Strategic planning keeps the Daly family in motion
BY NICHOLE YUAN
Many Viera residents are already familiar with the Dalys, especially those who have children.
With Shannon Daly heading up Manatee Elementary School as the principal and Brian Daly teaching math at Viera High School, it’s evident that this family is very involved in the school system.
And adding to the family’s educational endeavors, the two children, Lindsey, 15, and Casey, 12, are also engaged in their schools’ extracurricular activities. With so much going in their respective schools, it can be hard to imagine their lives outside the classrooms.
When she’s not overseeing the goings-on of Manatee Elementary, Shannon Daly enjoys keeping active with half marathons while Brian Daly takes pleasure in fishing. And their liveliness is easily seen in the children who both participate in track along with various clubs.
“So, I’m the president of the Hunger Project Club. We help spread awareness so the kids in Brevard who aren’t able to get food and stuff — we help pack meals and spread awareness about that,” Lindsey Daly said of the club she helped start.
In conjunction with the newly founded Hunger Project Club, Lindsey is also a member of the Future
Educators of America. Not to be left out, Casey Daly is equally engrossed in several school clubs, including the Chess Club, E-Sports Club and student government. Even when vacationing,
Featured Family
the Daly family enjoys being outdoors and noted some of their favorite adventures such as cruising to the Bahamas, hiking in Georgia and skiing in North Carolina, with the latter being a bit less enjoyable for some.
“I just couldn’t stop (skiing). Every time I tried, I just kept going,” Casey said about the family’s skiing trip. “The only time I could stop (was) when I’d just fall over.”
Despite visiting such exciting destinations, the Dalys said that Viera is their home and they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Even when they
are recognized almost everywhere they go, they have immense compassion for the students they interact with.
“I was taught long ago by a former principal that you have to have (students’) hearts before you can have their heads,” Brian Daly said. And in everything this family does, it truly shows. VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
The Daly family consisting of Casey, left, Shannon, Brian and Lindsey have diverse interests such as running, fishing, chess and community service.
Volume 16, Issue 12
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All rights reserved
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Rectory planned for St. John the Evangelist
BY CHRIS BONANNO
The Catholic community in Viera will soon get a Rectory — a residence for the three priests at the St. John the Evangelist.
Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando came to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera on Dec. 8 as part of a ceremony to announce a new rectory.
Hundreds of members of the church community and children were joined by staff members as they took turns shoveling dirt as part of the ceremony.
“We’ve been planning on this for years, of course, but we had to wait for all things to align,” the Rev. John Britto Antony said. “Six months ago, we started working on the planning part of it and the structure and all that. Now, we selected the builders and everything’s
“ We’ve been planning on this for years, of course, but we had to wait for all things to align ” — The Rev. John Britto Antony
ready to go. We are just waiting for the permit from
Writers/Reporters
Elaine Moody
the county and as soon as they get the permit, they will start.”
The rectory will accommodate three priests, with two guest rooms also included as part of the facility. Antony said that currently priests live off the campus.
“The trouble with having a rectory outside the campus is the fact that it takes time to go back and forth,’’ Antony said. “I usually work late nights. I’m here ’til 10:30, 11, 11:30 sometimes. Then, I just go home to just sleep and come back. It has not been very convenient. So, if you have a house on campus, it’ll be just so convenient for us. Just come for a little breakfast, lunch and dinner and then go back to work. We can be available more, not that we are not available now.”
Antony indicated that the plan is for construction on the rectory to be completed by September 2025.
“This is going to be an exciting addition, a blessing to our community,” Antony said. VV
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno Bishop John Noonan and the Rev. John Britto Antony have forged a strong friendship through the years.
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community will build a new Rectory.
Rotary Club of Suntree contributes shoes to people in need
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Hundreds of pairs of shoes are on the way to help people in need thanks to the Rotary Club of Suntree.
A group of volunteers with the Rotary Club banded together as they collected shoes to send to children and adults in need throughout the world.
The volunteers both gathered and packed what the club called gently-used footwear for Soles4Souls.
Soles4Souls is a nonprofit that takes unwanted shoes and clothing and provides them to people in need to try to help them out of poverty.
Club treasurer JoAnn Meaker said the club packed 20 large boxes with shoes collected Nov. 30 at Suntree Rotary Park.
“We would probably get 30 or 40 (pairs) per box,” Meaker said.
She said the shoes came in a variety of sizes with some donated for men, women and children.
Meaker noted it was the fourth year in a row the club had collected and packed shoes for Soles4Souls.
“It started the year that I was club president, and we
we don’t actually physically see the people we’re giving these
things to, we know that they’re going to people who are in need of what we’re providing so
wanted to find something to do during Covid. This was a way to have the public involved without contact,” Meaker said.
This year, Meaker said that some shoes were set aside for children at Endeavour Elementary School in Cocoa.
“One of our club member’s wives is a teacher,” Meaker said. “So, she knew that there were some children in need of footwear. We actually set aside two boxes of shoes specifically for that elementary school.’’
Meaker said it felt great to help all of those in need.
“It’s always a good thing,” she said. “It’s what being a Rotarian is all about, being able to do something to give back to the community. Even though
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
The Rotary Club of Suntree helps Soles4Souls provide shoes for people around the world.
Former NHL standouts will come to Brevard for benefit
BY CHRIS BONANNO
National Hockey League alumni and outstanding amateur players from Florida, other states and Canada will play in the first Pucks with Pros games to be held in Brevard County.
The players will gather for a great cause on Feb. 21 and 22 as the 2025 Health First Florida Space Coast NHL Alumni Pro/Am for Homelessness and Breast Cancer will be held at the Space Coast Iceplex in Rockledge.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Genesis House of Florida and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.
Four teams with 12 NHL alumni will play three games at the Iceplex.
A game will also be played between a team of top fundraisers and sponsors against an alumni team as well.
“Pucks with Pros’ CEO Jon Jehrio has organized or participated in NHL Pro/Ams in other parts of the country
for the past 20 years,” Viera Company president Todd Pokrywa wrote in an email to Viera Voice
Pokrywa will play on the fundraisers and sponsors team. “For the past 12 years,
charity fundraising hockey events have been held in Hershey, (Pennsylvania). I have personally participated in two of the Pucks with Pros events in Hershey over the last couple of years. The Health First Florida Space Coast NHL Pro/Am is the first event Pucks with Pros has planned in Florida.”
Among the NHL alumni confirmed to play as of Dec. 21 is Stephane Matteau, who played for the Calgary Flames, the New York Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues, the San Jose Sharks and the Florida Panthers.
Matteau’s double overtime goal in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals famously sent the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final, where they would eventually prevail against the Vancouver Canucks.
Also included is Brian Propp, a five-time NHL All-Star, who played for the Hartford Whalers and the Minnesota North Stars. He also had two stints with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Grant Marshall, who
played for the Dallas Stars, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New Jersey Devils, is another confirmed alumnus. Marshall was part of Stanley Cup winning teams with Dallas and New Jersey.
“It is wonderful to see dedicated NHL Alumni and the many players coming to Florida’s Space Coast from elsewhere in the United States and Canada as they travel to participate in this event and help support causes that seek to address homelessness and breast cancer awareness,” Pokrywa said. “This first-time event has been so popular that there has been a waiting list for NHL Alumni wanting
to participate in support of these causes. In addition,most participants on the four teams are traveling from outside the area and are being newly introduced to our vibrant community and all it has to offer.”
Previous events have taken place in Hershey.
“This is one small step toward a fundraising event that could make a giant leap to have a meaningful, positive, and lasting impact in our community,” Pokrywa said.
