Viera Voice, March 2023

Viera

pitching staff boasts three potent flamethrowers

x 3

Baldrick's Big Shave is back, and buzzin'

BY BETTY PORTER

Bigger, Better, Balder is the theme for this years’ 13th annual Space Coast Conquers Kids’ Cancer St. Baldrick’s fundraiser events, which will be held March 17 and 18.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, there will be a St. Baldrick’s Kick Off Party at World Of Beer at The Avenue Viera from 6 to 10 p.m., with proceeds going to the cause. St. Baldrick’s is part of a global movement to conquer childhood cancers.

On Saturday, March 18, the St. Baldrick’s Big Shave head shaving event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in Central Park at The Avenue Viera.

BIG SHAVE see page 4

Family finds friendliness of Viera a perfect place to raise children

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Liz and Patrick Culhane recently built their second home in Viera after finding a friendliness here that they were used to in the Midwest.

Originally from Ohio, the couple met at the University of Toledo when they were 19 years old. Liz was obtaining her undergraduate degree in psychology and Patrick, his degree in finance.

Featured Family

After graduation, Liz was drawn to Florida Tech to continue her studies in industrial and organizational psychology. Patrick supported her decision and the two moved to Brevard County in 2006. They fell in love with the area.

Liz’s family eventually followed. Her parents now also live in Viera, her grandparents in Baytree, and

her sister and brother-in-law, in South Florida. The couple were married in 2010, Liz graduated in

2011, and the Culhanes then started a family. They have three children: daughter Madelyn, 9, son, Colin, 6, and son Preston, 3.

They first lived on Merritt Island to be closer to the ocean. They owned and ran Bruno’s Pizza there from 2009 to 2012. When Love Bugs bakery came up for sale in 2015, they owned and operated it for the next two years.

After their daughter was born, they moved from the island to the mainland, choosing Viera for their new home. They moved to the Capron Ridge neighborhood in 2014, then built two homes

with Viera Builders, first in Kerrington in 2017, and in Stonecrest in 2021.

“We never understood Viera until our daughter was born,” Patrick Culhane said. “The schools are what initially attracted us. We are used to the friendliness of the Midwest and that’s what we found here.”

“There is a sense of community here in Viera,” said Liz Culhane.

Patrick Culhane is a wealth manager for Truist Bank and has worked in the financial industry for nearly a decade.

Liz Culhane works as a senior people scientist

for Culture Amp. She also teaches online for Florida Tech, Bellevue University and Maryville University.

“We’ve gotten used to the busyness and enjoy it. And that’s what we love about this area,” Liz Culhane said. “It is the perfect place for us to raise kids. We take out our golf cart, the kids are in sports year-round, we spend a lot of our weekends socializing, and we like to explore the things happening here.”

“We love the area and love staying west of I-95,” Patrick Culhane said. “There always seem to be people outside.” VV

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Learn how to assert yourself and manage your guilt?

• Put yourself first and feel good about it?

• Figure out who you are and what you want out of life?

Want help with something else?

Give me a call or visit my website and email me.

VIERA VOICE K linton Landress

Liz and Patrick Culhane love raising their children Madelyn, 9, Colin, 6, and Preston, 3, in Viera.

“ It is the perfect place for us to raise kids. We take out our golf cart, the kids are in sports year-round, we spend a lot of our weekends socializing, and we like to explore the things happening here.”

— Liz Culhane

that have sponsors of $100 or more can get their hair professionally shaved by barbers from both SportClips, the national sponsor, and by barbers from Rumors Salon in Suntree.

The Brevard's Bravest shave team has hosted a pre-party at the World of Beer the Friday night before the Big Shave. This year, the party will be on St. Patrick's day and feature raffles and a live band. Bagpipes and the honor guard from Brevard County

Fire/Rescue will be on hand to open the pre-party and the main event on Saturday. The family-friendly event on Saturday will also feature face painting.

“The World of Beer has donated proceeds from the pre-party to St. Baldrick's since its inception.” St. Baldrick’s event chairperson Tom Neidert said. “The concept is pretty simple. Shave your head for children's cancer research,”

Neidert is a district chief with Brevard County Fire/ Rescue and the St. Baldrick’s

Space Coast Conquers chairperson for the past five years. This year marks the 11th time he will have had his head shaved. His Fire/Rescue team members as well as Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety teams always show up to support the cause.

“This year, we will have 12 barbers working to give 70 already confirmed shaves and hope to have more than 100. Our fundraising goal is $150,000. Persons who simply want to donate may do so,” Neidert said.

The link to the event is stbaldricks.org/events/ mypage/5744/2023

Facebook users can search St. Baldrick’s Brevard.

With more than a dozen different types of childhood cancer, and countless subtypes, kids with cancer need unique care and treatment. St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants and helps institutions treat more children in clinical trials. It has granted more than $325 million in children's cancer research since 2005.

VIERA VOICE file photo

Barbers and other hair stylists will be busy cutting hair of all lengths during the 13th annual Space Coast Conquers Kids' Cancer.

BIG SHAVE continued from page 1

VIERA VOICE file photo

to get a buzz cut at the St. Baldrick's fundraiser events scheduled for March 17 and 18.

Di Giovanna CFP® CDFA® AAMS®

Judge Fran Jamieson Way: A street with a story to tell

BY MARK MIJUSKOVIC

Pioneers generally don’t travel down smoothly paved roads, but when the road bears a name, it suggests a path once strewn with obstacles, hurdles and detours.

Today, Judge Fran Jamieson Way is flanked by a school board and a government center, gently spilling westward into highend communities. Golf carts yield to pedestrians, Sandhill Cranes mosey along, and dogs are walked, smiling as they squint into the sun and the wind blows back their ears.

It is perhaps the crown jewel of streets in a planned community, in a world somewhat taken for granted by the fact that many know nothing of its namesake. Cancer claimed her in 1995, but it could not claim her legacy.

Who was Judge Fran Jamieson? What did she do to deserve having a street named after her?

Today, little is spoken of her beyond a litany of firsts that highlight a considerable resume.

At the Moore Justice

Center, the kind and highly competent clerks of the court and the caretakers of the law library can speak of her in general terms and do so proudly. They can share the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel articles that provide facts for this story, most dating back more than 30 years. Yet as of this writing, they cannot point in the direction of anyone who might have met her, known her and have anecdotes to share that take this story from a worthwhile resuscitation to a living and breathing memory so richly deserved for a woman who embodied courage, was a setter of standards and an advocate for the voiceless.

In 1950s Tennessee, Fran Jamieson became a widowed mother of two, a situation which tested her mettle and shaped the empathetic portion of her

occasionally had to take her children with her to school during times she couldn’t find a babysitter. She took these hardships and resolve with her, moving the family to Cocoa Beach and opening her law practice in 1958.

Much of her early years

divorce cases which gleaned children were impacted. This served her well during her judicial years in juvenile court where she was able to draw correlations between fractured home situations

tribute to her 12 years as Jamieson said, “We’ve got a deterioration in families, and we need to address these Certainly, you see in juvenile suffers in a dysfunctional

tough on kids. Her gavel often struck with a strict resonance, but was accompanied by a lecture to address any situation. A progressive thinker, her advocacy for children included being a proponent of vocational training and more non-traditional educational settings for students who might not find success in a standard environment. Her belief system found her being named by the Children’s Home Society as Florida’s Child Advocate of the Year for 1988.

“I’m a great believer in turning children around while they’re still young instead of correcting things later on. We need to build more homes now than to build bigger jails later.”

