Viera Voice, May 2021 by Viera Voice • Senior Life • Boomer Guide

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4

A cross-state tribute Story, page 2

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Michael Freeman, left, and John Bobelak completed a tribute bike ride for the late Lt. Col. James Rich of Suntree. They rode from Titusville to St. Petersburg and back.

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VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Michael Freeman honored his friend James Rich with a ride across the state.

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

John Bobelak saw landscape during his cycling adventure that he never had seen before.

Viera men cycle across state to honor fellow veteran BY LINDA JUMP Two Viera men bicycled 500 miles across the state and back in a week last month to remain fit but also to remember a fellow Northrop Grumman engineer friend and bicyclist.

John Bobelak, 51, and Michael Freeman, 48, cycled the 250-mile Florida Coast to Coast Trail that begins in Titusville and ends in St. Petersburg to honor retired Lt. Col. James Rich of Suntree, who died March 28, 2020. “He got sick (from lung

cancer) during the COVID lockdown. We couldn’t visit him or attend his funeral,” Freeman said. The bike ride wasn’t designed to raise money, but to spend time in nature remembering bicycling with Rich. All three served in the Air Force during the same time period and were coworkers. “He is missed,” Bobelak said. The men trained about six months. Freeman lost 74 pounds; Bobelak lost 40 pounds. “You can burn 3,000 calories on a bike ride of five or six hours. The diet and exercise improved my health,” Bobelak said. They rode the initial section starting in Titusville, going farther and farther into the trail. “We’d never done a multiday trip,” Freeman said. Each man carried less

than 25 pounds of supplies, including bicycle repair needs, on racing bikes. They faced rain and 25 mph headwinds some days, one flat tire and hills, following markings until encountering uncompleted sections between Clermont and Brooksville. “Highway 50 was too dangerous so we were on country roads with no shoulders and passing logging trucks,” Freeman explained. They had no injuries. The first day, they cycled 90 miles from Titusville to Mims and through Sanford to Clermont. They stayed in hotels nightly instead of camping. “We knew we needed to rest well,” Bobelak said. Day 2 was 70 miles to Brooksville. “This section was more challenging, with

gaps,” he said. Day 3 ended in St. Petersburg at the Gulf of Mexico. They rested one day instead of two because of projected bad weather and reversed the route home. “This gives you time to reflect on your life,” Bobelak said. The cyclists became good Samaritans along the way, herding dogs that ditched their leashes and helping an elderly woman who had fallen while out walking. “In a car, you don’t notice much of the landscape. We saw the beautiful wooded forest and rural farmland,” Bobelak said. The two are planning future cycling trips. “We’d like to try to do the trip in two days each way and I want to ride to Key West,” Freeman said. V V

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Suntree parents advocate for foster children BY WENDY SCHEURING

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Joe and Karen Klein love Walt Disney World. That’s where they became engaged and then wed in 2009 before purchasing a home in Suntree. It was a fairytale proposal, Karen Klein said, and a fairytale wedding. Then, life got busy. In addition to his 50to 60-hour workweek as a sales manager for PNC Bank, Joe Klein started law school at Florida A&M University in Orlando, taking night classes. He graduated in 2013 and started his own law firm with two classmates. The couple also wanted to start a family. They now have Dorinda, 7; Joseph, 6; Cosette, 4; and are foster parents to a 1-year-old. “At first, we were going through infertility treatments, but it wasn’t working,” Karen Klein said. “Then, we went through an egg donor program with a doctor in California. That’s how we had our first two children. We were still trying for a third child. “We had always talked about adoption or fostering, and we just kind of thought that we would do that when our kids were grown.” But, the couple found

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that the fostering program with Brevard Family Partnership was more than accommodating. “That’s how we ended up fostering our daughter, Cosette, and in the end, we were able to adopt her. We’ve been fostering for four years,” Karen Klein said.

“With fostering, you are held to a higher standard, and rightfully so. You are caring for someone else’s child.” — Joe Klein

“She’s the backbone of this family,” Joe Klein said of his wife. “She makes sure we are doing everything we need to do to keep up our lifestyle. It’s a full-time gig.” The couple extended their reach to foster another child. “Adding a fourth is an undertaking in itself,” said Joe Klein. “With fostering, you are held to a higher standard, and rightfully so. You are caring for someone else’s child.” Not all foster children are adopted, however. The goal, if possible, is to reunite the biological parents with the child. “Karen plays such an instrumental role in support of this individual,” Joe Klein said. The couple feels that Suntree is a community of strong families, and they like that their children can spend a lot of time playing outdoors. “Just as simple as going outside and digging in the dirt and making mud pies. They also love doing arts and crafts, and they like video games and movies,” Karen Klein said. The family also enjoys going to the Brevard Zoo, where Joe is a board member. In addition to his law practice, Joe Klein volunteers as an attorney ad litem, advocating for foster children’s needs. “We are in such desperate need for foster parents in Brevard County. Sometimes, I don’t think we realize how many kids are in need and how important it is to have strong families,” he said. V V

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Viera Voice | May 2021

East Coast Christian buries prayer box on site of planned church in Viera BY ERNEST ARICO More than 100 church members and friends helped bury a ceremonial prayer box at the site of the new East Coast Christian Center in Viera on Sunday, April 18. The new church will be on Viera Boulevard near Manatee Elementary School. The ceremony was prior to the official groundbreaking of the nearly 20,000-squarefoot church. Church officials hope construction will be completed by Easter Sunday

2022. W&J Construction Corp. of Rockledge is building the church. “We are pleased to have chosen this site for our new church,” said ECCC Pastor Matt Stallbaum. “It is very important for us to make a statement of faith, a commitment to the community. Nothing has been built on this land before. We want this to be a church of hope and faith.” Since 2011, ECCC has used Viera High School for its services. The congregation

includes at least 300 families. “Once the church is built, the community can gather at more occasions,” Stallbaum said. Prior to its burial, the box was filled with prayer requests by church members. The ceremony included free ice cream, water and live music. Neil and Sharon Migala, residents of Windover Farms in Melbourne, attended the ceremony with their three boys, ages 14, 11 and 9. They have been members since ECCC held services in The Avenue movie theater and the high school. “This is a huge event,” said Sharon Migala, who put two prayer requests for family members in the box. “We constantly tear up and down our services now, but when the church is built, we will have roots and be seen by the community.” Christian Hurston, the associate pastor and project manager, said this is truly a very special time for ECCC. “It has been a long road for us, but we are close to fulfilling our mission of building a life-giving church that lasts, he said. For more information about ECCC in Viera, visit eccc.us/viera. V V

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of ECCC

An artist rendering shows what the new East Coast Christian Center in Viera will look like. The church will be on Viera Boulevard near Manatee Elementary School.

VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

A prayer box is placed inside a hole during the April 18 ceremony at the new site of East Coast Christian Center in Viera.

VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

A truck dumps dirt over the hole containing a prayer box during the April 18 ceremony at the new site of East Coast Christian Center in Viera.

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VIERA VOICE Fred Mays

Dog shelters at Woodside Park will be solid wood structures.

VIERA VOICE Fred Mays

Woodside Park is located off Murrell Road at Crane Creek.

Woodside Park bringing play areas for all ages, dogs BY FRED MAYS Volunteer work is underway at Woodside Park in Viera to add a dog park and playground for children and young-minded adults. The park is off Murrell Road at Crane Creek. There will be two fenced dog parks — one for big dogs, one for small. It includes a dog shelter and two misting stations where dogs and their people can cool off in the shade. The volunteer effort has been hampered by the coronavirus. More than 100 people have signed up to help, but group sizes are being limited to allow for social distancing. Groups are being kept to about 20 people for the time being. In addition to the dog parks, the new playground area will have slides and tunnels on elevated mounds. Old tires will be painted and used as climbing stations and play obstacles for kids. Other features in the park include a walking path, an area for yoga classes, a rock garden and a place for outdoor movies.

John Casey is the project coordinator for Woodside Park.

Michelle Webb, who coordinates the volunteer work for the Viera East Community Development District, says there is an area that can be used for a farmers market. Also, a request is going to be made to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stock the small lake at the park entrance for fishing. The park will feature large umbrellas and shade sails, as well as benches and tables made from recycled plastic bottles. Colorful Adirondack chairs will be placed around the park.

Volunteers are coming from the community and Brevard Zoo, which will conduct education programs at the park. Some volunteers are high school students doing community service credits. Businessman Mark Pieloch and his wife, Tetiana, have provided a $70,000 grant to finance the work. The Pielochs have underwritten two other community parks in Melbourne. John Casey, the project coordinator, has worked on all the parks with the Pielochs. Casey is particularly

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proud of the dog shelters, which are solid wood structures tied together with hurricane straps. “People in the area might want to ride out a hurricane in these shelters because they are built so strong,” he said, laughing. “Our dog shelters normally have shingle roofs,

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but because this is Viera, these will have tile roofs.” The A. Duda & Sons Inc. has donated all the sod — 15 palettes worth. LSP Nursery is donating workers for the sod installation. D Bell General Contracting is providing labor for the project. Work has been slowed by permitting issues with Brevard County. The county originally designated the dog shelter as a “house” and wanted it to meet the housing code. After some negotiating, that issue was resolved. Code Enforcement is involved in the fencing plans around the dog parks. The work is being done by the Viera East Community Development District. Barring any unforeseen delays, work is expected to be completed by June or July. VV

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Viera track teams looking strong heading into regional, state meets BY CARL KOTALA

The regional and state track and field meets are coming up this month, and the Viera High Hawks are on quite a roll. Viera’s girls won the Class 4A, District 10 Championship last month and Zak Sedaros firmly established himself as one of the top sprinters in the state. Sedaros not only ran his best times of the season while winning the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the district meet, his 200 time of 20.92 — though windaided — was the second fastest time nationally under all conditions according to flrunners.com. His 100-meter time of 10.45 was the fifth-fastest in the state. “It’s been really fun,” Sedaros said a day before the district finals. “I’m definitely

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera's Zak Sedaros, left, has run the second-fastest 200 meters time in the nation and Alexa Baker is part of a 4x800 relay team that expects to go to the state meet this season.

