Viera Voice, January 2024 by Viera Voice • Senior Life • Boomer Guide

Space Coast Cars and Coffee comes to Viera in January, page 18

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JANUARY 2024

Vol. 17 Issue 12

WETLANDS TO REOPEN, page 4 vieravoice.com

Top chefs face off Food Network style in vieravoice.com

Gastropalooza IV MARCH 2023

Vol. 17 Issue 2

VIERA VOICE Keith Betterley

Two Viera chefs — Christopher Morales and C.J. Hughes — will duel in Gastropalooza IV on Feb. 2 in the courtyard at The Avenue Viera. It will raise money for Brevard County Hospitality Life.

BY LINDA JUMP Viera will host a top chef cook-off Feb. 2 with Gastropalooza IV to help restaurant staff with unexpected expenses. It’s the fourth year of the

charity event that combines gastronomy with mixology and a music fest. Host Chris Conneen, founder-owner of Viera’s 28 North Gastropub and Pizza Gallery and Grill, hopes to raise more than last year’s $10,000.

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“Weather permitting, this will be the best to date, with guests having a good time eating and drinking with great entertainment,” he said. Reigning chef champ C. J. Hughes, executive

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Kienzles enjoy watching launches, visiting Disney, warmth of Viera BY LINDA JUMP Mallory Kienzle was amazed when a fellow Viera resident held the door for her recently as she carried her nearly three-year-old son. “That didn’t happen in South Florida, even if my arms were full,” she said. “Viera seemed like a safe place you could really make home.” Mallory and her husband Gary moved to Viera in 2019 from Sunrise to join her brother’s family. “It’s a lot more affordable than South Florida and we love the cooler weather. It’s just a few hours but seems warmer,” she said, both in temperature and in residents’ personalities. Another plus to Viera is its proximity to Walt Disney World. “We’re pass holders and go there once or twice a month,” she said. Gary is an engineer with Infogrid, a software service company based in London. “I do online consulting for commercial HVAC systems,” he said. He said he also found Viera welcoming. “My neighbors here are so much more friendly and helpful.” He and his wife met while studying at the University of Central Florida. Mallory graduated with a degree in radio and television production and worked at Pet Supermarket for 15 years in a variety of posts, including marketing. She has shifted to part-time work

Featured Family VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Gary and Mallory Kienzle with children, Annabelle and Qhuinn, and dogs, Betty White, left, and Bucky Barnes, love the friendly and helpful people living in Viera.

delivering newspapers for Bluewater Creative Group while raising daughter Annabelle, 6, and Qhuinn (pronounced KWIN). “The kids take up a lot of time,” Mallory said. Rounding out the household are Betty White, their Golden Retriever, and Bucky Barnes, a Labrador mix, as well as four senior cats.

Mallory and Gary are runners, and complete half and full marathons, including the Space Coast Half Marathon. Their daughter seems to be following in their footprints, racing for nearly a year and looking forward to the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Annabelle also loves Pokémon and video games. Besides running,

athletically she does gymnastics and will start softball in the spring. The family also enjoys visiting local parks. “Her younger brother just follows her lead, and likes what she likes,” Mallory said. Their parenting style? “We tend to err on the side of loving and go with what our hearts say.” They are members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera. The family also visits

Renaissance Fairs and fan culture events such as MegaCon in Orlando. “I love writing and creative stuff, so I make us costumes. We were the Hobbits from the Lord of the Rings for the MegaCon,” Mallory said. They have also tried to view every launch. “My sister works on the launches. I never dreamed I could sit in my yard and see a space launch.” VV

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VIERA VOICE Steve Hollinger

The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera, also known as the Viera Wetlands, has been closed to the public since June. During the closure, Brevard County had dead vegetation and muck removed from ponds that store treated effluent from the county’s adjacent South-Central Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Off limits since June, Viera Wetlands set to reopen BY MIKE GAFFEY

Treatment Plant. Don Walker, the Brevard One of Brevard County’s County communications director, said the $2.7 most popular destinations million, federally funded for nature lovers could be Copy Editor MEANS project could wrap up next reopening in February. VIERA Jeff Navin month, but the reopening The Ritch Grissom BUSINESS N E T W Odate RKING G R O Ube P delayed could Memorial Wetlands at Viera, because of a request from also known as the Viera SportsVIERA Writer/SportsBlog MEANS the project contractor’s Wetlands, has been closed Carl Kotala botanist to give newly to the public since June NETWORKING GROUP planted vegetation more so the county could have Art Department time to grow. the dead vegetation and Jorjann Blake “We are awaiting the muck removed from ponds time-extension request,” that store treated effluent Walker said. “The reason from the county’s adjacent Writers/Reporters is that the rain period in South-Central Wastewater Ernie Dorling September, Mike Gaffey October and Randy’s Pressure Washing VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP Linda Jump November VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP The Hurri“cano” Solution to your pressure cleaning need Barbara Jean Mead caused Wendy Scheuring delays. Mildew & Rust Removal January Residential Services Commercial Services NS B A through U • Driveways & Sidewalks • Homeowner Associations E S M • Buildings • Pool Enclosures April are VIERA MEANS • Patios, Fences, Walls • Parking Lots low-rain • Soffits & Gutters • Common Areas times, • Houses, Mobile Homes allowing Viera Voice's Networking Group Special pricing available for bundles of 2 or more services the new The entire contents of this newspaper are vegetation copyrighted by VIERA VOICE with VIERA MEANS N all rights reserved. E U that will TW OR RO BUSINESS KIN G G be below VIERA VOICE is not liable for errors or omissions 321-794-5168 FREE ESTIMATES in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials. the natural Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute Celebrating 20 Years Serving Central Brevard water line an endorsement of products or services herein. RandysPressureWash@att.net Reproduction or use without permission, of time to editorial or graphic content in any manner Randy Cano, Owner – Viera, Florida – Licensed & Insured establish is prohibited. Office Manager Sylvia Montes

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and not get soaked out.” Pond vegetation acts as a natural, cost-saving filter, helping to remove suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus from the recycled water before it flows into the nearby Four Mile Canal, which empties into the St. Johns River. Established in the 1980s, the constructed treatment wetlands system belongs to Brevard County Utility Services. It consists of the larger wetlands and nearby storage ponds. Named in 2007 in memory of Ritch Grissom, a longtime Brevard County employee who worked at the adjacent treatment facility, the wetlands have become one of Brevard’s top eco-tourism spots for photographers, birdwatchers, walkers and bicyclists, attracting about 210,000 visitors a year. The wetlands were added to the Great Florida Birding Trail in 2008. Pedestrians and bike riders can visit the 200acre site once it reopens, but vehicles are still prohibited. The county

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banned cars, vans, trucks and golf carts in 2021, saying unpaved earthen berms surrounding the ponds were becoming unsafe and that cars were interfering with sewage plant operations. Additionally, two deteriorating wooden bird-watching towers and a gazebo were removed and won’t be replaced. The planned reopening is welcome news to Viera resident Anita Ingram, a frequent wetlands visitor and nature photographer who launched the Facebook group “Viera Wetlands” to update the local community about the site. The page has grown to 1,400 followers. “We’re excited, we’re raring to go,” said Ingram, who said her group hopes to persuade the county to open the wetlands for an hour on Sundays to cars for people with handicapped permits. The group also wants class one e-bike riders allowed at the wetlands, but wants pets and unaccompanied minors banned from the site to set it apart as a wildlife area, not a park. “We love the Viera Wetlands and we think it’s going to be wonderful when they open it up because it was not maintained and it was overgrown and it was becoming unsightly as well as toxic. So it’s going to be a better environment for the birds when we open up. We’re looking forward to it being beautiful because they’ve cleaned it up and cut out all of the overgrowth. My concern is how do we maintain this going forward so it never gets to that point again.” VV

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Care Rooted in Empathy and Experience Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV? In the case of Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc of Bodhi Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is a case of true empathy. “I suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in my teens and 20s.” In other words, GERD is chronic longterm acid reflux. “I had severe acid reflux three to five days a week that were so intense I was often bedridden and would become physically sick.” Being that GERD is one of those complicated conditions that is difficult to treat, Dr. Andrea’s options were prescription medications that often did not work and to make lifestyle changes to limit triggers that often cause acid reflux. “It was no way to live,” she shares. “I was young and should’ve been living a bright, vibrant life. Instead I was monitoring my daily caffeine intake, sleeping with extra pillows under my head and doing my best to avoid foods that triggered the acid reflux. As you can imagine living with a burning roller coaster from the stomach to the throat was not easy. Managing meal times, triggers and food amounts was rough!” It wasn’t until she tried acupuncture that she found real relief. “This is why I often refer to my practice as ‘The Last Resort With The Best Results.’ You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications and told 'this is just something you’re going to have to learn to live.” Soon after her incredible experience with the healing arts she made the life changing decision to abandon her Western Medicine studies and pursue her master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. “Acupuncture quite literally saved my life and I wanted to share that with the world.” she proclaims.

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her neuropathy treatments gave me my life back,” and “it’s a miracle she treated my fibromyalgia, I don't know how else to explain it.”

While in school she watched as her grandmother began to suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Andrea Izquierdo has a long personal history in complicated, difficult-to-understand conditions and understands how tragic it can all be if left untreated.

“Your golden years should be golden, not plagued with insufferable pain while doctors and specialists tell you there is nothing they can do.” Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Dr. Izquierdo set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy induced) and now has a 90% success rate in treating the symptoms of this once difficult to manage condition. “I was tired of seeing the older generation suffer unnecessarily,” shares Dr. Izquierdo. “Diagnosing them as just getting older and giving them a treatment plan of ‘you’re just going to have to get used to it’ has never sat well with me so I wanted to offer them a real option for treatment and care.”

The Magic of Compassionate Care And what do those in her care have to say? “Dr. Andrea looked me in my eyes and wanted to know about me, not just my condition. I feel like a person, not just a patient,” Mary said. “In fact, I don’t think she ever used the word patient.” Others proclaim, “She saved my life,

“I have sat where my patients sit. I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. It’s why I practice the brand of medicine I do and why I’ve made it my life’s mission to treat the ‘untreatable.’ It brings me such incredible joy when. I get to say ‘I can help you!’” Furthermore, Dr. Andrea isn’t opposed to more modern medical solutions. “It’s in blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with recent innovations in medicine that get me the best results.” One of those advancements is ATP Resonance BioTherapy™, originally developed by NASA it aids nerves in regeneration by providing them the nutrients they need to repair and renew, “very similar to what water does for a plant!” Dr. Izquierdo and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases that leave other professionals scratching their heads. Ready to schedule? Call (321) 312-0771 for a comprehensive consultation today. For more information about Dr. Izquierdo and what she treats, visit BodhiTCM.com.

