June 9 date all set for prestigious venue
QUEST Celebrates 20th year
New mascot revealed
Deadline approaches for Youth Art Contest Carnegie Hall calls chorus
Hoppe's tops on the mat
BY CARL KOTALA
It was just a few days before the FHSAA girls state wrestling finals when Viera High School coach Jason Custer sent senior Emma Hoppe a motivational text that drew the following response:
“My last high school win is going to be in the state finals. Don’t worry.”
Those words mean everything now.
Not only did Hoppe accomplish the goal she set for herself the
very first time she put on a Viera High wrestling singlet, she did it in absolutely dominating fashion.
Hoppe pinned her first three opponents — including a girl who had beaten her earlier this season in the second round and the No. 1 seed in the semifinals — then defeated No.
2 seed Ana Vilar from Flagler Palm Coast by majority decision (13-1) in the 135-pound state final.
She isn’t just the 2025 FHSAA state champion. She’s also the second Viera wrestler to ever win a
title; the first girl at Viera to bring home a gold medal, and the first girl in Brevard County history to win a state championship since it became an FHSAA-recognized sport for the 2021-22 school year.
“She’s going to go down as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the program’s history, boys or girls,” Custer said.
WRESTLING
BY JEFF NAVIN
The deadline is approaching for young artists, poets and photographers as entries in the Charlie Corbeil Youth Art Contest need to be submitted by April 9.
This year's theme is Florida Wildlife Neighbors. Entry forms are available online at vieravoice.com
Competitors will be awarded prizes in three age groups — kindergarten through third grade, fourth grade through seventh grade and eighth grade through 12th grade.
Artists can submit entries for painting, drawing, collage or digital art.
Photographers can submit entries for Florida wildlife.
Poets can submit entries for creative writing or poems with wildlife or conservation themes.
More than $700 in prizes will be awarded.
continued to page 11 FOR
page 19
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera High School Wrestling
Viera's Emma Hoppe, center, celebrates with her wrestling coaches Jason Custer, left, and Chris Zuniga after winning the 135-pound state title.
Trafficante family finds new start on Florida’s Space Coast
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Here in Florida it’s not uncommon to see people bundled up once the temperature drops below 70 degrees. But for the Trafficante family whose hometown is Pittsburgh, the Florida weather has been a welcome relief.
For about three years, the Trafficante family moved around frequently due to Larry Trafficante working as a traveling nurse, which began largely because of the Covid pandemic. But Larry Trafficante and wife Lisa, a Realtor, knew from the beginning that they eventually wanted to settle down. So as their daughters Leah, 13, and Emma, 12, got older, they knew it was the right time for a more stable residence.
“This always felt like home,” Larry said of Brevard County.
And although the Trafficantes have only been living in Viera for a year, the family has not wasted a moment in taking advantage of their permanent home. Emma, an aspiring actor, is very involved in theatre and acts in performances both at Viera Middle School and at the Cocoa Village Playhouse. Leah, meanwhile, has taken up surfing
and horseback riding.
“I really like Viera,” Leah said. “It’s mostly way better than Melbourne ’cause the kids are really nice.”
When it comes to some of the unique things that can be found in Florida, Emma recalled an experience seeing an alligator.
“I’ve seen an alligator chase a bird,” Emma remembered.
All in all, the family enjoys seeing so much wildlife in their backyard, sharing that they frequently see a pair of Sandhill Cranes and sometimes spot several pelicans.
And being a family that loves the outdoors, they love doing things together outside as much as they can.
“We do fishing, although we’re not that great at it,” Lisa joked.
After so much traveling across the nation, the Trafficantes are more than content to stay local for a while. However, the family is certainly looking forward to taking an Alaskan cruise next year. And as more opportunities for adventure arise, there’s no telling where the Trafficante family will vacation in the future. VV
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
Larry and Lisa Trafficante and their daughters Leah and Emma have lived in Viera for the past year. The family loves the outdoors and seeing so much wildlife in their backyard.
Urban Prime is the ultimate destination for any occasion, whether it’s feasting in our decadent Restaurant or shopping for the perfect gift in our Marketplace. We specialize in Fine Wines, Custom Gift Baskets, In-House Dry-Aged Steaks, Craft Cocktails, Specialty Sushi Rolls & So Much More! So, come join our Prime Time Family today!
Volume 17, Issue 3
©2025 Bluewater
Creative Group, Inc.
All rights reserved
Bluewater Creative Group
321-242-1235
7350 Shoppes Dr. Suite 102
Viera, FL 32940
media@bluewatercreativegroup.com
Publisher
Bluewater Creative Group, Inc.
Managing Editor Jill Blue
Assignment Editor
R. Norman Moody
Office Manager
Sylvia Montes
Copy Editor Jeff Navin
Sports Writer/SportsBlog
Carl Kotala
Art Department
Jorjann Blake
Writers/Reporters
Chris Bonanno
Marcia Booth
Sue DeWerff
Mike Gaffey
Susan M. Houts
Betty Porter
Maria Sonnenberg
Nichole Yuan
New fire station replaces 33-year-old structure
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A more updated, modern fire station built to hold up well in a strong hurricane replaced a 33-year old building on the same site in Rockledge.
The City of Rockledge held a reopening ceremony on March 11 for its Fire
Station 37 at 3500 Murrell Road.
This is a new station built at the site of the original one that had sat there since 1991.
“It’s absolutely beautiful inside and out,” Rockledge Deputy Fire Chief Jim Wilson said. “It’s hurricane-rated (with) up to 160 mph winds
so our firefighters are perfectly safe. It surpasses my hopes and expectations. I’ve got to be honest. It’s absolutely amazing.”
The fire station also has bunk areas to accommodate two shifts of personnel if needed, according to City of Rockledge Director of Public Safety Christopher Crawford.
Holy Week Schedule
There is also a kitchen and lounge area.
“It’s made for first in mind service and making sure that it’s hardened and that we can have our people here,” Crawford said. “Secondly, to be able to get in and out quickly, being able to have the things they need to do their job and then third to make sure that our firefighters and our staff’s comfortable when they’re here.”
Rockledge Mayor Thomas Price said a federal grant helped pay for what he called the hardening of the facility.
“We paid for most of this ourselves,” he said.
Wilson said the process for the work began in 2019, though the Covid pandemic impacted grant monies a bit.
Personnel that worked at the station worked out of Fire Station 36, at 1600 S. Fiske Blvd., during construction, which began in early June 2024.
The work done at Fire Station 37 is part of a larger effort in the city, Price explained.
“It’s our second one we’ve done in the last five years,” he said. “We have the third one to go, one more to go so within the last couple of years we’ll have all three fire stations brought up to standards of (the) 21st century as well as to code.” Wilson added that nine to 12 Rockledge Fire Department members would work out of the station.
In particular, the station will undoubtedly be of high interest in south Rockledge, which continues to experience growth.
“It’s big for response time right down here,” Price said. “This has been our biggest growth in the city over the last 25 years on the south side, and so having this station here has been very important. In 1991, when this station was built, this wasn’t a very important site. But, they were smart enough to think strategically of what this building would be or what this site would be in the future.”
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno Rockledge Fire Station
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Cub Scout Pack 738, which meets at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, gave back to fill a need as Pack members donated supplies that were to be given to students at Golfview Elementary School in Rockledge.
Those supplies, according to Ambor Gibson, a parent volunteer with the Pack, included items such as deodorant, shampoo, soap and socks.
“What they ended up doing was collecting over, I think it was probably a couple weeks period of time. We collected from other parents and some of us did different blasts on different Facebook groups and we collected in all different
children, is to “basically plan a service project.”
“We’ve been doing this for about four years now with the scouts and every year they do different service projects. It’s amazing to see the kids learn to give back to the community and have fun doing it. It's something they’ll take with them as they grow up throughout their lives,”
kinds of ways,” Gibson said.
Cub Scout Master Jason Buchanan said the scouts chose to give back to Golfview after they were presented with ideas. He added that one of the requirements in the den of Arrow of Light, which is composed of the oldest
Buchanan said. The good works won’t be limited to just Golfview, either. Buchanan indicated that Pack members went to Manatee Elementary School late last year and helped with landscaping and beautification.
“We haven’t got a date set yet, but hopefully sometime in April (we are) going back to
do that,” Buchanan said.
She said that the Pack would continue its work with its Scouting for Food project, where residents can fill bags with canned and dried goods that members drop off a week prior.
“We try to do a lot of service projects,” Buchanan added. “That’s just a big part of scouting.” VV
VOICE Courtesy of Ambor Gibson
Scout Pack 738 donated supplies to Golfview Elementary School students for this year's service project.
WrapUp
Viera tennis teams experiencing growth throughout season
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera High School boys and girls tennis teams have both been seeing a lot of growth throughout the early part of the regular season.
“This season has been going well,” first-year girls coach Margaret Catrambone wrote in an email.
