Viera Voice, May 2024

USSSA Pride's departure creates void Thomas leaves JROTC legacy

BY CARL KOTALA

The USSSA Pride have had a big impact on Brevard County since coming here in 2017.

Not only did they play an entertaining brand of softball that brought some of the best players in the country to the USSSA Space Coast Complex, they also helped inspire a group of younger players that will help carry the game forward.

That’s why the team’s announcement that it will not be playing in 2024 can only be seen as a blow to the community.

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

The USSSA Pride have entertained Brevard County softball fans since 2017. They hope to return next year.

VIERA VOICE photo

Fourteen years ago, retired Lt. Col. Tim Thomas built the JROTC program at Viera High School from the ground up. Story, page 19.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brittany Sleeth Vivian Sleeth, 8, has been diagnosed with DIPG. She is battling the rare form of brain cancer. Story, page 16.

Viera military family emphasizes fitness, fun hobbies

BY SUSAN HOUTS

Military family Daniel and Katrina Morgese feel completely at home in the bustling and growing Viera Community.

With their own bustling family of five, the couple are about to re-launch a business venture that will ask Viera to Sweat Like a Mother (S.L.A.M.). Former and future members couldn’t be more excited.

Hailing originally from Daytona Beach and Iowa respectively, Daniel Morgese joined the Air Force in 2001 and moved to Brevard County to be close to the squadron at Patrick Space Force Base. He met Katrina in Little Rock, Arkansas during training, where she was a watch buyer for Dillard’s.

“I received my bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in apparel merchandising design and production. I also minored in entrepreneurship and event planning,” said Katrina of a career that is a far cry from her fifth generation farming family. “My dad still farms today; my mom retired from teaching”.

Daniel and Katrina Morgese met on Match. com 13 years ago and, since then, their family has grown to five, including 7-year-old Dahlia, 5-yearold Dax and 11-month-old Daphne.

In 2017, Katrina opened a local affiliate of Sweat Like a Mother, a bootcamp style, outdoor fitness group geared toward moms, with programs held at Viera Regional Park. “Every mother has a story, and this is a way to bring women together for both physical and mental health.”

Having faced fertility challenges herself, Morgese feels strongly about creating a space for women to support each other.

“It is OK to talk about what we went through, and maybe inspire some others in the process,” she said.

Former member Eleanor Kopec agrees.

“I met women through all walks of life through S.L.A.M. while we navigated our journey of what we call motherhood,” Kopec said. “There were

Featured Family

grandmothers, military moms and new moms like myself. We were women bound by motherhood and the desire to stay active for ourselves and for our children.”

“It also sets a good example (for our children), it shows we are prioritizing health and me time while also giving them time to socialize,” Katrina said.

Every S.L.A.M. workout session ends with playtime for the kids.

Daniel Morgese assures that dads are not forgotten in all of this. The program includes socials for the dads of the group (SLADS). Daniel Morgese is looking forward to participating due to his new schedule. He is now in the Air Force Reserves — 39th Rescue Squadron, flying HC130-J combat search and rescue — while

pulling double duty as a pilot for United Airlines out of Orlando.

The best thing about his new assignment is he gets to be home more with the family. This time includes the hobbies this family of five enjoys together — going to the beach, riding bikes, playing at area parks, swimming, exploring local u-pick farms, taking a short drive to Orlando for Disney and other kid-friendly entertainment. They also are subscribers to the Brevard Zoo, as well as passholders to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Although Katrina Morgese closed S.L.A.M. in January 2022 as she and her husband were working on expanding their family, she is planning on relaunching the program this summer. And former members are excited to get started.

“For what it's worth, S.L.A.M. changed my life, and I am forever grateful to have met such a wonderful and supportive group,” said Anna Rockwell, a former S.L.A.M. member.

The expertise shows. Katrina Morgese is a certified group fitness instructor, certified run coach, prenatal and postpartum athleticism coach, strength and conditioning coach, behavior change specialist, youth fitness specialist and fitness nutrition specialist. All S.L.A.M. instructors are nationally recognized fitness instructors with additional certifications in pelvic floor health. S.L.A.M. is a worldwide organization which has a doctor of pelvic floor physical therapy and a registered dietitian on staff.

“I knew my family was complete, and now it is on to the next step,” Katrina Morgese said about the timing of the relaunch. “I missed all of the things S.L.A.M. brought to our lives, our family, and our community.”

To find out more about S.L.A.M., go to sweatlikeamother.com VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Daniel and Katrina Morgese and children Dahlia, 7, Dax, 5, and Daphne, 11 months, like Disney and fun things to do in Viera.

Volume 16, Issue 4

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Hundred Acre Hollows — a gem of a conservation borders Suntree neighborhoods

BY BETTY PORTER

Hundreds of gopher tortoise burrows dot the perimeter of berms around basins at Hundred Acre Hollows, a conservation area abutting Suntree neighborhoods.

Hundred Acre Hollows, 114 acres of Brevard County land north of Suntree, was part of a water treatment plant that had six rapid infiltration basins in use prior to 2015.

Today, the conservation is home to gopher tortoises, bobcats, armadillos, rabbits, bees, butterflies, dragonflies and birds.

When no longer needed for waste-water use, the Brevard County Commission was urged by residents adjacent to Hundred Acre Hollows to form a task force to seek out the best use for the land rather than sell it to developers.

The task force concluded that the best use would be as a conservation area for animals and for public education.

In October 2016, a nonprofit, grassroots organization called Hundred Acre Hollows, Inc. was formed to fulfill the vision.

“Our mission is to protect the wildlife, restore the habitat and engage the public,” said Tom Unrath, the HAH board president.

The group, which leases the land from the county each five years, has successfully made it into an uplands conservation habitat for numerous types of animals while opening it to the public at certain times for educational visits.

Wildlife biologist Betsy Hintz, who has been a board member for the past two years, said the group recently counted 481 Florida gopher tortoise burrows.

“They dig their burrows in the soft sand on the slopes of the berms,” she said.

The berms, which were originally built to hold water in the basins, form perimeters around the six basins. The outer perimeter is a 1.8-mile trail that is an easily accessible walk.

“There have been more than 90 species of birds sighted at the hollows, including wading birds that show up in the basins after heavy rains,” Hintz said.

Unrath said it has taken a lot of work by volunteers to make it an environmental education center and green space for all residents to enjoy.

“More than 40 volunteers over several days blazed a trail into the parcel, making pathways, filling in holes in the berms to make them safe for walkers, cutting

back vines and invasive plants and Brazilian pepper trees,” he said. “They put up an entrance gate which is located on a grassy lot on Rock Springs Road.”

Anita Unrath, Tom Unrath’s wife, serves as secretary on the board. Other board members are: Carine Baron, vice president; Bert Alm, treasurer; Hugo Baron, youth advisory member; Hintz; Chantal Baudel; Tanja Tea; Brian Gill and Robert Light.

“We have welcomed home school groups, the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, Scouts, and other clubs,” Anith Unrath said.

“We offer guided walks if the groups choose that. Organizations have had

meetings and lunch meetings at the two picnic tables. We recently celebrated Gopher Tortoise Day with games and a scavenger hunt. We have had five Boy Scouts Eagle projects, two Girl Scouts Silver Awards and one Girl Scouts Gold Award. We offer opportunities for Bright Futures Service hours, Eastern Florida State College volunteer hours, and student research projects.”

Visitors can walk around one basin or several basins or all of them. There are nine benches located around the walking trails, five of which were made by Eagle Scouts. Palm trees, slash pine trees and native grasses grow in the basins.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Anita Unrath

Hundred Acre Hollows offers benches to relax after a leisurely hike along the berms of the 114-acre conservation area north of Suntree.

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

A recent count shows that there are 481 Florida Gopher tortoise burrows. The burrows are sometimes occupied by other species, including snakes.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Flowers such as Purple Passion thrive at Hundred Acre Hollows.

HUNDRED ACRE GEM

continued from page 4

Hundred Acre Hollows will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays in May and other times for groups by appointment. A schedule is available at hundredacrehollows.org

Hundred Acre Hollows, a nonprofit, relies on donations and grants for funding. A part of the annual expenditure goes for liability insurance.

Cash donations are accepted during open Sundays and special events.

On-line donations can be made at the website’s GoFundMe page.

To get to the Hundred Acre Hollows from Wickham Road, take Pinehurst Avenue north to Holiday Springs Road and turn left. Springs of Suntree community center is on the right and just after passing it there is a sign for Magnolia Springs community. Turn left onto Hill Avenue then an immediate right onto Rock Springs Road.

The Hundred Acre Hollows entrance is about a quarter of a mile ahead

on the right, between two homes. It is marked by a wooden sign made by Girl Scouts Troop 747.

“We have volunteers of all ages also helping us on our

restoration work days,” Anita Ulrich said. “We encourage youth and adults to become involved. Our volunteers help us greet the public at the entrance gate when we are open.”

Those interested in volunteering can email contact@ hundredacrehollows.org or call 321-757-3637. VV

Not Your Average Eye Clinic

and Medication

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

Tom Unrath, left, the president of Hundred Acre Hollows, Inc., Betsy Hintz, wildlife biologist and board member, Hugo Baron, youth advisory member, and Anita Unrath, Secretary, are volunteers for the conservation area.

Emergency Operations Center opens in time for hurricane

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Brevard County is set to open its new, modern emergency operations center by the start of this year’s hurricane season.

Helping to keep Brevard County residents safe during hurricanes, tornados and

other emergencies, the new center will be more than three times the size of the old building.

The previous center, an 11,000 square-foot bunker, built in 1964 (and expanded in 1999), can no longer accommodate new and increasing demand.

Construction of the new Brevard County Emergency Operations Center will be completed on May 31.

A rare open house to the public will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 1 and 2. The new address is 1751 Huntington Lane in Rockledge.

responders from various county, municipal, state and federal agencies. Day-today operations will have 20 Emergency Management staff, plus personnel from the Sheriff’s Office,” Horst said.

ajaxbuilding.com

“In the past, people had to bunk under the desks,” Horst said. “Now there will be places to sleep and to take a break for our staff and community partners,” Horst said.