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Young actress dazzles, impresses, brings home numerous awards SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE Ten-year-old Ella Grace Helton had a red carpet 2023. Not only did the seasoned actress continue her crossover work behind the camera by writing, directing and editing her second short film “The Muralist,” she was honored with several awards. She was honored with awards at film festivals in Florida and New York and became the youngest-ever recipient of the Sara Fuller Scholarship. Ella was awarded $1,000, jointly funded by Film Florida and Women in Film

and Television Florida on Dec. 14 at WIFT’s Jingle Mingle annual fundraiser. “Seeing how much I liked the directors I worked with, how nice they were, made me feel like I wanted to be a nice director, too,” Ella said of her seven years of acting. “A lot of people underestimate kids, like a lot of people. And I like to prove to those people that we can be serious filmmakers who want to make the world better.” Ella was presented with her scholarship by Film Florida President Sandy Lighterman, who also is Broward County’s film

commissioner. “It was such a special honor to present the Sara Fuller Scholarship to Ella Grace, Film Florida's youngest recipient of the award,” Lighterman said. “I look forward to seeing this young powerhouse grow as a filmmaker. Her future is bright with endless professional possibilities!" Two other Brevard residents received $500 scholarships at Jingle Mingle: Sara Levinthal and Delaney Nicole Gill. Levinthal is a Satellite High School graduate studying business at San Diego State. Gill, 17, is a homeschool student VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Lee Nessel

Ella Grace Helton, 10, an actress and film maker from Brevard County, is the youngest recipient of the Sara Fuller Scholarship.

pursuing a career in film, animation and audiobooks. Ella’s tagline “Escape into your art” of her short film “The Muralist” clearly resonated with audiences, given the unprecedented awards the fifth grader won in categories with other filmmakers of high school age and older.

At the film’s premiere on Oct. 7, 2023, Ella was honored with the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival (MIFF) Independent Spirit Award, accepting amid a packed house at the 25th silver anniversary event at Premiere Theaters Oaks 10 in Melbourne. VV

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‘No More Bad Days’ delivers message of hope from Gary Miracle BY CARL KOTALA Gary Miracle has a message he wants to deliver … and it’s all about hope. The 42-year-old Miracle, who fell ill on New Year's Eve 2019 and had both hands and legs amputated, has written a book entitled, “No More Bad Days” that went on sale nationally on Oct. 10. “My whole goal in all of this is to make sure that my story doesn’t go in vain,” Miracle said. “At the end of the day, yeah, I lost both of my hands and both of my legs. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to just sit in my wheelchair and watch life go by and act like this didn’t happen. “I’m not trying to wish this away. This happened. I want to find out why. I want to fight for that. And until I know why, I want to walk through every door that is open for me. I want to talk to anyone who is willing to talk to me. “I want to tell them about hope. I want to encourage them and fight for life and not death.” A lot has changed for Miracle since he was last featured in a 2021 Viera Voice story. He’s gotten divorced, remarried a woman named Jenna, whose love and support has been “unbelievable” and now has a blended family with seven children. He just joined the Board of Directors of the Suntree Viera Youth Football League, where he will serve as the NFL Flag Football program director. Additionally, Miracle has been touring the country as a motivational speaker, appearing at churches, high schools and corporate events. “I’ve been so blown away,” he said. “I think as people, we grow up wanting to hide our scars, wanting to

“At the end of the day, yeah, I lost both of my hands and both of my legs. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to just sit in my wheelchair and watch life go by and act like this didn’t happen.” — Gary Miracle, author

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Gary Miracle

Gary Miracle's journey to recovery after having both hands and legs amputated was originally captured in a song, "Say I Won't" by the Christian music band Mercy Me. Now, the 42-year-old Miracle has written a book titled "No More Bad Days," in which he offers a message of hope. hide our issues, wanting to hide our struggles because we feel like we’re going to be judged if other people know about this. “A lot of times, I’m able to go around and do this motivational speaking thing and people tell me I’m an inspiration, that it’s incredible to see me up on prosthetics and walking now, not in a wheelchair. “But I’m able to do that because of the strength that I’m receiving from so many people because of my struggles, because of my baggage. I found out I’m actually more loved when I thought I would be judged for all the things I couldn’t do.” The book is 10 chapters, the first half covering Miracle’s early life and the last half talking about what happened to him and the incredible perspective he’s

been able to gain from it. “So much has happened to change my life — physically, emotionally, in every sense of the word,” he said. “But I have found hope. I tell people all the time, ‘When your hope is hard to find, you can borrow mine.’” Writing proved cathartic for Miracle, who re-examined his life and realized how many people helped turn him into the man he is today. “I’ve done some amazing things,” he said. “I’ve done some really stupid things. But every single thing has led me to where I’m at right now and I wouldn’t change a thing in the world because of that. “… I say in the book, nobody volunteers to be broken. But it’s in that brokenness we find the beauty, and in that brokenness we’re able

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to be healed, and in that brokenness, we can see truth.” At a time in his life when Miracle could have crawled into a hole and gotten lost in the depths of despair, he has chosen to not only live out his second chance at life by trying to help others who are struggling, be it outwardly or inwardly. “I want people to know the title of my book, ‘No More Bad Days’ … it’s not

some detachment from reality,” he said. “It’s not some religious jargon. I do get that we have bad situations, hard times and tough circumstances. But as a whole, we get to live here in America and we get to lay our head on our pillow every day and say, all things considered, I’m not having any more bad days from here on out. “My outlook is going to be hope.” VV

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Tigers turn to transition game with added effort, determination BY CARL KOTALA

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Tigers have always been known as a team that likes to play a high-pressure, fast-paced game. This season, you can expect it even more. “I think we’re a little quicker across the (starting) five, so we’re looking to press a little more and play up tempo; really rely on our defense to create offense in transition,” Holy Trinity boys basketball coach Steve Henderson said. “The good thing is we have five guys on the court that can handle the ball, can cover the 1-5 position and also can really shoot it. “It’s kind of nice that we’re pretty versatile across the board.” That versatility is especially important for a Tigers team that lost its two tallest players —

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography

The Holy Trinity boys basketball team was off to a 7-0 start thanks to a pressing defense and a number of players who can all handle the ball and fill in any role needed on the floor.

including 6-foot-8 Caleb Gaskins, who transferred to Montverde Academy. That means the majority of the rebounding duties fall on twin brothers Cole Chanda and Wyatt Chanda, who come in at 6-2. They also draw the other team’s biggest players.

“I take it as a challenge,” Cole Chanda said. “I like challenges.” The Tigers can certainly give their opponents problems with a lineup that features senior guard Elijah Reynolds and freshmen Martay Barnes and Derrick Flowers along

previous teams, Gibson has only two seniors this year — Allison LaGrone and Alinah Sarratt. They’ve teamed with eighth-grader, and leading scorer, Kylie Green along with juniors Savannah Schultz, Jadalynn Morel and Izzy Henderson to form a solid lineup with help from freshman Samantha Fraser, juniors Olivia Durgin and Audrey Ponton and freshman Evie Hsieh. The Tigers were off to a 4-4 start that includes wins over Cocoa, Harmony, Heritage and an Altamonte Christian team that came in with an 8-1 record. “So far this season, I am proud of what we have

accomplished in our first few wins,” LaGrone wrote in an email. “Although our record doesn’t match up to previous seasons, I don’t feel that it reflects who we are as a team. “There are just a few habits and kinks that we need to work out leading into the playoffs. Every loss has not been without a great fight.” The senior is also enjoying watching some of the younger players develop into contributors and she and Sarratt have enjoyed taking on the role as team leaders. “Being a younger team, it is very rewarding to see everyone who has been able

with the Chanda brothers. Sophomore transfer Shaun Vernon has been a big addition and provides help off the bench along with senior Cooper Cohen, sophomore Jaesen McMillan and senior Javon Kameka Senior Julien Warden, who last played as a sophomore, is back for his senior year and brings energy whenever he’s on the floor. “I think we have a good team,” Cole Chanda said. “I think we’ll be gritty, and what we don’t have in size, we’ll make up for with effort and determination.” That work was certainly paying off early in the season as Holy Trinity was off to a 7-0 start with Reynolds (19.2), Barnes (14.8) and Flowers (13.6) all averaging in doublefigure scoring. Cole Chanda was right behind them at 9.3 points per game.

Henderson said he likes the way his players have bought into their individual roles and believes the team has the potential to make another run at a district title and, eventually, the final four if they can have the right mindset. “I’m hoping that this group … I think they have the talent and the skill to do it,” the Tigers coach said. “If we’re going to have the mentality to be tough enough to grind it out, it’s obviously something that starts now. It’s not something you try to figure out in late January or February. “I think we definitely have enough pieces as long as everybody is bought into doing their job and playing their role. I think there’s no doubt we’re capable of doing it.” VV

Tigers working out kinks so they’ll be ready when district play begins BY CARL KOTALA

The Holy Trinity girls basketball team hasn’t gotten off to the fast start it has in previous seasons, but that doesn’t mean head coach Will Gibson is concerned. If anything, the Tigers coach has been encouraged. “We’re young, but it’s a good thing because we get to grow through some of that stuff,” he said. “Obviously, the future will be pretty good for us, too. “We’re just getting all the kinks out early on so we can figure some stuff out as a team.” After having at least four seniors on each of his two

Viera Voice | January 2024

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Kristie Green

The Holy Trinity girls basketball team has already shown signs of improvement since the season began and will be ready to chase another district championship and a shot at a deep run in the regional playoffs.

to step up this year who in previous years not gotten the opportunity,” LaGrone wrote. “I enjoy being able to teach the new girls and get to know them better on and off the court.” Although the Tigers don’t have a lot of size this year, their up-tempo style and ability to spread the floor have helped them outrebound taller opponents this season. Gibson has no doubt that by the time Class 3A, District 5 play begins, the Tigers will

be ready to not only contend for yet another title, but have a strong postseason finish. In fact, he said he can already see the team has made considerable strides as the season has progressed. “When we get to district time, we’ll be all good to go,” Gibson said. “The girls are playing hard, which is really what we ask for. They’re figuring it out as a team. It’s fun to coach them. They’re a good group of girls. “We’ll do well.” VV

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Underdog Hawks make up for lack of height with scrappy play BY CARL KOTALA Viera High School boys basketball coach Logan Keith knows exactly what kind of team he has this season. “Scrappy. Up tempo. Tough. We’re not going to finesse anybody. We’re not going to out jump anybody. But we play really well together at times,” Keith said. “A lot of those guys have been playing together a long time.” While the Hawks certainly have a lot of things going for them, one thing they don’t have is a player who stands taller than 6-foot-3. But don’t let that lack of height fool you into thinking the Hawks are going to be an easy mark. Especially when words like scrappy and tough are involved. “I think we’re a very good team,” senior Jake Oglesby said. “We work really hard. We’re undersized, so I feel like a lot of people look past us. I feel like we kind of have an underdog mentality on our team.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Viera High School boys basketball

Although the Viera Hawks do not have players who stand taller than 6-foot-3, it should not be a deterrent to the team advancing this season in the state playoffs.