(Florida Today, May 28, 1995)

Jamieson set the bar high during her career. She was the first woman to

practice law in Brevard, the first woman to serve as president of the Brevard County Bar Association, the first woman elected judge in the state, and the first woman to serve on the Florida Board of Governors.

(Florida Today, May 28, 1995)

On any given day on Judge Fran Jamieson Way, a stray golf ball might find its way across the street and come to a halt in the meticulously maintained landscape that characterizes Viera. It is a community that is the product of great vision, detailed planning and impeccable standards. The street would seem to be appropriately named. VV Viera Voice is looking for anyone who might have known Judge Fran Jamieson and has a story to share. Please contact R. Norman Moody at norm@ myseniorlife.com.

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

A plaque honoring Judge Fran Jamieson highlights the entrance to Courtroom 2G at the Moore Justice Center.

“I’m a great believer in turning children around while they’re still young instead of correcting things later on. We need to build more homes now than to build bigger jails later.”

— Judge Fran Jamieson

Wrap up SPORTS

BY CARL KOTALA

If having 12 seniors on their roster doesn’t give the Viera Hawks an edge over the rest of the competition this season, maybe this number will:

Meet the

Ninety.

As in a 90 mile-an-hour fastball. Times three.

“It’s pretty rare. … I mean, you usually have one guy who throws 90 every four or five years. One guy. And we’ve got three,” Viera baseball coach Brock Doty said. “They’ve definitely gotten the experience now.

“Dylan Jordan has been outstanding. He committed to Florida State. He’s 93, 94. (Camden) Wicker is right there, 90, 92. And (Lucas Glendinning) is right up there with them. Overall, it’s one thing to throw hard, but you’ve got to be able to know how to pitch. Compared to last year, we’re even better.”

Make no doubt about it … the Hawks have their sights set on getting back to Fort Myers and coming away with what would be the first state championship in program history. And they think they have the arms to get it done.

“It definitely makes you feel confident going into this year,” Wicker said. “I

mean, just the sheer factor of having three people who can all throw in the 90s is great. For depth during the season … we don’t have to ride everybody as long. We can trust each other. I’m definitely excited about that

factor for sure.”

The depth of Viera’s arm talent doesn’t just end with the Hawks’ Big Three. Senior Jack Malatino will also see some time on the mound, junior Cameron Simpkins will be one of the first calls to the bullpen and sophomore lefty Brennan Confreda will also be a weapon whether starting or relieving. Sophomore Caden Jensen has been a big surprise this spring and another sophomore, David Mastrolanardo, will also contribute.

While Viera has had senior-heavy teams before, the unique facet about this one, Doty said, is that all 12 will be big contributors this season.

Senior Alex Sosa is the No.

1 rated catcher in the state according to the scouting service Perfect Game. The rest of Viera’s starting lineup will be made up of seniors Fano Cruz (1B); Kyler Dwiggins (2B); Adriel Torres (SS); Cole Smith (3B); Luke Campbell (LF); Malatino (CF) and either Logan Keith or Ryan Lewis in right.

Senior Blake Strode will get time behind the plate along with sophomore Jay Fowler. Glendinning, also a senior, will be the designated hitter when he’s not pitching.

Junior Evan Lipski, sophomore Dominic Leoni and junior Mikey Schmidt will see time in the outfield and contribute in other ways.

“Obviously, Alex is going to be in the middle

of our lineup,” Doty said. “Luke Campbell is going to be another big bat. And Glendinning will be right there. If we can get some other guys to contribute … I think that’s where our senior leadership is going to come in. They’re not going to be denied.”

Viera’s senior class is definitely ready to make this year one to remember.

“Most of us have been playing together since T-ball, since (we were) 6 years old,” Glendinning said. “We’ve been best friends for our entire lives. I feel like we’ve all molded into one person as a team. We all know what our individual parts are and we’re all ready to go attack with those individual parts.” VV

With

throw 90, Viera baseball looks to dominate

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Alex Sosa, second from left, will have the pleasure of catching Dylan Jordan, left, Camden Wicker and Lucas Glendinning this season for the Viera High School baseball team. The three pitchers each can throw faster than 90 miles per hour.

Tigers could have plenty to smile about at season’s end

BY CARL KOTALA

Holy Trinity baseball coach Tom Kelce couldn’t help but feel a little excited as he was on his way to the team’s first preseason game.

“As I was driving to the game, I had a smile on my face the entire time because it’s baseball season,” Kelce said. “I love coaching. I love coaching at this place. It’s a great school. And the kids give you (everything) they’ve got. It’s perfect. I love it.”

If things go the way Kelce and the Tigers think they will this season, there will be a lot more to smile about before it’s over.

Although Holy Trinity will be quite young — again — the belief is that this team could become the first to reach the regional tournament since 2015.

“I think our potential’s good,” Kelce said. “As long as our pitchers throw, I think our hitting’s going to be fine and our defense is going to be fine. I think it’s going to rely on our pitching, which I think is above average from the past years we’ve had.

“I like the team. I really do.”

Junior lefty Cannon Hopper had a solid season last year and should be even better this year with more experience. Sophomore Devin Jackameit is a righthander who gets movement on everything he throws.

Senior Greyson Christie

will be the team’s third starter.

A big strength of the team this season will be the infield, particularly up the middle where senior shortstop Sal Carlson and sophomore second baseman Roman Carlson have a strong brotherly bond.

“Me and my brother in the middle of the infield, we’ve been working together for over 10 years,” Sal Carlson said. “Anything up the middle, we pretty much have chemistry on anything. It’s almost gotten to the point where we don’t have to talk

Great Trips planned for 2023

Strawberry Festival, March 9 — $119

Senior Day at the Festival. Morning concert is Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets, and afternoon concert features Tommy James and the Shondells. Sign up by Feb. 20.

Shen Yun, March 18 — $215

Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Trip includes lunch and orchestra seating. Minimum of 35 needed. Tickets available. The World of Viking, March 30 • 7 - 9 p.m.

Exploring the World in Comfort. Presenter is Mario Herrera, Director of Business Development from Viking and Jean Paugh from All About You Travel Unlimited. RSVP by March 27.

Tarpon Springs, Tuesday, Apr. 4 NEW DATE April 11 — $119

Spend a relaxing fun-filled day in Tarpon Springs including shopping and a 2-hour cruise on the Anclote River watching for Dolphins and wildlife, and a stop for some shelling. Lunch at Mama’s Greek restaurant, best food ever. Sign up by Mar. 15. Maximum is 48. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus Live, May 20 — $138 Hysterical 90-minute show. Presented via different vignettes, topics include everything from dating to marriage to the bedroom. Minimum of 35 needed. Sign up by Feb. 15.

Glacier National Park and The Canadian Rockies Calgary Stampede Option, July 15 - 23

Early option includes the Calgary Stampede on July 13. Canada requires vaccination to enter their country. Rates starting at $3,250 per person based on double occupancy.

American Queen Empress, July 23 - 31

Join Jean sailing on a paddlewheel boat on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Includes pre-night hotel in Vancouver, Washington, unlimited beverages, and wifi. Private balcony starting at $4,500 per person. Deposit is $250 per person.

Celebrity Apex, October 16 - 23

Sailing from Athens to Haifa, Israel. Overnight in Jerusalem; Alexandria, Egypt and Ephesus, Turkey. Infinite balcony staterooms starting at $3,234 per person based on double occupancy and includes pre paid gratuities, wifi, classic drink package and all port charges and tax.

