthog, designed by the U.S. Air Force speci cally to kill tanks. “I probably spend about 25 hours a week in my shop,” he says. His most recent acquisition is a 3D printer used for making some of his own parts.

Most of the airplanes own by the Airmasters are electric, but some RC planes are powered by glow-fuel (comprised of methanol, nitromethane, and oil), gas, or even jet fuel. Electric planes use a large battery pack. In the case of a prop plane, it powers the motor that drives the propeller; with jets, it powers an electric ducted fan (EDF) motor that simulates a jet engine. e computer-controlled motors that move the control surfaces are called servos. e operator controls those using the handheld transmitter that communicates with the receiver. Ailerons work the roll, and the pitch is adjusted by the elevator, which bisects the rudder and in uences up and down motions. e throttle controls the speed.

A trainer plane can be acquired for about $200, and the transmitter is about the same cost.

Cal Schmidt graduated from the trainer plane a long time ago. He has several larger planes,

including a German World War II replica called a Focke-Wulf. Today, he has brought his vintage T-33 Shooting Star Korean warplane replica. It has four batteries: two for the engine and two that run the electronics. Weighing in at 20 pounds, this plane uses 24 volts and 120 amps to y, eating battery time in exchange for power, so the ight time is just a couple of minutes.

Schmidt gets a lot of mileage out of those precious minutes, performing loops and knife-edge moves, pushing the throttle until it makes about 100 mph and screams like a ghter jet. After it lands, I spot some dents and scratches that tell me the plane has led an interesting life. “Every dent tells a story,” Schmidt says. “ e body is Styrofoam, so it’s easy to repair.”

Now it is Mark Bowman’s turn to take up his high-performance Yak 54. is plane boasts more than 3 meters (9.8 feet) of wingspan and runs on a 100-cc gas engine. His brand of aerobatic ying is called 3D ying, in which the power is outsize for the plane’s modest weight. The moves are complex; he can touch the tail to the ground vertically and go straight up again like a rocket. He starts a steep ascent, seems to stall, and executes what looks like a cartwheel, à la Top Gun. “ e propeller tips rotate at just over the

speed of sound,” he says. “You can actually hear a crack as that happens.”

A visit to the air eld is like visiting a friend. You will be welcomed and entertained. The Airmasters members are happy to explain all aspects of their planes and how they y. Anyone at any age can start, with a modest investment. Paul Jacobs enjoys seeing people get hooked on the sport. “When I rst started, I wanted it so badly,” he says. “When I get a student who wants the same thing, it’s fun to see them fall in love with it too.”

Above: Collier Yarish with his General Dynamics F-16XL; le : Cal Schmidt with his Lockheed T-33

Remote-controlled planes are quite realistic, right down to the miniature cockpit crews.

Rechargeable ba eries power the motor that drives the propeller(s).

Comprehensive cancer care near you Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Providing expert care on the Treasure Coast

Indian River County residents need not travel far for world class cancer care. State-of-the-art care is available and expanding at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

Under the leadership of Medical Director Eleni Anastasia Tousimis, MD, MBA, FACS, the center is focused on treating the whole patient, not just the disease. While offering the most advanced treatments and care from renowned cancer experts, the center has significantly added to and enhanced existing programs to improve patients’ quality of life during and after treatment.

New staff and advanced procedures enhance the care offerings

The Scully-Welsh Cancer Center provides the most advanced care available to treat many types of cancer.

The comprehensive breast cancer program offers a screening and prevention clinic, as well as a team of dedicated breast cancer healthcare providers in multiple specialties, including breast surgery. As a breast surgeon, Dr. Tousimis has extensive experience in lumpectomies, nipple-sparing mastectomy and reconstructive techniques such as oncoplastic surgery. The head and neck cancer program is led by internationally renowned expert Brian Burkey, MD, Division Chair, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. And the urology program, which treats cancers of the prostate and bladder, continues to grow this year with the addition of a new urologist and the additional treatment offering of brachytherapy for prostate cancer. In early 2023, the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center launched a new comprehensive melanoma program to treat patients with this deadly form of skin cancer.

Always putting patients first

Scully-Welsh Cancer Center has added several new medical oncologists to support expanding programs and improve patient access. James C. Lasker, MD, is the Director of Infusion Services and the Survivorship Clinic. The new survivorship clinic launched in January for patients who have completed cancer treatment or those who are at high risk for developing cancer. Participants can see a provider or attend support groups for guidance on managing quality of life and symptoms after treatment.

To meet the growing demand in the community, the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has recently added several new medical oncologists. Adesola Awomolo, MD, and Madhu Unnikrishnan, MD, both hematologist oncologists, will work alongside Stephen Patterson, MD. Alex Mejia Garcia, MD, also a hematologist oncologist, recently joined the medical staff and will serve as Director of Hematology and Clinical Research. In addition, radiation oncologists, Marc Apple, MD, and Jean-Pierre Obeid, MD, joined the cancer team.

This growth in staff was accompanied by new state-of-the-art radiation oncology equipment including a new linear accelerator and CT simulator, as well the addition of intraoperative radiation therapy and brachytherapy.

The center offers a nurse navigator program to support all newly diagnosed cancer patients by helping them keep track of appointments and take advantage of the available support programs and educational services as they go through the treatment process. To treat the whole patient and manage chronic disease and end-of-life symptoms, the cancer center also introduced a new palliative care program.

Integrative medicine program offers complementary therapies

The entire care team at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center knows that dealing with cancer can take a physical and emotional toll. That’s why they offer numerous complementary therapies to enhance patients’ overall well-being as they go through medical treatment and beyond.

The Scully-Welsh Cancer Center team and volunteers have been working this past year to make the complementary therapies program more robust. Today, with the help of generous donations, the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center offers a variety of healing services including oshibori, a nutritional support food cart, art activities, mindful meditation, acupuncture, pet therapy, wig services and more.

Brian Burkey, MD (left), Eleni Anastasia Tousimis, MD, and Jean-Pierre Obeid, MD, are part of the expanding team of cancer specialists at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

World class heart care in Vero Beach

Heart disease claims approximately 655,000 lives each year in the United States and accounts for 1 in 4 deaths. That’s why having access to world class heart and vascular care makes all the difference. Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Florida provides the highest level of care and life-saving treatment options in the region for patients with cardiovascular disease, leading the way against the No. 1 killer of Americans.

James

Patients in Indian River County and surrounding communities can get all their cardiovascular needs taken care of without having to leave the area. Even patients needing heart transplantation services enjoy greater continuity of care and ease of access thanks to the close collaboration with the Heart Failure & Transplantation Program at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.

Wudel, MD, Director, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

The heart and vascular specialists at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital work with colleagues at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital to ensure people across southeast Florida receive the best care close to home, including in Indian River County and surrounding communities. Whether it’s preventive heart care and advanced diagnostic technologies or lifesaving surgical treatments including heart transplantation, Cleveland Clinic provides world class care.

Collaborative model of care

Cleveland Clinic’s unique collaborative model of care, renowned nationally and internationally, is fostered by an organizational structure built around the patient’s health conditions rather than around the provider’s discipline. These patient-centered institutes combine medical, surgical and support functions into multidisciplinary teams to address specific body systems and disease processes, like heart and vascular care, to enhance continuity and quality of care for patients.

Having a multidisciplinary team of cardiovascular specialists collaborating across the Florida region brings together unique perspectives and diverse areas of expertise. It creates a more disease process-focused approach to team interaction, program development and quality initiatives.

Full heart care continuum

Cleveland Clinic locations in Florida offer a wide range of heart and vascular services covering the full continuum of care from preventive cardiac care to heart transplantation. That care is delivered by highly skilled subspecialty-trained physicians, including diagnostic cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart failure specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular specialists, among others, in conjunction with a strong team of experienced clinicians.

The Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is a vital resource that is continuing to expand to meet the community’s needs. Services include complete diagnostics, arterial and venous scanning, angioplasty and coronary artery stenting, transcatheter valve therapies, cardiac rehabilitation services, and electrophysiology and cardiac pacing care. The Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital also has an expert heart failure team equipped to provide advanced diagnostics and medical and surgical therapies needed to care for this growing and vulnerable patient population. Treatments include ventricular assist support devices and temporary mechanical circulatory support.

Innovative technology and expertise

Another factor that distinguishes Cleveland Clinic’s cardiovascular care is the use of innovative technology in the hands of experienced specialists to provide residents of Indian River County and neighboring communities access to advanced treatments. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has a state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab that accommodates diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional procedures, including the implantation of pacemakers and advanced therapies for heart arrhythmias.

The lab is a multipurpose space with specialty equipment used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons. This advanced technology allows the team to perform complicated procedures in-house, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a catheter-based procedure for treating aortic stenosis, and transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip™, a procedure used to treat a leaky mitral valve.

Seamless, quality care

Whether a patient undergoes an interventional electrophysiology procedure, a transcatheter valve procedure, or ongoing management for heart failure, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital’s heart and vascular team works to provide seamless, quality care.

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has received notable recognitions for its medical services, including the prestigious Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation, Electrophysiology Accreditation and Transcatheter Valve Certification, all from the American College of Cardiology. These accolades highlight the hospital’s commitment to excellence in cardiac care and its adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in cardiology.

THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OF VERO BEACH INTRODUCING

The following list presents profiles of local doctors in several specialties. These practitioners want the community to be aware of their shared commitment to providing thorough, attentive medical advice and care that will contribute to a healthy, happy, and informed Indian River County community.

Divya Haryani, MD

Anand Haryani, MD, MBA

Dermatologists

Both Divya and Anand are double board-certified dermatologists and Mohs surgeons. They are co-founders of Iconic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery.

