Viera Voice, July 2020 by Viera Voice • Senior Life • Boomer Guide

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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 6

Young coach brings challenging soccer to Viera Story, page 2

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Space Coast United coach Nic Nazon already has gathered his players to get ready for a succesful season.

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re-opening near, page 6 controversy, page 12

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VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Space Coast United coach Nic Nazon guides the U11 red team through an intense and organized practice.

Nazon’s passion for coaching makes him popular at Space Coast United BY CARL KOTALA When it comes to coaching soccer, Nic Nazon seems to have really found his niche. “I’ve been in the junior division now for three or so years and I’ve really enjoyed working with the younger kids and preparing

them for the senior division, helping them at such a pivotal point in their football (soccer) careers,” said Nazon, who coaches the U11 and U12 boys red teams for Space Coast United Soccer. “They’ve done very well. I’m very proud of them.” A 2014 graduate of

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Heritage High School, where he was the team’s Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, Nazon played one season at Eastern Florida State College under coach Oliver Twelvetrees. While he was there, he did some guest coaching with the Brevard Soccer Alliance and that’s where the man who turned 24 this month caught the coaching bug. He’s now a very popular coach at Space Coast United and wants to be a technical director one day. “I would probably say it was the interaction and realizing the effect you have on them and their lives,” Nazon said. “Obviously, everybody’s had good and bad coaches. So, when I first started, I think what made me feel happy about it was being able to work with them and watch them grow and understand what you’re teaching them and seeing it pan out and seeing them progress over time. “I really enjoyed that aspect of it. People took chances on me, and I was doing well, so I just carried on doing it because I grew a passion for it. It’s the development that is really striking to me. “I couldn’t care less about the winning and losing of games. But if a kid I was working with at 12 … when he turns 17, 18, 19 years old, achieves what

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Space Coast United coach Nic Nazon starred in soccer at Heritage High School.

he wanted to achieve in the game — whether that’s winning a State Cup, going Division I and playing at the next level, or trying to go pro — that’s ideal for me. It makes me really happy.” The key to working with players, particularly in the junior division, Nazon said, is having patience and also understanding that all kids are different. Their home life is different. They’re motivated differently. They’re not all going to respond to the exact same style of coaching in the exact same way. Being able to sort through all that can go a long way to understanding how to reach them. “I have 15 boys on my team,” Nazon said. “Five of them, I can probably get through to in the same way. Another five, I have to

change. And another five, I have to change again. “It’s just being patient with the boys and understanding they’ll get to where you want them to get to, but it’s not going to happen overnight. Especially in my age group, in the 11s and 12s, it’s a big, big piece. Patience.” Last year’s SCU U11 team reached the final four of the Presidents Cup before the competition was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Nazon is getting his teams ready to play in the upcoming Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). “Both teams look good,” he said. “The boys are working hard and they’re excited for the new challenge. It should be a very fun, exciting season ahead.” V V

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Publisher Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. Managing Editor Jill Blue Assignment Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Vaughn Family

Couple reflects on how to best educate their twins about race BY GEORGE WHITE

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for two years before transferring to the morediverse Melbourne High School. That’s where she met Vaughn. The protests and the challenges of finding solutions to systemic racism have the couple concerned about the future. “I’m not so much concerned about safety, but it did make me kind of think because our kids are bi-racial. It did make me think about how we are going to educate the kids for the future. Right now, they are babies and (they haven’t

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media. Married for a little more A Viera couple blessed than two years, their son, with twins, a boy and Greyson, and daughter, girl, already have started Hendryx, will be nine months old on June 18. thinking about how to best “I am mixed — my dad educate them on the concept was black and my mom was of race. N E U white. Manatee Elementary TW OMark is white. Now, OR GR K G I N we have bi-racial twins,’’ School fifth-grade teacher she said. Raychel Vaughn and The couple have not been husband, Dr. Mark Vaughn, made to feel uncomfortable a podiatrist and part of recently, but that hasn’t Brevard Foot and Ankle in always been the case. Rockledge, met when both Raychel attended Holy attended Melbourne High Name of Jesus School and School. Back then, they never dated. Five years later, Melbourne Central Catholic High School in Melbourne they re-connected on social ANS BU E S M

Viera Voice | July 2020

taken on dark skin tone). I don’t want there to ever be a circumstance where our daughter is dating a guy — whether he be white or black or a different race — and she is looked at differently,’’ she said. Added Mark: “Growing up here in Melbourne, there were multiple race couples. But, I think even more so now there are black and white couples and interracial couples. I think it helps everyone see it as this isn’t abnormal. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin. If you love someone, you love someone. That’s what I’m hopeful for. It does seem like it’s getting more common,’’ he said. “Now, it’s more a question as parents, how do we educate our kids, and how we teach them we should act as humans and it’s not necessarily (about) the color of your skin? Again, the biggest thing is how we are going to approach the situation. Hopefully, it never comes but with the way the world is right now, there will be something on the forefront,” he said. V V

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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Scout council recognizes Suntree realtor SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America has selected Suntree resident Floyd White as its 2020 Alumnus of the Year. In May, White completed his 62nd year as a member. As a child, he earned scouting’s prestigious Eagle Scout Award. As an adult volunteer, he has served as a unit leader at the pack and troop level in Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties. White also held many district (Brevard) and council level positions (seven counties in Central Florida). He has been a member of the Brevard Golden Eagle Dinner Committee the past 20 years and the Space Coast Scouting Golf Tournament for five years, as well as other scouting fundraising events. On the council level, he is a past chairman for the Central Florida National Eagle Scout Association. His current

VIERA VOICE photo

Floyd White is a fan of the Boy Scouts.

position is chairman for the NESA Adult Awards. He is past chairman of the Central Florida Council Annual Recognition Banquet. Currently, he serves on the council’s president’s cabinet. White also served as a staff member for the 1981, 2010 and 2017 National Jamboree. His awards and honors include Order of the Arrow Vigil Member, District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, Eagle Class Honoree and the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. White is a broker associate with Keller Williams Realty Brevard and has been serving Brevard families for the past 32 years. V V

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VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, which has been closed since early April, plans to re-open soon.

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Unique birds have had The Viera Wetlands to themselves since it was closed.

Viera’s Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands set to re-open soon BY CHRIS BONANNO The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, closed since early April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to re-open in the near future.

“I hope that within something of the order of 10 days or so we should reopen,” said Raleigh Berry, a senior environmental scientist with Brevard County Natural Resources Management on June 23.

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pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles access throughout the site. Berry said the park has an employee staff that is almost all retirees, and noted “that was the principal deciding factor” as to why it has remained closed. Berry said he’s in the process of hiring employees “who will clean and

sanitize surfaces” at the park. “Once we have that, we will re-open on a daily basis,” Berry said. He also said that social distancing will be suggested. Berry also anticipates adjusting the closing schedule for the wetlands to where the park will close each day at 6 p.m. VV

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Viera Voice | July 2020

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Hawks will head to Naples, not Atlanta in 2020 BY CARL KOTALA

The 2020 Viera High School football schedule has a slightly different look than originally planned. The Hawks originally were scheduled to head to Atlanta to play Westlake High School as part of the third annual Cam Newton Classic on Sept. 4. However, due to the COVID-19 virus, Viera coach Derek Smith confirmed that trip has been scrapped. The Hawks still will travel on that date, but they will head to Naples to take on Palmetto Ridge, instead. With the exception of the Week 4 game, Viera’s schedule will look very similar to last season with the only difference being a switch of locations. That’s not a bad thing. “Our schedule has got some very quality teams on it,” Smith said. “It’s going to test the fortitude of our team and get us playoff ready.” After opening at home against Liberty in the Kickoff

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Getting a healthy T.J. Johnson back will give Viera a big lift as the Hawks prepare to play what will be a challenging 2020 schedule.

Classic on Aug. 14, the Hawks are scheduled to open the regular season the following week with a big matchup against Cocoa at Hawk Stadium. Viera will then hit the road for its next three games, beginning Aug. 28 with a game at Centennial in Port St. Lucie. The Palmetto Ridge game will follow and the Hawks will take their bye in Week 4 before returning to action on Sept. 18 with another big rivalry game against Rockledge at McLarty

Stadium. The Hawks will begin their quest for a seventh consecutive district championship on Sept. 25 when Harmony travels to Viera. That will be followed by back-to-back road games at DeLand and Tohopekaliga. The final three regularseason games will be played at home, including games that likely will decide the district title. Viera is set to host St. Cloud on Oct. 16, followed by a matchup against rival Melbourne.

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera senior and UCF commit Davis Mallinger will play a big role for the Hawks this season at wide receiver.

— who has multiple college Vero Beach will come to offers — leading the way. Viera to close out the regular Smith believes the Hawks season on Oct. 30. It will have a well-balanced schedule be the fourth consecutive that should help them prepare year the two programs have to make a deep playoff run. squared off with the first “We rode that fine line two meetings coming in of finding good, strong preseason Kickoff Classics. The Hawks will have a new opponents that will test our quarterback in C.J. Simms, but program, make us work hard and beat us if we’re not should still be explosive on prepared,” he said. “But if offense with a solid offensive we’re prepared, we have the line and talented players capability of beating them, such as UCF commit Davis also. Mallinger. Defensively, Viera “We’ve got a good, solid expects to be tough up front schedule, I think.” VV with lineman Jamari Lyons

Viera’s Lyons ‘blessed’ to receive many college scholarship offers BY CARL KOTALA

Jamari Lyons will always remember the day he got his first big-time college football scholarship offer. All he has to do is look at his left arm. The Viera High School rising junior defensive tackle was in the middle of getting his first tattoo — the word “Blessed” across his left bicep — when he received a call with an offer from the University of Miami. “It was hard to be serious while you’re getting a tattoo because it hurt,” Lyons said. “You didn’t want to cry on the phone.” As it turns out, it wasn’t the only tattoo Lyons got. It wasn’t the only college scholarship offer, either. Between late March and mid-June, the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Lyons received additional offers from schools such as Florida, Auburn, Penn State, West Virginia, North Carolina State, Iowa State, Georgia Tech and Nebraska. The rush of offers, Lyons admitted, has been a little overwhelming. “I knew it was coming, but it came kind of quick,” he said. “It all happened at once.”

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Jamari Lyons has received several college scholarship offers.

Don’t expect the offers to stop, either. Not if Lyons has the kind of junior and senior seasons he intends to have. After recording 46 total tackles, five tackles for loss and nine sacks as a 6-3, 250-pound freshman, Lyons improved on those numbers as a sophomore when he grew to 6-4 and between 285 and 295 pounds. He finished the year with 61 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Part of that increased

Viera Voice | July 2020

success was a result of Lyons beginning to fill out his large frame and getting comfortable playing at a higher weight. Part of it was listening to teammate and University of Illinois signee Cooper Davis and the Viera coaching staff, who urged him to use his hands and his length more to his advantage. A lot of it was due to just pure hard work. “What sets Jamari apart is he has the unique possession of speed and size,” Viera coach

Derek Smith said. “He’s very long-armed and in the college football game, at defensive line, length in your arms means a lot because it can allow you to stay separated between an offensive lineman and a defensive lineman. “As a freshman, he had the opportunity to play varsity football. He learned about the physicality of the sport, but also learned he had to use technique to get better, that he wasn’t going to be able to rely on strength. “Last year, I think he did a very good job of maneuvering into more of a technician. I think what we’re going to see out of Jamari this year is he’s going to be more of a technician who just so happens to be fast and strong on top of it.” In preparation for this season, Lyons has been working out three times a day. He lifts weights in the morning, works out with his trainer in the afternoon and then gets together with some of his Viera High teammates for a workout in the evening. When the coronavirus hit in mid-March, and the gyms were closed, Lyons concentrated on increasing both his speed and his stamina.