Pokrywa added that spectators are able to attend the event for free and that they can make donations that benefit either nonprofit. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Todd Pokrywa
Team Viera competed in the 2024 Pucks with Pros hockey event. It featured NHL alumni Ric Seiling, Darryl Shannon, Brad May and Craig Muni.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Pucks with Pros Mike Krushelnyski, left, and Stephane Matteau plan to play in the 2025 Health First Florida Space Coast NHL Alumni Pro/Am for Homelessness and Breast Cancer at the Iceplex in Rockledge on Feb. 21 and 22.
SPORTS
New coach has Viera girls basketball program off to strong start
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera Hawks have a new girls basketball coach and a new system to learn.
What they haven’t had through their first eight games is a lot of practice time to get accustomed to it all.
But that hasn’t stopped Viera from getting off to a strong 6-2 start, and that has first-year coach Melvin Jimenez feeling good.
“It’s been a busy schedule for the girls, not much practice time at all,” the 33-year-old Jimenez said. “We’ve had to teach in-game. They’ve had to learn on the fly. But they’ve been rolling with the punches and doing really well. I’m proud of them.”
The coach and the system aren’t the only thing new about this year’s Viera team.
The Hawks are giving big minutes to a trio of freshmen. Demi Reck starts at guard and is Viera’s leading scorer. Forward Aleyah McFadden is the
second-leading scorer at 7.5 points a game and freshman guard Laali Franco is the first player off the bench.
Viera’s other three starters are all juniors — guard Yasmin Croom, guard Kylie Winslow and post
player Grace Nixon.
Although the Hawks don’t have a lot of height on their roster, Jimenez said they make up for it with heart and hustle.
Junior forward Viviana Russell, known for diving
on the floor, is a big example of that. Guard Ariya Mathis — one of only two seniors on the roster — provides leadership.
Other key players for the Hawks this season include senior Adianna
Hernandez and juniors Ariana Babilonia; Kaleiya Mitchell; Noelle O’Sullivan and Neveah O’Sullivan.
Viera is running a 3-2 zone defense and an offense that likes to get out in transition, but will also adjust in the halfcourt to whatever defense its opponent is running.
“I try to give the girls the freedom to make basketball plays,” he said. “We have plays, but at the end of the day, it’s basketball. If you see something, take advantage of it.”
After playing a lot of games to start the season, Jimenez believes the Hawks will be even better once they get more practice time.
“Honestly, winning districts is very much in our reach,” Jimenez said. “I think we can win districts and make a run past that. I really do think we haven’t played our best basketball yet.
“Once we hit our stride, I really think we can make a deep playoff run by the end of the season.” VV
Viera boys already preparing for what should be challenging postseason
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera Hawks know they have some pretty big challenges to face this boys basketball season.
They also know they’ve got a lot of pieces to help them overcome those obstacles.
How it all fits together, well, that’s the part they’re still working on.
“We haven’t played a
game with our whole team yet, so everybody’s trying to figure things out,” Viera coach Logan Keith said. “As a coach, I’m just trying to get them to play defense and share the ball.”
While Viera was off to a 6-3 start with the help of some key returners, a pair of big impact transfers and a few players called up from the JV team, the Hawks aren’t expected to get
junior guard Damien Carter back until right around the holidays.
At 6-foot-4, Carter will give Viera experience and length as it competes not only for the Class 6A, District 6 title, but also in what is easily one of the toughest regions in the state.
Edgewater, a state runnerup last season, should be even better. Evans has dropped to 6A a year after playing in the Class 7A final four. Bartow is a perennial powerhouse. That’s a pretty
rough group.
Viera will feature returning guards Kamar Plain and Brooks Harris, wings Cooper Keith and Palm Bay transfer junior Aaron McGee with 6-7 senior Rockledge transfer Mark Christian manning the middle.
“He dunks everything,” Keith said of Christian. “He’s fun to watch. I don’t think we’ve had anybody here in a long time — maybe ever — that is throwing it down like him.”
Junior Alex Ollis, one of
the first guys off the bench, is valuable because he can play multiple positions.
Will White, a junior guard, is one of Viera’s better defenders and provides a spark for the Hawks whenever he enters the game.
Sal Parker, a 6-3 junior, is Viera’s backup big man and provides valuable minutes when Christian needs to sit.
Senior Ronen Gaines is
VIERA BASKETBALL continued on page 11
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Sarah Martinez
The Viera High School girls basketball team has a new coach in Melvin Jimenez, but so far the Hawks appear to be adjusting well. Viera was off to a 6-2 start at the beginning of the season.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography
The Viera boys basketball team is one of the better teams in Brevard County this season thanks to some added height, strong shooting and a relentless style of play.
Holy Trinity girls believe spot in final four is within reach
BY CARL KOTALA
When it comes to assessing how good his team can be this season, Holy Trinity girls basketball coach Will Gibson isn’t shying away from saying two rather important words: Final four.
That’s where Gibson believes the Tigers could be headed now that the team appears fully healthy.
“We’ve got our full squad now, so we should be good,” Gibson said. “… I think it’s
a final four team for sure when we’re all healthy. We’re putting it all back together now, but we saw a lot of things we liked in the preseason. We’re a very tough team.
“We think we should be able to win our region and we could be in Lakeland this season for sure. We’ve got to do what we’re supposed to do.”
The Tigers had to open the season without star guard Leila Bryant, an eighth-grade guard, who already has an offer from the University of Central Florida.
While no one wants to see a player miss time with an injury, it could actually end up helping Holy Trinity in the long run.
“ We’ve got our full squad now, so we should be good. ... I think it’s a final four team for sure when we’re all healthy. ”
— Will Gibson, Holy Trinity coach
So will a tough schedule that includes only two teams — The First Academy and Edgewood — who are in Class 2A. The rest are all in higher classes and should test the
Tigers as they prepare for the postseason.
“We’ve seen what it looks like with Leila in the lineup. It’s a state-caliber team,” Gibson said. “When she was out of the lineup, it gave a couple of other players some time to get in there and actually have to do a little more. A lot of them stepped up to that role.”
Joining Bryant in the backcourt is freshman guard Kylie Green, who played last season as an eighth grader. Senior Savannah Schultz gives the Tigers a three-guard lineup, with seniors Jadalynn Morel and Izzy Henderson in the front court.
Morel and Green both
averaged double-doubles while Bryant was out with sophomore Samantha Fraser — who started while Bryant was out — not far behind.
Sophomore forward Lorena Faber, a transfer from Viera, gives the Tigers more height at 5-foot-10. Also coming off the bench for the Tigers are eighth-grader Jas Holmes at guard, freshman combo guard Liz Stewart and seventh-grader Cici Hsieh, who mostly comes in at the point guard spot. Gibson said he believes this year’s team has more experience, more discipline and a better feel for the game in addition to having a more balanced attack. VV-
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography
The Holy Trinity girls basketball team is just getting healthy again. And when the Tigers are healthy, coach Will Gibson believes they are a state semifinal contender.
Holy Trinity boys have youth, depth, talent to make postseason run
BY CARL KOTALA
When Holy Trinity boys basketball coach Steve Henderson looks at his roster, he sees a young group with plenty of talent.
“I’m quite pleased with it,” the longtime Tigers coach said. “We’re young. Our schedule is brutal. A lot of these young guys are going to have to grow up pretty fast.
“We’re not really looking at what our record is throughout the regular season. It’s more of, hey, we’ve got a great, young group. Let’s push them to their max during the season and have them ready for the playoffs.”
With only two seniors — Skyler Jensen and transfer Mitch White — on a 13-player varsity roster that is bigger than Henderson usually carries, the Tigers have a number of players who could develop into future stars.