Divya Haryani, MD, is a distinguished expert in cutaneous oncology and Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction. Her extensive background encompasses comprehensive training and experience at Moffitt Cancer Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dr. Haryani specializes in early detection and treatment of skin cancer utilizing superficial radiation therapy, Mohs surgery, and immunotherapy. Dr. Haryani, a notable media figure, is often sought after for commentary on outlets such as ABC News and Women’s Health and is a frequent lecturer at academic meetings. Her patient-centered approach reflects her belief in treating every patient like family.

After graduating magna cum laude from Northwestern University, Dr. Anand Haryani attended medical school at SIU School of Medicine and completed his residency at the world-renowned John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he honed his skills in medical dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and skin cancer treatment.

Dr. Haryani is well-known for his contributions to dermatology, advocating for skin cancer awareness, and advancing the field of skin rejuvenation and aesthetics through the use of modern lasers and minimally invasive procedures. He serves on the physician advisory board for the Visiting Nurse Association, exemplifying dedication to patient care and community health.

Drs. Haryani take pride in operating a family-owned, patientcentered, and community-oriented practice. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with their two young children.

Sheila Case, AuD, CCC-A Audiologist

“Dr. Case was kind and patient. She took time to consider our needs and explain everything. Front office staff was friendly and helpful. Would recommend Intracoastal Hearing Center.” –Randi W.

“Intracoastal Hearing Center provided excellent service. Dr. Case was attentive and understanding, addressing all my concerns with expertise. The staff was warm and efficient. Highly recommend this place for anyone in need of hearing care.” –Jackie V.

“Dr. Sheila Case is a very welcome professional to Vero Beach. She is thorough, quite knowledgeable, and has great interpersonal skills. Her receptionist Kim is a pleasure to deal with as well.” –Elaine C.

In the realm of hearing health care, nothing speaks louder than the glowing five-star reviews received by Sheila Case, AuD, CCC-A, and her team at Intracoastal Hearing Center. These

testimonials not only reflect the exceptional care provided but also underscore the unique culture Dr. Case has cultivated within the center. With each review, it becomes evident that Dr. Case’s commitment to excellence and compassion resonates deeply with her patients, shaping an environment where trust and satisfaction thrive.

With a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida and 25-plus years of experience, Dr. Case excels in hearing aids, cochlear implants, and tinnitus. As an independent audiologist, she provides unbiased, personalized solutions.

Intracoastal Hearing Center is a beacon of audiology excellence, prioritizing patient-centric care in a supportive environment. Dr. Case offers compassionate, expert hearing solutions, making her a trusted ally for those seeking improved hearing health.

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

From a young age, Dr. Latia Ilyadis dreamed of becoming a doctor, fueled by a desire to provide unparalleled patient care. The harsh reality of the health care system, however, soon dampened her view of what health care should be. Driven by quotas and constraints, personalized care took a backseat to a conveyor belt of patients, leaving little room for meaningful connections or thorough assessments.

Amidst the chaos of a broken system, Dr. Ilyadis started Island Health Concierge Medicine in Vero Beach. Founded on the principle of restoring the doctor-patient relationship, her medical practice embodies a transformative approach to health care.

In stark contrast to the rushed consultations and overburdened schedules of conventional practices, Island Health Concierge prioritizes individualized attention. Here, patients are not numbers, rather individuals with unique backgrounds,

concerns, and health goals. The cornerstone of this model is time—time to listen, to understand, and to craft tailored treatment plans. Dr. Ilyadis devotes ample time to each patient, ensuring no stone is left unturned in their pursuit of wellness.

At Island Health Concierge, evidence-based medicine meets holistic care—helping families navigate through the health care complex while advocating on their behalf. By embracing a preventative approach, Dr. Ilyadis empowers patients to take charge of their health, considering factors like diet, genetics, and environment.

Ultimately, the goal is simple yet profound: to enhance the quality of life. Island Health Concierge emerges as a place where time moves at a gentler pace, prioritizing the well-being of each patient above all else.

Latia Holder Ilyadis, DO

Alan Durkin, MD Plastic Surgeon

Since 2011, Dr. Alan Durkin at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and MedSpa® has provided the highest standards of excellence in patient outcomes and safety in aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Durkin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. As founder of Ocean Drive®, Dr. Durkin has developed a national reputation for superior outcomes in both surgical and nonsurgical facial and body aesthetics.

As a boutique, destination plastic surgery center, Dr. Durkin routinely hosts patients from all over the United States and abroad. He serves as a key opinion leader for the most advanced aesthetic corporations on the planet, including Allergan®, Merz®, MTF®, Apyx®, Sciton®, Rohrer®, GloPharma®, Suneva®, and others. He also

serves as chairman of the division of plastic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Florida, and as vice chairman of the department of surgery. Dr. Durkin serves as a professor of plastic surgery at Larkin Medical Center/University of Miami, and Florida State University College of Medicine. He has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed literature on aesthetic plastic surgery. He also has been featured in Cosmopolitan magazine, Vogue, The Wall Street Journal®, Rolling Stone magazine, and NewBeauty magazine.

Dr. Durkin’s passions revolve around the aging face and breast. He routinely lectures on facial and breast aesthetics throughout the United States, Central/South America, Europe, and Asia. His most sought-after procedures are facelift, upper and lower eyelid lift, rhinoplasty (nose job), breast augmentation, and mommy makeovers.

Drs. Brett and Felice Haake are physicians that have an integrative approach to medicine. They are board-certified physicians with additional certifications in functional based medicine. What this means is their practice, Regenerative Biologics Institute, focuses on prevention and functionality now with a goal towards longevity and health span in the future. They have a personalized and comprehensive approach to each individual patient. They

believe each patient deserves access to care and time well spent, therefore in the concierge program patients are always given 24/7 access to a physician. Specifically, they focus on metabolic health, cardiovascular risk mitigations, hormonal balance, inflammation, stress mitigation, and sleep optimization. They take great pride in targeting and reversing chronic disease and helping you live your best life.

Alita Sikora, MD Integrative Medicine

Dr. Alita Sikora has operated her practice, Sikora Integrative Medicine, in Vero Beach since 2017. She completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, received a BA in Biology magna cum laude from Wellesley College, and an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

As Vero’s premier provider of regenerative therapies, Dr. Sikora offers innovative, nonoperative treatments for arthritis, injuries, and overall anti-aging and health. She also offers regenerative medicine treatments, which can stimulate natural healing for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.

“The human body is built to heal itself,” says Dr Sikora. “If you’ve experienced an injury or other chronic condition that has left you with pain, cellular (stem cell) therapy may help repair damaged tissue in your body to restore your health and give you a pain-free life.”

Dr. Sikora offers bioidentical hormone therapy for both men and women, including customized hormone pellets. Hormones can be further optimized with peptide therapy. Peptide therapy is a new and

innovative therapy that utilizes peptide hormones to help restore muscle mass and stimulate the body’s production of human growth hormone. With peptides, aging adults can improve energy, increase strength, and accelerate recovery time after exercise. Peptides such as sermorelin and gonadorelin can naturally increase testosterone and help with weight loss by increasing lean muscle and burning fat. Peptides such as BPC-157 can heal damaged ligaments or tendons and reduce inflammation in the body.

Treatments include Platelet Rich Plasma, autologous stem cells, exosomes, and human cellular tissue therapy from human umbilical cord cells. Joint injections, IV vitamins for longevity and wellness infusions, hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and sexual wellness treatments are also offered. Additional integrative approaches include shockwave and peptide therapy as well as medical weight loss (Ozempic and Mounjaro) and medical marijuana certification.

“There is nothing as natural, safe and effective as regenerative medicine/cellular therapy,” says Dr. Sikora. “We harness the power that made the body to heal the body.”

Vero Women’s Care was designed for women by women. The practice offers exceptional care among some of the highest-rated multispecialty providers all under one roof in a beautiful, relaxed office setting.

Vero Women’s Care is united by the belief in delivering health care from a sense of honesty and compassion. In a world filled with distractions, the providers promise that being “present” for you and your health care needs will always be a priority. Vero Women’s Care is a hybrid concierge practice that is redefining the health care experience for women by offering a devoted team of female providers specializing in full scope gynecology, minimally invasive gynecological surgery (including Da Vinci robotic surgery), primary care, pelvic floor therapy, nutrition, and psychotherapy. In offering all of these specialties, they are able to cater to the unique needs of every woman.

The world women live in is complicated and busy. Whether they be mothers, friends, adventurers, business leaders, or just wanderers, women all deserve to be heard. Vero Women’s Care is passionate about providing current evidence-based medicine and working collaboratively with multiple specialties to individualize women’s health needs.

• In-office lab draws at your convenience

• In-office ultrasound to evaluate the uterus and ovaries

• Extended appointment times

• Same-day and next-day appointment

Some of the many services the practice offers patients include:

• Seamless integration and collaboration among various specialties, delivering comprehensive health care services, all under one roof

• Direct access to providers

• Personable staff readily available to assist you, bypassing the need for automated phone menus

Richard Wyderski, MD

Karen Bolle Wyderski, BSN, RN

Geriatricians and Internists

Dr. Richard Wyderski’s journey in medicine has always been guided by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to providing exceptional care. From his undergraduate studies at the University of Dayton to his MD degree, residency, and fellowship training at the University of Cincinnati, he has dedicated himself to the art and science of healing. His passion for education led him to serve as an associate residency program director and clinical professor before practicing medicine at Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

In 2019, Dr. Wyderski and his wife, Karen, made Vero Beach their permanent home, drawn by its beauty and the opportunity to serve the community. Dissatisfied with the constraints of traditional health care, they founded Wyderski Health, a concierge primary care practice that prioritizes the patient-physician relationship above

all else. At Wyderski Health, patients are not just numbers; they’re individuals deserving of personalized, compassionate care.