DERBY DAY SPECIAL EVENT

The new center will also serve as the Unified Communications Center for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue’s 911 dispatch.

A media room for press conferences, sleeping areas (which also serve as meeting rooms), a cafeteria, commercial kitchen and a walk-in freezer are also a part of the plan.

Rachel Horst, a public information officer and marketing specialist for Brevard County Government and Emergency Management, said it is the most frequently activated EOC in Florida due to rocket launches and susceptibility to various hazards.

During 2023, Brevard County Emergency Management had 88 activations, due to 71 launches, four days for Hurricane Idalia and two tornados, among others.

“During activations, the EOC will see upwards of 300

The newly constructed 43,000 square-foot building, which is adjacent to the old center, is equipped to withstand Category 5 hurricane-strength winds and will contain “the latest technologies and a larger space to host more of our partners,” Horst said.

“This new EOC facility will be designed to withstand 200 mph hurricane force winds, large missile impact requirements,” according to

The land for the new facility is owned by Brevard Public Schools and leased to the County under a 99-year lease at an annual cost of $1, according to Horst.

“This is a project 25 years in the making so we are super excited for all of the opportunities this new facility gives us, and the increased service level we can provide to our residents and visitors,” she said. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Brevard County EOC

The new Brevard County Emergency Operations Center will hold an open house

tour.

Viera Woman’s Club celebrates 20 years of community

BY BETTY PORTER

The General Federation of Women's Clubs’ — Viera Woman’s Club recently celebrated 20 years of service to the community.

The celebration took place April 8 at Addison Village Club in Viera. The woman's club is one of 11 located in District 6, which encompasses Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties.

There are 14 districts of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs throughout Florida.

During the past 20 years, the vision of the original founding members of the Viera Woman’s Club has grown into a very active community service organization whose 100plus members support the community through volunteerism, charitable contributions and partnerships.

Jan Gates, the club’s president, will have served for two years when the new club year begins June 1 with new officers. Gates will be continuing as co-chair of the club’s annual fundraising Swing for Charity Golf Tournament on Oct. 19.

“As I reflect on these past two years as president of GFWC Viera Woman’s Club, Inc., I remain in awe of all that has been accomplished and the amazing, resilient spirit of our club. I am so proud to be a part of and leader of such an eclectic group of unselfish women focused on making a difference in our community,” Gates said.

Viera Woman’s Club’s community service programs and special projects address major societal issues primarily in areas of focus including: arts and culture; civic engagement and outreach; education and libraries; health and wellness; and environment.

The focus of the April 8 anniversary gathering was on the environment with featured guest speaker Caitlin Bagnail, the community environmental educator for the Marine Resources Council.

The GFWC signature program is domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention. The GFWC Florida president’s project for 20222024 is Camp Boggy Creek.

“Community service

program chairs coordinate a variety of opportunities that support local charities and organizations in their area of focus through volunteer

service, fundraising events, monetary donations and educational programs,” said Catherine Meng, who chairs the club’s communications

and public relations committee. “In 2023, Viera Woman’s Club members supported numerous charitable organizations with 13,364 hours of volunteer service, monetary donations totaling $29,318 and in-kind donations totaling $9,282.”

The Viera Woman’s Club was presented with a resolution by the Brevard County Commissioners declaring April 8, 2024 as Turn Compassion Into Action Day.

“That is precisely what our club has done, turned compassion into action in our community,” Gates said. “Our greatest accomplishment is that we have sustained our supportive presence in our community for 20 years and we will do so for 20 plus more!”

Those interested in joining the Viera Woman’s Club can go to gfwcvierawomansclub.com. To learn about the Federation and other Florida Clubs, go to GFWC.org VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The Brevard County Commission designated April 8, 2024 as Turn Compassion Into Action Day to honor the Viera Woman's Club. The club has served Brevard County for 20 years. See the full gallery of photos at VieraVoice.com

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Eloise Lynaugh shows her 20-year pin at the Viera Woman's Club's 20-year anniversary party to Brevard County Commissioner Rob Feltner.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue New member Suzan Close and Liz Shattuck had fun at the party.

Wrap up SPORTS

Leaving a big void — USSSA Pride won’t play in 2024

“USSSA has experienced many changes this year,” a statement on the team’s X (formerly known as Twitter) page began.

“At times, the results of these changes have required us to pivot operations. Along these lines, we are saddened to share the news that, despite great effort and substantial conversation, the USSSA Pride will not operate in 2024.

“This decision was incredibly difficult. We wish there was a way we could move forward with the 2024 season as planned, and we acknowledge that this is a disappointing outcome for all.

“We are thankful for your support, and we look forward to what the future may hold for the USSSA Pride.”

An attempt to get more information was made, but a spokesperson for the Pride said the organization did not have anything more to share at this time.

Viera High senior shortstop Amaya Pitt has

attended a number of Pride games through the years and said there’s no doubt the team and its players have made a big impression on her and other players.

“The Pride have definitely impacted the whole community over the years, and I know a majority (of people) are super devastated, especially young softball players like I once was,” Pitt wrote in a text message.

“The Pride’s games were a very amazing experience to go to, from the softball, music, food and in-between inning games, etc. The energy in that stadium was so electric from the players and fans, it made little girls like me want to be on that field one day.

“That is where the love for the game grew more and more for everyone.”

Not only did Pitt get

a chance to watch Pride players while she was growing up, she also got to interact and learn from them as well.

“I’ve worked with a few of the Pride girls during my time growing in the game,” Pitt wrote. “Shelby Pendley; Alex Powers; Aleshia Ocasio; Bianka Bell and Sierra Romero all helped me get to where I am today.

“The one thing they all

had in common was they loved to give back to the game through lessons, camps and even just pep talks. You got to see how they are real people, hear their journey, and realize they were once in my position.”

Bell, in fact, played a key role in getting Pitt a chance to show what she can do in front of the University of Pittsburgh coaching staff.

As a result, the Viera High senior shortstop will be playing Division I softball next year.

“Bianka Bell has played a huge role for me,” Pitt wrote. “She was my favorite player back when she played for the Pride, my biggest inspiration.

“During a camp at ProSwings two years ago, she was an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh during my recruiting period. After evaluating me that day, she then invited me to another one up in Pittsburgh.

“After that camp, a couple weeks later, I was then a Pitt Panther. Bianka Bell gave me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for.”

Pitt hopes the Pride will be back in 2025. VV

Viera beach volleyball going strong in second season

BY CARL KOTALA

Beach volleyball is continuing to grow as a sport in its second season at Florida’s high school level, and you’ll find no better example of that than the Viera Hawks.

“The difference between year one and year two has been exponential — not only with the returners, but the coaches as well,” Viera High coach Sarah Wayne wrote in an email.

“The girls understand the strategies that much more.”

Viera senior Amelia Talbott, who recently signed to play beach volleyball at Wingate University in North Carolina — which will make its debut in the sport next season — has been excited to see the sport grow not only on her campus, but around the state.

While there is still only one classification for beach volleyball, there are 250 teams participating this season.

“Beach volleyball has gained more popularity and more praise since it’s been

added to the FHSAA,” Talbott wrote in a text message. “More people are interested in it this year than last, and it brings me so much joy to see the sport I love get so much support.

“I think the number of high school teams in the state almost doubled from last year.”

Last year’s Viera team went unbeaten in district play and reached the regional semifinals.

This year’s team was 6-5, including a 5-0 sweep of Astronaut in the regularseason finale, before heading into the Class 1A, District 15 Tournament.

“The season is going well so far,” Talbott wrote. “There has been a lot of learning, and I think over the course of the season, our mental and physical game has improved.

“There has been hard work from everyone and I’m proud of our overall growth.”

Talbott, who has been playing beach volleyball for six years, is on Viera’s top line along with sophomore

Hannah Kemer, whom Talbott said is not only a great beach player, but will lead the Hawks next season.

Other Viera players include seniors Adriana Salinas; Eloise Bargewell; Allie Burroughs and Hope Svartstrom. Juniors include Taylor Christensen; Haylie Ross; Kendall Pierce and Brooke Bolduc.

The team also has some impressive freshmen in Cali Graver; Kaydence Bates; Allie Brown; Haley Christensen and Emma

Deatherage.

“This year’s team is a real mix of returning beach players and new (players) as well as a mix of indoor volleyball players and strictly beach volleyball players,” Wayne wrote. “I’m continually surprised with our freshmen and how much they have improved since the beginning of the season.”

Former Viera High player Shaine Horvath is helping Wayne coach the Hawks this season.

“We have a very hard-

working group this year with good spirits,” Talbott wrote. “Everyone on the team gets along well and makes sure that we all have fun.”

VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Drea Pitt

The USSSA Pride have had an impact on the local community ever since coming to Brevard County in 2017. Former Pride player Bianka Bell, left, helped recruit Viera High's Amaya Pitt to the University of Pittsburgh.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer/PlayOn Highlights

The Viera High beach volleyball team is enjoying its second season as the program and the sport continue to grow. Viera High sophomore Hanna Kemer, right, plays on the top line for the Hawks.

Viera track teams hope to run wild this postseason

BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera Hawks have been running away from teams all season.

Now, it’s time to see how that translates to the postseason.

Led by a group that is strong in both the distance races and the sprints, the Viera boys track and field team believes it has a chance to go far this season.

And while the Viera girls are admittedly in a bit of a rebuilding year, there’s no question they have the talent to do the building.

Sophomore Jayden McPherson is ranked third in Class 4A in the boys 100 meters (10.35 seconds) and 12th in the 200 (21.56).

Junior Chase Cromartie (10:46) is seventh in the 100 (10:46) and 18th in the 200 with a time of 21.72.

Cromartie recently won the 100 race at the Cape Coast Conference championships. McPherson won the 200 event.

Both are also part of Viera’s 4x100 boys relay team that is on the verge of breaking the school record of 41.86. So far, the group, which also includes sophomore Eric Nelson and junior Bobby Meyer, has run a 41.91.

