Viera Voice, August 2023

Family having fun together, volunteering, serving their church in Viera

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Verenys and Alexander Avelino felt life in the Poconos was like a fairytale. They loved their neighborhood and the picturesque scenery.

After their children were born, life became challenging. Verenys worked days while Alexander worked nights. As their children grew older, they spent too much time chauffeuring them to their activities, driving through mountains and inclement weather.

Verenys was concerned they weren’t learning how to swim or ride a bike.

It was during the pandemic that they realized that spending family time together was important, so they decided to head south to Viera.

“We were grateful for our home and our work in Pennsylvania,” Verenys Avelino said, “but we were not living.”

“We knew a couple who had retired here, so we started to research the area and took a leap of faith.”

The couple have three children: 12-year-old twins, Avrian and Avriana, and their youngest daughter Ava, 9. Avrian enjoys soccer and basketball and is learning to play the trombone. Avriana is a bookworm who enjoys playing volleyball and soccer and is learning how to play the tuba. Ava is a gymnast who loves dancing and playing soccer and is

described by her mother as a social butterfly.

Verenys Avelino, a New York native, is a speech pathologist who works remotely, and Alexander, a native of the Dominican Republic, is an electrician for the Brevard County Schools. They met in New York City, where Verenys was working with Alexander’s brother and

studying for her master’s degree.

The family attends St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera. Much of their time as a family is spent volunteering.

They began volunteering at church events, then segued to other organizations, such as The Children’s Hunger Project and Keep Brevard Beautiful.

Verenys is active with women’s groups and ministries, while Alexander coaches his children’s basketball, volleyball and soccer teams.

“Coming here has been an absolute blessing,” Verenys Avelino said. “Within a month, the kids learned how to swim. They are like little fish in the water. And no

more wobbly bikes.”

“What I love is how my kids have blossomed,” Alexander Avelino said. “We spend so much time together instead of trying to get them to different locations. We play basketball, we go to the swimming pool and the store and all within 20 minutes. I love that our kids get to enjoy us.” VV

VIERA VOICE K linton Landress

The Avelino family spends a lot of their time volunteering at events at their church and other organizations. Avriana, left, Ava, Verenys, Avrian and Alexander enjoy sports, music and the outdoors.

Viera Rock Fest returns to USSSA Space Coast

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Viera Rock Fest is back for its second year Saturday, Aug. 26 at Space Coast Stadium.

Lovers of music will get to rock with many great bands performing at the festival. The evening will be hopping with rock music, and it will be the perfect event for friends and families to enjoy a great fun-filled evening

Viera Rock Fest

Saturday, Aug. 26

Doors open at 4 p.m. USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Parkway Viera vierarockfest.com

that also will include food and drinks.

There will be plenty of vendor exhibits onsite, with food trucks delivering some great-tasting vittles.

“We’re really happy to be part of this year’s lineup and to have the main stage at Viera Rock Fest,” said James Spiva, Hot Pink’s lead vocalist. “We are typically a solo act and the most exciting part about the event is that it will have other bands rocking the evening as well. We started Hot Pink in 2013 and in September this year it will mark 10 years that our group has been together.”

Hot Pink is a local favorite from Cocoa Beach with a large following in Brevard County. They’ll be performing in 2024 at the Cocoa Village Playhouse with an “80s Show” and the sequel to their popular show “Back to the Future.”

Switch is another of the bands in the lineup for the Viera Rock Fest. It is an 80s tribute band from Orlando that has opened for national acts, including Rick Springfield, Styx, Vince Neil and Tears for Fears just to name a few.

The evening lineup at Viera Rock Fest:

Positive Chaos — 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the Helipad Daniel Jüde — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. performing on the left of the concourse

Jake Salter from Tru Phonic – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. performing on the right of the concourse

Main Stage Opener — Hot Pink — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Main Stage – Switch — 8 to 9:30 p.m. VV

VIERA VOICE photo

Hot Pink will be performing on the main stage at Viera Rock Fest.

Excitement builds as school bells ring in the new academic year

BY LINDA WIGGINS

School bells will again ring Thursday, Aug. 10.

It is back to classes for Brevard County Public Schools, including the Viera/ Suntree area, which has a high school, four elementary schools and two charter schools.

A middle school is set to open in 2024 and four out-of-area middle schools currently serve students in the Viera/Suntree area. Welcoming new and returning students, implementing technology and preparing students for their next schools are some of the top priorities.

Viera Charter School students, teachers and administrators allowed a peek into what some of the schools will likely focus on first.

their laptops to the board. “It grabs their attention because it's something they don’t have in their homes or on their smartphones.”

Creating and expanding relationships with students is the most effective way to inspire the best performance from them, said one teacher turned dean and now assistant principal.

A full athletic program and fields for elementary and middle students also prep student athletes for school teams.

“I’m looking forward to raising a new class of student leaders to mentor their classmates and younger students,” Rabun said.

Do

One student is among many who have pledged to return as volunteers to mentor younger students.

“Student council is another friend group where everyone can share ideas and everyone feels heard,” said outgoing eighth-grade student president Amelia Suaso, who will be making frequent trips to her alma mater.

A path connects the schools via a tunnel under Stadium Parkway, and continues under Lake Andrews Drive to access Viera Regional Park and fields.

Kindergarten starts Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Registration and meet-theteacher opportunities vary by school.

For more information, call the student’s school or call the district switchboard at 321-633-1000 and ask to be connected. VV

• Learn how to reconnect as a couple?

• Improve your relationship even though your other half wont come to therapy?

“We are focusing not only on having new, updated and replaced technology in the schools, but on having it used in the classrooms,” said Saxon Boucher, an IT coordinator and computer science teacher at the K-8 STEAM-focused Viera Charter School. Smart boards in the front of the room allow teachers and students to interact by touching the screen and by students sending responses from

“Building these relationships creates forward-thinking skills to let them know their future is in their hands,” said VCS assistant principal Chenistique Goizueta. “It fuels their curiosity, which in turn develops problemsolving skills.”

VCS Social Studies teacher

Mary Rabun’s top job is getting her eighth graders ready to cross the street to Viera High School. Many students take advanced classes for high school credit and sister academies allow a seamless transition to offerings at Viera High School and other local high schools.

• Work on affair recovery?

• Learn how to assert yourself and manage your guilt?

• Put yourself first and feel good about it?

• Figure out who you are and what you want out of life? Want help with

“I’m looking forward to raising a new class of student leaders to mentor their classmates and younger students."

— Mary Rabun

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Viera Charter School principal Dr. Julie Cady, back row center, leads students, teachers and administrators in a fun pose as they prepare for the start of the new school year.

Viera’s Draves puts her passion to work as Viera High’s new athletic director

BY CARL KOTALA

August is going to be a big month for Viera High’s Cheryl Draves.

She turns 44 on Aug. 3.

She gets her master’s degree in Education Leadership from Florida State on Aug. 4.

And when school resumes on Aug. 10, it will mark her first full year as the Hawks athletic director.

“I like it,” said Draves, who was hired June 1, after finishing out the 2022-23 school year as interim AD following the departure of Maggie Davis.

“I’m definitely going to miss the classroom. I can only imagine what the first day of school is going to be like.”

If there is anyone who can appreciate how much the Viera High athletic program has grown since the school opened in 2006, it’s Draves. She started substitute teaching there in November 2006 and has been teaching Intensive Language Arts (ILA) at the school for the past 14 years.

In addition to teaching, she has also served as a college and career specialist (CCCS), coached cheerleading and was the school’s assistant athletic director for the past seven years.

“CCS was amazing, but I really found my liking and passion for athletic directing,” Draves said. “I’ve played softball my whole life. I’m an avid Florida State fan and follow college football.

“I know a lot about sports. I just like that aspect of being in the athletic realm of the school.”

Draves plans to continue coaching cheerleading, while also serving as Viera’s athletic director and activities coordinator.

“I’m definitely getting a different view of what an athletic director does,” Draves said. “Obviously, it’s the athletic director and activities coordinator (positions), so there’s multiple entities that go into it. It’s not just one thing. It’s not just athletics.