glad I decided to run track for my senior year. It’s been a really enjoyable experience for sure.” Not only is Sedaros poised to do well at the regionals May 1 at Osceola High in Kissimmee and the state

meet May 8 at the University of North Florida, but he’s also drawing interest on the collegiate level. A wide receiver in football, Sedaros will have preferred walk-on status at South Florida in the fall. He also

in Class 1A in the 100- and 200-meter sprints, is expected to make it to North Florida. She recently won district championships in both events. Eighth-grader Jadeyn Webb was second in the 100 and third in the 200. Alinah Sarratt should be a strong candidate to get to state in at least two events. The freshman finished second in the 400 at the district meet and was part of a winning 4x800 relay team that included freshman Sophia Weiner, senior Isabella Weiner and junior Julia McNatt. The boys 4x800 relay team of senior Matthew Allen, senior Ty Johnson, eighthgrader Skyler Jensen and freshman Garrett Tinker is expected to reach the state meet. Individually, junior

Jonathan Bailey has a chance to go in the sprints and the long jump. “My year’s going pretty well right now,” Jonathan Bailey said prior to the district meet. “Each track meet, I’ve gotten (personal records), and I just keep improving in everything.” Bailey, who has run 10.97 seconds in the 100, 22.9 in the 200 and long-jumped 20 feet, 6 inches has his sights set on continuing to improve. His goals by the end of the season are a 10.8 in the 100, 22.1 in the 200 and a 22-foot long jump. As for the state meet, his goal is to finish in the top eight in each of his events. Collins, meanwhile, is hoping to lower her best time in the 100 (12.29) to 12.0 and

has track scholarship offers from Troy University and the University of Florida. “That was very cool to say you could go to college for two different sports,” Sedaros said. “I was very proud of that.” Not only will Sedaros attempt to make it to the state meet in both sprints, he is also part of a 4x100 relay team with Preston Foreman, Mark Adams and James Goffigan that has a shot, too. Junior Michael Toppi, meanwhile has a chance to go in both distance races. Viera’s girls have a number of state-meet contenders, including sophomore Ciara Thomas and distance runners Isabella Narvaez and Brooke Gerrits. “Our region is tough, but we also have tough kids,” Viera girls coach Odeika Giscombe said. Senior Alexa Baker and

her 4x800 relay teammates, Chelsea Paglia, Narvaez and Danielle Contreras, have a plan they’re hoping to execute. “Our goal for each individual person is to definitely be under 2:30 and to try to break what we did before, which was 9:53,” Baker said. “Everybody under 2:30 and breaking 9:53 would be a great day for us.” As their district title showed, when the Hawks are executing their game plan, they have a chance to go a long way. “We knew we had a chance to win, but we knew we had to execute to do well,” Giscombe said. “Our coaching staff is great. The kids are great. … I’m very proud of those girls. They fought through a lot, and they’ve really been putting in the effort every week.” V V

Tigers track athletes rev up for regional, state meets

BY CARL KOTALA The Holy Trinity Tigers have some track and field athletes that will bear watching now and for years to come. “In the five years I’ve been head coach, and probably in the decade I’ve been here as a coach, this is the youngest we’ve been,” Holy Trinity’s Marc Bailey said. “Our better athletes are eighth graders and freshmen. … We’re really young. I’m not calling it a rebuilding thing because we have some seniors that work hard and are going to do well.” The Class 1, Region 2 meet is set for May 1 at Oak Hall High School in Gainesville. The state championship meet is scheduled for May 7 at the University of North Florida. Freshman Maya Collins, ranked No. 1 in the state

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VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

The Holy Trinity Tigers have a lot of young talent, including freshman Maya Collins, left, junior captain Dylan Collins and junior Jonathan Bailey. Maya Collins has the top times in the 100 and 200 meter sprints in Class 1A.

to go from 25.51 to under 25.00 in the 200. She’s confident about her chances at the state meet. “I think I’m going to do pretty well,” she said. “I’m running against some really good competition. There’s a

lot of girls that are really fast. “I’m just going to go out and try and have a really good race and work on the stuff that we’ve been working on in practice and try to have some good form and run a good race.” V V

Jordan Ray commits to Yale

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE Jordan Ray, a 16-year-old sophomore from Rockledge High School, has committed to play hockey for Yale University. She will graduate from Rockledge in 2023. She has a 4.0 grade point average in the school’s Cambridge program. Ray, a forward for the Florida Alliance 16U girls hockey team, is a standout forward for the squad. V V

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Ray family

Jordan Ray plans to play hockey for Yale University in the future.

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Holy Trinity football ‘optimistic’ about new talent for next season BY CARL KOTALA

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Rising senior Connor Yancey will help anchor the Viera secondary this season. The Hawks started spring football practice April 26.

Defense to carry load as Viera football offense matures BY CARL KOTALA The Viera Hawks will enter spring football practice knowing they need to put in work on one side of the ball. And it won’t be their defense. “Every spring, you’re trying to build something,” Viera coach Derek Smith said. “We’re not really going to be building a defense. It’s going to be flat out. I think they’re ready to play regardless. They’re going to carry us in the spring while the offense gets time to marinate and mature.” Spring practice began April 26, with Viera scheduled to host Bayside at 6:30 p.m. May 21. Rising senior defensive tackle Jamari Lyons will lead an experienced defensive unit. He has offers from Florida, Florida State and Miami as well as South Carolina, Ohio State, Georgia and a number of other top programs from around the country. Other top returners include linebackers Johnny Eaton and Andreas Foreman and defensive back Connor Yancey. The Hawks will also benefit from the return of three who did not play football last year — linebacker Jack Hathaway and defensive backs A.J. Floyd and Mark Adams. Injured linebacker Austin Smith (ACL) and defensive end Connor Nelson (shoulder) won’t take part this spring, but will have big roles to play in the fall. Other defensive players to watch will be returning defensive end Cameron

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Wright and defensive tackle Trey Lyons, who will be lining up next to his older brother. Rising junior Chase Lohman will get a chance to step in at linebacker for Smith this spring. Offensively, the Hawks will return starting quarterback C.J. Simms with Dylan Burk expected to push him. Cohen Graham-Johnson and Judah Knight will be at running back. The wide receiving corps should get a boost from the return of Donovan Giles. He’ll be joined by Dominic Gentile, Caden Simpson and Andrew Mertens. Jake Woodruff will miss the spring recovering from an injury, but he is expected to be cleared to play in the fall. Smith said the Hawks will be looking at sophomores Terrance Latner and Carter Virsik to see if they can contribute at wide receiver or defensive back. The biggest question mark this spring will be the offensive line, where Viera must replace all five starters. The leading candidates going into spring will be Kyle Bortz, Hayes Kingston, Maguire Pedrick, Caden Roscoe and Logan Keith. That group will play a pivotal role in Viera’s success this spring and in the fall. “They’re going to have to mature fast, because they’re going to have to block our defense every day in practice,” Smith said. “And they’re going to get good at being a team because it’s going to take two or three of them to block Jamari.” V V

The Holy Trinity Tigers lost a number of talented players to graduation following the 2020 football season, but help is on the way. Spring football began April 26, and head coach Nate Hooks Jr. said he hopes to have 25 to 30 players out for the team when fall season comes around, including an impressive crop of freshmen. That would be a big number for the Tigers, who had to play several games last season with about a dozen healthy bodies. “I’m extremely optimistic,” Hooks said. “This has a chance to be the best freshman class since I’ve been here. “The ’20-’21 (senior) class was pretty good with seven guys signing college scholarships.” In addition to the freshmen, the Tigers will welcome a pair of rising senior transfers in Ty Englehart (Melbourne) and Thomas Nargi (Cocoa Beach), who will compete to become Holy Trinity’s new starting quarterback after Davin Wydner transferred to Cocoa. Holy Trinity is scheduled to host Palm Beach Christian Prep at 7 p.m. May 28 in its spring game. The Tigers, who have reached the Class 3A regional

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Holy Trinity football coach Nate Hooks Jr. called Dayday Farmer "one of the best freshmen in America" and said he expects the rising sophomore to "be the face of the program and show all the young guys how to think, act and train like a champ" this spring.

semifinals each of the past three seasons, will drop down to Class 2A for 2021 under the FHSAA’s oneyear cycle of classification rankings. Holy Trinity expects to have 11 returners from last year’s team, including rising senior running back/safety Jadon Gowins. One player to certainly watch out for this spring will be rising sophomore Dayday Farmer, an electric playmaker who caught 49 passes for 700 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman. Farmer, who already has an offer from Florida Atlantic, took part in the ESPN 300 Elite Underclassmen Camp in Orlando last month.

“I expect Dayday to be the face of the program and show all the young (players) how to think, act and train like a champ,” Hooks said. “He’s the only freshman to make the All-State teams. He’s definitely one of the best freshmen in America.” The Tigers also will have an advantage on special teams with the return of kicker/punter Jackson Fain, who will be able to help Holy Trinity flip the field or put some points up on the board. The rising junior who was honorable mention All-State in 2020 figures to only get better. “We cross the 35 (yard line), it’s three points,” Hooks said. “Jackson is going to be a weapon.” V V

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Viera Voice | May 2021

Hurst appreciates Holy Trinity tournament honor BY CARL KOTALA

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Space Coast Rockets

Head coach Richard Sneed, assistant coach Andreas Johansson, team manager Matays Vas, assistant coach Joel Baum, Luke Nistorenko, Karsten Petersen, Andrew Baum, Bryce Conner, Colin Sneed, Jackson Maddox, Colin McNenimen, Ryan Porreca, Reagen Scott, Shane Tutino, Noe Vas and Dylan Wilkhu are members of the Space Coast Rockets.