In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Wyderski is actively involved in the community, supporting initiatives like the VNA Golf-A-Thon and serving on the VNA Physician Advisory Committee. He’s also an engaged member of the IRC Medical Society and the Florida Medical Association, advocating for the health and well-being of his patients both within and beyond the walls of his practice.

At Wyderski Health, healing goes beyond traditional medicine. Karen practices Healing Touch on the premises, creating a soothing and nurturing environment for patients to find relaxation and transformation.

To experience the difference personalized care can make in your life, call 772-742-3799 for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Wyderski.

2024 CO-CHAIRS

Karen Franke, of Treasure & Space Coast Radio Stations, and Richard Boga, of O’Dare Boga Dobson Group, welcome you to the 4th Annual Denim & Diamonds Hope Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Ambassadors

Kelly Cambron, Daniella Diminich, Amy Haas, Teresa Hilton, Alyse Katz, Mike Lafferty, Shay Pritchett, Mazie Reagan, Heather Reeb, Dr. Jenna Schwibner, Melissa Talley, Neal Watkins

Reserve Seating Now! This event has sold out 3 years in a row.

Guaranteed seating available now only through sponsorship opportunities. contact: theresa.woodson@cancer.org 772-473-4613

https://denimanddiamonds.acsgala.org

DEC.6.2024

MAGNOLIA MANOR, VERO BEACH

Denim & Diamonds returns to Magnolia Manor. The same “Old Florida” charm with a brand new layout. All guests will be seated together for an exceptional dinner selection designed, prepared, and served by Adrienne Drew.

2024 HOPE GALA a nd

June’s Jackpot

Products, people & possibilities abound with local businesses & organizations

STOCK UP IN STYLE

SUMMER SAVINGS CONTINUE AT LEIGH JEWELERS

Browse Leigh’s two showcases of 50 percent savings on a large selection of fine jewelry. These pieces won’t last long, so don’t wait to select your new fabulous favorites!

LEIGH JEWELERS

3401 Ocean Drive | 772-234-8522 | leighjewelers.com

CHIC SEASON

SPRING COLLECTION AT COOPER & CO.

Cooper & Co. has some of the latest Teri Jon spring 2024 items available. Make a visit to the store to find looks full of vibrant color and stunning styles for your next event.

COOPER & CO. 3435 Ocean Drive | 772-231-9889

MOVING BY LAND & AIR

COMPANY SPONSORS EVENT

Coastal Van Lines was a proud sponsor of the Vero Beach Air Show, held in May. The biennial event is filled with family fun and excitement, and CVL is honored to have a part in it.

COASTAL VAN LINES

1622 91st Court | 772-569-6683 | coastalvanlines.com

CATHY CURLEY CELEBRATES SALE

There was only one way to celebrate the recent closing of a gorgeous home whose sellers Cathy Curley represented, finding the perfect buyers. It was a fun transaction in which both parties were delightful to work with.

CATHY CURLEY

772-559-1359 | cathycurleyrealestate.com

PARTNER CONTENT

LATEST ACCESSORIES AT BOUTIQUE

Sassy is happy to present the perfect summer sun hats from Sunshine Tienda. The brand’s creators make these colorful pieces to encourage the feeling of happiness every time they are worn.

SASSY BOUTIQUE

3365 Ocean Drive | 772-234-3998

WHAT’S IN BLOOM

FRESH MERCHANDISE AT DIGG GARDENS

DIGG GARDENS

Stop in and shop at Digg Gardens to see tons of new decorative pottery and houseplants. There is something for everyone to help brighten up your spaces.

7430 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-360-2131 | digggardens.com

18-karat yellow, white and pink micro bead set — halo engagement ring and stack bands

Cu AT THE SHOWROOM

These copper bathroom sinks offer an indulgent design style with beauty and practicality. The inspired convergence of texture, craft, and tradition will transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary. Stop into the showroom to have a look.

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH 4003 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-494-2694 | europeansink.com

SITTING PRETTY

NEW FABRICS NOW AVAILABLE

VB Home is excited to share its new fabrics from Thibaut fabrics and furniture. Visit to discuss customizing any upholstered piece of furniture with these fabulous materials.

WONDROUS WORKS

ARTIST’S CURRENT PAINTINGS PRESENTED

Findlay Galleries is pleased to present recent works by Lluis Ribas, one of the best-known luministas of contemporary Spanish art. His female forms are classics, brilliantly executed and exquisitely drawn. His palette contains a wide range of colors.

FINDLAY GALLERIES

165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach | 561-655-2090 | fi ndlaygalleries.com

LIGHTEN UP

NEW PRODUCTS AT THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS

The House of Lights is excited to o er cordless and rechargeable lamps, including new designs and full-size table and fl oor lamps. These new Visual Comfort & Co. rechargeable light modules allow you to put lamps where you couldn’t before.

THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS 1034 South Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne | 800-541-3048 thehouseofl ights.com

ALL-DAY COMFORT

Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, the anatomically contoured footbeds deliver instant comfort and lasting support. Footbeds are removable & washable. FIN-NOR SUNGLASSES

The best in modern lens technology! Optimize your vision so you can bring your A-game to the water!

Una Mirada al Modernismo en Ventana by Lluis Ribas oil on canvas / x inches

Home Health • Hospice • Private Care

RIDING INTO SUCCESS

FOUNDATION GRATEFUL FOR SUCCESSFUL EVENT

The United Way expresses heartfelt thanks to the exceptional committee whose dedication and tireless efforts made the second annual United Way Torchbearer Trike Wars a resounding success. Their adept coordination ensured that teams were ready, and their leadership kept spirits high throughout the event.

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 1836 14th Ave. | 772-569-8900 | unitedwayirc.org

ALL ABOARD THE ACADIA

2024 VEHICLE INTRODUCED

The 2024 GMC Acadia shows off just what luxury GMC is capable of. It is larger in all dimensions with more space inside for both front and back passengers. To learn more and schedule a test drive, contact Linus.

Ryan Cobb, Jeff Petersen, Dillon Roberts (not pictured, Alex Batt and Dana Apfelbaum)

EASE OF MIND MEMBERSHIPS

OFFERED

British-born artist Peter Laughton is painting Vero Beach. A sailor who arrived in town on his boat, he always chooses subject matter involving the water that surrounds us. His new series focuses on waves and our amazing Florida clouds.

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

6160 Hwy. A1A | Village Shops | 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com

Mind and Body of Vero offers monthly memberships with no contract. Pay a monthly membership rate and receive a 50-minute massage or facial treatment, 20 percent off designated IV therapies, and 10 percent off products. As a member you are grandfathered in at the low membership price for additional services.

MIND AND BODY OF VERO

1040 37th Place, Suite 202 | 772-400-2020 | mindandbodyofvero.com

TURTLE-LY AWESOME

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE

The turtle rescue pen features an acid-etched sea turtle shell pattern that is beautifully lacquered in a vibrant turquoise color, combined with the easy-flow ballpoint, making for a fluid writing experience. With each pen sold, a donation is made to the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

NOTEWORTHY BY DESIGN

6100 Hwy. A1A | Village Shops | 772-231-0085

• Pool & Deck Renovations/Remodels

• Pool Resurfaces

• Deck Renovations

Wet-Edge Pebble & Glass, Standard Gem

• Sunshelf & Spa Additions

• Glass & Porcelain Tile

• Deck Renovations

Brick Pavers & Coping, Travertine Pavers & coping, spraydeck

• Equipment Replacements

• In-Ground Vinyl Liner Replacements

• Glass Block Removal

WALL TO WALL

NEW ARRIVALS AT OODLES OF WALLPAPER

Oodles of Wallpaper is thrilled to present its latest decorative items. There is something for everyone’s style in the form of lamps, side tables, and various other accessories. Visit the store to see which adornments you must have.

OODLES OF WALLPAPER

6230 Hwy. A1A | Village Shops | 772-213-3923 oodlesofwallpaper.com

TURNING HEADS IN TURQUOISE

SPECIALTY BRACELET AT PROVIDENT JEWELRY

Provident Jewelry presents a gorgeous turquoise-and-diamond bracelet in 18-karat white gold. This stunning aqua armlet will have you turning heads and receiving compliments on your splendid taste in accessories.

PROVIDENT JEWELRY

828 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter | 561-747-4449 providentjewelry.com

CARE TO CHAIR

GALA CO-CHAIRS ANNOUNCED

The American Cancer Society announces Karen Franke of Treasure & Space Coast Radio Stations and Richard Boga of O’Dare Boga Dobson Group One Sotheby’s International Realty as co-chairs of the fourth annual Denim & Diamonds Hope Gala. Both are longtime ACS supporters.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY denimanddiamonds.acsgala.org

FAN FUNDAMENTALS

NEW OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Style, performance, and intended location are all equally important when choosing a ceiling fan. Visit LED Capstone’s showroom for its newest models, and the team will help to ensure you are getting the right fan for your needs.

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM

4005 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-205-2529 | ledcapstone.com

CURVE YOUR ENTHUSIASM

FOREST DRAPERY HARDWARE AT BUDGET BLINDS

Modernize your drapery with Forest hardware, which allows for fully custom motorized drapery that curves around your windows. Get a closer look by visiting the new drapery displays in the Vero Beach showroom.