“We have been challenged by a few teams that have helped us grow. The girls have been preparing for their opportunity to make a district run.”
Viera boys coach Aaron Keehn had a similar reaction when asked about his team’s season.
“This season has been a year of growth,” Keehn wrote in an email. “So far, the majority of our players have all increased their UTRs (Universal Tennis Rankings) by over a point.”
Holy Trinity tennis teams built for strong postseason play SPORTS
BY CARL KOTALA
It’s not hard to see why the Holy Trinity boys and girls tennis teams believe there could be another championship run in their collective futures.
The Holy Trinity boys
Viera’s boys, who were off to a 4-5 start this season, have plenty of experience at the top of their lineup with seniors Joey Shine and Kaden Combs.
are loaded with talent — including one of the top seventh graders in the country — that could possibly get them to the state tournament while the girls should be district title contenders despite having a new No. 1 player for the first time in seven years.
“The boys are undefeated (7-0) and have been playing the toughest schedule we could put together,” James Clark, who coaches both Holy Trinity teams along with Mark Harrison,
Shine, a four-year player at Viera, plays on the No. 1 line where his technical abilities and leadership shine. Combs, also a senior, plays No. 2 for the Hawks.
The third-year player also teams with Shine to form Viera’s No. 1 doubles team.
Junior Emil Petrenko is Viera’s No. 3 and the only other player on the active roster who has played more than one season. He’s in his second year.
Freshman Evan Stennes is on the No. 4 line for the Hawks. The first-year player teams with Petrenko to form Viera’s second doubles team.
The rest of the Viera lineup features sophomore first-year varsity players Damion Stoehr-Mera, Carson Lynch and Joshua Sindel. Sophomore Kole Hershman has been out with an injury.
“The amount of effort our younger players are putting in is inspirational,” Keehn wrote. “I’m out working with them about six days a week.”
Likewise, the Viera girls
have a lot of young talent coming up through their program.
Sophomore Katie Manning, whom Catrambone said is always up for a challenge, is the Hawks’ No. 1 player and leads Viera on and off the court.
The Hawks were off to a 6-3 start.
Manning is followed by freshman Sophia Dellano and senior Elsa Del Gatto. Junior Sophia Polvino is on Viera’s fourth line while freshman Katy Bresette is No. 5.
They are followed by senior Michelle Watson and sophomores Bryanna Benne; Madison Bohn; Chloe Ratsek; Micaela Pierda and Oriana Espitia.
Both coaches said the goal for their teams this season is simply to be as competitive as possible. VV
wrote in an email.
“The girls team is talented and young, and while their record is 4-4, they continue to develop each day in practice and in their matches.”
Sophomore Thaila Wells steps in as Holy Trinity’s No. 1 girl following the graduation of Aly Dzheneva,
who held the Tigers’ top spot for six years.
Wells has some state tournament experience having played doubles with Dzheneva last season.
“Thaila brings a wellrounded game and a muchimproved serve to this year’s team,” Clark wrote.
Seventh-grader Audrey Tracy is on the No. 2 line for the Tigers, followed by freshman Christina Scott and junior Elle Canlas.
Freshman Katie VanHooven is No. 5 and is followed by Lucy Tiedman and freshman Jazzy Boyd.
Wells and Scott form Holy Trinity’s No. 1 doubles team with Tracy and Canlas playing No. 2.
The Holy Trinity boys team has been steamrolling opponents so far this season, losing just three of 49 individual matches during their 7-0 start.
Senior Fred Tu leads
the way for the Tigers and is undefeated so far this season in team match play. He is followed by sensational seventh-grader David Bender, whom Clark said is the No. 1 12-year-old doubles player and bounces between No. 1 and 2 in singles in the United States.
“He is a tremendous talent,” Clark said of Bender. Sophomore Ryder Collins is on line three and has had some high-level wins. Freshman Shaan Prasad is back at Holy Trinity after a year at a South Florida tennis academy and is No. 4. The rest of the Tigers’ lineup includes sophomore Zacky Dzhenev; seventh-grader Daniel Chen; junior Luke Rector; senior Ved Chary and seventh-grader Eric Pauley.
Tu and Bender form Holy Trinity’s No. 1 doubles team, while Chen and Rector play on the second line. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera High boys tennis
The Viera High boys (pictured) and girls tennis teams have both been experiencing a lot of growth this season as they prepare for what they hope will be a successful postseason.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity's girls and boys tennis teams hope to peak at the right time for the postseason.
Viera lacrosse teams built on depth, talent and chemistry
BY CARL KOTALA
They’ve both got depth, talent and the kind of team chemistry that makes for good connections all across the field, and can be a great asset in big moments.
Let’s face it, both the Viera High boys and girls lacrosse teams are built for success.
“With the season well underway, our lacrosse team has never been more focused, determined and united in pursuit of success,” first-year Viera boys coach Logan Warr wrote in an email.
“With changes in our coaching staff, a renewed vision for the program and a group of players committed to excellence, we are setting the stage for a deep playoff run.”
The Hawks went into spring break with a 7-4 record, while the Viera girls were 8-3 and feeling pretty good about themselves, too.
“The start of our season was exactly what we needed it to be, filled with challenging and thrilling
games that exploited our strengths and weaknesses and gave us a place to build from,” Hawks coach Bayleigh Keator wrote in an email.
“We have had a lot of great teamwork displayed so far, but we haven’t reached our peak yet. We are still hungry for more.”
Although it’s his first year as head coach, Warr’s been with the Hawks for four seasons and is trying to strengthen the team culture by emphasizing discipline, accountability and an aggressive style of play.
“The coaching staff has instilled a mindset that
prioritizes both individual development and team chemistry, ensuring that we operate as a cohesive unit every time we step on the field,” Warr wrote.
Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the support of senior team captains Connor Hoffman; Aiden McNamara; Mac Goodman; Jackson Lynch and Ben Van Genechten.
McNamara, Goodman and Cannon Volitis start on the attack. Matt Dennin handles faceoffs.
Hoffman is a middie and Ian Rosas is a long-stick middie. Lynch is the goalie and Van Genechten, Shaun Hartman and Keven Silva are on defense.
Key substitutes include Connor Mann (midfield); Jonah Woodruff (midfield); Kae Stolass (defense); Kody Wessel (midfield); Caleb Pallett (midfield); Griffin Demptz (midfield); Connor Ridgely (midfield) and Christian Dennin (attack/ midfield).
This year’s Viera girls
team has been bolstered by the arrival of two new players — senior goalie Cameron Coalter, who transferred in from West Shore and junior midfielder Hailey Ervie, who came in from out of state. They’ve added to a roster that is still talented despite losing some big-time players from last year.
“We have a team full of depth on both sides of the field,” Keator wrote.
The Viera attack is led by Addisen Frydenlund; Emily Potts; Katie Merritt and Paige Martin, while the midfield features Isa Brown, Ervie and Jordan Beuer.
Senior defenders Kayla Beuer, Makenna Dunegan and Sophia Aderton have been playing together since they were freshmen. They’re joined by Ariya Mathis, who just picked up a stick last season, but has already come a long way.
Key substitutes include Sadie Starrett on attack, Amelia Ross in the midfield and Amelia De La Cruz on defense.” VV
Holy Trinity lacrosse teams getting better as season progresses
BY CARL KOTALA
We haven’t seen the best of the Holy Trinity boys and girls lacrosse teams yet, but for two different reasons.
Hit hard by graduation the past few seasons, the Holy Trinity boys are counting on new players in key roles and will likely get stronger as the season goes along as those players continue to develop.
The Holy Trinity girls,
meanwhile, were just starting to practice and play with their full team after several players arrived late because they were playing other sports.
“I think we’ve got a lot of really good athletes,” firstyear girls coach Dave Betten said. “The girls get along really well. Everybody’s really taken responsibility for their roles. That’s been the best part of it; everybody trying to look at things as a
whole and trying to get better.
“That’s been our mantra from the beginning of the season. We want to get better each week.”
That’s exactly what the Tigers have been doing as they prepare for a run at the district title.
Senior defender Izzy Henderson and junior attack Samantha Fraser, who helped the Holy Trinity girls basketball team reach the state semifinals, are getting back in the swing of lacrosse.
They join a team that has got some experienced players, particularly in the midfield with senior captains Rori Betten and Victoria Nelson. Junior Faith Cowell didn’t start playing until her freshman year, but has developed into a strong player, both at draw control, and in the midfield.
Fraser is part of the attack along with sophomore Sally Oliver, junior Julia Nufer and freshman Phoebe Golden, a returning starter.
The defense is led by Henderson, senior captains Alexa Grillo and Roxie Edmonson and junior Piper Ashley.
Sophomore Natasha Lee is the team’s starting goalie.
Key substitutes are freshman Emie Peter (attack) and senior Julianna
Balda.
The girls were off to a 6-3 start heading into spring break.