Space Coast Rockets return to capture state hockey title SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The Space Coast Rockets 10UA2 Travel hockey team put an explosive mark on the season with a dominating performance at the 2020-21 SAHOF State Championship Tournament. The Rockets defeated the Clearwater Ice Storm 3-1 in the championship game last month at Advent Health Center Ice Arena in Tampa. “I couldn’t be prouder of this group of kids, and I’m sure this will be a memory they keep for the rest of their lives,” assistant coach Joel Baum said. “Watching their sticks and gloves fly into the air to celebrate when the clock hit 0:00 was an incredible moment for us coaches and parents, too. The kids worked hard all year, and it’s awesome to see that effort rewarded with a state championship.” Getting to the final was no easy feat, and the semifinal matchup against the Jacksonville Jets did not disappoint. Regulation ended in a 2-2 tie. Overtime was a battle from the start. Both goalies held steady, neither letting a single puck enter their house. The Rockets weren’t finished yet, punching their ticket to the finals with a

shootout victory, winning 3-2. “It’s hard to believe that most of these boys were just learning to skate the last time the Space Coast even had a travel hockey team,” said Richard Sneed, the youth hockey director at the Space Coast Iceplex and head coach of the Rockets. Rockets hockey, coming off a nearly six-year hiatus on the Space Coast, made its return to the 10UA2 Statewide Armature Hockey of Florida this season. The Rockets claimed not only the coveted state tournament title, but landed on top of the division, beating out eight other teams in Florida. “It was very exciting to watch the end results of these kids’ development this season,” assistant coach Andreas Johansson said. “Their hard work paid off, and I am very proud of them. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.” Those interested in learning more about the hockey programs at the Iceplex can visit spacecoasticeplex.com, call Sneed at 321-504-7500, ext. 211 or email him at Rich@ spacecoasticeplex.com. V V

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Vicky Hurst feels like there is still plenty of good golf ahead of her. That’s why the former Holy Trinity star is out on the Symetra Tour, trying to work her way back to regular status on the LPGA Tour after dealing with a wrist injury that had a big impact on her career. Meanwhile, the 30-yearold’s legacy continues to live on at her old high school, which hosted the Vicky Hurst Holy Trinity Golf Tournament at Suntree Country Club last month to help raise money for the school’s 41 athletic teams. “It’s such an honor to be part of Holy Trinity and VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Teresa McIntyre to have my name on the Vicky Hurst tees up a shot on the 18th hole at Suntree Country Club. event. It’s very humbling,” issues with her wrist in 2013 spends a lot of time here in Hurst said by phone from but didn’t take time off. the offseason. California, where she was “I tried to play “I feel good,” Hurst said. preparing for a tournament. tournaments on a bad wrist, “It’s funny because with “Holy Trinity gave me so so my golf game went down my wrist injury, my swing much when I was in high pretty quickly,” she said. “It’s changed a lot. It’s kind of like school and even when I hard enough to compete at having to rebuild a whole started my career.” the highest level when you’re new golf swing and a whole A 2008 graduate, Hurst in your best physical health. new golf game because my began her pro career when Trying to do it on a bad wrist body can’t do what it did she was just 17 years old was just a bad idea.” when I was 20. But I feel and qualified for full LPGA Though Hurst is usually good. I have a great coach, playing status in 2009. a very positive person, Scott Hamilton. We’ve been She has 10 career top 10 there were times when making some necessary finishes on the LPGA Tour she admittedly lost her changes. and has won eight Symetra confidence. Rather than give “I feel like I’ve got some Tour titles, the last coming up, she stuck with it and really good golf ahead of me. at the 2018 Self Regional now feels much better about I’m just working on getting in Healthcare Foundation the state of her health and the groove of the season and Women’s Classic at the Links going out there and playing at Stoney Point in Greenwood, current golf game. Her mother, who was and not worrying about South Carolina. once her caddie, still lives in swing changes or injuries or It’s been a long road back for Hurst, who started having the area. Hurst said she still anything like that.” V V

INSIDE THE ROPES

Busy season continues at Viera East BY DAVID D. HORST Two tournaments in the past month and a half drew top golfers in the Viera East Men’s Golf Association. The first two-week tournament was the VEMA Cup with 62 golfers, 31 teams divided into handicaps. The two-week VEMA Cup tournament featured a scramble format the first Thursday and a best ball or lowest team score on the following Thursday. The top teams with ties for first and third places were: Flight A and C: first, Robbie Rosenberger and Frank Westwell tied with Mike Piccininni and Bob Gustavson; third-place teams tied were Al Foppiano and Allen Starcher, Bill Scholtens and Craig Smith, Randy Sweaney and Robert Downey. Flight B/D: first, David Jensen and David Horst; two-way tie for second, John Moriarty and Tom Walker with John McComas and Gary Baxter.

Bill Hall was closest-tothe-pin from the sky tees on No. 4. Ed Raleigh from the green tees on No. 4. Bruce Schwanda (sky tees) and Bill Scholtens (green tees) were closest on No. 7. Larry Henris (sky tees) and David Horst (green tees) were closest to the pin on No. 13. Schwanda (sky tees) and Horst (green tees) on No. 16. In the Masters Tournament, players performed individually and were grouped in one of four flights. On Day One, the top three players in each flights were: Flight A: first, Al Foppiano; second, Gene Quirk; third, Jim Kopliner. Flight B: first-place tie, John McComas and Mark Hughes; third-place tie, Tim Brown and Randy Sweany. Flight C: first-place tie, Jeff Jaskiewicz and Bob Gustavson; third-place tie, Ben Herrman and Danny Barrios. Flight D: first, Tom Walker; second, Kerin Vetter;

third, Allen Satcher, Greg Humble and Glen Tarsha. Tony Hines (sky blue tees) and John Moriarty (green tees) were closest-to-the-pin on No. 4. Dale Ziegler (sky blue tees) and Simon Cole (green tees) were closest-tothe-pin on No. 7. Schwanda (sky blue tees) and Jim Kopliner (green tees) were closest-to-the-pin on No. 13. Allen Satcher (sky blue tees) and Robinson (green tees) were closest-to-the-pin on No. 16. Kopliner won Flight A of the final round of VEMA’s Masters Tournament. Mark Palace won Flight B, Marc Brown claimed Flight C and Tom Walker won Flight D. The four flight winners will compete against each other for the coveted green jacket. Glen Tarsha and Freddie Baltazar were closest-to-thepin on No. 4, Wilson Butler and Kenneth Conrad on No. 7, Allen Stacher and Al Foppiano on No. 13, and Craig Smith on No. 16. V V

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VIERA PARKS & SANCTUARIES Spotlight on parks and sanctuaries in the Viera, Suntree and Rockledge areas Check out our park videos on vieravoice.com

A diverse athletic facility provides miles of walking paths for Viera residents Overview Viera Regional Park Location: 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940 Phone: 321-433-4891 Manager: Brevard County Parks and Recreation

This 117-acre park is known for its athletic fields, but it has concrete walking paths that line the entire facility. Viera Regional Park boasts two lighted youth softball fields, two major and two senior Little League lighted baseball fields, an unlighted T-ball field, five AstroTurf soccer fields, two lighted AstroTurf lacrosse and football fields, with a concession building. Viera Regional Park is home for the Space Coast United Soccer Club. “Viera Regional Park has a lot of open green space for running, walking, flying kites and playing soccer. There are also a few geocaches waiting to be found,” said Melbourne resident Jennifer Parkerson. Other park facilities include two lighted outdoor basketball courts, two playground areas, four lighted tennis courts, family and group pavilions that seat 20 to 200 people, extensive sidewalks, and an 18,000 square-foot community center with

The Space Coast

UPDATE VIERA VOICE Katie Sivco

Concrete walking paths line the entire facility at Viera Regional Park.

VIERA VOICE Katie Sivco

Future football and lacrosse players for Viera High School practice at Viera Regional Park.

a gymnasium, banquet kitchen, meeting rooms and two sets of restrooms (one with showers). The Viera Regional Park Community Center offers a variety of classes to the public, including fencing, line dancing, Taekwondo, ballet and other fitness classes. “This is a great park for the kids to run off some energy. The park is perfect for younger and older kids. There are sidewalks all

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around so mom can get in some exercise as well,” Parkerson said. A site centrally located in the park is dedicated to a garden, which is managed by volunteers. These facilities can be rented for special events. For more information about activities, classes, and upcoming events, call 321-433-4891. V V Compiled by Katie Sivco

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Viera Voice | May 2021

s w e N

SCHOOL

Viera High student government achieves national excellence

BY CARL KOTALA

homecoming court, voter registration drives, freshmen It’s been a challenging orientation videos … lots of year to say the least, but the projects that are community Viera High School Student and school (related).” Government Association In a year where the has been recognized for COVID-19 pandemic has excellence once again. forced the cancellation of The group was notified dances, pep rallies and other last month that it has been events, the SGA has had to get honored as a 2021 National creative. Gold Council of Excellence by One of its most popular the National Student Council. projects was from junior It’s the fourth consecutive Dawson Leary, who came up year the Viera SGA has with a virtual scavenger hunt received such recognition. that included those on campus “It’s a pretty big deal and eLearners at home. getting this national “I was trying to think of recognition,” said Gaby different ideas that we could Torres, a Viera High math do that could get everybody teacher and the school’s SGA involved but still be easy for advisor. us to control,” Leary said. “Not many schools “We made it a competition nationally get this between classes. We tried recognition. I can’t tell you the to see who could escape the number of schools in Florida fastest. VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala this year that received this, “The idea … I don’t know. It Viera High School's Student Government Association (SGA) has been recognized as a 2021 National Gold Council but I want to say it was less just came to me one day. One of Excellence by the National Student Council. Pictured are SGA members Mason Spira, left, Devin Fox, Dawson than five last year from the of the previous years, I went Leary, Zoe Griffin and Rachel Moore. entire state.” to an escape room for my The award is based on birthday party. I was like, hey, an exemplary record of surrounding community. A minutes from all of our general session meetings,” this would be cool to do in a leadership, service and number of checkmarks have virtual event.” meetings, whether that be junior Zoe Griffin said. “We activities that serve to to be met to qualify. A community-based executive board meetings, also have to document all improve the school and its “We have to have our project focused on getting officer meetings or just of the projects we do — seniors registered to vote. “We worked with our principal (Sarah Robinson), and we also worked with the School Board on trying to get seniorsand registered Check out the Q&L website foreligible class schedule events. to vote from Viera,” Griffin  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®, said. had an infographic on our Brother®, Koala ®, Floriani “We ,® & Anita Goodesign® PrivateLessons Lessons Private Viera homepage for a while, service engineer  Full-time, on-site, factory certified Piano• •Voice Voice• •Violin Violin and we tried to get the word We try our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ • •Piano May 1, 10 am - 2 pm: Make and Take a Harp• •Guitar Guitar• •Ukulele Ukulele out to all of our students here. • •Harp Flower Pincushion for Mom for Mother’s Day 7720 N. Wickham Rd. up making “We ended Suites 111 &it112 & 113 May 7, 10 am - 4 pm: Kimberbell Summer a national project. (Viera Nights machine embroidery projects Melbourne, student) FL 32940 Luke (Carter) also brought it to Tennessee and May 8, 10 am -1 pm: Kid’s class - Make a Phone: (321) 622-8602, Fax: (321) 622-8574 M,W,Th,F: 10am 5pm, Tue: 12N 7pm, Kentucky. He used the same Mother’s Day Picture Frame gift www.quiltsandlace.com Sat: 10am - 2pm, Sun: CLOSED beth@quiltsandlace.com letter that we used over here Coming soon: Embellish “License to Create” to get the word out to other machine embroidery projects for more fun! schedule and events. Check out the Q&L website for class high schools in those two states.” Call Quilts and Lace for information on all of our in-store and virtual offerings.  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®, Sophomore Mason Spira We are now open for limited lessons. Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita Goodesign® Face masks are required for both teachers and Check ourBrother® websites for ,updates. • Follow us on enjoys seeing the impact of students. Parents wait in their car or return in 30 SGA engineer projects. Repair and Service available on site  Full-time, on-site, factory certified service minutes. Rooms are “It’s really cool to see how sanitized after each 7720 N. Wickham Rd. Suite 111 We try our best to ‘under-promise and over deliver’ people react to something student. Virtual lessons Melbourne, FL 32940 321-622-8602 are also scheduled. creative we managed to Loretta Fox, Ph.D. Owner and Director create or something that helps M, W, Th, F: 10a,- 5pm. Tues: 10am - 7pm, www.quiltsandlace.com Sat: 10am - 2 pm. Sun: CLOSED beth@quiltsandlace.com them in their long-term life,” he said. V V