Guard Michael Otero, who
VIERA BASKETBALL
continued from page 8
began his varsity career as a freshman at Holy Trinity before transferring, is back to help lead a junior class that also includes forward Jaedon McMillan, who has hit some big shots for the Tigers through the years. Guard Ryan Dierking, one of the team’s most improved players, is also back along with forward Kriston Gibson. Andres Spencer has also transferred back to Holy Trinity and is expected to re-join the team this month after recovering from a football injury.
Sophomore point guard Derrick Flowers is already emerging as a team leader, while newcomer Omari Savage can really shoot it. Damien Henderson and Jaylan Hall have also made an impact.
This year’s team also includes a pair of freshmen in guards Jariel Williams and Aaron Raines, who could develop into a big-time player in the county.
Eighth-grader Cayden
another strong defender who can also make shots. Keith called senior Kazuki Hogrefe a “shot-making machine” who actually gets in trouble
Gaskins is 6-foot-6 and already making a name for himself.
The Tigers have more depth than they’ve had in recent years, which could help them work through any injury situations that creep up.
When healthy, the Tigers feature a solid starting four
when he gets the ball and doesn’t shoot.
Easton Wallace is a 6-5 senior wing who gives Viera
of Flowers, Otero, McMillan and Gaskins. The fifth starting spot has rotated since the preseason among Dierking, Raines, White, Jensen, Damien Henderson and Savage.
If this group can continue to develop as it gains experience throughout the season, it will be a tough
length around the rim.
“We’ve got a lot of pieces,” Keith said. “Putting them together and clicking at the
matchup for anyone in the playoffs.
“At the end of the season, I think we’re going to be right where we need to be to compete to not only do well in districts, but in regions,” Steve Henderson said. “That’s our goal, to get out of regions.” VV-
right time is obviously what matters the most. We’re just trying to prepare for the playoffs all season long.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography
With an unusually large roster (13) of young, talented players, the Holy Trinity boys basketball team is hoping to gain enough experience throughout the season. It could pay off when the postseason begins.
Five words, four years, Viera’s Dempz is state diving champion
BY CARL KOTALA
It was the summer before her freshman year at Viera High School and Sadie Dempz was seriously considering taking up diving after doing gymnastics for 10 years in Michigan.
“After gymnastics, I took a break. But I knew I needed another sport,” Dempz said. “I really missed flipping, and I saw that most divers have a gymnastics background. So, I started before I moved here, just a little beginners class.
“And then, I thought, ‘Why not go for it?’ ’’
The rest is, well, a pretty impressive tale.
Four short years later, Dempz is the Florida Class 4A 1-meter diving champion. She’s also got a scholarship to Division I Bowling Green University and a dream of becoming something you don’t see every day — a female commercial airline pilot.
“It is crazy,” Dempz said. “I would never have thought that was going to happen.”
The Viera senior is just the second member of the school’s swimming & diving program to ever win a state medal. The other was also a diver. Sarah Rousseau won three consecutive titles from 2015
“Why not go for it?” — Sadie Dempz
to 2017.
“Sadie has worked incredibly hard,” said Terry Horner, who has been Dempz’s coach at the Orlando Diving Academy for the past two years.
“She has a very clear vision of what she wants and she’s gone for it. I wish I could say that I’m responsible for it, but I’m not. She’s responsible for it. I’m just the conduit that they all move through.”
What Dempz has been able to do in four years is uncommon, but not unheard of, according to Horner. The coach credits not only Dempz’s dedication to her sport, but her ability to overcome the fear and anxiety that comes with jumping off a board and doing something the body may consider dangerous.
For Dempz, the time she spends diving offers her a little bit of a sanctuary, a chance to get away from it all and have some fun.
“I love that when I go to the pool, I don’t think of anything else,” she said. “It’s just my nice, relaxing time. I can have fun with my friends. It’s a nice place to just forget about
at the final results together on McCoy’s cell phone.
“A lot of my teammates from Orlando were there, and my coach, Terry, he was on the other side of the pool and he looked over and shrugged his shoulders,” Dempz said. “And I put up a No. 1.
“It was a cool moment to have between me and him because he’s really done a ton for me.”
everything else. I’m just there to dive and have fun with my friends.”
It was one of her friends — Lauren McCoy from Lake Nona High School — that Dempz was competing neckand-neck with at the state diving championships, which were held Nov. 9 at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) Complex in Ocala. McCoy was leading much of the day, but Dempz — who had the highest degree of difficulty coming into the meet — landed a back 2 1/2 twister on her final dive to secure the win. Dempz and McCoy looked
When it came to looking at colleges, Dempz had a short list. She wanted to compete in Division I and she wanted to study aviation. At Bowling Green, which actually has its own airport, she gets to accomplish both of those goals.
“I did a ton of traveling for gymnastics and then diving,” Dempz said while discussing her choice of majors.
“I have never still to this day seen a woman pilot. I never even really thought it was possible, because I’ve only seen men. I asked my mom and she said, ‘Yeah, you can.’
“I had just never thought of it. I want to change that. I want to see more women in the field.”
Becoming a pilot and an NCAA diving qualifier would be quite an accomplishment. Hey, why not go for it? VV
VIERA VOICE
Courtesy of Carisa Dempz
After 10 years of gymnastics, Sadie Dempz successfully turned to diving and has quickly moved to the top of the sport.
VIERA VOICE
Courtesy of Carisa Dempz
Viera High School senior Sadie Dempz is the Florida Class 4A 1-meter diving champion.
Jan. 6
Neighbors Coffee and Conversation
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The subject this month is organizing.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 32-255-4404
Dining Out & Events
Jan. 11
Huge Indoor Rummage Sale
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7400
Brevard Zoo Adult Program: Hurricane Prep
10 a.m. - noon
Learn how the Brevard Zoo prepares for weather disasters through storm prep, habitat design and emergency procedures. Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453
Reaching New Heights: Women in Space 1:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the achievements of women in space exploration. Emil Beugler Center for Aviation Training and Research 801 Harry Goode Way Melbourne, 321-729-0755
Jan. 12
Ninth annual Chili Cook Off 1 - 4 p.m.
Brevard County Professional Firefighters annual chili cookoff. Cocoa Riverfront Park 4701 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-863-4002
Space Coast Jeep Club Meetup
1 - 3 p.m.
Monthly meet-up
BeachFly Brewing Company 513 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-305-6865
Jan. 18
2025 Seashell Festival
Jan. 18 and Jan. 19
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
See seashells from around the world, scientific and artistic exhibits and live demos.
Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne spacecoastseashells.com
Light the Darkness 5K 5:30 p.m.
A 5K to raise awareness and end human trafficking.
Hilton Cocoa Beach 1550 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach findarace.com
Jan. 22
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
Jan. 22 - 26
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral scbwa.net
Jan. 24
Paranormal Cirque
Jan. 24 - 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 - 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 - 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 - 7:30 p.m.
Incredibly talented artists performing acrobatics, contortion, aerial acts and more.
Space Coast Harley Davidson 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 941-704-8572
Jan. 25
Touch A Truck
9 a.m. - noon
Huge variety of trucks to explore.
Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-608-7420
Winter Art & Craft Expo
Jan. 25 and Jan. 26
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 772-492-6105
Viera’s Hall now a three-time member of FSGA’s Team Florida
BY CARL KOTALA
Hannah Hall is already well on her way to becoming one of the most decorated Viera High School golfers — boy or girl — the Hawks have ever had.
But just to add to that, keep this in mind:
She’s still just a junior.
And her list of accomplishments keeps on growing.
