Viera Voice, December 2020

Happy

Holidays

Newspaper of Viera & Suntree...........BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP DECEMBER 2020

v ieravoic e.c om

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 11

Young angler scores Season of big catch Family and Fun Santa Arrives page 2

Holiday Art Fest page 19

Festival of Lights page 21

Snowman Maze page 29

Parades page 30

Holiday Events page 31

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of James Baker

Christian Baker, 11, catches a remarkable bass while fishing his local ponds in Viera. See page, 18.

Future in the sky, page 5 Artistic Talent, page 12 New dealership, page 23 New board, page 37

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Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to The Avenue Viera

BY WENDY SCHEURING Santa is on his way to Viera to see all the good

little girls and boys on the Central Park stage at The Avenue Viera.

Through Sunday,

Dec. 20, families can enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a first-come, firstserved basis. Santa will be available Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. Family pets on leash are welcome, too.

“This year, we will be contactless,” said Marketing Coordinator Michelle Reyes of The Avenue Viera. “A hip-height white fence

(4 feet) will be between Santa’s throne and a family bench, allowing for a 6-foot (social) distance.”

“Santa can come to the edge of the fence for photo ops. The height of the bench and the fence make photos still doable,” Reyes said.

“I’m not sure if we’ll give out candy canes this year,” Reyes said. “But, if we do, we will use tongs to give

away the treats.”

Santa’s appearance is one of many holiday events in a “robust schedule” at The Avenue Viera, including carriage rides, caroling, concerts and the We Venture Marketplace that takes place on Black Friday weekend.

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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Volume 14, Issue 11 ©2020 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

Publisher Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. Managing Editor Jill Blue Assignment Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo Copy Editor Jeff Navin Sports Writer/SportsBlog Carl Kotala Writers/Reporters Ernest Arico Judy Berman Brenda Eggert Brader Charlotte A. Corbeil Linda Jump Grace Rogers Wendy Scheuring Maria Sonnenberg George White Photographer Caleb Nyberg

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Viera Voice's Networking Group The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by VIERA VOICE with all rights reserved.

VIERA VOICE is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials.

Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein.

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Family

VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

Elizabeth and Christopher Storm are homeschooling, from left, Eddie, Eleanor, Timmy, Luke, Noah and Kate at their Capron Ridge subdivision home.

Viera couple enjoys homeschooling their six children

BY ERNEST ARICO

majored in accounting and business administration.

For Elizabeth and They graduated in 2008, Christopher Storm, the married the following year decision to homeschool their and lived in Chicago. children was an easy one They moved to Florida because they have lots of in 2017 because, as one of experience and faith in the children said: “Mommy the Bible. was tired of the snow.” The As children, they each family moved to the Capron were homeschooled by their Ridge subdivision off Viera parents – Elizabeth, by her Boulevard in 2018.

VIERA MEANS elementary schoolteacher Christopher earned his BUSINESS mom in Rockledge, and CPA inU 2013.

He works as NETWORKING GRO P Christopher, by his parents in an accountant for IMANNA Chicago.

Laboratories in Rockledge, a The Storms have six company that does product children: Kate, 10; twins certification testing for Noah and Eddie, 8; Luke, 6; the marine industry. The Eleanor, 4, and Timmy, 15 company is owned by months old.

Elizabeth’s father, Robert “We enjoy homeschooling “Bob” White. all of the children,” Elizabeth Although Elizabeth said. “We both had a positive thought about law school, experience ourselves, it NETWORKING she enjoys VIERA MEANSso BUSINESS GROUP being a stay-atwas an easy decision for us.” home mom and teaching her The couple met at Verity children.

Institute in Indianapolis.

“We would like to be the Both were working on aANS BUprimary influencers of our E S M pro-life political campaign children rather than other in South Dakota. Elizabeth kids,” she said. got her bachelor’s degree in Elizabeth explained criminal justice. Christopher that she uses the Sonlight SS E IN

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Christian Homeschool Curriculum.

“We start school at 9 a.m. and do table work first – spelling, language arts, math, science, phonics, reading and Latin,” she said. “After lunch, we do history, reading, music, nature studies and then do some reading aloud.”

Some critics believe homeschooling doesn’t allow children to socialize and interact with other kids. The couple said they’ve taken care of that.

“All of our children are involved with other kids through Little League baseball, ballet and church activities,” she said. “They are around people all the time.”

The family attends Grace Brethren Church-Suntree on North Pinehurst Avenue.

Elizabeth is a church pianist and organizes the children’s Sunday school program. She also started a co-op of eight to 10 parents who teach cultural studies.

“We study a continent each month and its culture,”

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Viera Voice | December 2020

she said. “We’re also working on a Christmas special.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created many problems for public and private schools throughout the United States, there are no teaching issues in the Storm household.

“We believe the Bible represents the ultimate truth,” Elizabeth said. “We talk about other people’s viewpoints, and we explain our reasons why we believe and read the Bible.”

Elizabeth said her biggest difficulty in homeschooling is giving each child individualized attention.

“As the kids get older, you teach them how to learn on their own,” she said.

Elizabeth said she also uses technology in her curriculum – YouTube science videos, a Latin language DVD, an iPad for geography games and the Brevard Zoo’s online education program. “I try to keep very active.”

Although Christopher works during the day, he contributes to the teaching.

“I try to motivate them into doing work and influence them in the proper ways of communication,” he said.

Christopher also praised his wife’s work. “She has a real passion for it,” he said.

“She really enjoys teaching the kids.”

Elizabeth hopes to someday write a book or an online blog about her teaching experience. “I love kid’s literature,” she said. “I would love to be involved in the county’s library system.”

VV

vieravoice.com

Launch of Crew 1 signals new era for NASA

BY R. NORMAN MOODY The launch of SpaceX Crew 1 signals the beginning of the end of NASA’s reliance on the Russian Soyuz rocket to take American astronauts to the International Space Station.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew 1 mission is the first crew rotational flight of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station.

It is a great milestone, said Gary Hayward, a retired electrical engineer who worked on the Mercury and Gemini space programs and is now a docent at the American Space Museum in Titusville.

Hayward, 84, of Titusville, said that the SpaceX’s achievement is quite a contrast to what his generation of engineers did in their respective programs, but in some ways the same.

“What I see coming around with SpaceX, people said couldn’t be done,” he said. “Their approach was similar to ours. They tried until they got it right.”

The milestone that resulted from trials was the successful launch of astronauts to the International Space Station.

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of SpaceX

NASA astronauts Shannon Walker, left, Victor Glover, Mike Hopkins and Soichi Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency prepare for launch.

NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and Soichi Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched Nov. 15 to the International Space Station on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket. They began a six-month science mission aboard the space station.

“It was a beautiful and

successful flight,” Hayward said.

He said landing the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9, did not succeed immediately, but the company kept trying until it triumphed.

Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in July 2011, NASA has relied on the Russian rockets to get astronauts to the International Space Station.

Bart Martindale is a space program fanatic who does not miss an opportunity to see a launch up close. He was on hand for a close-up view of the Crew 1 launch.

“I think it’s awesome,” he said.

Martindale, 71, of Titusville, said he has followed NASA and the space program since he was a child. He believes that it is

now going to be commercial companies that do most of the space exploration.

“SpaceX has gone a different route to perfect things,” he said. “It’s become a commercial world.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if a NASA astronaut gets to the moon and there will be another astronaut with a sign that says: ‘Welcome to the Moon.’ ” V V

Viera Voice | December 2020

5

Viral video gator stroll fairly routine in these parts

BY GEORGE WHITE

A casual stroll by a 10foot alligator caught on video at Duran Golf Club in Viera on Oct. 29 has had more than 12,000 views on youtube.com, showing the consistent public interest in one of Florida’s most common and potentially dangerous neighbors.

“They will definitely startle you. In (some) seasons, they become a little more aggressive, so we’ve had to call wildlife (management services) a few times,” said Duran Golf Club Pro Matt Morrison. The video “definitely caught the attention of people who like to watch alligators. A lot of people thought it was really neat.”

Florida has an estimated

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Nicole Latner

A 10-foot alligator was seen roaming recently at Duran Golf Club in Viera.

1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties. They prefer freshwater lakes and slowmoving rivers and wetlands, but they also like brackish

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water habitats and retention ponds.

“Anywhere there is standing water, an alligator might be found,” said Tammy Sapp with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program.

The goal of SNAP is to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.

SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove those thought to pose a threat to people, pets or property.

Alligators are most active and visible when the weather is warm. Bites are most likely to occur in or around water like golf course ponds. Only in rare circumstances are alligator mating and nesting associated with human/ alligator conflict. Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, she said.

In Brevard County, there were two alligator bite incidents in 2018 and three in 2019. Information regarding 2020 is not yet available, she said.

Safety tips include: never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one.

Swim only in designated swimming areas during

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And that fact is or should be well-noted by golfers, Morrison said. “When I’m digging for a golf ball, I’m not going in too far or in areas I can’t see really well,’’ he said.

If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. V V

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Viera soccer teams eager for another shot at deep playoff runs

BY CARL KOTALA

There’s no shortage of motivation this season for the Viera High School boys and girls soccer teams.

For the boys, it’s the chance to realize their potential and go on that long playoff run they feel they’ve always been capable of.

And for the girls, it’s all about getting back to the final four … and into the state title game.

“Coming into the season, that was the thought process,” Viera girls coach Cal Dixon said. “Yeah, we could definitely get back there, maybe go a little bit further. It’s always dependent, obviously, on the other teams that you’re playing. … You never know who’s coming out of whatever region and who beats who to (determine)

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Junior Evan Kirrane will play a big role for the Viera Hawks this season as they try to make a deep postseason run.

who you’re going to play.

“If we have the same kind of run, we should be able to get back there, if we play well enough.”

Of the 12 seniors in the Viera program this season, 10

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were on the varsity team that lost 4-2 in double overtime to Lourdes Academy last season. While Viera did graduate several starters, they still return their top three scorers in Allie Worley, Taylor George and Talorie Crafton.

The lineup for this year’s team will feature Megan Cook in goal; Victoria Whener; Lauren Mieczkowski, Caroline Boston and Mai Jensen in the back. Serena Zarzana, Savannah Oxley and Piper McHenry will be in the middle with Worley, George and Morgan Brubaker up front.