Holy Trinity’s boys won their first six games and were 7-2 heading into the break as they get ready to challenge for a fifth consecutive district title.
“This is a new season with many players in new roles as the players will need to step up in their new roles,” boys coach Eric Marr wrote in an email.
“We are counting on many to be contributors this year. Our district is more competitive than ever and we will need to play well this year to compete for a title.” Marr is counting on senior team captains Finn Werder, Landon Dawson,
Ben Kindem, Griffin Brunger and Dylan Jensen to help guide the Tigers to another title.
Sophomores Drew Zabinski, Garrett Schroeck and newcomer Collin Munro lead the Holy Trinity attack. The Tigers have an experienced midfield with Werder, sophomore Nate Combs, sophomore Roan Wright and Dawson, who also handles the team’s faceoffs.
Brunger, Kindem and Nick Rahmes are the close defenders. Senior Chris Moore and Jensen are the long-stick middies and seniors Ryan Day and Sawyer Jacobs are the shortstick defensive midfielders. Sophomore Joe Wallace is
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Tammy Beuer
Viera senior midfielder Isa Brown (No. 9) takes the ball upfield during a game against Melbourne. The Hawks won the game 16-2 and were off to an 8-3 record to start the season. Likewise, the Viera boys were off to a hot start, too, as both teams have deep, talented rosters.
the new goalie. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Katie Leonard
Holy Trinity senior Griffin Brunger (No. 12) is one of the veterans on a Tigers team that is trying to win what would be a fifth straight district title this season.
Viera beach volleyball off to best start in program history
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera High School beach volleyball team has gotten off to the best start in program history while having a lot of fun at the same time.
“We are learning a lot and having a blast while doing it,” Viera coach Sarah Wayne wrote in an email.
Not only were the Hawks off to a 5-0 start heading into spring break, the team had only lost three individual matches up until that point, going 22-3.
It’s year three for beach volleyball as an FHSAA sport, and it’s obvious the Hawks are already ahead of the curve.
“Our starting point is miles ahead of where we were last year,” Wayne wrote. “You can tell when a player has had a year or two (or even three) years of high school experience.”
Paving the way is junior Hanna Kemer, a third-year varsity player, whom Wayne said has “established herself as one of the top beach players in Brevard County.”
Kemer recently committed to Mercer University in Georgia.
Senior Taylor Christensen plays with Kemer on the No. 1 line for the Hawks, while the pairing of seniors Kendall Pierce and Haylie Ross have been making up line two.
The freshmen combination of Gia Deligato and Addison Casey are playing on line No. 3.
Sophomores Allie Brown and Hayley Christensen have found chemistry together, too.
The Hawks were still trying to figure out the best pairings from a group that includes two freshmen, seven sophomores, one junior and four seniors.
Leah Fox is the other senior on this year’s team. Kemer is the lone junior.
The sophomore class is made up of Brook Pickel; Cambrie Gabak; Christensen; Brown; Reagan Hill; Kaydence Bates and Elly Cordaro. Casey and Deligato are the two freshmen.
Wayne said the Hawks are a tight group.
“We are a close group with increasing chemistry,” the Viera coach wrote. “We support each other from line one to line seven.
“If the girls are playing,
they are right there on the sidelines cheering on their fellow Hawks.”
Viera’s regular-season finale is set for April 15, against Palm Bay. Because there is no sand court facility at Viera, the Hawks use Satellite High School as their home court.
With Vero Beach, one of the premier beach volleyball teams in the state in their district, Viera will have a tough road in claiming the district title.
“However, multiple teams advance to playoffs, so we like our chances,” Wayne wrote. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer
Viera High senior Taylor Christensen digs the ball during a recent beach volleyball match. Christensen plays on the No. 1 line with junior Hannah Kemer for the Hawks, who were off to a 5-0 record to start the season.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer
Viera High junior Hannah Kemer goes up for the block during a recent beach volleyball match.
WRESTLING
continued from page 1
To think, it all started when Custer, who had met Hoppe through the daughter of a friend, told her he was starting a girls wrestling team at Viera and asked if she’d be interested in taking up the sport.
In the three years since then, Hoppe has won three district titles, three Cape Coast Conference titles, two regional titles, placed at the state meet three times, made the state finals twice and now … well, just call her champ.
She finished her career with a record of 115-13, including 44-3 this season.
But to put what this accomplishment meant to Hoppe in context, consider what happened to her a year ago. She made the state finals, but lost by majority decision, 9-1.
Coming that close only
made Hoppe work even harder. She spent the summer working out five days a week. When this season came, she only had three blemishes on her record. Two of those losses were to Vilar.
But when it came time for the finals, Hoppe and Custer had a plan to take Vilar’s strengths and use them against her.
“I had this feeling like I was going to get it this time,” she said.
Mission accomplished.
“It was crazy because I remembered last year, when I knew I was going to lose,” Hoppe said. “There was a minute left and I was down by eight (points). I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m not going to be a state champ.’ That feeling was terrible.
“Having the complete opposite feeling (this time), in my mind, was crazy. I knew I finally reached my goal.
“In a video my uncle took,
you could see me sit up and I’m like, ‘Yesss!’ It was … a great feeling.”
Hoppe, who plans to wrestle and major in nursing in college, is already looking forward to the day when she can return to Viera to help coach. Apparently, she already has someone in mind, too. Custer’s daughter
Viera coach guides basketball team to title
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A Viera coach recently helped lead a group of Viera boys ages 13 to 16 to a championship in the Satellite Beach Police Athletic League.
Dolores Ashland, who served as coach, helped guide her team that was nicknamed the Bananas in reference to its yellow shirts, to a 7-2 season that included a 42-27 win in the league title game.
“During the whole season, we were pretty much winning and when we did win we won by 20 to 30 points each time,” Ashland said. “.... We had a strong shooting percentage.”
Still, the squad faced some adversity in the championship game as the team actually trailed 19-18 at halftime.
“I said, 'let’s forget about the last two quarters and let’s just focus on moving forward and giving it their best' and they did,” Ashland said.
Team members included Dylan Schwarzbach, Michael
Karas, Seamus Fleury, Jackson Flynn, Matthew Moore, Ryland Warnock, Thomas Karas, Henry Pudewell, Andrew Salitore and Michael Roberts and Ashland’s son, Ralph Ashland Doherty.
“The kids were one of the most spirited teams I’ve ever seen in all my basketball coaching years. Everybody came together and they played together,” Ashland said.
Ashland also discussed what it was like to coach her son after his father passed away this past Christmas Eve.
“My son, throughout the season had mixed emotions,” Ashland said. “So I as a coach, I tried to just forget about the hardships we were facing as a family and to focus him on just being the best he could (be) playing basketball. To forget about the hardships and the sorrow we faced and to give it his best.”
Ashland added that she came
league after a league in Viera was unable to hold its season as planned due to a lack of volunteer coaches available.
“My role as a coach and as a leader is to say to never give up, to always cross the finish line to do one’s best and they did,” Ashland said. “They came back and we won, which was beautiful.” VV-
will be a freshman in 2029.
“The plan would be that Emma coaches her to a state title,” Custer said. “They’ve already talked about it.
… That’s what Emma’s all about. She’s a good, character kid. And that’s the type of person you want around the rest of your team of wrestlers.”
Hoppe said her gold medal is hanging on the wall of her room. But there’s one thing she would like to add, if possible.
“I’m hoping coach is going to let me keep my singlet,” Hoppe said. “I think it would be cool to frame it and have it in my house one day. That would be cool.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera High School Wrestling
Emma Hoppe is all smiles after defeating Ana Vilar of Flagler Palm Coast 13-1 in the championship match.
to the Satellite Beach
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dolores Ashland
Dolores Ashland, far right, guided the Bananas, a Viera-based basketball team, to the championship in the Satellite Beach Police Athletic League.
SCHOOLNews
Quest Elementary celebrates 20th anniversary with extravaganza
BY NICHOLE YUAN
On a brisk, sunny day at Quest Elementary School, students and faculty alike came to school with their matching celebratory shirts, ready to seize the day.
Displayed front and center upon walking through the doors were mountains of brand new toys and large boxes filled with cake mixes and frosting, all of which the students and their families donated for Birthday Blessings Brevard, a charity that distributes these gifts to local children in group homes and shelters on their birthday.
“We like to do a give back event every year for (the) PTO. And so, when I ran across Birthday Blessings Brevard it seemed like the perfect way to marry a celebration and a big give back,” PTO president Ally McLaughlin said.
The festivities happening throughout the day also
included the unveiling of Quest Elementary’s new mascot: a globe with an explorer hat.
“This is my second year as principal here at Quest and so when I came we had the explorer (which) very much looked like an explorer with his costume for safari, but he was getting a little
aged and old so we had the kids actually vote on a new
mascot,” the school’s Principal Karry Castillo explained.