“I’m already explosive off the ball,” he said. “If I put speed and explosiveness together, it’s going to be good. It’s going to be a good show to watch.” Lyons doesn’t have a top 10 list in terms of offers yet. He said he’s looking for a school where he can get a top-notch education while also feeling welcome and at home. Right now, he just wants to help the Hawks have a big season. “This team has a lot of potential,” he said. “We can do anything if we just put our mind to it. I have a great feeling about this team.” Shortly after getting his first tattoo, and his first offer, Lyons had the name of his grandmother — Cynthia — tattooed on his right forearm. “She’s always been there,” he said. As for the other word on his arm, well, given all that’s happened to Lyons recently, it’s kind of appropriate, don’t you think? “I’m blessed to be here,” he said. “I’m blessed for everything that’s happening to me. All the offers … I’m blowing up. I’m blessed to be here.” VV

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Lightning detector installed at Viera Regional Park BY ERNEST ARICO

VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

Earth Networks of Germantown, Maryland installed a new lightning detector at Viera Regional Park. The detector was purchased by the Space Coast United Soccer Club, the Suntree Viera Youth Football League and the Brevard Lacrosse Alliance.

INSIDE THE ROPES

detector. Stephanie Holtkamp, the In an effort to protect secretary to the executive players, cheerleaders, coaches board of the soccer club, said and spectators from potential the lightning detector was a lightning strikes, three youth project of hers since June 2019. sports leagues installed a “It’s important to protect lightning detector at Viera the safety of the coaches, Regional Park. players and fans,” she said. The Space Coast United Holtkamp said the detector Soccer Club, the Suntree went off three times in one Viera Youth Football League week. “It’s a very valuable tool.” and the Brevard Lacrosse There are three primary Alliance signed a seven-year types of lightning detectors: ground-based systems using agreement to purchase the detector from Earth Networks multiple antennas, mobile of Germantown, Maryland for systems using direction and a sense antenna in the same $3,980. location and space-based The purchase was split three ways. There is an annual systems. In-cloud lightning strikes fee of $2,399 that will be paid account for the majority by the three leagues. of lightning activity and David Swanson, the parks usually serve as an early maintenance supervisor at indicator of extreme weather Viera Regional Parks, said — from heavy rain and hail Brevard County Parks and Recreation charged the soccer to dangerous cloud-toground lightning strikes and club an additional $200 for tornadoes. labor and materials to install The detectors can: electricity to power the

• Provide clear and accurate warnings when dangerous lightning occurs. • Enjoy peace of mind knowing your facility, staff and visitors are protected when storms threaten. • Receive advance lightning warnings and notifications on your mobile device. Shaun Hartman, the president of the Suntree Viera Youth Football League, said his organization looked into purchasing one last year but found it too costly. “It was too much for us as a single organization, but when the soccer league asked us to share in the cost we couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he said. “It reduces the risk and liability for our coaches and players.” The detector emits an audio and visual alarm when there is an approaching storm. “It’s a lot better than a person blowing an air horn to warn us.” VV

Shiffrin earns coveted Viera East golf title Frank Venzara M.D.

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Ross Shiffrin, left, is congratulated by David Hill, the Viera East Men's Golf Association president.

BY DAVID D. HORST

Smith and Richard Gagliordi won the B flight event, with Ross Shiffrin won the Viera Harry Kaier and Duck Milne East Men’s Golf Association’s teaming up to place second. Club Championship. Guy The team of Allen Satcher Sullivan placed second. and Ed Raleigh won the C Two consecutive flight, with Kevin Maloney Thursdays of heavy rain and Gary Koch placing second. limited the event to one round, The snowbirds have which was played May 28 returned home and we are with 11 qualifying golfers. enjoying such beautiful The lowest scores during the weather while playing golf. qualifying period of several However, we remember those months decided who qualified struggling in one form or and who competed in the another and our hearts go out tournament. to those who have suffered Robbie Rosenberger personal losses due to this finished third, Tim Brown coronavirus pandemic. and Tom Bergeron tied for It is important to fourth, Bruce Ames was understand that there are sixth. Jim Robinson and Mike specific rules and guidelines Piccininni tied for seventh, to help protect our golfers and Peter Maloney was ninth and Bill Sholtens and Jim Kopliner staff from this virus such as social distancing. finished 10th and 11th, On May 7, VEMA had fourrespectively. man teams but only counted The rest of the VEMA the two best balls. players competed in a twoThe team of Bill Bevan, man best ball event. Craig

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Larry Henris, Rick Molchos and Bill Scholtens finished first. The team of Fred Bogle, Allen Satcher and John Wieda tied the team of Bob Anderson, Marc Brown, Tony Hines and Ed Wierda for second place. On May 14, VEMA played a variable best ball using one lowest score for a par 5, two lowest scores for a par 4 and three lowest scores for a par 3. Fourteen teams participated. The team of Jim Robinson, Craig Smith and Martin Gillette tied the team of Jim Smith, Jack Webb, Kevin Maloney and Tom Walker for first place. The team of John Perino, Wierda and Bill Hall placed third. VEMA plays each Thursday morning at the Viera East Golf Course. It welcomes new members. For information, go to vemagolf.com. VV

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VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Holy Trinity running back Jadon Gowins and the Tigers will face a challenging schedule in 2020.

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Carlos Estronza will return from an injury for Holy Trinity this season.

Holy Trinity football faces challenging 2020 schedule BY CARL KOTALA The Holy Trinity Tigers plan to make history — again. And with another tough schedule for the upcoming 2020 season, the Tigers believe they have a group of opponents

that will help prepare them to make that goal a reality. While there is no Cocoa on this year’s schedule, the Tigers are set to play six teams that made the playoffs last season, including Class 2A state semifinalist Seffner Christian.

After much thoughtful reflection, we’re changing our name.

Other 2019 playoff teams on this year’s schedule include Melbourne Central Catholic (Kickoff Classic), Orangewood Christian, Eau Gallie; Orlando Christian Prep, Saint Andrews and Trinity Prep. “Two years ago, we won a first-round playoff game for the first time in school history,” Holy Trinity football coach Nate Hooks Jr. wrote in a Twitter message. “Last year, we were the No. 2-ranked team in the region. This year, our goal is getting to the state semifinals.

Very soon we will be announcing a name that better reflects both our legacy of care and the depth of our mission:

Uplifting Lives. Uplifting Each Other. Uplifting Our Community.

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Viera Voice | July 2020

"Playing Seffner, which made The Tigers will have a bye it to the state semifinals last the following week before year, and (Class) 5A Eau Gallie returning to action on Oct. 16 — who’ll have D1 players all and 23 for home games against over the field — will definitely Orlando Christian Prep and prepare us for a playoff run. Faith Christian. The final “I actually wish we had a regular-season game is set couple of more games against for Oct. 30 against Somerset teams in Brevard because the Academy Key in Deerfield competition here is real.” Beach. Holy Trinity is set to Then, assuming all goes open the season with four right for Holy Trinity, it will consecutive home games. be back to the playoffs for the After hosting MCC on Aug. third consecutive season. 14 in the Kickoff Classic, the While that prospect would Tigers are scheduled to host be expected to create a buzz Williston, Seffner Christian and around any program, the Orangewood Christian before Tigers have other reasons to be hitting the road to play at Space excited. Coast on Sept. 11 and Eau Gallie Not only are two key on Sept. 18. players who missed all or Orlando Christian Prep is most of last year with injuries set to visit Holy Trinity the — Georgia Tech commit wide following week, with the Tigers receiver James BlackStrain driving to Boca Raton to play and linebacker/running back Saint Andrews on Oct. 2. Carlos Estronza — expected to return, but the addition of three transfers also should help. Quarterbacks E PURCHAS MUST BE Jonathan Boba COUPONTED AT TIME OF PRESEN Bowden and Davin Wydner d n rice a p are expected to r a l u ff. o at reg give the offense % 0 l 5 on July 31, 2020 w o a big boost along b s 1 geittone use per visit. Expire with offensive Lim Baos lineman Greyson Reynolds. Freshman running back DayDay Farmer also is expected to have an impact Bowls at receiver, running back and defensive back. “It’s like adding first321.210.5788 • 2270 Town Center Ave round draft www.pokebaoviera.com picks,” Hooks said. VV

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Duran Golf Club named an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary BY CARL KOTALA The Duran Golf Club has accomplished something only 10 percent of the golf courses in the country can lay claim to having achieved. Duran recently was given a master’s certification by the Audubon Society, making it an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. “It’s a pretty big deal,” said Jeff Von Eschen, Duran’s senior manager of golf operations. “It’s taken us close to six years to complete the whole thing.” In order to receive the VIERA VOICE Sylvia Montes Duran Golf Club recently was given a master's certificate by the Audubon honor, Duran had to be Society. certified in six different areas — environmental The course also cut off the 15th green to the No. 16 planning, chemical use irrigation in areas that are out tee box, around the 10th hole reduction and safety, wildlife of play, not near homeowners tee box and on both sides of habitat management, water and “not really pertinent to the No. 2 tee box. conservation, water quality “There’s no spraying, no management and outreach and the game of golf” to reduce the amount of water being used. mowing and nothing goes on education. Bird houses and bat boxes in those areas,” Von Eschen “It really did change the way have been put up and brush said. “We try to limit the we maintained the golf course piles have been formed for use human entrance into those here at Duran,” Von Eschen by rabbits and squirrels. There areas. We discourage golfers said. “(We put in) buffering also are wildlife corridors from looking for their golf between turf grass and our where animals can move from balls in those areas also.” water as far as water quality As for the outreach and management is concerned. We Point A to Point B without encountering mowers or other education portion, the club has created no spray zones for the human interaction. posted some information on chemical use and reduction. In addition, there are three its website and in its pro shop. We also reduced the amount of areas we do water with separate environmentally “That really hasn’t taken sprinkler heads.” sensitive areas — from behind hold the way we want it to yet

because of the coronavirus,” years by the Audubon Society. Von Eschen said. “This Receiving a master's upcoming school year, we certification is an honor the want to be a land laboratory. senior manager of operations Starting out with Viera Charter takes seriously because School and Viera High School, it shows the commitment we want them to come to the the club has made to the golf course and look at our soil, environment and community. soil sifting and water quality “It shows that Duran, the management — all the little Viera Company, A. Duda & Sons, different areas. we really care about being “We could do a golf lesson good stewards of the land. It and teach some math with shows the general public that it — force and motion and golf courses are a benefit to geometry. There’s a lot that the community,” Von Eschen goes on at the golf course said. that I think the schools can “A lot of people have the idea utilize. We want to be that land … ‘Oh, look at these golf courses. laboratory.” They use all this water. They Von Eschen said it has spray all these chemicals. They always been the goal of the do nothing but fertilize. Just so club to become an Audubon a rich person can go out and play golf.’ Sanctuary and that the course “But actually, we’re useable was actually designed with green space that is a benefit to that intention in mind. He the environment. Things have credited Dr. Jim Papritan, a really changed over the past former Ohio State professor, 30 years to where, really, every for being “a driving force” in golf course superintendent — helping the club achieve the and I can tell you, everyone goal. in this county because I know Von Eschen said only two them all personally — cares other courses in the area — Indian River Preserve and The about the environment. “Even though they might not Savannahs — are currently have this certification, they’re an Audubon Cooperative following the guidelines to Sanctuary. Courses are make sure they’re using their recertified every three years land responsibly.”VV and are inspected every six