“These kids are getting faster by the meet,” new Viera coach Carl Thomas said. “I think they can probably break the record, get to state and win it.”

Junior Jack Girard, who won the CCC title in the

1,600 (4 minutes 29.81 seconds) and finished 10th in the 3,200, heads an impressive list of distance runners for the Viera boys that also includes his younger brother, Michael Girard.

Michael was second in the 3,200 (9:56.29) and fourth in the 1,600 race.

Other contenders to get to state on the boys side include senior Tye Morrell in the 400 and the 1,600 relay that can feature any one of eight runners.

Fully healthy, the group includes Morell; Nelson; junior Zach Taylor and senior Blake Pulliam. But senior Garrett Vickery; freshman Alexander Tud; McPherson and freshman

Joshua King can all step in if needed.

In the field events, Viera’s best chance is likely senior javelin thrower Taj Snavely, who just missed out on the state meet last year.

Viera’s girls team, now led by coach Randi Liddle, has a definite state contender in sophomore distance runner Addy Elwell, who broke her own school record in the 1,600 earlier this season and is ranked seventh in the state

change,” Thomas said. “The way she’s been training and the way she runs her races … she takes it personally.”

Sophomore Justyce Ablordeppey and junior Amaya Brodhead are both standouts in the 100- and 200-meter sprints and team with freshman Lindsey Daly and senior Danica Monopoli to form a strong 400 relay.

The Hawks also have three freshmen who are running varsity-level times in the 400 and the 1,600 and 3,200 relays. They are Kristin Bright, Ava Koehler and Laura Wagner.

That trio teams with

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Carl Thomas

Randi Liddle, left, the Viera High School girls track coach, and Viera boys coach Carl Thomas, right, are excited about the postseason. Paige Rutherford, second from left, Justyce Ablordeppey, Lindsey Daly and Amaya Brodhead will form a strong girls 400-meter relay team.

Talented Tigers ready to thrive at state track meet

BY CARL KOTALA

The postseason is coming, and the Holy Trinity boys and girls track teams are preparing to put on a show.

“We’ve got a really good group that’s going to do some good things,” Tigers coach Marc Bailey said. “I’m happy for them.”

Holy Trinity’s girls team is led by a pair of college-bound seniors, sprinter Maya Collins and hurdler Alinah Sarratt. Both have been dealing with injuries this season, but are ranked among the state’s best in their events.

Collins, who signed with Notre Dame, is ranked fourth in Class 1A in both the 100 (12.10 seconds) and 200 meters (25.19) despite having to miss the first six weeks of the season.

“I anticipate her getting faster,” Bailey said. “We still have a few weeks and she has not put together her best race yet.”

Sarratt, meanwhile, ran 15.08 in the 100-meter hurdles earlier this season. The Kansas commit is expected to be fully healthy in time for the Class 1A, District 8 meet, which is scheduled for May 2 at Holy Trinity.

Freshman Anna Phillips is tied for ninth in the state in the high jump at 4 foot, 11¾ inches, while junior Isabelle Clark has had a huge season and is ranked seventh in the javelin with a throw of 114-1.

Sophomore Cailyn Easton is 10th in the 100 hurdles (15.99) and is the lead runner on Holy Trinity’s 400 relay

that also includes Collins, junior Jadeyn Webb and Sarratt. That group is ranked fifth (49.35) in the state.

“I anticipate them winning the district,” Bailey said of his girls team. “That’s always a goal of ours. We host it, we want to win it.”

Holy Trinity’s boys are also considered district favorites because of their strong distance runners.

Juniors Skyler Jensen and Zack Gunderson, along with sophomores Luke Thomas and Evan Spreitzer make up the team’s 3,200 relay, which was ranked fourth in the state with a time of 8 minutes, 10.10 seconds. That should make them contenders in what figures to be a very good state final. All four should also do well in their individual distance events.

Sophomore Camryn McRoy is a double threat in the hurdles. His time of 14.94 ranks fifth in the 110-meter event, and he’s eighth in the 400 hurdles (57.22).

Sophomore Jaedon McMillon is a big factor in the 110 hurdles (15.7), where he is ranked seventh. He’s also No. 10 in the long jump at 22-1½.

Senior Jaylen Ballard is 13th in the 110 hurdles (15.71) and should give the Tigers a scoring boost along with junior Jaden Kameka in the throwing events

“We’ve got some really strong performers on the boys side that are really going to put on a show,” Bailey said. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Darren Nazareno

The Holy Trinity track and field team has some outstanding runners this season, including hurdlers Anna Phillips, second from left, Cailyn Easton and Alinah Sarratt, who is ranked fourth in the state in the 100-meter hurdles.

Viera football opens spring practice with questions to answer

BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera Hawks knew they were going to have a few questions to answer when spring football practice began.

Now, those questions have gotten a little bigger.

OK, a lot bigger.

Hit with the transfer of their No. 1 receiver during the offseason, the Hawks found out recently that starting quarterback Chase Cromartie will be moving to Georgia over the summer for his senior season.

So, instead of going into the spring with what was expected to be a highpowered passing offense and an experienced, improving defense, Viera now finds itself searching for a new offensive leader.

Head coach Tony Gulla, however, believes the Hawks have enough talent to overcome the challenge. Spring practice begins April 29.

“I’ve said it 100 times. They’re great kids,” Gulla said. “They really understand how to battle through adversity and this is just another thing that they’re going to be able to battle through.”

Rising junior Eric Nelson, who was Viera’s backup quarterback — along with one of its top receivers — last season, will get a shot to be under center next year. So will rising sophomore Noah Renes, who took a few shortyardage snaps in 2023.

“We’ll use those two kids this spring and see how it goes,” Gulla said.

The Hawks also have four incoming freshmen quarterbacks to help provide competition.

If Nelson is not playing quarterback, he will join rising senior Jack Hancock as one of Viera’s top receiving options. Rising senior Donovan Long and rising junior Jonah Woodruff will also figure heavily in the passing game with youngsters Dylan Arroyo, Sade Pulliam and Tim Sedaros also contributing.

With rising seniors Ryan Boobar and Kimahre Ingram returning at running back, the Hawks have a chance to be productive on the ground as well.

Viera’s offensive line had injury issues last season, but that could pay off next year as rising sophomores Gavin O’Dell and Sam Cadona both got to start several games.

They will be at the guard spots while rising sophomore standout Coby Wallace will move to left tackle.

The leader of the offensive line is rising senior Finn Goldinger, who will be a fouryear starter at center.

The newest addition to the line will be rising senior Mike Najdawi, who is moving from the defensive line to right tackle. At 6-foot-4, 340

pounds, he’s the biggest player on the team.

How much Viera’s offense will be different this season remains to be seen.

“We probably won’t throw the ball 37 times a game. I can guarantee that,” Gulla said.

While Viera’s defense was a question mark going into last season, this year’s group is loaded with experience.

Rising senior Isaac Hungerbuhler is back at defensive end along with linemen Sal Orlando and Dillon Price, linebackers James Olson; Renes; Blake Thomas and Jose Rivera and defensive backs Robbie Aehle; Cooper Keith; Dominic Leoni and Nnamdi Osuorah.

“That’s obviously going to be our strong point going into the spring,” Gulla said.

Viera is scheduled to play its spring game on May 16, in what will be a five-team jamboree that includes the Hawks, Freedom, Sebastian River, Celebration and host St. Cloud.

Gulla believes the format will be perfect for Viera.

“We’ll try some different things out in the spring and see what looks good,” he said. “That’s why we’re lucky we’re playing in a jamboree with four other teams. It’s actually a better format than playing a game.

“We’ll get to play some different teams. We’ll get to try some different things. We won’t get stuck so much in traditional down-anddistance stuff.

“It’s going to be a learning experience for everybody this spring.” VV

Faculty Challenge Softball Game returns for 17th time in Viera

BY CARL KOTALA

The annual Faculty Softball Challenge has always been a night of celebration.

This year, it’s also going to be about offering support.

Community members who show up for the scheduled May 22 games at the USSSA Space Coast Complex will be asked to bring donations to help support the Children’s Hunger Project, which helps elementary school children in need by providing them food to take home over the weekend or during school breaks.

This year’s matchups feature Suntree Elementary vs. Viera Elementary at 6:15 p.m., followed by Manatee vs. Quest in the 7:15 p.m. game. The makeup date, in case of rain, is May 23.

“Each school is going to pick something different that they can bring to the game and donate. Jello cups and goldfish, stuff like that,” Manatee teacher and game organizer Todd Zgonc said.

“We’ve never really done that, but we’ve been working with them this year. We’ll see how that goes. We’ve never made it more than just an outing of softball, but a little donation doesn’t hurt anything.”

After double checking his

numbers, Zgonc said this will be the 17th version of the Faculty Softball Challenge, which has always enjoyed great success through the years.

Last year’s games drew a record-crowd of 3,700 fans.

“Every year, there’s a new crop of kids that either got really excited about it the year before and want to do it again, or it’s brand new to them,” Zgonc said. “It’s always turning over. It’s always new. Your audience is always changing.

“At the same time, you get all the people that have enjoyed the game and are connected to these schools. They all come out and see people they haven’t seen in a while. You still get that element of it.

“I think that’s why it grows so well. Yes, you have all the newbies that come out to it, but I think there’s a certain amount of kids who are in the seventh, eighth, ninth or 10th grade that know about it and they’ll come out to it. Parents in

the community who have ties will keep coming out to it. A lot of old staff from all the schools will come out because they remember the game when they were playing in it, or when they were at those schools.

“I think it kind of trends in the direction of more and more people because of that.”

Tickets are $3 at the school and $5 for walkup fans the night of the games.

Manatee will once again be hosting a fan fest, which

is scheduled for May 20.

The first pitches will be thrown out by the Teacher and Employee of the Year from each school.

Any proceeds from the event, after expenses are paid, go into a discretionary fund for each school.

Although the buzz about the game has already started, Zgonc expects it to really kick in as the games draw closer.

“There are a lot of things that signal the end of the school year. I don’t think we’ve quite gotten to that point yet, where we start building up the momentum of it,” he said.