AllAboutYouTravelUnlimited.com

Veteran Owned Business

to each other.”

Since this will be the last year the Carlson brothers will get to play together, they’re trying to make the most of it.

“It’s awesome. I love it,” Sal Carlson said. “It’s really cool to see someone you grew up with playing right alongside you. Plus, we hit right next to each other in the lineup, too. It’s cool.”

Rounding out the infield are junior Camden Rethwisch at first base and Jackameit — when he’s not pitching or catching — at third. Eighth-grader Ethan

Nunes will also play third.

The outfield features sophomore Brody Belboccio in center with eighth-grader Lucas Kapatoes in left and Christie in right. Freshman Braedon Kite is a utility player who should see a lot of playing time either in the infield or outfield.

Holy Trinity’s every day lineup figures to shift a lot depending on who is on the mound and who is behind the plate. Jackameit and Roman Carlson will split time at catcher.

Senior Caleb Adsit is an outfielder and designated

hitter, while freshman Dominic Mormile can play first base and pitch. Evan Cline is a junior who has been out with an injury, but can play either the infield or the outfield when he returns.

The Tigers are certainly setting their sights high this year, including a trip to the regionals.

“If our pitching comes through like I think it’s going to be, I think we can actually get into it this year,” Kelce said. “Looking forward to it. Excited.” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Holy Trinity baseball coach Tom Kelce is excited about coaching the Tigers this season. Sal Carlson, a senior, will play shortstop.

Hawks working hard to make another deep postseason run

BY CARL KOTALA

There may be a lot of things that are different about this year’s Viera High softball team, but the goal remains the same.

“The goal is always (to be) state champions,” junior shortstop Amaya Pitt wrote in a text message.

“It’s all about how hard we work to get there as a team.”

Viera lost a number of key players from last year’s team that reached the regional semifinals, and the final four the year before that under coach Alex Breeden.

Jason Adams, who spent the previous two years as

an assistant coach at Palm Bay, has taken over the Viera program.

“What has impressed me so far was how well he has learned to adapt and adjust,” senior pitcher Skylar Waggoner wrote in a text message. “We have certain expectations for ourselves as players, and he has done a good job of respecting and enforcing those expectations while having fun and getting to know us as players and people as well.”

Adams wants to be a motivator for his players while also helping them expand their knowledge of the game.

“I believe these girls can

make a run as long as all 16 girls are on the same page and want to make that playoff run and get to the state championship,” Adams said. “I know the seniors are hungry for it. They won districts two years ago and lost in the (state semifinals). I know those girls are ready to go.

“My job is to do whatever I can to help them get back to that.”

Having Waggoner, who has signed with Jacksonville University, back on the mound with longtime catcher and fellow senior Maddie Ford should be a big help.

“I think I’ve improved my location and spins,” Waggoner wrote. “Last year, many earned runs were off missed pitches when I was ahead in the count. This past summer and fall really working on those aspects has helped me in games.”

Pitt, who has committed to Pittsburgh, will play shortstop for Viera and be a weapon with her glove and her bat. Junior Haley Rider is back in center field and returning senior Giovanna Sardono will step in at second base.

The rest of the starting lineup is full of sophomores with Tori Berry (1B); Elaina Snyder (3B); Brooke Samuels (LF) and Kaitlyn

Farinhas (RF).

Senior Emily Giglietti provides a speedy pinchrunner option while junior McKenna Connelly (2B/ SS) and sophomore Kara Burwell (1B/3B) will also contribute. The rest of the team are all freshmen, including: Kodibeth Bates (2B/P); Callie Williams (Utility/P); Erin Lynch (OF/2B) and Addyson Maxwell (OF).

“We are all trying to get used to each other, seeing as we have many new girls on the team,” Pitt wrote. “We all have some things we have to work on together to become that strong Viera team everyone talks about.”

That includes working at the plate, where the Hawks will be looking to generate more offense.

“Hopefully, I can build that confidence in them that we can hit the ball hard,” Adams said. “… We have a really competitive team. I think our defense is going to be a really good, lockdown defense. As long as they can bring confidence to the plate and be patient, I think we’ll have it made on both sides of the ball.”

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Catherine Balavender, Addie Lea Photography

With a nice mix of senior leadership and young talent, the Viera Hawks have a chance to be very competitive this season under their new softball coach Jason Adams.

“I believe these girls can make a run as long as all 16 girls are on the same page and want to make that playoff run and get to the state championship. ... My job is to do whatever I can to help them get back to that.”

— Coach Jason Adams

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

The Holy Trinity softball team is a heavy favorite to win Class 2A, District 8 against Melbourne Central Catholic and Merritt Island Christian. The Tigers don't have any seniors and many of their players are seventh and eighth graders

Holy Trinity softball has big expectations despite young roster

BY CARL KOTALA

With no seniors and nearly half a roster of players who are in either the seventh or eighth grade, the Holy Trinity Tigers are … shall we say … a little young this season.

But don’t think for a second this is not a confident softball team.

In fact, junior Cali Perillo believes this may be the best team Holy Trinity has fielded in years.

“We have more pitchers. They’re young, but they’re very, very good,” Perillo said. “We have Ava Teply, our catcher. She’s a powerhouse. We have Hannah Leech, who can play anywhere in the infield and she has a good stick. Bebe (Stockton) has improved so much.

“I think we have younger girls, but they all love the game. They come out to practice and they actually have fun, and you can tell that they’re having fun.”

Head coach John Clarson believes his team will certainly be the favorite in Class 2A, District 8 which, after the Brevard HEAT decided not to field a team, is down to Melbourne Central Catholic and Merritt Island Christian.

“We’re going to be young in the outfield,” Clarson said. “We look very strong defensively in the infield. I think hitting-wise, we’ll not have the power we had last year, or the past couple of years, but I expect a couple of girls to step up.”

One of the big reasons for the excitement around this year’s team is the arrival of eighth-grade pitcher Isabella Kapatoes, whom Clarson said could be one of the best pitchers he’s ever had at Holy Trinity.

Stockton, a sophomore, has also shown improvement and eighth-grader Kali McMillan will be a key factor as well. Perillo, who came up as a pitcher, can also throw if needed.

Teply, a sophomore, is expected to be a two-way threat with her bat and her arm from behind the plate. Leech will be her primary backup.

The makeup of the infield could, and will likely, switch at times throughout the season, especially depending on how things go at first base.

Initially, Stockton is slated to start at second with Perillo at short and either Leech or Teply at third. The top candidates at first are McMillan, Kapatoes and freshman Aubrey Mooney.

Holy Trinity’s outfield could see a combination of freshman Grace Mooney, seventh graders Caleigh Schmoll and Kailei Kite, Aubrey Mooney, freshman Ana Calderin or freshman Jadeyn Webb.

Other players expected to contribute this season include seventhgrader Lexie Schonken (OF): eighthgrader June Lepper (OF); sophomore Janley Tavares (OF); eighth-grader Avery Parchinski (OF) and seventhgrader Siena Colucciello (OF).

Leech, a co-captain as a freshman, agrees with Perillo that the Tigers’ have great chemistry this season.

“We’re such a nicely bonded team,” Leech said. “You can tell everyone’s enjoying being at practice, being at games. Even if we’re just having a meeting, everyone’s happy to be there and be around each other.”

Perillo, another co-captain who has committed to play at Tampa, credited new assistant coach Tim Stockton with helping the Tigers improve.

In a district that is not expected to be close, the work the Tigers are doing in practice will help them tremendously in the postseason.