Hall was recently named to the Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) 2025 Team Florida for the third consecutive year. Team Florida is made up of the top 40 golfers in the state ages 13 to 18 who compete in FSGA, USGA (United States Golf Association) and FJT (Florida Junior Tour) events.
Among the criteria for the recognition are a player’s performance as well as demonstrating sportsmanship, etiquette, integrity and passion.
Since the program began
Viera High junior Hannah Hall has been named to the Florida State Golf Association's Team Florida for the third straight year. Hall is considered one of the top 40 junior golfers (ages 13 to 18) in the state.
with the inaugural Team Florida in 2021, only Hall and Viera senior Arth Sinha (Team Florida 2024) have been named to the exclusive group.
“It means a lot,” Hall said.
“FSGA has meant so much
for me. It’s helped me grow as a golfer. Obviously, their tournaments have great competition.
“Being in tournament play can only help me improve (by) putting myself in pressure
“I really enjoy being in a competitive environment. I like to compete and I like to practice toward something.”
— Hannah Hall
situations.”
Hall is the 2024 FJT points list champion for girls 16 to 18 after a season that included three championships (FJT Duran Open, FJT Sugar Mill Open and the FJT Harbor Hills Open) and secondplace finishes in the 65th Girls Junior Championship and the 13th FJT Girls Junior Championship.
Additionally, she has not finished outside the top 10 in any FSGA event since February 2024.
While playing for the Hawks this past season, Hall helped lead Viera to an eighth-place finish at the Class 3A state championship tournament at the Mission Inn and Resort in Howey-in-theHills.
In her final round, she
birdied the 18th hole to get into a three-way playoff for the individual state championship.
Hall would eventually finish second in the tournament, tying her with Sophie Liu (2015) for the highest finish ever by a Viera golfer — again, boy or girl — at the state final.
The University of Kansas commit is already working toward what could be a memorable 2025 season.
“I’m still working out to try to get stronger and then practicing. I have a tournament coming up toward the end of December, the Citrus Ladies Golf Invitational,” Hall said.
“I’m excited for that. I really enjoy being in a competitive environment. I like to compete and I like to practice toward something.” VV
Softball event begins busy year of activity at USSSA complex
BY JEFF NAVIN
Softball players from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Brevard County Fire & Rescue will team up to take on a team composed of softball players from Patrick Space Force Base, other military branches, the Florida Highway Patrol and civilians as a busy season begins at the United States Specialty Sports Association Space Coast Complex in Viera.
The First Defense Division Opening Ceremonies Softball Game will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. If enough players commit to play, there could be an additional game. The event is free to the public.
Businesses owned by veterans will set up at 1 p.m. to promote their offerings in the stadium’s concourse. Animal services and other
organizations also will be featured, as well as a group of firetrucks and other service vehicles.
The Rolling Thunder members will circle the stadium, a Veterans Color Guard will be present and a special guest will sing the national anthem.
Tributes will be posted on the scoreboard throughout the game.
“There will be a lot of pomp and circumstance,’’ said Bob Grey, the director of community partnerships for the United States Specialty Sports Association. “We’ll have a flyover and all the military branches will be represented. We want to honor and recognize our veterans and first responders and all they do for us.’’
Along with the Opening Ceremonies Softball Game, the USSSA Space Coast Complex
will conduct its annual Challenge Cup during the final two weeks of January and the first two weeks of February.
“The best adult men’s and women’s softball players from every state in different levels will come down here for bragging rights,’’ Grey said. “We’ve added a fifth division for Men’s Majors and Women’s Majors. We’ll have A, B, C, D and E for the different skill levels. There will be some former Major League Baseball players in the A Division. The E will be the equivalent of the beer leagues.’’
The Challenge Cup has grown from 77 teams to 420 teams through the years.
“There will be all sorts of jerseys representing the different states,’’ Grey said. “Michigan will have a team dressed in maize and blue in honor of the University of Michigan. A team from
The
Texas will have burnt orange signifying the University Texas.’’
For information or to play in the Opening Ceremonies Softball Game, call 321-9177475.
Throughout the year, the USSSA conducts tournaments for men, women, boys and girls in several different age groups.
The season will be highlighted by the Fall World Series. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of USSSA
First Defense Division Opening Ceremonies Softball Game will be held at 3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Florida State Golf Association
SCHOOLNews
Volunteers, environmental monitoring improves Hundred Acre Hollows
BY BETTY PORTER
Beginning this month, visitors to the Hundred Acre Hollows (HAH) conservation area in Suntree can become a part of its ongoing story — as an environmental monitoring system called Cronolog gets installed.
According to wildlife biologist Betsy Hintz, the Hundred Acre Hollows, Inc. president, the conservation area has joined Chronolog — a world-wide environmental monitoring effort.
“With the public’s help, time lapse photos of Hundred Acre Hollows will be used to document the changes occurring in the Northeast Basin,” she said. “Environmental changes can be difficult to see because they are so gradual. Chronolog engages the public to help keep a record of all the physical changes at HAH for scientific use.”
Visitors to HAH will be able to place their cell phone into a bracket, snap a photo and
follow the posted directions which includes how to upload the photo using the QR code on the attached sign. The photos are stored on the Chronolog cloud. The timelapse photos will be available for viewing and analysis by every photographer, scientist, citizen scientist and any visitor to the Chronolog website — Chronolog.io.
Tanja Tea, who lives in Magnolia Springs in the Springs of Suntree, which abuts the HAH, is sponsoring the Chronolog and the cost of maintaining it through her company, Q-SAC, Inc. It specializes in vehicle barrier gates and the vehicular access control market world-wide.
There are many groups that access the conservation area for educational purposes, including a biology class from the Florida Institute of Technology, which spends one week of each semester at HAH.
Students from the Teen Homeschool Program of Brevard Zoo are frequent visitors, as are local Scouts
troops as well as artists.
Hundred Acre Hollows, which opened in 2016, is a 114-acre conservation area with its entrance at 1170 Rock Springs Drive. It is owned by Brevard County and leased to the nonprofit group Hundred Acre Hollows, Inc.
The HAH group has through the years successfully made it into an uplands conservation habitat for numerous types of animals, including the more than 400 Florida gopher tortoises that burrow in the soft sand along berm slopes throughout the property.
“The tortoises like to have a lot of space around their burrows, free of high vegetation. That’s what makes them happy,” Hintz said.
Hintz is a resident of West Melbourne and has made countless trips to the conservation area since becoming a member in 2022. She keeps track of the wildlife and always helps
HOLLOWS
continued to page 31
VIERA VOICE Betty Porter Abhishek Periwal and his son Aniket, right, a seventh grader at Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, were among the volunteers who took part in the Restoration Day at Hundred Acre Hollows on Dec. 7.
Children spread holiday cheer to deployed military personnel
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
In a heartwarming show of support and gratitude, elementary schools in Brevard County came together to craft special holiday video messages for military personnel stationed overseas. The initiative received an overwhelming response from both staff and students, reflecting a collective effort to bring joy to those serving far from home.
personalized video message from military members, offering a heartfelt thank you for the festive cheer.
This initiative highlights the power of community and connection, reminding us all of the importance of supporting troops during the holiday season. This ongoing exchange will undoubtedly continue to strengthen the bond between Brevard Public Schools and those serving abroad.
The links below show video
Solution on page 34
VIERA VOICE Brevard Public Schools
Quest Elementary School kindergarten class created a holiday video message for military personnel serving overseas during the Christmas holiday.
Spanish language church thriving, steady in Brevard after 19 years
BY CAMERON COUNTRYMAN
Ricky Pacheco and his wife, Maribel, began a small Spanish language Christian church 19 years ago.