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Viera Voice | July 2020

Softball world outraged following tweet by USSSA Pride opponent BY CARL KOTALA Professional sports returned to Brevard County last month. But it might have only lasted one game. Hours after the USSSA Pride defeated the Scrap Yard Dawgs 4-0 in the season opener on June 22 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, a politically-charged post on the @ScrapYardFP Twitter page drew intense criticism from players on both sides, as well as the softball community. The post, which has been deleted, included a photo of Scrap Yard players standing and holding their hands over

their hearts for the national anthem. It read: “Hey @ realDonaldTrump Pro Fastpitch being played live @ usssaspacecoast @USSAPride Everyone respecting the FLAG!” A number of Scrap Yard players, some of which are on the U.S. Olympic team, tweeted they were blindsided by the post and would no longer represent the organization. “THIS ISN’T US! What has happened was incredibly inconsiderate, we do not condone, and will no longer be supporting @ScrapYardFP due to the actions taken

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behind our backs,” infielder Aubrey Leach tweeted. “This season was meant to be something special, to be a light in the darkness.” The two teams were scheduled to resume play June 24 to 27 and again on June 29 and 30 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, followed by another series in Texas that was scheduled to begin July 2. At press time, there were no official updates as to whether or not the series would continue. But clearly, the players were quite upset. “We might be standing in this photo, but we SURE AS HELL AREN’T STANDING FOR THIS,” outfielder and U.S. Olympian Hayley McCleney tweeted. “I’m embarrassed. I’m heartbroken. I’m DISGUSTED. @ScrapYardFP I will never be associated with your organization again. BLACK LIVES MATTER. The tone deafness on this is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!” Legendary pitcher Cat Osterman also tweeted she would no longer represent the organization. Other players from the softball world also expressed their outrage. “Seriously fuming right now @ScrapYardFP you are better than this,” wrote two-time Olympian Natasha Watley. “Haven’t we been going over this for the last 3 weeks? This is not funny at ALL! Has nothing to do with respecting the flag and ALL to do with respecting ALL Americans in this country regardless of color of skin.” Several members of the Pride also posted Twitter messages to express their feelings. Pride infielder Shay Knighten was disgusted by the tweet’s message. “The fact that the point and REASONING behind what kneeling really means is still not getting through is SICKENING!” the former Oklahoma star wrote. “It was NEVER about the flag, but it is ALWAYS about the lack of respect for people of color.” A day after the tweet, which was reportedly posted

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

USSSA Pride infielder Shay Knighten, left, was one of a number of players to criticize a tweet posted by the Scrap Yard Dawgs during the team's season opener on June 22.

by Scrap Yard Dawgs general manager Connie May, came out, neither the team nor May had made any comments. But the pushback was obvious and put the rest of the summer series in danger of being shelved. The USSSA Pride made the following post on its Facebook page in the early hours of June 22:

speak on behalf of USSSA in any capacity. “Sadly, both the nature and the objective of this message are incredibly damaging and disrespectful to athletes, fans, and the community as a whole. More importantly, the tweet’s subtext is harmful and counterproductive to the current racial justice movement — a movement

“The fact that the point and REASONING behind what kneeling really means is still not getting through is SICKENING! It was NEVER about the flag, but it is ALWAYS about the lack of respect for people of color.” — Natasha Watley, via Twitter

“Last night, the USSSA Pride was tagged in a tweet which suggested our pro softball team made an antikneeling political statement at a recent game during the national anthem. “As an organization, we do not condone this tweet nor do we support the intended goal of its sender — an individual who is not authorized to

that the USSSA Pride fully supports and stands behind. “Further, the implication that the USSSA Pride does not support its athletes’ freedom of expression both on and off-the-field is categorically untrue. We encourage all of our athletes to speak their minds and use their platforms however they feel compelled to do so.” V V

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Senior baseball players enjoy making final curtain call BY CARL KOTALA The coronavirus may have stolen their season, but that didn’t stop more than 30 Brevard County seniors from getting one last chance to have some fun playing the game they love. “It was a lot of fun, just hanging out here with the boys, everybody from different high schools getting together and playing one last game of baseball,” Viera High senior Declan McDermott said after taking part in the Brevard Boys of Summer Senior Curtain Call at the USSSA Space Coast Complex on June 23. “It was probably the best moment of my senior year for sure.” Declan’s father, Damien, got the idea to hold the game for the Class of 2020 after the spring sports season was officially canceled in May because of the coronavirus pandemic. Thirty-two players from around the county signed up to play in the non-sanctioned game, and USSSA donated the use of the field. The only drawback of the night was the weather, which

forced three rain delays. But once the game got going, it was night full of fun and memories — especially for the seniors who will not be playing in college. “It ended up being a great night,” Damien McDermott said. “I think everybody had a great time. I got all my pitchers in. Everyone got into the field. I didn’t see one unhappy kid in either dugout. “We had a really good crowd. It was awesome. It went just as I had envisioned with the exception of the hour-and-a-half of rain delays.” Viera High players taking part in the game included McDermott, Zach Taylor, Tyler Madl, J.T. Smith, Bill Moser, Ethan Huffman, Christian Stubbendeck and Jake Moldrem. In an effort to make things a little more interesting, the two teams — the Bashers and the Ballers — were picked at random. Taylor had two hits — including a three-run double — and Astronaut’s Colton Gelinas hit a three-run homer to lead the offensive highlights, but for the most part, the game wasn’t about

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Members of the Viera High baseball team combined with players from around the county to take part in the Brevard Boys of Summer Curtain Call on June 23 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. Pictured are Bill Moser, left, Tyler Madl, J.T. Smith, Ethan Huffman, Christian Stubbendeck, Declan McDermott, Jake Moldrem and Zach Taylor.

keeping score. It was about having fun and, maybe earning a few bragging rights. “To me, going into it, I wasn’t really looking at the competitive side,” Taylor said. “I was looking to come out here and have fun.” Given the looks on the player’s faces, it was a good way to finish off their high school careers. “Ending on this is a lot better than ending on nothing,” Madl said. V V

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VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

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Viera Elementary School unveils new mascot, logo, colors BY CHRIS BONANNO

Viera Elementary School has a new mascot — the Falcons. As part of a live announcement streamed on the Viera Voice Facebook page, Principal Adrienne Schwab introduced not just the school's mascot but also its colors and logo as well. “We definitely got community input,” Schwab said. “We sent some feelers out, some surveys out. Falcons was up there at the very top. Really looking at staying within that family with the Hawks but also we have the ... peregrine falcons right here in this area and we also wanted to be able to touch on what's happening with space history right now with the Falcon 9.” Schwab also announced

that the school's colors will be navy, white and gray. “As we were doing the mascot, if you have ever driven by the school, you can see the outside of the school is navy, white, gray and green on the bottom. So as we were designing the mascot, the colors just kind of came into play with the mascot. (We) got some feedback from our staff as well on what colors they would like to see represent our school — and navy, white and gray it is,” Schwab said. She also introduced an official logo for the school that features a Falcon in the middle of a “V” along with twin Falcon rockets on either side of the “V.” V V

WATCH THE VIDEO ON FACEBOOK.COM/VIERAVOICE VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Viera Elementary School Principal Adrienne Schwab unveils the school's new mascot, logo and color.

Jordan engineers development of Viera Charter School

BY MARIA SONNENBERG If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an engineer such as Robert Jordan to launch a school. In 2011, as Jordan watched Space Shuttle Atlantis lift off for one last journey, the furthest thing in his mind was starting a school. Jordan was fearful for his job as the shuttle program ended. His fear was well-founded, for Jordan was laid off from a 30-year career soon after. It was a day after he lost his reelection bid for the Brevard County School Board, where he had served as the first African-American chair and co-chair. Where others would see a lemon tree, Jordan saw lemonade. “I love a challenge, and this was my biggest challenge,” he said. Two weeks later, Jordan, with funds from his 401K and his wife’s blessing, purchased Genesis VII, a small engineering, logistics

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera Charter School

Engineer and entrepreneur Robert Jordan started Viera Charter School to help prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

and construction firm. Now president and CEO of Genesis VII, Jordan oversees projects for clients that range from Disney to the U.S. government. Not too long after, Jordan

was asked to help Viera Charter School since the developer was ready to pull out because of inaction. Inaction is not in Jordan’s vocabulary. “I’ve never opened a

school, but I understand process and opening a school requires a process,” Jordan said. Even when all the school had to its name was the dirt of an empty lot in Viera, a public meeting on the school drew standing-room crowds. The school received more than 1,200 applications for 650 available slots. “I got teary-eyed because these people were willing to trust their children, their most prized resource, in our hands,” Jordan said. Jordan did not let the parents down. As chairman and president, he led Viera Charter School to become an A-graded school during its first year, a rare accomplishment. “God was shining on us,” he said. The STEAM-focused nonprofit charter school, which opened in 2013, has experienced rapid growth. It will have a capacity for 1,650 students this fall, when a new

middle school opens with a gymnasium/performing arts theater, new cafeteria and new athletic fields. The existing school building will be expanded and renovated to be devoted to kindergarten to fifth grade. Under Jordan’s leadership, the school has earned an A rating every year, as well as the Florida Governor’s School of Excellence Award. Jordan, who lives in Titusville, is a busy man. In addition to his efforts with Viera Charter School, he is the longest-serving board vice-chair of Parrish Medical Center. He has given freely of his time and talent to the United Way of Brevard, Circles of Care, the North Brevard Economic Development Zone, Titusville YMCA, the Brevard Cultural Alliance, the Jess Parrish Foundation and Brevard Workforce. “Where there is a need, I want to fulfill that need,” he said. V V

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Viera High graduation set for July 18 BY ERNEST ARICO Viera High School is scheduled to hold its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at Hawk Stadium. The Brevard Public Schools originally had scheduled Viera’s ceremony for 8:30 a.m. but changed it to 7 p.m. following an executive order from the state concerning Bright Futures Scholarships. The order indicated that students seeking volunteer hours that could not complete them because of the coronavirus pandemic said their school counselor can code their hours as complete. This action was completed last month at Viera for students who applied for the Bright Futures scholarships. In addition, if students’ testing scores were just a bit low, there will now be an opportunity to take the ACT here in Brevard County this month. Five high schools have agreed to offer the ACT on July 18: Astronaut, Bayside, Cocoa, Melbourne and Satellite high schools.

VHS principal Sarah Robinson said that in addition to the time change, another restriction for the VHS graduation ceremony because of the pandemic is that seniors are allowed only two tickets each instead of the normal eight in past years. “We are still awaiting word from the district as to other restrictions for our graduation ceremony,” she said. In the past, if it was raining, the ceremony was moved from Hawk Stadium to the gymnasium. However, the district has yet to issue coronavirus guidelines should that occur. According to a news release from Brevard Public Schools, it plans to hold graduation ceremonies for its 16 high schools and some 5,000 seniors during the week of July 20. Due to prevailing guidelines for social distancing and large group gatherings, BPS will not be able to host in-person graduation ceremonies during the previously reserved dates for June. This decision comes as a follow up to the district’s

VIERA VOICE Cady Studios

Viera High School will hold its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. July 18.