BUDGET BLINDS

2730 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-202-7324 | budgetblinds.com

PLANTING NEW ENDEAVORS

NEW OPPORTUNITY AT ROCK CITY GARDENS COME FLY WITH ME

Rock City Gardens is excited to announce its new outdoor space dedicated to potting plants and florals. On Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., bring materials to receive help and guidance making potted arrangements.

ROCK CITY GARDENS

9080 N. U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-589-5835 | rockcitygardens.com

THE TIME HAS COME

STORE ANNOUNCES SUMMERTIME HOURS

During the summer, Vernon Scott Resort Wear will be open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mondays by appointment. Contact with questions or to schedule some shopping time for all your favorite items.

VERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR

818 Beachland Blvd. | 772-231-3733 | vernonscott32963.com

GRACEFUL COLLECTION AT RPJ

Royal Palm Jewel presents these 18-karat yellow-gold blue butterfly jewelry pieces that will have you looking lovely and fashionable. Visit the store to catch a glimpse of this marvelous monarch-inspired collection.

ROYAL PALM JEWEL

53 Royal Palm Pointe | 772-766-3165 | royalpalmjewel.com

STAY AWHILE

NEW FURNITURE AT FANTASTIC FINDS

This striking Versai occasional chair from Bramble Furniture is one of the select new items available at Fantastic Finds. It features a straw wash finish and bleu de malte leather seating and measures 28 by 32 by 31 inches.

FANTASTIC FINDS

4300 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-794-7574 | fantastic-finds.com

Tom and Tizzie Mantione are grateful new residents of the Vero Beach community. Tom manages a nationally ranked team of advisers with UBS Private Wealth Management . Both are active in many philanthropic endeavors, including their

nonprofi t, Launching Life’s Leaders.

WE’VE TRANSFORMED OUR SHOWROOM . Stop in to learn how we can help you transform your home.

Explore how Hunter Douglas window treatments transform the light in your home by defining the mood of your unique and beautiful space. We have an intelligent shade design for whatever you need or desire.

Additionally, let one of our master craftsmen create custom draperies, reupholster a treasured heirloom or recover the cushions of your watercraft and outdoor furniture.

Heritance® Hardwood Shutters

Local Flavor

The Joy of Jamaica

CHEF

WESLEY CAMPBELL

BRINGS HIS CARIBBEAN CULTURE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN MARTINE

hen you step into Mo-Bay Grill in Sebastian, you will immediately be aware of the tropical atmosphere. The walls are painted with murals of palm trees, bamboo groves, waterfalls, hummingbirds, and even a pirate ship. A sign declares: “Notice—any goats found on these premises will be curried.” The paintings reflect the Jamaican heritage, and cuisine, of Wesley Campbell, the chef and owner. In fact, the paintings even include a family portrait in which Campbell’s great-grandmother is shown as a little girl.

Campbell grew up in Jamaica, where his parents owned a restaurant, the Chicken Corner Inn. Their specialty was marinating and then frying the chicken. “You could smell it from miles away,” and customers would just be drawn in, Campbell recalls. Sometimes his job was grinding onions for the marinade, using an old-fashioned hand-grinder. “I would be crying like crazy,” he remembers, laughing now.

Since he and his family were already in the business, his teachers recommended that he become a chef, and he won a cooking competition when he was 14 years old. His winning entry was a chicken dish—though in a different style than what he made at his parents’ restaurant. Campbell used a stuffing of sausage, onion, rice, and parsley, as well as a thyme au jus. Since then, he has won a total of 14 gold medals in cooking competitions, and he was once named Jamaica’s Chef of the Year.

Another part of Campbell’s story is a period of culinary training in Austria. How did he react to the climate? “I brought the Jamaican climate to them—it was nice and warm when I was there.” However, a trip up into the mountains to try skiing turned out to be

a misadventure. “I said, ‘I’m not going to go on that bobsled team,’” he laughs.

Campbell opened Mo-Bay Grill in Sebastian in 2005, and for the menu, he honors his culture while also bringing the imaginative flair of a passionate chef.

“Everything on the menu is my creation,” he says. “You’ll find similar dishes in Jamaica, but we also have unique inventions.” Furthermore, “Like the United States, Jamaica is a melting pot. Jamaican cuisine is an international cuisine,” with a variety of influences. Intriguing dishes at Mo-Bay include shrimp kebobs coated with rum and “jerk” seasoning; grouper with pecan brown butter sauce; and a peppercorn-crusted steak with cinnamon gingered plantains.

“The restaurant business is a tough business,” Campbell admits. “Only those who love it can survive it.” And it’s clear that he loves it.

Wesley Campbell, owner of Mo-Bay Grill in Sebastian, has followed in the footsteps of his parents, who owned a restaurant in his native Jamaica.

Blackened Cobia Fish Kebabs

Accompanied by a mango-infused vegetable dish, these kebabs make for a hearty seafood appetizer. SERVES 2

Six 3-oz. pieces of cobia

6 oz. of your favorite Cajun spice mix

Bamboo skewers

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

Coat fish with Cajun spice mix and skewer each piece of fish on a bamboo skewer.

Lightly coat an iron skillet with oil and bring to medium heat. Cook the fish on both sides until done, approximately 4–6 minutes.

VEGETABLES

2 onions, diced

4 button mushrooms, sliced

1 medium tomato, diced

6 oz. mango, diced

12 oz. fresh spinach leaves, chopped

1 tsp. garlic, chopped

4 oz. butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic in butter for about 1 minute.

Add tomato and mango. Sauté 20 seconds, then toss in spinach. Season with salt and pepper.

ENTR ÉE

Coconut Chicken Breast

In Jamaica, this dish is playfully known as “chicken run-down.” It is a traditional island dish that reflects Campbell’s background and culture.

SERVES 2

Two 4-oz. chicken breasts

1 can coconut milk

1/2 red bell pepper, julienned

1/2 green bell pepper, julienned

1/2 onion, sliced and julienned

1 green onion, chopped

1/2 ginger root, julienned

1/2 carrot, julienned

1 sprig fresh thyme

1/2 clove garlic, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp. shredded coconut, toasted

1 tbsp. corn starch

2 oz. coconut oil

Season chicken with salt and pepper; lightly dust in corn starch. In a sauté pan, fry in coconut oil until light golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Add the onion, green onion, peppers, ginger, carrot, thyme, and garlic to the pan and sauté.

Add coconut milk to taste, then put the chicken back in. Cook about 5 minutes on medium heat until the sauce thickens. Garnish with toasted coconut and serve with your favorite rice.

DESSERT

Banana Rum Sauce

Delicious on New York–style cheesecake and versatile with other desserts, this sauce is a perfect fit with the tropical atmosphere of Mo-Bay Grill. SERVES 2

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 ripe banana, sliced

2 oz. spiced rum

1 tsp. butter

Caramelize sugar and butter in a sauté pan on medium heat, stirring until the sugar melts to a light caramel color.

Add water until it becomes a light, syrupy liquid.

Add the banana slices and rum and cook for 1 minute more. Serve over cheesecake or your favorite dessert.

PEYRASSOL ESTATE

Rosé-Colored Glasses

THIS WINE IS MANY THINGS, BUT IT IS NOT PINK

BY CHRIS FASOLINO

Wine production

When I began teaching art history courses some 20 years ago, I used to tell students that the human eye can perceive 300,000 variations in color. Sounds amazing, right? The truth is, I was lowballing it. The figure was considered accurate at the time, but now scientists estimate that it is really in the millions.

The variety and joy of color, from bold flamboyance to subtle distinctions, enrich our lives in many ways. They even add to our enjoyment of wine. The wine I am recommending this month is a rosé—and that does not equate to “pink.”

I admit the kinds of rosés that I avoid are pink; I once saw a bumper sticker that read, “Friends don’t let friends drink white zinfandel,” and I have to agree. However, the rosés of Provence are another story. They are complex wines that are off-dry (neither sweet nor dry). They’re elegant, they’re refreshing when served lightly chilled, and they pair well with seafood—so they’re ideal for summer in Vero Beach.

Rosés have a remarkably varied range of hues. Hold a glass to the light and look closely; you may see coral, cream, apricot, even a touch of soft gray. And, all right, a dash of pink. The wine I am recommending has

on the Peyrassol estate dates back to the Knights Templar.

all these colors, all these traits, and is from the oldest continually active vineyard in Provence. It is Peyrassol Les Commandeurs. Wine has been made on the Peyrassol estate since the 13th century, when the secretive Knights Templar planted vines there. That’s why the rosé is called Les Commandeurs; a French establishment of the Knights Templar was known as a Commanderie, which seems an apt term for a stronghold of warrior monks. Were the Knights Templar hiding treasure, as is often depicted in movies and stories? Well, in Provence, perhaps their

real treasure was the wine.

Peyrassol les Commandeurs has vibrant notes of grapefruit, a touch of orange peel, and a counterpoint of freshly ground white pepper. It is great with seafood, especially shellfish. An added benefit is that it is made with organic grapes. It is available locally at Varietals and More on Royal Palm Pointe.

A Provencal rosé may not have millions of colors, but it is more than just pink. The artistry of its hues fits the complexity of its flavor notes. For the refreshing elegance that summer in Vero Beach demands, this wine is just the ticket.

Peyrassol offers wine tastings, tours, restaurants, an art collection, an organic farm, and guest accommodations.

The Peyrassol wine estate is in the Provence region of southeastern France, home to many vineyards and lavender fields.

THE PINK MOKE

Cheers to Cognac

DISCOVER THE INS AND OUTS OF THIS EXCEPTIONAL FRENCH SPIRIT

BY JULES ARON

National Cognac Day is celebrated June 4, a date that also traditionally marks the start of Cognac season in France. For a distilled brandy to bear the name Cognac, it must:

• Be made from grapes from one of the six growth areas in Cognac, France: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, or Bois Ordinaires.