The group gradually began to grow and moved from homes to small churches. Ricky Pacheco, the pastor, started leading the Spanish ministry at Faith Fellowship Church in Melbourne, but eventually felt called to “fly on (his) own,” in regards to starting a Spanish language church.
So, in 2021, Pacheco began looking for a facility.
The first facility he checked out for the church was at 7300 Lake Andrew Drive, a brand new building built by Temple Israel of Brevard County.
Pacheco loved it but “didn’t … think (he) had a shot there.” However, by the grace of God, the temple agreed to let the church — Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero — use the facility.
Today, 19 years after the Pachecos began their Spanish language ministry and three-and-a-half years after moving into a longterm facility, Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero has a steady attendance of around 50 people each week.
Pacheco hopes to attract more Spanish speakers to the church and eventually expand La Novia del Cordero into its very own facility.
“Light, love, and the message of salvation — that’s needed now more than ever,” Pacheco said.
“It’s a calling of God — it’s something that nobody can really explain, but you know that it’s supposed to happen.” — Ricky Pacheco
Prior to Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero, Pacheco and his wife lived in Puerto Rico and were music ministers for 13 years. The couple even have some music recorded. At some point during those 13 years, Pacheco felt the Lord’s call to become a pastor.
“It’s a calling of God — it’s something that nobody can really explain, but you know that it’s supposed to happen,” Pacheco said.
Time has shown that Pacheco’s decision to follow God’s call was the right one. Maribel Pacheco is also involved in ministry at Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero, as well as the Pachecos’ daughter, Giselle, who is a sheriff's deputy. The two women often sing in church or lead music in other ways.
Pacheco is passionate about his career and gets to see and assist marriages, parents, youth and others build a strong foundation of faith and work through life issues.
“It makes you feel alive when you have the call,” he said. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero
Iglesia Cristiana La Novia del Cordero draws around 50 people each week to its worship services at 7300
Lake Andrew Drive.
SENIOR EXPO &
PARTY
Dave & Buster's starts process to build in Viera
Dave & Buster's, the popular restaurant and arcade venue, is likely coming to Viera.
An application has been made to the Brevard County Planning and Zoning department for a sign at Napolo Drive, which is near Walk-ons in Viera.
Dave & Buster's opened its first facility in 1982 in Dallas and now has more than 170 locations. VV
Trading card shop grows from two tables to two shops
BY NICHOLE YUAN
It started with two tables and a dream when Michael Miser — in a pursuit to marry his wife Ashleigh — began selling Pokémon cards at Renniger’s Flea Market to earn extra cash.
But as his customer base grew, he needed a larger space to meet the demands. Now, with a coveted air-conditioned space at the flea market and a storefront in Rockledge, Miser, along with his parents Trish and Don Miser, operate Pokekang Sports Cards and Collectibles as a family.
“To be honest, I laughed at him in the beginning,” Trish Miser said. “I thought it was a joke.”
While the journey hasn’t been easy, the Misers continue to grow their business. As part of that growth, they have joined the Chamber of Commerce as a way to help influence economic growth and give back to Brevard. As dedicated members of the community, it isn’t uncommon to walk into the shop and see the Misers hosting tournaments or trading events. Whether it’s Pokémon, Lorcana, Magic the Gathering or even sports cards, Pokekang aims to be a place for anyone and everyone.
“We’re a place where you can come and be comfortable, misfit or not,” Miser said. “And you can always know that we’re an open door to everybody.” VV
Solution, page 34
VIERA VOICE REPORT
VIERA VOICE Nicole Yuan
Michael Miser and his wife Ashleigh cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of their new store, Pokekang Sports Cards and Collectibles at 3650 Murrell Road in Rockledge.
2024 Contest Winners
Major Sponsor
Best of Show
Kereen Crider, 6182 Joseph Drive
Sponsor: Space Coast TrimLight
Impressive Entrance
East Viera — Auburn Lakes East
West Viera — Heritage Isle
Sponsor: Cartama Ramos Crafton Dale Sorensen Real Estate
Christmas Spirit
East Viera — Carpenter Family 5778 Newberry Circle
West Viera — Schneider family 4917 Duson Way
Sponsor: Nicole Grammer A Real Estate Service Team
Neighborhood Spirit
East Viera — Six Mile Creek
West Viera — Trasona East and West
Sponsors: Catalina Schreader/ Homes by Catalina and Genna Pizza Express
Clark Griswold
East Viera — Pulci family 835 Blackbird Court
West Viera — Coniker family 3621 Chardonnay Dr.
Sponsor: Arty Pagan State Farm Insurance
Digital Dancing
East Viera — Russell family 7067 Hammock Lakes Drive
West Viera — Marquardt family, 7483 Poulicny Lane
Sponsor: Anna Maddikonda Flying Burro Viera
ScoopBUSINESS
Margarita Island, a Mexican kitchen, will expand to Viera
BY LINDA JUMP
David Gonzalez came to the United States from Mexico when he was 17 and has worked his way up from dishwasher to now opening his fourth Margarita Island restaurant in the former El Leoncito building at 5630 Stadium Parkway.
“We’re expanding the brand, but everything will be the same as it is at Margarita Island on Merritt Island,” said Gonzalez, 36, of Merritt Island.
He expects to open the Mexican kitchen and full bar in Viera by the end of February.
He’s hiring 40 to 50 fulland part-time employees to serve the restaurant that can seat up to 250 customers.
“I came to Brevard County in 2021 and opened on Merritt Island and it has been successful.”
He owns another Margarita Island in Flagler Beach and is in the process of opening the third in Ormond Beach. The second Brevard restaurant will be called Margarita Island Four, he said.
“Ours is a scratch kitchen, with everything cooked on a
“I started out as a dishwasher, then was a cook, a bouncer and a bartender.”
— David Gonzalez
daily basis.”
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
“We offer the finest margaritas and tequilas around because we use quality products.”
Gonzalez said their takeout partners include Uber Eats and DoorDash, as well as others. The restaurant will offer catering with two months’ advance notice.
“I started out as a dishwasher, then was a cook, a bouncer and a bartender. Since I was 25, I’ve managed other Mexican restaurants and lived in Jacksonville. We came here as a getaway and drove by where our first restaurant was and my wife said ‘that would make a good place for a restaurant’ and here we are,” Gonzalez said.
family will
have
He said he, his wife Elizabeth, their nine-yearold son Ivan, three cats and a puppy are proud to call the Space Coast home.
Jack Harbett of Viera said he and his family ate a few times at the now-closed El Leoncito Restaurant and is glad to hear it (the
new Margarita Island) will reopen.
“We moved recently from South Florida, so we liked (that style of food).” VV
Credit Union merger fails as unique needs, priorities don't align at this time
align at this time.”
Launch Credit Union and Community Credit Union of Florida have announced that they have mutually decided not to move forward with their previously proposed merger.
In a joint statement, Joe Mirachi, Launch’s president and CEO, along with Laurie Cappelli, the president/CEO of Community Credit Union stated that, “The reasons why are varied, and the decision to step back from the merger was not driven from financial reasons. Rather, it reflects a mutual recognition that our organizations, while both strong and well-positioned, have unique needs and priorities that didn’t fully
The credit unions had announced the plan for a merger a few months ago.
“From the onset of our merger announcement, we committed to transparency and maintaining open lines of communication with our employees and members. The merger process itself is a long journey with many measures along the way to ensure a strong partnership is compatible for our respective credit unions, our members and employees, and the communities we serve.”
Going forward, both credit unions emphasize there will be no disruption for members or employees as they remain financially healthy and positioned for success. VV
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
The Gonzalez
soon
four thriving Margarita Island restaurants.