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Tips from the Top BY ERNEST ARICO

Although the COVID-19 pandemic canceled Homecoming events, proms, a graduation trip to Universal Studios and many other senior class events, thousands of high school seniors across Brevard County will attend graduation ceremonies this month and receive their diplomas. If your son or daughter is graduating from high school this year, you’ll know how bittersweet this milestone is. All the sacrifices you made through the years — driving your kids back and forth to school, athletic practices and games, clubs, band, theater and, most recently helping those who chose to stay-at-home and do their online homework and assignments during this pandemic year. You name it. You did it all. But what about advice for your children going to college? How about the military? What if he or she decides to join the workforce? What words of wisdom do our graduates need to hear that will influence and encourage them to make the most out of the next phase of their lives? There are many words of wisdom that are available for parents to give their children. To help out, the Viera Voice has asked some of Brevard County’s top community leaders for some words of wisdom they would pass along to this year’s graduating seniors. forefront of your mind will only hold you back and limit those opportunities you must seek out on your own.’’

David Waltemeyer, deputy chief, Melbourne Police Department: “Control

your own destiny. This means do not expect someone to knock on your door and just give you an opportunity. Opportunities are made, not handed out. Be thoughtful in the direction you want to take after high school and seek guidance and support. Take the initiative to investigate opportunities that interest you and seek out and talk to those who can provide advice based on their experiences. Also, be confident and shake off those high school feelings of worrying about being judged or fitting in. A part of making your own destiny is being confident enough to take those hard first steps in life. You can not put one foot in front of the other and move forward in the face of uncertainty if you are more concerned about what people think about your shoes than the path you are seeking. Do not be scared to fail. Too often, the fear of failure overrides the pursuit of success. This attitude stifles initiative and creativity. Failure is inevitable so trying to navigate life’s challenges with the fear of failure in the

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Dr. Dedra Sibley, Cocoa campus provost, Eastern Florida State College: “Here you are at a pinnacle moment in your

Ron Meyr, pastor of life. You have accomplished Faith Viera Lutheran a milestone that you have Church: “Søren Kierkegaard, thought about, worked for, a 19th century Danish philosopher, would have you as graduating seniors imagine yourself sitting in a rowboat lazily floating down a river and suddenly waking from your nap to realize that you are perilously close to going over a waterfall. At that moment you have a choice to make — a leap of faith so to speak. You can choose to shout for help, to jump out of the boat and head for shore, to row furiously backward or any number of things which may or may not work out. The only choice you do not have at that moment is not to choose — because, you see, that also is a choice. What will the next 10 years of your life bring? You can plan for the future, hope in the future, be terrified of the future. And, no, one cannot totally control the future. But ‘choosing not to choose’ is also an option. After graduation there will be more than one ‘leap of faith’ in your life. Choose well, lean on family and friends, pick good mentors, make sure what you choose serves others and not just yourself!

and maybe even dreamed about. You have proven to yourself, and maybe others, that you can set a goal and achieve it. There may have been times of doubt, wanting to give up, or even questioning if you really wanted to pursue this goal . . . and yet here you are a graduate. You’re probably asking yourself, ‘what now?’ Whether you are on a course to continue your education or training or you are looking for a job

in your chosen career field. There is one thing I wish for all of you, no matter what your next course in life is . . . don’t forget to laugh! By now you have learned how to overcome obstacles and still forge ahead. You have learned that tomorrow brings a new day and with it opportunities. You have learned to not take yourself . . . and sometimes others, too seriously. I hope you have laughed along the way and recognize that you can accomplish more with laughter than you can with tears.’’

Jennifer Taylor, Circuit Court judge:

“You are in the graduating class of 2021 — the year of

the pandemic! You may have lost out on many traditional rites of passage, but you have bragging rights for decades to come. I wouldn’t blame you for feeling a little short-changed. My heart goes out to all of you who will not be able to celebrate your graduation in the way you expected. But you have your whole life ahead of you and you have already developed some of the life skills you need to succeed. Many of you had to overcome major obstacles on your path to graduation, but you adapted quickly and with determination and hard work you persevered! You have already proven that you are resilient and smart. Be kind to one another. And be careful. In the words of Professor Albus Dumbledore, ‘It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.’ I am so very proud of each of you. You have the ability to make this world a better place. I have no doubt that you will.” VV

Viera Voice | May 2021

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography

Holy Trinity’s salutatorian is Dante Valdivia.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography

Holy Trinity’s valedictorian is Ellen Choi.

Holy Trinity valedictorian, salutatorian ready to change the world

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BY MARIA SONNENBERG Meet Ellen Choi and Dante Valdivia, 2021 Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s valedictorian and salutatorian and two extraordinary young people ready to take flight into the world after a year that tested their mettle. From among 10,000 applicants for one of the coveted National Honor Society scholarships, Choi was among the 575 to receive a $3,200 college scholarship as a semifinalist. Holy Trinity’s valedictorian is also a National Merit semifinalist and a National AP scholar. The awards are music to the ears of the gifted student, a violinist with the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra since seventh grade and the winner of the annual BSYO Concerto Competition as a ninth grader. Sports are in Choi’s radar, too, for the Melbourne resident is a member of the girls’ golf team and serves as board leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Although the pandemic necessitated remote learning for Choi this school year, she turned lemons into lemonade by forming an association of fellow remote learners to connect with student life and activities. To serve her community, she created Buddies United to Dream, or BUD, a group of 40-plus students who remotely mentor and tutor fellow students in impoverished areas here and abroad. “Ellen is a stand-out member of her senior class, an exceptional academic scholar, and a passionate community servant,” Holy Trinity

President Dr. Katherine Cobb said. Choi has yet to decide on a specific college, but she is certain she will major in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a lawyer. Choi still might be undecided, but salutatorian Dante Valdivia had no questions about the school he wanted to attend. “Johns Hopkins was always my number one choice as to where I was going to attend, and I didn't really have a close second,” said Valdivia, who immediately enrolled in the Baltimore university in December. The Rockledge resident plans to enter the medical field, probably in a specialty. “The road ahead is very long and unpredictable, so we'll see what happens,” he said. Both students share words of wisdom beyond the years. “I would like my fellow peers to never forget the many lessons we learned during the pandemic, from perseverance and patience to the importance of our friends and family, and use them to their benefit whenever they encounter other hardships,” Choi said. Valdivia offers younger students wise advice: never give up. When life throws those inevitable curve balls, don’t back off, but hit it as hard as you can. “There will be points in your life that you will feel like giving up and dropping all of your commitments and hard work, but brave through the tough times that are bound to happen, and always keep in mind that there will always be an answer to your struggles if you keep persevering,” he said. V V

Holy Trinity to graduate 97 at upgraded stadium BY ERNEST ARICO

ALF # Pending

Viera Voice | May 2021

For the first time, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy will host a graduation ceremony at its newly upgraded Catherine A. Ford football field at Kelly Stadium on the Upper School (Pineda) campus at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 15. Ninety-seven seniors are scheduled to receive their high school diplomas at the outdoor ceremony. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all students, staff, families and guests will be required to wear masks or face coverings at the ceremony. In addition, students and staff

will complete temperature/health screenings, as they do every school day, in advance and as they enter the venue. At deadline, the school had not decided whether it will have temperature screenings for guests. Guest seating will be on the field and will adhere to appropriate social distancing guidelines. Students will be seated apart in the bleachers. Graduates will have an opportunity to receive their degree and remove their mask for a quick photo, but will otherwise maintain wearing a mask or face covering for the duration of the ceremony. V V

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Congratulations to all "Charlie Corbeil Youth Art Contest" artists

Nazara Ignacio

Arlie Freeman

Morgan Evans

Ishaani Molugu

Alexis DeTorre

Ashritha Vuddharaju

Kenji Blakeley

Ethan Landreville

Alena Lamothe

Charlotte Landreville

Hailey Scalia

Adrian Scalia

Riya Reddy

Lucianna Constantino

Leah Hart

Adalia N. Rodriguez-Rivera

Isabelle Darby

Anika Reddy

Evan Scalia

Joseph Scalia

Heidi Freeman

Jeffrey Freeman

Collin Byrd

Zoryana Rivera

Emma Landreville

Alexa Sims

Allison Baum

Brooklyn Pinsi

Juliana Castillo

Lillyana Worthington

Livia Witmer

Vanessa Sims

Wyatt Pinsi

Christian Lamothe

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Viera Voice | May 2021

French restaurants and bakeries, c’est tres bon for Brevard Not only c’est tres bon, but could this be a trend toward a Brevard County French Quarter? A new bakery and cafe coming to Suntree moves toward satisfying the taste for French food in the Viera/Suntree area. With a third French restaurant planned for the SuntreeViera area, a new trend in cuisine that includes baguettes, cassoulet, ratatouille and macarons, c’est tres bon.

By Linda Jump Photos: Adam Palumbo

“Americans have always considered anything French chic, and authentic French is rare,” said Jacqueline Dittmore, owner, baker and pastry chef at Jacqueline’s Bakery in Historic Downtown Melbourne. She plans to open a second, similar restaurant in Suntree Plaza by the end of summer or fall because of demand.