“To be in that leadership role and be able to help different students and different teachers and admin at one time … time management has to be a big part (along with) being organized and everything in between. Because if not, it’s going to alter everything.

“It’s been neat. I’ve been looking at this position differently for the last seven, eight years. I was only the assistant. I’ve been paying attention, but until you’re in the actual role, you really don’t know what you’re doing.”

Heather LeGate, Viera’s new principal, got to see Draves in action first-hand last year while serving as the school’s assistant vice principal for curriculum.

“I think she’s going to

do an amazing job,” LeGate said of Draves. “She’s so enthusiastic about athletics and the kids and their successes in general. She’s

very organized. She loves Viera High School. She’s been here forever and is all about being a Hawk.

“She really has a passion

for it. She’s always stepping up and doing way more than she needs to. She always goes the extra mile. I’m really excited that she took on that position and that she’s going to be the AD this year. I’m lucky to have her.”

With one team (boys soccer) coming off a state championship win and two others (volleyball, baseball) which made state championship game appearances, Viera’s athletic programs are certainly thriving.

As exciting as her new job is, Draves is also thrilled to not only be receiving her master’s degree, but to be getting it from Florida State.

She’s been a Seminoles fan ever since watching the infamous Wide Right game against Miami in 1991.

“I always told myself that I was going to get a degree from Florida State,” she said. “Here I am, at the age of 44, getting a degree from Florida State and living out a dream.

“I’m super excited about this.” VV

“I know a lot about sports. I just like that aspect of being in the athletic realm of the school.”

— Cheryl Draves

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress Cheryl Draves begins the school year as Viera High School's athletic director after serving as the interim athletic director last year.

BY CARL KOTALA

Mallory Merz has played a major role in the biggest moments the Viera High volleyball program has ever had … and she’s not done yet.

In fact, as she enters her senior season with the Hawks, the Viera setter has several big goals in mind, including getting back to the Class 6A state title game and bringing home the school’s first state volleyball championship.

She also has a shot at becoming the program’s alltime leader in assists.

“I think the standard of Viera volleyball has kind of shifted after realizing we can go pretty far in the playoffs,” Merz said. “It’s my last year playing for Coach (Sarah) Wayne in a Hawks jersey.

“My goal is to win as many games as possible and

get further than we did last year.”

Two years ago, the Hawks won their first district title in 10 years and reached the state semifinals for the first time. Last year, they played an epic state final and even had championship point before eventually losing to New Smyrna Beach in five sets.

As heartbreaking as that was, Merz is using it not just as a learning experience, but as fuel for what lays ahead this season.

“I probably think about it too much,” she said of last year’s state final. “But I’ve never been more motivated in my whole life. That was such a good experience to have.

“As an athlete, I feel like everyone needs to have an experience like that. I think it’s really taught me a lot.”

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Wayne, who has watched Merz grow up in the program since her freshman year, is happy to have one of Viera volleyball’s best back for one last ride.

“I’m just so excited to have such a veteran player, a returning captain, and a true ‘quarterback’ coming back for her senior year. She was instrumental in our run to the state championship (game) last year, and I have no doubt that we will make another run and be back again,” Wayne wrote in an email.

“I have seen Mallory evolve as a setter, as a volleyball player, as a student and a wonderful person to be around. She is a loyal teammate, a fierce friend and extremely coachable. She’s the kind of person you love being with on and off the court. She’s already broken so many milestones, and she’s not done yet … as one of the all-time greats of Viera High School volleyball.”

After setting a program record with 702 assists last season, Merz now has 1,358 for her career. She’s 325 away from becoming Viera’s all-time leader and 642 shy of reaching 2,000 for her career.

“I think that would be a really cool accomplishment to have and that’s one of my main goals to achieve this upcoming season,” she said.

“I think that would be so awesome to do that.”

With returning hitters Haley Beigh, Kasey Morgan, Sophia Jones, Ariana Menyfield and Brennan Turner, Merz has no doubt the Hawks will still be dangerous despite the loss of

stars Mak Carter and Sydney Williams.

“I’m pretty confident, actually,” she said. “I think I’m going to be able to run a pretty fast offense with all of them and I’m really excited to be able to set them.”

It’s always been volleyball for Merz, ever since she was seven and her mother signed her up along with her older sister, Kelly.

The Merz sisters were teammates for two years at Viera before Kelly graduated and moved on to play at Florida Tech.

“It was amazing,” Mallory Merz said of playing with Kelly. “I look up to my sister in so many different ways. She held me so accountable in every situation, but she would never get mad at me over anything. We get along super well. It was kind of fun because at home, we could still work out together.

“We would always talk about volleyball. Being on the court, it was different

because I was playing with my best friend and my sister.”

Like her sister, Mallory Merz will have a chance to continue playing volleyball after high school. Where that will be, she’s not sure at the moment.

All she knows right now is that she’s got some unfinished business to take care of and more memories to create.

“I think being at Viera has given me toughness and it’s shown me that people have my back in certain situations,” Merz said. “I could go on and on about Coach Wayne as well because I’ve learned so much from her.

“She’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. She holds me to a different standard. I know she’ll have my back in any situation. She holds me accountable. I think being at Viera has made me a better player and person overall.” VV

VIERA EAST AT VIERA

“She's a loyal teammate, a fierce friend and extremely coachable.”

— Sarah Wayne

Merz has ‘never been more motivated’ as she tries to lead Hawks to state title

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera High's Mallory Merz helped lead the Hawks to two of the biggest seasons in program history. This year, she's more motivated than ever to help Viera win a state championship. The senior setter also has a chance to break the school record for assists.

Rings arrive, the five-month wait well worth it

BY CARL KOTALA

Five months after being part of the first Viera boys soccer team to win a state title, Hawk teammates gathered at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s to be presented with their state championship rings.

Max Walker, who was a senior cocaptain on the Viera team that finished the season as the only unbeaten team in the state (21-0-1), said the moment meant a lot to him.

“It’s pretty much a dream-come-true for me,” said Walker, who has committed to play at Florida Tech in the fall.

This past season, on Feb. 25, Viera defeated Fort Myers 4-2 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand in the Class 6A title game.

“A lot of my friends were there, cheering us on. So, it was a little emotional, but it was a great experience.”

The same can probably be said for every member of the Viera program

who played a part in winning the state title: Walker; Alvey Kaufman; Max May; Yordan Torres; Alex Canlas; Gabe Shelton; Jake Medina; Gio Carneiro; Alex Bennett; Mikkel Jensen; Vin Riggenbach; Caden Sichler; Xavier Jackson; Peyton Bala; Christopher Marcelino; Bora Turkman; Tim Payet; Achille Turo; Johan Rafeek; Solomon Fyffe; Ben Elwell; Blake Siviter; Tyler Campbell; Pavit Dhillon; Matthew Meier; Matthew Murtha; head coach Nick Robinson and assistant Derek Sichler. VV

Viera football’s Redemption Tour slated to kick off this month

BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera Hawks have been waiting a long time for this … and they can’t wait to get started.

Viera’s Football Redemption Tour is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18 when the Hawks travel to New Smyrna Beach for a Kickoff Classic Jamboree that is expected to also feature Seabreeze and Merritt Island.

The first official game of the 2023 season is set to take place the following week when Viera visits South Fork. That’s followed by a trip to Satellite and then home games against Rockledge (Sept. 8) and Melbourne Central Catholic.

Week five of the season has the Hawks visiting an old friend, former Viera coach Kevin Mays and the Baker County Wildcats on Sept. 22. Back-to-back home games are next against Heritage and Bayside before a Thursday trip to Harmony on Oct. 12. Following a bye week, Viera is set to return home for the final two games of the regular season against Melbourne (Oct. 27) and Titusville.

“The exciting part of our schedule is that after Week 2, after we play (at) Satellite, we have six home games and

two road games,” Viera coach Shane Staples said. “If we can get off to a decent start, and then having all those home games … we’re looking for a better year than last year and building (something).

“We’re just looking to get better every day, and I think these guys have done that so far.”

After being one of the top programs in Brevard County, the Hawks fell on hard times last year. Playing with a lineup that was primarily made up of sophomores, Viera went 0-10.