“We like to play fastpaced. We like to push the ball because we’re a little smaller than other teams.” Oglesby is part of a starting lineup that also includes junior Kamar Plain, sophomore Brooks Harris, junior Zack Pillow and junior Tyler Armstrong. Senior Joey Falcone and juniors Cooper

Keith and T.J. Parks are the top players off the bench with Viera also getting contributions from senior Javon Cooper, junior Rhonni Skelton, sophomore Damian Carter and senior Stefan Trinkaus. With their fast-paced style and aggressive, physical nature, the Hawks can battle for rebounds and

and be together and we’ll do great.” Lauriston is the second-leading scorer on the Hawks (13.6 points a game) behind senior center Lauren Bell (17.8). Other key starters include sophomores Yasmin Croom and Kylie Winslow and senior forward Scarlet Ackley. Senior Ciara Holmes is a big contributor off the bench along with sophomore Viviana Russell, junior Adianna Hernandez and freshman Lorena Faber. “Honestly, if we play the way that we know we can play and go through our plays how we’re supposed to, we’re knocking down shots, getting good passes, making good reads and scoring,” Lauriston said. Viera was off to a 7-3 start, and Carmer was happy with the way the Hawks were playing, he also knew his team had another gear or two that it can reach by the time the postseason comes around. Last year’s team reached the Class 6A regional semifinals and Lauriston believes the Hawks are capable of getting that far again, and hopefully, even taking things a step further. Viera doesn’t have a

deep bench, but the Hawks have been working hard in practice to make sure they know what part they will need to play to make the team successful. “We have our roles that we have been working on and going through in practice to build that consistency so that they can get really sharp and move quickly in the game,” Carmer said. “That’s the style I want to get to peak at the right time, where we can make plays and we can move quickly in those roles so that everything looks choreographed. “Beautiful basketball is almost like a ballet. It’s a choreographed dance, with fast decisions.” VV

avoid the kind of half-court game situations where height becomes more of a factor. “Coach Keith has been preaching all summer, all fall that we’re not going to jump with anybody — we’re smaller — and we’re not the most athletic team, so we’ve got to hit them early,” Oglesby said.

“We’ve got to box out well and we’ve got to be really physical rebounding the ball.” Another factor that can make Viera hard to handle is that its offense can feature a number of players on a given night. “We never really have a big, dominant scorer because of how we try to focus on moving the basketball,” Keith said. “It’s nice to have three to four guys who are capable of driving to the basket or knocking down threes. “When that ball moves, people become open. We need guys to score it. If you only have one guy scoring the ball, you’re going to come across a team that’s going to do their homework. They’re going to take that guy away and then you’re in trouble.” The Hawks are looking for more consistency, but they believe they’re capable of winning the district title and advancing deep into the regional playoffs. “We’re just waiting for it to all click, really,” Keith said. VV

Viera girls have shown they’re capable of putting up a lot of points BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera High School girls basketball team has got some firepower this season. “We have three sophomores and a freshman, so it’s a fairly young team,” Hawks coach Josh Carmer said. “But when things are clicking and the players are making their plays, we can put a lot of points on the board.” Through their first nine games, the Hawks had scored more than 60 points three times, including a season-high 70 in a win over Eau Gallie. At the same time, Viera has shown it has what it takes to pull out close games, rallying from halftime deficits to beat both Vero Beach and Heritage. Carmer has challenged his team to play with heart and pride, especially late in those close-game situations and the Hawks have responded to pull out the victory. “I think we’re very gritty,” junior guard Phantasia Lauriston said. “I think this team is more together. We’re always off the court together, on the court together. We have a really good, fun team. This year, we have to hone in

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At VCS, school sports are more than ‘brains vs. brawn’ BY LINDA WIGGINS Viera Charter School is known for its hightech focus, but also has a reputation as a sports school. Nearly half the 1,562 students in kindergarten through eighth grade — 700 of them play 16 different team sports, with 38 teams engaging throughout the sports seasons. Teams often take district championships, some going undefeated. Still more students play travel ball, where many professionals get their start. Others play in community leagues to hone their skills. “Sports actually assist with academics by adding rigor and discipline,” VCS Principal Dr. Julie Cady said. “Students experience working as a team, just as students will do when they leave school and enter the work world.” The benefits of team sports go beyond building muscle, according to VCS Athletic Director Jessica Casey.

“A strong sports program provides students with great coaches to act as mentors, parental involvement and support and ways to meet new friends,” said Casey, an athlete through school and college. Casey worked at Disney’s Wide World of Sports (ESPN Sports) and then became a PE teacher, coaching multiple sports and teaching kindergarten through college. One of the biggest benefactors of sports is the brain itself, she added. “Exercise and sports help children by releasing endorphins into their system,” she said. “This VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Jessica Casey helps by reducing depression Terrence Shannon, center, said winning championships can pave the way for a college sports scholarship. He and anxiety. Sports also is holding the SCCAA Brevard District trophy that VCS Middle School boys basketball won in December. help create an environment for children to learn new finds her best friends on the Winning championships ride scholarship,” he said. activities and spend time court. is more than just for “Championships put sports with their peers.” “If I’m ever sad or in a bad pride, said seventh-grader scouts in the bleachers, and For eighth-grader Terrence Shannon, who that could mean going all the Addyson Werkeiser, “(sports) mood, spending time with my besties doing what we with his middle school way to the NBA.” relieves tons of stress love always puts a smile on boys basketball team went At Viera Charter, that I carry with me in my my face,” she said. undefeated and won the competitive sports start everyday life.” She is the Swimming also finished team captain for middle Space Coast Christian early. school girls volleyball, which a strong season, with more Athletics Association district “It is important to start finished undefeated. She than 70 students competing. title for a second year in a children in sports at an row. The team also played early age since it helps with and won against junior many aspects of growing varsity teams from Space up,” Casey said. “It helps Coast Junior/Senior High them build self-esteem, learn and Edgewood Junior/Senior teamwork and cooperation, High. and follow directions. It “As long as I keep my gives them an opportunity grades up and stay on my to create new connections high school team, I will and meet friends. All are get offers from perhaps the building blocks for a multiple colleges for a fullsuccessful life.” VV

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Viera Voice | January 2024

All students in Brevard County ages 15 to 19 are eligible for free driving lessons through a contract between the Florida Virtual School and the Florida Safety Council. They do not need to be full-time students through the Florida Virtual School. The students must take the written driving rules test through the Florida Virtual School to get their drivers’ permit. Do not go through the Department of Motor Vehicles to take the written test. After obtaining the permit, students must compile 50 hours of supervised driving before they are eligible to take the road test. Parents or legal guardians will have to sign an affidavit. All students less than 18 years old must have their permit for one year or turn 18 before they can take the road test through the DMV

or a third-party testing site such as the Florida Safety Council. For information on enrolling for the Florida Virtual School driving class, students can talk to the guidance counselors at their respective high schools or go online to register for the Florida Virtual School class. For information, contact Tara Dixon Engel, the director of marketing and business development for the Florida Safety Council, by email at tengel@ floridasafety.org or by calling 407-897-4409. The Florida Safety Council has offices in Melbourne, Orlando, Kissimmee, Casselberry and Polk County. The Melbourne office is located at 1515 Elizabeth Street, Suite C, Melbourne, Florida 32901. It is just south of Melbourne High School. VV

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Winner of the Golf Cart Giveaway

Congratulations to DUSTIN F. On December 14, Dustin’s name was randomly drawn to win the Gorilla Rides Golf Cart, as part of the Viera West branch Grand Opening celebrations.

Thank you to all who participated in the Golf Cart Giveaway Contest and to Gorilla Rides for partnering with us.

Viera Voice | January 2024

West Melbourne 85 year old defies age, bikes 60,000 miles BY CARL KOTALA The goal was 1,500 miles. That’s what Howard Harrison promised his wife, Mary, he would ride after she and their children Ronda and Greg gave him a bicycle for Christmas in 1993. Thirty years later, Harrison is still riding. And the now 85-year-old West Melbourne resident has reached a new milestone. He just topped 60,000 miles. “It’s nice exercise,” Harrison said. “I only weigh 145 pounds. It’s kept me healthy. I’m on no medication except eye drops. I feel God has really helped me be healthy. And second, I pick the bicycle for making me that healthy.” Harrison rides two to three days a week, either in the neighborhood near the house he and Mary have lived

in since 1971, or in the Grant area with his longtime friend, Jim McGraw. He’s also taken part in 11 organized rides throughout North Carolina over the years. In the past month, he’s ridden 25 miles in 1 hour, 50 minutes; 26 miles in 1:55; and another 25 miles in 1:48. “When I get off the bike, a lot of people say, ‘What’s your bottom feel like?’ I don’t even know I’ve been riding a bike,” he said. “It’s not bad at all. I really enjoy it.” Although he had done some bike riding in the past, Harrison wasn’t serious about it until he received that fateful Christmas gift. “It was what I call a beach bike,” he said. “It’s a bike with no gears and big balloon tires. At Christmas dinner that day, I told them without even thinking about what I was saying, that I was going to ride 1,500 miles.

“When I started a few days later, in January and February (of 1994), I’d only rode 75 miles. I knew then I was in trouble. When the end of the year came, my wife gave me a plaque that I’d ridden 1,525 miles. “That’s what got me really hooked on riding a bicycle.” After riding around Melbourne for a few years, his family suggested he look for an organized ride he could join. There was one in North Carolina that took place every October. He went out and bought a new bike made by Huffy. “It was a very heavy bike,” Harrison said. “When I got to North Carolina, they had 1,100 people riding, all on country roads. We rode for seven days, from the mountains to the ocean. I went out that first year in 2001, and after a few days they started calling me

‘Toughy.’ “They’d say, ‘Get that Huffy up here.’ I was riding at 12 and 14 miles an hour and thought I was really doing something. Then, on Saturday, the last day of the ride, we were leaving one rest area and to the next rest area it was 20 miles. “They passed me about a half-mile after we came out of that rest area. There were 15 people in a pace line and they said, “Hey, Toughy, get that Huffy in here. Fall in with us.’ “The next thing I knew, I was doing 21 miles an hour. I had to stay with them for 20 miles.” Harrison would go back the next year, this time with a different bike. He returned again in 2005 and then took part continuously from 2010 to 2017, riding between 54 and 85 miles each day. McGraw joined Harrison for those last eight rides. The two began riding together in 2009 and Harrison calls McGraw, “a wonderful friend.” “He’s a great role model and has really helped me to step up my speed. I load up and go down to that area and we ride,” Harrison said. Ronda had once given her father a book to keep track of all the miles he had ridden, but it wasn’t until May 2022 that he actually added it all up and realized he was just 3,500 short of reaching 60,000. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Howard Harrison

For the past 30 years, Howard Harrison has been racking up miles riding his bike. On Sept. 28, of this past year, the 85 year old reached a big milestone, 60,000 miles. And he’s not done yet.

He reached that milestone on Sept. 28 and will finish the year with 60,440 miles. He’s hoping he can ride for another five years. “Hopefully, if I can make it to 90 years old and don’t lose my health, I can get to 70,000 miles,” he said. “That’s putting it up there.” VV

VIERA VOICE photo

Duran Golf Club will host the Freedom Golf Tournament on Jan. 25.