“With the second-best performing economy in the nation according to the Milken Institute, thanks to our diversified aerospace, defense and manufacturing base, which pays high wages, the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metro area is primed for entrepreneurial success stories like this,” said Brian Baluta, the director of communications for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. Ohio native Dittmore and her French husband, Christophe, opened their Melbourne restaurant in

Viera Voice | May 2021

2016 after moving from Paris, where she lived and trained for two decades. She has a grand diploma in cuisine and pastry from the famed Le Cordon Bleu and a certificate in artisan bread baking at the Ferrandi Culinary School in Paris. The restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch (hot and cold sandwiches, vegetarian and meat salads, quiches and savory pies) and sell pastries and other baked goods and desserts. “Our macarons are made fresh on site and are the best around,” she said. The restaurants also sell ice cream, coffees and other beverages, special-order cakes, quiches and savory pies. Catering is offered. Dittmore is contracting with a French vintner to provide Bordeaux wines. “Everything we serve is baked fresh each day from scratch,” she said. Her recipes have a Parisian influence, made with European-style butter, artisan flour without genetically modified organisms, real

vanilla beans and French chocolate. “The Melbourne kitchen is small, so at 4 a.m. we start baking the croissants and breads,” she said, to be ready to open daily at 7:30 a.m. The Suntree bakery will be larger, 2,400 square feet. “It will have a true commercial kitchen with a deck oven,” she said. The Suntree restaurant also will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. daily. Dittmore expects to hire four bakers and about a dozen full and parttime sales staff. The menu will be similar to the Melbourne store. “Prices might be a little higher because of the new minimum wage,” she said. Dittmore said her family visited her brother, Marc, in Brevard County in 2015. “It reminded us of Corsica.” Four months later, the family relocated here. For more information, visit jacquelinebakery.com.

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Chez Cani Café Bistro

The meal topped off with a dessert of homemade creme brûlée was the best, said Adam Palumbo, the art director at Bluewater Creative Group.

offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as catering, a private chef experience and tea time with pastries.

“The vinaigrette was superb, tangy and sweet that complemented the gizzards that were full of flavor that tickles the tongue — all ingredients are so unique yet harmonize perfectly in the mouth — it’s all about the details,” Palumbo said.

Chez Cani also sells French imported goods such as dry meats and cheeses, baking supplies and chocolates. Special events include Cassoulet Night and Couscous Night.

Other specialties include charcuterie boards, foie gras, beef Burgundy, ratatouille, La Salade Landaise and crepes.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed Monday.

Chez Cani, at 6375 N. Wickham Road, Suite 108,

For more information, visit chezcani.com.

Le Crave Café

fast and high-quality restaurants.

For some sweet and savory crepes, French

“American, Italian, Chinese and Thai eateries can be found on almost every corner,” Le said. “Le Crave brings a new trend to the area — classic Brittany-style crepes with a modern twist.”

smooth, not bitter or sour” to pair with his sweet crepes.

It offers breakfast, lunch and brunch at its Suntree location at 6525 Third St., Unit 107, at U.S. 1 and Suntree Blvd. There is also a Le Crave at Titus Landing in Titusville.

Le is a Vietnamese immigrant who studied the cuisine of Brittany, France combined with his engineering background. “Food is chemistry and art,” he said.

His crepes are more crisp than some, he said, in the style served in northwest France, where crepes originated. “Mine are different from the ones served in Paris,” he said.

Owner Tuan Le said Le Crave offers something for everyone and provides a new option in fresh,

He spent two years creating the recipe for the signature house coffee that is “strong but

Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For more information, visit lecravecafe.com.

Le Macaron Residents of Brevard County have come to delight in the mouthwatering and rich flavor

Owners Valerie and Fabrice Chauvet moved from Paris to Brevard and opened a Le Macaron in Melbourne four years ago. They opened the Viera location two years ago.

The Viera shop is bright pink popping off the showcase filled with colorful, beautiful and sweet French cookies and pastries.

“Coming here was truly the American dream, like a fantasy,” Fabrice Chauvet said. “It is a better life for our son with much better opportunities for school.”

The uniqueness of French cuisine livens the

taste buds with the dishes at Chez Cani French restaurant in Suntree. One such dish is the mixed salad with gizzards, croutons, pine nuts, bacon, Foie gras, fig vinaigrette and French bread. “This is a typical meal in the area of France that we are from” said Nicolas Memes, the owner of Chez Cani who moved with his wife, Carine, to Brevard County from the Bordeaux region in southwest France.

onion rice pilaf, boba tea and gelato, you’ll be pulled into Le Crave Cafe. And that is just a part of its large menu list.

of French pastries at Le Macaron.

The owners of Le Macaron in Viera are thrilled to have chosen the area for their unique pastry shop.

vieravoice.com

“It took me more than six months to work out the savory crepe recipe using buckwheat,” he said.

Le Macaron's Viera location is in The Avenue Viera.

Viera Voice | May 2021

HOLY TRINITY EPI

Congratulations to t Blair Agee

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Start Here. G

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOLY TRIN

ISCOPAL ACADEMY

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Go Anywhere.

Not pictured: Honglin (Justin) Huang and Yiye (Fred) Li Photos courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography, Inc.

NITY, VISIT WWW.HTACADEMY.ORG

Over the past five years, Holy Trinity graduates have been accepted to some of the world’s finest colleges and universities, including: American University Boston College Boston University California Institute of Technology Case Western Reserve University University of California Los Angeles University of Central Florida College of William & Mary Cornell University Clemson University Davidson College Dartmouth College Duke University Emory University Florida State University University of Florida Fordham University Furman University The George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Harvard College Johns Hopkins University Louisiana State University University of Miami New York University University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Northwestern University University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Southern California Southern Methodist University Stanford University Tulane University Vanderbilt University University of Virginia Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1 House feature 5 In __ (as found) 9 Sign one's name to 12 Kyrgyzstan range 13 Thames school 14 __ kwon do 15 Lugosi of horror flicks 16 New York MLBers 17 Paramedic's skill 18 Cry out 20 Anesthetic 22 Printer's measures 23 Final letter 24 Song of joy 27 Over there 30 Graceful entryway 31 Hamburger need 32 Vitality 34 Serious conflict 35 How -- things? 36 Tableland 37 Takeover 40 Welded 41 Help 42 Married 43 Canine warning 46 Condense 50 Gas pump abbr. 51 "Moonstruck" star 53 Seaweed derivative 54 Land in "la mer" 55 Under the covers 56 Make healthy 57 Color 58 Inquisitive 59 Hardy green

DOWN 1 Bunyan's blue ox 2 Mr. Trebek 3 Powder base 4 Racetrack near Miami 5 Big rigs 6 Part of a list 7 Tricycle rider 8 Invisible 9 Need a scratch 10 Collar site 11 "The King and I" actress 19 Miller or Blyth 21 Koppel or Knight 23 District 24 Handle roughly 25 Bedouin 26 Light brown 27 Round tent 28 Nights before 29 Get up 31 Modem speed unit 33 Angry 36 Face restorative 38 Deviate, as a rocket 39 Tin Man's need 40 Not masc. 42 Long-winded 43 Set of squares 44 Count on 45 Curved molding 46 High notes 47 Water, in Baja 48 Poet __ Sandburg 49 Oak or elm 52 Cinemax rival

Crossword Solution, page 33

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Viera Voice | May 2021

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p o o c BUSINESSS

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP

VIE R A

BUSINESS

Sudoku

SS E IN

VIERA MEANS

ANS BU The April Viera Means Business meeting E S was held April 8 at Olea at Viera. The M Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at member business locations. For an invitation to the May 13 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

VIERA MEANS

BUSINESS

Photos by Adam Palumbo

KIN G

O GR

Sudoku Solution, page 33

Olea at Viera hosted the April VMB gathering.

Stephanie Rivers, left, and Jill Blue.

Frank Venzara M.D.

Robert Bashore M.D.

Dan Daniels P.A.

LOVE YOUR LOOK WITH OUR

MAY SPECIALS

Josh Hester, left, Mary Renfro and Jacqueline Dittmore.

Viera professionals met over breakfast at Olea at Viera.

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Viera Voice | May 2021

Winn-Dixie ready to open its new Viera store BY WENDY SCHEURING The highly anticipated opening of the Viera WinnDixie grocery store in the Village Center Shopping

Plaza will begin with a grand opening celebration at 7:30 a.m. May 5. On that day, customers will receive mystery gift cards valued between $5

That girl, she’s going to move mountains

The Avenue Viera 2271 Town Center Ave #113, Melbourne 321.373.1002 • Yvonne@nicolemareebridal.com nicolemareebridal.com

and $100. Customers can enter a drawing to win a 2021 four-passenger electric golf cart May 8 and must be present to win. The socially distanced community celebration will be noon to 6 p.m. May 8 and 9. The remodeled 41,000-square-foot store, managed by Kelly Jenkins, will feature “an expanded offering of organic, natural and gluten-free options,” Kaley Shaffer, the director of public relations and community for Southeastern Grocers, wrote in an email. Winn-Dixie added to the space that housed Earth Fare, which opened in January 2019 and closed a little more than a year later. Winn-Dixie customers can expect “a farm-fresh produce department with fresh and dried peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms and a unique assortment of tropical fruits and berries, as well as more than 100 organic varieties.” An assortment of specialty cheeses featuring a selection of the month, grab-and-go meal options, including take-and-bake pizzas, fresh sushi, a sandwich station and chef-prepared plant-based proteins” will be available. The seafood department will offer a “variety of locally caught selections including Florida Keys lobster, first-of-the-season stone crab and large freshwater shrimp.” “We put the local community at the core of every design decision because our customers and associates who live in the community are the most important part of the store,” Shaffer said. Customers can find discounts, additional savings and coupons on the Winn-Dixie app. V V

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Kelly Jenkins, the store manager of the new Winn-Dixie in Viera, greets customers during the store’s drive-through promotion. Free samples were given out.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Patty and Mike Cuhl, left, and Kim Stockton, right, ride their bicycles during a drive-through promotion held by the new Winn-Dixie in Viera.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Winn-Dixie will open its new store in Viera on May 5.