Those players are juniors now, and they’re definitely hungry to reclaim their spot as one of Brevard’s best.

“There are steps to the process,” Staples said. “We’re realistic that we probably aren’t where we were five years ago, where we could line up and play anybody.

“But that’s the goal in the next year or two — can we build the program back to where it was, where we could go and compete with any team in the state?

“We knew last year was going to be a rebuilding year. It’s a process. I think these guys have bought in. I think there’s going to be improvement on the field.” While this year’s schedule

features a number of familiar opponents, there will be three teams the Hawks haven’t played in years.

Viera is 4-0 all-time against South Fork, but the two teams have not played since 2018 when they were in the same district. On the flip side, the Hawks are 0-4 against Titusville, the last game occurring in 2012.

Viera beat MCC in the only

meeting between the two schools. That was in 2011.

“When you look at the schedule and you’re like, ‘I wonder what that game is going to be like.’ … those are the good games you need to put on your schedule,” Staples said.

“We’ll play these games and see where the chips fall.” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Members of the Viera High School boys soccer team show off their state championship rings.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The rings for Viera High School's state championship boys soccer team are sharp.

“We're realistic that we probably aren't where we were five years ago, where we could line up and play anybody.”

— Shane Staples

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Rising junior Jack Hancock, center, and his Viera teammates learned a lot about what it takes to play on the varsity level last season. Head coach Shane Staples said his players have spent a lot of time in the weight room in order to get bigger and stronger and are eager to show everyone how much they've improved.

Dr. Roger Welton

BY CARL KOTALA

The decision may have come as a surprise to some.

But for anyone who knows Viera High School catcher Alex Sosa, the fact that he chose to go to North Carolina State University instead of heading directly into Major League Baseball really shouldn’t come as a shock … even if it meant passing on a seven-figure signing bonus.

A longtime fan of the college game who committed to the Wolfpack when he was a 5-foot-7, 160-pound freshman, Sosa has always talked about wanting to experience what it’s like to play college baseball.

The Hawks’ star was ranked as the No. 125 prospect on the MLB Draft board last month, but he did not hear his name called during any of the 20 rounds as teams selected players from both the high school and college ranks.

“Honestly, going in the draft wasn’t really anything until my senior year,” Sosa said. “So, for me, I went through all of high school being excited about going to N.C. State.

“I always had that in the back of my head, too. It’s always been somewhere where I wanted to be. So, that played a big factor.”

pro baseball

That’s not to say there wasn’t interest in the now 6-1, 200-pound Viera High star.

Calls came in between the third and fifth round of the MLB Draft, and while Sosa was offered a substantial signing bonus, it wasn’t enough for him to give up his dream of playing college baseball.

He has no regrets.

“I’ve been up here now for about five weeks. It’s been really fun. It’s still really exciting,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to this season as a freshman. Going out there and playing … I’ve heard these N.C. State fans are insane and they’re super into it, which is awesome. I’m just really excited to go out there.”

Sosa will be eligible to be drafted again following his junior season. Until then, he’ll get a chance to develop at the same school that has produced a number of MLB players including San Francisco Giants rookie catcher Patrick Bailey.

Happy August!

Shaquille

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant plans to open its first location in Melbourne in early 2025. The restaurant will be in Crossroad Village at the southeast corner of Wickham Road and Pineda Causeway. It will be the third Big Chicken to open in Florida. The others are in Orlando and Doral.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of people who say that I’m crazy for going to college and not going straight into professional baseball,” Sosa said. VV

Big Chicken was founded in 2018 and is backed by a team that includes O’Neal, JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. Big Chicken fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s flavors.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of people who say that I’m crazy for going to college and not going straight into professional baseball.”

— Alex Sosa

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera High star catcher Alex Sosa says he has no regrets about choosing the chance to play at North Carolina State over a potential seven-figure signing bonus. Sosa, who has traveled to North Carolina, Miami and Tallahassee with his father to watch N.C. State play, is taking a summer class in Raleigh to get used to campus life.

Aug. 5 Downtown Melbourne Farmers Market

First and third Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Riverview Park

2400 Riverview Drive Melbourne, 321-759

Aug. 7 Chalk Drawing Competition

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Decorate the floors with chalk art for a chance to win free steak for a year.

Texas Roadhouse

941 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. Indialantic, 321-773-3220

Aug. 8

Medium John Rogers

6 – 8 p.m.

Professional Medium John Rogers will share his 30 years

of experience communicating with spirit guides on the other side.

Cocoa Beach Library

550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

Let’s Laugh Comedy for Seniors

3 p.m.

A one-hour comedy show featuring Ed Tyll. Irene Canova Pavilion Building

2285 Highway A1A Indian Harbour Beach edtyll.com

Aug. 11

Woodstock Tribute Concert

3 – 4 p.m.

The Sand Blasters will perform a Woodstock tribute concert celebrating the hits of the 1960s. Cocoa Beach Library

550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

Aug. 12

Viera East Farmers Market

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Woodside Park

1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, Facebook.com

VEFarmersmarket

Rolling Toy Pickup Truck Workshop

10 a.m. Workshop for kids.

Lowe’s Rockledge

3790 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-631-0696

Road Back to School

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Celebrate World Lion Day and the start of a new school year with special games, activities and more. Brevard Zoo is partnering with the Brevard County Mobile Library.

Brevard Zoo

8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453

Ladies Night Out 2023

6:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, games, raffles, auctions, beer and wine. Fundraiser for the Candlelighters of Brevard. Hilton Rialto Place Melbourne, 321-728-5600

Aug. 13

Jazz Guitarist

Walt Stacey in Concert

2 – 4 p.m.

Presented by the Space

Coast Jazz Society. Veterans Memorial Center

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-453-1776

Aug. 19

Bonsai Weekend

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

More than 40 incredible miniature trees, care demonstration, vendors and more. Organized by the Bonsai Society of Brevard. This event is included with Brevard Zoo admission.

Brevard Zoo

8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 21-254-9453

Cheeseburger in Paradise

5 – 10 p.m.

Food, raffles and prizes. The proceeds benefit the Space Coast Honor Flight.

American Legion Unit 163

1795 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, 321-259-7239

Aug. 21

Potluck Dinner and Bocce Lessons

5:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of bocce. The Italian American Club of South Brevard 1472 Cypress Ave., Melbourne 321-242-8044

Aug. 22

American Numismatic Association Coin Talk

6 – 7:45 p.m. Suntree/Viera Library

902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4044

Space Coast Strikes Back

3 – 5:30 p.m.

Eighth annual bowling tournament to support hospitality education. Shore Lanes Bowling Center 600 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island 727-642-3404

Aug. 26

Wine, Women and Shoes

2 – 6 p.m.

Enjoy incredible varietals from top winemakers and shop local woman-owned businesses in the marketplace benefiting weVENTURE. Radisson Resort at the Port. 8701 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral 321-674-8000

A Little Night Music Concert 7 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. Satellite Beach High School 300 Scorpion Court Satellite Beach 855-252-7276

Aug. 27 Mahjong Class

2 – 5 p.m.

Learn the basics of playing Mahjong. The class is free, but registration is required. Addison Village Club 8150 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-237-237

NewsSCHOOL

More staff, boosting student achievement among goals for superintendent

BY LINDA WIGGINS

Newly tapped Brevard Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell is setting his sights on increased staffing, improved academics for all students and getting more of the young adults ready to take good jobs right out of high school should they not pursue college.

Voters in 2022 flipped the Brevard School Board to a 3-2 Republican majority, based on Republican and Democratic endorsements of candidates in the nonpartisan race.

Mark Mullins, the previous superintendent, agreed to step down after a first contentious meeting of the new board. A nationwide search for a new superintendent resulted in moving Rendell from his post as a beloved and respected principal of Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High to the top spot in the district.

The immediate changes are the first of many that are expected.

“We had unfilled vacancies last year ranging from classroom teachers to support personnel, and even administrators,” Rendell said of his first priority.

And while school districts across the country experienced the same conditions, Rendell hopes that improvements in student behavior and increased wages will be a beacon to Brevard.