“It usually starts about three weeks out, when we turn to the month of May. Once we hit May, people start asking, ‘When’s the softball game?’” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The 17th Faculty Softball Challenge is set for May 22 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. Last year's games drew a record crowd of 3,700.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Nichole Aehle

Rising senior Robbie Aehle (No. 14) is part of an experienced defensive unit that should be a strength for the Hawks in 2024.

NewsSCHOOL

Brevard Odyssey of the Mind teams headed to World Finals

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Teams from Manatee Elementary and Viera Charter School are going to the Odyssey of the Mind (OM) World Finals May 21 to 24 at Iowa State University.

OM is a collaborative team effort in creative problem solving for students in elementary and secondary grades.

Teams must place first or second at the state competition in order to go to the World Finals.

“The opening ceremony is amazing,” said Melinda Gerding, the regional director for Space Coast Odyssey of the Mind.

“Wednesday through Friday is the competition. The awards ceremony is a grand affair,” Gerding said. “There is also swimming, rock climbing, bowling and a graduation ceremony for seniors.”

Three Viera Charter School coaches — thirdgrade teachers Jason Cardillo and Alexandra Garcia, and middle school computer science teacher Saxon Boucher — coached four of the school’s teams. Three teams competed in the state finals, March 30, in Orlando and one of them clinched a first-place win and a spot at the World Finals.

The winning team worked on the Classics problem: “Opening Night Antics.” Their solution involved creating a play based upon a classic story where things go wrong on opening night.

“This year, we want to bring home the gold,”

Registration drive encourages students to let their vote count

to the 16 high schools throughout Brevard.

The Your Vote Is Your Voice campaign was launched to encourage younger registered voters to take the next step after registering to vote and casting their ballot to make their voice heard.

Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic unveiled a new partnership with Brevard Public Schools for a voter registration campaign in the county’s public high schools.

“When I reviewed the registration and turnout numbers for the 18-to25-year-old age group, it was disappointing to see the disparity between the numbers of people registered versus turnout for the same group. Our goal is to not only see an increase in the number of registrations with younger voters, but to motivate them to ensure their voice is heard by casting a ballot,” Bobanic said.

When visiting the 16 public high schools for voter registration drives, efforts will be made to educate students that the best way to effect change is to be involved and to vote.

Another component of the voter registration drives will be to incorporate the Supervisor of Elections “Vote in Honor of a Veteran” program and introduce a veteran during each visit

— Tim Bobanic

The Vote in Honor of a Veteran program honors the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces to protect Americans’ right to vote. More information about the current, honored veterans can be found on VoteBrevard.gov

The deadline to register to vote for each election is 29 days prior to Election Day. This means the registration deadline for the Aug. 20 primary election is July 22, while students are still on summer break. The target is to get students registered in time for primary and general elections taking place in August and November.

Supervisor of Elections outreach efforts will be to visit the high schools before students leave for summer break. VV

Boucher said. “We’ve sacrificed many Saturdays to present an amazing performance in May.”

Audrey Diaz is a seventh grader who is a part of the team. “This program has been a big part of my life,” she said. “It takes a lot of work, but I’m glad it paid off.”

Manatee Elementary School’s first-year team, coached by Audrey Wiggins, placed 13th at the state competition, but the team also secured a spot at the World Finals. Fifth grader, Mallory Collins received the Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award for excellence in creativity, a rare and prestigious award.

The team worked on the “Deep Space Structure”

problem. Collins helped design a balsa wood structure as part of the solution.

“I was thinking I could model the bottom of the Eiffel Tower,” Collins said. “I also used a dome because I think it is the strongest shape.”

Mallory’s mother, Kelli Collins, said, “Mallory has been building structures since she was in diapers.”

Teams from Edgewood Junior/Senior High School on Merritt Island and Central Middle School in West Melbourne will also compete in this year’s World Finals. Teams are currently fundraising. Contact Gerding at 321-258-3447 or spacecoastrd@floma.org to help. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Manatee Elementary School Jacob Knepp, left, Harrison Mendonca, Coach Audrey Wiggins, Parker Holt, Foster Wiggins, Wally Schnaderback, Mallory Collins and Autumn Donar from Manatee Elementary are excited about the upcoming trip to Iowa to compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera Charter

Jordan Brewer, left, Isabella Vitrella, Audrey Diaz, Amelia Medina-Nunez, Abigail Crane and Ian Snavely are part of Viera Charter School's Odyssey of the Mind team.

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Upcoming Trips

Elliot Museum, Stuart – Tuesday, May 21 • $116

The Elliott Museum has so many things to see and do. We will start with a guided tour of the first floor Celebration of King Tut, then lunch on property, if you like a real Philly cheesesteak you will like this! After lunch, check out the car exhibit, or if you are a Yankees fan like me, it’s all about Derek Jeter from Kalamazoo to the museum, one of the largest collections of Jeter memorabilia. Minimum of 35 needed for trip, deadline to sign up May 10.

GREEK ISLAND HOPPER – Sept. 7 – 16

Join Jean as we head off to Greece. We will be staying in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Double occupancy $2,999 pp and single is $4,009, this includes intra-country air. Deposit is $500 per person.

KEY WEST HOLIDAY TRIP – Dec. 1 – 4

$817pp based on double and $1170 for single. Join us for our 18th annual trip to Key West. Sign-ups have begun, deposit of $100 pp by June 1 and final by Oct. 1.

Dining Out & Events

May 5

Space Coast Card Show

Sports,

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holiday Inn Viera

8298 N. Wickham Road

Viera, 321-255-0077

First Responders

Appreciation Day - Hero Fest

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Food, music, entertainment and activities.

Veterans Memorial Center

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway

Merritt Island, 321453-1776

MAY 8

Medium John Rogers

6 - 8 p.m.

Professional Medium John Rogers will share his 30 years of experience communicating with spirit guides on the other side.

Cocoa Beach Library

550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104

MAY 15

Battle of the Bands

7 – 9 p.m.

The Swingtime Jazz Orchestra proudly welcomes the Space

Coast Big Band for a night of swinging rhythms and vibrant melodies in a spirited Battle of the Bands.

Melbourne Auditorium

625 E. Hibiscus Blvd Melbourne, 321-7240555

Senior Art Therapy Class

1 - 2 p.m.

All-inclusive and no prior art experience needed. Join us as we enjoy a therapeutic and relaxing time painting a watercolor inspired by our Indian River Lagoon.

Eau Gallie Library 1521 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, 321-285-9515

May 17

16th annual Mayors

Breakfast

7:30 – 11 a.m.

Fifteen (15) Mayors from the Cities and Towns in Brevard County will provide an update on the development in their respective Municipalities.

Space Coast Convention Center

103 Tucker Lane Cocoa

Summer Camps article, page 17

June 3 to June 7

Future Minds AI Academy for ages 10+

Noon - 3 p.m.

Learn about the fundamentals of AI development and application through various coding, games, and robotics activities.

Code Ninjas

1950 Viera Blvd. Viera, 321-622-4358

June 10 to June 14

Code Your Own Arcade — ages 7+

Noon - 3 p.m.

Ninjas will create retro-style arcade games with Microsoft MakeCode Arcade.

Code Ninjas

1950 Viera Blvd. Viera, 321-622-4358

May 27 to May 31

Fine Arts Camp - ages 5 - 7

Creative Music

1299 Bedford Drive, Suite C Suntree, 321-255-0116

June 3 to June 7

Fine Arts Camp — ages 8 - 12

Creative Music

1299 Bedford Drive, Suite C Suntree, 321-255-0116

321-951-9998

Law Enforcement Officers

Memorial Day

7 – 8:30 p.m.

Family survivors, co-workers, and friends are welcome to join us as we pay respect to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

American Police Hall of Fame 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, 321-264-0911

May 19

Space Coast Jazz Society

Concert - Joe Goldberg

2 – 4 p.m.

Saxophonist Joe Goldberg with Adam Kornecki on keyboard, Thomas Milovac on bass.

Veterans Memorial Center

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776

May 24

Beachside Strummers

9:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Group of ukulele players and enthusiasts.

Satellite Beach Library

751 Jamica Blvd.

Satellite Beach

BY BETTY PORTER

Vivian Sleeth, a third grader at Viera Elementary School, is in a fight for her life and both she and her mother, Brittany Sleeth, want to create awareness of the type of brain cancer that has upended their lives.

Vivian was diagnosed in June 2022 with a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG which stands for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a cancerous tumor that forms in a child’s brainstem and for now is considered incurable.

“We noticed Vivian was turning her head to the side when watching television,” Sleeth said. “We were concerned and found out from the doctor that she was turning her head and eyes to compensate for seeing double, yet she never said anything, she never complained.”

Within a week she was diagnosed with DIPG, which mainly affects children between the ages of 5 and 9.

“Watch for signs of headache, which is a big symptom. Also double vision, blurred vision and loss of balance,” Sleeth said.

Vivian’s family wants others to know about DIPG.

“We want to share our experience in order to make parents aware of it. We were lucky to have gotten it diagnosed right away because it sometimes goes undiagnosed for months,” she said.

Between 150 and 300

children are diagnosed with DIPG. Surgery is not an option for this aggressive brain tumor since the cancer cells are diffused and spread out alongside healthy cells.

May 8 will be Vivian’s ninth birthday and May 17 is DIPG Awareness Day with the month of May designated as Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

“Finding a cure is a top priority and Vivian is leading the fight in a phase 1 trial as we speak,” Sleeth said, speaking from the hospital room as Vivian was waking up from anesthesia. “She’s not only the first child, but also the first human to endure this type of experimental treatment, for which we fly to National Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. every five weeks.”

Vivian gets hooked up to an MRI machine as she wears a cap and four screws are placed into her skull.

Low frequency ultrasound is used to guide medication to all parts of her brain, as her mother describes the ordeal which lasts from 7 a.m. into the afternoon. Sleeth spends the night with Vivian in the pediatric intensive care unit, then they fly home the following day.

The one-day treatment is preceded by a couple of days of tests, MRIs and EKGs at the hospital, so Brittany and Vivian stay at a hotel for those nights.