And since a party isn’t a party without fun activities, the PTO arranged a fabulous, fun-filled recess with many larger-than-life inflatable games. As students lined up for recess, the look of anticipation beamed from their curious faces as they eagerly made their way toward the epic setup, highfiving their new chosen mascot as they dispersed into the play area.
The PTO didn’t stop at just organizing a donation event and inflatable games. They also gifted the faculty with a pizza lunch and brought cupcakes for all the students because again, what is a birthday party without pizza
and cake?
The 20th anniversary celebration, which lasted the entire day, is something that the students will surely remember years from now. And according to Castillo, the school’s 25th anniversary will likely be even bigger. VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Students and teachers at Quest Elementary School celebrate 20 years with a service project and a new mascot at a party conducted by the PTO.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Elementary School's new mascot greets a student.
April 4
Free Movie in the Park
8 - 9:30 p.m.
“The Dog Who Saved Easter” Bring a lawn chair or blankets. McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge 321-633-1874
Dining Out & Events
April 5
Trash Bash
8 a.m. - noon Partnership between the City of Rockledge and Keep Brevard Beautiful. Rockledge City Hall 1600 Huntington Lane Rockledge, 321-221-7540
"You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown"
7 p.m.
Presented by the Viera High Theatre Company. Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-632-1770
The Promise Band 2 - 3 p.m.
Original music from a two-piece Americana band. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
APRIL 10
Suntree, 321-255-4404
APRIL 11
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group 11 a.m. - noon Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive
Fourth annual Golf Tournament for Homeless and Low-income Veterans
8 a.m.
Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-208-7562
Queen Elizabeth sailing Jan. 20 - 29, 2026
Balconies starting at $1199 per person plus onboard credit. Sail from Miami to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.
Viking Vesta — June 16-23, 2026
Experience a relaxing, adults-only voyage aboard the small ship Viking Vesta, sailing from Athens to Crete, Rhodes, and Turkey. With all-balcony staterooms and rates starting at $3,799 per person (double occupancy), enjoy an elegant, casino-free journey featuring:
• One complimentary shore excursion per port
• Free Wi-Fi (speed may vary)
• Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard meals
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• Access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center
• UNESCO site visits, enrichment lectures & performances
• No-charge alternative dining & 24-hour room service
Port taxes, fees, and transfers (with Viking Air) included. Join Jean for an unforgettable voyage!
APRIL 12
Spring Art Show and Sale
April 12 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April 13 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Presented by the Central Brevard Art Association celebrating its 65year anniversary.
Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club 1493 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-544-3041
Horses & Bunny Hops
Easter Egg Hunt
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Four scheduled egg hunts, Easter-themed photo ops, bounce houses, hay wagon rides, arts and crafts, face painting and a petting zoo.
Relentless Equestrian Stables 4150 Lake Washington Road Melbourne relentless-stables.org
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Breakfast, arts and crafts.
Wickham Park
2815 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-608-7490
APRIL 26
40th Melbourne Art Festival
April 26 and April 27
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
More than 200 art booths, live music and diverse food options.
Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-288-7429
Eighth annual Summer Fun & Camp Fair
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Entertainers, summer camp vendors, raffles, fire trucks and inflatables.
Viera Regional Community Center 2354 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera
Rain Barrel Workshop 11 a.m. - noon
Receive a free rain barrel and learn the benefits and how to install and use one. Register at Greengables.org.
$50 to register.
Green Gables 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne 321-306-8635
Card Readings By
Viera/Suntree students excel in Destination Moon Challenge
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Students in fifth and sixth grades from 44 elementary schools in Brevard County, including those from four Viera/Suntree elementary schools, competed in the 2025 Boeing Destination Moon Challenge Event Days held at the Brevard Public Schools Educational Services Facility in Viera.
“The purpose of the event it’s an expansion or an extension of Destination Space,” said Melissa Woods, a teacher technology integrator for Brevard Public Schools.
“That’s the field trip that all the sixth graders take to Kennedy Space Center and they have a two weeks study. This got started as a grant from Boeing, so we could add STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).”
Two teams from Manatee Elementary School and one from Viera Elementary School participated in the competition on March 6, according to the Brevard Schools Foundation, which
helped put on the event.
“I’ve seen their (students’) teamwork evolve and their planning evolve,” said Tracy Mitchell, a volunteer with the Manatee team.
The Event Day served as a culmination of work that began early in the schools’ first semester, where students attempted to solve problems relating to space exploration.
“We start in September and we meet every single
Monday for an hour-and-ahalf. Then starting in January, we start meeting every Monday for two hours and then Friday morning before school,” said Samantha Van Matrie, the coach with Viera Elementary School’s team. “Then, we do a Saturday practice.”
There were six Destination Moon Missions for students to solve, including “Mission Spike Prime,” where students use
block coding to program a rover to complete missions and “Mission Lunar Lodge,” where participants design a lunar lodge that could house those who go to the moon.
“The Lunar Lodge is absolutely amazing because the children used recycled items (to) build and create with all of their materials and creativity,” said Alexis Bergevin, a coach at Manatee.
Neila Spellman, a fifth grader who competed on the Manatee team, expressed her enjoyment of Mission Lunar Lodge. She noted that the judges were really friendly.
“It was really fun being with my friends and we got to build and have fun,” she said.
Other components to the event included “Mission Lunar Locomotive,” where teams designed a solar
lunar locomotive, “Mission Mooncraft,” where teams utilize Minecraft Education as they build a lunar lodge and Mission Moon Venture. Students researched and then came up with an idea that contributes to a potential settlement or exploration relating to the Moon.
“Watching the kids learn and grow and utilize all of the materials that they’ve been working with for so long is just amazing,” said Alexis Bergevin, a coach at Manatee.
Students had the opportunity to document the team’s journey by putting together a video as part of Mission Space Influencer.
The Viera team was extremely successful in its Event Day competition against six other schools as VES came in first in the Overall, Moon Venture, Lunar Locomotive Track, Lunar Lodge and Spike Prime Robot categories and second in the Mooncraft category.
“I would say as a coach it’s so overwhelming ’cause you know that the students feel so proud and you see the work from day one, and just to see their immense hard work payoff is wild,” Viera’s Van Matrie said.
A team from Quest Elementary School took part in the Challenge on March 10 and a team from Ralph Williams Elementary School also did the same on March 27. VV
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
Students from Viera Elementary School show off the medals they won during the 2025 Boeing Destination Moon Challenge Event Days.
Viera High School chorus will perform at prestigious Carnegie Hall
BY CARL KOTALA
It’s played host to the likes of Tchaikovsky, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman and, yes, even the Beatles.
But come June 9, New York’s famous Carnegie Hall is set to play host to another group of singers … the Viera High School chorus.
Viera Choral Director Michael Coppola and a group of students are set to sing as part of a 200-member ensemble on June 9, as part of an Octavo Series (SATB) put on by Manhattan Concert Productions.
“The group I’m taking is my top chamber choir,” Coppola said. “It’s kind of like my varsity team. It’s 40 students (with 10 chaperones).
“… I think it’s pretty big. The students in that group have participated in allcounty and all-state choir, so they’re familiar with the quality of music that’s going to be performed. That’s something they’re perfectly capable of handling.
“I think it’s exciting for them to be traveling and going to New York. The enormity of getting organized and raising money
and getting prepared for that trip is something they’re very excited about, of course.”
While the big performance will take place in New York, there’s something going on for local music lovers and school supporters as well.
The Viera choir is scheduled to host a “Night in New York” Carnegie Hall Performance Preview Gala at Duran Golf Club from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Tradewinds restaurant. Proceeds from the event will help fund the trip for the students and their chaperones.
“They’re catering for us and they’re actually donating the space, which is huge,” Coppola said of the Duran Golf Club. “We’re going to bring over our equipment and some choir risers. There’s going to be a formal buffet dinner and then we’re going to perform a 45-minute set of the music we’re going to be performing in New York, as well as some other stuff we’ve done throughout the year.
“Basically, it’s a way to give (people) an opportunity to hear what we’re singing in New York to those that aren’t going, and a way for them
to enjoy a really nice, fancy evening.”
Tickets for the event are $100 and include a full dinner buffet, dry bar and concert. They can be purchased through forms. gle/xt4HevGF9rBw6atd6.
If you can’t attend the dinner/concert, but still would like to donate, send a check made out to Viera High School to Viera High School Choir, C/O Michael Coppola, 6103 Stadium Parkway, Viera, 32904.
Viera High senior Ryan Farias, who has been singing since he was 8, can’t wait for the trip.
“This is an amazing opportunity that we have to go to New York,” Farias said. “It’s not common for a ton of schools to perform at Carnegie Hall, either. We’re all super excited. We’re putting in a lot of work.
“… It’s a really big honor. Just knowing we get to share the stage (where) a really famous band
(has performed) is really awesome.”
In addition to performing, the group will see a Broadway show and do some sightseeing during the fourday trip.