“I want to thank the residents of Brevard County for approving the

discretionary property tax millage (in 2022). That additional funding, which is earmarked for compensation, will help us provide competitive wages for all of our employees.”

In addition to funding, changes in classroom focus and discipline should improve conditions in the front of the room. A new district-wide ban on cell phone use by students during instructional time — a solution cried out for by teachers during a recent community meeting to address disciplinary issues — will greatly help, he said. Also, the district will provide more support to school principals for disciplinary issues, with area directors each assigned to 14 or 15 of the district’s more than 110 schools each, with monthly visits to find out what is working and what areas they are requesting help.

Secondly, Rendell hopes to improve schools’ report cards overall.

“We are a great school district and have a lot to be proud of. We have some of the highest-rated schools in the state,” he said, pointing to the district’s International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, Advanced Placement (AP) and a strong Dual Enrollment program with Eastern Florida State College. “But of the 67 school districts in the state of Florida, we used to rank in the top 10 to 15 on most state assessments and tests. Over the last few years, we have been landing in the 20s and

30s on most assessments. We have some work to do.”

The third top priority is helping students find jobs right out of high school and helping local employers by filling these vacant positions.

“I believe we do a great job of preparing our collegebound students for success,” Rendell said, pointing to the above-mentioned programs. He also pointed to popular certification programs in areas such as automotive,

health care and digital design.

“What is not a strength is our school-to-work pipeline. We have businesses and other organizations in Brevard County that need employees with these skills. We need to find a way to match up our programs and students with local industry needs.”

According to BPS figures, the school district is the largest employer in the county — 10th largest in Florida — employing more than 8,000

staff members, of which more than half are teachers, serving more than 74,300 students at 84 schools, 15 special centers, and 12 charter schools. They’ll have done their job well when students are prepared for work or future endeavors, Rendell concluded.

“There are employment opportunities in our community that our students are suited for — we just need to do a better job of lining things up.” VV

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress Brevard Public Schools new Superintendent Mark Rendell wants to increase staffing, improve academics and get more young adults ready to take jobs right after high school.

Bus driver pay boost puts more workers behind the wheel

BY LINDA WIGGINS

An increase in the school bus driver starting wage from $15 to $20 an hour is helping to alleviate a critical shortage, officials said. The increase took effect July 1.

“There has been an increase in inquiries and applicants,” said Rachad Wilson, the chief operating officer with Brevard Public Schools. “We’ve had 116 inquiries, around 70 have applied, and we’ve hired 13 or 14 so far. A tremendous uptake.”

It’s not just the money but changes in discipline for student misbehavior that will attract more staff to the front of the bus, he added.

“We now have the same referral process as the classroom,” Wilson said, adding that drivers are able to write up misbehaving students for a disciplinary referral and a parent or guardian is notified. “Also, drivers are able to communicate with administration in real time should a serious incident occur.”

Another hole has been draining the pool of drivers and it has been

plugged, Wilson added. Previously, applicants have been able to take advantage of the free training and certification and then head for other school districts or industries to work for better pay or conditions.

“We’ve changed that so that they don’t get trained until they are fully hired, and if they quit before the full year, they will have to pay back the training costs,” Wilson added.

The money for the driver pay raise came from the millage increase approved by voters in 2022, which had previously increased the minimum wage for all school jobs to $15 an hour. The driver shortage — which has created the need for drivers to take two and three trips to pick up students, causing some of them to miss up to an hour or more of instructional time — called for the additional bump in pay.

Officials are hoping that the improved pay and working conditions will bring many drivers back into the fold.

“We are definitely seeing some familiar faces,” Wilson concluded. VV

Be alert — drive carefully

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Rachad Wilson, the chief operating officer for Brevard Public Schools, hopes that a recent pay increase and changes in discipline will interest more potential bus drivers.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard County Motorists are reminded to pay close attention to school zones and crosswalks as students return to school beginning Aug. 10.

High’s new

BY CARL KOTALA

Viera High School’s new principal knows exactly what kind of environment she wants to create at the school.

“One of my biggest things is building relationships,”

Heather LeGate said.

“I feel like building relationships among your faculty, staff, students, parents and the community.

If you don’t have an atmosphere of a family, where we all trust each other and support one another, then really, it’s hard to get much else done.

“… I think the foundation has to be strong relationships across the board. Once you’ve established strong relationships and a culture of support and respect, then moving into accelerating academics is flawless.”

LeGate was announced as the successor to Sarah Robinson in June. The 46 year old is no stranger to the Viera High community, having come to the school as the assistant principal for curriculum last year.

Prior to that, she was the assistant principal of operations for one year at Titusville High School and a dean at Eau Gallie High School for four years.

“I’m really excited,” LeGate said. “I’ve been working toward a principalship with Brevard for a while and I was very excited to take on Viera High School and serve

that community.”

The Viera community is one of the things that has really impressed LeGate during her time with the Hawks.

“I really love the level of community and parental involvement and support that we get here at Viera High School,” she said. “It’s amazing. I haven’t worked at a school before this one where there was so much support and just an outpouring of it from parents, business partners and community members that are willing to come to

the school and volunteer their time.

With the new school year set to open Aug. 10, LeGate is meeting with every member of the faculty and staff to get their thoughts on what has worked well and what areas could be improved.

“If there is any change that happens in the future, it’s going to be driven by my faculty and staff and students. It’s not going to be me coming in and changing things.”

After surveying the staff, looking at the data to

see what areas needed to be folded into the school improvement plan and going over surveys taken by the teachers and parents, she came up with a plan to have teachers observe other teachers.

The idea was that by watching how others handled things like classroom management strategies, differentiation strategies, engaging reluctant readers or even tech structure — like how to teach kids to dissect a graph — it would give them new ideas they could implement

in their own classrooms.

“We had some teachers who were rock stars in those areas and other teachers would go in groups of two or three and just observe them teaching their class,” LeGate said.

With much less turnover expected this year, once again, it feels like the Hawks will be ahead of the game come the fall.

“I really enjoy connecting with the students and helping the students with their classwork, of course, but also with other areas of their life and helping them find their way,” LeGate said.

Robinson was Viera’s principal for the previous four years and was at the school for seven years overall before taking a job at her husband’s law firm in order to be able to spend more time with her family.

“I think Heather is the perfect person to become principal of Viera High School,” Robinson wrote in a text message. “She was the assistant principal for curriculum and in her role quickly built relationships with the students, staff and community. Heather is extremely dedicated and hard working. She puts students first and will work very hard to ensure that all the students are successful

“I know Viera is in great hands with Ms. LeGate and can walk away knowing that she will continue an excellent legacy at Viera High.” VV

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Heather LeGate was announced as the the new principal of Viera High School last month.

Home AROUND THE

Exhibitors show off products, services at Brevard Home and Garden Expo

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

The 10th annual Brevard Home and Garden Expo saw 65 exhibitors bring their products and services to the Melbourne Auditorium on July 15 and 16.

“Our expo is the largest of its kind in Central Florida,” said Jenna Smith, the coproducer of the event along with her husband, Frederick.

“Our goal is to put the area’s leading contractors and suppliers in a position to assist consumers thinking about replacing, repairing or remodeling their homes, gardens or patios.”

Some of the new exhibitors, including All Aluminum and Screening, Greener Shingles East Coast FL Inc. and Stack — Moving Box Rentals. All Aluminum and Screening specializes in custom pool cages, lanais and insulated covered patios. Founded in 2022 by Mike Jaffe and Ty Keenan, two

well-known contractors in Brevard County for 20 years, All Aluminum and Screening installs all of its custom designs to its customers’ needs. The company specializes in panoramic openings and unique shapes which add value to client’s properties.

“Mike and Ty were very honest and professional and were able to install our screens way sooner than expected,” said Alexa Young, a satisfied client.

Greener Shingles East Coast FL Inc. supplies a product new to the Brevard County area that allows for the rejuvenation instead of replacement of asphalt roof shingles at a much cheaper cost to homeowners, according to Mark Watson, the company vice president.

“Most asphalt roof shingles can last 20 to 40 years, yet typical roof warranties span approximately 15 to

25 years,” Watson said. “This means total roof replacements happen more frequently than the shingles’ estimated lifespan. If treated

HOME continued to page 19

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Reusable bins on wheels are a newcomer to the moving market.

early, though, you can extend the lifespan of your roof shingles much longer than originally estimated.”