Vivian’s brain cancer diagnosis came only two

weeks after Sleeth and her fiancé, Mark Huetter, became engaged.

“Our wedding was put on the backburner,” Brittany said. “Mark has been so supportive and often accompanies us to the treatment in D.C.”

Sleeth’s other child, a son, Corbin, who is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Viera Elementary, is cared for by Brittany’s mother when she and Vivian are away for several days of treatment.

Vivian has to miss school during the travels and treatments.

“Vivian is sad to miss school those days because she loves school,” Brittany said. “She loves being around people and being

Astronaut Armstrong's daughter fought DIPG

Eight years earlier, Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon. His then 1-yearold daughter, Karen (nicknamed Muffie) was diagnosed with DIPG and passed away seven months later at 2½ years old from the inoperable brain tumor.

On the Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong spotted a small crater on the moon’s surface and named it Muffie in honor of his daughter.

active and being outdoors and helping others.”

“We hope she can continue for as long as possible doing the things she loves. Oh, did I mention she loves dinosaurs?”

Sleeth cherishes every moment with her daughter.

“Spending time with her and giving her all the lifetime experiences I can give her is my No. 1 priority,” Brittany said.

Sleeth is aware of other children diagnosed with DIPG in Brevard County. “A child in Mims and a child in Melbourne and there was a child in Titusville who passed away in December.

Mikey Goodwin of Satellite Beach was 19 when he died,

just three months after being diagnosed. His mother has become a great advocate of DIPG awareness and started the Mikey Goodwin Foundation.

Brittany said her friends started a GoFundMe within a month of Vivian being diagnosed. On Facebook, look for TeamViv to follow her story.

“Even people from other countries have been following Vivian and have noted how she is giving others inspiration,” Sleeth said. “And that’s what Vivian wants to do, to give other kids inspiration and hope as she bravely endures these experimental treatments.”

VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brittany Sleeth

Vivian Sleeth enjoys being a third grader at Viera Elementary School. Brittany Sleeth hopes experimental treatments can help her daughter and others diagnosed with DIPG.

Golf, art, music, more offered at various summer camps

BY MIKE GAFFEY

As the school year wraps up, it is time for summer camps. And there are several to choose from in Brevard County.

There are camps for golf, music, arts and more.

Viera East Golf Club offers summer camps for young golfers seeking to improve their skills.

Creative Music, Arts and Learning Center in the Suntree/Viera area has weekly summer camps planned for young artists and musicians.

Code Ninjas encourages students to “Avoid the Summer Brain Drain” with its summer programs.

The 2024 Viera East Golf Club Junior Summer Golf Academy presents four weekly clinic sessions starting Monday, June 3 at the course at 2300 Clubhouse Drive.

Clinics run from 8 a.m. to noon daily with instruction from a PGA golf professional. Mike Hogan, the Viera East’s PGA director of instruction, has offered the clinics for several years. Sessions run the weeks of June 3, June 17, July 8 and Aug. 5. Participants will spend time on the practice range, take part in full-swing drills and practice pitching, chipping, sand shots and putting. Young golfers also will learn fundamentals of the game, stance and grip, golf etiquette and rules.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, and junior golfers receive an achievement certificate at the end of the clinic.

This year, Viera East will add a two-week elite camp for advanced young golfers. Taught by Head Golf Professional David Owen and PGA golfer Phil Choi, sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon June 10 through June 14 and July 15 through July 19.

“It’s going to be a little more structured, more drill and basics oriented,” Owen said. “It’s for parents who want their kids to pursue golf at the high school level, college level, professional level.”

Participants will spend up to 90 minutes on drills and instruction and about 90 minutes on the course, Owen said.

“They learn what to do and what not to do on the golf course,” he said. “We try to teach kids or older kids, high schoolers, teenagers course management and how to think your way around the golf course.” Sessions will be offered when Hogan’s clinics are

having an off week, Owen said.

“It’s kind of a spin-off of Mike's camp to try to reach a wider demographic of junior golfers,” he said.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own golf clubs, but Viera East will supply clubs to those who need them, Owen said.

Viera East also presents a Kids Club for youngsters from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays in June, July and August.

“It'll just be a little bit more on the fun side and introducing kids to golf who've never played before and playing games and activities and throwing water balloons at each other and stuff like that,” Owen said.

More than 20 kids and parents turned out for Viera East’s Spring Break Junior Camp in March, and Owen said several parents suggested having another camp for kids in summer.

“That’s where we got the idea for that,” he said. “A lot of parents were interested in it because they didn't want to travel all the way to Duran or Rockledge because they live right here on the golf course.”

For more information, email Owen at Dowen@ vecdd.com or call Viera East at 321-639-6500.

Not everything has to be outdoors. Musicians and computer enthusiasts have plenty of options.

Creative Music, Art and Learning Center has summer camps starting May 27, with weekly camps for different age groups. The center also has private lessons in piano, voice, violin, harp, guitar and ukulele from beginners to adult levels.

To register for the music summer camps, call 321255-0116.

Code Ninjas in Viera has programs throughout the summer that encourage and help students to never stop learning. Code Ninjas offers camps in introduction to web development, animation, Minecraft, AI and more.

For information on computer camps, call 321-622-4358. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera East Golf Club

Viera East Golf Club volunteer coach Stan Sumner watches young golfers tee off during Viera East’s Spring Break Junior Golf Camp in March.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Code Ninjas Introduction to web development is being offered during summer camp at Code Ninjas.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Music will dominate this summer at Creative Music, Art and Learning Center.

NEWS OF THE DAY

Showcase spurs students to show writing skills in many forms

BY GABRIELLA MACHADO JUNIOR REPORTER

Some students at Viera Charter School are not only writing fictional short stories, full-length books and news features, they are writing dialogue, creating screenplays, acting out the parts and capturing their works on film.

The Dream It, Do It! Writing Club serves students in grades 4 and 5, and a second club meets to serve middle school students in grades 6 through 8. The Walt Disney quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” is the club motto.

Viera Voice has teamed up to sponsor the clubs’ Student Showcase May 16 to help get written words onto video, and get songs students have written captured on video.

“I love to write, but sometimes I am full of fear to think that I could actually have my writing published for the public to read,” said Alana Critchfield, an eighth-grade member of the middle school club. “We are not only getting our stories and books published so they can be shared, but we are leaping beyond that and turning our works into actual short movies. I feel like it is a m-come true.”

Club members are busy completing their works that they will perform or show at the showcase May 16. Assistance from professionals to help students get their reels ready, and professional video and sound mixing and recording at the May 16 performance are items on the wish list. The key to a great club is the support students get from their peers, said Dream It, Do It! faculty sponsor Linda

Courtesy of Alana Critchfield

Viera Charter School students Aven Simmonds, Cooper Brown and Wilson Brown work with club sponsor Linda Gaffey to learn the tricks of turning stories into screenplays for films, television shows and videos for social media in the Dream It Do It! Writing Club.

Gaffey, a VCS media specialist, certified writing and reading teacher and lifelong journalist.

“Most, if not all the fellow writers I have known, live with doubt that we have anything to say worth other people’s reading,” Gaffey said. “It’s super important that we create an atmosphere of support for one another so we can help each other to be brave, and not let our fears stop us from creating and getting our work out there for others to enjoy and benefit from.”

VCS Principal Dr. Julie Cady looks forward to August when the new media center opens and the engaging activities will spread schoolwide.

“We’ll be able to benefit all students with exciting writing projects and contests, special guests, and enhancements to our writing curriculum,” she said.

For seventh-grader Wesley Morillo, it

is a matter of finding his tribe.

“I love being around others who have become my friends who love writing and love encouraging each other to get their stories out there,” said Morillo, whose full-length book in progress is called A Rite of Adventure. “It’s my absolute favorite time of the week.”

If you would like to contribute to help cover the costs of the Student Showcase at Viera Charter School, scan the QR code. VV

Machado is a student in Gaffey’s advanced seventh-grade English class.

Happy Mother's Day

VIERA VOICE

Gabriella Machado

Thomas retires after building JROTC into one

BY CARL KOTALA

There’s nothing that makes retired Army Lt. Col. Tim Thomas happier than to see how some of his former cadets have turned out after going through Viera High School’s Army JROTC program.

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is a program that Thomas helped build from the ground up 14 years ago.

“The thing that gives me the most feeling of success is when I see these former cadets come back and they’re officers in one of the branches of the military,” Thomas said. “We’ve probably got at least 15 of those right now in the short time we’ve been in existence that are actually serving their country as commissioned officers.”

Another couple of hundred have enlisted in the military. Others are first responders or work in the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, with the Melbourne Police or fire departments.

“To see how well that they’re doing, and to see what good leaders they’ve

that’s the satisfaction I get,” Thomas said. “Knowing, not by myself, but as part of a team of individuals that impacted those people, they turned out pretty well as a result.

do handsprings to see these kids take on responsibility and be good, law-abiding citizens.”

After 14 years as the Senior Army Instructor at Viera High, the 60-yearretire. It’s time, he said, for some fresh energy and someone with fresh ideas to come in and take the program to new heights. That will be a tall order

however, because Thomas’ impact on the school and the Viera community has been immeasurable.

“Lt. Col. Thomas is an

JROTC

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Retired Army Lt. Col. Tim Thomas leads the Viera High JROTC at the Salute to Veterans Ceremony during halftime of a Viera High School football game. Thomas, who built Viera's JROTC program into one of the best in Brevard County, is retiring after 14 years.

HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL

Yueun Ahn

Matthew Bouyoucas

Connor Farnham

Nadezhda Huston

Jake McLaren

Cali Perillo

Reagan Stoldt

Sofia Alikhan

Cole Chanda

Chase Giovannetti

Kendall Johnson

Maegan Mercado

Rohan Prasanna

Gabriel Sullivan

Courtney Ainbinder

Aidan Bovelsky

Ronald Fernandez

Fischer Jehs

Cole McNab

Madeline Pesi

Kendall Strand

Austin Alley

Wyatt Chanda

Mia Glover

Lauren Juntunen

John Mitnik

Brooke Ramnath

Sophia Symeonides

John Paul Alzate

Evan Cline

Michael Grillo

Javon Kameka

Anna Mondschein

Shelby Reeve

Lucas Talbert

Jaylen Ballard

Cooper Cohen

Andrew Hale, Jr

Marley Kellar

Molly Mullen

Elijah Reynolds

Athena Tian

Rebecca Benezra

Justin Cole

Avery Hammond

Luke Kenney

Davi Oliveira

Alinah Sarratt

Andrew Turner

Alejandra Acero Rico

Sydney Borboroglu

Aleksandriya Dzheneva

Tristen Hurlbut

Savannah McGrew

Roman Perez

Augustine Stehley

the Class of 2024!

Over the past five years, Holy Trinity graduates have been accepted to some of the world’s finest colleges and universities, including:

Brown University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Princeton University

University of Pennsylvania

Yale University

Harvard University

American University

Auburn University

Baylor University

Boston University

Case Western Reserve University

Carnegie Mellon

Duke University

Emory University

Florida State University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Johns Hopkins University

Michigan State University

New York University

Northwestern University

Penn State University

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Design

Savannah College of Art and Design

Stanford University

Syracuse University

United States Air Force Academy

United States Military Academy

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of Southern California

University of Chicago

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Massachusetts

University of Miami

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Virginia

Virginial Polytechnic University

Marsally Bilotta

Maya Collins

Reagan Haridopolos

Allison LaGrone

Ayden Oswell

Brayden Seitz

Brianna Wakefield

Charna Black

Sydney Crane

Brianna Higgins

Luke LaGrone

Jay Patel

Kayden Shah

Julien Warden

Katrina Blanco

Thomas Day

Canon Hopper

Alexis Lapp

Kripa Patel

Adrianna Shanta

Alana Watt

Brendan Boddy

Danielle Desrochers

Sienna Houston

Cash Luck

Milli Patel

Grant Shoultz

Sophia Weiner

Ashlyn Borboroglu

Manishka Dontineni

Michael Howkins

Julian Martinez

Jessie Perez

Kaileigh Smith

William Whipple

Photos courtesy of Dean Stewart Photography, Inc.

Nonprofit for underprivileged kids seeks help to offer fishing clinic

BY MIKE GAFFEY

A Brevard County nonprofit is seeking donors, sponsors and volunteers to help present a free fishing clinic for local children later this year.

Kids First Inc., a Palm Bay-based nonprofit corporation that raises funds for programs that provide opportunities to

underprivileged Space Coast children, hopes to host the event in August or September at either Viera Regional Park or Wickham Park, founder Tonya Evans said.

The organization will give the first 125 children who register a free rod, reel and tackle box, provided by a grant from nonprofit group Fish Florida, Evans

“We’ll be having anglers coming in to educate the kids on the technique of fishing, how to bait a hook, how to tie on a hook.” — Tonya Evans

said.

“We’ll be having anglers coming in to educate the kids on the technique of fishing, how to bait a hook, how to tie on a hook,” she said. “They'll also learn

about fishing for food, regulations and size and that you have to have a fishing license and where you can fish. They'll also learn nautical knot tying.”

The clinic is the first local event for Kids First, said Evans, whose nonprofit partner is Dale Valentino.

“It’s an all-around educational event, but also getting kids outside and ‘Unplugged’ is what we're calling it,” she said.

“Because we find that kids these days spend a lot of time inside, attached to their phone, gaming system or computer. So it's a program to get the kids outside, get some fresh air, get them back in nature and educate them on different things.”

The nonprofit helps kids and teens with programs that offer advanced music and dance training, vocational training for high schoolers such as gas and diesel engine and golf cart repair and maintenance and fun and fitness run fundraisers, Evans said. The group also teaches life lessons and character values with a 24-page comic and activity book “The Big Time Fun Adventures of ZEDE.”

In addition to sponsorships and monetary donations, Evans also is looking for help from volunteers, including high school students who need

community service hours as a graduation requirement.

“It's a lot of work,” Evans said of the nonprofit. “So we took it upon ourselves to get everything started and then eventually, if we're blessed enough that people are excited about what we're doing and there are philanthropists that want to support us, that would be fantastic.

“But the feedback we're getting from the people we're talking to and the kids that want to be involved has been fantastic. So we're very optimistic that over the next year, it's going to really come together and people are gonna be seeing Kids First everywhere.”

For more information, go to kidsfirstcharity.org VV

VIERA VOICE

Courtesy of Tonya Evans Brevard County nonprofit Kids First Inc. is seeking donors, sponsors and volunteers to help present a free fishing clinic for local children later this year.

CONGRATULATIONS to all Charlie Corbeil Youth Art Contest artists

Ella Grace Helton

Mia Szczesny-Pumarada

Josie Lewis

Arya Davié

Elena Wisoker

Hayley Power

Emma Landreville

Mila DeMarco

Youth artist

Penny Frisbie

Elizabeth Fine

Enzo Scalise

Miles Rensing

Zoryana Rivera-Vargas

Molly Stuker

Luke Straut

Sylvia Dahlmann Lindy Collins

Stevie-Lynne Racca

Isla Fleury Duru Burgaz

Sloane DeMarco

Youth artist

Youth artist

Ethan Landreville

Youth artists

Youth artists

Youth artists

MaKayla Holman

Charlotte Landreville

ScoopBUSINESS

Olive Tree Greek Grill brings Mediterranean fare, unique architecture to Borrows West

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Michael and Allyson Kastrinakis want patrons who visit their new Olive Tree Greek Grill in Borrows West to feel as if they’ve stepped into an Athenian village.

“There’s really nothing like this anywhere,” Michael Kastrinakis said of the Viera couple’s twostory, lakefront restaurant under construction at 5481 Lake Andrew Drive in the booming dining, entertainment and retail hub south of Viera Boulevard and west of Interstate-95.

The 6,000-square-foot, three-building, concrete, cinderblock and steel-beam restaurant will replace the Kastrinakis’ popular Olive Tree Greek Grill, which has been in The Avenue Viera since 2014. The old location will close when the new Olive Tree’s first-floor, openair dining area opens.

Construction is expected to wrap up in June and opening day should follow some time after that, Michael Kastrinakis said.

“We don't want to rush because we want it built right,” Allyson Kastrinakis said. Visitors entering from

the westside parking lot will pass through a large courtyard decorated with a tile mural, then enter the gourmet market/order area. The market will be stocked with all items imported from Greece such as olive oils, spices, cheeses and wines, Michael said.

Patrons can order their meals at a counter inside the market area, then their fast-casual menu items will be brought to the first-floor dining area or to covered outdoor areas overlooking the lake at Borrows West. There’s seating for about 130 on the first floor.

The couple decided on al fresco dining for the first floor after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project’s start in 2020, Michael said. Their original plans had called for a traditional, one-building restaurant with indoor dining and a patio, he said.

The courtyard area will have a portable bar on weekends.

“There are so many interesting areas on the property to have a drink and socialize,” Michael said. “We want to be known for that now.”

Two robots will deliver

meals to servers who will serve guests, Michael said. “We hope we can program them to talk in Greek or have a Greek attitude,” Allyson

said of the robots.

An advanced takeout system will enable visitors to place to-go orders online, in person or call in, then pick up their food from lockers at a covered area outside.

Guests also can order from a kiosk next to the lockers.

Upstairs in Pano, Olive Tree’s second restaurant, guests can enjoy fine dining and cocktails in an elegant atmosphere, Michael said.

“Pano will have a completely different menu,” he said. “We are consulting with the top restaurant groups in Athens, Greece for this menu.”

Pano, which means up in Greek, seats about 50 guests. Patrons must be 21 and older and reservations and proper dress are required for air-conditioned Pano, which is accessible by elevator or stairs, features floor-to-ceiling windows, a sit-down bar and has dishes delivered via dumb waiter (a small lift that carries food).

“Pano is going to be very special and unique,” Michael said. “I think people are going to love it.”

All Olive Tree meals, based on old family recipes, will be prepared in a large kitchen and overseen by an executive chef, Michael said. The restaurant will keep its

all-Greek-food menu from the Avenue Viera location and add a few dishes, he said. Meals will be served on bamboo plate ware.

“Even our kids’ menu is all Greek food,” he said.

The restaurant will have about 60 employees, including staff from The Avenue Viera location.

Designed by Melbourne architect Andrew Roman, Olive Tree will feature archways and high, whitewashed walls. Stairs connect the restaurant to a walking path that circles the lake. A small outdoor amphitheater will provide a spot for entertainment, and the couple hope that dancers from St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Greek Festival in Melbourne will perform there on occasion.

Landscaping will be “spectacular,” Allyson said, with hanging bougainvillea, eucalyptus plants and palm, mandarin and olive trees.

But there won’t be televisions at Olive Tree.

“We want people to enjoy each other, the food, the surroundings,” Allyson said.

For more information, visit olivetreegreekgrill.com/ new-location or call 321-6310188. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Construction on the Olive Tree Greek Grill is expected to be completed this summer. See the full photo gallery at Vieravoice.com

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Michael and Allyson Kastrinakis

This is a rendering of the front elevation of the new Olive Tree Greek Grill at Borrows West.

Brevard’s first medical school debuts in July at Florida Tech

BY MIKE GAFFEY

When Thomas Baez of Rockledge used to volunteer at Brevard County hospitals, he realized the county faced a shortage of doctors.

“I made it my mission to eventually return here after receiving my medical education and really give back to this community,” said Baez, a University of South Florida graduate who applied to Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private fouryear school in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to continue his training.

Now a third-year student doctor, Baez will be an upper-classman mentor for the inaugural group of 100 future osteopathic physicians starting July classes at Brevard’s first medical school under a partnership between BCOM and Florida Institute of Technology.

BCOM’s second osteopathic medical campus will occupy the top two renovated floors of the L3 Harris Commons Building at 3011 S. Babcock St. on the Florida Tech campus.

The facility will have two lecture halls, a gross anatomy lab and prep room, an osteopathic manipulative medicine lab, five student study areas, two conference rooms, faculty and staff offices, student locker rooms and changing areas and 10 standardized patient rooms,

four of which can be used as simulation labs.