April 17 announcement of graduation backup plans that included alternative dates in both June and July and were developed in consultation with high school principals and student government leaders. It took into account the collective wishes of the Class of 2020. The selection of the July timeframe came after much deliberation by district leaders about the realities of holding traditional ceremonies in June given the restrictions outlined in the Governor’s re-opening plan, and in keeping the health and safety of BPS staff, students and families at the forefront.

“We understand the decision to wait until July may mean that some of our seniors will not be able to participate for various reasons,” said BPS Superintendent Mark Mullin. “Given where we are today, I believe delaying is the right thing to do. It is our hope that a graduation ceremony in July will provide a much-deserved celebration and reunion for the Class of 2020.” Seniors were considered graduates as of May 29. Final transcripts were ready June 24. Students who had unique situations and required them earlier worked with their schools directly to obtain them.

During an April video conference with the Superintendent, student government leaders discussed the pros and cons of delaying graduations until later in the summer, recognizing that some students would not be able to attend due to military deployments, freshman events and other commitments. All agreed that it was important that seniors have a live graduation instead of a virtual ceremony, which students felt did not offer the same experience and satisfaction that comes from walking across the stage to receive their diploma. V V

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Viera Voice | July 2020

ART &Culture

Romantic art by Coules found in homes throughout the world BY JUDY BERMAN Artist Debi Coules lends a golden touch to “shabby chic,” and French fashion, and breathes new life into antique pieces. She paints on wood, canvas, glass, whatever surface she finds, “preferably something old that needs a bit of a face lift.” “I call it romantic art because I like using a soft palette and I incorporate florals into my work,” said Coules, who is originally from Boston and has lived in Florida since 2012. Those flowers can be a rose crown atop a placid cow’s head as she sits in a farmhouse tub, on a serene angel, fashionable couture, or painted on recycled furniture. Her husband, Michael, makes cabinets, tables and shelves. Then, Debi Coules paints them. “My work has found homes all over the globe and has been featured in many publications,” she stated on her web page. Coules’ art is on display at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue. “My customers are obsessed with pink. At least for the shabby chic side,” Coules said. She admires Monet, an Impressionist, for his use of

Debi Coules’ art includes animals, romance, fashion and floral. Some of her artwork is on display at the Art Gallery of Viera.

color, his short strokes. “They made me feel like I was in a different world. The peacefulness of it. It makes me stop in my tracks when I see it,” Coules said. Beryl Maley, a friend and painting partner of Coules, loves her style. She said a friend visiting from England was so impressed with

Coules’ work that she bought three paintings on the spot. “Her colors are beautiful. I like the lightness. It’s so delicate. Her work is exquisite,” Maley said. Coules’ art also was praised by Nanette Hebdige of West Palm Beach, an estate manager. She often recommends Coules’ work to

world. “I kind of imposed my own experience. What I saw, reminded me of my mother,” Brubaker said of the painting that she named “Planning Her Day.” Gwen Fox, Brubaker’s art coach, said, “It’s a very inviting painting that you feel you could just sit down and talk to her.” Fox, who is based in Taos, New Mexico, said Brubaker is “brilliant in her perception of what she wants her art to say. Her paintings tell a story. That is the charm she offers to the viewer.” Another sighting, this time of an older man who stepped out of a cab and shuffled into a hotel, inspired her painting, “The Journey.” “This man also symbolizes the life cycle, endurance, maybe faith, our journey. On another plane, I see my father

in passing on his journey. “Maybe I see all of us, emotionally, taking that step into the light,” Brubaker said. As she paints, she thinks about the color and the light, called “chasing the light.” “The challenge (of watercolor) has me mesmerized. Water flows. It’s going to go where it wants to go. To let it be its own dynamic, it’s an awesome response,” Brubaker said. Her paintings of flowers, animals and people are whimsical, joyful and colorful. Brubaker’s passion to portray stories will be emphasized during the next year as she plans for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. She aims to paint more of the figures of New York City, to have what she calls the voices of New York. V V

her customers. Coules does commissioned work. “Coules transforms an old antique table and gives it new life,” Hebdige said. She praised Coules’ versatility, soft and lovely colors, and her art that can be whimsical or romantic. “She’s got a very honed eye on the palette she has to

VIERA VOICE Judy Berman

work with. (Coules) paints delicate flowers and birds on glass that she buys and refurbishes. Then, finishes it with gold leaf,” Hebdige said. Coules feels “there is romance and beauty in all that I see and I try to bring that to all I do.” V V

Brubaker’s charm is in telling stories through her watercolor art BY JUDY BERMAN

A singular flower emerging from a rock and a solitary figure making her way in a big city are subjects that capture watercolor artist Gloria Brubaker’s interest. “It was powerful. The standing tall and alone. The strength of survival is very symbolic. Especially now,” said Brubaker, who originally is from the New York City area, and has lived in Titusville since 2003. Brubaker’s paintings are featured at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue. One morning, as she walked in lower Manhattan, she spotted a woman on a park bench. The woman had a map. Her legs were swollen and she wore orthopedic shoes. She has a hat and a shopping bag. The woman is gutsy and ready to face the

Viera Voice | July 2020

VIERA VOICE Judy Berman

Gloria Brubaker displays some of her paintings, including “Planning Her Day” on the bottom right, in her Titusville home.

vieravoice.com

211 Brevard handles increased calls during pandemic BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Many Brevard County residents calling 211 can easily pose critical help questions. And that’s exactly where they went seeking advice when the COVID-19 pandemic became a local reality. “From March 12 to June 10, about three months, we answered 16,165 calls from Brevard residents and that is about double the number of calls that would be answered in that time normally,” 211 Brevard Communications Manager Belinda Stewart said. “We had 350 calls in one day on April 1. That is three and a half times the number of calls we normally answer in a day.” A 24-hour information and referral line serving Brevard County, if anything happens in the county everyone knows to call 211. Brevard County Emergency Management also works closely with 211 Brevard referring the public to the number. “When something like this happens (COVID-19 pandemic), we work directly with them to be sure we have the most up-to-date information for people,” Stewart said. “Calls were first inquiring where to get tested for

COVID-19 and then other health-related questions. But as people began to lose their jobs and had reduced sources of income, they were calling for financial assistance to basic needs, rent, mortgage or even to find food. We maintain a resource database all the time and this time special areas of information provide financial assistance and the food pantry closest to them.” Many of the questions callers ask are about mortgage and housing since some people in the area are still without work. And, even if they have gone back to work, they have lost that income. “Senior citizens not wanting to go to the grocery store ask how they can get groceries, and how do they protect themselves in public,” said Christina Brotemarkle, 211 Center training supervisor. “Seniors that lost a parttime job are asking about financial assistance. Others normally had someone to help with groceries and that person is not going out either. Questions about COVID-19 testing or urgent care and exposure are also asked. We give the information provided by the (Brevard County) emergency operation center.”

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of 211 Brevard

The 211 Brevard call center staffers continue to offer information for a record number of telephone calls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 211 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of COVID-19, it is all hands-on deck with some staffers still answering phones who don’t normally have that as part of their duties, Stewart said. The 50,000 calls for the normal year of course include hurricanes. COVID-19 will have significantly increased that annual call volume. V V

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The health and safety of all students, faculty and staff are of the utmost importance as we move forward with school operations. Scholarships may be available through Step Up For Students. Go to www.stepupforstudents.org for information on how to apply.

Principal Dave Parker (Viera resident since 2007)

New Camps for Teens! (Call for registration info)

321-622-4358

1950 Viera Blvd., #112 Viera, FL 32955 www.codeninjas.com

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dmccs.org (321) 452-0263 office@dmccs.org

1940 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Merritt Island, FL

Viera Voice | July 2020

Independence Day parade slated for Merritt Island BY CHRIS BONANNO An Independence Day parade will be held at 10 a.m. July 4 on Merritt Island. The parade, jointly organized by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and the Merritt Islandbased Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, will begin at Edgewood Junior/Senior High School. According to a post attributed to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Center on its route of 1.7 miles. Once the parade has concluded, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served along with other refreshments at a park adjacent to the center. “We're hoping that the parade will be a success, but social distancing is still going to have to be practiced,” said Brevard Veterans Council director Bob Doyle. For more information, call 321-505-8752. V V

on the BCSO's Facebook page, the parade will feature floats, music and military vehicles. Additionally, a number of units from the BCSO will be represented in the parade, including mounted posse, ag/marine unit and K-9 divisions, among others. The parade will leave the high school at 180 E. Merritt Ave. and travel east on Merritt Avenue. It will then turn right onto north Sykes Parkway to the Brevard Veterans Memorial

Protect memories, important documents with hard drive, cloud BY CHLOE HO

flash drives — you can copy files onto the hard drive and Technology has become access the files on any device so much of a part of everyday your hard drive connects to. life that it’s common for us to A 1 terabyte external drive rely on it to keep important can be bought for about $60. documents and precious There are multiple memories. companies that offer cloud For this reason, it’s important to have backups of backup, including Apple and these important files so you Google. These usually require don’t have to worry about a monthly subscription losing it if something were depending on how much to happen to your primary storage you use. Google’s device. The two main ways Backup and Sync is free, but to back up files are using if you need more storage an external hard drive or 100GB of storage costs $1.99 backing up into the cloud. External hard drives can per provide month and 1TB costs The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health is to be bought online at retailers $9.99 per month. such as Amazon and Best quality treatment to children, teens, adults and older adults When your files are in Buy, as well as other big box the cloud, you can access stores. Hard drives come whose behavioral health or chemical dependency symptoms them from any device by in a wide range of prices just logging onto your cloud are interfering with their daily lives. Weonoffer both inpatient and depending the storage account after you have size of the drive. External outpatient services tailored to specific needs. hard drives work similarly to backed them up. V V

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Viera Voice | July 2020 For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health is to provide quality treatment to children, teens, adults and older adults whose behavioral health symptoms are interfering with their daily lives. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services tailored to individual needs.

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As a happily married father of four children (one more due in October!) who lives in Viera/ Suntree, I promise to stay committed to — • • • •

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Building Our Trades Programs Attract/Retain Quality Teachers Not Taking On Any New Debt Supporting Parent Choice Highest Security For Our Schools

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Promised — Attract/Retain Quality Teachers • •

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Cut $27 million in wasteful spending Reduced Debt by $112 million Zero Increase in Debt

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Viera Voice | July 2020

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Matt Stallbaum, the pastor for East Coast Christian Center, is excited about the new church which will be built in Viera.