“These new drills we’re doing with Coach Tim, it’s insane,” Perillo said. “Everybody has grown. It’s awesome. I love it. We’re going to go far this year for sure.” VV

“I think we have younger girls, but they all love the game. ... These new drills we’re doing with Coach Tim (Stockton, assistant coach), it’s insane.”

— Cali Perillo

NewsSCHOOL

Kennedy Middle School’s AVID creates culture of learning, achievement

BY BETTY PORTER

Helping students succeed has always been the goal at Kennedy Middle School in Rockledge. One of the key factors in helping achieve that goal has been the school’s AVID program.

AVID (Achievement

Via Individualized Determination) is a collegereadiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in high school, college and life.

“AVID prepares students for college and career readiness,” said Kim Luchs, the AVID coordinator and teacher. “It first began at our school in 2005 to help support students who were slightly below grade level and help them grow. Then it expanded to where all students, including those participating in the Cambridge Program for students who are considered above grade level, benefitted from its teaching practices. I believe AVID has led the way to Kennedy Middle School being an A rated school for the past 17 years,” Luchs said.

during which they get in groups to work on problems in pre-algebra, algebra and history.

“Although AVID is an elective class, all students who attend Kennedy Middle School are exposed to AVID with more than 70% of our teachers trained in AVID methodologies and using them in their classrooms,” Luchs said.

here. Kennedy Middle School had the highest growth on ELA testing in the district. We grew 20 points on state

testing. I’m so proud of the work being done.”

Kennedy Middle School was the first middle school

in the state to be named a National Demonstration School and Site of Distinction. VV

The program — for seventh and eighth graders at Kennedy Middle School and also offered at various other middle and high schools in the district — places special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and reading skills. Students in the program learn problem-solving skills, the importance of note taking, and studying.

Kennedy Middle School student Za’Breyah Woodard enrolled in the AVID class for this reason in her eighthgrade year.

“It has been a good experience. I’ve learned how to take better notes and how to be very organized,” she said.

There are currently 67 students enrolled in the AVID academic elective class at Kennedy Middle School. The students attend class each day for the full school year. Twice a week, they participate in tutorials

Counselors go to the two feeder elementary schools for Kennedy Middle School and present what the AVID program is about to sixth graders. The students are given flyers describing the program and information about the application process. Students from the elementary schools who apply and are interviewed and chosen for the elective class are notified before the end of their sixth-grade year.

“I believe in the WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading) teaching strategy which is at the heart of the AVID program,” Kennedy Middle School principal Travis Diesel said. “It creates a strong culture on our campus, which centers on student learning and achievement.”

Stephanie Cavender, the mother of a Cambridge program student at Kennedy Middle School and a parent volunteer on the School Advisory Committee, is a firm believer in the AVID program.

“It really teaches students how to study and how to be organized,” she said. “We moved here from South Carolina to find better schooling and we found it

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

The AVID program at Kennedy Middle School has helped the school to retain an A rating for the past 17 years.

“It creates a strong culture on our campus.”

— Travis Diesel

Space is ticket for Titusville children’s book author

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

It remains to be seen whether Adrienne Romberger’s children’s rhyming book, “Ticket to Space,” becomes a hit movie or a New York Times bestseller, but the Titusville resident already has a major advantage over most authors today: her book is going to space.

“Ticket to Space,” was selected by “Story Time from Space” to be launched to the International Space Station, where it will be read aloud by an astronaut to children around the world.

“Story Time from Space” is a project of the nonprofit Global Space Education Foundation.

Romberger’s book launched in February on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission.

Available to earthlings through Amazon, “Ticket to Space” leads kids ages 3 to 8 through space history with spokesrocket Gus, named for Gus Grissom.

“Gus takes the reader on a journey through the history of American space travel through the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs,” Romberger said.

Romberger has been a space fan for decades.

“I have been curious about space travel since I was 9,” said Romberger, who grew up in South Florida.

In the fourth grade, Romberger’s grandmother casually suggested that she ought to go to space.

“I believed her and was enthralled,” she said.

She followed all the

launches, from Mercury through Gemini, on her family’s tiny blackand-white television. In college, Romberger and her girlfriends piled into her 1962 Chevy Nova for

a trip to Titusville, where they slept in the car while waiting for the Apollo 8 launch.

Life had other plans for Romberger, and she did not go into space,

but worked as a graphic designer and, later, as a fourth-grade teacher.

“When I retired from teaching, we moved to Titusville and I became a tour guide

at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” Romberger said.

The idea for “Ticket to Space” evolved from the realization that people who lived through the Space Race didn’t remember much about it and that their grandchildren knew even less.

“I wrote the book for the grandchildren of my generation, so they might grow up with an interest and appreciation for the U.S. space program,” she said.

“Ticket to Space” taps into Romberger’s skill sets as artist and teacher, for she both wrote and illustrated the book.

Her stint as tour guide connected Romberger with several astronauts, including Dr. Don Thomas, veteran of four Shuttle missions, a frequent “Astronaut of the Day” at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and author of “Orbit of Discovery.”

When Romberger mentioned she was writing a book, Thomas encouraged her.

“It was such an inspiration to have Don Thomas, an astronaut, to take the time to cheer me on,” she said.

Romberger is currently working on a sequel to “Ticket to Space,” with an anticipated publishing date of 2024.

Her love for space travel has inspired at least one person to join the space industry.

“My son says that it is a result of my enthusiasm for the topic when he was a boy,” she said. For more on “Ticket to Space,” visit seamoosestories. com. VV

VIERA VOICE Klinton Landress

Adrienne Romberger has written a children's book called “Ticket to Space.”

Natarajan among top 40 in national science talent search

major in engineering with an interdisciplinary approach.

“I’ve seen her mature and become more confident in what she’s doing,” Youngs said. “She’ll step back and look at her whole poster and move things so she thinks her research is better displayed. She really works on that.

“I think her niche is in the environmental arena. I definitely have to say she’s one of my top one-percent students I’ve ever taught in research, without question.”

VV

BY CARL KOTALA

Lavanya Natarajan has been doing science fair projects since she was in the third grade.

Now, the Viera High senior has created a device that could help save the environment.

Natarajan’s project, titled “A Prescriptive IoT Solution To Detect and Mitigate Fugitive Methane Gas in Landfills via a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System,” has been placed among the top 40 projects in the country among high school seniors in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023 competition.

This month, she’ll find out if she made the top 10.

“Normally, I feel like we tend to only attribute global warming to just fossil fuel burning and a lot of times we tend to dismiss issues that we can’t see,” Natarajan said. “One of these issues is methane which comes from landfills.

“A large portion of these methane emissions actually escape from landfills and they fuel climate change. What I did was develop an IoT system to measure, manage, predict and mitigate these methane emissions and other landfill metrics in real time.”

The device, which took two to three months to build, senses landfill gas metrics including methane and CO2, along with other factors such as the temperature, pressure, altitude and humidity.

That information goes to an Arduino microcontroller that stores the data and can wirelessly send everything to a dashboard Natarajan

created that can be accessed anywhere.

“I feel if the landfill engineers can use my device, they can use a lot of preemptive decisions on how to be able to capture all of the methane without it being released and without it escaping into the atmosphere,” Natarajan said.

“By capturing the methane, we can actually use it for power. And overall, I feel like this can help the greenhouse gas effect and it can also reduce the overall temperature by 1.5°C by 2030, which is something they’re doing in the Paris Environmental Agreement.”