Crafton, Reese Pulliam and Amanda Vitaliano will be three of Viera’s top substitutes.

While the girls are loaded with a veteran starting lineup, the boys had seven new starters in their season opener against Heritage, which they won 4-0.

“This is the year we’re all the closest. We’re actually a family and a team,” senior defender Nyles Lockridge said. “As long as we stay

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

The play of senior midfielder Piper McHenry (10) is a big reason why the Viera Hawks believe they can get back to the Class 6A state final four and beyond.

together and be confident and be positive during the game, I think we can be good.”

The return of Lockridge and forward Yorgen Torres, both of whom missed all of last season with knee injuries, should strengthen Viera’s lineup.

Andrew Sanger is back in goal, with the rest of the Viera lineup featuring Max Walker, Austin Kehoe, Lockridge, Aidan Barnett, Evan Kirrane, Conner Floyd, Jack Koegel, Torres, John Anasa and Lucas Patikas.

Freshman Max May will be a goal-scoring threat off the bench.

Speaking after their season-opening win, coach Nick Robinson said that while it was too early

to get carried away, the Hawks have a chance to break through this season after reaching the regional quarterfinals last year.

“We’ve just got to keep persevering. That’s all it is,” Robinson said. “We’ve got to keep persevering and knocking at the door and making sure we do the day-to-day things right as a team.”

That includes building on Viera’s early-season success with players competing for minutes and positions.

“That’s got to continue throughout the year,” Robinson said. “There can’t be complacency. We’ve got to make sure everyone’s pushing, everyone’s hungry.

Based on what I saw tonight, we’re on the right track.” V V

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VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Emerson Euziere (13) is one of six sophomores on this year's Holy Trinity team. The young Tigers don't have any seniors but could still be contenders by the end of the season.

Holy Trinity soccer teams expect to be contenders again

BY CARL KOTALA The Holy Trinity boys and girls soccer teams will have a different look this season.

But that doesn’t mean the Tigers won’t be dangerous.

“We weren’t really sure what we were going to get, but after the first game and seeing how they’ve been working through the summer, the outlook for this team is that they can go just as far, if not farther, than last year’s team, which is what they all want,” said Adrian Moreno, boys coach at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.

Last year’s team reached the Class 3A regional semifinals with Eddie Marr, Ryan Moser and Jackson Mariani combining for 30 of the team's 50 goals.

This year’s team will have a different style that will focus more on possession and building the attack from the back.

“Our goal, basically, is to just outwork every team,” senior keeper James Linnabary said. “Playing out of the back and using our fitness … it’s definitely going to give us an advantage.”

Having an experienced

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keeper like Linnabary, along with center backs Ty Schrumpf and Will Bell will certainly help, too. Luke Micallef will be at left back with Will Nifakos on the right. Brock Shoultz and Walker Johnson return as holding midfielders. In front of them will be Dante Valdivia, Francisco Martinez and Grayson Guedes.

Luc Chaffiot will be the striker for the Tigers.

With no seniors and only four juniors, Holy Trinity’s girls team will be relying on a lot of youth this season as it tries to find a way to replace the scoring punch of Julia McCarthy, Kailey Dunne and Amelia Anello along with the goalkeeping of Payton Yates.

“We have a really young team, so in upcoming years, we’ll become better and grow together,” sophomore Averie Schweitzer said. “But right now, it’s all new for everybody because there’s a lot of JV players and there’s like five returning varsity players from last year.”

The Tigers opened the season with five starters out with injuries. When fully healthy, Holy Trinity will

feature Erin Sheridan at left forward, Greer Reynolds at right forward and Charna Black at center forward.

Aislin Scully and Emerson Euziere are the attacking midfielders with Lani Watt at holding midfielder and Schweitzer and Catherine McCarthy at center backs.

Julia McNatt is at the right back and Ava Knight is on the left with Evie Rittenhouse in goal.

Last year’s team also reached the Class 3A regional semifinals.

Coach Joey Messina believes his team also has a chance to get back to the postseason.

“I think it’s a team that can eventually play to a level where they can compete in regionals,” he said. “Right now, it’s still really early. If all those injured players get fit, and once the younger players learn how to play in the system … yeah, I think there’s a chance we can do fine in regionals. Anything can happen.

“I definitely believe there’s enough there to where they can make it really difficult for most of the teams we play.”

VV

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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Lady Hawks showcase cheer and charity at Viera pep rally

BY WENDY SCHEURING The Suntree Viera Youth Football League and Lady Hawks cheer squad celebrated their season with a pep rally and toy drive at Viera Regional Park.

The Nov. 17 pep rally was to showcase the girls’ hard work this season and recognize the football players on SVYFL’s tackle teams.

Thirty-one cheerleaders participated, said Taralynn Stewart, cheer director and rally organizer.

To kick off the event, the girls, dressed in green uniform skirts lined with gold, shook green and gold pom poms as they led two group cheers. As the evening progressed, the individual teams (Tiny Mights, ages 5 to 7; Mighty Mights, ages 8 and 9; and PeeWees, ages 10 to 12) each performed cheers, dances and acrobatic feats to upbeat music.

The players on SVYFL’s four tackle football teams (8U, 10U, 12U and 14U) were announced between each of the cheer team’s performances. The football players held team banners as they walked the astroturf illuminated by the field’s bright lights under a

charity, camaraderie and friendship are a big part of the Lady Hawks cheer squad.

On being a Lady Hawk, Liz Swearingen, 10, of Viera, said: “I think it’s fun, and it’s an opportunity to make new friends.”

“This is her sixth year and my fifth year coaching or as team mom,” said her mother, Stephanie Swearingen. “I’m team mom this year. It’s VIERA VOICE Wendy Scheuring great we can do something Lady Hawks cheerleaders display their talent at a prep rally Nov. 17 at Viera Regional Park. together and be involved.”

“The cheerleaders cheer temperate sky with a had in previous years, she When she learned that at every single game, rain or crescent moon. included a toy drive at the South Brevard Toys for Tots shine,” Stewart said.

The U10, U12 and U14 pep rally. had been receiving fewer For more information, go football teams advanced to to svyfl.com.

VV In addition to giving to donations this year than it the Pop Warner Semi-Finals at Viera High School on Nov. 21. The U8 team previously played its semi-final game and did not advance to the finals.

THE PREMIER WIND ENSEMBLE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA “It’s unprecedented that the league has four championship teams in one The musicians and Maestro Sabino of Central Florida Winds have missed playing for season,” said Lee Latner, SVYFL communications our patrons, and hope that you’ll join us for a “Socially Distant” holiday concert on director. the front lawn outside Suntree United Methodist Church!

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11

s w e N

SCHOOL

Viera High grad illustrates children’s book

BY WAYNE T. PRICE

Kenzie Rennemann, 19, grew up on the Cartoon Network and animated Disney movies, like many people her age.

As she grew older, she became more than just entertained by silly characters like “Flapjack” and “Chowder.” She realized the art skills involved in developing the characters and began appreciating the creativity of their animation.

It’s one of the reasons why the Viera High School graduate (class of 2019) opted to major in digital arts and sciences at the University of Florida, where she is in the first semester of her sophomore year.

Rennemann’s plans to be an animator or digital artist for a major network – think Cartoon Network, Disney or Nickelodeon – were advanced recently with the publication of “Open Wide – A Dental Adventure,” a dental book put out by the Space Coast Health Foundation to teach younger children about proper dental care. Rennemann is the “Open Wide” illustrator.

“I really enjoy doing character design,”

12

Viera High School graduate Kenzie Rennemann displays the children's book she illustrated.

Rennemann said, who had to balance her busy UF work schedule with the illustration demands for “Open Wide.”

Viera Voice | December 2020

“In this book, there were a lot of characters that I could create, and each had their own unique personality.

That was a lot of fun for me.”

VIERA VOICE photo

The cast of characters in “Open Wide” are zoological, so you have chipmunks, a goat, meerkats and an orangutan dentist named Dr. Molar. The menagerie teams up to explain proper dental care.

The SCHF is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and access to quality health care of all Brevard County residents. One of SCHF’s focus areas is dental education and oral hygiene.

It has a dental task force that studies those issues.

One of the task force members, Scott Huff of Suntree, suggested an animated book aimed at children as a good way to spread the word on dental care in the community. The book is dedicated to Huff, who also served on the SCHF’s board of directors for many years. (The SCHF provided funds for the book’s publication, along with a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation.)

Rennemann’s mother, Shannon, who is on the SCHF staff, asked her daughter if she would be interested in providing artwork for “Open Wide.”

Rennemann saw a big opportunity, and challenge, with the book.

“I guess the biggest challenge is that I had never

done a project of this size, so time-managing illustrating this book and my schoolwork was pretty rough at first,” she said.

Melody Marler, who serves on the dental task force and is on the SCHF staff, is the book’s author and project leader.

“I’ve published several books and worked with a lot of published authors and illustrators, and rarely do you find a talent like Kenzie Rennemann,” said Marler, who is also an author.

“We were so lucky to find her right here in our own community.”

She also earned praises from David Alejandro Peregrina, her visual design instructor at Viera High School’s Academy for Communication, Art + Design. Peregrina is now the senior graphic designer at Mid-Ohio Food Collective in Columbus, Ohio.

“Kenzie cares about what she creates, revealing itself in the characters and scenes she illustrates,” Peregrina said. “Her competitive spirit has always pushed her to perfect her craft, and she’s a lifelong learner. That was evident to me as she would visit me in between classes to critique her sketches or talk about how she wanted to approach a project.”

Rennemann’s twin sister, Jordyn, who also attended Viera High School, seems to have the same natural artistic and design talent as Kenzie. Jordyn is a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Emerging Media: Character Animation.

“Open Wide” will be part of the Rolling Readers Space Coast program and will be read to elementary school students throughout Brevard. Rennemann plans to be one of the guest readers.

The book also will end up in the waiting rooms of several dentist offices in Brevard County.