East Coast Christian Center finds new home in Viera BY MARIA SONNENBERG Sharing God’s love can happen anywhere, as East Coast Christian Center has proven when the Central Brevard church launched a campus at the old Rave

theater at The Avenue Viera in 2012. As the congregation grew, the church swapped the theater for Viera High School, where it continues to meet, but not for much longer. “We got to a place where

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the congregation could support our own building,” said Matt Stallbaum, the pastor who leads the Viera congregation. In February, the church purchased a parcel of land at the corner of Viera Boulevard

The Carter Hester Group at Morgan Stanley (Left Right: Faith Wheeler, Service Associate; Joe Carter; Tim Hester; Josh Hester; Terri Dingman, Registered Sales Associate) (Left toto Right: Faith Wheeler, *Joe Carter, Client *Tim Hester, Josh Hester, Terri Dingman)

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and Tavistock Drive to provide plenty of elbow room for the construction of a 20,000-square-foot church with seating for 560 worshippers. Had COVID-19 spared the area, plans were for the church to open by Easter of next year. The revised plans now call for opening in 2022. With a life-giving, youngat-heart philosophy, the non-denominational East Coast Christian Center attracts a lot of families from a variety of cultures and faith backgrounds. The Viera campus, unlike some of its sister campuses, will not have a school associated with the church. Nevertheless, it has plans to focus on young people, particularly teens. “We’re reaching out to teens to provide a place where they can connect with God and community,” Stallbaum said. Although he was ordained

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Viera Voice | July 2020

in 2004, Stallbaum could rightly claim to have been born for the ministry. His father, Dan, is senior pastor for East Coast Christian Center’s campuses, which in addition to Viera, include two church complexes on Merritt Island and a church in Cocoa. Approximately 3,000 people worship at the four campuses. Dan Stallbaum oversees East Coast Christian University, East Coast Christian Center’s accredited theological school of higher education, and is also the voice of Morning Breath, a drive-time devotional radio program. As Dan Stallbaum explains, East Coast Christian Center is a place “where cultures do not clash but blend” and “where the people are reaching out to the community so effectively that it is hard to go to hell from Brevard County.” V V

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Viera Voice | July 2020

COVID-19

Helpful Articles & Resources

IMPORTANT CONTACTS: BREVARD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WEBSITE: brevardfl.gov/emergency-event/status-reports PHONE: 321-637-6670

FLORIDA HEALTH CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES WEBSITE: floridahealthcovid19.gov PHONE: 850-245-4111

BREVARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: brevard.floridahealth.gov PHONE: 321-454-7111

GOVERNMENT UPDATES WEBSITE: whitehouse.gov PHONE: 202-456 -1111

CDC CORONA VIRUS PAGE: cdc.gov/coronavirus

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233

DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE: 800-985-5990

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: who.int

Professor offers tips to save money during challenging times BY CHRIS BONANNO Check out the Q&L website for class schedule events.saved We’veand all likely  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock® , money in some form or fashion

Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Full-time, on-site, factory certified service engineer

generally We try our best to ‘under-promiseWe’ve and over deliver’ driven less.

Many forms of entertainment

7720 N. Wickham haveRd. been halted. Flights have Suites 111 & 112 & 113 been curtailed if not stopped Quilts and Lace is now OPEN: Melbourne, FL completely 32940 in many forms. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. no 622-8574 movie theaters to Phone: (321)There 622-8602,are Fax: (321) M,W,Th,F: 10am - 5pm, Tue: 12N - 7pm, Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.quiltsandlace.com patronize. The list is seemingly Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED beth@quiltsandlace.com Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Sunday: Closed endless.

So how do we continue We are also available for phone orders, curbside service, to save leastevents. some of that Check outand the Q&Lappointments. website for class schedule at and delivery service money as economies gradually

 We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®, re-open? Amitabh Dutta, an Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita associate Goodesign® professor of finance and on-site, Service available on site Full-time, factory certified service engineer  Repair at Florida Tech, said there are

Check our websites for updates. • Follow us on

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Viera Voice | July 2020

VIERA VOICE photo

Amitabh Dutta is a professor at Florida Tech.

income will have different worries,” Dutta said. There are some common sense ways that people can save. For instance, Dutta said instead of paying for his own basic Netflix subscription, he’s now one of those with legal access to a family member’s plan. It’s also important not to waste when possible, according to Dutta, who uses the example that he’s buying “less fresh veggies and I’m buying frozen.” “If you see Food Network, they’ll say, frozen vegetables can never be as good. But you know what, when you’re cooking them they’re just as good,” Dutta said. Long-term payments also should be looked at, according to Dutta. “Shop around and look for things that you have not re-financed or re-priced in this marketplace. Any big thing that you’ve locked into, like (an) installment payment like your home mortgage, this is a good time for you to re-finance because interest rates are down,” Dutta said. He also urged people to look for deals with respect to insurance. He used an example of a car insurance company he uses that has given a discount back to consumers due to the fact people are driving less. “If your insurance company has not given you this kind of deal, shop around and look for someone that’s going to give you a better deal,” Dutta said. Dutta also noted that it could be advantageous for consumers to wait for a bit

to make big purchases, such as those involving homes or vehicles. “When there is excess supply, and there’s a shrinkage of the demand even for new cars, you’ll get better deals six months from now,” said Dutta with respect to consumers potentially purchasing a vehicle. Dutta also noted that it could take a couple of quarters for prices and the inventory to catch up with the slowdown in demand overall in the economy, so there could be deals in other areas as that manifests itself. The stock market is one place that Dutta advises is a good place for people to spend their money. “If you have some money now and you don’t need it in the near future, look for strong fundamentals that will retain their value in the long term,” Dutta said. People love to take vacations during summer months, but Dutta asked people to consider staying closer to home for those trips. “I would say explore one of the things that you have not been to in the vicinity. Like maybe a 50-mile radius, and you’ll be surprised to find that there are things that we sometimes overlook, which we think ‘you know what, it’s there in my backyard, I can go anytime and sometimes it ends up you don’t go at all,’ ” Dutta said. Dutta said there are many other methods of saving. “If you take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,” Dutta added. In general though, he also offered a bit of positivity to what is obviously a very difficult economic time. “It goes back to the idea that every cloud has a silver lining, to use cliches,” Dutta said. “Because the silver lining will be you’re being forced to be more prudent.” V V

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COVID-19

Helpful Articles & Resources

COVID-19 silences Fourth of July fireworks celebrations SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE It will be a different kind of Fourth of July celebration without any major fireworks displays. Many of the traditional Independence Day fireworks displays and other celebrations in Brevard County have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic guidelines for social distancing. Some of the fireworks displays usually draw thousands of people. The cities and Port Canaveral have announced the cancellations on their websites.

VIERA

No decision yet at present time.

PORT CANAVERAL

The July 3 fireworks event scheduled to take place at Port Canaveral has been canceled to comply with all federal and state recommendations to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

COCOA

The City of Cocoa’s website says: “Cocoa City Council made the very difficult decision to cancel the annual Independence Day Fireworks display and concert with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra scheduled for July 4 at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village.”

ROCKLEDGE

The City of Rockledge’s annual Independence Day Family Picnic scheduled for July 4 has been canceled.

MELBOURNE

The City of Melbourne has canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration at Front Street Park due to issues related to COVID-19. The annual event draws thousands of people to watch the fireworks display. “Though we are deeply disappointed that we cannot hold our traditional fireworks event on the Fourth of July, we are looking into possibly hosting an alternative celebratory event later this year,” Mayor Kathy Meehan said. “We look forward to the day when we can bring the community together again.”

TITUSVILLE

The City of Titusville has canceled the annual Red, White and Boom over North Brevard Independence Day fireworks show at Sand Point Park.

PALM BAY

Palm Bay will not host a traditional Independence Day Celebration event.

In order to adhere to the guidelines in Gov. Ron DeSantis' multi-phase plan for Florida's recovery, the City of Palm Bay has decided to cancel the annual Independence Day celebration event scheduled for July 4 at the Palm Bay campus of Eastern Florida State College. V V

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AN ARCHIVE OF JOURNALISM PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIAN LEEK

Leek lives wonderful life through his world of photography BY CHRIS BONANNO When it comes to space, Julian Leek has seen it all. The 69-year-old Melbourne Beach resident first took photographs of the space program at age 17 as a stringer for the Miami Herald, which had bureaus in both Melbourne and Cocoa at the time. “Being of the age when you come over here, and you’re thrust right into big rockets, and the first launch you go to see is Apollo 7, I got hooked pretty quickly,” said Leek, who moved during his teenage years from England to the United States. Since then, he’s been on the scene for hundreds of launches on the Space Coast since 1968. He photographed Apollo program launches — during which Leek notes “the community was alive,” to the shuttle program to the

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Julian Leek started documenting history over 50 years ago.

SpaceX’s historic manned Demo-2 Crew Dragon launch on May 30. “The shuttle was the most fantastic thing which we’re never going to see fly. To put that together, to take it to orbit, take it to (the International Space) Station and bring it back and use it again over and over and over again is just fantastic. It’s a big machine.” Leek has left Brevard

Viera Voice | July 2020

County to get some of his images. For example, he went to California to photograph Space Shuttle Endeavor as it was towed through the streets of Los Angeles en route to the California Science Center in 2012. His photographs also have been featured on a host of publications’ front covers and his images have been seen globally. “All over the world,” Leek said. “My photos have appeared in Russian websites, Russian newspapers, Croatia, one came in the other day from Croatia. Don’t ask me how they get a hold of them but I work for different organizations and they feed to these different countries. Australia’s a good market and obviously England and Europe as a whole.” Leek has become so

intertwined with the space program through the years that he says he feels the emotions of its ups and downs. “You feel it all,” Leek said. “You feel the triumph and you’re up high on the pedestal thinking of how wonderful and then you have a disaster and you’ve still got to report it and take the photographs of it and caption it out for the world to see.” When queried as to what his favorite photograph he’s taken is, Leek stated that it’s one in which he was afforded a unique perspective. “The one from the top (of the launch tower) of Apollo 17, riding out to the pad. I … think there’s only a handful of people that have done that. Obviously today, nobody rides out. We have ridden out on a crawler, but

on a mission it’s only limited people and I’ve had the privilege to ride out on the top of it.” Leek also has had a vast amount of experience shooting photographs that aren’t space-related, like those in breaking news, political and meteorological realms among others. Leek also took photos of the Norwegian Sun cruise ship in Cuba when it docked there in 2018. “Mainly, I photograph news. So news, breaking news stories from anything around Florida or no matter where I am in the world. I’m always out there looking for a story that other people, countries might like,” Leek added. “The space program is here, but there’s a lot of other activities going on around the state of Florida, Melbourne area, Brevard County.” V V

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PHOTOS BY JULIAN LEEK vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | July 2020

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

Sudoku

43 Belief 45 Strode along 47 Hot pepper 50 Himalayan legend 51 Race the engine 52 Earth, in combos 54 Rink gear 58 Age 59 Newsstand buy 60 Time periods 61 Whey-faced 62 Meyers of “Kate & Allie” 63 Use FedEx

1 Endure 5 Say please 8 Undercover agent 11 Soothe 13 Untruth 14 Large parrot 15 San — Padres 16 Coffee brewer 17 Peeve 18 Mild cheese 20 Pulls 22 Computer device 24 Fall behind 25 — Gatos 26 Do dock work 28 Grasp 32 Ltd. cousin 33 Long, tiring walk 34 Range in Asia 35 Actor — Connery 37 Abrasive particles 39 Gross! 40 Fiery heap 41 Pulpit 42 Notch shape

DOWN Roll of bills 1 2 Yale athlete 3 Frothy brew 4 Stormed about 5 Pickling ingredient 6 Hitchcock’s title 7 Mombasa’s country 8 Peel 9 Incidental benefit 10 Tibetan oxen 12 Alpine refrains

9 Dental filling 1 21 — Khan 22 Dough 23 Famed statuette 24 Easy to read 25 Speech imperfection 27 Campus housing 29 Relish tray item 30 Tightened 31 Sea wall 36 Simon or Diamond 38 Foot, slangily 44 Greek letter 46 Long spears 47 Work party 48 Jealous goddess 49 Dr. Pavlov 50 Berra of baseball 53 Pitcher handle 55 Sigh of content 56 One more than “bi-” 57 Sixth sense

Crossword Solution, page 34

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Viera Voice | July 2020

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Kids' Mini Page Founded by Betty Debnam

Strike Up the Band

Mini Fact:

The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps wear uniforms like those worn by musicians in George Washington’s Continental Army. U.S. Army Photo by SFC Heather Tribble

Marching bands are part of many Fourth of July

celebrations. Let’s find out more about these talented musical groups. U.S. Army soldiers with The Old Guard participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Marching with the troops

Marching bands began in the military. When armies had to relocate thousands of troops, the rhythm of drums helped speed up the soldiers. Because there was an exact rhythm, commanders could judge how long it would take to move the army from one place to the next. In the 1700s, some armies started using a fife, or small flute, along with the drums.