“I’ve taken groups to New York before,” Coppola said. “It’s so worthwhile, all the work, all the fundraising. You get to see those kids on stage at that venue, it’s really an incredible experience. I can’t wait to share that with them.”
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Michael Coppola
The Viera High School chamber choir is scheduled to perform June 9 at the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. To raise money for the trip, the choir is having a fundraising event called, "Night in New York," a Carnegie Hall Performance Preview Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Tradewinds at Duran Golf Club.
Fourth-grade students at Ralph Williams Elementary show off projects
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Fourth-grade students at Ralph Williams Elementary School had an opportunity to show off projects that delved into how they would combat erosion on Florida’s coastline.
“They (students) had to basically solve a real-world problem, so they had to basically solve a problem of erosion and how to mitigate erosion, which is obviously a big thing for Florida,” said Thomas Englert, a STEM teacher at the school. “…. They were able to choose what type of modality they wanted to do.”
Englert said that students had the chance to access a wide range of technology that they could use. Part of the process for the Minecraft game, a 3-D model or simulation, 3-D printing and a Makey Makey, which according to the MIT Media Lab is a small USB device that plugs into the computer that allows users to make their own switches that act like keys on a keyboard.
During a March 7 showcase, the fourth-grade students showed off their work to third- and fifth-
grade students at the school.
Most of the students were in teams of three, although some were in groups of two or four, according to Melissa Woods, a technology integrator with Brevard Public Schools.
Three classrooms totaling about 60 students participated in the project, Englert said.
“I love that they’re engaged,” Woods said. “I love that they have taken such ownership in the projects that they’ve created. Everybody has done different things and they’re all so excited in the things that they’ve created and they’re proud of what they did, so
there was a lot of problem solving and a lot of critical thinking and creativity.”
As part of the project, students also went on a field trip to a beach where personnel from the Brevard Zoo led students in educational activities, the Brevard Schools Foundation said in a press release. Additionally, Brevard Public Schools assistant superintendent for facilities Sue Hann introduced them to the engineering process, while BPS technology integrators Michelle Marshall and Katy McGregor and Woods each guided students through interactive technology lessons relating to weathering and erosion.
“It’s really amazing,” school Principal Susan Schroeder said. “This opportunity for our students to be a part of this project-based learning. It was a great opportunity for them to see the erosion
and be able to really own what erosion is. It’s a large part of their standards. It is something that we experience in our community as well, so it was an excellent opportunity for them and also for our teacher to learn the process of project-based learning.”
The projects were made possible thanks to a Strategic School Staffing and Teacher Leadership Grant, which was awarded through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
“We would love to do this in more schools in our county because this is a very thought provoking, impactful day and the culmination of a great amount of learning for our students,” said Nina Moser, the director of development with the
Schroeder added that she’d like to see students learn in a similar manner on a recurring basis at the school.
“I think that to have our students actually have hands-on experiences, those are memories that they are not going to forget. Those concepts, they’re not going to forget. The more Project Based Learning we can do, I think the better off our students will be,” Schroeder said. “It actively engages them in their learning and what we saw today is students were involved in writing. They were involved in speaking. They were involved in creating projects and all of those things are so important in the workplace.”
VV
Chess Club fosters strategic thinking at Viera Middle School
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Students at Viera Middle School are doing their best impression of Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky as the Chess Club has lured some skilled players during the inaugural year of the school. Chess Club sponsor Jennifer Monar has been pleased.
“The students who joined the chess club are quite experienced, which
was initially intimidating for me since I’m not a great player,” said Monar, who teaches information and communication technology and programming fundamentals at the school. “However, these kids are amazing. I truly enjoy watching them play and listening to their suggestions and constructive critiques.”
Monar indicated that approximately 15 students are participating in the club this year.
“The idea originated from the belief that it helps students develop strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate outcomes,” Monar said. “Additionally, as a coding and programming instructor, I value the skills it provides academically and in life while promoting social interaction.”
Monar said the students also have fun playing the game.
“I’ve noticed that the students have much more fun playing against each
other than playing against me,” Monar laughed. “They seem to enjoy both watching their peers and competing with one another. It can get quite loud in here, but it’s all good when they’re having a great time and helping each other make better decisions with each move.”
Club members at the school might not be limited to playing against each other in the future.
“Eventually, I aim to find higher-level competitions around the area, as these kids are truly talented,” she said. VV-
Brevard Schools Foundation.
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
Students at Ralph Williams Elementary School have learned a lot trying to solve real-world problems.
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
Ralph Williams Elementary School students have worked hard on a coastal erosion project.
Board decides to keep sand at Suntree Interlachen Park
By MIKE GAFFEY
The sand stays — for now.
At its February meeting, members of the Suntree Master Hometown Association Board of Directors decided to table a measure to replace playground sand at Suntree Interlachen Park with mulch “for the foreseeable future,” according to a press release at the association’s website.
Directors considered replacing sand at the five-
acre, lakeside park at 490 Interlachen Road because vandals have been pouring sand into park bathrooms and clogging drains. Board members scheduled a February meeting to discuss the issue and invited homeowners to give their opinions ahead of the vote.
“We had a great community response for both sand and mulch,” according to the press release. “However, there was not enough support for mulch to make this
significant change at this time.”
Instead, the board decided to look into access options at both Suntree Interlachen and Jack Mahon parks “to minimize the opportunity for vandalism and get our bathrooms back open for our residents,” according to the statement.
Suntree resident Jason Breitfeller, the treasurer and chair of the SMHA grounds committee, said the board also is considering adding a shower with a timer at
Suntree Interlachen Park so kids can wash sand off their feet.
“The grandparents and the kids love the sand,” Breitfeller said. ”The parents said it takes too long to clean the kids up afterward. So we’ve taken all that into account and we’re going to try to put in a shower like the ones you see at the beach.”
The association also plans to repair the Suntree Interlachen Park bathrooms and replace the park
pavilion’s old roof, gutters and security cameras. Grounds committee personnel also set up a temporary pickleball court on the Suntree Interlachen Park basketball court, according to a SMHA Facebook post. If the test court proves to be popular, the committee will support a feasibility study for putting a multi-sport court somewhere in the park.
VV-
Low impact living can help the Indian River Lagoon
Let’s get down to basics. What causes the problems facing our Indian River Lagoon?
It’s us — people. People come to live here, constructing buildings, paving streets and parking lots, putting in lawns, cutting trees and, of course, not adequately controlling human and industrial wastes.
Thank goodness we have the half-cent sales tax generating funding to help pay for the hundreds of important Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) restoration projects.
But can’t people help, too?
Yes. The Marine Resources Council (MRC) is launching the Low Impact Living initiative to help Brevard County residents to reduce impacts on the Indian River Lagoon. The program has four parts:
• Educating the public about Indian River
Shoe Drive makes a
Viera Means Business members brought new shoes to February's monthly meeting at Texas Roadhouse in Viera.
Lagoon-friendly living as individuals, families, communities and municipalities.
• Empowering citizens champion change within their own communities.
• Advocating for change in our communities for low impact land development.
• Demonstrating how by making MRC properties models for others to follow.
Examples of basic personal steps we can take include blowing grass clippings back on to the grass, following the
Jeff Sobotta of the USSSA Sports Complex retail operations donated dozens of new shoes to the shoe drive for Endeavor Elementary School in Cocoa. The Viera Voice partnered with the Space Coast Women's Club and Viera Means Business to collect much-needed shoes for children.
Joanne Post, left, and Sally Kramer, second from left, of the Space Coast Women's Club delivered more than 70 pairs of shoes to the staff at Endeavor Elementary School.
fertilizer-use restrictions, talking to your lawn care service, and using a carwash instead of your driveway. These steps help prevent washing pollutants down the storm sewer and into the Indian River Lagoon.
Bigger steps include installing a rain barrel to collect water, planting native plants in your yard and planting a living shoreline. MRC will offer examples and instructions to help. Because so much of Brevard is paved, rainwater cannot seep naturally back into the ground and ultimately to the aquifers.
MRC has long been working actively with property owners and municipalities on Low Impact Development (LID) techniques to help
redirect stormwater runoff back into the ground where it falls. Examples include converting impervious paving to pervious material, rainwater harvesting and constructing rain gardens to capture and manage precipitation. Building advocacy is an important part of its plan. By educating us all about approaches that reduce our harmful impacts of poor water management, MRC intends to raise awareness in our communities so that we can effectively demand that leaders do more to adopt good water management approaches. Contact the MRC and get involved at LoveTheLRL.org For more information about the Indian River Lagoon, check out HelpTheLagoon.org. VV
Lagoon Straight Talk
From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition
Thursday, April • 10 – 2 p.m.
July 11, 2 - 4 p.m.
Movie Matinee RSVP required.
One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Movie Matinee RSVP Required One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
July 17, 10 a.m. Estate and Medicaid Planning — Get Your Plan in Order!