Greener Shingles’ solution is soybean-oil based and is a reformulation of the asphalt rejuvenator used to preserve the oil in roads, driveways and parking lots.

Stack — Moving Box Rentals is another product new to the Brevard County area. The idea is for people moving to rent and return plastic bins and dollies the bins stack on, rather than buying, assembling then discarding cardboard boxes.

“Over 900 million cardboard boxes are wasted each year on moving,” said Frederick Smith, the local representative for the company. “If you use our product, you will eliminate waste while making your move more efficient.”

Exotic plumerias flowering passion for growers

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

In the 1990s, Northern transplants Bill Jurgens and Bryon Gardner first tried their hand at making plants grow under the vagaries of their new home in Brevard County.

The results were less than satisfactory.

“All the plants we liked up North did not do well here,” Jurgens said.

The avid gardeners did not despair, instead researching plant species until stumbling upon plumeria, aka frangipani, the brilliant shrubs and small trees that perfectly evoke the essence of the tropics.

“We developed a deep passion very quickly,” Jurgens added.

The passion quickly became a hobby that soon became a business. Now B & B Exotics Plumeria boasts a worldwide reputation as an independent registered Florida nursery with the Florida Department of Agriculture. Jurgens and Gardner are sought-after speakers at horticultural conventions and events

around the world.

The 15 years that Jurgens and Gardner have spent hand pollinating their trees have resulted in more than 120 different varieties. They have amassed an impressive collection that ranges from the standards to limited edition varieties beloved by serious collectors.

They propagate from their own trees through either grafting or rooting. Two-yearplus-old root stock grown from their own plumeria seeds receive the grafts. Most plants are sold in one-gallon containers, but B & B has been known to ship small trees around the world. The nursery also sells plumeria seeds so you, too, can grow your own.

Although internet sales comprise the bulk of business, B & B Exotics also sells in-person — but only by appointment — at their nursery in Indian Harbour Beach.

“We have a beautiful jungle here,” Jurgens said.

All sales include care and feeding instructions to ensure planting success.

While seeds for the Muang Bendjapan variety can be purchased for a mere $4.50, expect to pay $200 for a 15-inch specimen of the very limited Showme Sunshine.

The gardening website Gardnerdy.com notes that the flowers represent beauty, charm, grace and a new beginning in many cultures.

For more information, visit allaluminumscreening. com, greenershinglesofflorida. com and stackmoves.com.

WE SPECIALIZE IN DESIGN EPOXY RESIN FLOORS

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Ty Keenan and Mike Jaffe have been well-known contractors in Brevard County for 20 years.

VIERA VOICE Mark Watson Preservation and rejuvenation of

When epoxy resin is applied over concrete, it will provide a low maintenance, high performance, smooth and durable surface that will last you for years.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Bill Jurgens is one of the owners of B & B Exotics Plumeria.

ScoopBUSINESS

New executive chef brings passion for cooking to 28 North

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Christopher Morales has stepped into the role as the new executive chef at 28 North Gastropub.

Originally from Southern California, Morales has always known that food inspires the world, hence it’s always been his passion since a very young age. Even though he’s self-trained, he has had some incredible mentors and top-tier chefs guide him along his culinary journey.

Since his arrival in Florida in 2010, he’s been active in the gastronomic community in Brevard County.

“I became executive chef at Bistro 29 in Palm Springs, California at 20 and opened its sister restaurant Bistro 39 in Oceanside, California. I’ve worked in Los Angeles (and in) Florida, where I headed the kitchens at Pompano Grill in Cocoa Beach and was also accepted at a two-star Michelin restaurant in New

York City in 2017,” Morales said.

Even though he’s in his early 30s, Morales has had a very fruitful culinary career.

“Chris Conneen and I have known each other for a

while and he approached me while I was the executive chef at Chef’s Table. He offered me the position and I’m thrilled to bring my culinary expertise to the kitchen at 28 North,” Morales said.

He’ll be injecting his gastronomic mojo into 28 North and it will experience a shift in dish variety, as he will be incorporating new choices to the menus.

“Us chefs are evolving all

the time and our repertoire and cooking style changes. I’m big into seasonal food and like to introduce it into my cooking as I like to be 100% different to separate myself from the rest of the pack,” Morales said. “It’s a stressful but very rewarding career, where the kitchen defies time but it’s so worthwhile seeing new creations evolve with my team.”

In a society where life revolves around food, many have turned that love into a passion and such is the story with Morales. His artistic palette extends well into photography, where he’s become as comfortable with a camera as he is with a kitchen cleaver, photographing dishes in a spectacular way.

“We’re working on a fallinspired menu and we will be keeping the same concept where it will be a rotating menu every three, four months,” he said. VV

Fulfilling people’s dreams one home at a time since 2007

JULIE LOCKE 321-720-4546

“Julie made selling our house a smooth and painless process. She is very reliable and has solid communication. It was our first time selling a house, so my wife and I had a ton of questions, but Julie was there to walk us through the process. It was a great experience.”

—Barron

VIERA VOICE RW Photography

Christopher Morales has had top chefs and mentors guide him before he brought his experience to 28 North.

Holistic team blends traditional medical care, holistic approach

BY RANDALL P. LIEBERMAN

Dr. Tanya Schrumpf was already a successful chiropractor with a thriving practice in the Viera/ Melbourne area since 2005. Then, she decided to go back for more schooling about 10 years ago to better help her patients.

“I was noticing I had many patients who had not been to a regular doctor in a long time because they did not trust the disease model of traditional medicine,” Schrumpf said. “I wanted to offer these patients something more than I was already doing.”

So, when Schrumpf finally got her ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) degree in May 2020, she and her husband Terry opened Holistic Primary Care of Brevard — the medical practice in Viera they run together today (she as clinical director and primary care provider and he as company president).

“Our team is doing something nobody else in this area is offering,” Schrumpf said. “And, you’d have a hard time finding it offered anywhere else either. What we offer is a combination of the traditional medical approach to rooting out

disease with a wellness-based holistic model to optimize the body’s ability to selfrepair. We prioritize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies to treat illness and promote wellness.”

Schrumpf said the practice’s approach to patient care (for both children and adults) is to work as a team with patients to optimize health and wellness by identifying and working with patients to make necessary

changes long before disease occurs. Schrumpf said a true testament to the company’s approach is seen in that many of her staffers started out as patients and believed so much in the practice’s approach to wellness care that they eventually became employees.

One such staffer is Clinical Associate Kate Plantier.

“Dr. Schrumpf has been my primary care provider for the past four years,” Plantier said. “She saved my

life by getting me off three different medications and helping me lose 90 pounds. I am now a proud member of the practice and I love seeing others going through similar transformations to mine.”

Holistic Primary Care of Brevard is located at 8043 Spyglass Hill Road, Suite 201 in Viera.

For more information, visit holisticprimarycarebrevard. com or call 321-757-6899.

Thompson

Lauri Thompson has been named to the care team for Senior Partner Care Services, an affiliate of One Senior Place in Viera. Thompson, a registered nurse, is a nurse care manager. She will serve as an advocate for senior clients and their families by coordinating the resources needed for healthy and independent living.

The resident of Indialantic has more than 20 years of experience as a medical professional. Thompson was a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Cocoa Fire Department for 10 years.

Lauri

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Dr. Tanya Schrumpf and her husband Terry own Holistic Primary Care of Brevard.

Genna Pizza Express opens second restaurant

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Genna Pizza Express will bring its mom-and-pop feel to Suntree as Charlie and Jeanine Marchica open their second full-scale pizza restaurant in Brevard County.

It was scheduled to open Aug. 1.

Located at 7954 N. Wickham Road, Suite 117, where Twisted Fin previously was located, the express-style restaurant (fast and casual) will feature a 2,100-squarefoot dining room, seating 65 at booths, tables and high-top tables.

On the menu will be New York style pizza, sandwiches, salads, wings, strombolis, calzones, beer and wine. It also will cater for parties and events — big or small.