Barbershop offers good conversation, fine haircuts
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Good conversation and a good haircut is being offered at Beef’s Barbershop, which recently opened at The Avenue Viera.
Beef’s Barbershop is in Suite 14 inside Sola Salons at The Avenue Viera.
The business, owned and operated by Brian Hogue, offers haircuts for adults and children along with head shaves, beard trims and skin fades. The term “Beef” is an acronym for a saying that Hogue cites and displays in his store “Be Everything Everyone Fears.”
“It’s been awesome,” said Hogue of starting the business. “It’s been a dream.”
Hogue noted that part of what helps his barbershop stand out is his wanting to chat with customers in the shop, which has a single chair, potentially aiding conversation.
“I like talking to people,” Hogue said. “I’d like to think you’re getting a good experience and a good conversation; and it just happens to come with a good haircut.”
Beef’s features sports team décor and a wide range of stickers, some of which are
from places far away.
“What’s cool about the stickers, it actually makes the customers feel like they’re kind of a part of the shop,” Hogue said. “When I talk to the customers and I find out they’re going on a vacation or they’re going somewhere, I always ask them like ‘hey, you mind giving me a sticker?’ … They always manage to come back with some crazy ones, some funny ones, some that I can’t put up.”
Hogue also offers those who come in for cuts a complimentary beverage following their visits. Candy is also available for children.
For more information, call or text Hogue at 407-7577538 or visit BeefsBarberShop.
com
Haircuts are booked in halfhour increments, with haircuts and beard shaves booked in 45-minute increments, Hogue said.
“You get a haircut by me once, I can promise you you’re coming back,” Hogue added. “I can guarantee that.”
The business is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Additionally, cuts are available outside of those hours by appointment.
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
Brian Hogue enjoys talking to customers as he cuts their hair.
Help our Lagoon by understanding the problem
There are lots of ways to Help Our Lagoon, for example: don’t fertilize in the summer, maintain septic systems, limit irrigation and pick up pet waste. All these are helpful, so let’s keep doing them.
Another important way we can Help Our Lagoon is
to understand the problem. That is: understanding why we have so much pollution (excess nitrogen and phosphorous) in the Indian River Lagoon. Knowing this means we can understand the Save Our Indian River
Lagoon (SOIRL) plan and the importance of its 450plus pollution reduction projects.
So, what are the key sources of pollution?
• Stormwater runoff:
Rainfall and irrigation that does not soak into the ground washes what is on the ground (fertilizer, grass clippings, pet waste and other pollutants) downhill. Storm ponds can help, but
most is washed into the Indian River Lagoon, canals or tributaries. Runoff is the third largest source of nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon at 18.6% (see table).
• Baseflow: Baseflow is the groundwater flow that transports pollution through sandy soils into the Indian River Lagoon. This pollution includes fertilizer and reclaimed water that has soaked in, septic system releases and leaking sewer pipes. Baseflow is the second largest source of nitrogen pollution at 22.5%.
• Atmospheric Deposition: Little can be done to control the .5% of nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon because it is material falling or washing out of the air.
• Point Sources: Today a minor contributor at 0.8% but prior to 1996, Brevard’s sewage treatment plants released some 30 million gallons of partially treated sewage a day into the Indian River Lagoon. While there are still objectionable spills, they are not a leading pollution source.
• Muck:
Since the SOIRL plan began, muck has been recognized as the largest pollution source. Recent studies confirmed that the 6,000 acres of muck coating the Indian River Lagoon’s bottom release a huge 44.6% of nitrogen pollution, making it the single largest source.
Understanding the diversity of sources gives us the insight that restoration requires a yes, and an approach to reducing pollution from all sources. And, that’s SOIRL’s approach.
Healing the Indian River Lagoon takes each of us. It takes all of us. It takes you and me! For more, visit helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. VV
Lagoon Straight Talk
From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition
Lilly Rose Café — cozy, relaxing and a diverse menu awaits
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Hannah Bolton and Michael Pokazanyev both work exciting jobs in engineering during the week.
But instead of taking welldeserved weekends off, the duo continue to work on Saturdays and Sundays. And the result of their efforts is the Lilly Rose Café, located at 7640 N. Wickham Road, Suite 112 in Suntree, where the two are co-owners.
“We have both been working since a very, very young age and it hasn’t really stopped. Eventually, we’ll have time to have fun and play. But this is play honestly,” said Bolton, who served for six years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear engineer. “This is just real life. Like pretend almost with a lot at stake.”
The pair previously owned a business in Cocoa Village. Following what Bolton said was seven-to-eight months of remodeling, the pair have been able to open up the new café in Suntree.
“We’ve worked Sundays for, I think, the past month and a half or so,” Pokazanyev said. “Usually, we try to stop in on both days of the weekends to check up on it. Sometimes, we’re covering for our employees. Sometimes, we just need to restock.”
Lilly Rose Café, which opened in early October, features a diverse food menu that includes acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, toasts and waffles and a drink menu that features hot and iced coffee, boba tea, smoothies, hot cocoa and iced tea.
“The other part of what we try to do here is cater the food and drinks to be as custom as possible. So we trade in any ingredient, we trade out any ingredient. But really what allows us to do that is we do pretty much everything from base level,” Pokazanyev said. “We’re making waffles, we’re making our own waffle mix. We’re not buying a pre-made mix. Our boba tea — our tea is brewed here. It’s mixed with milk. All the ingredients for the sandwiches are made here.”
The cafe features a calming environment, embodied in a sign at the front that reads “Positive Vibes
Only.”
“The whole goal behind the shop was to make it very cozy, very relaxing and best-friend themed,” Bolton said.
Bolton noted that the café is named after her dog, Lilly, a 10-anda-half year-old Australian Shepherd.
“I’ve always wanted to honor
Lilly in a format that would be long lasting and here we are,” she said. The café is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or for ordering online, check out lillyrose. cafe VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Hannah Bolton is the co-owner of Lilly Rose Café, which is named after her dog, a 10-and-a-half-year-old Australian Shepherd.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
The Chicken Pesto sandwich is a favorite on the menu at Lilly Rose Café. Other popular items include açai bowls, salads, toasts, waffles and a variety of drinks.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Hannah Bolton Lilly Rose is an insiration for the new café.
Trip to Israel prompts life-changing moment for future nurse
VIERA VOICE REPORT
Jordan Galili, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Suntree Internal Medicine, thought that she wanted to major in business when she moved from Orlando to Gainesville to begin her freshman year at the University of Florida.
“I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me,’’ said Galili, who is expecting her first child, a girl, this spring. “My mom helped me discover a volunteer program in Israel, where I spent two months working on ambulances. That experience was life
changing and solidified my decision to pursue a career
in nursing.
From there, I continued on to nursing school and eventually began my journey as a healthcare professional.’’
Galili has been an APRN since July 2024. Prior to that, she was a postpartum/ labor and delivery nurse.
“The most rewarding part of my work is the opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives,’’ Galili said. “I particularly enjoy educating patients about their health and collaborating with them to develop a personalized plan for improving their outcomes. It’s incredibly fulfilling to
see the positive impact that this can have on their overall well being.’’
Her commute from Orlando to Suntree can be difficult at times, but it does have its rewards.
“I’m fortunate to have Fridays off, which I use as a chance to relax and recharge,’’ Galili said. “I treat myself to things like nail appointments and massages, which help me unwind. I love spending my weekends with family and friends, always finding fun ways to connect. Whether it’s enjoying brunch, spending the day at Disney, playing cards or watching football, my husband and I
stay busy and entertained. It’s a great way to enjoy quality time and create lasting memories.’’