Golf tournament set to raise funds to assist veterans SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Viera Voice | January 2024

AVET Project will hold its inaugural Freedom Golf Tournament 2024 on Jan. 25 at Duran Golf Club in Viera. The tournament is held to raise funds for AVET’s programs and services with a focus on Project Recuperation and Reintegration Retreats. This project provides mental health and VA benefit assistance, which can be life changing with less stress for some veterans.

The tournament will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Duran at 7032 Stadium Parkway. It is open to civilians, veterans and active military golfers. The $125 fee covers one civilian player, lunch and a T-shirt. Active-duty military play for free. Anyone can sponsor a military member for $100 each. For more information, go to avet-project.org, call 321373-7046 or write to info@ avet-project.org. VV

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Wanted 30 Grandparents full-pg Viera Voice 12-18-2023.pdf 1 12/4/2023 3:27:15 PM

CALL For Your Appointment Today. Participants will be selected by January 31, 2024! HEALTH NOTIFICATION Are You Hard of Hearing?

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• If you wish to participate, you will be required to have your hearing evaluated in our office FREE OF CHARGE to determine candidacy and review your results with the hearing instruments with our hearing care specialist. • At the end of this evaluation, you may keep your instruments, if you so desire, at a tremendous savings for participating in this field test. Special testing will be done to determine the increased benefits of this technology. • Benefits of hearing aids vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing evaluation, and proper fit. This is a wonderful opportunity to determine if hearing help is available for your hearing loss and get hearing help at a very affordable price.

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Promo Code: 119GS01BK Viera Voice | January 2024

Dining Out & Events JAN. 4

JAN. 6

Winter Wonderland 2 p.m. Fabulous Foam will be making it snow. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-253-6628

Duo Dash 5K 7:30 a.m. Benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida. Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 407-478-2996

Enjoy the tradition of the South Pacific

Fundraiser for the Pelican Island Audubon Society 5 - 9 p.m . American Muscle Car Museum 3500 Sarno Road Melbourne, 772-567-3520 Music on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585

The Best of Country Music Concert 7 - 9 p.m. Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Scott Center Auditorium 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 855-252-7276

JAN. 10

Cards & Games 6 - 9 p.m. DRS Community Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach 321-773-7705

JAN. 13 Epiphany Christmas Tree Bonfire 5 - 7 p.m. Bring a branch from your Christmas tree to put in the bonfire. Suntree United Methodist Church

island-root.com 321-914-0914

Brevard Antiques and Collectibles Club 1:30 p.m.. The subject for January will be Whatchamacallits. Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 321-795-7363

JAN. 17

Blaze Pizza Fundraiser 5 - 8 p.m. 20% of all checks benefit the No Limits Academy.

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Viera East Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Music of the West African Kora 2 - 3 p.m. Presented by Sean Gaskell Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-253-6628

We’re open 8 am - 3 pm New Year’s Day Come join us for our Mimosa brunch.

Our enticing K Kava drinks provide a soothing, relaxing effect for your mind, body and soul. 7954 N Wickham Rd #115, Melbourne

Melbourne Home Show 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 877-730-7469

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Authentic, fresh-from-scratch Cajun Food Tuesdays Kid Tuesday Kids eat free all day off kids’ menu Age 11 and under

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Viera Voice | January 2024

Chicken Jambalaya

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Blaze Pizza 2348 Citadel Way, #101 Viera, 321-255-6627

JAN. 18

Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival Jan. 18 to 21 Fellsmere Community Center 22 S. Orange St. Fellsmere Froglegfestival.com

JAN. 19

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space Race Walk/Run 7 p.m. Benefit for United Way of Brevard Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space Commerce Way Merritt Island, 321-631-2740

JAN. 20

Stop the Traffic 5K Run/ Walk Charity Event 8:30 a.m. Veterans Memorial Center 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 833-511-2211 Seashell Festival Jan. 20 and 21 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Shells from around the world. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne spacecoastseashells@gmail. com Brevard Symphony Orchestra's Matinee Series Concert 1: Symphonic Dances 2 p.m.

King Center for the Performing Arts 3865 North Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-242-2024

Hollywood Lives Opera 7 p.m. Diva sopranos sing arias and duets from the movies presented by the Space Coast Symphony. Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic, 855-252-7276 Manatee Hustle 5K 7 a.m. First Baptist Indialantic 170 Washington Avenue Indialantic, 321-723-5217 Music on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

JAN. 21

Wedding Expo 1 - 4 p.m. Melbourne AuditoriumWinter 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne Brevardweddings.com

Radisson Resort at the Port 8701 Astronaut Blvd. Cape Canaveral SCBWA.net Why We Dream and What it Means 10 - 11 a.m. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-781-6771

Great Trips planned for 2023 Kissimmee Swamp Tour Wed., Jan. 10, 2024 - $97

Fun day on Lake Kissimmee, the largest lake in Central Florida surrounded by wildlife parks and protected wetlands. Kissimmee Swamp Tours and Airboat Tours is a unique experience. We offer a 30 minute airboat tour through pristine headwaters of the Florida Everglades. See Florida’s untouched wilderness with professional informative captains. Maximum of 46 allowed. Sign up by Dec. 15.

Solomon’s Castle Tue., Jan. 16, 2024 - $125

An exciting day visit to the metal castle of Howard Solomon, his architect, countless metal sculptures, more than 80 interpretive stained-glass windows. Sculptor, painter, author, builder of dreams, your host, Howard shares his unique view of the world. Lunch is included. Minimum of 35. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 4.

JAN. 27

Tooth Trot 5K 8 a.m. Benefiting Give Kids a Smile, which provides free dental care to children in Brevard County Wickham Park 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne 321-759-1128 Kickin' It For Hope Kickball Tournament 10 a.m. Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera nobaddaysfoundation.com

Moulin Rouge, the Broadway Spectacular

Mar. 2, 2024 - $178 More than a musical, it is a state of mind. An afternoon at Moulin Rouge. Lunch is included. Balcony seating. Minimum of 35 needed for this trip. Sign up by Jan. 5.

Strawberry Festival Mar. 8, 2024 - $119

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Viera Voice | January 2024

s w e N

SCHOOL

Holy Trinity unveils plans for $10 million academic facility BY MIKE GAFFEY Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy plans to build a $10 million state-of-the-art academic facility for grades 7 to 12 at its Upper School campus. The two-story IDEAS Institute, a 30,000-squarefoot, multi-use building, is expected to open in fall 2025, academy officials announced during a public capital campaign kickoff Dec. 6 at the school at 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, just south of the Pineda Causeway. The IDEAS (Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Applied Sciences) Institute is designed to mirror the style, feel and dynamics of higher education and will be the first of its kind in Brevard County, Head of School Elizabeth Miller told dozens of guests. “Like an artist’s studio or an engineer’s laboratory, this dynamic facility will inspire exploration and experimentation,” Miller said. “It will be a canvas for decisions after lively discussion and collaboration, and a place where students will grow to be creators and curators with teachers as their mentors.”

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

This is a rendering of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy's IDEAS Institute, a two-story, 30,000-square-foot academic building for grades 7 to 12 at its Upper School off the Pineda Causeway. The school hopes to open the facility in fall 2025.

More than $7 million in private donations already has been committed to the project during the past six months, Miller said. Key features include: • An innovation gym and robotics workshop that will provide Holy Trinity’s robotics and engineering programs with more interactive space to create, build, test and compete. The

gym will have a studentcentered marketplace workshop with movable furniture, cutting-edge tools and technology and a fullsized robotics field where students can design and test their prototypes. • A design center and broadcast studio for broadcast journalism and graphic design students for programs such as the

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Viera Voice | January 2024

academy’s weekly Channel 77 News, its student magazine “The Growl” and its award-winning yearbook “Tigrium.” • Presentation space for theater, speech, debate, mock trial and moot court classes and programs. The area can be configured to host clubs, classes, guest speakers and group meetings and events for up to 100 attendees. • A college and academic advising suite that’s three times the size of the current office. • A student success center and academic coaching office that will offer designated private spaces for tutoring, testing, counseling and collaboration with peers and faculty. • Fifteen active learning classrooms, eight of which will be modern mathematics classrooms. • A commons area for students to gather, study and relax before and after classes. • In-between spaces and workstations with displays and presentations that showcase student work and encourage communication and collaboration. Holy Trinity conducted a feasibility study to assess the academy’s readiness for another large project just two years after a $5.5 million capital campaign to renovate the school’s football field and track and build the Tiger Athletic Complex. After a majority of parents supported the project, the school’s Board of

Trustees voted unanimously to go public with fundraising efforts. Groundbreaking will proceed when 90 percent of needed funds are pledged. Construction should take 12 months. Holy Trinity has contracted with MELD Studio Architecture, MH Williams Construction Group, MK Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering Group, American Business Interiors and Atlantic Environmental for the project. Justin Morton of JPM Management Co. is the project manager. Holy Trinity, a leading college preparatory school in Florida and the premier pre-K-12 independent school in Brevard County, also has a Lower School at 50 W. Strawbridge Ave. in Melbourne. Past board chairman Tom Flavin reminded guests that more work needs to be done to raise donations, saying the academy wants “top-notch facilities” for its students. “I think what Holy Trinity provides is sorely needed in our community and in our society and in our nation and in the world today,” said Flavin, whose children graduated from the academy. “This school turns out welleducated, values-motivated young men and women who go off and turn out to be real leaders in their communities and in their businesses.” Go to htlightingtheway.org for more information about the IDEAS Institute. VV

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Viera Voice | January 2024

Cars and Coffee honors law enforcement with special show BY JEFF NAVIN Local businessman Joe Rodriguez looks back fondly on the car shows he attended as a child at the Woodbridge Mall in Bergen County in northern New Jersey. “We used to go a lot,’’ said Joe Rodriguez, whose Space Coast Cars and Coffee car shows have become popular in Brevard County. “I was in love with all the cars at 10 years old. I really loved the Mustangs.’’ Rodriguez later bought a 1965 Mustang Fastback as a teen. From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Rodriguez will bring Space Coast Cars and Coffee to AJ’s Lager House, which should be open by then

at 8250 North Wickham Road in Viera at the former location of UNO Pizzeria & Grill. The theme will be Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which officially will be celebrated around the country four days earlier. Viera Voice also will be a sponsor for the event. “We’ll have from 50 to 100 cars,’’ Rodriguez said. “There will be vintage McLarens, new McLarens, Mustangs, Camaros and motorcycles, too. We’ll have a little of everything. We want to bring the community out. It’s all about the community. We want to have some fun. We want the kids to come, see the cars and enjoy the day.’’ After an opening prayer by Brandon Rieb, the

executive pastor of the Church at Viera, the Viera High School Color Guard will post the colors. The Rodriguez family is a law enforcement family. His father Ray, who owns 14 McDonald's in Brevard County, lives in Brevard County after retiring as a detective in New Jersey. Rodriguez’s son, Andrew, is a detective in New Jersey. All of Rodriguez’s sons, Julian, Nick and Alex, who live in Brevard County, love cars. Michelle Rodriguez, a sister, owns the McDonald’s on Wickham Road in Viera. Jason Pun, the owner of AJ’s Lager House, is delighted to have the vintage cars at his new restaurant.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Jason Pun, left, and Joe Rodriguez are excited about the upcoming Space Coast Cars and Coffee, which will be held at AJ's Lager House Jan. 13. The theme will be Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