To inquire about getting a copy of “Open Wide,” contact Melody Marler at 321-4190923 or Melody.Marler@ SCHFBrevard.org. V V Wayne Price is director of communications at Space Coast Health Foundation.

vieravoice.com

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Nick Eggen

Viera High School had nine band members selected to the Florida All-State ensemble. Pictured are: Back, from left, Nicholas Grey (horn), James Condy (trombone); Alec McDaniel (oboe/English horn), Ryan Russell (bassoon) and Corey Ramirez (trumpet). Front, from left, Juliet McDaniel (clarinet), Kayla Crider (flute), Nicole Kloner (flute) and Loanne Masson (oboe).

Nine Viera High band members selected to Florida All-State ensemble

BY CARL KOTALA Viera High School trumpet player Corey Ramirez has been working toward his goal, of being named to the Florida AllState ensemble since his freshman year.

Well, now it’s no longer a goal it’s an achievement.

Ramirez, now a senior, was among nine Viera band members to be selected All-State following a blind audition process.

James Condy (trombone) named to the 11-12 grade Orchestra Wind Section.

Making the 9-10 grade band were Kayla Crider (flute), Nicholas Grey (horn), Juliet McDaniel (clarinet) and Ryan Russel (bassoon). Those making the 11-12 grade band were Nicole Kloner (flute),

Loanne Masson (oboe), Alec McDaniel (oboe/English horn) and Ramirez.

Under normal circumstances, those selected would perform in January at the Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Tampa.

However, Viera High band director Nick Eggen said this year’s entire event will be done virtually. It may or may not include performing.

That said, being selected all-state is a huge honor for any band member.

“The All-State Bands & Orchestras feature the absolute best student musicians in the state of Florida, and we would consider ourselves fortunate to have just one student be selected through the audition process,” Eggen

wrote in an email. “Viera High School is in the unique position to have nine students accepted, and we could not be happier for their hard work to be recognized and rewarded.”

Ramirez was happily surprised to find out he had made the list.

“I was relieved after all the hours I’ve spent perfecting the audition,” he said in a text message. “And yes, I was surprised I made it since I thought my audition didn’t go as well as I thought it should have.”

As part of the audition

process, Ramirez said students must prepare the selected Lyrical Etude, Technical Etude, all 12 Major Scales and the Chromatic Scale.

Judges listen to each audition and choose the people they believe played them the best.

“It was very weird this year since we had to record the audition ourselves and on our phones,” Ramirez said. “We were lucky at Viera to be able to use the auditorium to record our audition.”

Ramirez, who has been

playing trumpet for six years and plans to major in music in college, said he put a big emphasis on his sound and making the harder parts of the audition sound easy.

The fact that he wasn’t completely happy with his audition just shows how dedicated Ramirez is and how he stays motivated.

“I am a huge perfectionist when it comes to music,” he wrote. “I think never being satisfied with how I play is one of the reasons why I made it.” V V

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Viera Voice | December 2020

13

ART &Culture

Artist’s abstracts intended as stimulus to discover inner self

BY JUDY BERMAN

Marco Mendoza is fascinated by the idea of our inner self. His contemporary abstract art comes from the search for the true self and happiness that he feels everyone is looking for.

“I think everyone is trying to find the true meaning of life. When you’re trying to find out who you are and what you are here for, and what you need to do to get to that point, that self-knowing — that inspires me,” said Mendoza, a native of Mexico who lives in Melbourne.

“The level of cultural integration is where art influences, uplifts or erodes the spirit of people. I believe art can heal the soul.”

— Marco Mendoza

His acrylic art is characterized by vibrant colors, contrasting shapes and bold compositions.

Mendoza said he’s been asked the meaning behind his paintings, such as “Meditating,” that is on

Marco Mendoza's art is characterized by vibrant colors, contrasting shapes and bold compositions.

display at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue.

“I ask them, ‘What does it mean to you?’ Their answers

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Mendoza leaves the

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He prefers to have people form their own opinion, their own truth.

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“I’m not trying to explain the way of thinking. My art, it’s more like a stimulus to discover it,” Mendoza said.

He views artwork as something that is sent into the world to bring pleasure and invite reflection.

“Then the artwork needs to be interpreted by the culture. The level of cultural integration is where art influences, uplifts or erodes the spirit of people. I believe art can heal the soul,” Mendoza said.

Paula de Stefanis said Mendoza is a “phenomenal creator.” She has exhibited his paintings in two of her art galleries in Milwaukee.

“His subject matter is so unique to anything that’s out there,” de Stefanis said.

“There’s a lot of spirituality in his work, and he’s able to narrate that very well.”

Mendoza is working on a series entitled “Saints.”

“We are called to be a saint in the human way. Everyone has experienced that when they help somebody. When you do something good, you feel good,” he said.

Mendoza said that experience is not done for the photo op or public praise.

“It’s more personal. What matters is you feel that.

That’s what I call a saint moment,” he said. V V

vieravoice.com

Rustic nature shines in artist’s jewelry designs, watercolors

BY JUDY BERMAN Silk cocoon earrings, handcrafted jewelry and watercolor paintings are some of the artworks Beverly Morgan has on display at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue.

“I don’t go for the bling. I go for natural rustic materials — elk horn, recycled African beads.”

— Beverly Morgan

She draws on her interests as a rock hound and in the environment to create unique art.

“Everybody has an artistic component to their mind, whether you’re a baker, researcher or engineer. You should feed that part of your brain,” said Morgan, a Viera resident.

Morgan, a former home economics teacher, is a lifelong learner. She taught high school students how to make textiles and tailor and pattern designs. Putting her sewing skills to work, Morgan opened a quilt shop

in Wisconsin in the 1980s.

Her interest in art led her to take classes at College of DuPage in Illinois. In a silversmithing class, Morgan learned to work with sheet metal to make silver and casting jewelry. This enabled her to mount her jewelry stones.

During a show-and-tell in class, she displayed a watermelon tourmaline gem that exhibits pink, white and green colors all within one crystal. She soldered a tulip VIERA VOICE Judy Berman shape and bent it over to trap Beverly Morgan stands next to her painting, "Gangs All Here," on display at the Art Gallery of Viera. the stone.

“I did copper. Now, I work Her teacher said admiringly: “Wow, you are with pearls.” some kind of engineer.”

Freshwater pearls are Sharon Dixon credits not perfectly matched. She Morgan for getting her uses pearls that are blistered started on the adventure of and partially finished in her jewelry design after taking jewelry.

Morgan’s cold connections “People love them,” class.

Morgan said.

“I didn’t have any idea With jewelry, she focuses what that was, but decided on color, shape and texture. to take it. This class with “I don’t go for the bling.

Beverly is what started me on I go for natural rustic my path of creating jewelry The mission at Palm Point materials – elk horn, recycledBehavioral Health is to provide and sculptures with metal,” African beads,” Morgan, said Dixon, a metal sculpture quality treatment tosaid children, teens, adults and older adults who’s been to Africa twice. and jewelry designer in whose behavioral health asked: or chemical dependency symptoms “My granddaughter Cocoa.

Morgan says her interest ‘Why don’t you retire?’ I told areevolving. interfering their daily and in art is always VIERA VOICE Judy Berman her with I’ve already retired from lives. We offer both inpatient Beverly Morgan adjusts some of her handcrafted jewelry on display at Once she has mastered one a job I hated. services This job, I love.” outpatient tailored to ofspecific needs. the Art Gallery Viera in The Avenue.

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Viera Voice | December 2020

15

Photographer focuses on shooting the familiar in a different way

BY JUDY BERMAN To take a once-in-alifetime photo can require planning and timing.

For Kenneth Castoro, that moment might be fleeting or excruciatingly long.

“In my work, to get it absolutely right takes a lot of planning. You show up, and the light is not right.

That means you go back again and again and again,” said Castoro, who lives in Indialantic.

His stunning photo of lightning, “Twin Strike,” took three years of going to the same spot. It is on display at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue.

Castoro had the image and composition planned well in advance.

“I wanted it to be on the ocean overlooking the pier.

So every time there was a nighttime thunderstorm, I’d get an alert and go out,” Castoro said.

His patience paid off with a perfect lightning image on both sides of the pier.

Or, a photo opportunity unfolds in a matter of minutes.

Once, he saw a squall line approaching that sent many on the crowded

VIERA VOICE Judy Berman

VIERA VOICE Kenneth Castoro

Kenneth Castoro’s photo, “Twin Strike,” took three years of going to the same spot.

beach fleeing to avoid the oncoming storm. Except for one little girl.

He focused his camera on this fearless girl who was intent on making a sand castle. “(The photo) told a great story.”

In his arts-focused family, Castoro’s love of photography began as a teen, when he stumbled onto

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his father’s old camera.

“It was a perfect marriage between the arts world and technical world. I loved how you can use an instrument to capture light and images,” said Castoro, a Long Island native.

About a year ago, Bella Thomas purchased Castoro’s photo taken at Paradise Beach.

“The sun was breaking

Kenneth Castoro’s photo, “Twin Strike,” is on display at the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue. Three of his other photos are on the wall behind him.

through the clouds.

Sandpipers were on the beach. Its details and colors were stunning,” she said.

In another photo of his, a least tern is in mid-flight, just above the waterline.

“The sea is sparkling. It breaks into turquoise blues.

He has a passion for his work. He takes his time and captures the light. It’s just gorgeous,” Thomas said.

Castoro said he likes to

show the world as it is: pure — without editing.

But he also likes to show the familiar in a different way, which is why he often shoots in the middle of the night.

“When you look at things lit by moonlight or starlight, they take on different qualities. It brings out different emotions.” V V

New scholarship by Rotary Club of Suntree awarded to essay winner

BY GEORGE WHITE The Rotary Club of Suntree, established in 1985, broke out a giant check to present to Eau Gallie High School senior Grayson Benton with $1,000 as the first recipient of the club’s Youth Leadership Award scholarship.

The scholarship was the idea of past club president Alan Frisher who agreed to fund the scholarship at $500 per year for 10 years to be matched by the Rotary Club of Suntree Foundation. Frisher and current club president Keith Gee held one side of the check with Grayson and his parents, Alison and Steve Benton, of Melbourne, holding the other side during the presentation Nov. 20.

Benton, 17, who was junior staff leader at RYLA camp, wrote an 300-word essay on how the RYLA experience helped him with his goals.

One of those goals is to attend a top tier university. He is applying to Duke, Cornell and Rollins, with Duke University being his top choice.