Besides the life-changing trip to Israel during her college days, travel is an important part of Galili’s life.
“Traveling is one of my passions,’’ Galili said. “I’ve been fortunate to visit several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, France, Ecuador and Aruba, among others. Every trip offers a new perspective and adds to my love for exploring the world.’’
An annual trip to Aruba each February has become a cherished tradition. VV
Hospital stay as a child leaves lasting impression on nurse
VIERA VOICE REPORT
Years ago, a few acts of kindness by some nurses left a lasting impression for a scared child in a rural part of New York State that has more cows than people.
“As a child, I was hospitalized and I remember how kind the nurses were to me,’’ said Lisa Rathbun, an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse at Suntree Internal Medicine.
Rathbun has worked in healthcare for more than 30 years. Before becoming an APRN, she was an intensive care unit nurse working primarily with post open heart patients.
“My parents always owned their own businesses, so I often helped them out while going to college,’’ Rathbun
said. “But, healthcare is the only career I have ever done. I enjoy helping people feel better, and I enjoy educating patients on how to build a strong base for their health. I believe they can live a more happy and productive life when they feel their best.’’
Rathbun, her husband and the youngest of her three daughters, a high school student, moved to
Brevard County about 10 years ago. The other two daughters also are nurses.
Joking that she hasn’t quite figured out how to balance time between work and free time, Rathbun and her husband like to kayak and paddleboard when they can.
Rathbun also is a volunteer for Pineda Water Way Warriors every other Saturday. VV
VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress
After a two-month stint in Israel working on ambulances, Jordan Galili quickly knew that she would pursue a career in nursing.
VIERA VOICE photo
Lisa Rathbun
TopGolf facility will feature 64 hitting bays, latest technology
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A TopGolf facility will be in Viera’s future.
The future entertainment complex is slated to be constructed on an 18-acre mixed use development lot between The Avenue Viera and Interstate 95, according to a presentation sent from Brevard County Government to the Viera Voice.
The Viera facility will be two stories and feature 64 hitting bays, Toptracer technology gameplay and surface targets in addition to a two-story restaurant/bar and video wall.
TopGolf has 102 venues worldwide, including 92 in the U.S. and the company has opened seven to 10 facilities since 2015.
In all, the construction project will cost $28 million. The presentation states that 150 jobs will be created during construction and that 200 jobs are created at each new location once they are operational.
The estimate is that each TopGolf facility will see around 200,000 visitors each year.
The facility is anticipated to be open from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
At a Dec. 12 Brevard County Commission zoning meeting, the commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit that the presentation stated is required for commercial
entertainment and amusement enterprises.
“I’m very proud to say that this is in District 4,” said Commission Chair and District 4 representative Rob Feltner.
The Commission also unanimously approved an amendment that will allow for a fence height of up to 165 feet to enclose the driving range area, per the presentation.
“I’m pretty excited for TopGolf,” added Katie Delaney, the District 1 representative. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard County
The initial investment for TopGolf in Viera will be $28 million and it will create 200 jobs.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard County
The anticipated hours of operation for TopGolf will be from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard County
The TopGolf complex will occupy about 18 acres near I-95 in Viera.
In December, the Viera Means Business networking group met at Addison Square luxury apartments for a gourmet breakfast and coffee. Many VMB members arrived in ugly sweaters for the holiday contest.
The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at various locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.
HOLLOWS
continued from page 18
on restoration days with the spraying of the invasive Brazilian Pepper plants before they turn into trees. She uses a Basal Bark technique, an environmentally safe chemical mixed with oil that is sprayed on the bottom of the plant.
Volunteers are welcome to participate in scheduled restoration days as well as other volunteer activities, including routine maintenance, such as fixing fences, and to meet and greet visitors.
Among the volunteers on the recent Dec. 7 Saturday was Aniket Periwal, a seventh-grade student at Edgewood Junior/ Senior High School. His mother had seen the HAH flyer on social media asking for volunteers. Periwal’s father, Abhishek Periwal of Viera, accompanied him and also volunteered in the vegetation clean up.
“This was a great opportunity for my son to log in volunteer service hours toward the Bright Futures scholarship,” Periwal said. “We will keep posted on future dates when we can participate.”
Open hours to the public for January are 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each Sunday.
There is a special open house from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day.
More information on hours, activities, volunteer opportunities go to hundredacrehollows.org VV
Joe Rowlette, Karen Whiting, Rose Bobier
Sandy Michelson, Anjanette Wicks
Jamie Rhude, Dr. Jaya Prakash
Julie Shipley, Kristine Stolaas, Curtis Stolaas
Jeff Law, Daisy Pickett
Kristine Quattrone, Jurry Om
Marissa Moyer, Antonio Valentin and Anjelica Lozano served breakfast and gave tours at Addison Square.
Viera Cookbook
Stuffed avocado — a refreshing, healthy and delicious meal
BY ELAINE MOODY
My husband and I love to travel. And as we travel to different parts of the world, we always find some delicious meals to enjoy.
On one of our travels through Central America, we made a stop of a few days in Panama. On a day trip into a mountainous region, we came across a little restaurant that served Peruvian food. We decided to try their special of the day, which was a stuffed avocado. It was delicious.
When we came back home, we decided to try and duplicate this delectable dish. It turned out so well that I wanted to share it with everyone. This is a healthy and delicious meal to serve your family and guests.
Now I know what you are thinking, how do you stuff an avocado? So let me explain. VV
Stuffed Avocado
Ingredients needed for two servings: (double or triple ingredients for additional servings)
One fresh chicken breast
¼ cut chopped white onion
One cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans)
One box yellow rice mix
One Haas avocado
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese,
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cumin
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
Begin by cooking a package of your favorite yellow rice mix. Follow the cooking instructions on the package. Once it’s finished cooking, leave it covered and keep on the lowest burner setting to keep it warm.
Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit and skin. Now, slice the bottom off each half, (this will keep it flat on the plate) being careful not to cut into the hole where the seed was. Set the bottom piece aside for the completed serving. Sprinkle a little lime juice, salt and pepper on the entire avocado to keep it from turning brown and cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Use a skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook a fresh chicken breast with the onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If the chicken starts to dry out, add a little water and continue to cook. Once the chicken is very tender, remove from the pan, cut or shred into small pieces and return to the same pot. You will then add the frozen vegetables, spices, cilantro and cheese and cook on low until the vegetables are thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and add mayonnaise and mustard and stir well.
Use a shallow bowl or plate, place a serving of yellow rice and hollow out the center. Put one half avocado in the center of rice, then a large spoon full of chicken mixture on top. Now place the bottom piece of avocado on the top of the mixture and serve. Enjoy!
New ideas lead to more efficient recycling alternatives
At TEDx University of Manchester in 2019, Dr. Mark Batey outlined five key principles for cultivating creativity and innovation:
1. Connect: Link different concepts or pieces of knowledge around a subject or goal.
2. Share:
Encourage others to share their thoughts, promoting deeper exploration and creating chain reactions of new ideas.
3. Foster diversity: Involve people from different backgrounds and viewpoints, as diversity strengthens creativity.
4. Beware of over-relying on strengths: Focusing exclusively on strengths can sometimes turn them into weaknesses.
5. Apply the creative problem-solving process:
This involves four stages — accumulation (research and gather data), generation
(encourage a great volume of ideas), evaluation (assess ideas and their feasibility) and incubation (step back, let ideas simmer and think them through).