• Only be made from eight grapes. e most popular is Ugni blanc.

• Be distilled twice in copper pot stills.

• Be aged for at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Troncais.

Many producers age their Cognac beyond the two-year minimum, resulting in four distinct grades of Cognac that correspond to the age of the youngest brandy in the blend:

• VS (Very Special): Must be aged at least two years.

• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Must be aged at least four years.

• XO (Extra Old): Must be aged at least 10 years.

• XXO or Hors d’âge (Beyond Age): Must be aged at least 14 years.

While XO and XXO are best savored on their own, the more youthful blends (i.e., VS and VSOP) are great in cocktails, such as the French 75, Vieux Carré, or the Sidecar, which comprises just three simple ingredients. e Pink Moke cocktail brightens up the original Sidecar mix with the addition of fresh grapefruit juice.

The Pink Moke

Ingredients

2 oz. Cognac

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

1 oz. orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, which is made from Cognac and the distilled essence of bitter orange)

1 dash orange bitters

Slice of grapefruit and/or rosemary sprig to garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and double strain into a chilled coupe or snifter glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and/or an aromatic rosemary sprig.

Shoe Salon and Boutique

An Italian Fairy Tale

Courtney Ellen Cotherman and Alberto Tonizzo wed October 8, 2023 at Castello di Rossino, a 13th-century castle in Calolziocorte in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.

The bride is the daughter of Connie and Ross Cotherman of Vero Beach, and the groom is the son of Duilio Tonizzo of Codroipo in the Friuli-Venezia

Giulia region of Italy.

Having met in Courtney’s hometown of Vero Beach, the couple opted for a fairy-tale wedding in Alberto’s native land.

Castello di Rossino provided a magical setting for the reception, as guests enjoyed cocktails and aperitifs on the terrace with a panoramic view of Lake Como,

followed by a four-course meal in the venue’s Olive Tree Garden.

Afterward, there was music and dancing. During the cake-cutting ceremony, fireworks illuminated the sky above the hilltop castle. Guests from several U.S. states as well as Scotland and, of course, Italy, were in attendance.

They spent the week prior to the wedding touring Lombardy’s ancient capital city of Milan and the breathtaking Lake Como.

The newlyweds spent their wedding night in the castle’s Tower Suite and proceeded the next day to Venice for their honeymoon.

The couple resides in Vero Beach.

COURTNEY ELLEN COTHERMAN & ALBERTO TONIZZO

Alberto Tonizzo and Courtney Cotherman; right: The bride and groom exchange vows.

Clockwise from upper left: a celebratory kiss; the view from Castello di Rossino; the bride with her mother, Connie Cotherman; the cake-cutting ceremony; Castello di Rossino; bride’s brother Daniel Cotherman, Connie Cotherman, the bride and groom, Ross Cotherman, bride’s aunt Paula Pender

Certified Trichologist and Master Stylist

Approximately one in four Americans—50 million men and 30 million women—have androgenetic alopecia, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. More than 66 percent of men experience this hereditary form of pattern balding by age 60. Similarly, more than half of postmenopausal women exhibit some degree of female pattern hair loss. Treatments are so effective we guarantee results!

This is highly treatable if caught early.

Anthony Martinez | OWNER OF SALON DEL MAR

Fashion & Philanthropy

LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE A FLAIR FOR GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Fashion Meets Art

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

It’s hard to believe VBMA’s annual Fashion Meets Art event has completed its sixth year! Emmy-winning television personality Tim Gunn, known for his role as a mentor to 16 seasons of Project Runway contestants, entertained 400 guests with anecdotes and lessons from his many years in the world of fashion. His talk was followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Laura and Bill Buck Atrium. The event was chaired by local interior designer Gregory Allan Ness, and proceeds benefit VBMA’s educational programs.

Sponsors:

Windsor; 1919 Investment Counsel; Ruth Ann Gillis McGuinnis; Nora and Madison Grose; Dana Hutton; Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery; Joanne and Bob Quaile; Vero Beach Magazine

Ashley MacIntyre, Alana Hockenhull, Merissa Szpaichler

Joanne Quaile, Vitalii Vasko

FMA models at the Sponsors Reception

Vickie Smick, Suzanne Segalas, Jenny Williams, Jodie King, Tim Gunn, Betsy Hanley, Lisa McCarthy, Susan Zimmer, Geri Skirkanich, Patti Mitchell

Crystal Lemley, Brenda Lloyd

Event moderator Tiffany Corr, guest speaker Tim Gunn, event chair Gregory Allan Ness

THE SCENE

Charity Polo Cup WINDSOR

The seventh biennial Windsor Charity Polo Cup took place February 17, benefiting three local nonprofits: the Homeless Children’s Foundation, Ballet Vero Beach, and the Indian River Land Trust. The pre-event luncheon, attended by 600 guests, was emceed by local resident and polo enthusiast John Walsh. The match, which pitted the PNC Bank team against PNC Private Bank, was cut short one chukker due to rain, ending in a 6–6 tie. Notable players included Hope Arellano, Nacho Figueres, Lucas Criado, and Manu Calafell.

Alexander Hepburn, Nadja Swarovski, Rupert Adams

The “Truman Capote Black-and-White Ball” tailgate group

The “Vintage Tennis” tailgate team

Hope Arellano

Players line up for the national anthem after being led onto the field by Shay Rowe of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne.

Jay McLaughlin, Jack Lynch, Mary Ellen Coyne, Richard Canty

JULIE SKARRATT PHOTOGRAPHY

Nicki, winner of the Best Playing Pony award

Betsy Hanley, Lisa McCarthy

Tailgaters look on as the mallets fly.

Nacho Figueres, Mike Lyons, Hope Arellano

John Walsh, Lew and Judy Eisenberg

The Saridakis Family

The “Flower Power” tailgate crew

Starfest

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

Coy Bowles was the guest speaker for Childcare Resources of Indian River’s 13th annual Starfest, held at Riomar Country Club in February. Best known as a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and musician with the Zac Brown Band, Bowles is also a father, early childhood development advocate, and author of five children’s books. Bowles inspired and entertained the assembled guests, who also enjoyed food stations, a silent auction, and the presentation of the Founder’s Award to Carol Buhl.

Major sponsors:

Maureen and John Hendricks; Barbie and Al Horton; Susan Hunter and Douglas Watson; Karla and John Spooner

John Moore, Coy Bowles, Shannon McGuire Bowman

Suzanne Leigh, Elizabeth Sorensen, Matilde Sorensen Karla Spooner, Carol Buhl, Shannon McGuire Bowman Jennifer and John Peshke

Elise Carr, Katie Bates, Lisa Bullock, Barbie Horton, Pat Burgoon, Gerri Rorick

Samantha and Roger Lynch, Mike and Anne Wagner

Barbie Horton, Trish Essick, Mandy Robinson

Night of Hope

THE SOURCE

Magnolia Manor was the setting for The Source’s Night of Hope on the chilly evening of February 6. Hearts were warmed by the presentation of a moving program, including a talk by motivational speaker Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who was portrayed by actor Sean Astin in the 1993 film Rudy. Guests also enjoyed food from The Source’s own Dignity Caterers.

Major sponsor: O’Dare Boga Dobson Group with One Sotheby’s

Barbara Ruddy, Tony Zorbaugh

Jonathan Orozco, Source member Tyrieff

Source members and staff gather at the charcuterie table.

Rear: Trey Smith, Chris Bieber, Tom Corr Front: Hughes, Stryker, Chase

Emmett Evans, Tony Zorbaugh, Margaret Anne Evans, Cindy O’Dare, Richard Boga

Ron Rennick auctions off a replica of the famous sign in Notre Dame’s locker room.

Rudy Ruettiger, Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno

Muscle Car Fundraiser

HALO NO-KILL RESCUE

HALO held a February fundraiser at the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, owned by Mark and Tatiana Pieloch. In addition to a tour of the magnificent collection, guests tried their luck at an impressive array of raffle items and met a few of HALO’s adoptable dogs. The event raised a much-needed $19,000 to help HALO continue to carry out its mission of saving animals and caring for them until new homes are found.

Wine & Dine

HIBISCUS CHILDREN’S CENTER

“Let’s Fiesta” was the theme of Hibiscus Children’s Center’s Wine & Dine Around South America fundraiser, which drew nearly 200 guests in February. The event, held at Grand Harbor, took participants on a culinary journey with paired cuisine and wines from a variety of South American cultures. Proceeds benefit the youth residing at Hibiscus Village, who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and receive help toward a brighter future.

Sponsors:

Dan Featherston; Kathy and Bob Goldman; Jan and Mike Harrell; Gail Hart; Debbie and Mike Potter; Linda and Mel Teetz; Bonnie and Dave Wilson

Guests gather among the collectible cars and automotive memorabilia.

Mike and Jan Harrell, Linda and Mel Teetz

Debbie and Mike Potter

Diane McGinn, Gail Prauss, Nancy Cutshall

Gail Hart, Dan Featherston

Jera Torres with Rosie

Brian and Vikki Atkinson with Tank and Miley

Kalista Bolling, Rosie, Jacque Petrone

MARYANN KETCHAM

60th Anniversary

AAUW VERO BEACH

The local branch of the American Association of University Women celebrated its 60th anniversary at Vero Beach Country Club in February. Founded in 1964, the group promotes education among local girls by funding scholarships and engaging in other initiatives. AAUW Vero Beach currently has more than 100 members.