VIERA VOICE George White

Alan Frisher, left, Grayson Benton, the recipient of the Rotary scholarship, and his parents Alison and Steve Benton pose for a celebretory photo.

Frisher said he had been thinking about establishing a scholarship for years and he was proud of the inaugural selection. As for Grayson’s essay and application, he said “He was quite impressive.”

“It’s really an honor to be here as the first recipient.

RYLA really changed me. I learned about all these people around me in the community that actually want to do good and work together to better themselves. It made me realize I want to believe in the things this club believes in and I want to be my best,’’ Grayson said.

“It changed my outlook.

It’s made be more outgoing.

RYLA is a great experience.

There are stronger bonds (established) in four days than anywhere else in your life because you are able to truly connect. It means a lot,’’ he said.

“Sky’s the limit for him,’’ said his dad, Steve Benton.

“That’s what I told him, if he just puts in the work he will accomplish whatever he wants. It’s there. He just has to reach for it. He’s blessed with some intelligence but ultimately it comes down to hard work and he’s not afraid to work hard for these things.’’ V V

Rotary Club holds shoe drive for Soles4Souls

Rotary is helping to collect shoes for Soles4Souls to help people in need worldwide. Gather the shoes and bring them to the Rotary Park at Suntree at 6495 U.S.1 from 9 - 11 a.m. on Dec. 12.

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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11-year-old hooked on fishing during pandemic snags big bass

BY MARIA SONNENBERG If there is a tiny sliver of positive vibe about the pandemic, it is that it has revealed some interesting aspects of our personalities.

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For 11-year-old Christian Baker, it is his awe-inspiring fishing aptitude.

The young angler recently landed a big largemouth bass just a few steps from his Viera home. The fish

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weighed in at more than 8 pounds, which will make for an enduring fish tale for years ahead.

Before you think the kid must have inherited his skills from his family, think again.

“He goes fishing every day for a couple of hours after he finishes his homework.”

— James Baker

“Pre-COVID, no one ever fished,” said James Baker, Christian’s dad.

When the pandemic arrived, Christian and his friends were looking for something to do during

the long, boring days of lockdown. In a lightbulb moment, he looked at the myriad ponds, many of them interconnected, that are an important part of the area landscape, and figured fishing could well be the answer.

“He taught himself fishing by watching YouTube,” said his dad.

The boy earned his fishing gear by babysitting his sister and doing household chores. A $15 fishing rod from Walmart, some plastic lures, and he was set to tackle the world beneath the water.

“He goes fishing every day for a couple of hours after he finishes his homework,” Baker said.

Before hitting the jackpot with the 8-pound bass, Christian had caught his share of bluegill and even landed a 7-pound bass. The

ponds in Viera are stocked primarily with these two species of fish, although some alligator gar also can be found.

The little bodies of water have become popular hangouts for kids, and even some adults.

“You see a lot of kids fishing, even around the ponds off Stadium Parkway,” Baker said.

The young anglers are keeping tabs of their catch through a Facebook page.

If you are concerned about the fate of Christian’s super fish, there is no need to worry. Fishing in Viera is strictly catch-and-release, so this bruiser of a bass is happily back in the water.

If you have aspirations of hooking him yourself, you are on your own. Christian and his friends are keeping mum on the location. V V

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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Melbourne blood donor reaches 100-gallon milestone

BY CARL KOTALA Melbourne’s Mike Cowart was 17 years old when he went to donate blood for the first time.

He was turned away because he had a cold.

Two weeks later, Cowart received a call saying there had been a bad accident and that blood donations were needed. Off he went, even though it made him late for church.

Now, 54 years and more than a few hundred donations later, Cowart has reached an incredible milestone.

The 71-year-old has donated 100 gallons, putting him in the select company of some 300 Floridians who have reached that level since blood banking began during World War II, according to OneBlood, a donation center serving most of Florida and

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of OneBlood

Melbourne's Mike Cowart has reached a milestone that makes him one of the top blood donors in the state of Florida. The 71-year-old has reached the 100-gallon donation level.

other surrounding states.

“It wasn’t a goal,” Cowart said of reaching 100 gallons.

“I couldn’t even imagine giving that much. But when I hit the 40- to 50-gallon mark and saw the possibility of hitting 100, that’s when I started going for it.”

After working for 25 years at Publix, followed by a career in sales (Gatorade was one of his products) that took him around the Southeast, Cowart and his wife are now touring the country in a motor home.

Over the years, he has

gone to the donor center whenever he could, including on his lunch breaks from work.

After reaching the 30-gallon mark, he noticed people were donating platelets and asked about the process. Having B positive blood, and being a committed donor made him the perfect candidate. He has been doing it ever since.

Cowart’s donations have saved countless lives over the years.

“Giving blood makes me feel good, knowing you’re helping others, plus you’re helping yourself,” he said.

Blood donors are screened for their blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol levels.

“You’re getting a mini well checkup every visit,” he said.

The initial inspiration to donate came from Cowart’s

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father, who was a regular blood donor.

Cowart also referred to an awards banquet that used to be held every year to honor those who had given 10 gallons or more as something that motivated him.

“You see a room full of people that are donating. …

They call up the people (who have donated) 20 gallons to 100,” he said. “That was an inspiration to see the people in the room who had given 50 to 100 gallons. I said, one of these days, I’m going to be up there.”

Although none of his five children have become blood donors, Cowart is proud to say four of his 17 grandchildren have donated.

As for Cowart, he has no plans to stop giving blood. “(I’ll do it) as long as I’m able,” he said. “I don’t have a goal set now.” V V

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Festival of Lights celebrates hope and freedom

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Chanukah, the “Festival of Lights,� is an eight-day Jewish celebration. Families gather at home to light the menorah in remembrance of the miracles God bestowed upon their people.

Chanukah means “rededication,� said Rabbi Craig Mayers of Temple Beth Shalom, a conservative synagogue and the oldest in Brevard County.

The holiday is related to two miracles, he said. “When the Seleucids (of Syria) conquered the land (Judea, or Israel), they outlawed the practice of Judaism,� Rabbi Mayers said. “They wanted us to convert to Greek gods, and made our temple (Second Temple of Jerusalem) into a temple of Zeus.�

VIERA VOICE photo

The Spellman family celebrate Chanukah by lighting one or two menorahs. Then five or six by the end of the eight days.

Led by Judah Maccabee, “a band of ragtag, untrained farmers kicked out the world’s most powerful army.

The few prevailed over the many,� he said.

That was the first miracle. “We were able to clean the temple up and relight

the lamp. This happened in 163 BCE to 165 BCE, the rededication of the temple,� he said.

There was not enough oil to keep the lamp burning inside the temple. However, the lamp continued to burn for eight days.

“We see God’s hand in those events. The hope for eight days,� Rabbi Mayers said of the second miracle. “Chanukah has a message of religious freedom,� said Kayla Spellman, “which I think resonates with Jews all over the world, because religious persecution is such a part of the Jewish history.�

Kayla Spellman and her husband, Eric, who have four children, have been members of Temple Beth Shalom for 15 years.

The family celebrates by cooking foods fried in oil, such as potato pancakes, or latkes. They also enjoy eating raspberry-filled doughnuts and chocolate coins.

The family also plays a game with a “dreidel,� a foursided spinning top, each side labeled with a Hebrew letter

that serves as an acronym for the saying, “A great miracle happened here.� “We like to spin as many dreidels as we can because they’re fun and pretty, and everyone loves spinning tops,� Kayla Spellman said.

The family begins celebrating the festival by lighting one or two menorahs and then five or six by the end of the eight days. “The more lights, the more blessings. We end up lighting the whole kitchen and going through a lot of candles,� she said.

Of the holiday, Rabbi Mayers remarked: “We should never lose hope. It’s a miracle of lights. For eight days, the oil lasted and the light burned.� V V

Temple Israel of Brevard remains virtual until 2021

BY WENDY SCHEURING

The new Temple Israel of Brevard, near completion at 7300 Lake Andrew Drive in Viera, isn’t yet open to the public. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t extending its spiritual outreach. “A synagogue without walls� is how Rabbi Pat Hickman describes the virtual services. “My house has been turned into the temple sanctuary. We have two areas that have been set up for services through Zoom, which are posted on YouTube,� she said.

Every Friday at 7 p.m. is a fireside Kabbalat Shabbat service. “We have a piano in front of the fireplace. That’s where the services are held,� she said. “There are people who light the candles and others who read a prayer or read one of the psalms.� “Lighting sabbath candles to bring the light of God into our homes and hearts is always done at the beginning of the service,� she said.

Aerial view of the new Temple Israel of Brevard at 7300 Lake Andrew Drive in Viera.

The rabbi encourages families to create sanctuaries in their own homes, while participating in the virtual services. “We also have a virtual ‘oneg,’ our fellowship time after the service where cookies, cake and coffee are shared. We encourage everyone to talk and socialize,� she said.

The Temple Israel YouTube Channel is youtube.com/ TempleIsraelofBrevard.

On the current state of the construction of the

new building, the temple’s president Larry Fineberg stated: “We’re targeting early December for certificate of occupancy, dependent upon if FPL can hook us up to the grid.�

Fineberg said it’s a possibility the temple may open its doors before spring. “When we do open up, we will be following CDC guidelines and state of Florida guidelines,� he added.

The 8,100-squarefoot building, including a sanctuary and social hall, will

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Fineberg also said the new facility will have topnotch audio quality. “In the future, we hope to host small concerts.�

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Temple Israel of Brevard

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Viera Voice | December 2020

21

p o o c BUSINESSS

Winn-Dixie delays Viera opening to make store larger

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Winn-Dixie has turned its attention to Viera and Melbourne for the opening of two new stores.

Though the opening of the one in Viera has been delayed until early next year, it will be larger than originally had been projected to go into the former Earth Fare building.

The building is in Viera East Village Shopping Center at the intersection of Murrell Road and Viera Boulevard.

“We’re moving the Viera store opening to early 2021,” said Kaley Shaffer, a spokeswoman for Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of WinnDixie. “Customers in the Viera area will have a larger store.”

Robin Orlando, owner of Brooklyn Pizza and Pasta, is looking forward to the opening of the Viera Winn-Dixie.

“We are super excited that the Winn-Dixie is coming in,” Orlando said. “We can wait. It’s going to bring a lot more foot traffic.”