“Everything is handtossed,” said co-owner Charlie Marchica, who has been in the restaurant business since age 15. “We make all of our dough from scratch and we use the best ingredients. We make our pies with the same ingredients they do in New York.”

Genna Pizza Company in Melbourne has been in

business for 20 years. When the Marchica family bought it 10 years ago, they changed the menu and started using their own recipes.

“I have always loved the pizza business,” he said. “I’ve been managing restaurants since age 19 and have always wanted to open up my own. When I first bought Genna, we started with five tables.”

Genna Pizza Express in Suntree is now hiring. It needs pizza cooks, delivery drivers, food runners and managers. Look for an ad on Indeed.com or stop by Genna Pizza Company at 4301 N. Wickham Road to apply onsite.

“We don’t have customers. We have family,” added Charlie Marchica. “We know the people who come in and they know each other.”

The regulars also know about ordering special pizzas, sandwiches and dishes that are sometimes crazy and not on the menu.

Genna has a strong foothold in the community.

“We try to help as much as we can,” Marchica said.

“We’re always there for people, school, work,

community. Even though we’re small. We appreciate what the community has done for us.”

Genna Pizza Express will be open seven days a week.

It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Be on the lookout for those

late-night hours in the near future.

“It’s gonna be a party,” Charlie Marchica said. For more information, go to gennapizzaexpress.comVV

Poké Fin brings its Hawaiian flavor to Addison Square

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Poké is more than a pretty bowl of fresh fish as it’s said to be starting to surpass sushi’s popularity because unlike sushi, poké is more customizable.

Poké means chunk in Hawaiian and it’s been a staple dish in native Hawaiian cuisine, consisting of chopped pieces of fresh fish — typically tuna or salmon — mixed with savory sauces, toppings and served

over sticky rice.

Poké Fin owner Ron Abeles is very serious about poké. He loves it so much he’s become somewhat of a poke king.

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I had a yogurt shop called I Dream of Yogurt, which was very successful. When the frozen yogurt craze was over, I realized I needed to reinvent myself and still wanted to retrofit the existing location to make it into a new

restaurant,” Abeles said.

“In 2019, I was in Scottsdale, Arizona and walked into this poké restaurant. That’s where I met Drew Mejia — an 18 year old who seemed very knowledgeable about poké. We became friends and I knew immediately he was an extraordinary young man and wanted him as part of my team. He’s been very instrumental in our success and the rest is Poké Fin history.”

Mejia is Poké Fin’s general manager and since his arrival in Florida has been in charge of operations at its two locations — Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach.

“We’re very proud of our poké. We’re always looking for new, tasty ways to engage with the public and we’re beyond thrilled that our locations and poké bowls have received such incredible five-star reviews from our community,” Mejia said.

Abeles will now offer his poké bowl creations in Viera with the opening by the end of the year of his new Poké Fin restaurant at Addison Square on the Southwest corner of Lake Andrew Drive and Ivanhoe Drive.

“What makes Poké Fin so distinctive is that each customer can customize their own bowl and it can be enjoyed along with the tiki

décor and you feel you’re in Hawaii when you’re inside our restaurants,” Abeles said. “We’re very excited about our new location in Viera and can’t wait for the community to sample our food as well as our big variety of boba teas.”

The poké bowl craze is revolutionizing the foodie arena, getting many accolades because it checks

all the boxes. It’s healthy, filling and for people who are pressed for time, it’s a grab-and-go dish.

We live in an era where people demand authenticity coupled with great flavor. People are gravitating to a variety of healthier fast-food alternatives and Poké Fin checks off all the boxes — freshness, versatility and health.

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Owners Jeanine and Charlie Marchica with their children Charles, left, Julianna and Gianna are excited to open the new location of Genna Pizza Express.

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Owner Ron Abeles and general manager Drew Mejia are preparing to open the new location of Poké Fin at Addison Square in Viera.

Additional Products

Storm Panels

Screen Rooms

Accordians

Roll-Ups

Bahamas

Hurricanerated Roll-Up Screens

Acrylic Sliders

Carports

Easy Open/Close Accordion Shutters

Success leads Sweet Heartist Cookie Company’s move to Suntree

BY BETTY PORTER

Something sweet is coming to Suntree.

The Sweet Heartist Gourmet Cookie Company will be opening its store in the Suntree Square this fall. It will occupy the space that was formerly Pinspiration craft studio.

It is by no means a cookiecutter operation since it is privately owned by Crystal Morales and her husband, Nelson, who were high school sweethearts. She says he is her biggest supporter and gives her full reigns as to the vision and daily operations of the business.

Crystal Morales, a native of Melbourne and 2000 graduate of Melbourne High School, started decorating sugar cookies as a creative hobby in 2019. Her hobby quickly grew into a successful side business from home.

“I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but for 20 years I stayed in a comfortable corporate job for the stability. I wanted to do something that would make my creative heart happy and give me room to reach my greater potential. But, I was too scared to take the leap. As fate would have it, I was unexpectedly laid off in January 2021. I just knew this was my God-given opportunity to finally follow my heart,” she said.

She grew the part-time cookie business into a fulltime operation and recalls signing the lease on a tiny

space in Eau Gallie to open a shop.

“I signed the lease for our first brick and mortar on the same day I received the last of my severance pay, all while fighting COVID (which my taste and smell have still not recovered from). This entire journey has been fueled by faith and a desire to create for a living,” Morales said.

The Eau Gallie store at 1609 N. Wickham Road, Unit C, quickly became too small and Morales searched for a year before finding what she considers to be the perfect location in Suntree Square.

“We currently operate in a 590-square-foot space and

are running out of places to put things,” Morales said. “We are so excited to be relocating to the 2,000-square-foot space in Suntree Square. The goal is for us to be in the new location by Oct. 1 — before the holiday rush.”

“We love that Suntree is centrally located in Brevard, which is important not only for our growing customer base, but our small business partners,’’ Morales said. “Aside from creating Brevard’s favorite local cookies, our mission is to support local businesses and foster creativity in the community. The new location supports our bigger

vision. We will be adding many new vendors and artists to the market, where you can browse their work and shop. Even meet and greet the artist at times. We will be hosting a variety of creative workshops in our studio — from cookie decorating to macrame to sushi rolling. We will be adding additional decorating supplies to support our local cookie artists. We also plan to add new items to the menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and other delicious collaborations. Our vision is so much more than cookies.’’

“We primarily offer large gourmet cookies, cookie cakes and decorated sugar cookies for holidays. Our gluten-free cookies are well

loved by the community as well. Our flavor menu changes weekly,” she said. “Out of over 75 flavors, our Oatmeal Creme Pie is still the No. 1 customer favorite. Our Chocolate Chip cookie is popular as well. I’d say I’m the most proud of it actually as the dough is matured before baking it, and the kiss of sea salt at the end is just magical.”

Included in the cookie lineup is The Full Nelson, a nod to her husband. It is made of signature chocolate cookie dough, loaded with peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, filled with sweet peanut butter and topped with chocolate drizzle.

For information, check out thesweetheartist.com VV

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Crystal Morales is excited about moving The Sweet Heartist Gourmet Cookie Company from Eau Gallie to Suntree Square by Oct. 1.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

For an invitation to the August 10 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

In July, the Viera Means Business networking group met at 28 North Gastropub

The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at member business locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

info@ancestryportraits.com

IG: @ancestryportraits

VMB venue Sponsor 28 North Gastropub: Chris Conneen, the owner of 28 North Gastropub and Pizza Gallery & Grill, chats with Chef Christopher Morales.

Guest speaker Cathy Brown is a franchise owner of Chicken Salad Chick Viera and Chicken Salad Chick West Melbourne.

Cathy Brown, Sara Slater, Cheryl Clark, John Mackor Kristine Quattrone and Cartama Ramos-Crafton

Juan Carlos Motero and Karen Wilson

Alexander Ash and Christian Vargas

Reetu Haave, Carlett Delliquadri, Marta Beaver Daisy Pickett and Anjanette Wicks

Madison Mykoo, Gordon Hewatt

Careen Clarke Diane Hawthorne LaChrista Jones and Joanne Blake

Versatile nurses excel in many different roles

What made you get into nursing — did you consider other careers before deciding on nursing?