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Viera Voice | May 2021

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Automatic home generator offers powerful ‘peace of mind’ BY ERNEST ARICO In the aftermath of a hurricane or event that knocks out power, people will be scrambling to get their lights on and their appliances working again. But for some, a computer built into their whole-house generator will automatically switch the electricity back on almost seamlessly. A Briggs and Stratton Standby Generator is one such generator that would do the job of keeping the lights on while others struggle with the outages that often come with major storms. Indian River Colony Club residents Chuck and Suzanne Cox wanted that seamless switch to a standby generator, so they had one installed for their home in August 2020. “It was really important for us to find a system that worked for us,” said Chuck Cox, a retired U.S. Army officer. “But more importantly, I wanted my wife taken care of. It’s given us peace of mind.” They got their generator through BSA Enterprises/ BSA Power Solutions of Fort Lauderdale, a familyowned and operated company since 1992. The

VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

Brian Ashworth, right, shows Chuck Cox some of the inner workings of his Briggs & Stratton Automatic Standby Generator.

family dealt with Brian Ashworth, the president of BSA Enterprises/BSA Power Solutions, which opened a Suntree-area location about two years ago. “We checked out some of the other vendors, but none of them had the right answers like Brian did,” Cox said. “Most of the other vendors would only give a seven-year warranty. Brian’s company gave us a 10-year warranty for all parts and labor.” Ashworth said the 20-kilowatt Briggs & Stratton Automatic Standby Generator with an underground 500-gallon propane tank is a perfect fit for any medium to large home. “More and more people are working at home because

of C0VID-19,” Ashworth said. “Our standby generator powers all of a home’s electrical needs easily and automatically. It keeps your family safe, comfortable and free from the stress that comes from power outages.” Ashworth explained a special feature of the rust-free aluminum standby generator is that its computer turns on the generator when the power goes off and manages the distribution of power to your selected appliances automatically. He said the system can run at least 10 days (the equivalent of 500 gallons of propane or 400 gallons of fuel). Since installing the system, Cox said he has lost power three times. “The system kicked on

automatically,” he said. “We never were without power.” The generator costs about $5,600. Costs to install the generator and a 500-gallon propane tank can be about $14,500. Installation prices can range up to $12,000 if a customer’s residence has natural gas. Ashworth said he has installed seven generators

at IRCC. “With more and more people working and schooling from home and the high demand for generators nationally, don’t wait,” he said. “We offer free estimates for anyone interested.” For more information about BSA Enterprises, go to bsapowersolutions.com or call 321-345-1133 V V

Sunday, May 9 9 am - 1 pm

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Do-it-yourself craft studio Pinspiration to open in Suntree BY R. NORMAN MOODY Work is just beginning in preparation for the opening of Pinspiration, a do-it-yourself arts and craft studio in Suntree, but the excitement is already building. Inspired by Pinterest, the studio, which is part of a franchise, is coming to the Suntree Square Shopping Center at 7777 N. Wickham Road. Getting the locale ready is well underway. “I’m so excited about it,” said owner Barbara Daigle, who left the corporate world

to open the new studio. “I was looking for something to do that I really enjoy.” Daigle said the studio will have something for everyone, from young children to senior citizens. It will include a wide variety of arts and craft projects from which to choose. It’s already extremely popular in other areas. Pinspiration offered franchises in 2018, and 41 studios opened or are opening soon. Two are in the Orlando area, with more across Florida. “It is limitless on what we

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will be able to offer,” she said. Most classes will be two to three hours. In addition, if a class of a particular craft is not regularly offered, one could be created if enough people are interested. Classes can be designed for groups. “If I can get enough interest in a particular craft, then I can set up a class for it,” Daigle said. Pinspiration in Melbourne also will offer off-site classes for seniors in assisted living facilities and for other groups. At Pinspiration, customers create crafts from project kits and work at their own pace. Projects change to reflect trends and customer input. The crafts can be open-ended and tutorial-led. Customers can come up with their own ideas, or they can choose from ever-changing projects. Children’s birthday parties, corporate team-

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Barbara Daigle is the owner of the Pinspiration in Suntree.

building and other special events can be hosted at Pinspiration. The studio will include a beer, wine and mimosa bar. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Daigle said one of her

two sons was never inclined to arts and crafts but was extremely interested in some of the crafts she will offer. “If my 24-year-old can get hooked on crafts, everybody is going to love it,” she said. VV

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Viera Voice | May 2021

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Viera Voice | May 2021

Our Experience Makes the Difference All of our Automotive Technicians are ASE Certified Master Technicians and have at least 30 years of experience. WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS, WE HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE REPAIRING EUROPEAN, ASIAN & DOMESTIC CARS

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Meet Rosie & Lacey

Rosie, left, is a 3-year-old long-haired Dachshund, who is very affectionate and loves belly rubs. Lacey is a 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, who loves her squeaky toys and sitting on her owner’s lap. Owner: Teri Moore, Viera

1/2 PRICE $

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Mr. G (Ginger)

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4th Thursdays of each month is Medallion Night Full meal with $5 suggested donation

Weekly Thursday meetings Quest 180º is open to anyone in recovery from any type of addiction and the people who love them

Quest 180º Groups:

Men’s and Women’s groups Codependency Groups Parents Groups *Child care provided For more information, 321-757-HOPE or contact groups@churchatviera.com

Quest 180 at Church at Viera 9005 N. Wickham Rd., Viera, FL 32940 For more information go to: Quest180.org Facebook: Quest180 Church at Viera

WE’RE BACK!

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Viera Voice | May 2021

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vieravoice.com

JUNIOR REPORTER ON THE BEAT MAY 2021

VIERA/SUNTREE

Welcome Viera Voice’s May Junior Reporter

ena Baka is a sixthgrade student at Suntree Elementary. Her favorite subject in school is science because “you get to experiment with what you learn about.” Lena has loved animals since she was little, which is why she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Her favorite food is shrimp.

When Lena isn’t working hard in school, she dances ballet at Turning Pointe of Melbourne. She also loves to draw and paint in her free time. It relaxes her. “I like to talk to my friends and learn more about them,” Lena said about being this month’s Junior Reporter. Lena moved to Suntree last

Lena Baka Junior Reporter JOKE OF THE MONTH

Wendy: Are you interested in renewable energy? Wayne: Actually, I’m a big fan!

Get to know the kids on the block Kason H., Sixth grade, Manatee Elementary

Annamarie N. Sixth grade, Suntree Elementary

What do you want to be when you grow up? An engineer, because it’s something I’m very passionate about. I’ve always been interested in how engineers build and program things, like rocket ships. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy, because my parents like going there a lot. What is one talent you are proud of? Art. I’ve been drawing for six years now, and I’m very proud of myself for how I’ve progressed on it. What’s your favorite holiday? Halloween, because my birthday is in late October.

Cassidy M. Seventh grade, Central Middle School

What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m not 100 percent sure, but I’m thinking I could be a game designer.

What do you like to do with friends? Play Minecraft. We like to make towns. It’s sort of like a democracy.

year. Before coming to the area, she went to Andersen Elementary in Rockledge. One of the first friends who welcomed Lena to her new school was Annamarie. One rainy Sunday, she got together with Annamarie and her stepsister Cassidy to get the scoop on all things kid related.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a pediatrician because I love helping people and I love kids, and being a pediatrician combines two of my favorite things.

What does it mean to be a good friend? To be loyal and trustworthy.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. She’s smart and definitely a feminist. And she’s the reason why Ron and Harry are alive.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. Let’s say I put a portal here and a portal over there, I could get there instantly. I could even put a portal above my house and make snow fall out of it.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would want to go up north where I could see the Northern Lights.

Word of the Month SOURCE: COLLINSDICTIONARY.COM

Metronome

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would want the power to heal anybody because there’s a lot of people in this world who don’t have access to medical care.

A device which is used to indicate how quickly a piece of music should be played. It can be adjusted to make regular sounds at different speeds.

Friday, May 14

vieravoice.com

Put your thumbs in your armpits and flap your elbows (like they are wings) four times to the music. Bend your knees and wiggle your hips four times to the music, placing your arms and hands low like the tail feathers of a chicken. Straighten your knees and clap four times, with the music. You can find the “Chicken Dance” song on YouTube.

Shutterstock

How to do the Chicken Dance

Calendar

May 4, Teacher’s Day It is a day to commemorate teachers, their work and the impact that they have in all of our lives. May 15, National Pizza Party Day May 31, National Smile Day

Viera Voice | May 2021

May Calendar

Feb. 6,

Sunday

Eat My Crust 5K

7 - 10 a.m. 10th anniversary race. The 3.1 mile run/walk will feature finisher medals with mascot Joey Pepperoni. Viera High School, 5450 Stadium Parkway, Viera, 321-636-7696

Monday

11 National Eat What you 12

The Great Florida Air Show May 15 & 16 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Welcome the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to the Space Coast. International Airport Air Terminal Parkway, Melbourne, 321-254-8200

National Cherry Cobbler Day

24 Brother’s Day

National Mint Julep Day

Cruising is Back, Let’s Celebrate

4 - 7 p.m. Live DJ, food trucks and meet with cruise line reps. Dress in your favorite cruise outfit and come celebrate. All About You Travel, 1240 U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockledge, 321-631-8080

31 Memorial Day

May 4, 5, 6 and 7 11:30 a.m. Learn about Shell Harbor’s limited-time Charter Resident program. Brief presentation and lunch. RSVP. Amici’s, 321-252-1424

Want Day

Viera Voice | May 2021

Brevard Federated Republican Women

11 a.m. monthly Lunch meeting, $25. RSVP required. Space Coast Convention Center, 103 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-727-1212

Free Virtual Orthopedic Seminar 6 - 7 p.m.