While Viera will have to wait until early next year, another Winn-Dixie store will open in mid-December at 3170 W. New Haven Ave. in Melbourne.

“I think the Melbourne community is going to be VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Winn-Dixie excited to welcome WinnWinn-Dixie plans fresh new offerings in produce and other departments Dixie,” Shaffer said. at its Viera market.

The new stores will feature seafood departments with to enlarge the space. Earth Shaffer said the delay in fresh locally caught selections, Fare was 27,000 square feet. opening the store is because including Florida Keys lobster, “We’re very excited,” they had an opportunity to work with the shopping center Shaffer said. stone crab and Mayport

shrimp.

Winn-Dixie also is making it easier for customers to find healthy options by looking for the “LiveWell” message tags.

There also will be special togo meals.

The new stores in Brevard County are among eight opening in Florida.

Southeastern Grocers Inc. is parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, making it one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. SEG grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies are in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

VV

Dogtopia of Viera family facilitates happy dog days

BY GEORGE WHITE

It’s a family affair at Dogtopia of Viera, a 5,500-square-foot, off-leash, open-play dog daycare and boarding facility.

Dogtopia of Viera represents the first of its franchise in Brevard County.

The site at 5410 Murrell Road, Suite 117, had its grand opening Nov. 14.

Owners Amy Hattrup, husband Lorin Hattrup and daughter Megan of Suntree researched several national options before they signed up with Dogtopia, which was founded in 2002 and started franchises in 2013. Nationwide, the company is at 150 locations and growing.

“I’m a former Brevard County schoolteacher (at Quest Elementary School), and I was looking for something

22

environment that is clean and sanitary using pet-safe cleaning protocols, rubberized flooring and plastic play equipment in each playroom.

With no outside access, accommodations are made in an area with a hydrant that is regularly changed out. A live webcam in each playroom can be accessed during playtime from a desktop computer or mobile device.

“Dogs want socialization as much as humans do."

VIERA VOICE George White

Owners Lorin and Amy Hattrup show one of the large Dogtopia of Viera playrooms.

different. I wanted something that would allow me to have productive use of my time and a full-time job even throughout

Viera Voice | December 2020

the summer,’’ Amy Hattrup said.

The idea was formed when her parents went on a 2018 RV

trip with dogs and utilized dog daycare services, she said.

“My mom said we should open up a doggie daycare, so here we are,’’ she said.

The open play facility — filled with coordinated graphics and windows for dog viewing — has a philosophy keyed on certified canine coaches constantly overseeing the open play rooms, which are designed for dogs of similar size, temperament and play style. All dogs are required to be fully vaccinated and pass the Dogtopia evaluation process. The coaches are trained to ensure that each dog makes new canine friends and learns socialization skills.

Dogtopia of Viera offers a climate-controlled

— Megan Hattrup Dogs have access to up to 10 hours of safe socialization and mental activities designed to improve their manners and behavior.

“Dogs want socialization as much as humans do,’’ Megan Hattrup said.

Boarders are individually kenneled at night. For added comfort, pet parents are given the option to bring in their regular food and familiar bedding that smells like home.

Prospective customers are requested to visit the facility first and have the dog assessed through a meet-andgreet session that helps staff determine if they are a good fit for an off-leash, open-play setting.

For more information, call 321-294-4102. VV

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VIERA VOICE Caleb Nyberg

Aerial view of area where the new luxury dealership will be built in Viera.

Luxury dealership rolling into Viera in early 2022

BY WENDY SCHEURING Island Lincoln of Merritt Island is bringing its luxury car lines of Lincoln, Jaguar and Land Rover to Viera.

The new dealership is scheduled to open January 2022 on Bromley Drive.

“We are 14, 15 months out,” said General Manager Jim Cavanaugh, who will celebrate his 35th anniversary with Island Lincoln in March.

“All that is subject to the permitting and breaking ground.”

“We are really excited about this move,” he added.

The new construction features a two-story building with Island Lincoln of

VIERA VOICE Caleb Nyberg

Island Lincoln of Merritt Island general manager Jim Cavanaugh is excited about bringing a new luxury dealership to Viera.

Melbourne on one side and Jaguar Melbourne and Land Rover Melbourne on the other.

“We’ll have enough space to park all of the inventory and the customer cars,” Cavanaugh said.

Of the 2022 models the dealership will carry, Cavanaugh said he has seen some artist renderings, but nothing has been released yet.

“We have a new Jaguar coming out in 2021,” Cavanaugh said. “Jaguar has consolidated their passenger cars, their sedans, down to one: The Jaguar XF with three different variants. Then there’s the restyling of different vehicles. The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus will have a refresh.”

At its Merritt Island location, Island Lincoln offers a movie theater, barber shop, library,

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fitness center and restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.

It’s undecided at this time whether the Viera location will offer such amenities.

The luxury dealership always prides itself on customer service excellence, Cavanaugh said.

“If someone wants to purchase a vehicle and doesn’t want to come into the dealership, we can deliver

right to their door,” Cavanaugh said. “When someone needs service, they can call, and we will come out to your house and bring you a loaner car while your vehicle is cleaned and serviced.

“We provide the public with an effortless experience that exceeds their expectations.”

For more information, call Island Lincoln at 321-6168194 or visit the website islandlincoln.com.VV

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23

Susan Curtis opened Vintage Fusion furniture and decor will change with the seasons..

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Christmas trees are decorated in a variety of themes.

VintageFusion brings quality pre-owned and new home décor to Viera SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The formula for fusion in home décor is where old meets new. And that is the VintageFusion difference.

VintageFusion is a different kind of shop in the Suntree/Viera area that brings a new experience for decorating with a vintage style.

VintageFusion shop is nestled under the portico in the Boardwalk at Suntree shopping plaza at 7720 N.

24

Wickham Road, Suite 107.

Owner Susan Curtis opened the shop about two months ago after retiring.

She said she does not play golf or bridge, so she dedicates her time to the shop.

“I’m excited to be here,” she said. “I’m thrilled with the reception the shop is getting.”

Curtis said she has thoroughly enjoyed meeting and making new acquaintances with people

Viera Voice | December 2020

“I'm excited to be here. I'm thrilled with the reception the shop is getting."

— Susan Curtis from Suntree and Viera.

At VintageFusion shoppers can find select, quality pre-owned and new home décor items with a vintage flair. Items include small furniture,

mirrors, lamps, vintage fashion jewelry, gift items, a selection of ‘80s and ‘90s Maggie Shepherd designer clothing, and a large selection of seasonal décor.

The shop’s grand opening will showcase the Christmas season vintage and new holiday décor. Trees in the shop are decorated with ornaments that are among the thousands of other items from which to choose.

The choices are from the whimsy of Country Fusion

and Woodland Fusion to the traditions of Nutcrackers.

There are the ever-popular red and green, in addition to angels, Nativities, Santas, snowmen, deer, tabletop trees and other items.

For more information, call 321-326-5608. Find VintageFusion on Facebook (VintageFusionFlorida), and on Instagram (#vintagefusionflorida).

VV

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Wild-caught seafood brings flavor to the table in Viera

BY WENDY SCHEURING Melbourne Seafood Station restaurant recently opened its doors in Viera.

Located near The Avenue Viera at 7171 Lake Andrew Drive, Suite 102, the restaurant shares an outdoor seating patio with Tijuana Flats.

It offers casual-style seating and healthy seafood options.

“None of the food is fried,” said co-owner Nick Moon who operates the restaurant with his wife, Naomi Moon.

“Everything is boiled or steamed, and we focus on wild-caught seafood.”

The couple owns five locations, four of which are in Brevard County. Their two sons, ages 16 and 22, also help with the family business.

Nick Moon learned about the seafood business when he opened a retail and wholesale seafood market in Melbourne at the

intersection of Babcock Road and U.S. 1 with his father in 2010.

The first Melbourne Seafood Station was opened in downtown Melbourne in 2016, offering a retail seafood market as well as seafood boils. When customers started raving about the menu, the Moons decided to close the retail store.

The menu includes seafood bowls and baskets, and a plethora of sides.

“Our signature dish is seafood boils with our famous garlic sauce,” said Nick Moon. “It’s a blend of different seafood boils you can get from around the country, but it’s unique to us because of the garlic flavor.”

“We’ve been hearing neighbors speak about it for the last couple of weeks,” said Mike Johnston, a Viera resident originally from Maryland, who ordered the sausage bowl. “We’ve been doing Friday afternoon

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Nick Moon can be found in the kitchen at this family eatery.

Melbourne Seafood Station's signature dish is their seafood boil which includes a unique garlic sauce.

lunches lately. We come early and try to avoid the crowd.”

“We love seafood,” added Johnston’s wife, Ellen. “We really like to try these kinds of things and we support local.”

For the holidays, Seafood Station will offer the “Feast of 7 Fishes”, which is based upon an Italian tradition.

The dish features lobster, shrimp, scallops, crab, mussels, clam, and oysters.

“It will be one of our seafood

boils, served with corn and potatoes and served with our garlic sauce,” Nick Moon said.

For more information, go to melbourneseafoodstation. com, or call 321.610.8328.

VV

foot facility will soon be underway. Singles are 135 square feet. Doubles measure 200 square feet.

“Design and construction contracts are in the initial stages, and the facility is set to open in late March or early April,” Mike Hilliard said.

The business will be open 24/7. Clients enjoy the

one-to-one experience. With COVID-19 concerns, they also may feel safer in the private suites.

The new facility will have a lobby, laundry room and state-of-the-art security system.

Or, or call the Hilliards at 321-312-0677. V V

Salon franchise finds Suntree attractive

BY WENDY SCHEURING Mike and Tonya Hilliard have lived in Brevard County for 40 years. Both worked in the corporate world and retired six years ago. Both always have wanted to run a business. Retirement seemed like the perfect time.

After doing research, they became interested in the My Salon Suite franchise, which caters to beauty and wellness professionals wanting to start a business without having to open their own store.

“It checked a lot of boxes as something we’d like to do, so we purchased the franchise,” Mike Hilliard said.

Four years ago, the couple opened a franchise in the Hammock Landing Shopping Center in West Melbourne.