Bands march to school

Later, military bands began to play more for

ceremonial occasions. In the 1800s, colleges began to form bands.

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In the early 1900s, marching bands began performing during halftime at college football games. This was so popular that high schools started their own bands. Today, marching band performances are favorite parts of high school games. At first, women were not allowed to belong to most bands. People thought it was improper for girls. During World War II, many women took men’s places in bands. In the 1970s, college bands started admitting women. Besides musicians, bands might include dancers, baton twirlers and color guards. Color guards don’t play instruments, but put on shows with flags or rifle props.

The leading players

In schools, the band director is usually the teacher.

He or she is responsible for the music and for all the musicians. He or she may also create some or all of the drill designs. Band directors may use computer programs that map out the drill designs. The drum majors are the second in command. They conduct the band when it is marching. In school bands, they are students who help carry out the duties of the band director.

The instruments

The main types of marching band instruments are: • percussion, such as drums and cymbals, played by being struck; • brass, such as trumpets and trombones, played when musicians vibrate their lips on the mouthpiece; • woodwind, such as clarinets and saxophones, played by musicians blowing air into them.

Sousaphone

Concert tuba

Many instruments were designed especially for marching bands. For example, in the concert band tuba, the bell points up. But in its cousin, the sousaphone, the bell points forward so it fits better over the marcher’s shoulder. Marching styles vary with each individual band. Many marching bands and drum corps mix styles. Members of drum corps usually play only brass or percussion instruments. They may have one soloist playing a woodwind instrument. They might dance, leap and run while playing. The Mini Page® © 2020 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Viera Voice | July 2020

p o o c BUSINESSS

Large grant awarded to Florida Tech's weVENTURE to help small businesses in need BY CHRIS BONANNO

A grant of more than $420,000 has been given to weVENTURE, an initiative that operates from Florida Tech's Bisk College of Business. The grant to weVENTURE came from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the CARES Act. The funds will allow the center to help businesses as they attempt to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in its coverage area, which includes Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie counties. “In normal times, weVENTURE focuses launch and grow. So, during a crisis like this, it's a little bit of a pivot because we really want to help existing businesses sustain through this crisis. So, we offer one-to-one coaching and consultation with either our on-staff business coaches or we have a team of subject

matter experts and Florida Tech faculty, who will meet with clients one-on-one,” said Kathryn Rudloff, the weVENTURE executive director. “.... We also are putting together peer groups, small groups of businesses that will have a subject matter expert work with them over very specific challenges and then our signature program, IGNITE 360, is known for helping businesses respond to change and prepare for growth. So, we'll be putting that to use and actually sponsoring 31 businesses in the coming year through that IGNITE 360 program.” According to a release from Florida Tech, the grant will help the IGNITE 360 mentoring program that features a custom board of advisors, who Rudloff said “serve as your consulting team and they will walk with a business over three or six months as you tackle

Viera Voice | July 2020

very specific strategic objectives.” “It's very outcomedriven,” Rudloff said of the IGNITE program. “There's work to do in between. There's change that you're going to go through in that six months, but the end goal is always success for our businesses. We have a record of businesses who finish our IGNITE 360 see about an average of 40 percent growth upon exiting the program. So, it's a significant program and we're hoping businesses impacted by COVID, it could be the difference between them carrying on as usual and them emerging stronger than they were before.” It also will allow the center to increase its capacity for both personalized business coaching and to provide educational training and information sessions focused on helping

WATCH THE VIDEO ON FACEBOOK.COM/VIERAVOICE VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno

Kathryn Rudloff is the weVENTURE executive director.

businesses as they respond to the impacts of COVID-19. “The initial crisis was one of ‘can we survive, can we survive the shutdown? Can we survive drastic change?’ Now the small business community, if they have been able to sustain the last two months, the question is: how to move forward and so we're moving into that recovery.” Rudloff also noted that

weVENTURE's services are diverse. “While we do have some of our traditional programming that's focused on female business owners and entrepreneurs, our COVID-19 programming is open to any founder so anyone who is a business owner — whether you're male or female — is welcome to reach out to weVENTURE.” V V

vieravoice.com

LOVE WORKS An art show and competition dedicated to promoting peace, love and equality. Held at the Art Gallery of Viera Submission Deadline: July 26 at 2:00 PM Entry rules, fees and forms are available at artgalleryofviera.com

321-745-3710 â&#x20AC;˘ ArtGalleryofViera.com 2251 Town Center Ave, Suite 105, Viera, FL 32940

vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | July 2020

Businesses like advantages along Viera Boulevard interchange BY CHRIS BONANNO Commercial growth continues along Viera Boulevard following the opening of the new Interstate-95 interchange. Three nationally known business chains either have or will open stores between the interchange and Murrell Road. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida officially opened a retail store May 28 at its facility on Viera Boulevard, just west of Murrell Road. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, I love these days. Opening up a Goodwill store is always one of the highlights of the year in any Goodwill organization, said Ed Durkee, the Goodwill CEO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because it means we get to do more work, right? We get to accept more things from the community, make them available to people who can use them and create more jobs.â&#x20AC;? The store will sell clothes, shoes, used name-brand furniture, kitchen items and small electronics, among other items, according to Goodwillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. The Goodwill facilities also offer services that help people learn skills to help them in their professional careers. The store, which encompasses nearly 25,000 square feet, will be open initially from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. More than 50 people lined up at the store

entrance in anticipation of its opening. Goodwill also offered those in attendance and patrons breakfast food and drinks while also taking precautions against COVID-19. The Viera location is the sixth retail store Goodwill has opened in Brevard, according to its website. It noted that their clearance outlet store off U.S. 1 in Rockledge is temporarily closed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a dynamic, growing community,â&#x20AC;? said Durkee of Viera. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś. Here in Brevard County, things are growing really, really fast and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots of work for people to do. So, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re glad to be here.â&#x20AC;? Also on Viera Boulevard near the Goodwill, a new Texas Roadhouse restaurant will open July 6. "They're going to be excited about the hospitality, the environment that we provide," said owner/ operator Eric Romero. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś We pride ourselves on providing the most exceptional service, as well as food.â&#x20AC;? Romero said the eatery will have 200 employees when it opens. As of June 5, he still needed to hire about 100 people. Romero added that all employees will have their temperatures checked prior to working and they will be required to wear masks and gloves. It will have a soft opening on July 4 and 5 that will be invitation only for friends and family. Proceeds from the July

PrivateLessons Lessons Private Pianoâ&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘Voice Voiceâ&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘Violin Violin â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘Piano â&#x20AC;˘ Harp â&#x20AC;˘ Guitar â&#x20AC;˘ Ukulele â&#x20AC;˘ Harp â&#x20AC;˘ Guitar â&#x20AC;˘ Ukulele

OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH EVERYONE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE STAY SAFE.

We are now open for limited lessons.

Face masks are required for both teachers and students. Parents wait in their car or return in 30 minutes. Rooms are sanitized after each student. are also scheduled.

Viera Voice | July 2020

VIERA VOICE photo

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has opened a retail store on Viera Boulevard.

VIERA VOICE photo

Winn-Dixie plans to open a store in the former Earth Fare building.

The new Texas Roadhouse plans to open July 6 on Viera Boulevard.

HappyHolidays Holidaysand and Happy bestwishes wishesfor foraa best wonderfulNew NewYear! Year! wonderful Virtual lessons

4 alcohol sales will be donated to the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hunger Project and the following dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alcohol sales will go toward helping the Brevard Zoo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about community outreach and very excited to be in this community that's up and coming â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it's growing,â&#x20AC;? Romero said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We plan to have a strong presence with the community, the schools, the neighborhoods, everybody.â&#x20AC;? Across the street, a new Winn-Dixie supermarket will open by the end of the year in the building formerly occupied by Earth Fare near the intersection of Murrell Road and Viera Boulevard. Kaley Shaffer, a spokeswoman for Southeast Grocers, which is the parent company of Winn-Dixie, said in an e-mail that the store will have 75 to 100 employees. She added that positions â&#x20AC;&#x153;can be filled with former Earth Fare associates.â&#x20AC;? Shaffer said that those interested in more information on potential careers can do so at segrocers.com/careers. VV

Site plans drawn up for new multi-family commercial center in Viera BY CHRIS BONANNO

Loretta Fox, Ph.D. Owner and Director

VIERA VOICE photo

Site plans obtained by the Viera Voice from Brevard County Planning and Development show a proposal to build a multi-family commercial center north of

Viera Regional Park between Lake Andrew Drive and Interstate 95. A pool also is planned to be constructed at the site, plans show. According to the permits, the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s client is Davis

Development, Inc. Attempts to reach a representative of the company to comment were unsuccessful. A representative for The Viera Company declined comment when contacted by the Viera Voice. V V

vieravoice.com

SUNDAY

JULY MONDAY

TUESDAY

Adult Summer Reading Bingo Pick up you card at the library

Free Movie in the Park Drive-In Movie

8:30 - 11 p.m. “National Treasure” (PG) will be shown on a 30-foot movie screen. There will be a limited number of vehicle spaces as well as a limited number of 8 foot by 8 foot family spaces to place a blanket and chairs. Spaces are free but pre-registration is required. Register 321-952-3443 or 321-952-3231 or online at PlayPalmBay.org

MRC’s Lagoon Castaway Summer Camp Session 1 Animals in Our Lagoon

July 6 - 10 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A week-long adventure where children ages 9 to 12 can learn all about the Indian River Lagoon. Cost $185. Marine Resources Council Lagoon Learning Center 3275 Dixie Hwy. NE Palm Bay savetheirl.org/education/ summer-camp/

A week-long adventure where children ages 9 to 12 can learn all about the Indian River Lagoon. Cost $185. July 13 - 17 Marine Resources Council Lagoon Learning Center 3275 Dixie Hwy. NE Palm Bay savetheirl.org/education/

USSSA Fastpitch All American Games

(July 20 to July 25) USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Pkwy. Viera Usssapride.com 321-877-0631

MRC’s Lagoon Castaway Summer Camp Session 3 Shifts in Our World

Love Works Art Competition

Art entries due by 2 p.m. Art Gallery of VIera in the Avenue Viera 2251 Town Center Ave. artgalleryofviera.com 321-745-3710

Community for a Good Cause Day at Blaze Pizza

Complimentary Yoga

Mention Recycle Brevard at checkout and Blaze will donate a percentage of your purchase to Recycle Brevard. Blaze Pizza 2348 Citadel Way, Viera

8 a.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

Viera Park Market

Reopening 4 - 8 p.m. Plant and garden-themed market. Respecting social distancing guidelines, promoting mask wearing and hand sanitizing. Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-759-3713

Thursdays, 1 - 2 p.m. Join us to read thoughtprovoking literature and participate in discussions. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

SATURDAY

4th of July Boat Flotilla

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sebastian Inlet south to Fort Pierce.