Wednesday, April 16 • 10 a.m.
Lady Bird Deeds & Beyond: Preserving Your Estate with Ease
This seminar will discuss the basics of estate and Medicaid planning. Presented by Ruth C. Rhodes, Esq. and Jackie McManus. RSVP
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Winds will hold 25th Anniversary Concert
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
Richard Sabino has been wielding the baton of the Central Florida Winds ever since he started the group in 1999. For the past 25 years, his wind ensemble of preeminent local musicians has provided lovers of symphonic band music with countless hours of enjoyable concerts.
The Central Florida Winds’ silver anniversary season will culminate in a 25th Anniversary Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6 at Suntree United Methodist Church 7500 N. Wickham Road in north Melbourne. As is often the case with the Central Florida Winds, many different styles and periods of music are represented in the program for the 25th Anniversary Concert
The audience will hear the lyrical and effervescent “Prelude Siciliano & Rondo” by prolific English composer Malcolm Arnold alongside Interstate 90, a fun and lively musical sketch depicting a drive along Interstate I-90. Gustav Holst's “2nd Suite in F” for Military Band has English folk songs at its core, while the finale from “Symphony No. 5” by Shostakovich expresses Soviet-era triumph.
Local saxophone player and music educator Andy Kropp will be featured during the concert centerpiece, “Concerto for Alto Sax” by Paul Creston. Attendees to the 25th Anniversary Concert are encouraged to arrive early. VV
Richard Sabino
TITUSVILLE
Titusville Chamber of Commerce
2000 S. Washington, Titusville
North Brevard Senior Center 909 Lane Ave. Titusville
MERRITT ISLAND/ COCOA BEACH
Freedom 7 Senior Center 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach
Merritt Island Public Library 1195 N. Courtenay Pkwy.
ROCKLEDGE
Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave., Rockledge
VIERA/SUNTREE
Senior Life, 7350 Shoppes Drive Suite 102, Viera
One Senior Place
8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera
William A. Johnson PA 140 Interlachen Road, Suntree
MELBOURNE/ PALM BAY
Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne
Greater Palm Bay Senior Center 1275 Culver Drive NE, Palm Bay
BEACHSIDE
55+ Club, DRS Center
1089 S. Patrick Drive
Satellite Beach
ScoopBUSINESS
Set to open this fall in Viera — a lucky find for coffee lovers
BY MARIA SONNENBERG
The story goes that a goat herder of long ago noticed his flock seemed livelier after munching on some wild berries. The herdsman tried the berries himself, loving the renewed feeling they gave him.
It turned out the seeds of the berries were coffee beans, which as Lucky Goat Coffee Company’s back story notes, “we can thank those lucky goats for the delicious drink we have today.”
Viera coffee lovers will be thanking their lucky goats this fall of this year, when
Lucky Goat Coffee Company is scheduled to open a new coffee shop at The Crossings at Viera at Viera Boulevard and Star Rush Drive.
The store, which sells both coffee drinks, as well as bags of whole bean and ground specialty coffees, is one of 15 franchises set to open this year for the Tallahasseebased company that launched in 2010, originally as an upscale wholesaler.
When retail customers sought to buy coffee to brew at home, the company expanded into cafes. Six corporate-owned Lucky Goat cafes dot Florida’s capital city.
The Viera location is among the franchises planned for this year in Florida, Georgia and Texas.
Lucky Goat cafes range from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet with plenty of space to sit and smell — and taste — the specialty coffee, all ethically sourced from top growers in
Central America, Africa and Indonesia.
Astute customers will probably quickly see a big difference with Lucky Goat versus other cafes.
“You won’t find a blender here, because we do not make blended beverages,” said Lindsey Sheets, the vice
president of branding.
However, customers will indeed find a robust coffeedrinking experience, from cappuccinos to matcha latte, with a core menu of five signature coffee blends, four espresso profiles, 18 flavored offerings and a rotating single-origin lineup.
Classes and tastings led by a “Coffee Educator” will help both experienced and newbie coffee fans to hone their palates, while also learning about brewing production and extractions, latte art, green coffee and other nuances of the industry.
The company’s fundraising program of bagged coffee has helped raise approximately $1 million dollars for schools and other nonprofits.
Viera location franchisee Jo Carol Salinas, and daughter, Mercedes, have enjoyed Lucky Goat coffees for eight years at the Tallahassee locations.
“We chose to bring Lucky Goat Coffee to the Brevard County community so that we could offer the same craft coffee experience that we both fell in love with,” Salinas said.
For more information, check out luckygoatcoffee. com VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Jo Carol Salinas, right, and daughter, Mercedes, are franchisees of the Lucky Goat Coffee Company in Viera.
Viera — Ormond — Jacksonville
Bagels define Long Islanders’ family tradition in Brevard
BY BETTY PORTER
The Rossiello family moved from Long Island, New York to Florida’s Space Coast 19 years ago with their three-year-old twin boys.
“We moved to Brevard County because my husband’s brother relocated to Brevard County after he retired from the Long Island Railroad,” Lisa Rossiello said. “We found ourselves visiting him often and decided that we really liked Brevard County specifically, because it reminded us of the east end of Long Island. Thus, we decided to take a chance and make a new start in Florida.”
Surrounded by relatives and loving Florida, there was still something missing. Something they felt they left behind, which were the bagels they so enjoyed in Long Island. So, they
decided to start their own Long Island bagel shop here.
“When we moved here, we couldn’t find a bagel that matched the ones we grew up with,’’ Lisa Rossiello said. “So, we set out to recreate the true New York bagel experience right here in our community.”
The family’s vision came true in mid-February when Long Island Bagels opened. The shop is next to Winn Dixie at 5410 Murrell Road in Viera.
“Our family came together to open this small bagel shop in order to bring a taste of Long Island to Florida,” Lisa Rossiello said.
“We aimed to replicate the magic of Long Island bagels, which many attribute to a combination of traditional techniques and local ingredients. While some argue that water plays a role, we believe it’s the water as well as the process
Mental health support for older adults and their loved ones
that truly sets them apart — specifically, kettle boiling and baking in a rotating wood plank oven.”
Rossiello said it is a family venture built on teamwork, with each member contributing their unique skills to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
“By working together, we not only craft delicious bagels but also foster a sense of community, making our shop a true reflection of the family spirit that drives us,” she said.
The family includes father, brother, sisters and their spouses and children.
In addition to bagels, the shop also serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, as well as tuna, egg, chicken, whitefish and lox salads to go.
Rossiello said the bagels are made from scratch, using high-quality ingredients and timehonored techniques. They
control the process, from mixing and proofing the dough to handcrafting signature cream cheeses and fresh salads.
The store uses a New York water maker system that replicates the precise hardness and mineral composition of New York City water — an essential component in achieving that classic texture and flavor. The bagels are kettleboiled to lock in moisture and baked in a traditional wood plank rotating oven, ensuring the contrast of a crispy, golden exterior and a dense, chewy interior.
“Since opening, we’ve been embraced by the local community, and it has been especially heartwarming to connect with fellow Long Islanders,” Rossiello said.
“It’s a joy to see customers light up when they step inside, recognize the Long Island landmark photos on our walls, and reminisce about their hometowns.
These conversations bring back fond memories of growing up on the Island, and it’s incredible to share that nostalgia over a warm, fresh bagel. For us, this is more than just a business — it’s a passion, a tradition and a way to bring a little taste of home to Brevard.”
Stephanie Cavender is a former New Yorker who now lives in Brevard County. She has been helping out at the restaurant since it opened.
“They’ve been gangbusters, all over Facebook and social media,” Cavender said. “People are raving about it, loving how authentic the bagels taste. There have been lines out the door ever since they opened.”
Long Island Bagels is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, check out Longislandbagels321.com VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Long Island Bagels in Viera is a true family business. The family says it's a team effort to make bagels fresh daily. The business is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Urban Prime takes top spot in Zonta's Chocolate Festival
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
Urban Prime finished first in the Zonta Club Chocolate Festival on Florida’s Space Coast with its Prime Decadence Fudge. The annual event not only celebrates chocolate artistry, but also supports significant philanthropic causes.
The festival featured a delightful array of chocolate creations, allowing attendees to indulge while contributing to a noble mission. This year, the Urban Prime team, led by Chef Ercan Ekinci and showcasing the talents of Executive Pastry Chef Michelle Hartman, and the Pastry Team of Serenity McGregor, Catherine Stanley, Isabella Alminana
and Chef Henry Moreno, captivated judges and festival goers with Prime Delight. Claiming the Brevard’s Best Chocolate Fix award highlighted their exceptional skill and creativity.
Skewers Mediterranean Grille placed second with a gluten-free flourless cake layered with chopped hazelnut and white chocolate topped with dark fresh chopped hazelnut
Cynful Snacks and Cakes finished third with a chocolate ganache dome — Dubai pistachio kunafa filling and chocolate pistachio brownie.