Kaysha Hilliard, the couple’s daughter, also got

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of My Salon Suite

The new Suntree-Viera location of My Salon Suite is at the Promenade Shoppes on North Wickham Road.

involved, and the West Melbourne location evolved into a family-run business.

“Kaysha had a degree in business but wasn’t happy with the opportunities. So, she went to cosmetology school,” Mike Hilliard said.

His daughter assists as property manager at the West Melbourne location, where she also does semipermanent make-up, hair,

lashes and tattoos.

Within a year, the West Melbourne location reached nearly 100 percent capacity.

The couple then looked to the Suntree-Viera area to open a second.

The Suntree-Viera location is at the Promenade Shoppes on North Wickham Road.

Interior construction and design of the 23 individual suites at the 4,600-square-

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SUNTREENews

Suntree Country Club members look forward to modern clubhouse

BY GEORGE WHITE

Dignitaries and supporters of the new $7.5 million clubhouse project at Suntree Country Club gathered with 13 shovels Nov. 14 for a groundbreaking ceremony on the exact footprint of the new building.

The project will include a new cart barn, putting green and landscaping. The 14,000-square-foot clubhouse described as a “modern take on a Florida design” will include a main dining room, banquet room, private dining room, an indoor/outdoor bar, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and a pro shop. The existing clubhouse will be repurposed once the new clubhouse is complete. The total project encompasses 28,000 square feet, including new construction and renovation.

In attendance were almost 100 invited guests, board members and a full slate of officials involved with the project design and construction — enough to have two groundbreaking

VIERA VOICE George White

Suntree Country Club president Anne Telling welcomes guests to the outdoor ceremony Nov. 14.

VIERA VOICE George White

Dignitaries line up to break ground at the new $7.5 million clubhouse project at Suntree Country Club.

the group to the future of Suntree Country Club and one of its biggest milestones since it was founded in 1975.

She singled out the core members who spearheaded the effort and the architect, club management and staff.

“But for you, this dream would still be a pie in the sky scheme,’’ she said.

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In spite of the challenges

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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Grand Isle residents support Sharing Center’s outreach

BY LINDA FAULHABER More than 100 Grand Isle residents recently shared their blessings with area families in need.

David Brubaker, president and CEO of Sharing Center of Central Brevard, visited the 55-plus community on Nov. 13 to collect 75 large boxes filled with nonperishable food, as well as $1,500 in cash donations. The boxes will be among those given out to 325 families the week of Thanksgiving.

Families also will receive a gift certificate redeemable at an area grocery store for a turkey or ham.

For the past 15 years, Grand Isle volunteers Jim Crane and Jackie Hoskins organized a dinner dance and silent auction in October to benefit the nonprofit organization.

With large gatherings in the senior community on hold because of COVID-19, Hoskins knew Grand Isle’s generous residents would fill Thanksgiving food boxes instead. Residents also donated clothing and assorted household items for center clients. Earlier this year, Hoskins led a neighborhood fund drive

VIERA VOICE Linda Faulhaber

Grand Isle residents Jim Crane, right, and Jackie Hoskins present $1,500 in cash donations from neighborhood residents to David Brubaker, president and CEO of Sharing Center of Central Brevard.

for the Sharing Center that raised more than $5,000.

Rosalie Masloski, who moved to Grand Isle from Winter Haven two years ago, donated two large boxes filled with the makings of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

“There are an awful lot of families that are struggling this year,” Masloski said.

“More than anything, I feel bad for the children. I wanted to give as much as I could.”

The Grand Isle community “has supported our mission for many years.

We are so thankful (for their donations) at this time of year,” Brubaker said.

He said the pandemic has forced the Sharing Center

to rethink how it serves the community and engages with donors to support its mission.

Despite challenges related

to the pandemic, the Sharing Center “never shut down,” Brubaker noted. “I’m very proud of that.”

The Sharing Center of Central Brevard is headquartered at 113 Aurora St. in Cocoa, where it also operates a thrift store, food pantry and community kitchen. Another thrift store is at 95 E. Merritt Ave. on Merritt Island, near Home Depot. The center operates a boutique and donation center in Suntree at 7720 N. Wickham Road, Suite 103, near Amici’s Italian Restaurant.

The community service organization welcomes

donations of cash, nonperishable food, and clothing and household items in good repair. Pickup of large items such as appliances or furniture can be arranged by calling the center at 321-631-0306.

Brubaker said the greatest need now is for volunteers to sort canned items and fresh produce at the food pantry, sort donations at thrift stores, and work in the community kitchen and main office.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the center, go to sharingcenter.org. V V Linda Faulhaber is a resident of Grand Isle in Viera.

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Viera Voice | December 2020

27

© 2020 UFS, Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication for UFS

Crossword Puzzle

Call Us For Our

Home For The Holidays Private Tours 321-701-8000 Take a peek at our beautifully decorated apartment models and take home a delicious holiday treat!

ACROSS 1 Type of market 5 That senora 8 Nefertiti's god 12 Clavicle 13 Golfer's benchmark 14 Stadium roof 15 Stork cousin 16 Fluke 18 Dumpster output 20 Princess Leia's love 21 Bro's sibling 22 Strength 25 Capp and Jolson 28 Part of a.m.

29 Taiga animals 33 Back down 35 Follow, as a gumshoe 36 Kentucky fort 37 Chewing gum base 39 Footfall 40 Ready to pick 42 Zippy the Pinhead's word 43 Generally 46 Estuary 49 In the past 50 Profound 53 Kind of stork 56 Stadium level 58 Survey chart 59 Writer -- Buscaglia 60 Sky bear 61 Prefix for "trillion" 62 Ben & Jerry rival 63 Seeger or Sampras

Crossword Solution, page 34

DOWN 1 "Most Wanted" org.

2 Gray wolf 3 Phillips University town 4 Early moralist 5 Clean air org.

6 Drawer freshener 7 Esoteric 8 Say more 9 Bunion sites 10 Prefix for directional 11 Party fabrics 17 Co. 19 Speckled horse 23 Explosive letters 24 Himalayan legend 25 Clumsy boats 26 Advanced, as cash 27 Wild plum 30 Delicate 31 About 2.2 pounds 32 Lots and lots 34 Montreal player 37 1040 pro 38 Kept back 40 Feast 41 Wrinkle-free 44 Tank 45 Pause 46 Spellbound 47 Inactive 48 Not shut 51 Ireland 52 Nuisance 54 Ms. Hagen 55 Plaything 57 "Norma --"

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Kids' Mini Page Founded by Betty Debnam

Mini Fact: Tigers don’t purr, but they make a kind of chuffing sound in their throats when they are happy.

Majestic Tigers Shutterstock

If you were going to pick one of the most magnificent animals on Earth, what would you choose? The tiger would be many people’s top choice.

In the last century, tigers have suffered a sharp drop in numbers. Today there are fewer than 3,900 tigers outside zoos. One hundred years ago, there were about 100,000.

There once were nine subspecies, or types, of tigers. Three of those types are already extinct.

Awesome power

The tiger is the biggest cat in the world.

Some male Siberian tigers can weigh as much as 570 pounds. They can stretch from 7 to 12 feet long.

It is the only big cat with stripes. The stripes help the tiger blend into forests and tall grasses. It hides in the vegetation, stalking its prey until it gets close enough to pounce.

Tigers have powerful teeth and claws. An adult tiger can kill an animal four times bigger than itself.

Hunting habits

Tigers need to eat an amount of meat equal to about one deer a week. If there is a

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lot of prey in an area, tigers have smaller home ranges. For example, in some reserves in India, a tiger’s home range can be as small as 20 square miles.

But in areas where prey is scarce, such as in the Russian Far East, tigers need much more space. One tiger may claim almost 800 square miles of land for itself.

Solitary animals

Each tiger has its own territory. It hunts alone. Tigers come together to mate, and then the male leaves.

The mom cares for the cubs on her own.

A mother tiger may have one to five cubs per litter, but often all but one or two die. Cubs stay with their mom for about two years.

Tigers keep away from one another’s territory. But there are bigger home ranges where tigers might meet up as they hunt.

Tigers mark their territory by spraying urine. They also have scent glands in their faces and feet. They rub their faces against trees to mark their area and let other tigers know where they are.

Tigers and humans People are the reason tigers are endangered. Humans have caused trouble for tigers in three ways: • killing of tigers, • overhunting of prey, • habitat loss or habitat breakup.

Killing tigers: Sometimes people kill tigers because they are afraid or because the tigers are eating farm animals.

But the biggest reason people kill tigers is to get their body parts to sell. Many people in Asia believe eating tiger parts will give them some of the tiger’s power. China is the largest market for tiger parts today.

Poachers, or people who hunt illegally, kill tigers to make a profit.

Overhunting prey: People eat the same foods tigers eat, such as deer and wild pigs, or boar. As people have spread into the tigers’ habitat, they have killed most of the tigers’ food for themselves.

Then hungry tigers have eaten cows and other livestock and scared people.

Habitat loss: People have destroyed much of the tigers’ historical habitat. They have cut down forests and constructed buildings within tiger habitat.

Viera Voice | December 2020

29

Brevard to celebrate Christmas with parades across the county

BY FLORA REIGADA Port St. John Christmas Parade organizer Randy Rodriguez anticipates fun and colorful floats in this year’s parade. However, coronavirus precautions will be taken.

“We are encouraging people to wear masks, maintain social distancing, use hand sanitizer and not

throw candy from vehicles,” he said.

Chief Ryan Hunt of the Mims Volunteer Fire Department, which organizes the Mims parade, recommends that attendees follow current Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

“We’re continuing with the parade to bring some normalcy back to the community,” he said. V V

BrevardCounty parades: • Mims Christmas Parade and Barbecue 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 Mims Elementary School 2582 U.S. 1.

321-267-9652 • The Bible on Parade 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

321-773-1489

• Palm Bay Drive-Thru Holiday Light Parade 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 Fred Poppe Regional Park 1951 Malabar Road NW 321-953-8912 • Holiday Golf Cart Parade 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 Golf Carts Unlimited The Avenue Viera 321-610-7011

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Mims Volunteer Fire Department

Santa Claus paid a visit to last year’s Mims Christmas Parade.

• A Holly Jolly Christmas Trail 5 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12

Titus Landing, U.S. 1 and Harrison St. 321-403-2415

• Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

321-631-9075

• Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 Travels down the Banana River.