Merritt Island Independence Day Parade 10 a.m. Merritt Ave. to Sykes Creek Parkway

Complimentary Yoga

8 a.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

2020 Small Business Expo and Economic Summit

1 - 5 p.m. More than 30 vendors, network with local businesses and share ideas to build a new business 430 Delannoy Ave. Cocoa Civic Center, Cocoa 407-984-7237

Book Club

Free Movie in the Park

8:30 - 10:30 p.m. “Jumanji: The Next Level” McLarty Park Rockledge 321-633-1870

Free Movie in the Park

8:30 - 11:30 p.m. “Avengers: Endgame” (PG-13) Sand Point Park 101 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5037

Viera School Graduation Class of 2020 7 p.m. Viera High School Hawks Stadium

9 a.m. to noon July 21 - 23 Special animal encounters, animal training, tours and more. Ticket purchase will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, week prior. $75 registration cost per household, per camp. brevardzoo.org/education/ virtual-zoo-camps/

Best in professional fastpitch. 6 - 9 p.m. USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Pkwy., Viera Usssapride.com 321-877-0631

Brevard Zoo Virtual Camp USSSA Pride vs. Curious Creatures Scrap Yard Dawgs

A week-long adventure where children ages 9 to 12 can learn all about the Indian River Lagoon. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. July 27 - 31 Marine Resources Council Lagoon Learning Center 3275 Dixie Hwy. NE Palm Bay savetheirl.org/education/ summer-camp/

FRIDAY

Thursdays, 3 - 6 p.m. Variety of locally-grown produce, eggs, dairy, grass-fed meats and more. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive 321-633-1702

Whimsical Wildlife

3:30 p.m., A Vintage Market 8 a.m. Melbourne, 321-288-8913 Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park Brevard Zoo Virtual Camp The Avenue Viera 9 a.m. to noon, July 14-16 Explore the whimsical side of the zoo by investigating how animals see from insects to toads to birds. Ticket purchase will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday week prior. brevardzoo. org/education/virtual-zoocamps/

THURSDAY

Brevard County Farmers Market

Chunky Knit Beginner Class Complimentary Yoga

MRC’s Lagoon Castaway Summer Camp Session 2 Connections in Our Ecosystems

Suntree Viera Public Library Army (Belated) Birthday Open Monday - Friday Commemoration Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 10 a.m. Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy. Merritt Island

Suntree/Viera Public Library

WEDNESDAY

USSSA Pride vs. Scrap Yard Dawgs

Help Us Plant Mangroves

Best in professional fastpitch. 6 - 9 p.m. USSSA Space Coast Complex 5800 Stadium Pkwy., Viera Usssapride.com 321-877-0631

Marine Resources Council 321-725-7775

2020 AAU Junior Olympic Games

July 25 - Aug. 8 Around Brevard County aausports.org

Complimentary Yoga

8 a.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

Complimentary Yoga

Medicaid Planning Seminar

8 a.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

10 a.m. Presentation by Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-253-1667

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Construction continues on newest retirement community BY ERNEST ARICO

Construction on the all-inclusive, resort-style community designed for adults 55 and older is on schedule for completion by the summer of 2021. When completed, Shell Harbor Retirement Community at 2855 Murrell Road in Rockledge will have 130 apartments — studio, one, two and three bedrooms — for lease. Kelly Jo Hinrichs, vice president of marketing for Resort Lifestyles Communities, the Nebraskabased company that owns and operates Shell Harbor, said the completion date hasn’t changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re right on schedule,” she said. “We have safety procedures in place to make sure everyone is protected.” Hinrichs said that a unique feature is that future tenants can become a charter resident. A $500 deposit (refundable or applied to your first month’s rent) puts you in line for an appointment to select your apartment. “As a charter resident, you receive top priority for selecting your apartment layout and location,” she said. Other exclusive charter benefits include: • Pack-move-unpack package valued up to $1,000 • Washer and dryer • 20 complimentary meals for family and friends • Two complimentary guest

including cart

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Cameron General Contractor

An artist rendering shows what the Shell Harbor Retirement Community on Murrell Road in Rockledge will look like when completed in the summer of 2021.

suite certificates “We’ve had a great initial response to our all-inclusive community,” Hinrichs said. Shell Harbor offers allinclusive amenities and services — live-in managers, housekeeping, utilities, resortstyle dining, transportation and concierge services and

valet parking. In addition, residents can watch films in a 150-seat movie theater or enjoy the in-house fitness center, spa, salon, bank and gift shop. Apartment sizes range from 566 to 1,206 square feet. “We develop luxurious, all-inclusive resort-style

communities to provide a relaxing and worry-free retirement lifestyle for our residents,” Hinrichs said. “From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll see that our primary focus is on our current and future residents and their families. The comfort, safety and enjoyment of our residents are our top priorities. For this reason, every community is staffed with live-in managers, a 24/7 medical alert system and concierge service, gourmet chefs, housekeepers, maintenance staff and a fulltime lifestyle director.” For more information about RLC and CGC, go to rlcommunities.com and camerongeneralcontractors. com. V V

No patience for patients with no patience

I have no patience for patients with no patience. I guess that makes me an impatient patient. Yeah, these days doctor’s office patients have no patience. From the moment they sit down, there’s non-stop complaining about having to wait with all these sick people. Now help me out with a couple things here. First, aren’t you sick and isn’t that the reason you came to the doctor? Well then, what the heck do you think we’re here for? To trade recipes for tacos? Second, did you know I can hear you loud and clear from the other side of the room because you’re talking through a mask and trying to be heard by your spouse who is hard of hearing and for some reason is sitting 6 feet away from you? I’m watching this one guy with a bad cough. The only problem is every time he has to cough he pulls his mask down and coughs into his arm. Really?

Funny thing is... Sammy Haddad The first clue for how bad this visit is going to be is the reading material on the table. If you see a copy of “War and Peace” and the complete edition of “Encyclopedia Britannica” sitting there, expect to be waiting a while. What’s funny is the only time I have high blood pressure is when I go to my doctor. True. He’s excellent, very popular and lots of patients are waiting in his waiting room. So, I go in for my annual physical. Healthy as a racehorse, sitting there for an hour reading “War and Peace,” getting more irritated by the minute, then they finally call

my name and what’s the first thing they do? Take my blood pressure. Are you kidding me? Why don’t they just take it while I’m in a traffic jam on Interstate 4, or when my team gives up a 100-yard interception for a touchdown in the final seconds of the Super Bowl, or when the CFO of my most invested in company gets arrested for embezzlement? Maybe they should take it when my granddaughter rides her bike into the side of my brand new BMW SUV? Hello. It’s gonna read the same! Please don’t tell me my BP is a little high today. My solution? Change the waiting room into a fullystocked bar and lounge with Kenny G playing in the background. Take my blood pressure after about 20 minutes in there and I’ll be just fine. That also would be the end to his patients’ impatience. VV

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Viera Voice | July 2020

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Viera Voice | July 2020

Feeding birds stirs backyard ecological debates Birds bring beauty and song to our backyards. We want to welcome them and show that we are good neighbors — we care for them, appreciate their job in keeping pests at bay and want to help them in their long journeys. As any good host, offering a savory meal would be part of welcoming our guests. With the many threats — litter among them — our

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

winged friends have to face, they truly deserve a break. Besides planting a native garden (audubon. org/native-plants) that

Solution, Puzzle page 26

will naturally attract wildlife and feed them healthy foods, the Humane Society has good tips about backyard bird feeding that are worth checking out at humanesociety.org/resources/ feeding-your-backyard-birds. According to an Audubon article by Jennifer Huizen, backyard bird feeding is a common practice in the U.S. with more than 40 percent of Americans feeding their backyard birds. Seen as such a positive activity, would there be any reason not to do it? “If a bird is classified as threatened, endangered or of special concern, that means it is struggling to survive. We must exercise extreme caution when making decisions that might affect that bird. Even if we have the best intentions, what we think might benefit a bird might actually cause unintended negative consequences,” Melissa Groo wrote in her story for Audubon. For various reasons, which range from attracting birds to busy roads where they most likely will get hit by a car, to contributing to the early hatching of the young and their consequent malnourishment, she concludes: “birds that have special population status due to their declining numbers should not be fed.” So much so that it is against the law to do it. If in doubt, birds’ status can be checked by using the IUCN Red List (iucnredlist.org) and Audubon’s Guide to North American Birds (audubon. org/bird-guide). Also, feeding the wrong food might be harmful to birds. I just learned about the Angel Wing syndrome, a deformity to the wings of birds, mostly waterfowl, caused by “a nutritional deficiency in vitamins and

VIERA VOICE SHUTTERSTOCK

The use of bird feeders in backyards is a controversial topic for environmentalists.

minerals combined with a high level of carbohydrates and sugars” (naturemuseum. org). Birds should never be fed human food. Never feed bread or crackers to waterfowl! You might choose to feed them birdseed, barley or cracked-down corn, but never bread or similar foods. In fact, human foods are generally not a good choice to feed any bird; the food might even be toxic to them. Getting birds to be used to humans is another point of concern. For species that are hunted, that might put birds in danger for trusting the wrong humans. In addition, birds might get too comfortable and associate people with easy treats. That

might lead to nuisance or aggressive behavior when birds feel they can come to people to score their next meal. One last point to consider. Bird feeders might attract rodents, other pests or diseases. It also might make birds vulnerable to predators, who might learn pretty quickly that birds gather at that specific spot. The question remains and only you will know the answer. To bird feed or to not bird feed? Knowing the pros and cons should guide your decision on whether or not to feed your feathery friends. VV Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org.

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Viera Voice | July 2020

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LIC. & INS. 18-AL-CT-00011 Viera Voice | July 2020

AAU Junior Olympics set to be held in Brevard

Business Partners

BY CHRIS BONANNO

Please let these advertisers know that you saw them in the Viera Voice! PLUMBING CDS Plumbing

321-433-3140

ART GALLERY/ART CLASSES Art Gallery of Viera 321-745-3710

PHARMACY Walgreens

321-638-2482

ATTORNEYS William A. Johnson, P.A. 321-253-1667 Murphy’s Law Office 321-985-0025 Murtha Law Group 321-600-4989

PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL Palm Point Behavior Health 321-603-6550 Reflections OB/GYN 321-610-8955 Space Coast Endoscopy 321-351-3379 Spine by Design 321-622-4501 Suntree Internal Medicine 321-259-9500

AIR CONDITIONING Air Gagers

321-775-3522

AUTO DEALER/AUTO SERVICE/REPAIR 2000 Auto 321-259-2000 Melbourne BMW 321-727-3788 Ron Norris Buick GMC 321-267-9200 Uncle Tony's U-Pull-It 772-595-0601 CODING CLASSES (KIDS) Code Ninjas 321-622-4358 COSMETIC SURGERY/DERMATOLOGY Brevard Cosmetic Surgery 321-622-8784 COUNSELING Gloria Rivera King

321-956-9477

CHURCHES Calvary Chapel

321-369-9339

DENTISTS/ORTHODONTISTS Dr. Cedric Chenet 321-622-3895 Viera Smiles Studio

321-255-7740

EYE CARE Dr. Ho, Ophthalmology Pinnacle Eye

321-757-7272 321-255-4949

FINANCE Leonard Financial 321-259-6239 Sage Financial 321-242-7526 The Carter Hester Group, Morgan Stanley 321-751-2064 GOLF & EQUIPMENT Duran Golf Club Golf Car ER Viera East Golf Club