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Viera Voice | January 2024

Will you have enough money to enjoy your retirement? BY ERNIE DORLING “I have enough money to last the rest of my life … unless I buy something,” comedian and actor Jackie Mason said. In the movie "Heist," Mickey Bergman, played by Danny DeVito, tells Joe Moore, played by Gene Hackman, that “Everybody needs money. That’s why they call it money.” Don Chamberlin, of Viera, and a Certified Financial Educator, as well as the CEO of the Chamberlin Group, wants people to be prepared and confident that they have enough money to enjoy their retirements. To help get that message out, he co-produced a 90-minute movie called, “The Retirement Deception” a documentary-style film that shares what it takes to retire on your own terms in today’s economic environment. The movie is scheduled to be shown at the AMC theater in Viera at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16 and 18. “My team and I worked on this film for the express purpose of educating people about the realities of retirement. Even the best savers can have their finances derailed by unforeseen

economic events,” Chamberlin said. Chamberlin, who has been in the business of financial planning and education since 1985, traveled, along with his team, throughout the country interviewing people about their financial concerns. They found that most are concerned with whether or not they’ll have enough money to last them through the duration of their retirements, especially now that people are VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Don Chamberlin living longer. Don Chamberlin and his wife Susie attended a screening of the movie “This movie "The Retirement Deception." will educate them about how to enjoy their retirement different areas or buckets and much money will they need in and remove their worry about invest each according to its retirement to maintain their external forces and political purpose, whether emergency, current standard of living,” events that might impact their income or long-term growth, Chamberlin added. finances,” he said. to offset future inflation. Based on that standard of In the movie, Chamberlin “One question people need living, he suggests that most explains that people must allocate their money in three to ask themselves is how people will need between 80

to 100 percent of their current income to maintain their standard of living as they age. “Baby Boomers didn’t go through the Great Depression,” Chamberlin said. “As a result, the 55-plus population didn’t experience the financial hardships our parents and grandparents did. As such, too many didn’t plan for their retirement as well as they might have,” he explained. “You’re OK if the market goes up; if it doesn’t, you’re not. Nobody wants to go back to work in their 80s because they lost too much in the stock market.” Chamberlin hopes to show people how to make sure they don’t outlive their retirement savings. The Retirement Deception is approximately 90 minutes long. VIP invitations will be mailed soon to residents of the Melbourne-VieraSuntree area in the coming weeks. Tickets are free and include popcorn and a drink. For more information or to request a ticket, call the Chamberlin Group at 833823-3330. VV

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Viera Voice | January 2024

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GASTROPALOOZA

Continued from page 1

“It’s like watching the Food Network live,” Conneen said. Last year nearly 700 attended. Watching and smelling is free, but sampling food and drinks require wristbands that cost $30 each for food or drinks or $55 for both. For tickets, go to 28northgastropub.com/ gastropalooza-iv/.

“It's like watching the Food Network live.” — Chris Conneen

Although this is Morales’ first Gastropalooza competition, the California native appeared on Supermarket Stakeout and in April will be on another food network show he couldn’t disclose. “I plan to use one of my go-to strengths, one outside-the-box course as a curveball to expand the palate and a pasta for the dessert.” said Morales, 38, of Viera, who moved to the Space Coast to be near his parents. Hughes, from Cape Cod, was the former chef at 28 North Gastropub before moving to Urban Prime. He graduated from the New England Culinary Institute and worked in North Carolina hotels and restaurants before coming

VIERA VOICE Keith Betterley

Chef Christopher Morales, left, and Chef C.J. Hughes are ready for the three-round culinary competition in Gastropalooza on Feb.2. to the Space Coast to open the Too Cool Café in Satellite Beach with his mother. Funds raised will go to Brevard County Hospitality Life. “The Christian nonprofit provides resources and financial aid to food and beverage workers …to help with hardship situations,” co-founder Conneen said. During the COVID pandemic restaurant shutdown, the organization provided free meals to out-of-work staff. Meet-ups and socials, cell groups of workers who

meet with ambassadors twice a month and referrals to more than 60 services are also available for housing, emotional and spiritual support and even GED classes. Monies will be shared with the Giving Kitchen, a similar largerscale regional organization based in Georgia. Dance music will be provided by Hot Pink, a Cocoa Beach-based group of five men who have performed rock and other music genres in Central Florida. VV

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Viera Voice | January 2024

Brevard Symphony Orchestra drawing offers three great prizes SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) Wesche Jewelers Dream Drawing returns for its third year. This fundraiser gives everyone a chance to win three separate prizes. The three tier prizes are a stay in Sweet Carolina in Nags Head, North Carolina; Bling and Style; and an Arts and Cuisine package. VIERA VOICE Courtesy of BSO Winners will be drawn at the BSO’s February Pops concert, These two pieces of jewelry are part of the Bling and Style “Celebrating 100 Years of package offered during the Rhapsody in Blue” at 7:30 BSO Wesche Jewelers Dream p.m. Feb. 3 at the King Center. Drawing. Participants do not have to be present to win, and winners This bundle includes two will be contacted by phone pieces of quality jewelry. and email following the One piece is a garnet and concert. diamond pendant in 14-karat Tier One is a seven-night yellow gold on a 17-inch stay at Sweet Carolina, a three- chain. This stunning piece bedroom, two-bathroom was owned by BSO Guild home just steps away from member Jackie Parenti and the ocean in Nags Head, North has been donated by her Carolina. Amenities include Estate. The second piece is beautiful and comfortable a set of pointed diamond bedrooms and bathrooms, indrop earrings from Le Vian’s unit laundry, spacious parking, Creme Brulee Collection. patio, an outdoor shower and These earrings are 72 beach items to borrow. It has diamonds totaling 1.74 carats a maximum occupancy of six in 14-karat strawberry gold. people. This tier is valued as These exquisite earrings are priceless. from Wesche Jewelers, the Tier Two, valued at $3,700, sponsor of this year’s Dream is the Bling and Style package.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard Symphony Orchestra

The top prize for the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Wesche Jewelers Dream Drawing is a seven-night stay in Nags Head, North Carolina. The house is a short walk from the beach.

Drawing. Arts, and King Center for $50 for three, and $100 Bluewater CreativeArts. Group tickets. To purchase Tier 3 is a Performing Arts the Performing This Ͳ Issuefor21 six and Cuisine package valued package also includes $100 Dream Drawing tickets, go at $1,300. This package gift cards to The Dove III to brevardsymphony.com/ includes two tickets to the Restaurant, Djon’s Steak and dreamdrawing or call the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Lobster House, Yellow Dog BSO Office at 321-345-5052. Titusville Playhouse, Historic Café, Chart House, Island Fish Tickets will also be available Cocoa Village Playhouse, and Grill, and Chef’s Table. for purchase before each BSO Henegar Center for the Tickets are $25 for one, concert. VV

Crossword

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Yearn 15 16 14 5 Mattress 19 17 18 problem 9 Indian mystic 21 22 20 14 Word with man 23 24 25 26 or mat 15 Soon, to a poet 27 28 29 30 31 16 Swiftly 17 Like some tigers 32 33 34 35 19 Lawn invaders 36 37 38 39 40 20 Bar supply 21 New York team 41 42 43 44 22 Word in some 46 47 48 magazine titles 45 23 T-cell producer 49 50 51 52 25 Past plump 56 57 58 53 54 55 27 Compass direction 60 61 59 32 Rubberneck 63 64 62 34 Poet Sexton 35 1967 film, "To 66 67 65 ___, With Love" 36 Pass to the side Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate 38 Wrestle 41 Load from a lode 64 Pluto and others 10 Orbital extreme 40 Indigent 42 Stir up 65 Absconded with 11 Leafy green 43 Arctic vessel 44 Gets really 66 Website 12 Covers a cake 46 Weedy rye steamed language 13 Half of R & R grass 45 Text-writing 67 Singles 18 Class clown, 47 Pretty follower? machine e.g. 48 Piercing, as a 49 Word in a Culkin DOWN 22 Prevent sound film title 1 Allow entrance 24 Filly's mom 51 Clothing size 50 Boston or Miami 2 Whistle blower 26 Make a mess of 52 Treat a wound paper 3 Australian bird 28 Wild West 53 Matures 53 British prince 4 Before, of yore hangout 54 Shipshape 56 "Charlotte's 5 In vogue, with 29 Goal 55 "Whip It" group Web" setting "the" 30 Flowerpot spot 57 Former student, 58 Art anagram 6 Part of BTU 31 "___ bien!" briefly 59 Davis with a 7 Season of 32 Sign near a 60 Texter's 1988 Oscar heavy rain school "Unbelievable!" 60 Solo card game 8 JPEG alternative 33 Tropical tuber 61 Ruckus 62 Roof edge 9 Starve, to 37 Cupid's projectile 63 Heavy hammer Shakespeare 39 _____-minded

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Hotels, unique restaurants quickly taking shape at Borrows West BY MIKE GAFFEY

The sounds of heavy machinery can be heard throughout Viera’s Borrows West development as work proceeds on multiple construction projects. In the coming months, the 115-acre regional commercial hub southwest of Interstate-95 and Viera Boulevard will welcome more restaurants, hotels, professional offices and apartments to the rapidly growing Viera community. Foodies will be able to grab gourmet burgers and craft beers while surrounded by antique automotive decor at Ford’s Garage, enjoy a wide selection of wines at two-story Venezia Wine Veranda, try Mediterranean specialties at Olive Tree Greek Grill’s new standalone waterfront location, and dine on Polynesian fare at

Tiki Docks Bar & Grill. Rich Abbruscato, the owner of Venezia Wine Veranda, said he anticipates getting a certificate of occupancy for his wine bar in mid-February and opening by the end of February. Abbruscato said he’s heard from many potential customers excited about his new business, which will have self-serve wine dispensers and about 15 employees. “It’s a little scary, actually,” he laughingly said of the response. “A lot of activity, a lot of things coming soon in the way of food and beverage up in Borrows West,” said Todd Pokrywa, president of the Viera Company, which is developer of the master planned Viera community. Two hotels — 206-room Hilton Garden Inn and 131-unit Homewood Suites — will provide additional

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Ford’s Garage restaurant in Viera’s Borrows West development will feature prime burgers, craft beer and a 1920s-style service station theme.

beds for weary travelers from nearby I-95 and families in town for games at the nearby United States Specialty Sports Association Space Coast Complex. “We have a great mix of new businesses as evidenced by the amount

of construction activity we see occurring there,” Scott Miller, the executive vice president of sales, marketing and community development for The Viera Company, said in a statement. The new businesses will join Wawa, Chick-fil-A, Ace

Hardware, Sundance Family Dentistry, Linz of Viera Apartments and The Blake at Viera assisted living facility, which have already opened in Borrows West.

BORROWS WEST

Continued on page 25

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Viera Voice | January 2024

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Big Peach Running Company will move into the space formerly occupied by SAS Shoes, which is closing. Playa Bowls, right, is excited to bring its healthy and nutritious food to Viera.