The Zonta Club of Melbourne, established in 1983, has shown ongoing dedication to advancing women through service and education initiatives. VV
Popular Mediterranean restaurant coming to Viera
BY MIKE GAFFEY
CAVA, a growing Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, is opening its first Brevard County location in Viera.
The restaurant is planned at 1975 Viera Blvd. in Lakeside, part of The Crossings at Viera shopping center just east of Interstate 95 and west of Star Rush Drive.
CAVA serves Mediterraneaninspired, chef-curated or individually customized bowls, pita wraps, salads, dips and dressings. Customers can choose from such options as grilled meatballs, braised lamb, falafel, tzatziki and roasted eggplant dip.
Founded by Ike Grigoropoulos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, Ted Xenohristos and Brett Schulman and launched in 2010, the popular, Maryland-based chain has more than 350 locations in 26 states and the District of Columbia, including 29 in Florida, according to the CAVA website.
An opening date for the Viera location has not been determined, according to CAVA Communications & PR Specialist Sarah Seale. The closest CAVA to the Space Coast is in Oviedo.
Other businesses at The Crossings at Viera include a yetto-open Whole Foods, a Home Depot, Miller's Ale House and Panda Express. VV
VIERA VOICE photo
The Urban Prime team of Chef Ercan Ekinci, Executive Pastry Chef Michelle Hartman and the Pastry Team of Serenity McGregor, Catherine Stanley, Isabella Alminana and Chef Henry Moreno teamed up to win the Zonta Club Chocolate Festival on Florida's Space Coast.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of CAVA Maryland-based CAVA is opening a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant at The Crossings at Viera shopping center.
Promotions announced at The Viera Company, Viera Builders
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
The Viera Company and Viera Builders have announced new hires and promotions that are part of recent organizational changes in support of the leadership’s efforts to continue to increase efficiencies in areas of its real estate operations.
Todd Pokrywa, the president of The Viera Company, announced the promotions during the week of March 12.
“These well-deserved promotions and important
new hires all serve to strengthen our team in key areas of our real estate operations, ensuring we continue to excel in our community development and homebuilding activities while positioning us for future growth,” Pokrywa stated. “Their expertise and dedication will be instrumental as we advance our vision for Viera and beyond.
Congratulations to all of these team members on their new roles with our organization.”
The recent leadership
promotions and new staff are:
•Mike Storey Interim Division Lead New (Viera Builders)
•Robin Aldridge Executive Vice President (Viera Builders)
•Kenneth Dohanish Senior Vice President Preconstruction Services (Viera Builders)
•Bion Davis Director of Sales New (Viera Builders)
•Kim Africano Director of Operations
knowing your money is growing at Community Credit Union of Florida. Our HIGH-YIELD ACCOUNT offers higher earnings, without being tied up.
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(Viera Builders)
•Shawn Creel Senior Manager of Architecture New (Viera Builders)
•Mark Boyd Senior Counsel (The Viera Company)
The Viera Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc., manages commercial and residential development of Duda’s non-agricultural property and is the developer of the masterplanned community of Viera in Brevard County. For more information, go to viera.com VV
Thank you
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Todd Pokrywa, the president of The Viera Company.
The Space Coast Women’s Club volunteered to serve a free lunch during Senior Life’s Space Coast BoomerFest! Expo on March 14. We appreciate the time they spent prepping and serving pizza, sandwiches, drinks and more to the vendors and attendees.
Viera Cookbook
Breakfast Banana Split
This energy-boosting Breakfast Banana Split is a great way to start the day!
INGREDIENTS
1 small banana
1/2 cup cereal (oat, corn or granola)
1/2 cup yogurt (low-fat vanilla or strawberry)
1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, skip for children younger than the age of 1)
1/2 cup pineapple (canned or fresh)
STEPS
Peel and split banana lengthwise. Place half in two separate cereal bowls.
Over each banana, spoon yogurt, sprinkle cereal and drizzle honey, if desired.
Top with pineapple and serve immediately.
NOTES
Try other flavors of low fat yogurt or even cottage cheese. Add nuts or seeds for more protein. Try other fresh, frozen or canned fruits.
Some foods can cause choking in young children. Be sure that fruit pieces are very small and soft for toddlers. Avoid grapes, chunks of pineapple or melon.
Instead, use softer canned fruit, such as fruit cocktail.
This April, give your retirement a spring cleaning and leave behind the burdens of home maintenance to embrace carefree retirement living. With engaging activities, top-tier amenities, and thoughtfully designed apartment homes, you can downsize without compromise. Everything is included for one easy monthly payment, letting you live the retirement of your dreams with none of the clutter.
VIERA MEANS BUSINESS
Christina Stolaas, Alexandra Piotrowski Michelle Llorens, Cindy MacMillan
James Moore, Andrea Gomes, Curtis Stolaas Brian Boorujy, Riki Montgomery
The Viera Means Business Networking Group likes to meet at interesting and newly opened businesses in the area. Enrico Botta, Richard Chase, Cheryl Clark, Mike Acosta
VMB attendees enjoyed the pastry bar prepared by Botta Neapolitan Pizza & Bakery.
Adam Copenhaver, Angie Higgins Jordan O'Daniel, Jackie McManus
HAPPY APRIL
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
APRIL IS EARTH MONTH
National Hug a Newsperson Day National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day April Fool's Day National Beer Day
1 2 3 4 5
Tuesday Morning Storytime
10 - 11 a.m.
Stories, songs and a take-home craft. Ages up to 7.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Shorin Ryu Karate
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Adapt discipline while learning karate. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Jamieson Way Viera, 321-848-3197
Sit-n-Stitch Group
1 - 3 p.m.
Embroidery, knitting, crochet group.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
AARP Free Tax Prep
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Brevard Authors Critique Group
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
"You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" 7 p.m. Presented by the Viera High Theatre Company. Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-632-1770
Taste of Senior Living 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Compare Brevard’s best senior living communities all-in-one place while enjoying food samples from the Ultimate Chef Competition. Space Coast Health Foundation 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge 321-751-6771
Viera Travel Expo 10 a.m. - noon 40+ travel exhibitors, exclusive booking incentives and prizes. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-301-4041
Pirate Plunder 2-miler
7 a.m.
Benefit for Harmony Farms. EFSC Bldg. 16 3865 N. Wickham Road Melbourne 321-751-8889
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
The Prime Show 4 - 7 p.m. Car and motorcycle show.
Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 201-658-2004
25th Anniversary Concert
3 p.m. Presented by the Central Florida Winds. Suntree United 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-405-2359
29th annual Champion Cup Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Tee off for the Troops supports military veterans and their families. Rockledge Country Club 1591 Fiske Blvd. Rockledge 321-454-2036
Bingo: 20 Years, 20 Prizes 2 - 3 p.m.
In honor of our 20year anniversary, we are hosting a 20-year celebration Bingo with 20, 20 themed prizes.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Viera Community Update
10 - 11 a.m.
Join the Viera Company’s Eva Rey as she shares the latest on the Viera community.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Gopher Tortoise Day 2 - 5 p.m.
Meet ambassadors Lt. Dan and Batman, make a craft and learn about gopher tortoise’s unique burrows through activities.
Florida Wildlife Hospital 4560 U. S. Highway 1 Palm Shores 321-254-8843
Fourth annual Golf Tournament for Homeless Veterans
8 a.m. Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge 321-208-7562
Purr-rom 2025 6 - 10 p.m.
A night of music and dancing by the SPCA. Trinity Oaks 825 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-567-3615
Easter Egg Hunt
10 a.m.
A fun twist on an Easter egg hunt. Fun and games at 10 a.m., egg hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. Suntree United Methodist 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585
East Viera Farmers Market
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Woof It Up 2025
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Family-friendly event for dogs and their humans. Dog activities and demonstrations. Pet costume contest and a show-us-your-best-tricks contest. Riverfront Park 421 River Edge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-459-9809
Bootcamp UK Viera
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Fun outdoor exercise program for adults. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-746-0260
Tax Day Shred-a-Thon
10 a.m. - noon No limit on quantity.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Estate Planning Seminar
10 - 11 a.m.
Presented by William A. Johnson, P.A.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Healthcare Job Fair
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Explore job opportunities and network with industry professionals. CareerSource Brevard 295 Barnes Blvd. Rockledge 321-504-7600
Third Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. Live music, complimentary snacks in Central Park. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Sweat Like a Mother (SLAM) 10 - 11 a.m.
Women’s outdoor fitness class. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891
Painting in the Wild, Paint Event
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A guided painting session inside the Brevard Zoo for all ages. An artist will lead you step-by-step in creating your own masterpiece. Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Easter Service
7 a.m. - Sunrise Service
8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.