321-504-7776 321-372-9112 321-639-6500

HEALTH & EXERCISE Club Pilates Viera

321-419-0798

QUILTING SUPPLIES Quilts and Lace 321-622-8602 REALTORS/REAL ESTATE Ellingson Properties 321-750-7050 Joy Frankel 321-446-5826 Deb Tomczak 321-604-8479 RESTAURANTS/CATERING/BAKERY 2 Angry Wives 321-848-0227 Bella Luna 321-254-4455 Nikos Cuisine 321-610-7385 Olive Tree 321-631-0188 Pizza Gallery & Grill 321-633-0397 Pineda Crossing 321-259-7760 Poké Bao 321-210-5788 Tradewinds at Duran 321-504-7776 Tropical Smoothie 321-241-1140 Viera Pizza 321-636-7696 RETIREMENT / 55+ LIVING Buena Vida Estates 321-724-0060 Chateau Madeleine 321-701-8000 Courtenay Springs Village 321-452-1233 Indian River Colony Club 888-224-2927 SALONS Salon Madeleine

321-848-1847

SCHOOLS Divine Mercy & Catholic Academy 321-452-0263 Viera Charter Schools 321-541-1434

HEARING Personal Hearing Solutions 321-253-6310

SIGNS FastSigns

HOME MAINTENANCE 321-956-3102 Johnson Aluminum Kevin Thier Painting 321-255-8323 Melbourne Family Handyman 863-231-8217 Randy’s Pressure Wash 321-794-5168 Same Day Grab Bars 321-392-3000 Space Coast Deck Coatings 321-421-7047

SKIN CARE/ANTI-AGING/AESTHETICS A Perfect Complexion 321-604-1333 Dermatology + Plastic Surgery 321-241-1160

MUSIC, ART CLASSES Creative Music & Art Center 321-255-0116

TRAVEL AGENCIES All About You Odyssey Travel

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WINDOW TREATMENTS The Blind Spot

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PETS Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 321-428-5565

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The Amateur Athletic Union’s Junior Olympics will be held in Brevard from July 25 to Aug. 8. Gov. Ron DeSantis was among those on hand as the official announcement was made at the Viera Regional Park’s community center. “We’re excited that this opportunity kind of fell into our lap. It’s a showcase for the best youth athletes in the country,” said DeSantis at the news conference. “It’s also an event that will come with economic value. It brings the community together and exemplifies the values of commitment, hard work and leadership. The games bring in approximately $50 million in economic impact to the hosting region usually, and that’s something obviously in these times very significant.” The Junior Olympic Games usually are bid out years in advance, according to AAU First Vice President Rusty Buchanan and are normally held in “large cities.” However, the unusual circumstances set the stage for the Space Coast to hold the

event. “It was supposed to be in Virginia this year. Due to the COVID pandemic and all the uncertainty surrounding where we are in this process with the re-opening and the (pandemic), the decision by the Virginia authorities was made to not open those venues and the AAU was enforced with a decision on ‘what do we do?’ ” Do we cancel this in total or do we some way come back around and find something that we can do that looks like the AAU Junior Olympic Games.” During that period of uncertainty, Buchanan said that officials had been working hard to pull together for the Sunshine State Games. “As we looked at what we could potentially do and how we could manage a safe environment for kids to come back to work, we said we would love to work with the Governor’s Office, Sunshine State Games people and pull together a true collaboration and see what events we could possibly do to do safely,” Buchanan said. Buchanan listed a couple of

reasons as to why Brevard is a good choice to host the event. “We’re 35 miles from the No. 1 tourist destination in the world and if you’re asking a mommy and daddy to take a risk, bring their kids somewhere, this is a nice (plan)," Buchanan said. The location and dates for some events already have been announced. For instance, according to the AAU, the 11 & under DI, DII & DIII AAU World Championships and the fifth grade DI and DII Grade AAU World Championships will be held in Cocoa Beach from July 30 to Aug. 2. The track and field competitions will be held at Satellite High School from Aug. 4 to 8. “I just think it’s an absolute demonstration of the amazing partnership we have across our community. The county, the sheriff, the TDC and the school district coming together to support our community and provide the opportunity to kids both here and in other areas,” Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Mullins said. V V

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Boy Scouts Troop 224 held a fundraising car wash June 13 and 15 at Gorilla Rides on Wickham Road in Viera. The fundraiser raised money for 14-year-old Michael Stroface’s Eagle Scout Project of “making a deck” for Braveheart Properties of Brevard. Stroface said the event was a lot of fun and that washing cars was a good

way to help raise the money needed. The troop meets weekly at Suntree United Methodist Church, according to the troop’s website, and is based out of Melbourne. Braveheart is a “tiny home and small cottage community” in Cocoa. “When I went there, the office, it didn’t have a deck, it had a staircase. It was in disrepair, so I’m building a deck for a safe entrance and exit,” Stroface said. V V

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Super clams might be coming to Indian River Lagoon In the early 1980s, the floor of the Indian River Lagoon was covered with clams. Rampant commercial clamming in the 1990s largely wiped them out, and increasing pollutants in the water helped to finish the job. Many today think clams are gone — but wait, this might change! Last year, researchers from the University of Florida’s Whitney Lab found a small population of “Super clams” in the Mosquito Lagoon. “Super” because they seemed to be thriving despite the increased pollution levels. Researchers took 39 adults back to the lab and were able to breed an amazing 40 million larvae. Culling for the hardiest, they now have a collection of 4 million growers ready

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

for placement in the Indian River Lagoon. Indeed, a million already have been put in two locations — Southern Mosquito Lagoon and Northern Indian River Lagoon. Two million more are ready to go as soon as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and Whitney can recruit volunteers. If successful, the clams will join the increasing number of oysters in the Indian River Lagoon that actively clean out waters. Five million clams can filter 36 billion gallons of water annually. Of course, once planted, the clams should

be making millions more annually by themselves. And, the Whitney Labs hope to begin placing 5 million annually beginning in 2021. Efforts so far have been supported by the University of Florida, the IRL Council, the Brevard Tourism Board, Fish America, the City of Satellite Beach and the Coastal Conservations Association. Project lead Todd Osborne is looking for additional funders and is lining up more than 20 commercial organizations interested in farming and harvesting clams. For information, go to IRLClamProject.com. Yes, “Super clams” soon might return to the Indian River Lagoon. V V To learn more about how to help the Indian River Lagoon, go to HelpTheLagoon. org

VIERA VOICE photo

Clams might make a comeback in the Indian River Lagoon.

Sugar crops tell not-so-sweet tale of past inequalities

Spinning tales about top efforts were unsuccessful at the embargo on Cuban sugar. though this country is among sugar crops. In this country, the time probably because Today, around the southern the world’s largest sugar sugar crops benefit the their movement was not tip of Lake Okeechobee, producers, we import sugar. economy. They provide trade, popular. sugarcane crops abound. One of the greatest labor, beneficial or enjoyable Florida sugarcane was Phosphorus run-off from this demands for sugar is by-products, and sweet introduced by the Spanish type of agriculture threatens for treats. And the edibles. in the 1500s in St. Augustine. the ecological balance of the excess of choices leads Sugar beets account In fact, Cape Canaveral was Everglades, but the state to overconsumption. For for about 55 percent of named after the Spanish word strives to rectify this problem. example, Ben & Jerry’s offers Therefore, antebellum the domestic white sugar. for a sugarcane plantation Experts offer sustainable more than 60 flavors of ice Sugarcane, a tall perennial plantations in Louisiana or reed bed. In the 1700s, management. cream … our ancestors were grass, provides the rest. engaged in slave labor. The sugarcane grew along the St. Obviously, sugar is in The sugar from sugar Whitney Plantation by the Johns River. In the early 1800s, demand. During its operating satisfied with honey and fruit. beets is comparable to Undeniably, sugar crops Mississippi suppressed 350 Mosquito County (then most season, Domino can process sugarcane. Very few have enhanced the economy, African slaves. of the eastern part of Florida) 120 four-pound bags of sugar consumers notice a but they also have caused Abolitionists, in 1836, was the sugarcane kingdom per minute, around the clock, dissimilarity. Minnesota is environmental disturbances promoted sugar beet and depended on slave labor. every day. Such companies the main domestic sugar beet and health concerns — cultivation without slaves In the early 1960s, fill our need for sugar since producer, and Florida is the controversial crops indeed. as opposed to sugarcane South Florida’s sugarcane we consume more sugar per main domestic sugarcane VV capita worldwide. Moreover, cultivation with slaves. Their production flourished with producer. These two crops have by-products in common, such as molasses, livestock feed and liquor. 2020 CARIBBEAN VOYAGES SALE A valuable sugarcane on Crystal Serenity for the month of October. product is bagasse, the Brevard County’s ONLY Continuing Care Fares from $1399, $100 deposit, and $250 shipboard credit! Brevard County’s ONLY Continuing Care fibrous residue after stalks Retirement Community. Retirement Community. Brevard County’s ONLY Continuing Care are crushed into juice. It can Brevard County’s ONLY Continuing Care Retirement Community. Retirement Community. RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MYTH be converted into goods suchRETIREMENT COMMUNITY MYTH #3 #2 as paper, building materials RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MYTH #3 RETIREMENT “I don’t needMYTH “I need toCOMMUNITY have ato #3 and biofuel. “I need have aa for to have Actually, bagasse also be on aback-up Waitlist hurricane hurricane back-up back-upplan.” plan.” can be obtained from Senior Living.” plan.” sorghum, a tall, versatile cereal grain. Southern food ImagineImagine a placeawhere hurricane preparedness, safe without having toevacuate evacuate and peace where hurricane preparedness, safeliving living without having and peace place preparedness, safe living without having totoevacuate and peace Imagine you arewhere ready hurricane to move into the community of your choice and they are full—with a two year wait! culture embraces this syrup. Crystal Cruises is an all-inclusive luxury of mind alldesirable in one At Buena Vida Estates residents know our management teamthat allows mind one place. place. AtBuena Buena Vida Estatesour our residents know our management team are all inplace. one At Vida Estates our residents our management team Theofare most communities are 100% occupied. Buena Vidaknow Estates offers a risk-free waitlist Compared to the insignificant responds cruise line, this is a great opportunity responds important preparation meetings andimplements implements ways toto ensure they remain safeknowing withof important preparation meetings and implements ways toresidents/neighbors, ensure they remain safe with meetings ways ensure they remain safe that you to beimportant part ourpreparation community, eating mealsand each month, meeting and nutritional value of processed and well to give Crystal a try if you thought you fed!date “Your staff flawlessly before, during and after the hurricane. WeWe think and “Your staff performed performed flawlessly before,during during and after the think based on“Your the your deposit,flawlessly you will be called when an apartment ishurricane. available. Your deposit fed!well staffofperformed before, and after the hurricane. We thinkis totally as family and are comfortable knowing they feel the same. ” —John & Maureen for any reason, and you have the option to decline when called, without losing your spot on our list! of them family and are comfortable knowing they feel the same. ” —John & Maureen white sugar, sorghum syrup is ofrefundable could not afford. them as family and are comfortable knowing they feel the same.” —John & Maureen Imagine a community that is care-free, secure and centered around YOU! Buena Vida offers choices in nutritious. Plan for future us today! Plan more! for your your futureand andcall call usRetirement today! floorplan, dining, activities The ONLY Care Sorghum demand is now Plan and for your futureContinuing and call us today!Community in Brevard County. Single supplement is only 125%. They will sail from Miami (321) (321) 339-1347 339-1347••Toll-free Toll-free(800) (800)742-0060 742-0060 global. 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