Cocoabeachrotary.org • Downtown Melbourne Candlelight Shopping Bicycle Parade 6 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 321-724-1741

• Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec 19 At Sykes Creek.

321-213-0478

• Satellite Beach Holiday Boat Parade 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 At Grand Canal.

321-220-7775

• Melbourne Light Parade 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 1300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

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Holiday Events ——————Due to COVID 19 please call to confirm dates and times before your arrival. ———— • Merritt Island Holiday Parade canceled • Mims Christmas Parade • Bible on Parade • Palm Bay Drive-thru Holiday Light Parade For event details see page 28

DECEMBER 3 - 5

Junior League of South Brevard’s 36th annual Festival of Trees This year trees will be showcased within business storefronts in the Eau Gallie Arts District. The online auction will start Dec. 3 and end Dec. 5. https://brevardcounty.jl.org/festivalof-trees/

DECEMBER 4 Space Coast Lightfest Stroll Weekend Walk through Dec. 4 to 7 from 6:30 to 10 p.m., all other nights are drive through.

Wickham Park, 2785 Leisure Way Caroling at the Avenue Viera Dec. 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 6 and 7 p.m.

The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390 Holiday Tree Lighting 5 - 8 p.m.

Eau Gallie Square, 450 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-622-4223 Holiday in the City, Cape Canaveral 6 - 10 p.m.

Taylor and Poinsetta Avenues Cape Canaveral, 321-868-1226

DECEMBER 5 Holiday Marketplace, outdoor event Vendors, artisans and crafters.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Faith Fellowship Church 2820 Business Center Blvd.

Suntree, 321-259-7200 Central Florida Winds - Outdoor Concert 4 p.m.

The musicians and Maestro Sabino have missed playing for their patrons. Join them for a “socially distant” holiday concert on the front lawn of the church. Please bring a blanket, chairs and mask.

Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Rd., Suntree 321-405-2359

37th Art & Craft Holiday Bazaar Over 200 unique artisans, street food, family fun, kid and pet friendly.

Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Historic Cocoa Village, 1 Oleander Cocoa, 321-631-9075 Light Up Rockledge/Festival of Trees 6 p.m.

Enjoy festive tunes while strolling through a decorated tree display. Auction proceeds go to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

Free, just bring a canned food item.

Rockledge Civic Hub 530 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-221-7540, ext 112.

• Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade • Downtown Melbourne Bicycle Parade • Melbourne Light Parade ed • Cocoa Rockledge Holiday Parade cancel For event details see page 28 Brevard Symphony Orchestra Sounds of the Season 2 p.m.

A special concert featuring full orchestra, a guest narrator, and many familiar favorites, including Sleigh Ride, selections from The Nutcracker, and White Christmas.

Special musical performance of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Music Director Christopher Confessore will lead the orchestra.

King Center 3865 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne BrevardSymphony.com 321-345-5052

DECEMBER 11

13th annual Central Florida’s Messiah Sing-Along 7 p.m.

Drive-in concert by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra The Avenue, 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

DECEMBER 12 Cape Canaveral Reindeer Run 5K Cherie Down Park Cape Canaveral, 321-241-4520 Skydiving Santas 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. 321-783-7549 • Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade

DECEMBER 17-20 Kris Kringle Market, Free Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7420

DECEMBER 18

Holiday Bicycle Parade/Melbourne For event details see page 28

DECEMBER 19

Snow Days on the Space Coast Dec. 19 - 20, 5 - 10 p.m.

26 tons of snow with snow slides and play areas. Proceeds benefit Hope for North Brevard.

Sand Point Park, Titusville 321-863-6357 • Port St. John Christmas Parade • Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade • Satellite Beach Holiday Parade For event details see page 28

DECEMBER 6

Black Willow Ranch Christmas Festival Christmas photo props, craft stations, hot cocoa bar, and BBQ. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2350 Black Willow Trail, Mims 321-684-9402 2020 Space Coast Toy Run 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Starts at Azan Shrine Center 9 a.m. $15 entry fee or new unwrapped toy AZAN Shriners Center 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne 321-259-5302

Merritt Island Moose Lodge 125 Imperial St., Merritt Island 321-452-2046

Run, Run Santa 1 Mile, Viera 7:30 a.m.

Run Run Santa 1 Mile is an all-Santa event. This race features a festive one mile course. Call to register.

Calvary Chapel Viera, 321-636-7696

6th annual Golf Cart Parade 5 p.m.

Fun time for friends and community.

Starts and ends at Golfcarts Unlimited in The Avenue Viera.

6729 Colonnade Ave. #113 Viera, 321-610-7011

DECEMBER 13 Glozzy Jolly Drive for Christmas Toys 2 - 6 p.m.

Glozz Garage is excited to announce its second annual car show and toy drive. Awards will be given for best in show. All proceeds donated to Family Promise of Brevard.

The Paper Clinic 7341 Office Park Place Viera, 321-261-0418 The Magic Christmas Toy Shop 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Imperial Dance Corps of Dussich Dance Studio presents an Evening of Dance.

DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Service 5:30 p.m.

“Unexpected,” arrival of the King.

Family friendly, bring a chair/blanket.

Outside on the back lawn Church At Viera, 9005 N. Wickham Rd. Viera, 321-259-3454 Christmas Eve Service 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m.

East Coast Christian Church 6103 Stadium Parkway, VHS Christmas Eve Service 4 and 7 p.m.

Hope Episcopal Church 190 Interlachen Rd., Suntree

December Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAYS

Rotary Club at Suntree Soles4Souls Shoe Drive-Thru Drop Off

Computer Basics 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn computer basics, Windows vs Apple, saving files and social media.

Brevard Adult Education Lifelong Learning, 321-633-3660, ext. 31462.

DECEMBER 8 & 9

Shell Harbor Lunch & Learn Dec. 8 and 9, 11:30 a.m.

Learn about the new Shell Harbor Retirement Community in Rockledge.

Seating limited, must RSVP. River Rocks 6485 South U.S. 1, Rockledge 321-265-6884

9 - 11 a.m.

Gather gently used or new pairs of shoes and bring them to the Rotary Park at Suntree (6495 U.S. 1 at the end of Suntree Blvd.) for a safe, drive-through drop-off.

DECEMBER 12

Art Fest — Art Gallery of Viera 6 - 9 p.m.

Indoor/outdoor event with live music, artist demos, giveaways and more.

Art Gallery of Viera The Avenue, near Books-A-Million 321-794-8901

DECEMBER 15

Medicaid Planning 10 - 11 a.m.

Join Attorney William A. Johnson inperson or virtually (email link). RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera 321-751-6771

DECEMBER 18

Planet Palooza 6:30 p.m.

See the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, craters on the Moon and even the ice caps of Mars.

American Space Museum 308 Pine St, Titusville, 321-264-0434 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, 321-751-6771

January 21

Brunch & Learn Learn about Sonata East at Viera Location: One Senior Place Limited seating, RSVP required.

Call 321-326-9995

SENIORNews First-grade students, including Stephanie Kulak, front, display placemats.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Bridget Geiger

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Bridget Geiger

This is a close-up view of a first-graders Senior Buddy placemat.

Students create artwork to bring a smile to seniors

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN Social distancing and isolation due to COVID-19 have had negative effects on the general mood of the community.

Without extended physical connection with family and friends, from school-age children who are learning at home to adults, especially the elderly living in nursing homes, many are experiencing loneliness.

The intergenerational Senior Buddy Placemats

art project is an attempt to help kids and seniors feel connected to others during the pandemic.

“Art can bring joy and happiness to others,” said Bridget Geiger, art teacher at Pineapple Cove Classical Academy at West Melbourne.

About 120, 11-inch by 17inch placemats were made by Pineapple Cove students and donated to two long-term care facilities — Anchor Care and Rehabilitation Center in Palm Bay and Melbourne Terrace and Rehabilitation Center in Melbourne.

At a meeting of the Community Services League of Brevard, concern was raised about the health and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities who were experiencing loneliness and depression due to COVID-19 isolation. The group noted: “Everybody is going through this. Seniors are lonely, and kids are lonely, too,” said Theresa Russell, from Department of Children and Families/Adult Protective Services and CSL’s Facilitator.

The Senior Buddy

Placemat project was coordinated by Russell with the involvement of Suzanne Krasny, wife of another member of the CSL and a first-grade teacher at Pineapple Cove, and Geiger.

Geiger was ecstatic at the opportunity for her students to uphold one of Pineapple’s core values — service — in a tangible way. The school’s motto is, “Learn the true, do the good, and love the beautiful.” Eight classes of kindergartners and firstgraders participated (some virtually) painted rainbow and flowers themed artwork.

“The scholars were very happy to create something special for the seniors in the elder care centers,” Geiger said. ”The little ones were so proud of their work. They knew their creative efforts would bring some joy and

smiles to those who may need some extra cheer.”

Krasny coordinated the lamination and delivery of the placemats to Anchor Care and Melbourne Terrace. The facilities were very excited to receive the placemats and look forward to the smiles they will bring to their residents.

“Sharing a smile is always a wonderful thing to be a part of,” Russell said.

CSL of Brevard is made up of over 100 community providers and agencies who meet monthly to discuss community trends and to find ways to provide a solution.

“It takes all of us to do it.

No one agency can do this.

But, if we all take a piece, we get much better results for those in need,” Russell said.

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Matt Morrison is the head golf professional at Duran Golf Club.

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Anita Rigsbee sang the National Anthem at the ceremony around the flagpole outside the Duran Golf Club.

Veterans’ Stories of Service key to help understand price of freedom

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Duran Golf Club honored the veterans among its players with a short ceremony before league play Wednesday.

About half of the 75 players in the league gathered for the ceremony are veterans.

“Flags are out on the 9th and 18th hole,” said Matt Morrison,

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head golf professional at the club for 10 years. “It’s a good chance to honor our veterans.”

Anita Rigsbee sang the National Anthem at the ceremony around the flagpole outside the club.

“It was a great honor to sing here,” she said. “It was such a nice crowd and a great day to honor veterans.” V V

Sudoku

MELISSA ALONSO Sales Director

MELISSA ALONSO

Sales Director

While working in the hospital system, I saw a number of senior patients that needed additional services at home, but didn't know what to do or where While working in the system, I saw a to turn in order to get thehospital help they needed.