Celebration of Giving

VERO BEACH CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The VBCBA’s annual Celebration of Giving luncheon was held in December at the Waterfall Restaurant in downtown Vero Beach. Representatives of 13 local Christian ministries receiving support from VBCBA were on hand: Feed the Lambs, Dynamic Life recovery community, Little Birthday Angels, The Buggy Bunch, Safe Families for Children, 4Kids Treasure Coast, Master’s Academy, Risk Takers for Christ, Women’s Refuge, Youth for Christ, Victory Kids, CrossLife Ministries, and The Salvation Army. VBCBA has donated nearly $250,000, raised from member dues, since 2004.

Major sponsors:

3D 360 Homes; Karen Gaskill, Broker-Realtor, Coldwell Banker Paradise; Mattress Market; Bay Street Pharmacy; Carolyn MacEvoy, MacEvoy Real Estate

Jane Howard, Bonnie Swanson

Kathy Black, Linda Barker, Bea Holt, Lois Miles

Leslie Carson, Martha Kucinsky

Seated: Rev. Michael Goldberg, Michael Davis, Angel Pietsch, Tara Wright, Randy Hunt; standing: Michael Keen, Bill Maginn, Dale Glading, Diane Ludwig, Kevin Kroiter, Bill Motta, Don Burzynski, Capt. Kelvin Garcia

Michael Keen, Kenya Reinhardt, Danny Howes

Steve Schwartz, Randy Hunt, Tara Wright

Salvation Army Capt. Kelvin Garcia Bill Maginn

Reimagine | Renovate | Refresh

4001 U.S. Hwy. 1 ~ Vero Beach, FL 32960 ~ 772-978-1212 ~ TileMarketVeroBeach.com

220 S. Old Dixie Hwy. ~ Jupiter, FL 33458 ~ 561-299-0295 ~ TileMarketJupiter.com

SMART FAN | BY MODERN FORMS

Unique and playful, the 28-inch Veloce fandelier enhances modern settings with its eye-catching form.

VELOCE

June Is Bustin’ Out All Over

THE BEAUTY OF ART HELPS US CELEBRATE SUMMER

‘VIBRANT SUMMER’

JUNE 1–30

J.M. Stringer Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by North Carolina artist Richard Oversmith, who studied at the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Royal College of Art in London. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and made several journeys to Italy and France, always immersing himself in his surroundings and painting en plein air. Oversmith uses just enough brushstrokes to create an impression that conveys the mood of the scene to the viewer. He works in oil on linen.

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 3465 Ocean Drive

772-231-3900

jmstringergallery.com

View of the Garden by Richard Oversmith, oil on linen, 30 x 40 inches

PICASSO CERAMICS

JUNE 1–JULY 13

Best known for his paintings, the prolific and artistically adventurous Pablo Picasso also created thousands of ceramic works, including plates, pitchers, vases, and cups, which he adorned in themes ranging from ornithology to bullfighting. His explorations in clay began in the mid-1940s and spanned nearly 30 years; many of the variations he demonstrated are present in this collection, which Findlay Galleries is pleased to share.

Findlay Galleries

165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

MORE TO SEE

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BILLBOARDS

May 18–September 1

From the late 1960s to the early ’80s, handpainted 14-by-48-foot wood-panel rock ‘n’ roll billboards adorned L.A.’s Sunset Strip. Many were captured by young photographer Robert Landau and can be seen in VBMA’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip: Photographs by Robert Landau.”

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

Visage en Gros Relief by Pablo Picasso, earthenware, 16 3/4 inches in diameter

‘GOING ON SEVENTEEN’

JUNE

7–SEPTEMBER 27

In anticipation of its 17th season, Gallery 14 presents “Going on Seventeen: Summertime at Gallery 14,” an exhibition of the latest works by its artist-owners: Lila Blakeslee, Barbara du Pont, Barbara Landry, Mary Ann Hall, Jessica Leto, Deborah Morrell Polackwich, Dorothy Napp Schindel, and Evan Schwarze. Works by the gallery’s 11 represented artists will also be on view. Receptions will take place during the First Friday Gallery Strolls June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, and Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. During the quiet months of August and September, the gallery will be open only during the strolls and by appointment.

Gallery 14

1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

Passing Time by Evan Schwarze, oil on canvas, 11 x 14 inches

GALLERY GUIDE

ART AT THE EMERSON

The Emerson Center’s gallery shows works by local artists in six themed exhibitions per year.

1590 27th Ave.

772-778-5880 artattheemerson.com

ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY

This cooperative-owned fine art gallery offers works in diverse styles and media by its ownerartists as well as associate and consignor artists.

1974 14th Ave.

772-299-1234 artistsguildgalleryofvero beach.com

ART WORKS

Various U.S. artists are featured, representing a range of styles. Classes, art parties, and other events are available.

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106

772-559-5230 artworksofvero.com

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

The Lagoon and Tidal Rooms are dedicated to nature-related art.

255 Live Oak Drive

772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

FINDLAY GALLERIES

Renowned globally for its distinguished roster of contemporary and abstract artists, the gallery specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Impressionism, European Modernism, l’Ecole de Rouen, l’Ecole de Paris, and 20thcentury American art.

165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

THE GALLERIES AT FIRST PRES

This venue displays the works of local artists in quarterly threeartist installments.

520 Royal Palm Blvd. 772-562-9088 firstpresvero.org

Mediterranean Magnetism by Alice Williams, oil on canvas, 16 x 32 inches, at Meghan Candler Gallery

GALLERY 14

The gallery features a diverse array of works in a variety of media by its eight owner-artists, along with eight represented artists and rotating monthly guests.

1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

THE GALLERY AT WINDSOR

This independent art space annually invites curators of museum-quality shows of contemporary art.

3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-4071 windsorflorida.com/the-gallery

GALLERY VERITAS

This gallery has periodic exhibitions and adjoins a working studio housing seven artists and an art library.

1422 20th St. 323-547-1188 thegalleryveritas.com

J.M. STRINGER

GALLERY OF FINE ART

The gallery offers worldwide collections of original paintings, objets d’art, sculptures, and select antique furnishings.

3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

The vast showroom offers works from more than 350 contemporary American craftsmen who create art glass, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, and fine art jewelry.

2910 Cardinal Drive 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com

LOPRESTI ART GALLERY

This gallery and studio features the work of versatile husbandand-wife artists David LoPresti and Leah Blythe.

927 7th Ave. 772-538-1454 loprestiartgallery.com

MAIN STREET VERO BEACH STUDIOS AND GALLERY

The handcrafted jewelry of Clair Brunetti, who creates custom works and repairs and updates older pieces, is showcased. 2036 14th Ave. 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

This friendly, uplifting gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by more than 40 contemporary artists of the abstract, Impressionist, and realistic styles.

6160 Hwy. A1A Village Shops 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

The oil abstracts of Elise Geary and representational narrative paintings by Jill Kerwick are featured, along with acrylic rural and outdoor scenes and seascapes by two additional artists.

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8 772-579-7667 eliseartist.com oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com

PALM HOUSE STUDIO & GALLERY

The work of several awardwinning artists is featured, and commissions are welcome.

3227 Ocean Drive, 2nd floor 772-231-6816 palmhousegallery.com

RAW SPACE

This innovative alternative cultural venue promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines.

1795 Old Dixie Hwy. 305-213-9411 artconceptalternative.org

SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB

The club offers classes, demonstrations, workshops, and art shows.

1245 Main St., Sebastian 772-321-9333 sebastianriverartclub.com

SEVENTH AVENUE STUDIO

The gallery features the abstract art paintings of Rita Barone and the varied works of Janet Kipp Tribus.

2304 7th Ave. Barone: 772-359-6283 Tribus: 772-766-0636

VERO BEACH ART CLUB

This independent nonprofit serves more than 500 members and the community through education, exhibitions, social events, and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artists.

1903 14th Ave. 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

The largest accredited art facility on the Treasure Coast, VBMA presents international exhibitions from lenders and from its permanent collection, also offering classes, lectures, film studies, concerts, children’s programs and interactive Art Zone, sculpture parks, and museum store.

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

Sand, Sea, Sky & Stage

ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION, AND CELEBRATION—IT’S ALL ON THE JUNE AGENDA

Comedians Kojo Prince and Greg Hall (above)

TComedy Zone

At Riverside Theatre’s Friday- and Saturday-evening Comedy Zone and Live in the Loop events, guests can enjoy live outdoor music, food and drinks from the grill, and two comedians on the Waxlax Stage. This month will kick off June 1 with comedian and impressionist Patrick Garrity along with Nik Macik, who describes his style as “dark, charming, and irreverent.” The June 7–8 lineup is Richy Leis, who uses the healing power of laughter to help many charities, and comedy veteran John Charles. Guitar-playing comic Greg Hall and the energetic Kojo Prince are scheduled for June 14–15, with Chicago-based Paul Farahvar and former sales professional Paul Ollinger following June 21–22. Outspoken senior citizen Gid Pool and Indian-born Boynton Beach resident Seetha Radha will wrap up the month June 28–29. Comedy Zone is intended for audience members aged 18 and up. Shows take place at 6 and 8 p.m., and tickets are $25. For more information, call the box office at 772-231-6990 or see riversidetheatre.com

TWhile sea turtle nesting season began in March, turtle walk season begins June 1 and runs through July 31. Coastal Connections and Sebastian Inlet State Park conduct guided nighttime beach walks that allow participants to witness the turtle nesting process. Walks begin at 9 p.m. and may last several hours, depending on if and when scouts spot a turtle. Preregistration is required as space is limited. State park walks begin at the Fishing Museum, accessed via the park’s south entrance (14251 Hwy. A1A) Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. They are led by a ranger and require a $15 donation. Coastal Connections’ walks originate at Costa d’Este (3244 Ocean Drive) Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights and are free. For more information, see coastal-connections.org and friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org.