I was a real estate agent prior and when the real estate market fell out in 2003/2004 I went back to school for nursing because I loved science and I truly enjoy helping people. I saw it was an easy choice with a long road. I worked in the acute care setting at HF Cape Canaveral Hospital for 10 years, starting off with my associate in nursing, became oncology certified, became a clinical charge nurse, got my bachelor's degree and eventually stepped down and went to Per Diem to finish my master's because I wanted direct patient care contact. I graduated

What made you get into nursing — did you consider other careers before deciding on nursing?

Prior to nursing, I served in the Coast Guard as a Marine Science technician for about 10 years. After I separated, I still wanted to be in a career that helped people, but also challenged me. In nursing, learning never ends and the problems one encounters are never the same. Nothing is more satisfying than being entrusted with a person's well-being and having positive outcomes that makes a difference in their day-to-day lives.

What made you get into nursing — did you consider other careers before deciding on nursing?

Nursing has been my first and only career. I went to nursing school right after high school. I considered other career paths, including marine biology, interior design and law school — quite a contrast I know. It was my step dad who suggested I go to nursing school, he thought it would be a good fit for me. I knew I wanted to help others coupled with my interest in health and wellness I decided to go for it. Nursing offers many career paths within the profession, it's quite remarkable. Twenty years later and four nursing degrees later, I am still here, so he was right.

Tell us about your weekend, what do you do?

as an APRN Family practice.

Tell us about your weekend, what do you do?

On the weekends, I like to be outside going on the boat or jet ski, fishing, going to a plant store, art shows and any local events.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to cook, play with my plants, travel to different cities within Florida and spend time with friends and family.

Tell us about your hobbies and pastimes.

Cooking, kickboxing and concerts. Describe some of what you do at

Tell us about your weekend, what do you like to do?

Most weekends, we love spending time on our boat or exploring local places for interesting cuisine/ experiences.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love traveling, spending time with my family, and riding my peloton whenever possible.

Tell us about your hobbies and pastimes.

My guilty pleasure is crime

The weekends are for family time. My son is in high school and he plays multiple sports. Most of the year, our weekends are pretty busy cheering him on. On the free weekends, we enjoy boating/fishing, traveling or taking some downtime at home.

What do you do in your spare time?

I regularly schedule time to stay physically active, either cycling, yoga or strength training. I also listen to audiobooks/podcasts and research various topics from health and wellness to travel.

What are your hobbies and pastimes.

I love learning. I am interested in history and learning about other cultures. My hobbies include gardening,

Suntree Internal Medicine?

Working in internal medicine as an NP, I see all the providers' patients in the practice from B12 injections, testosterone injections, skin infections to acute respiratory illnesses. We complete hospital follow-ups , review labs and diagnostics. It's a very broad spectrum. Honestly, we see it all and treat accordingly. If needed, we refer to other specialties within the community based on the patient needs with the goal of patient satisfaction and continuity in care .

How long have you worked at Suntree Internal Medicine

Four years in September.

documentaries and at one time I considered a career in criminal justice. I also love historical folklore.

Describe some of what you do at Suntree Internal Medicine?

I help prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of diseases in the primary care setting for adults. The majority of my focus is on preventative healthcare so that my patients are living their best quality of life and focusing on things that matter most to them.

How long have you worked at Suntree Internal Medicine?

Just over one year.

candlemaking, reading, traveling and photography.

Describe some of what you do at Suntree Internal Medicine?

My role as an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) is that of a primary care provider. I oversee my patients preventative care, provide urgent/sick visits, monitor ongoing medical conditions and diagnose and treat new medical conditions. I act as a guide and resource for my patients in their health and wellness journey. I also serve as a mentor to nurse practitioner students and new providers to the office.

How long have you worked at Suntree Internal Medicine?

I have worked at Suntree Internal Medicine since 2015. VV

Angela Armellini

Shannon Spreitzer

Jasmine Montanez

COMPILED BY R. NORMAN MOODY, PHOTOS KLINTON LANDRESS

Fashion Palooza returns after a successful first show

BY BETTY PORTER

The Fall Edition of Fashion Palooza promises an exciting show and great food.

The fashion show is to benefit Success Indeed, Inc., which counsels youth on career paths and provides scholarships to help them succeed.

The event, from noon to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 26, will be held at the church hall of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Community at 5655 Stadium Parkway in Viera.

Originally planned as an annual event, but because of the popularity of the first show, the organizers decided on holding the Fall Edition. Models include local attorneys, business owners and community leaders modeling fashion provided by Dillard’s department store on Merritt Island.

“We are excited about the August fashion show, which we call our Fall Edition,” said Anjanette Wicks, the founder and director of Success Indeed. “Just the mention of fall is such a comforting thought to all of us who have been through this very hot summer.”

Dillard’s will have the fashion merchandise available for sale at the Fashion Palooza. Guests will be treated to a Cajun-themed lunch prepared by well-known local chefs competing for the Best Cajun Flavor. Chefs from Lizette’s Cajun Bistro, 28 North Gastropub, Fish Camp Grill, Philibert’s Kitchen, Cajun House on Wheels and Spectrum Catering.

Some of the dishes guests can expect from the competing chefs include jambalaya, gumbo, beignets,

étouffée, red beans and rice and chicken pasta.

The lunch also will include a salad bar for those who prefer it instead of the Cajun dishes.

“It's going to be delicious food,” Wicks said. “Some of it

reminds me of the authentic flavors of home in Louisiana, where I am from.”

The Fall Edition of Fashion Palooza is the second-such show this year for the Success Indeed organization. Instead of an annual event, two shows

per year are now planned. The first was held in April.

“It was such a success that people kept asking us when we would be doing the next show,” Wicks said. “We felt it was a good opportunity to raise more funds to help our youth.”

Proceeds from this and the first show will go for a youth day year-end event, scholarships and special programs.

The cost for the event is $35 in advance and $45 at the door.

To make a reservation for the event goto eventbrite. com/e/682005535917 or to purchase tickets Achieve Beautiful Skin or Viera Voice

To learn more about Success Indeed or to inquire about becoming a youth mentor, call Wicks at 321-591-3414. VV

R. Norman Moody contributed to this report

Chef Christopher Morales 28 North Gastropub

Chef Tony Schoera Fish Camp Grill

Chef Kamal Philibert Philibert's Kitchen

Chef Kevin Johnson Lizette's Cajun Bistro

Chef Jaime Barney Cajun House on Wheels

Chef Nick Rogers Spectrum Catering

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Chira Gaines, Andrea Wheeler and Josh Ford walk the runway at the first Fashion Palooza in May. The Fall Edition Fashion Palooza will be Aug. 26.

August is National Peach Month

Eat a Peach Day is August 22

In July 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August ``National Peach Month'' and called upon people to incorporate this nutritious fruit into their diets.

The five most notable peach-producing states include:

Georgia

South Carolina

North Carolina

Florida

California

Source: Lane Southern Orchards, Georgia.

PEACH

DISHES

Peach Milkshake

Peach Cobbler

Peach Crisp

Peach Daiquiri

Peach Smoothie

Peach Ice Cream

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Some people are gaga about onions and some can’t stand the taste of them. Raw or cooked onions are a delicacy to the palate and much like garlic they’re a necessity to add complexity to any dish and are used in every cuisine around the world.

If you’ve tasted a Vidalia onion, you’ll know why they’ve been given the moniker as the grand dame of onions — it wasn’t

Vidalia — Queen of Onions

awarded easily. Onions are part of the allium family, which also includes garlic, leeks, chives and scallions.

Vidalia onions are grown in Vidalia, Georgia and their season is between April and early September. Their sweet taste is due to their high water and natural sugar content compared to other onions and therefore they are not as pungent or biting in taste. The soil in Vidalia has a low amount of

sulfur, which cuts the typical onion’s acidity making it succulent and sweet.

The folks in Vidalia take their onions very seriously as they’re their pride and joy.

The first Vidalia onions were harvested in 1931 by farmer Moses Coleman. He hadn’t intended to cultivate anything innovative, but when he harvested his crop that year, he realized that they were sweeter than usual.