Elizabeth Youngs, Viera High’s Science Department chair and a science research teacher, described Natarajan as an excellent student who might appear shy at first.

“Once she gets to talking about her project, her research — everything that she’s accomplished — you see a totally different person,” Youngs said. “You see a person who exudes her knowledge and is so glad to share it.

“She also can talk to the judges at their level of understanding as well as grandma who walks up to her projects and says, ‘Hey, what did you do?’ She has that ability to flip from the high-cognitive talker to somebody who can put it in layman’s terms.”

Natarajan’s interest in studying methane emissions at landfills came at an early age.

“I remember when I was in third or fourth grade, I went on a landfill tour,” she said. “The landfill engineers there told me about a lot of the problems that they’re

facing. They’re actually really good mentors. I’m still in contact with them. I actually went (last month) to talk to them about my device and do some field testing.

“They give me a lot of advice and tips on how I can develop my research.”

As the project has evolved, Natarajan has gone from not using any technology to using it where it is not normally employed. And talk about dedication … when the COVID pandemic hit and she wasn’t able to physically go to a landfill, she made a mini-landfill in her garage to continue working on her research.

Natarajan first heard about the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition when she was a freshman at Viera and always wanted to enter the event, which is only open to high school seniors.

There were 1,949 entrants this year from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and four other countries. In January, Natarajan was informed she made the top 300.

“I was so happy and I was so excited to be a part of such a great group of other kids that also did super good projects,” she said.

“A week after that, I got the top 40. I couldn’t believe it at all. I’m super thankful.”

The next round of competition will take place this month in Washington D.C. Each finalist is awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to the top prize of $250,000.

Natarajan has not decided on which college she will attend in the fall, but plans to

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Lavanya Natarajan Lavanya Natarajan works on constructing a device that detects methane emissions in landfills. Her project was entered in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023 competition and was voted among the top 40 in the country.

Brevard Public Schools held a ground-breaking ceremony

Wednesday, Feb. 1 for the new, yet-to-be-named Viera Middle School

Second annual Family Ties at Manatee Elementary School

ScoopBUSINESS

Former mariners settled in, operating Rockledge Gardens with confidence

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

It was love at first sight when Merchant Mariners Brendan Hayes-Morrison and Devon Klingman first visited Rockledge Gardens.

The couple, then living in Charleston, had been vacationing in Florida in their vintage VW camper when they made a stop to visit Hayes-Morrison’s sister in Rockledge. The sister, who happened to be a college friend of the daughter of then-nursery owners Theresa and Kevin Riley, invited them to the gardens’ “Ghouls and Gardens” event.

“We walked in and were blown away,” HayesMorrison said.

Hayes-Morrison’s sister also mentioned that the Rileys had been thinking of retiring and selling and, as it happened, HayesMorrison was ready to hang up his captain’s hat with the Merchant Marines after 15 years at sea, and Klingman was ready to do likewise after five. A lightbulb went on, an offer was made and HayesMorrison and Klingman in June 2022 became the latest owners of the nursery that is the go-to place for Brevard County gardeners.

It may seem a little

unusual career move for a couple who have together circumnavigated the globe, but the way Hayes-Morrison and Klingman figure it, it is a match made in heaven.

“As a captain, I was used to managing a large budget and operation and that gave us the confidence,” he said.

For her part, Klingman grew up in a garden in Colorado in a family who

owned a retail toy store, so she felt comfortable with her new role.

The couple credit the team the Rileys had in place with helping them rise to the challenges of nursery ownership.

“We were wowed by the people who work here and, fortunately, they liked us,” Hayes-Morrison said.

Neither Hayes-Morrison nor Klingman felt the need

to change the status quo at Rockledge Gardens. Why mess with perfection?

Rockledge Gardens continues to be a sought-after wedding and special events venue, as well as a source of inspiration through classes that run the gamut from making butterfly container gardens to growing your own food. The Little Bugs Club still attracts the youngest gardeners and the Botanical Boutique and the popular Farmers’ Market are magnets for consumers eager to enjoy the best Florida has to offer.

It is a very different world from Hayes-Morrison’s last Merchant Marine assignment, which took him to McMurdo

research station in Antarctica, and from Klingman’s own last assignment to Northern Europe. The couple still can’t believe how lucky they are to have found Rockledge Gardens.

“Not a lot of people work in such a positive environment as this,” Klingman said.

Upcoming events at Rockledge Gardens include a “Make-n-Take” butterfly container gardening class March 18 and a Bountiful Candle Garden Party March 19. For more information, visit rockledgegardens.com or call 321-636-7662.

Rockledge Gardens is at 2153 U.S. 1, Rockledge. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Rockledge Gardens

Brendan Hayes-Morrison and Devon Klingman have enjoyed operating Rockledge Gardens since purchasing it in June 2022.

Seven Brew adds double drive-thru coffee stand in Suntree

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Those that have sampled Seven Brew’s many offerings at the Viera and downtown Melbourne locations know it’s a treat for caffeine lovers.

The world has come to run on coffee. The dark, bitter, aromatic liquid has become an unstoppable force conquering the globe and turning it into the world’s most popular drink. Two billion cups of joe are consumed every day worldwide.

Seven Brew has come a long way since it opened its first location in Rogers, Arkansas in 2017. Now, it has 54 locations in 13 states.

“We are extremely excited to expand our reach and create more positive interactions in this community with our amazing guests,” said Gabe Moore of Seven Brew. “They will be able to experience all that Seven Brew has to offer — from our fun and energetic staff to the wide array of beverages.”

Seven Brew does have a walk-up window which will draw the wandering passerby with the wonderful wafting aromas, but the concept remains steadfast for quick delivery through its drivethru with smiling Seven Brew crews taking orders and

handing out beverages along with syncopated happy tunes.

“We have a one-of-akind drive-thru experience that will put a smile on our guests' faces, giving them that morning or afternoon jolt of energy,” Moore said.

For those not embracing the coffee craze, a varied selection of drinks ranging from Italian sodas, smoothies, teas to energy-infused drinks dots the menu.

The new location, at 6315 N. Wickham Road in Suntree, is scheduled to open this summer. VV

VIERA VOICE Steven Hollinger

This drone shot shows the construction sites of Seven Brew and CentraCare, left, in Suntree. Both are nearing completion.

Popular Indiafest returns to Wickham Park

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Indiafest brings back its popular cultural and colorful two-day family festival, March 11 and 12, with many fun attractions, food, music and dance to celebrate Indian history and tradition in Brevard County.

When it was founded back in 1996, Indiafest’s modest effort was to share Indian history and heritage within the community.

“We’ve come quite far since we started and have evolved from multiculturalism to a philanthropic, cultural, nonprofit organization. Our efforts have always focused on giving back to the community by helping many local charities,” said Nina Gododia, the founder and chairperson at Indiafest. Its parent organization, Manav Mandir, has raised $1.15 million in support of community charities and provided aid in disaster relief.

Additionally, in 2022 Indiafest started a $100,000

endowment scholarship, partnering with Eastern Florida State College to provide funds for deserving students who need help with tuition.

“The committee has selected Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard as the charity of the year, an organization working directly with families of abused and neglected children to develop solutions to reduce the need for foster care,” Gododia said. “Proceeds will also go towards disaster relief efforts in the recent Turkey and Syria earthquake.”

The Festival has achieved a lot of popularity through the years with many local, regional and national sponsors participating. A different theme is selected for each event to keep it fresh and interesting. This year’s theme is “Handicrafts of India,” showcasing many arts and crafts displays, hands-on activities and vendors with jewelry and clothing along with flavorful Indian cuisine.