Seminar presented by Steward Medical Group’s orthopedic surgeon Mark Davis, M.D. To register, melbourneregional.org or call 321-255-8040.

l Nationat h ig il Tw y Zone Da

Estate Planning Seminar

Line Dancing Class

10 am. Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, P.A. will present. Limited seating, must RSVP. One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera, 321-751-6771

Comedy Night

5:30 p.m. – Cocktails and Networking 6:15 p.m. – Show starts Presented by the Viera Regional Business Alliance and Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-724-5400

Thursday

Saturday

Friday

Saturday

8 National Dog Mom’s Day

Author Marshall Frank

Embroidery Projects

2021 Drive, Chip and Putt

13 National

Space Coast River Jam

15 Armed Forces Day St. Baldrick’s Big Shave

21 EXPO DAY

8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Exhibitors and music. Pick up the new 2021 Boomer Guide. CWTheaters, 4345 W. New Haven Ave. West Melb. Call Senior Life: 321-242-1235

All you can eat, drink, plus vendor competition. Ticket required. Benefit for the Children’s Hunger Project. Wickham Park, Melbourne, spacecoastwingbattle.com

5 - 9 p.m. “Jumanji: The Next Level” Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, 321-633-2046

2 p.m. Summer showcase by the Dance Academy, including ballet, ballroom, contemporary, Broadway jazz and tap. Holy Trinity, Scott Center Suntree, 321-452-0111

10 a.m. - Noon Presented by the Pen Women. Marshall Frank discusses his most recent non-fiction book. RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Apple Pie Day

20 National Rescue Dog Day

10 - 11:30 a.m. $5 beginners Viera Regional Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-323-4928

Thirsty 3rd Thursday

5 - 8 p.m. Relax with The Avenue in Central Park. Live entertainment by Spanks. The Avenue, Central Park

Trust in Technology: Medicaid Planning Accepting Technology Isn’t Seminar 10 a.m. Always Easy 2 - 3 p.m. Every few years a product comes along that changes the way we live our daily lives. One Senior Place Viera, RSVP 321-751-6771

Friday

3 1 Just to be safe— Please call each event location to confirm date and time.

Presenter William A. Johnson Limited seating and for Zoom link, must RSVP. One Senior Place Viera, RSVP, 321-751-6771

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kimberbell Summer nights machine embroidery projects. Quilts and Lace 7720 N. Wickham Road, #111, Suntree, 321-622-8602

6 - 9 p.m. See local bands Hot Pink, SWAGG, and Cherry Down. General admission tickets are $10. Benefits Rolling Readers Space Coast. Cocoa Riverfront Park

Contests are open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 competing in separate divisions in four age categories. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

Shave your head, volunteer, or donate to raise money to fight childhood cancer. Noon - 5 p.m. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Boomer Guide Drive-Thru Second annual Space Coast Wing Battle 6 - 10 p.m. Senior Expo #7

Drive-In Movie in the Park The Sleeping Beauty Ball

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH LOCATIONS Tradewinds at Duran

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7771

Wednesday

2 - 3 p.m. Developments in the world of finance and investing. RSVP required 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary Mimosa with each adult brunch purchase. Tradewinds at Duran 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7771

Tuesday

Wednesday

4 National Star Wars Day 5 Cinco de Mayo Shell Harbor Information Seminars

10 a.m., RSVP. Motor and non-motor symptoms. Virtual only. Enjoy Mother’s Day One Senior Place Brunch — restaurants are 8085 Spyglass Hill Road listed on the bottom of Viera, 321-751-6771 the page.

Sunday Brunch at Duran

BUG Club and BUG Club Financial

Parkinson’s Support Group of Viera

Tuesday

2 Angry Wives

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 3826 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-848-0227

Palm Shores Bistro 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 5060 U.S. Hwy. 1 Palm Shores 321-752-5222

Space Coast Convention Center

Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 301 Tucker Lane Cocoa, 321-635-9975

28 North Gastropub

Brunch all day with special chef additions. 2250 Town Center Ave., Viera 321-241-1159

Pizza Gallery & Grill 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Touchless brunch 2250 Town Center Ave., Viera 321-633-0397

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SENIORNews Tired of pandemic, vaccinated seniors return to favorite spots, activities

BY MARIA SONNENBERG At Alla Prima Styling Salon, scheduler Kim Flohe fields an uptick in calls from older clients who, after skipping hair appointments for months, want back in. “Some have told me that we are the first place they’ve returned to since the pandemic,” Flohe said. Like Alla Prima, Freedom 7 Senior Center in the Cocoa Beach Country Club has seen a surge in participants. Not all senior centers are ready to open, but Freedom 7 closed for only six weeks during the height of the pandemic. Attendance was initially anemic, but has picked up significantly, particularly in recent weeks. “We’re very fortunate because we do our activities in the auditorium, which has high ceilings, great ventilation and an amazing amount of space,” executive director Judy Brandon said. Now that approximately 95 percent of the regulars at

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Freedom 7 have both doses even helped senior centers of the vaccine in them, they reach more people. needs, wants and long-term goals are ready to return. “Our book club has grown, We want to help you develop, implement, and “We’re back up to the because now the snowbirds monitor a strategy that’s designed to address your same attendance as before can join by Zoom,” explained individual situation. the pandemic, if not higher,” Brandon. she said. Seniors are happily We understand the challenges families face today. The center now enjoys sharing with Brandon recent From managing debt to saving for college to retirement, a full schedule of classes travel to visit grandchildren these personal finance challenges can be overwhelming. Our that include Zumba Gold, they haven’t seen in months. commitment is to utilize all of our resources to help you pursue Chair Yoga and strength and After classes, several of them your goals. balance exercises. Of course, make a habit of visiting the the new normal is not the club’s restaurant. At the We believe in thinking “out of the box” and we are not afraid to old formula. Gone are the nearby pool, they enjoy the challenge conventional wisdom in our approach to investing and card games, mahjong and water aerobics. They play seeking to preserve wealth. All of our energy, commitment, and other pursuits that require tennis. efforts are focused on you, the client, and your satisfaction. proximity with fellow “They are starting to get Countdown to Your Financial Future! players. Temperature checks their lives back,” Brandon Call 321-AHA-PLAN today for more information or to schedule a and masks are de rigueur, said. free consultation. as is signing a form that These days, 96-year-old releases the senior center Jean Weber is partying in from responsibility should luaus with her friends at 6550 N. Wickham Road Ste 1 the participant contract Victoria Landing senior Melbourne, FL 32940 the disease. Tablecloths are community in Melbourne. 321-242-7526 verboten. After each class, all Such get-togethers carry AHA-PLAN equipment is sanitized. Yes, significant psychological The mission at Palm Point Behavioral Health is to provide www.AHA-PLAN.com it is different, but it doesn’t benefits, said marketing matter to the seniors. director Lindsey Deaton. quality treatment to children, teens, adults and older adults “People are so grateful we “A lot of seniors moved whose behavioral health are here and functioning,” to assisted living for theor chemical dependency symptoms Alan Frisher,ChFC®,CLU® alan.frisher@lpl.com | 321-242-3285 Fax Brandon said. socialization and they need it are interfering with their daily lives. We offer both inpatient and The new way of thinking for their well-being,” Deaton Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC COVID-19 helped evolve has said. V V

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

Viera Voice | May 2021

Happy Mother's Day Three children praise their mom and anticipate Mother's Day

Viera child shows gratitude on mother's special day

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Mother’s Day is set aside to celebrate and honor mothers and the bond that is created with their children. That bond is very evident with Vicki Clare’s three children. “My mom is pretty amazing,” said 13-year-old Paul. “She tries to be funny.” His younger brother, Charlie, 9, said his mom is very special. “Since our dad passed away, she does a lot,” Charlie said. “She takes us to dance practice and she helps me with my homework.” So, this Mother’s Day, Charlie wants to do something special for his mom, maybe a sign that says, “love mom.” As most of the world celebrates and honors moms in different ways, Vicki Clare’s children say they want to celebrate all she does for them. “My mom is special,” said their sister, Sarah, 11. “When I tell her about stuff

VIERA VOICE photo

Vicki Clare's children plan a special Mother's Day celebration.

that happened at school, she is on my side. She tries to make us happy like our dad did.” Their dad, Paul Clare, passed away suddenly less than a year ago, said Vicki Clare, who recently returned to her work as a preschool teacher.

Paul, Sarah and Charlie each said they plan something special for the mom on Mother’s Day. “I will probably make her something special for her,” Paul said. “Maybe I’ll do some chores for her. She’s been doing a lot since my dad passed away.” V V

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Plant Mother’s Day flowers, avoid particular petunia Spring is the perfect time to get outside. The temperature is inviting, and new members of the wildlife community are eager to explore. Getting our gardens ready seems like the natural thing to do to help feature the flowers peeking through while supporting wildlife. For Mother’s Day, instead of gifting a flower bouquet, why not a garden? Selecting what to plant in this special garden is almost as important as selecting what to pull out. Native plants are the way to go when planting. If you need help with selections, the Dolans from Maple Street Natives (maplestreetnatives.com) certainly can help. Non-natives should be the first ones to be pulled out. They might pose a threat to native species, “altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives,” explains the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. One such plant is the Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex), which is found in many yards, neighborhood gardens and on sale at many local stores. Mexican Petunia is

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

known for its full-sun tolerance, year-round purple flowers, dark green lance-shaped leaves, and purple and green stems. Plants grow up to 3 feet in height and are widely used in landscaping to add height to perennial borders. Unfortunately, “the same plant characteristics that are desirable for the ornamental market of plants often increase the probability for invasion (repeat blooming, low maintenance, wide adaptability, ease of propagation, stress tolerance, short juvenile period, consumer demand). It is no different for this species. Native to Mexico, Western South America and the Antilles, Mexican Petunia was introduced to Florida in the 1940s and has since naturalized in most parts of the state as well as neighboring states. Able to easily spread, propagate and disperse into areas other than the intended one, including

natural areas, it grows out of control and consequently threatens native species. The exotic pest plant database has recorded the presence of Mexican Petunia in various natural areas — pine flatwoods and hardwoods to freshwater marshes, river banks, springs and salt marshes. Controlling and eliminating Mexican Petunia is a challenge. Removing the plant by hand is difficult. Seeds might persist in the soil for years, allowing the plant to come back after adult plants are removed. The best solution is to prevent using the plant altogether. Organizations such as the Florida Native Plant Society focus on that by disseminating information to consumers, landscaping professionals and retailers. Others focus on controlling the species a different way. The University of Florida Ornamental Breeding Program has released two sterile cultivars as alternatives, enabling growers and homeowners to use the species but not get into the problem of dispersion and uncontrolled growth. Yet another alternative is to apply chemicals. Studies have shown that a single

Lagoon projects show progress in reducing nitrogen

What’s the plan? The fifth year of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan was approved Feb. 9 by the Brevard County Commission. The same plan? No. Each year the plan is carefully revised to account for progress and for new information and approaches that make it more effective. However, the core of the plan remains the same: • Reduce pollutants and nutrients entering the Lagoon. • Remove the accumulation of “black goo” muck from the bottom. • Restore water-filtering oysters, clams and other natural systems to clean the Lagoon. So, how’s it going? Real progress, but there is more to do. Analyses show that the total nitrogen (TN)

vieravoice.com

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

entering the lagoon must be reduced by about 787,000 pounds annually. The plan identifies projects that should achieve more than 1.2 million pounds each year. It takes time to contract, permit and complete projects, but 94 have been completed or are under contract that should reduce total nitrogen entering by 67,700 pounds a year. Additionally, the plan calls for removing millions of yards of muck that should reduce TN entering the system by some 692,000 pounds a year. Three of these dredging projects have been completed, two are under way and 13 more are in

process. Restoration projects also are under way. Some 8,520 square feet of oyster bars have been built in the lagoon thus far and a great majority are growing. More than 3,000 feet of living shoreline has been built. More of both projects are planned. Recently, a possible “super clam” species was identified that seems able to grow even in the lagoon’s stressed waters. The biological allies will ultimately filter the entire volume of the lagoon annually. Learn more about the plan by attending the public Citizen Oversight Committee meeting the third Friday of each month. VV Visit brevardfl. gov/SaveOurLagoon/ CitizenOversightCommittee for details and get involved by visiting HelpTheLagoon.org.

glyphosate application is sufficient to control Mexican Petunia. To effectively control and manage the invasive plant, establishing native species in the area facilitates restoring native communities and limits reinvasion.