Three new stores plan opening at The Avenue Viera this year BY WENDY SCHEURING

If you like food, fashion and fitness, you’ll be happy about these three new stores soon setting up shop at The Avenue Viera this year. Playa Bowls (playabowls.com) will offer healthy, nutritious food choices and specialize in acai, fruit and coconut bowls as well as smoothies. “We are excited to bring the Jersey Shore's Original Acai Bowl Shop to Viera,” General Manager Courtney Knauer wrote in an email. “We will be offering seasonal specials as well as a full menu of bowls

“The addition of Playa Bowls, J. McLaughlin, and Big Peach Running further align with The Avenue Viera's position as the destination for those seeking a combination of style, taste and active living.” — Kyle Cooper, the general manager of The Avenue Viera

featuring acai, mango, Pitaya, coconut, green and banana. Welcome to pineapple land. “Playa Bowls was founded in 2014 after our founders were traveling and found acai after their long surfing days. They came back to the shore and started a pop-up stand in front of a local pizza shop and started to share the benefits of acai

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with everyone around. We were inspired by their story after we stopped at their shop a few years ago and are ready to support the Viera area with healthier lifestyles, using the freshest and highest quality ingredients,” Knauer said. After having an acai bowl, runners and walkers alike might enjoy visiting Big Peach

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email. He said that Big Peach Running store offers a curated collection of top-tier running footwear from leading brands designed to optimize performance, comfort and style. Shoppers might also want to stop by and check out J. McLaughlin, a luxury men’s and women’s clothing, shoe and accessory store. Founded by two brothers in 1977, each J. McLaughlin storefront offers a unique local appearance. (jmclaughlin.com). “The addition of Playa Bowls, J. McLaughlin, and Big Peach Running further align with The Avenue Viera's position as the destination for those seeking a combination of style, taste and active living,” said Kyle Cooper, the general manager of The Avenue Viera." VV

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Lilly Pulitzer among high-end stores coming to The Avenue BY MIKE GAFFEY

The iconic fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer is among the high-end businesses that plan to open soon at The Avenue Viera. Pulitzer, kitchenware store Sur La Table, and skin care clinic Skin Laundry will welcome customers in the coming months. Lilly Pulitzer was founded in Palm Beach by the entrepreneur, fashion designer and socialite of the same name, whose line of colorful, summer-inspired women’s apparel has become a resort-wear staple. Pulitzer, who opened a fruit juice stand in Palm Beach in 1959, first began designing colorful prints to wear in order to hide juice stains on her clothes. The closest Lilly Pulitzer

stores are in Winter Park and Orlando, at the Mall at Millenia. Sur La Table, a privately held retail company based in Seattle, is a favorite among cooking enthusiasts, selling kitchenware including cookware, cutlery, cooks’ tools, small electric devices, tabletops and linens, bakeware, glassware, housewares, food and outdoor products. Founded in 1972 by Shirley Collins, Sur La Table has stores in 22 states, including six in Florida. The closest location is in West Palm Beach. Skin Laundry has done more than 1 million safe and affordable laser facials since its founding a decade ago in Santa Monica, California. The company has more than 40 locations worldwide, and the

Lilly Pulitzer will open a new store next to Nothing Bundt Cakes at The Avenue Viera.

Viera store will be its first new location in Florida.

Go to avenueviera. com/event/Coming-

Venezia Wine Veranda in Borrows West, which will feature self-pouring wine dispensers, is expected to open at the end of February.

BORROWS WEST, Continued from page 23 Also completed is Borrows West Park, a playground-free development centerpiece with a mile-long walking trail around a scenic lake, large red swings and benches for relaxing and enjoying the view. Both new hotels will have water views. Hilton Garden Inn, which will feature a rooftop bar, according to the website of Weathervane Capital Partners, a real estate investment firm that has teamed with General Hotels Corp. to build the two hotels. The area eventually will have a business park. Miller said development occurring in Borrows West “is the realization of some of the cornerstone design elements of the original master plan of Viera, with modern enhancements and refinements that create an impressive window into the community from I-95.” “Borrows West is setting a new standard for the Space Coast in terms of design,

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Soon/2145578942/ for more information. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

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Attorney and Counselor at Law Serving Viera/Suntree amenities, and variety of integrated and planned uses blended into the most visible and accessible location on the Space Coast,” he said. For more on Borrows West, go to viera.com. V V

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Viera Voice | January 2024

Business Scoop

Watson Realty Corp. plans new office in Viera BY MIKE GAFFEY

Viera will be the home of Watson Realty Corp.’s second office in Brevard County. Officials from the Jacksonville-based real estate brokerage firm attended a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 6 for the new state-of-the art facility at 6865 Murrell Road. It’s Watson Realty Corp.’s 46th office in North and Central Florida and South Georgia. Watson has a Melbourne office at 470 S. Wickham Road. Members of Watson’s executive team, including Chairman of the Board William A. Watson Jr., President Ed Forman and Regional Vice President Jeffrey Fagan, were among the more than 50 guests who attended the ceremony, outlining business and community goals for the 7,000- to 8,000-square-foot Viera office. “We’re excited to expand in the market,” said Fagan, who hopes the one-story building will open by late 2024 or early 2025. “We’re very excited about the structure.”

Nancy Shear, a broker associate, coach and trainer at Watson Realty’s Melbourne office, said the Viera location will offer a wide range of services, including residential and commercial real estate, rental management, corporate relocation, construction, and title insurance and settlement assistance. “It will be a full-service real estate sales office,” Shear said. The new building also will house a branch of Florida Insurance Concepts, an affiliate of Watson Realty Corp. LLC, a local insurance agency representing many insurance companies. A Florida Insurance Concepts office also is at the Melbourne location, Shear said. “All of our family of services will be available at that location,” said Fagan, who added that Watson will rent out office space inside the new building. “We’re a vertically integrated, multifaceted company.” Founded in 1965, the family-owned company now has about 1,400 sales associates.

While Viera’s growth was a factor in adding a second Brevard office, Fagan said the company’s founder, William A. Watson Jr., has especially liked the Space Coast market. “In fact, he met the Duda sisters at the Governor’s Mansion one time and told them as well that he’s always been interested in that part of Florida,” Fagan said. For information, go to watsonrealtycorp.com or call the Melbourne location at 321-724-9500 for more. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Watson Realty Corp.

This is an artist’s depiction of Watson Realty Corp.’s new Viera East office planned for 6865 Murrell Road.

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Bright Lights winner donates to worthy cause SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Operation Smile at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Viera Bright Lights Battle Orlando. brings fun, cheers and helps Chris and Liane Rensing, to define the year-end holiday whose 9-year-old daughter, season. Mila, was born with cleft This year, it is adding a palate, help to raise money to little support for children support the foundation that born with cleft lip and cleft helped their daughter. palate. “It’s great that they are Andre and Loretta Leblond, doing that,” Chris Rensing said. the winners of the Best “It’s really a great gesture.” Interactive display, donated The Rensings won in the their prize money of $50 to Viera East Clark Griswold a foundation that supports category in the Viera Bright

Lights Battle. Although they live close to each other in Viera, the Leblonds do not know the Rensings. But they heard that they help to raise funds to help other children with cleft lip and cleft palate at Nemours. The Leblonds have a nephew, who is now 16 years old and who was born with a cleft lip. “We don’t know the people,” Andre Leblond

said. “Someone told us they support this foundation.

That’s a better use of the money.” VV

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Andre and Loretta Leblond donated their winnings from the Viera Bright Lights Battle to Operation Smile at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando.

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Viera Voice | January 2024

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Remembering Nanette Hebdige — chef, writer, friend BY R. NORMAN MOODY She often swept into the building, stopping at every desk and office to greet everyone. Nanette Hebdige had the kind of extroverted personality that made people feel they mattered to her. It is only one of the pleasant traits that leaves a lasting memory of her among her colleagues at Viera Voice and Senior Life. “She made friends and she kept them,” said John Sido, her uncle, who lives in Arizona. Nanette Hebdige, a writer for the publications whose full name is Marie Antoinette Hebdige, died Dec. 6. Even while battling

“She had a great passion for cooking and for dancing as well. Cooking was not to be taken for granted. It was an art form.” — John Sido, Nanette Hebdige's uncle

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Nanette Hebdige was a writer for Viera Voice and Senior Life.

cancer and in pain, she never wavered in her commitment to her work and always wore a pleasant

demeanor. You knew it She knew foods of other when she walked in and cultures. Her uncle was stuck her head in each well aware of her gift for office to say hello. cooking. Hebdige, a chef, each “She had a great passion month wrote the Pantry for cooking and for Rat column, which included dancing as well,” Sido said. a recipe in Viera Voice and “Cooking was not to be stories in both publications. taken for granted. It was an “We miss her dearly,” art form.” said Jill Blue, the president Sido’s wife, Marie-Jose, of Bluewater Creative is Hebdige’s mother’s sister. Group, the parent company Hebdige spoke three of Viera Voice and Senior languages, including Life. “We loved listening to Spanish and French. her stories about traveling, Born June 13, 1961, in New York City, Miami, Madrid of Spanish and Spain, Singapore and French parents, Hebdige meeting Anthony Bourdain.” lived in Madrid, Malaga and

Recipes from friends and fans of Nanette Hebdige

Singapore before moving to the United States as an adult about 35 years ago. Friends and colleagues held a memorial service for Hebdige on Dec. 10 at First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach. A memorial service will be held in Arizona, where she has her mother, a brother, Ash Hebdige, other family members and longtime friends. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona. VV

Mirliton brings zest from New Orleans to the table BY ANJANETTE WICKS

Mirliton has a kind of wrinkly, pear shape and is green. The raw fruit has the consistency of an apple. It is prepared in several ways. HAPPY However, in New Orleans, it is generally cooked as a casserole in a recipe such as the one detailed here. V V

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Ingredients: 8 Mirliton 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined ½ pound crab meat 1 pound ground beef ½ pound ground pork (Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage) 1 cup onion, finely chopped ¼ cup green onions (shallots/scallions), finely chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped ½ cup butter 1½ cups Italian bread crumbs

Seasonings: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 3 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasonings ¼ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tbsp garlic powder

Directions: 1. Boil the Mirliton until tender. To test the tenderness stick a fork into it and, if it comes out clean, it is ready. Do not overcook. Estimated cook time: 1½ hours. 2. Drain and cool Mirliton. 3. Meanwhile, a. Sauté vegetables (onions, green onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and parsley), b. Season shrimp and add to sauteed vegetables. c. Season and cook ground beef and Pork (drain off oils) 4. Peel Mirliton and take out the seeds, chop fine, then combine breadcrumbs, sautéed shrimp, crab meat, ground beef and pork, Taste and adjust additional seasonings according to your tastebuds. 5. Pour mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. 6. Place pats of butter on a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

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BUSINESS For an invitation to the January 11 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235. In December, the Viera Means Business networking group met at Thrive Local, which provided breakfast. The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at member business locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.