He decided to sell them, and although the Vidalia onion was not an immediate success, Moses eventually sold his crop. From there, the Vidalia onions popularity exploded.

So alluring is this Vidalia, that every year they host the Vidalia Onion Festival and it’s legendary. Many residents compete in cookoffs creating their best recipes, where fierce battles ensue for the top award. VV

Caramelized Vidalia Onion Tart

2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 Vidalia onions — sliced Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp sherry wine

1 tbsp of fresh thyme

1 log of goat cheese — room temperature

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 pkg of frozen pie crusts

1 tbsp honey

In a large skillet, add the butter and the extra virgin olive oil. Add onions and sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Sautee until they are soft and slightly golden and caramelized. Add the sherry wine and the thyme. Cook for an additional minute.

Add the goat cheese, the lemon zest and the lemon juice and cook a minute on very low heat until the goat cheese is combined with the onions.

Place the dough in a pie tart pan and pierce with a fork. Bake for about 6 minutes at 400 F. Set aside and cool completely.

Set the oven to 350 F and spread the onion mixture over the prepared crust.

Bake for about 45 minutes.

Add a drizzle of honey over the tart before serving.

Proposed high-rise building along the Lagoon draws concerns

We are blessed with large portions of the Indian River Lagoon waterfront along U.S. 1 being accessible. There are long stretches where we can see the IRL as we drive. This is part of what makes Brevard County a desirable place to live.

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Bluewater Creative Group - Issue 11

A sad development took place recently, however, that could signal that this will change; that we will

see high-rise buildings along the water, making U.S. 1 look more like Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Castaway Point Park is a 1.5-

acre retreat on the Northern tip of Palm Bay. After declaring the surrounding area blighted, the City of Palm Bay created the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency, which adopted the Bayfront Community Redevelopment District 2024 Plan in 2010.

It called for developing “pedestrian-friendly, mixed use community with a Main Street Village character capitalizing on its waterfront location that boasts improved narrow streets, pedestrian pathways and U.S. 1 crosswalks leading to public spaces including waterfront parks, attractive views and a waterfront theme.”

In 2014, developers bought adjacent parcels, together just over four-acres, immediately adjacent to the Park fronting on the IRL. While zoning on the parcels and most of the other private land in the vicinity called for a maximum height of 35 feet and no more than 10 dwellings per acre on the site, the owner recently requested the city to amend zoning to triple both

the density and height allowed.

They requested the city to allow the construction of an 11-story, 110-foot building that would be the tallest building in all of Palm Bay, but offered no building purpose, concept or design.

The local community and environmental groups opposed this in a petition with more than 300 signatures, sent letters and testified at the City Council meeting on June 6, pointing out the inconsistency of the request with the Bayfront Community Plan and the totally disruptive nature such an enormous building would have. Additionally, they raised concerns that if the Council was allowed the change, proponents of other high rises would soon follow suit.

You guessed the ending: The City Council approved the request with a 4-0 vote.

High rises on U.S. 1? Very likely unless the community organizes to preserve our paradise.

Visit helpthelagoon.org and facebook.com/BIRLC to stay informed. VV

Edited by Margie E. Burke

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each

Solution, page 34

Crossword solution on page 34

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BY SUSAN HOUTS

World War II pilot Richard “Dick” Walter has had quite the journey, finding love on the links and adventure in the skies in his 100 years.

The walls of this Army Air Force veteran’s cozy apartment at Chateau Madeleine in Melbourne are covered with pictures and memorabilia of his exciting history.

Well known around the senior living facility for his interesting stories, Walter is quick to share details about his time in the military, especially his time flying “The Hump,” a military route above the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains used to resupply Allied troops in China.

Flying seems to have always been in his blood. As a young boy, Walter would build model airplanes out of balsa wood and paper. But before finding his own

Bluewater Creative Group - Issue 11

wings in war, Walter had actually enrolled in Cornell to be a veterinarian.

“But I soon discovered that the sight of blood did not enthuse me,” he said.

SUDOKU

Before he could make too many more career steps, the war came “and that changed everything:”

“I remember I was in the fraternity house at Cornell when the news came through that Pearl Harbor (attack) happened,” Walter said.

“I turned to one of my classmates and said ‘boy, our life is changing right here and now.’ And that was certainly true.”

After basic training in Miami Beach, Walter was shipped to India by way of

Melbourne, Australia.

“I had never been more than 100 miles away from home,” he said. “This was quite an adventure.”

After spending three years in the China/Burma/ India Theater, he was

Solution, Puzzle page 32

released on Christmas Day 1945. He didn’t give up his wings, however, and kept flying in the Reserves until 1968.

“I saw more places and did more things than I did during the war,” he said.

After his military service, Walter settled into his hobby of playing

golf, which is where, in a chance meeting at a golf tournament, he met and fell in love with Joan, his wife of 35 years.

When asked for the inevitable, the secret to his long life, Walter shrugged, smiled and responded, “I don’t know; it just kind of happened.” VV

Solution, Puzzle page 32

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress Richard Walter, 100, easily recalls detailed stories of his service during World War II as a pilot flying missions across the Himalayan Mountains.

—Richard “Dick” Walter

Cruise ships ponder ways to clean up old practices

With summer months going by, after reading about the projected growth for the cruising industry (State of the Cruise Industry 2023 report by the Cruise Lines International Association, CLIA) that exceeds its pre-pandemic recordhigh numbers in terms of passengers and revenue, a thought came to mind.

How do cruise lines handle their impact on the environment?

Ships are super buildings that show off innovative technologies and advanced engineering. They are cities on water. And like any city, besides the fun and amazing features, it has issues that have yet to be resolved.

Environmental impact is one of those issues.

According to Friends of the Earth’s report card ( foe.org/cruise-reportcard ), some cruise ships, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have been heavily fined throughout the years for violating various environmental regulations. Those violations range from illegal waste disposal, dumping hazardous chemicals and waste oil in coastal waters to falsifying records.

Having an expected increase in the number of passengers of “106% of 2019 levels in 2023 — with

31.5 million passengers sailing” (CLIA), larger and larger ships are being built, which could raise even more concern about the quality of air and water, fragile habitats, coastal communities and wildlife that could become impacted along the way.

“At the same time,” Reuters reported, “CLIA announced a series of sustainability commitments ‘that will drive innovation for a more efficient future,’ including a target of achieving net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.”

Among initiatives “driven by increasing global trade and commerce and the need for efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable sea transportation solutions” (ship-technology.com) are the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), fuel cells, biofuel solutions and floating power plants ( floatingpowerplant. com).

While solutions like LNG are a step forward since it is the cleanest of the fossil

fuels with 40% less CO2 emission than coal and 30% less than oil, other alternatives might be a better long-term solution. The use of green hydrogen fuel cells (that generate no harmful by-products), biofuels (derived from cooking oil, animal or even human waste) and floating power plants, which are a power-generation facility (possibly using wind, solar or wave energy) operating on a floating platform.

Apart from the pressing issue of sustainable fuels, other issues such as wastewater disposal, food waste and other solid waste also are a concern.

A study by Nickie Butt published on ScienceDirect. com in 2007 concludes

that cruise ships “should vigorously pursue a wastereduction strategy and for ports to provide adequate recycling, reduction and reuse facilities for cruise ship generated waste, optimizing use of local facilities whenever possible.”

This, despite some unfortunate mishaps and mishandlings, seems to be the goal for most cruise ships with the help of awareness and technology.

Wastewater purification and treatment systems take care of most of the impurities meeting legal criteria for being released back in the water. Organic waste is dehydrated and then incinerated. Or, if in port, collected by local waste management services.

As for other wastes that are recyclable, such as reusable plastics, glass containers and metal cans, CruiseHive said that “they are cleaned, (compacted) and stored, so they can be recycled and repurposed when the ship reaches land to the appropriate recycling facilities.”

Depending on the recovery method and the handling of recyclables, this could probably eliminate a lot of the waste generated during cruises. It might be a process that could inspire us on land to try to increase the amount of materials we actually recycle. The environment would greatly benefit from a collaboration project like that. VV

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