Offshore Fishing Tournament

June 15 is the big day for the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association’s second annual Firefighters for Clean Water Offshore Fishing Tournament. The entry fee of $250 per boat will fund a generous donation to Captains for Clean Water, a total prize payout of $14,000, and the IRFFB’s work on behalf of local firefighters. Prizes will be awarded for the top three grouper, dolphinfish, kingfish, and snapper, and the Beau Bloch Junior Angler Award will send one lucky youngster home with $1,000. All captains must attend the captains’ meeting Friday at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, it’s lines in at 6 a.m. Spectators are welcome to come out to the Sebastian Saltwater Marina (1732 Indian River Drive) and enjoy live music as the anglers return with their catches for the weigh-in from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 772-643-1361 or see irffb.com.

Turtle Walks

RECURRING EVENTS

EVERY SATURDAY

FARMERS MARKET

Browse the wares of more than two dozen vendors at the Vero Beach Farmers Market, at the corner of Ocean Drive and Dahlia Lane. 8 a.m.–noon

Business Inspiring Kindness 2901 Ocean Drive verobeachfarmersmarket.com

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY STROLL

Pop into some art galleries and then enjoy a beverage and a bite at a restaurant or café. June 7 and July 5, 5–8 p.m.

Main Street Vero Beach Downtown along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

EVERY LAST FRIDAY

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY

Enjoy a community street party with live music, street vendors, and food trucks. June 28, 6–9 p.m., free

Main Street Vero Beach Downtown along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

EVERY LAST SATURDAY

VBMA FREE ADMISSION

Admission is free for everyone on the last Saturday of each month. June 29, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

JUNE 1

ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

David Hilmers and Marsha Ivins will be inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and guests are invited to the ceremony. 11 a.m., free with regular admission

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island 855-433-4210 kennedyspacecenter.com

JUNE 3

CAMP MCKEE

Astronaut Hall of Fame inductions, June 1 at Kennedy Space Center

McKee Botanical Garden will host six weeklong summer camps: the weeks of June 3, June 17, and July 8 for students entering grades one and two, and the weeks of June 10, June 24, and July 15 for those entering grades three and four. Each week has a different topic; snacks and lunch are provided. Preregistration is required. Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., $300

McKee Botanical Garden 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org

CALENDAR

JUNE 10

WRITING CAMP

“Write in the Middle” is a creative writing summer camp, in three weeklong sessions, for students entering the sixth through ninth grades. Weeks of June 10, 17, and 24; Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; $225 per week (scholarships and family discounts available)

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation 1914 14th Ave. 772-569-6718 lauraridingjackson.org

JUNE 13

TECH THURSDAYS

Is your smartphone making you feel not so smart? Make an appointment for the second or fourth Thursday of the month, and a tech-savvy librarian will spend 30 minutes teaching you some of the secrets of your electronic devices. Also June 27, 10–11 a.m., free Brackett Library

IRSC Mueller Campus 6155 College Lane

772-400-6380 indianriver.gov/services/library

‘THE BARD ON BROADWAY’

This Shakespearean cabaret will feature song and dance from Broadway musicals based on the Bard’s plays, such as West Side Story (Romeo and Juliet); The Lion King (Hamlet); and Kiss Me, Kate (The Taming of the Shrew). June 13–14 at 7 p.m., June 15 at 2 p.m.; $20

McAlpin Fine Arts Center

IRSC Massey Campus 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce 772-462-4750 irsc.edu

JULY 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Sebastian will kick off local Fourth of July festivities with its annual Freedom Festival, an all-day bash including a patriotic opening ceremony, a parade, live music, food, and beverages. Fireworks will begin after dark. 8 a.m.–10 p.m., free to attend

City of Sebastian at Riverview Park

U.S. Hwy. 1 and County Road 512 cityofsebastian.org

TWaterlily Celebration

McKee Botanical Garden, home to one of Florida’s most spectacular water lily collections, will hold its 19th annual Waterlily Celebration June 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plein air artists will be in the garden demonstrating their techniques, while other artists will showcase their talents in the annual Waterlily Photo Contest. Merchants will also be on hand to sell plants and conduct repotting demonstrations. Regular admission fees apply: free for members and children under 2; $10 for children 12 and under as well as military members; $13 for seniors 65 and over and youth 13 to 17; and $15 for all other adults. You may reach McKee at 772-794-0601 and mckeegarden.org.

Riverside Theatre Backstage Tours, May 3 and other select Fridays

The City of Vero Beach will launch its celebration at 5 p.m., with live music beginning at 6. Food trucks will be on hand. The fabulous 9 p.m. fireworks display will cap off the evening. 5–9 p.m., free to attend

City of Vero Beach at Riverside Park 3280 Riverside Park Drive 772-978-5151 covb.org

JULY 8

AUDUBON SUMMER CAMP

Incoming sixth through ninth graders are invited to take part in the Pelican Island Audubon Society’s two-week hands-on summer camp focusing on the natural sciences and the environment. Several field trips will be included. Space is limited. July 8–19, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., $200 (scholarships available)

Audubon House 195 9th St. SE (Oslo Road) 772-567-3520 pelicanislandaudubon.org

Burgers & Brews

TThe title of Best Burger in Indian River County will be on the line June 29 at United Against Poverty’s Burgers & Brews festival at Riverside Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Tasting punch cards, good for five sliders and two beverages (beer or soft drinks), are available for $25. Local breweries will be on hand with their craft beers, and a variety of teams, including restaurants, will be grilling up their favorite burgers for competition and consumption. There will also be live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and even a car show. Proceeds support UP’s mission of helping people living in poverty to lift their families to economic self-sufficiency. For more information, call 772-770-0740, ext. 204, or see burgersandbrews.org.

2024 Vero Beach Magazine

PHOTO CONTEST

Grab your cameras and put on your walking shoes! For this year’s photo contest, we want to see what you love about the little paradise we call home. Is it the beach? Water and nature views? Historical sites? Downtown? Ocean Drive? Whatever it is, take advantage of our beautiful weather and get out with your camera (even if it’s your phone!) and share your love of Vero Beach with us. Winners will be published in the September 2024 issue of Vero Beach Magazine

5 ENTRIES MAXIMUM PER PHOTOGRAPHER

1. High-resolution photos taken in Indian River County

2. Your name and phone number

3. Photo description, including location and date taken

WHO MAY ENTER

The contest is open to photographers aged 18 years or older. Individuals affiliated with Vero Beach Magazine or Palm Beach Media Group, including employees and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and household members, are not eligible.

WHAT TO ENTER

Photographs must be taken in Indian River County and submitted by the photographer. The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the photograph.

HOW TO ENTER

Email photographs and required information to photocontest@ verobeachmagazine.com. You must complete a separate email

Email entries to: photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com

Entry deadline: June 14

for each photo. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Winners will be notified by August 1. Failure to respond within 5 business days may result in disqualification. Decisions of Vero Beach Magazine are final.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

By submitting a photo, you are granting Vero Beach Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group the right to reproduce the work in our print publications, on our website, and in materials/social media used to promote the magazine, the contest, and/or future related contests.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The Directory

ARCHITECTS

MOULTON LAYNE PL

772-234-0445

moultonlayne.com 23

A RT GALLERIES & FINE ART

ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY

772-299-1234

artistsguildgalleryofverobeach.com 1 59

FINDLAY GALLERIES

561-655-2090

findlaygalleries.com 11

GALLERY 14

772-562-5525

gallery14verobeach.com ................ 1 59

J.M. STRINGER GALLERY OF FINE ART

772-231-3900

jmstringergallery.com 20

T HE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

772-234-6711

thelaughingdoggallery.com ............... 18

M EGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

772-234-8811

meghancandlergallery.com 14 4

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

772-579-7667

oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com ....... 14 0

ATTORNEYS

GOULD COOKSEY FENNELL

772-231-1100

gouldcooksey.com 116

LULICH & ATTORNEYS

772-589-5500

lulich.com .............................. 2 , 3

ROSSWAY SWAN

772-231-4440

rosswayswan.com 40

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICES

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC

772-562-1700

linuscadillac.com ....................... 147

MOTOR CITY CLASSIC CARS SERVICE

772-252-3590 motorcityclassiccars.com 71

BANKING, INVESTMENTS & FINANCIAL PLANNING

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC 203-705-4222

advisors.ubs.com/shantzmantione 39

B EAUTY, HAIR & SPA SERVICES

MIND AND BODY OF VERO 772-400-2020 mindandbodyofvero.com 114

SALON DEL MAR 772-234-1499 14 5

BOATING & MARINE SERVICES

DECKMASTERS LLC

772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com 127

CATERING, GOURMET MARKETS, WINE & SPIRITS

ALIMENTARI GOURMET MARKET 772-999-5483 alimentarigm.com 14 4

ELIZABETH D. KENNEDY & COMPANY INC. 772-563-0646 elizabethkennedycatering.com

COMPUTERS & AUDIOVISUAL CONSULTING

AUTOBAHN COMMUNICATIONS INC. 772-234-1555 autobahnco.com 161

CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING SERVICES

AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP. 772-492-4018 arhomes.com

CROOM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 772-562-7474 croomconstruction.com

R EILLY CONSTRUCTION 772-794-9799

V ERO BEACH ROOFING INC. 772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com

V ERO MILLWORK INC. 772-569-7155 veromillwork.com

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT 772-226-3212 indianriver.gov ...........................