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“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” — Benjamin Franklin

SUNDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY MONDAY

TUESDAY TUESDAY

Happy New Year

National Clean Your Desk Day

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY SATURDAY

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

Some Day National Can Do National Chocolate We'll Laugh About Day Covered Cherry Day This Week New Year’s Day paddle Tragedy Assistance Slainte Traditions Sip & Smoke 11 a.m. Program for Survivors & Cheers Cocktail 6:30 p.m. Casual paddle, bring 6 - 8 p.m. Competition Locally hand-rolled snacks, drinks, chairs Suntree/Viera Library 5 - 8 p.m. cigars provided by and great stories 902 Jordan Blass Drive Competition featuring Chaffiot Cigars Kayak and paddleboard Suntree, 321-253-6628 Slainte Irish Whiskey. 28 North Gastropub rentals available for $10. 28 North Gastropub 4220 Dixie Highway NE 2250 Town Center Ave. 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159 Palm Bay, 321-258-4492 Viera, 321-241-1159 Strong Body, Mind & Winter Wonderland Red Eye Big Cup Golf Spirit 2 p.m. Tournament 6 - 7:15 p.m. Fabulous Foam will be 8:30 a.m. Exercise and meditation. making it snow. Duran Golf Club Viera Regional Suntree/Viera Library 7038 Stadium Parkway 2300 Judge Fran 902 Jordan Blass Drive Viera, 321-504-7776 Jamieson Way Suntree, 321-253-6628 Viera, 321-258-2089

I Am a Mentor Day

Scottish Country Brevard Renaissance Fair — Pirates Weekend Dancing 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7 Springs of Suntree 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Clubhouse Wickham Park 8300 Holiday Springs 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-458-3515 Road Suntree, 321-427-3587 Paint Therapy and Lunch 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Presented by AVET. Genna Pizza Express 7954 N. Wickham Road, Suntree info@avet-project.org

National Pizza Week

Brevard Renaissance Fair — Fantasy Weekend Jan. 13 and 14 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne 321-458-3515

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Trivia Night 6 - 8 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487 Neighbors Coffee and Conversation 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-253-6628

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medicaid Planning Peace March and Service Seminar 10 a.m. 2 - 5 p.m. Elder law attorney Cocoa Riverfront Park William A. Johnson. 401 Riveredge Blvd. One Senior Place Cocoa, 321-795-0537 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 American Nomad & the Space Coast Poets Modern Hymn Project 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. Advent Lutheran Church Suntree/Viera Library 7550 N. Wickham Road 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-253-6628 Suntree, 321-259-8515

National National Hot Hug Your Puppy Sauce Day Day Brevard Renaissance AARP Smart Drive Fair — Viking Weekend Course Jan. 20 and 21 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. One Senior Place Wickham Park 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 2500 Parkway Drive Viera, 973-607-7996 Melbourne 321-458-3515

National Blueberry Pancake Day Brevard County Police and Firefighters eighth annual Chili Cook Off 1 - 4 p.m. Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa facebook.com/ BCPFFBenevolent

National Law Enforcement Day

National Puzzle Day Women's Pickleball 10 a.m. Viera Regional 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891

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National National Take a Walk Gourmet Coffee Popcorn Day Outdoors Day Day Free Liver Scans The Myths & Facts of Tinnitus and Hearing Cocoa Beach Kite & Loss Beach Fest 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Parkinson’s Research 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Jan. 20 and 21 Free fibroscans by Trials Presented by Personal 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ClinCloud. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Solutions. Coconuts on the Beach One Senior Place Presented by the Brevard Hearing One Senior Place 2 Minutemen Causeway 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Parkinson’s Alliance. 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Cocoa Beach Viera, 321-751-6771 Center for Collaboration Viera, 321-751-6771 321-693-3159 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Sit and Get Fit Saint Paul's Classical EcoFest Rockledge 1 - 2 p.m. School Festival 9 a.m. 321-345-1031 Martin Andersen Cocoa Riverfront Park 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Senior Center Saint Paul's Church 401 Riveredge Blvd. 1025 S. Florida Ave. 7200 N. Wickham Road Cocoa Rockledge, 321-631-7549 eearss.org@gmail.com Viera, 321-259-1130 Popeye Day

National Hot Chocolate Day Game Night Conductors Choice 7 p.m. 6 - 8:30 p.m. Competitors face off in Maestro Mark Nelson games on the Ps4, such of the Melbourne Band as Madden, 2K, Fortnite Municipal conducts his favorites. and Call of Duty. Bring Melbourne Auditorium your own controller. 625 Hibiscus Boulevard Viera Community Center Melbourne 2300 Judge Fran 321-285-6724 Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891

Viera Voice | January 2024

Three Kings Day Epiphany Christmas Tree Bonfire 5 - 7 p.m. Bring a branch from your Christmas tree to put in the bonfire. Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585 Duo Dash 5K Fun Friday 7:30 a.m. 5 - 10 p.m. Benefit for Big Brothers Vendors, food trucks Big Sisters. and live music. Veterans Memorial Park Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson 201 Polk Ave. Way, Viera, 407-478-2996 Cape Canaveral

National Human National National Take Trafficking Hot Tea Day the Stairs Day Awareness Day Tae Kwon Do Escape from the Arctic Comedy Night at Duran Health First Fight Child 6 - 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Lab Hunger 5K The art of self-defense. 2 - 4 p.m. Duran Golf Club 8 a.m. Viera Regional Easy to moderate puzzles 7032 Stadium Parkway Help raise awareness 2300 Judge Fran Viera, 321-504-7771 to solve, including a of the efforts to fight Jamieson Way cipher, some invisible childhood hunger by The Viera, 321-474-8205 Senior Health Friday writing, a math problem, with Nurse Lisa Children’s Hunger Project a rebus and a riddle. and the Sharing Center of Men's Pickleball 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 9 to 13. Central Brevard. Noon The Mind Diet, lower Viera Regional Suntree/Viera Library your risk of Alzheimer’s Viera High School 2300 Judge Fran disease. RSVP required. 6103 Stadium Parkway 902 Jordan Blass Drive Jamieson Way Suntree, 321-253-6628 One Senior Place Viera, 321-632-1770 Viera, 321-433-4891 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

National Compliment Day Assisted Living Veterans Space Coast Birding Benefit Seminar and Wildlife Festival 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 to 28 Alura Senior Living 8 a.m. 777 Roy Wall Blvd. Radisson Resort Rockledge 8701 Astronaut Blvd. 321-549-3980 Cape Canaveral SCBWA.net Coin Talk with Bob 6 - 7:45 p.m. Bring your old coins. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-253-6628

National Day of National Commuy Service Bird Day Brevard Antiques and Collectibles Club 10 a.m. The subject will be Bells, Whistles & Noisemakers. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-254-5831

National Fish Taco Day

Estate Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m. Presented by William A. Johnson, board certified elder law attorney. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

National Chocolate Cake Day Casino Night to Benefit the SPCA of Brevard 7 - 11 p.m. Viera East Golf Club 1600 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-567-3615

Freedom Golf Tournament 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Pkwy Viera, avet-project.org Jimmy Buffet/James Taylor Tribute Concert The Haven Golf Challenge 7:30 a.m. 7 p.m. SINGLES & COUPLES Duran Golf Club Merritt Island Moose 7038 Stadium Parkway Lodge 2073 3150 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Viera, 321-676-6888 Merritt Island

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Discover Life Church set to open Viera campus in March BY WENDY SCHEURING

Associate Pastor Austin Green of Discover Life Church is eager to head a new branch of the church at Viera High School. “Our worship experiences are tailored to people who don’t have a relationship with God,” said Green, who described Discover Life’s worship as multigenerational and multicultural. “It is an environment where everyone feels welcome,” he said. “We will be launching on Sunday, March 3, 2024,” said Green, who lives on the Rockledge/Viera border with his wife, Emily Green. She is a part of the church team, doing communications and social media on platforms such as X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The Sunday morning services begin with song worship, followed by a relevant message from Lead Pastor Ken Hitte. “At the close of our experience,” said Green, “we do a traditional altar call, style like Billy Graham, for people to come forth and receive salvation.” The church will continue its services at the Melbourne campus at 3550 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. For the past two years, Green noticed a sharp increase in attendance there at the Melbourne campus. People were not only driving to Melbourne from the Rockledge and

“We will be launching on Sunday, March 3, 2024” — Austin Green

Viera areas but also from Titusville, Merritt Island and as far away as the Cape. The church recognized the need for another campus with a centralized Brevard location. Viera High School has had a tradition of hosting area churches when school is not in session. When the space became available, Green saw an immediate opportunity. Plus, the Greens are rooted in Viera. Austin’s parents live in Viera and Emily’s parents recently bought a house in Viera. On Sundays, children ages six months to 12 years of age are welcome to attend a children’s worship. Discover Life also has a student ministry (ages 12 to 18) which meets on Wednesdays and a young adult ministry (ages 18 to 25) that meets on Tuesdays. The student ministry enjoys games and activities based upon their grade level, and the young adult ministry meets for small group experiences and hangouts throughout Brevard County. “This is the hallmark of who we are as a church, reaching people who are far from God. We invite people to

GASTROPALOOZA IV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joel Mills

Discover Life Church will begin holding church services March 3 in the auditorium at Viera High School.

come forward and receive salvation,” Green said. For more information, go to discoverlifechurch.com or call 321-259-3388.

Discover Life Church also hosts an online Sunday broadcast at 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. accessible from Facebook, YouTube and Church Online. VV

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo’s aquarium and conservation campus is scheduled to open in 2027 on 14 undeveloped acres along the Banana River near Port Canaveral.

Brevard Zoo raises 70% of funds for aquarium at Port Canaveral BY MIKE GAFFEY

River and Volusia counties, about half the donations Brevard Zoo is within have come from individuals and foundations, Winsten $30 million of its five-year said. A Vero Beach couple goal to raise $100 million donated $5 million and for an outdoor aquarium Ron Jon Surf Shop gave $2 and conservation campus near Port Canaveral, and zoo million, he added. Once the $100 million officials still hope to break goal is reached, aquarium ground on the attraction in construction can start on September. 14 undeveloped acres along “We’re pushing $71 the Banana River at the million and we could be at western end of George King $75 million by year’s end if some gifts come in,” Brevard Boulevard, just west of State Zoo Executive Director Keith Road 528. Scheduled to open Winsten told the Canaveral in 2027, the aquarium Port Authority’s board of will showcase the Space commissioners on Dec. 6. Coast’s unique Since fundraising efforts Bluewater Creative Group -animals, Issue 21 fish and ecosystems began in December 2021 and feature immersive in Brevard, Orange, Indian

habitats, laboratories and rehabilitation facilities, including a sea turtle care complex that builds on the model of the zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center in Viera and provides extra space to house and treat injured and ailing sea turtles. Visitors also will be able to walk along a path with sharks on both sides, get their feet wet while wading in a stingray habitat, learn about marine life at the nearby Canaveral Lock, explore a shrimp trawler and hand feed tarpon. Jon Brangan, the zoo’s deputy director, said planners have added several new elements to the aquarium, including a manatee critical care facility. The care center Edited by Margie E. Burke will have two pools with floors that can HOW TO SOLVE: raise ailing Each row must manatees contain the numbers from the pools for 1 to 9; each column treatment, must contain the a larger numbers 1 to 9; and medical each set of 3 by 3 pool and an boxes must contain 80-foot-long habitat with the numbers 1 to 9. underwater viewing for (Answer appears elsemanatees where in this issue) Solution, page 39 ready to be released or those that can’t be

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy

4 6 9 5

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Viera Voice | January 2024

returned to the river. “We will have a large manatee presence at the facility,” Brangan said. “Right now, the zoo has an acute care facility. This will be critical care, which puts us in the loop with SeaWorld, Jacksonville Zoo and Zoo Tampa. It’s the first in Brevard County.” Another new exhibit will be a manatee, alligator and otter complex that will provide guests with underwater viewing of the animals, Brangan said. “That’s something that hasn’t been done before, with very unique setups,” he said. “We’ll have a crawlthrough tunnel for kids to explore, with otters swimming over them.” Planners also will add a third floor to the Dr. Duane De Freese Coastal Conservation Hub, named in honor of the executive director of One Lagoon. The facility will house classrooms, wet labs, research facilities and meeting spaces. Organizers estimate that the aquarium will attract more than 500,000 visitors a year. One dollar from each paid admission will go toward estuary repair, Winsten said. “We will probably become the third- or fourth-biggest funder of the Indian River Lagoon restoration once we’re up and operational because of the money coming from this site,” he added.