These principles are the result of more than a decade of research and practice, working with senior teams to foster creativity and develop new strategies (HRZone. com). According to Batey, employing these principles triggers creative thinking, often leading to innovative solutions. Sometimes, simply maintaining an open mind and eye and ears tuned in can provide much of the input needed to solve pressing issues.
One way to expand our thinking is through reading and traveling, which enriches our knowledge base and offers fresh perspectives. By observing how others approach common challenges, we can reflect on existing solutions and adapt them to our own context.
For instance, during my recent trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I looked into local recycling initiatives. This led me to discover Food To Save (as discussed in the September 2024 Viera Voice)
“When one worldview dominates your thinking, you’ll try to explain every problem you face through that worldview. Read widely and realize there are many answers.”
— James Clear
and other innovative waste reduction solutions that not only clear the streets but also improve lives in the process.
One notable example is Kolekt (kolekt.com), a free app that connects solid waste producers, collectors and recyclers. This platform allows collectors to post and sell available materials, while buyers can acquire those materials for recycling. With offices in the Netherlands, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and Mozambique, Kolekt currently manages collections in Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mozambique and Kenya. This helps to increase recycling in those countries, reducing landfilling and generating income for participating collectors.
Another inspiring project is Forel Organica, which tackles food waste in a creative way. Founded by private chef Regina Tel, the initiative teaches people how to make food from items typically discarded, such as banana peels, watermelon rinds and avocado skins. I must confess that banana peel bacon and banana peel curry sparked my curiosity and I may give those a try.
In a separate project, 20 local residents teamed up to transform a garbage-filled area into a community park, upcycling part of the more than 1,000 kilos of waste they cleared. While some of the waste was discarded, they managed to find creative uses for some unusual discards: old toilets were repurposed as planters, tires became staircases and bicycle wheels were turned into tables. This created a unique green space for all to enjoy.
Perhaps some of these ideas will resonate with others locally, and who knows? Other projects that provide new solutions to waste and sustainability challenges may be born. As we step into the new year, let’s embrace the potential for fresh ideas and creative approaches. New year, new ideas! 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.
VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody
Stuffed avocado is a unique dish that is enjoyed in Central America and South America.
January 2025
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SENIORNews
Faith, shared bond establishes foundation for long marriage
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
For Bill and Sara Franklin, their love story began with an unexpected blind date and has flourished into 65 years of love, adventure and commitment.
The Viera couple will renew their vows alongside other long-married community members Feb. 14 at the Senior Expo and Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami Lodge at the Brevard Zoo, marking a lifetime of devotion.
Bill, a Miami native, and Sara, originally from Guntersville, Alabama, first met while Bill was stationed at Redstone Arsenal with the U.S. Army. Sara’s best friend set them up. Neither had ever been on a blind date, and both were hesitant about the idea.
When Bill was running several hours late in arriving, Sara opted instead to stick to her weekly Saturday beauty parlor appointment. As fate would have it, her best friend brought Bill to meet her there.
spent their first date talking through a drive-in movie, and Bill Franklin was smitten.
“I fell in love with her after the second date,” he said.
They were engaged the day before Easter in 1960 and married that June.
“There I was, sitting under this big dryer cone, and I heard a male voice,” Sara recalled. “I had never heard a male voice in the beauty parlor before.” she said.
“And I had never been in one before,” Bill added.
Sara directed them across the street to a restaurant, and the rest is history. They
Through the years, they’ve built a life filled with love, resilience and family — raising two children, welcoming four grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, and even one great-great-grandchild.
A Vietnam War veteran, Bill served heroically in a platoon that was featured in the 2002 film “We Were Soldiers.” He sustained serious injuries during
“You have to give and take a lot. You need to forgive and can’t hold grudges. And you can’t give up.”
— Sara Franklin
the conflict, spending nine months in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1965, where Sara reunited with him on Thanksgiving.
“What I love most about Bill is how easy he is with everybody,” Sara said, adding that she admires his sharp memory. For Bill, Sara’s faith, patience and strong character
are what he treasures most.
Their secret to a lasting marriage? “You have to give and take a lot,” Sara Franklin said. “You need to forgive and can’t hold grudges. And you can’t give up.”
Faith has always been the foundation of their relationship, a shared bond they credit for their enduring
love.
As they prepare to renew the vows taken almost 65 years ago, Bill and Sara embody the essence of lasting commitment.
The ceremony at the Valentine’s Day 2025 celebration will serve as a poignant reminder of the power of love. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Bill and Sara Franklin Bill and Sara Franklin met on a blind date and became engaged in 1960.
VIERA VOICE Susan M. Houts
Bill and Sara Franklin plan to renew their vows at the Senior Expo and Valentine’s Party at the Nyami Nyami Lodge at the Brevard Zoo.
Air Force veteran’s service is defined by courage, compassion
BY SUSAN M. HOUTS
Vietnam veteran Thomas Hawk’s remarkable life is a testament to bravery, resilience and commitment to helping others.
Hawk, a resident of Viera Del Mar, was born in Sandusky, Ohio and grew up in a close-knit military family. In 1966, Hawk enlisted in the Air Force, intending to study medicine. His journey into military service was uniquely influenced by his father, who contacted a family friend, Royal H. Brown, the commander of the Jolly Green Giant Squadron (air rescue group). Hawk had grown up with Brown’s son, “Buster” Brown, when their families lived in Germany. The older Brown welcomed Hawk to the squadron.
Hawk’s first night in Vietnam was a harsh introduction to war. A rocket attack claimed the life of his bunkmate due to shrapnel. Hawk’s medical team worked tirelessly for the three following days to treat wounded soldiers.
“I was indoctrinated real quick,” Hawk said.
Hawk later transitioned to the helicopter squad, assisting in lifesaving rescues. One mission proved especially harrowing — while rappelling from a helicopter, the aircraft was shot down, leaving Hawk stranded in the jungle. He survived by covering himself with leaves and breathing through an S tube while Viet Cong forces searched for him through the night. Using a radio, Hawk contacted his team the next morning, but due to enemy
impersonation incidents, they required him to verify his identity.
Commander Brown’s question, “What nickname did you call my son?” Hawk’s answer, “Buster Brown,” led to his rescue.
Back at camp, Hawk was stationed at the Army morgue, where he watched over the bodies of fallen soldiers. One night, he discovered a soldier still alive among the dead and helped save his life.
Hawk’s proudest accomplishment was working to rescue orphans from Vietnam. Coined Operation Babylift, the effort helped rehome orphans as the U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam. Many orphans were adopted in America; many others in France
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Hawk’s heroics continued when he dragged several people from a fiery C121 aircraft crash in Da Nang before it exploded. These efforts earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal ...
and other parts of the world. Hawk’s heroics continued when he dragged several people from a fiery C121 aircraft crash in Da Nang before it exploded. These efforts earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal for “outstanding achievement as a firefighter at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on March 16, 1970.” The citation noted his “complete disregard for his own safety” as he unhesitatingly entered the area to locate and remove crash victims, persevering in his humanitarian efforts.
Reflecting on his survival, Hawk
remarked, “I should have died many times,” including surviving a nearfatal motorcycle accident years later.
After the war, Hawk earned degrees from Eastern Florida State College and the University of Central Florida. He founded Central Data Computer Centers in Titusville and helped establish computer systems at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Growing up with six siblings, Hawk’s life has been marked by service, resilience and an unwavering dedication to others. His legacy inspires those around him to live with courage and compassion. VV
VIERA VOICE Susan M. Houts
Thomas Hawk helped to save lives following an airplane crash in 1970 in Vietnam.
VIERA VOICE Susan M. Houts
Thomas Hawk’s military service is highlighted on the Wall of Valor at Viera Del Mar.