EDUCATION & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE 772-462-4772 irsc.edu

FASHION & ACCESSORIES COOPER & CO. 772-231-9889

DEEP SIX DIVE & WATERSPORTS

772-562-2883, 772-288-3999 deepsix.com 117

G. MATHEOS EYEWEAR

772-492-6400 14 5

ILINEN

772-321-3262 ilinenlifestyle.com 12 3

KEMP’S SHOE SALON AND BOUTIQUE

772-231-2771

kempsshoesalon.com 141

M. MAISON

772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 113

PALM BEACH SANDALS

772-226-5998

palmbeachsandals.com 14 0

ROYAL PALM JEWEL

772-766-3165

royalpalmjewel.com 11 5

SASSY BOUTIQUE

772-234-3998 12 5

VERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR MEN & WOMEN

772-231-3733

vernonscott32963.com 14 0

VILLAGE SHOPS

772-231-1066

villageshopsverobeach.com 43

FLOORING, TILE & STONE

DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING

772-978-9111

designerstouchflooring.com 12 2

FLORIDA FLOOR FASHIONS

772-589-4994

floridafloorfashions.com 4

M ACATA STONE 772-778-3210 macatastone.com

TILE MARKET & DESIGN CENTER OF VERO BEACH 772-978-1212 tilemarketverobeach.com

FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

BUDGET BLINDS

772-202-7324 budgetblinds.com

COASTAL COMFORTS

CONSIGNMENT GALLERY

772-778-8919

SUNSHINE FURNITURE

772-569-0460

sunshinefurniturecasual.com 19

TR IMMINGS

772-213-8069

shoptrimmingsvb.com 120

VB HOME

772-492-9348 vbhome.us 30

G IFTS, STATIONERY & KEEPSAKES

COASTAL COMFORTS

772-226-7808 coastal-comforts.com 14 5

DIGG GARDENS PLANT SHOP

772-360-2131 digggardens.com 120

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com 18

M . MAISON

772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 113

NOTEWORTHY BY DESIGN

772-231-0085 14 4

TRIMMINGS

772-213-8069

shoptrimmingsvb.com 120

VERANDA

772-234-3404 verandajewelry.com 1

V ILLAGE SHOPS

772-231-1066 villageshopsverobeach.com 43

H OME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BARKER AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

772-562-2103 barkerac.com 127

DECKMASTERS LLC

772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com 127

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

772-770-9970 europeansink.com 15 4

FAMILY POOLS INC.

772-878-8452 familypoolsinc.com 121

FLORIDA SHUTTERS

772-569-2200 floridashuttersinc.com 128

HBS GLASS

772-567-7461 hbsglass.com

THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS & HOME ACCENTS 800-541-3048 thehouseoflights.com

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM

772-205-2529 ledcapstone.com

LYRA HOME

772-257-4777 lyrahome.com ...........................

M EEKS PLUMBING

772-569-2285 meeksplumbing.com

ROTH INTERIORS

772-567-1210

rothinteriorswindowfashions.net.........

VERO BEACH ROOFING INC.

772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com

VERO GLASS

772-567-3123 veroglass.com

V ERO MILLWORK INC.

772-569-7155 veromillwork.com

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

COASTAL INTERIORS 772-492-6881 coastal.net ..............................

E MILY ROSE INTERIORS, DESIGN + BUILD 772-321-7868 emilyroseinteriors.com

INSPIRED CLOSETS 772-492-9226 inspiredclosetstc.com

I SLAND INTERIORS AT OCEAN REEF 772-770-6007 islandinteriors.net

L.K. DEFRANCES & ASSOCIATES INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-0078 lkdefrancesandassociates.com

LYRA HOME

772-257-4777 lyrahome.com

6TH AVENUE JEWELERS 772-217-8985 6thavenuejewelers.com

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com 18

L EIGH JEWELERS 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com 1 5, 141

M. MAISON 772-231-4300

L ANDSCAPING & NURSERIES

DIGG GARDENS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING 772-360-2131 digggardens.com

M EDICAL SERVICES: DENTISTRY

PORTA COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY 772-567-1025

V ERO ELITE DENTISTRY 772-569-9700

M EDICAL SERVICES: DERMATOLOGY SELECT SKIN MD 772-567-1164

M EDICAL SERVICES: HOME HEALTH CARE

VERO

MEDICAL SERVICES: HOSPITALS

CLEVELAND CLINIC INDIAN RIVER HOSPITAL

772-567-4311

ccirh.org 67, 100, 101

MEDICAL SERVICES: SURGERY

PALM BEACH CENTER FOR FACIAL PLASTIC & LASER SURGERY

561-429-5403

palmbeachfacialsurgery.com 13

M EDICAL SERVICES: WHOLE HEALTH CARE

WHOLE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

877-345-9342

wholefamilyhealthcenter.org 65

M OVING, STORAGE & SHIPPING

COASTAL VAN LINES

772-569-6683

coastalvanlines.com 128

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

772-205-3990

denimanddiamonds.acsgala.org 111

M CKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN

772-794-0601

mckeegarden.org 26

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-567-8900

unitedwayirc.org 41

V ISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

772-202-8570

vnatc.com

REAL ESTATE

118

AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE

772-231-6509

alexmacwilliam.com 35

- CHARLOTTE TERRY GROUP 772-234-8500

charlotteterry.com 62, back cover

AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP. 772-492-4018 arhomes.com 113

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA REALTY

772-231-1270

bhhsfloridarealty.com inside front cover

BROWN TALLEY GROUP AT PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES 772-234-5148

browntalleygroup.info 17

C HRISTINE R. MCLAUGHLIN AT SHAMROCK REAL ESTATE 772-538-0683

propertyinvero.com 14 0

DALE SORENSEN REAL ESTATE

-CATHY CURLEY 772-559-1359 cathycurleyrealestate.com 69

JOHN’S ISLAND REAL ESTATE COMPANY 772-231-0900

johnsislandrealestate.com 9

T HE MOORINGS REALTY SALES CO. 772-231-5131 themoorings.com inside back cover

ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY -SHERRIE COLEMAN 772-633-0021 -SHERRY BROWN 772-633-1472

verobeachislandrealtor.com 51

P ULTE GROUP 772-238-5799 divosta.com 139

Contributing Advertising

THE AD AGENCY

E. Fred Augenstein

772-538-3923, augy@comcast.net

Ad design and production, all media, full service

NICOLACE MARKETING

Maureen Nicolace

772-299-4889, maureen@nicolacemarketing.com

Public relations, marketing plans, media placement, graphic design, marketing, and staff development

SQUARED STUDIOS

Amanda Robinson

772-713-6884, squared-studios.com

Marketing, advertising, and graphic design from concept through production

SKY ADVERTISING

321-777-0140, skyadinc.com

Full-service marketing, including brand creation; photography and videography; digital, print, and broadcast advertising; and website creation

VERO MARKETING

Lindsay Candler

772-473-0654, veromarketing.com

Creative graphic design, print marketing, and website design

B. DIGITAL CONSULTING

Bridgette A. Daley

561-628-7079, bdigital.social

Full-service boutique marketing agency, crafting bespoke digital marketing strategies that amplify your brand’s presence.

Vero Beach Magazine (ISSN 1097-2013) is published monthly by Palm Beach Media Group, 3375

not liable for errors or omissions. Periodical postage is paid in Vero Beach, Florida, and additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year $28; two years $45; three years $54. Subscribe online at verobeachmagazine.com or call 772-234-8871 weekdays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Our subscription information is not shared, rented, or sold. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Vero Beach Magazine, 3375 20th St., Suite 100, Vero Beach, FL 32960. SUBMISSIONS: Publisher assumes no liability for the care and return of unsolicited materials, including manuscripts and photographs. Postal authorization #018722. Copyright © 2024 Palm Beach Media Group. Vol. XXVII, No. 6, June 2024

100 YEARS

The Many Faces of a Woman

NETTIE MILLS OFTEN FOUND HERSELF IN FRONT OF RODNEY KROEGEL’S CAMERA

BY ELLEN E. STANLEY

In the mid-1920s, Rodney Kroegel and Nettie Mills, pictured here together, must have been good friends. Numerous photographs of her exist in his collection.

In the dual photograph of Nettie and her mother, Vernie Mills, the ladies appear in formal dress for an important outing, perhaps to church or a party.

Kroegel devoted Sundays to taking posed studio photographs. Lines would form outside his studio door as individuals from all walks of life, dressed up in their best, sought to be photographed and to obtain copies of their photos, which cost mere pennies each.

Posed photographs of Nettie Mills were taken in Kroegel’s studio. In the “glamour shot” seen here, she is pictured at the height of elegance, perhaps inspired by her favorite Hollywood star. Her bobbed haircut has been permed, her wristwatch is displayed prominently, and she is holding flowers. She is wearing an elegant gauzy dress and shawl with a pretty necklace. Her look is completed with a total rarity for the times in Sebastian: facial makeup with eyeliner and lipstick—surely a copy of a current cinematic leading lady.

Nettie’s father, Leon Mills, was a fisherman. The Mills

home was next to that of a longtime member of the fishing community, Simeon Park, in the 1920 census.

Park was a fisherman and wholesale fish dealer with several fish houses. At that time, fishing was an extremely profitable occupation, with fishermen casting from Titusville to Salerno. It is possible that Mills was allied with Park’s operation, although he may have been an independent fisherman as well.

Ellen E. Stanley is an author, historian, and member of the Sebastian Area Historical Society.

COURTESY OF SEBASTIAN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY KROEGEL COLLECTION

Clockwise from top: A century-old “glamour shot” features Sebastian resident Nettie Mills; Mills figures prominently in the photos of friend Rodney Kroegel; Vernie Mills dresses up for church or a social function; Nettie does the same.