Aquarium planners are still wrestling with a few issues, Brangan said. Because of the large amount of water the aquarium will require, staffers have formulated plans to reduce overall water consumption for the project by 30 percent, he said. But a marine life wastewater system is still under design and will have to undergo further reviews and approvals, he added While Brangan said aquarium planners are sticking to a September groundbreaking, he told commissioners that the zoo will soon ask the board to approve an amendment to its Land Development Agreement Timeline with the zoo. ”Right now, our timeline is very much out of whack, so we are looking to bring that in line and work with staff on that,” Brangan said. Board Vice Chairman Micah Lloyd said the board would have no problem granting an extension, which would require a vote. Winsten thanked the Port’s help with the project. “This is a once-ina-lifetime project for everybody, so we appreciate the staff working with us to figure things out,” he said. For more information on the Brevard Zoo aquarium project, visit ourlegacycampaign.org or brevardzoo.org. VV

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Try to recycle more as a goal for 2024 Recycling through the years has been a challenge. Since the 1950s, annual production of plastics has increased nearly 230 fold to approximately 500 million tons in 2019, according to OurWorldInData. org. Unfortunately, the same has not happened to the amount of plastic that is recycled. According to a Greenpeace USA report from October 2022, there has been a decrease in plastic recycling from 9.5% in 2014 to 5.6% in 2021. Whether there is a lack of proper equipment to efficiently process different plastics at recycling facilities or a lack of buyers for the different plastic materials, recyclers do not accept all types of plastic. Besides limiting what can be recycled, that also generates confusion for the people who want to recycle and increase the chances for wishcycling, a practice of putting everything in the recycle bin wishing that recyclers will know what to do with it. That compromises the quality of recycling loads, which end up including so much unaccepted material that they have to be discarded, or sent to the landfill. For the new year, we can vow to recycle more of the right items instead of trying

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

to recycle everything. Plastics accepted in curb recycling are identified by shape, not numbers any longer: bottles, jugs, jars and tubs. Other items may be recycled, but just not through the curb recycling program. One of those items is the plastic ring carriers, commonly known as sixpack rings, normally used for holding beverage cans together. They are not accepted in the curb recycling or the bag and film recycling program (bagandfilmrecycling.org), i.e. the bins usually found at most grocery stores, like Publix, Walmart and Winn-Dixie, as well as participating retail stores, like Lowes, Target and Kohls. Introduced in the 1960s, six-pack rings have been a concern since the 1970s for the danger they pose to wildlife. In 1987, the Associated Press reported that as many as one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals were killed every year by

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six-pack rings. In 1988, in one beach cleanup on the Oregon coast, volunteers picked up 1,500 six-pack rings in the course of a few hours (A Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem by O'Hara, Iudicello, and Bierce). Realizing the threat those rings presented, in 1994, the EPA mandated that all ring carriers sold in the U.S. must be degradable. Many manufacturers meet this standard by making their rings photodegradable, which means they break down in light, but it takes three to four months for the rings to break down in cloudy, winter-like conditions. Marine animals, from birds to mammals, are impacted not just from the entanglement risk before the rings degrade, but from ingesting micro-sized plastic particles that rings become in the process. That can eventually cause animals to starve by plugging up their digestive systems. Since 2016, beer companies started to replace their plastic carriers with spent wheat and barley, cardboard and recycled wood fibers, eliminating tons of plastic used in their packaging. For the ones still using plastic rings, Recycle Brevard

Classifieds

put together a 6-Pack Ring Recycling Program where those can be recycled instead of sent to landfills. Participation is free and simple: 1. Go to http://bit. ly/6packringrecycling to sign up and receive your first free-shipping label plus a link to issue future free-shipping labels 2. Start collecting plastic six-pack rings (carriers may be of any number of rings — four, six, eight or 12) in a regular cardboard box 3. Once the box is full, seal it, weigh it and print and attach the free-shipping label to the box 4. Report the weight of the box using our online form 5. Drop off the box at your local post office and start collecting again! It is that easy to make a difference and help to have no more six-pack rings hurting wildlife, polluting the waters or trashing the community. As a resolution for the year just starting, pledge to recycle more in 2024. Happy New Year! V V Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org. Recycle Brevard is an independent nonprofit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.

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Viera Voice | January 2024

SENIOR News

Zumba moves you to upbeat tempo, more like party, not boring exercise BY BARBARA JEAN MEAD

Get moving to the beat of Zumba. “I love Zumba because it feels more like a dance party than a workout,” said Hailey Haft, a Zumba instructor in Cape Canaveral. Her classes are open to people of all ages and backgrounds. She enjoyed doing Zumba before she became a certified instructor in 2020. Haft teaches hourlong classes to a dedicated group of regulars and newcomers as well. They come to her classes for friendship and camaraderie as well as “to get the blood flowing,” an enthusiastic student said. Zumba was created in the 1990s by Beto Perez, an aerobics instructor in Colombia, when he forgot his usual music and used cassettes of salsa and merengue for the class. He decided to use the word Zumba because it was similar to the word rumba and used the z because he liked the character Zorro when he was a child. Zumba include Zumba basic which teaches the basic

“I love Zumba because it feels more like a dance party than a workout.” —Hailey Haft, Zumba instructor

rhythms and variations and Zumba Gold which is lower intensity and targeted for seniors and their physiological needs. Other options are Zumba Step, Aqua Zumba, Zumba for Kids and more for a total of 11 diverse types for various ages and levels of exertion. Haft’s classes are especially tailored to beginners and intermediate students. She modifies her dances for those with limitations. “I do Zumba fusion,” said Haft, who fuses cardio and Zumba together in an aerobic dance. Zumba has four core steps for each of four basic rhythms — salsa, reggaeton, merengue and cumbia. According to Fit4Dance NYC, a great Zumba class

VIERA VOICE Barbara Jean Mead

Zumba provides great aerobic excercise and keeps participants moving to the lively beat of Latin music.

should also be a space where you can feel free to express yourself and let your personality shine through.

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January is the perfect time to Regroup, Recenter and set your goals for the New Year! With a Reading Clients can ask up to three questions.

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centers and fitness centers throughout Brevard County. Haft’s classes are $5 a session and meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays at The City of Canaveral Community Center at 7920 Orange Avenue. For more information, email Haft at haileypemail@ gmail.com or call her at 407738-7228. V V

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The instructor should be knowledgeable, energetic and passionate about Zumba. The music should be upbeat and fun, and the choreography should be easy to follow and be repetitive. “My class has something for everyone, and I really enjoy sharing that dance party experience,” Haft said. Assorted styles of classes are available at senior

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SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy

Everyone can have a hand in helping improve 4 1the7Lagoon

How can I help heal the Indian River Lagoon? Great question! The IRL is a source of joy for so many and it contributes billions to our economy. It took 70 years of abuse to pollute it to the point of the 2016 fish kill and recent manatee starvations. Thank goodness we made a bold choice in 2016 to approve the half-cent cent sales tax and Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Plan. There are 167 of the 383 projects in the plan that have been completed or are under construction. Together, they will reduce nitrogen pollution in the IRL by nearly 1 million pounds per year. At the same time, we can each take personal actions to help. The “What You Can Do?” flyer pictured here and online at tinyurl.com/ HelpTheLagoon summarizes steps we can take at home, eating out, boating and other options. Each of these can help reduce pollution and set an example for others. We can also go beyond ourselves and work with others — get involved, volunteer. Here are just a few options: Get wet — Plant mangroves, oysters and clams: Check out opportunities with the Brevard Zoo’s Restore Our Shores at restoreourshores. org/get-involved/volunteer-weneed-you/#howyoucanhelp and

Finding freedom from addiction through the 12 steps and their Biblical comparisons

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

6 9 5

For more about our efforts to heal the IRL, go to helphelagoon.org/ and facebook. com/BIRLC/. V V

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Solution to Sudoku:

Solution,

8 4 3 1 7 6 5 2 9 1 9 7 2 5 4 3 6 8 6 2 5 3 8 9 4 1 7 9 5 4 8 3 2 1 7 6 2 6 8 7 4 1 9 5 3 3 7 1 6 9 5 2 8 4 4 8 9 5 1 7 6 3 2 5 3 2 4 6 8 7 9 1 3 8 4 5 7 Solution 1 6 9to2Crossword:

Solution,

A C H E L U M P F A K I R A N O N A P A C E D O O R M A N E A T I N G M O L E S M E T S D I G E S T I C E O B E S E T H Y M U S E A S T S O U T H E A S T A N N E S I R S T A R E G R A P P L E L A T E R A L O R E R O I L B O I L S W O R D P R O C E S S O R A L O N E H E R A L D B A R N T A R A N D R E W S O L I T A I R E G E E N A M A U L D O G S E A V E S H T M L O N E S S T O L E

Puzzle page 36

Doors open at 6 p.m. every Thursday Light meal provided each evening at 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation

2 1 6 8 4 1 6 2 7 3 2 4 7 1 6 9

the Marine Resources Council at savetheirl.org/get-involved/ volunteer/. Help monitor our water quality — Join Surfriders at spacecoast. surfrider.org/. MRC also has monitoring opportunities at savetheirl.org/get-involved/ volunteer/. Advocate for Lagoon restoration and helpful regulations — Join the Lagoon Voices at helpthelagoon.org/get-connected/ about-lv/ and the League of Women Voters at lwvsc. clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_ id=22&club_id=992157&module_ id=259343. Get rewards for helping the Lagoon — Check out Lagoon Loyal at lagoonloyal.com/. In addition to helping the IRL, you will learn from volunteering and are likely to feel a new connection with our unique treasure. Also, it's fun.

QUEST 180°

7 5

Puzzle page 22

Viera Voice | January 2024

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