For a Mother’s Day garden, take these notes to heart. Avoid invasive species like Mexican Petunia and go all in for natives. Happy Mother’s Day! VV Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

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HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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attracreturn each year with pleasant tive blossoms and by investscents. Save money plants and ing in these unique your creating beds around property. perenniEach year, as your your als begin to sprout, to investment will continue pay off.

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Salon Madeleine

321-848-1847

SIGNS FastSigns

321-307-2400

THRIFT STORES & ANTIQUES Viola Antiques

321-634-2647

TRAVEL AGENCIES

INSURANCE

Viera Voice | May 2021

PHARMACY

Pinnacle Eye

HOSPICE

Promote your Business to homeowners Space available, 321-242-1235

321-433-3140

Dr. Ho, Ophthalmology

Space Coast Deck Coatings 321-421-7047

Dogtopia of Viera

ATTORNEYS

on For What Most Mind

PETS 321-775-3522

321-723-0333

All About You Travel

MUSIC, ART CLASSES

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Creative Music & Art Center 321-255-0116

The Blind Spot

321-631-8080

321-752-7288

vieravoice.com

DISCOUNTS & COUPONS Air Gagers A/C & Heating Inc. Locally owned & Operated

Proudly serving all of Brevard County

321-775-3522

M a y S p e c i a lnitizing

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of SPCA

Matthew Nagy, left, Thomas Nagy and Suntree Elementary School principal Dr. Shari Tressler helped during a donation drive for the SPCA.

Suntree school helps SPCA SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE A donation drive initiated by a parent at Suntree Elementary School brought in items to benefit the animals at an SPCA shelter. Students at the school donated to the cause. Items collected included harnesses, collars, leashes,

litter, treats, dry cat food, cans cat food, dry dog food, cans of dog food, bowls, brushes, towels, blankets, bottles of shampoo, pet pee pads, dog jackets, pet toys, bottles of dish soap, disinfecting wipes, bottles of laundry soap, bleach cleaner, and rolls of paper towels. VV

7640 N. Wickham Road, Suite 115 Melbourne, FL 32940

l donucthits adsa robceia -mic . Exp. 5/31/2021 nti Freitheanay n$1ti Me ) rvi 50 or more se (w

ASURE EXTENDED WARRANTY PROVIDER

A/C & HEATING

“Advanced Technology, Old-Fashioned Service”

er lace an ord Stop by to p Pickles! e or just to se

Military, seniors & first responders 10% discount

321-307-2400 www.fastsigns.com/2163

ANTIQUES

Schedule Your Spring Work

Residential & Commercial

WANTED TO BUY High prices paid!

Buying costume jewelry, flatware sets, coins, old military items, pottery, toys, trains, old paintings, figurines & much more

Pressure Cleaning of DRIVEWAYS and WALKWAYS with any exterior painting. Call for details

Solution, Puzzle page 21

Over 25 Years’ Experience in Antiques

321-634-2647

(321) 536-7134

Licensed & Insured Lic.# 11-PT-CT-0032

ktcustompaint@gmail.com

Randy’s Pressure Washing

The Hurri“cano” Solution to your pressure cleaning need.

Mildew & Rust Removal Residential Services Driveways & Sidewalks Pool Enclosures Patios, Fences, Walls Soffits & Gutters Houses, Mobile Homes

Commercial Services Homeowner Associations Buildings Parking Lots Common Areas Boat Docks

Special pricing available for bundles of 2 or more services

Solution, Puzzle page 20

321-794-5168

FREE ESTIMATES Celebrating 20 Years Serving Suntree/Viera

Viera Voice Locally Owned Locally Operated Managers, Designers, Writers, Editors, Photographers are locals, too!

321-242-1235

RandysPressureWash@att.net Randy Cano, Owner – Viera, Florida – Licensed & Insured

vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | May 2021

DISCOUNTS & COUPONS Stay connected with us! Free Immunization Assessment

Go to Facebook/VieraVoice

by our Pharmacy Team

Make your immunization make a world of difference.

Shingles, pneumonia, and more available now!

Seniors Day is the first Tuesday of each month. *20% off Regular Price Merchandise with bonus points 55+ with Balance Reward Card *Some restrictions apply

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Emiliano “Emilio” Sarazola Realtor® (407) 232-3243

emilios@kw.com emiliosellsbrevard.kw.com 6905 N. Wickham Road #110 Suntree, FL 32940

Call or go online to schedule today

Se habla Espańol

Each office is independently owned and operated.

PROFESSIONAL GRAB BAR INSTALLATION

One call stops the fall! Safe. Fast. Affordable.

800-215-7560

SameDayGrabBars.com

321• 419 • 0798

viera@clubpilates.com

2221 Town Center Ave. # 129 • Melbourne, 32940

You Deserve Better Hearing CALL TODAY! FREE Hearing Test including FREE In Office Demo of Latest Technology!

321-253-6310

8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., Viera (inside One Senior Place) SERVING ALL OF BREVARD Financing available, Insurance accepted

SANDRA WAGNER BC-HIS

PersonalHearingSolutions@outlook.com PersonalHearing.org

The Murtha Law Group, PA Kevin M. Murtha

Attorney and Counselor at Law Serving Viera/Suntree · Wills · Trusts · Estate Planning · Probate · Family Law 7351 Office Park Place Melbourne 32940 KMurtha@MurthaLaw.us

321.600.4989

Viera Voice | May 2021

Trusted Legal Advice

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

Traps need to be checked daily to eliminate animal cruelty.

Trapping animals is a long-lived tradition that's still relevant today In our country, Native Americans were the first trappers. They were skilled at knowing the habits of animals. Animals were captured for essentials such as nourishment and clothing. Bones were used for arrows, fish hooks and sewing needles. Teeth and claws were assembled into decorative or symbolic jewelry. Bear claws signified endurance. These primitive trappers tried to reduce suffering. Pits were dug, sometimes lined with stones, and covered with lattice work and brush. The baited deadfalls involved logs or rocks that, when activated, fell and crushed the animals. Snares consisted of throat or body nooses constructed of plant-based cordage suspended from branches along trails or cave entrances. Fish were netted or funneled through rock weirs into baskets. These traditional methods are still applicable. The lives of our indigenous people were transformed when the establishment of European colonies in North America created a demand for furs from lynx, mink, otter and beaver, especially. The American beaver filled the demand for the near-extinct European beaver, overused for the esteemed top hat. Native people traded furs and shared expertise with European trappers and mountain men. These men sometimes married Native American women for networking purposes. Their trails paved the way across America. For example, trappers and traders crossed the Great Plains through the Rocky Mountains by foot or horseback on what became the Oregon Trail. Settler trading posts, which also served as forts, enabled Native Americans to trade furs for items that simplified life, such as yard goods, guns and ammunition, pots and knives. Some post settlements eventually expanded into

cities — Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, New York and St. Louis, a city often referred to as the Gateway to the West. The demand for fur lasted until the mid-1800s. Eventually, the influx of settlers imperiled Native Americans. Today, trapping remains active. Various reasons include researching fish migration, controlling barnyard predators like fox or bobcats, supplying the pet and fashion industries, or simply trapping for sport. Sadly, non-targeted animals are at risk, such as pets and endangered species. For example, in this country, the endangered Mexican gray wolves encounter steel-jaw leghold traps. Many other traps are controversial. Body-gripping traps are huge versions of mouse traps, but at least kill quickly. Snares involve rigid steel cables around necks or bodies. Glue traps might leave smaller animals (birds, snakes, lizards) to struggle and slowly die. Humane apparatus should be utilized. Cages, nets or weirs, deliver less trauma. In the Florida Everglades, humane trapping is employed to eliminate the invasive pythons decimating the fauna. Successful are cages baited with pheromones to attract mates. Another method is to implant radio transmitters in pythons. Tracking might occur by plane. Breeding groups are uncovered in habitats such as gopher tortoise burrows. Whether a trapping endeavor involves wildlife management or a business venture, the welfare of the animal is paramount. VV

vieravoice.com

Your voice

What is a major goal you hope to accomplish in the next few years? Photos by Ernest Arico

Allison Otero

“I really want to get a full-ride scholarship to a four-year Florida university.”

Belinda Mitchner

Rediscover the joy of life without joint pain.

“I want to pay off my house and go on a nice trip to Jerusalem.”

Callie Martin

“I would like to finish paying off my student loans and finish my house renovations.”

Please join Orthopedic Surgeon, Mark Davis, MD for a virtual seminar on the different approaches to relieving joint pain. Join, from the comfort of your own home, the interactive live discussion on non-surgical treatment options to the latest techniques in joint replacement surgery.

Denise Cisar

“I want to retire. I’ve been with Brevard Public Schools for many, many years.”

FREE VIRTUAL ORTHOPEDIC SEMINAR WITH ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON MARK DAVIS, MD

DRIVERS WANTED

Wednesday, May 12 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Independent Carriers

Newspaper routes available in Viera and Palm Bay

Deliver once a month.

Apply today, 321-242-1235 Media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

ISSUE

To register, please visit melbourneregional.org or call 321-255-8040.

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Viera Voice | May 2021

Home Sweet Home Deborah Tomczak

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