“Technically, this should have been our 29th year hosting the Festival, which has always had great turnout, but due to hurricanes and COVID, we missed a few events, so this makes it our 26th year,” Gododia said.

The festival will have something for everyone, from children’s activities, raffles, cooking demos and henna designs. The stage will present performances dancing to traditional folk and modern Indian music, and there will be a fashion

26th Indiafest

Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Saturday, March 11

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Sunday, March 12

$8 adults, $4 children younger than 12

Purchase tickets at the gate or visit indiafestbrevard.org.

show with beautiful clothing.

The Discover India booth will also be providing lots of information on the beauty and cultural aspect of India,

showcasing places of interest to visit.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by going to indiafestbrevard.org VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Indiafest Indiafest, which was founded in 1996, shares the history and culture of India. The event will be held March 11 and 12 at Wickham Park

Partnership led to conversation on human trafficking with teachers

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Human trafficking is much more common than most people think, teachers heard at a recent gathering at Ralph M. Williams Jr. Elementary School.

The school recently had a visit from Diane Hawthorne, the chief administrative officer of Achieve Beautiful Skin Medi-Spa in Viera, who spoke to teachers and staff about human trafficking.

The meeting came about when Christina Rosean, a second-grade teacher at the school, as well as its PIE (Partners in Education) coordinator, and Hawthorne were having a chat.

trafficking, things to look out for are kids that are withdrawn, that don’t want to participate or talk, Rosean said. “You see it more in the high schools, but there are elementary kids, too,” she said.

Rosean recommended that parents know who their children are talking to on social media and to know where they are going. It is also important to build up a students’ self-worth, Rosean said.

“This is more prevalent than we think,” she said.

Sixty walkie-talkies were donated to the school.

Hawthorne and Alexander Ash of Tommy’s Express Car Wash split the cost of the walkie-talkies, according to Rosean.

PTO meetings in April. “This is something the parents are waiting for,” Rosean said.

The Partners in Education (PIE) program at the schools works with various local businesses. The businesses donate to the schools and, in return, they are promoted on the school’s website and social media in return for their generosity.

“Brevard Public Schools (BPS) has nearly 750 partners in education (PIE) and is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage more businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and civic organizations,” according to schoolwires.net VV

“She (Hawthorne) mentioned that Brevard County is the third worst for human trafficking. Orlando is the hub and it’s so much more common than we think,” Rosean said. “So, I asked her to come talk to our teachers.”

Regarding human

This was a significant donation because “it’s the oldest school in Viera, Rosean said. “We sometimes have an issue with cell phone coverage. Sometimes things happen fast, so to have a walkie-talkie to communicate is huge,” she said.

“It is an extra layer of communication for teachers.”

Hawthorne plans to attend one of the school’s

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Christina Rosean

Diane Hawthorne speaks about human trafficking to teachers and staff at Ralph M. Williams Jr. Elementary School.

“This is more prevalent than we think.”

— Christina Rosean

Job and Career OPPORTUNITIES

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stress-free opportunity you've been looking for. One to two days a month. Drops include restaurants, Clubhouses, complexes, businesses, doctors offices. Call 321-242-1235

For an invitation to the March 9 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

In February, the Viera Means Business networking group met at Rockbox Fitness in Rockledge. Seven Brew provided specialty coffee.

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.

Bar Elder Law Section.

Yves Lamothe, the owner of RockBox Fitness, talked about the benefits of exercising regularly.

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RockBox mini classes were offered after VMB

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Keeping up with shepherd's pie — an Irish tradition

This St. Patrick’s Day, many faces will be painted with Irish shamrocks, there will be lots of green beer served and the phrase Erin go Bragh will be shouted during St. Paddy’s Day parades by Irish lads and lassies, which in Gaelic means “Ireland to the end of time.”

There’s always the fanfare concerning corned beef and cabbage, the dish typically favored on St. Paddy’s, which comes with a preconception that corned beef is traditionally Irish or that consuming green colored foods is part of St. Patrick’s Day history.

Corned beef isn’t Irish and as for the green part, Ireland is called the

Emerald Isle for its lush, green-covered hills.

Ireland is well known for its fresh vegetables, seafood and wonderful breads. It was also a big producer of salted beef for trade and export throughout the 19th century. Irish immigrants arriving in America relied on affordable potatoes and cabbage, which is how corned beef and cabbage got its notoriety. But since beef was too costly, salted pork was used for flavoring.

We already featured corned beef and cabbage last year so let’s turn to an equally Irish dish for St. Paddy’s, the celebrated shepherd’s pie.

As with many dishes, there’s an

ambiguous, murky yarn surrounding the origins of a recipe, and shepherd’s pie is no different. There’s the Irish or British conundrum as to where it originated, but it’s actually a traditional Irish dish that was brought to England from Ireland in the early 1500s, when the Brits took over the Emerald Isle. It’s called cottage pie in the U.K. because they use beef and in Ireland since the shepherds tend sheep, it’s shepherd’s pie.

No doubt, the English put out an excellent cottage pie, but in Ireland it used to be a delicacy since the Irish couldn’t afford beef they repurposed any unused veggies and meat. And for special occasions, mutton was used as

Classic Irish Shepherd’s Pie

INGREDIENTS

Potatoes

1 pound of Russet potatoes peeled and quartered

¼ cup of half-and-half or cream

2 TBSP butter

1 bay leaf

1 egg yolk

Salt and pepper

Filling

1 onion chopped finely

2 medium carrots diced small

½ cup of celery diced small

1 pound of ground lamb

2 large cloves of garlic peeled and chopped

1 ½ tbsp flour

1 cup or more of chicken broth

1 bottle of Guinness

2 tsp tomato paste

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp each of dried rosemary and dried thyme

½ cup of frozen baby peas

Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

it was a cheaper option.

That pretty much sums up the story of this humble yet notorious dish, which is one of the most beloved dishes in Ireland and it’s served in every Irish pub around the world.

The prep is moderately easy, where the mash can be placed on the bottom and also added on top to make it even more luscious. Here the oven does most of the work and it freezes exceptionally well.

So, get your shepherd’s pie hat on and make this comforting, deeply rooted Irish dish not only on St. Patrick’s but anytime throughout the year. VV

If you’ve ever made or eaten Shepherd’s Pie, you know every bite is pure cozy comfort. It’s a succulent, hearty dish with meat and vegetables in a rich sauce topped with luscious, creamy mashed potatoes and baked for additional bubbly goodness.

This dish has all the components that make it a perfect foodie treat, with the succulent aroma that emanates while it’s cooking in the oven coupled with the taste and flavor. It’s an incomparable one-dish wonder that satisfies the senses, it’s easy to prepare and it’s very tweakable, as red wine can be a great substitute for Guinness.

The traditional Irish recipe calls for lamb to keep it authentic, but if you’re opposed to the lamb flavor, feel free to use ground beef.

Preheat oven to 400F

Boil potatoes with some salt and bay leaf for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender.

Drain and add to a bowl. Mash with a potato masher, add butter, half-and-half, salt, egg yolk, salt and pepper, mix well and set aside.

While the potatoes boil, add some olive oil to a large frying pan and sauté chopped onion, carrots and celery for about eight minutes on medium. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground lamb and cook until browned through. Incorporate the tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, flour and cook for a couple of minutes to cook off raw flour taste.