Church At Viera
9005 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-259-3454
Scottish Country Dancing
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587
Easter Service
6:30 a.m. - Sunrise
8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
10:30 a.m. — Egg Hunt Faith Viera
5550 Faith Drive Viera, 321-636-5505
Coin Talk
6 - 8 p.m. Drop in with your coins or old money and talk to our local American Numismatic. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Pickup Flag Football
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Open for all adults. Spyglass Hill Park 7550 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, Facebook.com/ BrevardFlagFootball
27 28 29 30
Sunset in the Hollows
5 - 7 p.m. Explore the Hollows. No pets allowed for the safety of the gopher tortoises.
Hundred Acre Hollows 1170 Rock Spring Drive Suntree hundredacrehollows.org
Ironworks Fencing 5 - 6:30 p.m. Equipment is provided for ages 13 and older.
Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-258-2089
Florida Wildlife Hospital Presentation 6 - 7 p.m.
Turtle Talk.
Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Sit & Get Fit
1 - 2 p.m.
Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549
Strong Body, Mind and Spirit 7 - 8:30 p.m. Exercise and meditation. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-258-2089
Friday Night Karaoke
6 p.m.
Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487
Classic Car & Truck Show
10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-265-6875
Superhero 5K and One Mile Fun Run
7:30 a.m.
Fundraiser for the Friends of Children of Brevard. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-247-9717
More calendar listings see pages 14, 15 or VieraVoice.com
Annual Drive, Chip and Putt skills challenge set for May 10 in Viera
BY SUE DEWERFF
For youth golfers, ages 7 to 15, the opportunity to compete at the famed PGA Masters next year in Augusta, Georgia will start in Viera at Duran Golf Club next month.
The Drive, Chip and Putt skills challenge, a free program offered in 50 states, will begin at 357 sites nationwide this summer, including at Duran on May 10.
This season marks the 12th year of qualifying events that aim to provide a welcoming environment for children to participate in the game of golf. Duran Golf Club will host the event for the ninth year, led by Justin Blazer, the director of the Duran Academy of Golf.
“It was one of my top goals to bring this event to the Space Coast and Central Florida when I became the director of the Duran Golf Academy,” Blazer said.
“Bringing more nationally recognized programs for youth golfers to compete locally here versus them having to travel is so important for the growth of the game here in Central Florida.”
The local qualifier, scheduled for May 10, will highlight the fundamentals of the game of golf — driving, chipping and putting. Groups
participate in four separate gender and age categories. Scoring is centered around skill performance in these categories.
Top performers at the local level will advance through subregional and regional qualifiers throughout the summer and into the fall.
From these qualifiers, 80 finalists — 40 boys and 40 girls — will earn an invitation to compete in the DCP finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday, April 5, the eve of the 2026 PGA Masters Tournament.
“This program is special because it happens once a year. The kids get excited to practice their skills and set goals to work on. The stakes are big — as the final event is nationally televised.”
Since each competitor gets nine shots, (three for each skill), Blazer said his best advice is for competitors preparing for the event to have a routine to rely on when practicing these skills.
“Up to three junior golfers from each age/gender category will advance from here to the subregional contest,” Blazer said.
Information and registration for the May 10 DCP event can be found at durangolf.com.
The registration deadline is May 4 for the Duran local qualifying event. Follow the events at drivechipandputt.com
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Sue DeWerff
Young golfers will compete at Duran Golf Club on May 10 in the Drive, Chip and Putt skills challenge.
SENIORNews
Faith, family, service defines WWII veteran’s 99 years of life
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
Cameron Douglas, a World War II veteran and cherished member of the Shell Harbor community, is a man full of life, laughter and love.
His advice to the younger generation is simple yet profound:
“Respect all veterans, respect all people. And get to church.”
— Cameron Douglas
As one of the founding residents of Shell Harbor, having moved in just a month after its opening, Douglas has become a familiar and beloved figure among residents and staff alike.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Douglas jokes that he made his way to Florida thanks to his trusty Oldsmobile.
His sense of humor is ever present, bringing smiles to those he encounters, from family and visitors to his community. His favorite physical therapist, Colton, helps him stay active by working out with him in the gym three times a week.
Douglas was married to his wife, Barbara, for 48 years before her passing in 1997. Together, they raised
three children, creating a lifetime of cherished memories. His daughter, Nancy Russell, recalls their summers spent at Lake Huron.
“One of my favorite memories is having my foot stung by a bee when we were at the lake,” she said.
“My foot swelled up, and my Dad carried me up and down the 97 steps from the water to our cabin,” she reminisced.
During World War II, Douglas served on the USS Basilone as a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Philippines. This unwavering dedication to his country is matched only by his deep faith and love for his family.
“My love of God, my love of children and my love of country,” he said are the secrets to his long and healthy life.
Mary Hall, the lifestyles director at Shell Harbor, believes that a strong support system contributes to Douglas’ longevity.
“I notice that people who live a long time have a family that is very engaged,” she said. “They feel valued and loved, and that is very important.”
Russell and her husband Jeff echoed this sentiment, praising the staff at Shell Harbor for their exceptional care. “Everyone who works here is just lovely,” Russell
said. “They all take really good care of him.’’ Douglas also has a son John, who lives in The Villages, and visits often. He accompanies him to doctor’s appointments. Square dancing played a major role in the Douglas' lives, and though he may not be able to dance like he used to, he still holds onto the joy it brought him and his wife. After his military service, Douglas worked for the Detroit Free Press and later for the Brehm Company. “He could always do a little bit of everything,” Nancy Russell said.
Described as “determined,”
“a fighter” and someone who “never gives up,” Douglas remains as vibrant as ever.
“I’m not ready to go,” he said with a grin. His advice to the younger generation is simple yet profound: “Respect all veterans, respect all people,” he said. “And get to church.”
This May, Douglas will celebrate his 99th birthday in the place he calls home — Shell Harbor — surrounded by family and friends, including fellow veteran Myrna Mason. “He’s a really nice guy,” she said. Indeed, Cameron Douglas’ warmth, humor and unwavering spirit make him a treasure to all who know him. VV
VIERA VOICE Susan M. Houts
Cameron Douglas, a World War II veteran, proudly sits next to his naval photograph at Shell Harbor’s veteran recognition wall.
VIERA VOICE Susan M. Houts Cameron Douglas enjoys visits from friends and family, bringing smiles to many of them with his sense of humor.
Earth Month deserves special celebration of its own
It’s Earth Month. How are you going to honor the planet?
Earth Month is just around the corner and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by spending time outdoors to appreciate nature’s beauty and feel its healing power.
For decades, the effects of nature on the body and mind have been the subject of studies and “a large body of evidence has shown that spending time in nature is responsible for many measurable beneficial changes in the body,” reports a 2016 article on the Time website. The article, “The Healing Power of Nature,” enumerates some of the benefits brought to light by various studies linking “nature to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders.”
Be it for the sense of peace that one feels when in the woods or the quality of air, the properties of the aroma, or the sense of solitude away from the everyday buzz of a city life, time in nature brings the calm into our lives and that makes our body healthy. So much so that the University of Cincinnati in 2023 published tips for incorporating nature into your routine and
emphasizes that "prioritizing your wellness by spending time in nature promotes physical activity, engages your senses, encourages social interaction, and enhances well being — all key elements of keeping you healthy."
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
— John Muir
Once you step outside and visit one of the many gems that Brevard County has to offer, like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Barrier Island Sanctuary and Cruickshank Sanctuary just to name a few, you might get tickled to learn more about the natural world and its intricacies. That is when you may want to visit the Florida Master Naturalist Program
website (masternaturalist. ifas.ufl.edu) to check out their courses.
When I did that program, I not only got to learn more about our local ecosystems and wildlife but also had the opportunity to meet people who shared the same interest toward nature. If that is your thing, you should try it.
When attending the Coastal Systems course, I met Sandra and Ram from BK Adventure, a bioluminescence tour company, that offers rafting, paddleboard and various kayaking tours in Brevard County. Their line of business led them to take the classes and now they can share more than amazing views during their tours. For April, they are planning an Earth Day cleanup event that would be worth being part of. If interested, keep an eye on their website for information.
That type of activity benefits both participants and the Earth — it is a win-win.
Another win-win activity is the Earth Month Ecochallenge that runs from April 1 to 30 online. During this month, you're invited to select actions that resonate with your values, committing to them for 30 days to foster and reinforce positive habits. Each action
you complete earns points and generates real-world impact. Your efforts, combined with those of your team, contribute to a significant collective difference. This year’s theme, “For Earth, For Each Other, For Tomorrow,” is about fostering hope and inspiring action for a better future — through small steps, people and nature can thrive together. So join our team by visiting bit.ly/RecycleBrevard ForTheEarthEcochallenge and let’s make a difference together!
April is Earth Month. The
best way to honor the planet is to appreciate the natural system that supports us, supports life and immerse ourselves in it to experience at least a fraction of its powerful beauty and take positive actions in its benefit in return.
VV
Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org Recycle Brevard is an independent nonprofit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.
Recycle Brevard
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