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach to healthcare.

Osteopathic physicians undergo rigorous training, with additional content hours in osteopathic principles and practices as well as handson osteopathic manipulative evaluation and treatment.

Graduates are licensed in all 50 states as licensed osteopathic physicians with equal practice rights and responsibilities as their allopathic (MD) counterparts.

The new school arrives at a critical time when Florida is expected to be short about 18,000 doctors by 2035, according to a 2021 study by the Florida Hospital

Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.

“We would love to be able to get students from the area to come to medical school and get back to the area ultimately,” Austin Gentry, associate director of admissions at BCOM, said April 3 during a behind-thescenes tour of the facility.

“The mission of Burrell overall is to reach underserved communities and Brevard County is one of those.”

Dr. Doris Newman, BMOC’s Florida campus dean, said statistics show that students who spend four years pursuing a medical education in a state are more likely to stay and work in that state after graduating.

Kevin M. Murtha Attorney

Counselor

For the past four years, BCOM has operated a regional academic center in Brevard County for clinical clerkship rotations.

The rotations were so successful that BCOM moved forward with plans for a Melbourne campus, Gentry said.

Currently, BCOM has about 36 third-and fourth-year students from its New Mexico campus conducting rotations within the Steward Health Care system at Melbourne and Rockledge regional medical centers, Sebastian River Medical Center, numerous physician groups and federally qualified health centers.

Since BCOM’s first graduating class in 2020, more than 560 doctors have

graduated from its New Mexico campus. Burrell’s Melbourne campus will graduate its first class in May 2028.

Daniel Welsh of Palm Bay plans to be one of those first grads after the senior receives his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Florida Tech this month.

“The reason I wanted to do osteopathic medicine as opposed to the typical MD is because I saw it as an alternative that the world really needed more of,” said the Pennsylvania native, who has wanted to be a doctor since he was younger. “I feel like this was just a perfect match for me.”

For more information, go to burrell.edu/florida VV

New children’s book brings imaginary Tulip Land to life

BY JEFF NAVIN

Like many aspiring authors, Viera resident Kay Forest had thought about writing a book dating back to her high school years at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange or maybe before that.

“Timothy’s Adventure in Tulip Land,’’ Forest’s first book, was published in February.

“I wanted to write something about magic and something different,’’ said Forest, who will turn 54 in June. “So many stories have been done to death. This is a little adventure that just popped into my head. It came quickly and manifested into an idea and image.’’

The children’s book takes its readers on a journey through the imaginary and enchanting world of Tulip Land. Timothy, a brave and curious boy, meets talking animals, walks through beautiful country scenes,

finds incredible wealth and deals with an evil and greedy king.

“I’ve always known that I would write a book,’’ said Forest, who moved to Viera a little more than a year ago after living in the mountains of Tennessee for 11 years. “I just wasn’t exactly sure what the book would be about.’’

Forest plans to write at least two more tales on Timothy’s adventures to form a trilogy. She also has ideas for books beyond that. The 79-page book is available on Amazon. VV

VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, on the campus of Florida Institute of Technology, will be Brevard County’s first medical school.

Unique barbershop in Viera creates a loyal following

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Ahmir “AJ” Thomas has been cutting Jeremy Brown’s hair since 2021. Six months ago, when he opened a seven-chair barbershop called Quality Crowns Barbershop in East Viera, Brown of Rockledge was sure to follow.

“He is a professional,” Brown said. “Not everyone is an expert in multiracial haircuts. The great prices go with the quality of his haircuts.”

Thomas said Quality Crowns is a barbershop with no limits.

“We provide services for men and women; children, too,” he said.

While Thomas enjoys the freedom and flexibility of his profession, he also believes in spreading positivity.

“I think it’s a good way to connect with the world,” said Thomas, a master barber for the past seven years. “I enjoy helping people feel better. Getting a haircut does a lot.”

A master barber is a highly skilled and experienced professional with comprehensive training. Thomas is known for his expertise in fade style haircuts. The shop also offers razor cuts and scissor cuts, braiding and dreadlocks, shampoos and hot towel shaves.

Master barbers include Thomas, Caleb and Colton “Chef Co” Adam. Shantelle "Telle" Wise is a master braider and Leeanna "Twinkie" Smith is a master loctician.

Thomas opened the shop “to provide more opportunities, not just for myself, but for others to make a living and do something they enjoy.”

Location was also important to Thomas, a resident of Titusville. Many of his clients asked him to

open a barbershop in Viera.

Of Quality Crowns, Brown said, “It is a family-friendly atmosphere and a great place to come. The conversations are pure, not vulgar. He (Thomas) is like an older uncle even though he’s young.”

Thomas also cares about the Viera community.

“We’re super-brand new, so we haven’t been able to provide anything for the community just yet but, in the near future, we plan on it. We are like a family-built mom and pop kind of business, not a corporation that’s funded by other investors.”

Quality Crowns Barbershop is located at 5410 Murrell Road, Suite 213. For more information, go to qualitycrownsbarbershop. com, call 321-704-3456, or follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. VV

$125 off your first month

VIERA VOICE Wendy Scheuring

Master braider Shantelle Wise works her magic on a young client at Quality Crowns Barbershop.

VIERA VOICE Wendy Scheuring Master barber Colten Adams styles and cuts hair at Quality Crowns Barbershop.

3Natives thriving, grand opening set for May 11

BY JEFF NAVIN

California native Brianna Pfister has moved from managing McDonald’s to running 3Natives since arriving in Florida a year ago. She couldn’t be happier.

“It’s healthy fast food,’’ said Pfister, who is the operating manager for her sister and brother-in-law’s 3Natives location at 6365 North Wickham Road, Suite

105, in Suntree. “We have Açai bowls, pressed fresh juices in house, smoothies, wraps and salads. We also have hot-pressed wraps. We opened the beginning of March and business has been good.’’

A grand opening is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2

p.m. May 11.

“We’re going to run specials on wraps and salads for the grand opening,’’

Pfister said. “Açai bowls will be 50% off and we’ll have a lot of Bogos (buy one, get one free). I really enjoy healthy options that a lot of people are looking for. I think we’re doing a good job of connecting with our customers.’’

The Açai bowls, which are offered in either 8-ounce or 16-ounce bowls, include Chronic, Estes bowl, the Local, the Calypso, the JB bowl, Tequesta Dragon, PB&A, and V.O.T. The popular Chronic bowl is composed of Açai, granola, banana, strawberry, Kiwi, pineapple, coconut shavings and honey.

3Natives is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call 321-425-2472. VV

Home Sweet Home

New hotel coming to Borrows West

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Homewood Suites Viera, a 131-room hotel, will open this summer in Borrows West.

Hospitality Project Services is the construction project manager for the General Hotels Corporation and its investment partners Weathervane Capital, Chris Schulhof Investment Group and Sangha Investments.

“This is a significant milestone for the construction of this property and a testament to the skill and diligence of all parties involved,’’ said Jim Dora Jr., the president and CEO of General Hotels Corporation. “Upon completion, we look forward to welcoming guests from near and far.’’

Upon completion, the new hotel, managed by General Hotels Corporation, will feature a free hot breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and a 24-hour business center and fitness center.

Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton Honors program. VV

VIERA VOICE Sylvia Montes

3Natives will hold the grand opening of its new location at 6365 N. Wickham Road in Suntree on Saturday, May 11.

VIERA VOICE Sylvia Montes Homewood Suites Viera is part of the Hilton Honors program.

Raising the bar on Orthopedic Care

Space Coast Orthopedics (SCO) has been the leading Orthopedic practice servicing the Space Coast area in treating orthopedics and sports-related injuries since 1982.

Our practice has always been committed to providing patients with the most advanced orthopedic care available.

At SCO, our Board-Certified Orthopedic surgeons are devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases of bones, joints ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Our goal is to help you continue to live an active and functional life.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Dr. Kellie Nelson has joined the staff at Premier Veterinary Care, 5410 Murrell Road, Suite 115, Viera, as an associate small animal veterinarian.

Nelson has had a passion for animals since she was a child. When she was 12, a veterinarian came to her family farm to help treat a sick calf. The veterinarian taught her how to treat the calf. That meeting inspired Nelson to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Nelson graduated with the inaugural class of Lincoln Memorial University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She started practicing in Tennessee, but moved back home to Florida to be closer to family and friends.

Angelina Higgins recently was named the director of One Senior Place in Viera. In her new role, the former marketing and community liaison will provide free 30-minute consultations to aging adults and their family members to help them navigate the maze of senior services and evaluate choices. Higgins, a Titusville resident, will also coordinate and host the numerous informational and educational seminars presented monthly at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera. Higgins brings to the job a host of skills in event planning and marketing promotion, as well as a talent for building relationships.

Hip and Knee

Wrist and Elbow

220 N. Sykes Creek Parkway, Suite 200 Merritt Island

Rathbun’s experience invaluable at Suntree Internal

Growing up in central New York, Lisa Rathbun has a fond memory of a difficult time period.

“As a child, I was hospitalized and I remember how kind the nurses were to me,’’ said Rathbun, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner for Suntree Internal Medicine, which is located at 6619 N. Wickham Road. “It was a little town that has more cows than it does people.’’

Rathbun received her BSN from Elmira College, her MSN from Sacred Heart University and her FNP from Graceland University.

“I have been in healthcare for over 30 years,’’ said Rathbun, who likes to volunteer with the clean-up group Pineda Water Way Warriors every other Saturday. “I was a former ICU nurse working mainly with post open heart patients. My parents always owned their own businesses, so I often helped them out while going to college. But, healthcare is the only career I have ever done.’’

The profession is quite rewarding.

“I enjoy helping people feel better and I enjoy educating patients on how to build a strong base for their health,’’ said Rathbun, who moved to Brevard County 10 years ago.

“I believe they can live a more happy and productive life when they feel their best.’’

Balancing work with her days off is never simple for healthcare workers. Rathbun and her husband like to get on the water in kayaks or a paddleboard, when possible.