Add the Guinness and cook until almost evaporated. Add stock, reduce heat and simmer until sauce has thickened — about 15 minutes. Add peas last.

Pour into a 9 by 13 glass baking dish, spread the mash on top and smooth with a rubber spatula. Bake on the middle oven rack for about 25 minutes until the potatoes begin to brown and it is bubbly. Remove to a cooling rack and wait about 15 minutes before serving

Makes six servings

Raise a glass to good Ol’ Maewyn!

BY RANDAL C. HILL

With legendary heroes, myths about them often become entangled with the truth, and we end up being uncertain about the validity of their stories.

Take St. Patrick, for instance. Was Patrick really his birth name? Was he from the Emerald Isle? Did he drive snakes from Ireland? Was March 17 the day he was born? Did he become a fullfledged saint?

Let’s see what we know and don’t know here.

Sometime in the fifth century, when he was about 16 years old, Maewyn Succat was captured by Irish pirates from his wealthy family’s villa in Roman Britain, probably in the area we now know as Wales. He was whisked away to become a slave in Northern Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd for six years and spent his precious spare time in prayer.

In his early 20s, Succat claimed he heard a voice telling him that he would be going home soon. At the right moment, he fled his master and made his way to a port 200 miles away, where he found a ship’s captain willing to return him to Britain.

Once back home, the pious young man studied to be a Christian missionary, all the while planning to return to Ireland in hopes of replacing their bizarre pagan religion — which sometimes demanded animal and human sacrifices — with the Catholic faith.

After becoming a priest, Maewyn Succat changed his name to Patricius, the Latin term for father figure.

In his missionary work, he used the common three-leaf shamrock to teach the Irish about the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Ghost. By the way, a shamrock always has three leaves, while the similar clover can occasionally but rarely have four. (The chances of finding such a plant are about one in 10,000.)

Supposedly, St. Patrick chased all the country’s snakes into the sea during a 40-day fast he was

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undertaking on top of a hill. That never happened. Since the Ice Age, the Emerald Isle has been snake-free, so there was nothing for Patrick to banish.

Today, we honor Patrick each March 17, which is thought not to be the day he was born but the day he died. Historians can never be certain of this, however, and St. Patrick’s own writings don’t provide evidence for dates more precise than the fifth century in general.

Perhaps the biggest myth of all? Although he is widely venerated today, the patron saint of Ireland has yet to be

canonized by a pope.

As for today’s celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day often means parades. Contrary to belief, they didn’t start with the Irish. The first such event took place in Boston in 1737, with New York City following 25 years later. Dublin didn’t offer a parade until 1931.

In the Big Apple’s iconic event, about 150,000 marchers walk for up to five hours on Fifth Avenue. It doesn’t take that long in Hot Springs, Arkansas; their parade route measures 98 feet in length. And that’s no myth. VV

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VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

Maewyn Succat was a Christian missionary, and later a priest, who had a passion for the Irish.

April 10 is the official start of the Florida 2023 Legislative session, but the action has already begun. If you care about restoration of the Indian River Lagoon, you need to follow what’s happening in Tallahassee.

Here’s why and how?

Why?

Because the devil is in the details. For example, on Jan. 10, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-06, calling for the Legislature to direct $100 million per year during the next four years to restoring the Lagoon. Great news, I think.

Let’s stand up for the Lagoon

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Then, we found out that he intends to take the $400 million (and the $3.5 billion for Lake Okeechobee) out of the Amendment 1 Land Acquisition Trust Fund, approved by voters by 75% in 2016. So, short the land acquisition purpose of Amendment 1 and spend it on helping the Lagoon. This will become controversial.

Last year, we saw several bills that sounded good but

Crossword Puzzle

Solution, page 36

rang hollow. For example, HB 349 Seagrass Mitigation Banking sounded like it would help our vanishing seagrass. Instead, the bill would have allowed seagrass destruction in new development areas provided they tried to grow it somewhere else. But no one has mastered growing seagrass. And, growing it outside the Lagoon definitely wouldn’t help the Lagoon. We defeated it. How?

Glad you asked! The short answer is to follow our Lagoon Voices current

ACROSS

campaigns website (helpthelagoon.org/ get-connected/currentcampaigns/). It tracks bad (and good) bills and tells you how you can help.

The Lagoon Voices is our growing army of advocates standing up for the Lagoon. Last year, we helped defeat HB 349. We also worked with the Captains for Clean Water (CCA) and other groups to kill SB 2508 that would have restricted already appropriated funds from being spent for clean water. It turned into a big fight. Ultimately CCA

1. Secretary, for one

5. Gains a lap?

9. Bad sound for a balloonist

12. From the same tree?

13. Friable soil

14. Texas tea

15. Firm messages

17. Bearded antelope

18. Budgeting concern

19. Movable castles

21. Sidewalk game

24. “Star Wars” villains

26. Start for a Spanish count

27. Huff and puff

29. Airspeed ratio

33. Nice way to say

34. It may be taken up 36. When repeated, a dance

37. Baby bouncer?

39. Aerobics class reminder

43. Sugar source

45. Alhambra builders

48. Highlands youth

49. Child hood?

50. February 14 devotees

56. Born, in some bios

57. Better copy?

58. Casserole staple

59. Room offerer

60. Wet septet

61. Hair raiser?

DOWN

1. Beaver endeavor

2. Make (out)

3. Imitation, in gamer lingo

4. Eschew the doorbell

5. Certain hockey shot

6. Bit of a charge

7. Touch

8. 99’s partner

9. Cartoon opossum

10. Behave like a pig

11. Good thing

16. Speaks harshly?

21. Chinese vessel

brought hundreds of fishing boats to Tallahassee to protest the bill.

Yes, Please Stand Up for the Lagoon, join the Lagoon Voices (helpthelagoon.org/ get-connected/about-lv/). The Lagoon needs you to speak on its behalf. We also recommend (facebook.com/BIRLC) and website (helpthelagoon.org/) to stay informed VV

For more about our piece of paradise — the Lagoon, visit HelpTheLagoon.org, facebook.com/BIRLC/ and twitter.com/HelpTheLagoon.

22. Abbreviated mystery writer?

23. Traffic director

24. Dieter’s no-no

25. Rash reaction?

28. Hamlet’s word of woe

30. Pinnacle

31. Facebook feature

32. Derbies 35. Food that’s stuck on a plate? 38. Slip

Atolls

Designer Head

Subcompact

Augur

Available 48. Reply to “Shall we?”

51. Complimentary poem

52. Airline ticket word

53. Bea and Betty’s costar

54. Courtroom evidence

55. Needing a lift

© Lovatts Puzzles

What does ChatGPT have to say about recycling?

A buzz in the technology realm is becoming mainstream. ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a model developed to understand natural language and generate responses in a conversational manner.

This Artificial Intelligence (AI) model has been trained to understand language. In its own words, ChatGPT explains that “this training process allowed the model to learn patterns and relationships in language that enable it to generate human-like responses to a wide range of questions and statements.”

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation. “How can AI help with recycling? What is the future of recycling with AI?” I asked ChatGPT.

“AI can help improve recycling processes by increasing efficiency, reducing contamination, and promoting the use of recycled materials. As technology continues to advance, there will likely be even more opportunities to leverage AI to optimize the recycling process.

The future of recycling with AI is promising, as AI technology can help improve recycling processes and make them more efficient and effective.

Here are a few potential ways that AI could impact the future of recycling:

1. Improved sorting: One of the main benefits of AI in recycling is the potential to improve the sorting of materials. By using machine learning algorithms, AI can quickly and accurately identify different types of materials, such as plastic, glass, or metal, which can help reduce contamination and increase recycling efficiency.