Seeing number of senior patients needed additional this, I wanted to help makethat a difference and decided to services at home, but didn't know what toisdo or where enter the world of senior living. Everyone someone's to turn in order to get the help they needed.

Seeing grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, someone's loved one this, I wanted help make a difference and decided and should beto treated as such.

I have always loved to enter the world of senior living.

Everyone is someone's helping others and what better of a population to focus grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, someone's loved one my those efforts on than our seniors; those that helped and should be treated as such.

I have always loved generation get where we are today. helping others and what better of a population to focus those efforts on than our seniors; those that helped my generation get where we are today.

ALF # Pending

Sudoku Solution, page 34

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ALF # Pending

Viera Voice | December 2020

33

Save Our Indian River Lagoon plan faces revision What is the Save Our Indian River Lagoon plan and why is it being revised?

The SOIRL Project Plan is a document originally prepared as part of the 2016 Brevard ballot initiative that created a 10year, half-cent sales tax fund directed to restoring the lagoon. Voters approved this $45 million annual fund by more than 62 percent.

Importantly, we voted for a real 10-year plan, not just a fund and hoped that it would work.

This plan is revised annually, and the 2021

revision is currently in process.

What does it contain?

The 2020 SOIRL Plan is a 237-page document that describes the problem, possible approaches to improving it, criteria for selecting the most costeffective options, and a description and schedule for each of the hundreds of approved projects over the life of the fund. Each plan revision is subject to review and approval by the Brevard County Commission.

The 2016 vote also called for the Brevard

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Department of Natural Resources to manage and staff execution of the plan, and it established a volunteer Citizen Oversight Committee responsible for reviewing all aspects of planning and execution.

The COC is made up of 14 volunteers representing

different parts of our community (i.e., finance, science, tourism, real estate, technology, education and lagoon advocacy).

They meet on the third Thursday of each month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

You can watch at brevardfl. gov/SaveOurLagoon/ CitizenOversightCommittee.

Most of the plan’s projects involve construction activities (e.g., septic system conversion to sewer, muck dredging, construction of baffle boxes and oyster reefs). They generally require matching

funds from partner organizations (e.g., a city, water or sewage district or the state).

Given the economic slowdown due to the COVID pandemic, the revenue raised during 2020 and ’21 may require adjustments.

The 2021 plan was revised by the staff and its consultants for the COC’s review at its upcoming December meeting and approval in January. The commission will act on it in February. VV To learn more, visit the website at HelpTheLagoon.org

Reality of human impact: Where do we go from here?

Since reading Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring," I have never looked at industries or government regulations the same way.

The book revealed a side of insecticide DDT unknown to the public. Carson weaved together isolated cases to paint the full picture of how chemicals were affecting wildlife and our own lives.

While recently reading "Water: A Natural History" (Outwater, 1996), the same feeling of distrust dawned on me. The final chapters reinforced the notion that humans have tunnel

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

vision when dealing with innovations and thinking about an innovation itself, but often overlook its consequences and ramifications.

Besides that, greed and convenience-as-priority obfuscate what really

Solution, Puzzle page 33

Solution, Puzzle page 28

matters. Maximizing profit at any cost and throwaway products become the norm, downplaying the complex work that nature carries out to keep everything in balance.

Laws and various acts started to be put in place in the 1970s. As Outwater noted in her book, “rarely in history had the cry of the wilderness been heard so keenly, felt so deeply, and acted on so decisively by so many. The waterways, clearly, were saved.”

However, governments can change directions with different leaderships.

Regulations to protect nature and our health have been chipped away and now are considered overregulation and a burden on various industries.

Regulations are abolished to please polluters. Limits and thresholds are manipulated to fit more convenient levels, with safety as an afterthought.

That made me pause.

When has life become such a devalued commodity?

Where do we go from here?

As 2020 folds and another year begins, the time is right to ponder our values and how to move forward. What do we see in the path ahead? What do we want our future to be like?

At times like these, when

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

Regulations to protect nature and our health have been chipped away and now are considered overregulation and a burden on various industries.

seeking inspiration, I turn to the words of Jane Goodall. In her book "Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey," she shares some thoughts that I felt would be the perfect closing for this article: “Most of us don't realize the difference we could make. We love to shrug off our own responsibilities, to point fingers at others.

‘Surely,’ we say, ‘the pollution, waste, and other ills are not our fault. They are the fault of the industry, business, science. They are the fault of the politicians.’

This leads to a destructive and potentially deadly apathy.

“We have a responsibility toward the other lifeforms of our planet whose continued existence is threatened by the thoughtless behavior of our

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own human species.

“Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.

“We still have a long way to go. But we are moving in the right direction. If only we can overcome cruelty — to humans and animals — with love and compassion, we shall stand at the threshold of a new era in human moral and spiritual evolution — and realize, at last, our most unique quality: humanity.”

After reading those words, I look ahead, with hope in my heart for the new year. I hope you do, too. VV Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Robert Dale

Robert Dale, left, is officially sworn in as a new member of the Viera East Community Development District by Brevard County School Board Member Matt Susin. The ceremony was, Nov. 19 at Faith Lutheran Church in Viera.

Three new members join VECDD board

BY ERNEST ARICO

Robert Dale was named the new chairman of the Board of Supervisors to the Viera East Community Development District during the Nov. 19 meeting at Faith Lutheran Church in Viera.

Dale, and two other new members of the board – Pete Carnesale and Steve Colasinski — were officially sworn in. Carnesale was named the board’s vice chairman while Colasinski was selected as treasurer.

One of the priorities of the new board is to change the time of future meetings.

Dale said a board workshop is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, and the next regular board meeting will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17.

All future meetings in 2021 will begin at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month, he said.

The new chairman also announced the VECDD will be creating a new dog park and a monthly farmers’ market/craft fair in Woodside Park.

Dale said Mark Pieloch, president and owner of PF Inc., formerly known as Pet Flavors, and founder of the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, is “making a five-figure financial donation” to help create the park.

“We plan on breaking ground in January,” Dale said.

vieravoice.com

Two other Pieloch dog parks have been built in Brevard County — one at 400 W. Florida Ave. in Melbourne, the other at 1550 Mosswood Drive in Eau Gallie.

The VECDD hopes to have the farmers’ market/ craft fair and the food truck Fridays up and running by mid-January 2021.

Dale said the new members also vow to keep campaign pledges: • To involve all the HOAs (homeowners associations) and to their input at all CDD meeting • To give residents the first voice at CDD meetings • To ensure the VECDD is about more than just the golf course • To broaden and improve lifestyle amenities • To better focus on Viera East’s waterways, trails and preserves • To improve the fiscal health of the VECDD In the Nov. 3 election for the three seats to the VECDD board, the results of the final two vote getters were: Group 3: Pete Carnesale 2,569 (46 percent), Melinda Thomsen 1,054 (18.9 percent) Group 4: Steve Colasinski 3,275 (59.1 percent), William Oakley 2,270 (40.9 percent) Group 5: Robert Dale 3,335 (60.2 percent), Jo Walsh 2,207 (39.8 percent) VV

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

Wild creatures are inadvertently harmed when humans apply poison baits, pesticides and insecticides or discard trash inadequately.

Natural approaches prevent poisonous harm to wildlife Wild creatures are inadvertently harmed when humans apply poison baits, pesticides and insecticides or discard trash inadequately.

Yet, there are safe alternatives.

For example, poisoned baits intended for rodents also entice non-targeted animals, such as bobcats, more. Marigolds deter aphids coyotes and hawks. and rabbits. Nasturtiums Preferable approaches are are desirable garden border removing bird seed, food plants since pests such as waste, junk piles, pet food and cabbage moths are attracted other rodent attractants. to their leaves, and not to Also troublesome are crops. Petunias capture pests pesticides. They protect crops including asparagus beetles but devastate birds. Ingested in their sticky stamens. granules impair birds’ singing There are accomplished abilities -- vital for attracting pest controllers. Birds feed on mates. Additionally, chick hatching and survival may be caterpillars, moths or snails.

Bats also feed on moths. Bird jeopardized.

Another hazard is a feeders and bat boxes attract contaminated food web: these invaluable creatures. In Tainted locusts are eaten by addition, water accessibility a frog, which is eaten by a in gardens draws hungry snake, which is eaten by amphibians. a hawk.

Among other concerns are Surely, there are harmless insecticides. They eliminate pesticide substitutes. In insects, especially bees, our biocontrol, the natural essential pollinators. Bees enemies of pests are survive on nectar and pollen introduced to crops. from flowers, but systemic Beneficial parasitic wasps or contact insecticides that control aphids can be contaminate flowers. attracted by growing herbs Individual gardeners can and flowers that supply nectar and pollen, such as dill help: Invite bees to nontoxic and Queen Anne’s lace. In plants cultivated in your ancient China, ants controlled backyard or on a city rooftop. insects on citrus fruit.

Exceedingly harmful to Natural barriers, another wildlife is trash, notably form of biocontrol, may plastics. One dead sperm involve beetle banks (berms) whale’s stomach was found to eliminate pests. When to contain 100 plastic cups, bunch grasses or perennials 25 plastic bags, four plastic like sunflowers are planted bottles, and two flip-flops. A on barriers in the middle pelican died after ingesting of crop fields, they create 17 plastic bags. Starving havens for beetles and other polar bears swallow plastics. beneficial creatures that Ingested plastics restrict consume pests. digestion and leak toxins.

Likewise advantageous is companion planting Furthermore, kite strings (polyculture). For instance, and fishing lines and nets tomatoes repel diamondentangle birds and other backed moth larvae that animals, causing starvation. destroy cabbage; therefore, Though it might seem plant tomatoes adjacent to inconvenient, wildlife can be cabbage. Moreover, basil protected while practicing protects tomatoes against natural pest control. Position tomato hornworms that vegetative buffers, filter defoliate the tomato plant strips or straw wattles to and eat the fruit. curb toxic agricultural runAs well, flowers deter off. Substitute plastic items pests. Chrysanthemums, with eco-friendly products. which contain pyrethrum (common in insect repellent), Dispose of trash judiciously. deter Japanese beetles and VV

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Viera Voice | December 2020

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