2. Real-time contamination detection: AI-powered systems can help detect contaminants in the recycling stream in real time. This can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and improve the quality of recycled materials.

3. Predictive maintenance: AI can help improve the maintenance of recycling equipment. By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, AI-powered

systems can predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for proactive maintenance that can reduce downtime and increase efficiency.

4. Design for recycling: AI can help manufacturers design products for recyclability. Using AIpowered simulations, manufacturers can test and optimize products for disassembly, ease of recycling and the use of recycled materials. This can help reduce the amount of waste produced by endof-life products and make recycling more efficient.

5. Improved circular economy: AI can help improve the circular economy by identifying new opportunities for recycling and reducing waste. By analyzing data on the use and disposal of materials, AI can help identify potential sources of waste and develop strategies for reducing waste and increasing recycling.

Overall, the future of recycling with AI is likely to involve a range of innovations that increase efficiency, reduce waste and promote the circular economy. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more ways in which AI can be leveraged to improve recycling processes and reduce our impact on the environment.”

That was quite an impressive response on points that are of concern in regards to current recycling issues. So I asked: “when can AI help improve those?”

“AI is already being used in some recycling processes, and its potential

to improve recycling in the ways I mentioned earlier is rapidly expanding. […] While some AI-powered systems are already being used to improve recycling, the full potential of AI in the industry has yet to be realized.”

In today’s world, we went from talking to technology

to talking with it. And to know that AI can be applied to any industry, from education to healthcare, is exciting but a bit scary at the same time as it gives me “Terminator” vibes, but only time will tell.

“The future has not been written. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.”

— John Connor. VV

Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

Recycle Brevard is an independent non-profit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.

Recycle

Alligator Robb talks wild life at Boomer Guide Expo

BY JEFF NAVIN

Wearing green is a given on St. Patrick’s Day.

Add the Boomer Guide Expo to the festivities on Friday, March 17. The 15th annual free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Rialto Place Ballroom at 200 Rialto Place, near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

The event is sponsored by Health First Health Plans and William A. Johnson P.A.

The new 2023 Boomer Guide’s Fun and Leisure issue will be handed out

during the gathering.

Spectators will be able to meet the cover model and the other models adorning the pages of the award-winning publication highlighting Brevard County’s resources for boomers and seniors.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Department will conduct self-defense presentations.

Frank Robb of the Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS) also will give a presentation on some of the projects his Brevard County

nonprofit is working on.

Robb plans to bring an alligator, snake and terrapin to the expo. He regularly goes to schools in Brevard County to talk about the environment. Robb also produces a live podcast for the Titusville High School

TV production class, and he does drone surveys with students from Astronaut High School.

“Trust me, everyone will be entertained,’’ said Robb, who earned acclaim in 2019 for rescuing an alligator from Humboldt Park in Chicago

after it had eluded capture for 10 days. The alligator eventually was relocated to St. Augustine. Some believe the alligator was used to guard a drug dealer’s residence.

“No one will lose interest; we’ve given these talks all over the world,’’ said Robb, a Brevard County native who explored the wilderness of Port St. John as a child since his father was a land surveyor. “We’re so appreciative and thankful that we can talk about what’s going on with the Space Coast.’’

Robb, who earned a

EXPO

continued to page 37

CLASSIFIED

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Frank Robb Frank Robb enjoyed exploring the wilderness of Port St. John as a child. His father was a prominent land surveyor.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Frank Robb Frank Robb has earned a reputation through the years as a go-to man for trapping alligators.

continued from page 36

biomedical degree from Eastern Florida State College, is an animal researcher. He has conducted extensive research on how the endocrine system for alligators is similar to that of humans. Like humans, alligators eat almost all of the food in the environment.

Those attending can register for a grand prize as they enter the Rialto Place.

Informative exhibits will include health and medical, volunteering, elder law, eye care, hospice, wellness, travel, retirement options, caregiver and resources for veterans, insurance

and representatives from 55-and-older communities.

“I’m excited about the new Boomer Guide,” said Jill Blue, the president of Bluewater Creative Group, the publisher of the Boomer Guide and Senior Life. “I love the models and the energy they exude. They are so happy and delighted to be a part of this great magazine.

“Wear green for St. Patrick’s Day. We hope that people will begin their fun on this great holiday with us. The Rialto is a great place for this event with plenty of parking and space for all the exhibitors and entertainment.”

For information on the expo, call 321-242-1235.

IRISH CACTUS COCKTAIL

BY NANETTE HEBDIGE

Even if there’s not a drop of Irish blood coursing in your veins, you might want to partake with a celebratory drink to toast St. Patrick’s Day, as it’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

If you’re not a fan of the ubiquitous green beer, Irish whiskey or a pint o’ Guinness, here’s a different type of Irish cocktail to toast St. Paddy’s.

The Irish Cactus is a hybrid cocktail that includes the popular Irish cream liqueur, but what makes it so distinctive is the addition of tequila. The hint of agave individualistic to tequila peeks through the sweet Irish cream, creating a singular and addicting flavor combination.

There’s no frills for this drink, yet it makes a wonderful sipping drink. Ensure its shaken well and serve it over ice. VV

THE RECIPE

1 oz of Tequila of choice

2 oz of Irish Cream Liqueur

Add some ice cubes to an oldfashioned heavy bottom glass. In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila and Irish cream, and shake vigorously.

Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Makes one cocktail.

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

The Irish Cactus cocktail is an alternative sipping drink to the traditional St. Patrick's Day drinks.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The Boomer Guide Expo promises to be a fun event.

“There are so many things in Florida that we’re blessed to have. We take for granted having what we have down here.”

—Frank Robb

EXPO

8 a.m. Benefit for Central Florida children battling cancer. Chain of Lakes Park 23000 Truman

Scarborough Way Titusville, 321-302-6011

11th annual Brianna Marie Foundation 5K

8 a.m.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 407-3428979

Lucky Leprechaun 5K 8 a.m. Benefit for the Cocoa Beach High School Project Graduation. 140 Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-7839368

Spring Fine Art & Craft Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

March 4 and March 5

Historic Cocoa Village 1 Oleander Ave. Cocoa, 321-631-9075

49th annual Parade of Gems

10 a.m.

March 4 and March 5

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-960-4134

MARCH 5 2023 Swim Melbourne Masters 1.5K and 5K Open Water Swims Race 1

9 a.m. — 1.5K starts.

10:30 a.m. — 5K starts.

Paradise Beach at Howard E. Futch Memorial Park, 2301 Florida A1A

Melbourne Beach, 321-266-4808

MARCH 8

Swingtime Free Concert: Sundry Showcase

7 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band

Melbourne Auditorium

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd

Melbourne, 321-724-0555

MARCH 10

Eastminster Carnival Night

5 - 8 p.m.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 106 N. Riverside Drive Indialantic 321-608-8095

Spring Fling Sock Hop 50s & 60s Rock & Roll

7 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-724-0555

MARCH 11

Gateway to Space 5K/10K

8 a.m.

Gateway to Space Space Commerce Way Merritt Island 855-433-4210

Wagging-Tails @ Work K-9 Event

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Learn how our furry friends protect, comfort and serve. American Police Hall of Fame 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville 321-264-0911

Space Coast Praisefest

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Annual non-denominational Christian music festival Crossbridge Naz 651 Barnes Blvd. Rockledge 321-636-4600

3/31/2023