Rathbun has three daughters. Two are nurses and the youngest is a high-school student. VV

Hani El Kommos, M.D.

Luc Teurlings, M.D. Robert Sedaros, M.D.

Dr. Kellie Nelson

Angelina Higgins

Lisa Rathbun

Receive a $300 Checking Bonus* when you:

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Receive a $200 Savings Bonus* when you:

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Manager of new Publix happy to be working closer to home

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Phillip Wearsch was 16 when he first started working for Publix Super Markets as a front service clerk at a St. Cloud store.

Thirty-five years later, Wearsch, the store manager for Viera’s newest Publix, helped cut the ribbon for the grocery store during an April 18 opening ceremony at Addison Center at Viera shopping center.

“I’ve had the privilege of working for the best company in the world for 35 years,” Wearsch told dozens of residents who gathered at sunrise to be among the first to shop at the Publix at 7655 Stadium Parkway. “I am so excited to be here today, not only for you guys but for my team

that I have standing with me.”

Wearsch, who lives in Viera with his wife, Shannon, spent the past seven years managing the Publix at State Road 520 and Courtenay Parkway on Merritt Island. He won the 2022 George W. Jenkins Award, named for Publix’s founder and the company’s highest honor, given to a manager in each of Publix’s five divisions.

But the opportunity to work closer to home led Wearsch to accept the manager's job at the first business to open at Addison Center.

“I loved my team there,” Wearsch said of the Merritt Island Publix. “I prayed about the decision to come here or continue where I

was. And I wanted to come to Viera. My wife and I have made Viera our home for 20 years. We love the community. This is where we want to be.”

Publix’s third location in the Viera/Suntree area, the 48,387-square-foot store offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat, wine and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy, Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis stated in a press release.

Unlike the other two stores, the Addison Center Publix has an upstairs seating area, accessible by stairs or elevator, where shoppers can dine inside or outside on a balcony.

“It’s been packed the

entire time,” Wearsch said of the dining area. “I’m shocked how many people go upstairs and eat lunch, from construction workers to moms to the elderly.”

An adjacent Publix Liquors store will open soon, offering wine, spirits and more. Publix also offers contactless pay options and services such as grocery and pharmacy delivery.

“Every Publix offers you an exciting opportunity to serve customers,” said Wearsch, who called the store’s first day in business “fantastic.”

“And this one just offers

you a different way. We have the upstairs dining area, the poke bowls over in the sushi department that not many stores offer. So it’s exciting.”

Store hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Pharmacy hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Wearscher said he was thankful for “all the prayers and well wishes” from the community.

“My team is so ready to take care of you folks,” he said. VV

VIERA VOICE JIll Blue

Phillip Wearsch, the manager at the new Publix at Addision Center At Viera, has worked 35 years for the company.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Brayden Howard, a student at Pinecrest Academy Space Coast, was the first customer in line to celebrate the occasion.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

For an invitation to the January 11 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

In April, the Viera Means Business networking group held a triple venue meeting: Bold Cup, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Playa Bowls. 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.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

Jill Zebris, Alan Ross Frisher

VMB Venue — Nothing Bundt Cakes

VMB Venue — Playa Bowls

Dana Vinci, Michelle Oesterle, Brittany Sleeth Teri Hirsch, Jennifer Myers, Courtney Knauer

Teri Hirsch, Mike Acosta, Cheryl Clark

Andrea Gomes, Amoy Guthrie

Josh Ford, Jason Chaddock

Networking is the top priority of VMB.

Maxine Lauer, Kelly Ryan Leeper

Jessica Lynn Silva, Brandan Payne, Cartama Ramos Crafton

Tessy Cabrera, Randa Israwi, Connie Crews

Pablo Vazquez, Jenee Kryston, Jesse Scianno

May Hello

Opening mid May in Viera

Specializing in handcrafted soups with fresh/premium ingredients Featuring scrumptious build your own salads and sandwiches

7500 Lake Andrew Dr., Suite #104 thesoupshop.com thesoupshopfl@gmail.com

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"Dead Men Tell No Tales"

7 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-2856724

Star Wars Trivia 7:30 - 10 p.m. World of Beer 2290 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-6665

"The Addams Family"

7 p.m. Presented by the Rockledge High Drama Program. Rockledge High School 220 Raider Road Rockledge, 321-636-3711

Sip & Smoke 5:30 p.m. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

National Day of Commuy Service SATURDAY

Taste of France Wine Class 5 p.m. Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188

Karaoke Friday 6 – 10 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

May the 4th be with you! 6 – 9 p.m. "Rogue One" will be the movie, with caricature artists and food trucks. Addison Village Club 8015 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-237-2377

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Stars, Stripes & Songs

3 p.m. Presented by the Brevard Youth Chorus.

Advent Lutheran Church

7550 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-610-8731

Eat My Crust 5K

7 a.m.

3.1 mile run/walk.

Viera High School 6103 Stadium Parkway Viera, runsignup.com

Baton Twirling Classes 3:45 -

-

- adult Wickham Park Community Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-5430387

Sit and Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge, 321-6317549

Master Gardeners 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Ask the Fire Chief 1 p.m.

Bring your questions for Brevard County Fire and Rescue District Chief Neil Frey. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Florida's 36th annual All Veterans Reunion Noon Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-69-0805

Movie Matinee: “Fools Rush In” 2 - 4 p.m. Sponsored by Rhodes Law, PA. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Holes for Hope Golf Tournament 8:30 a.m. Fundraiser for Community of Hope. Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 321-4740966

Mommy & Me –Sunglass Decorating 4 – 5:30 p.m. Thrive Local 2291 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-720-7121

Viera East Farmers Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mother’s Day market. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, Facebook.com/ VEFarmersmarket

Caribbean Night 4 - 8 p.m. Caribbean theme menu and steel drum band. Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188

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All-you-can-eat Mother's Day Brunch

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Donate a case of unopened diapers and Mom's brunch is free. In support of AGAPE Women's Center. Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave., Suite 113 Viera, 321-454-9853

Brevard Investment Education Group

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friendly discussions about stock market investments.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Annual Build Your Hurricane Kit Hurricane Preparedness Expo

4 - 6 p.m. Presented by the City of Cocoa. Cocoa City Hall 65 Stone Street Cocoa, 321-433-8693

Free Liver Scans Sponsored by ClinCloud

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Parkinson’s Support Group

1 - 2 p.m.

Christ Episcopal Church 190 Interlachen Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Thirsty Third Thursday 5 p.m. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Brevard Critique Group 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Get useful advice and guidance.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Flick-N-Float: "Finding Dory"

7 - 10 p.m. Free movie. McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-6331874

Tai Chi with Brad 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

7 - 10 a.m.

Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 508-264-9087

Space Coast Cars and Coffee

3 - 6 p.m.

Thrifty Produce Parking Lot 910 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 201-658-2004

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Melodies & Masterpieces: Red White and Blue

3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

A concert featuring 60 Brevard County Music Educators.

Advent Lutheran Church 7550 N. Wickham Road

Suntree, 321-259-8515

AARP Driving Course

9 a.m.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 973-607-7996

Scottish Country Dancing

6:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree Clubhouse 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587

Estate Planning Seminar

10 - 11 a.m.

Presented by William A. Johnson, P.A. RSVP One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Tuesday Trivia 4 - 6 p.m.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera 321-633-0397

Suntree/Viera Library

Book Club

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Thursday Morning Pickleball

8 a.m. - beginner 9:30 a.m. - experienced McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 321-633-1870

Rockledge Rotary 6 p.m.

Monthly meeting Twisted Burch 1279 Admiralty Blvd. Rockledge, 321-208-7616

Viera High School Graduation

6:30 p.m.

Quit Your Way Noon The program covers all forms of tobacco. Call to register. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 407-716-6395

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Chess Club

1 - 4 p.m.

Cocoa Public Library

308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792

Sip an Paint

1 - 3 p.m.

Featuring Brevard Zoo.

Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188

19th annual Memorial Day Tribute

4 - 7 p.m.

The City of Cocoa honors the fallen veterans of war with a guest speaker, special flag-folding ceremony, 21-gun salute, the playing of taps and a moment of silence. Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-635-7702

Coin Talk 6 - 7:45 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Cooking Demonstration

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Chef Navarrete will prepare Spinach Feta Quiche in a live demonstration. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Pickleball

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Viera Regional Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891

Republican Women's Network

11 a.m.

Monthly meeting

Suntree Country Club 300 Country Club Drive Suntree, rwnsb.org

Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m. Presented by William A. Johnson, P.A. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Shred Event 9 - 10:30 a.m.

15th Anniversary Celebration Concert 7 p.m.

Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. Scott Center 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 855-252-7276

integral part of the success of our JROTC program,” Viera High principal Heather LeGate wrote in an email.

“He built and grew the program from the ground up and has taken measures to ensure its continued success. He has touched so many lives during his time with VHS and has guided many young men and women on their journey for post-secondary success. I wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavors.”

Thomas' retirement from the Army after a decorated 23-year career came in 2010. That was the same year that Viera then-principal Mark Tormeon asked Thomas if he could help the school get approval to start up a JROTC program.

He didn’t know it at the time, but Tormeon wanted Thomas to lead the program. It was the perfect fit.

Upon coming in, Thomas needed another instructor and he found one in Sgt. First Class Mike Sonnenschein, a retired Army Ranger who won Best Ranger in 1989.

There were 220 cadets in that first class, making it already the largest JROTC program in Brevard County. When school started in

August, they didn’t even have uniforms for the students yet.

“We had no systems in place. We didn’t have any extracurricular teams as far as Raiders, drill, rifle, marksmanship. We had to build all that from scratch,” Thomas said.

“Mike Sonnenschein and I worked really hard. It was a huge learning curve. We had some great kids. We had some great parents. And the administration at the time under Tormeon was just fantastic in supporting us.

“Eventually, we got our equipment from the Army around September. We were able to issue the kids uniforms and, hey, we were on our way.”

In their first year of

“The thing that gives me the most feeling of success is when I see these former cadets come back and they’re officers in one of the branches of the military.”

existence, Viera’s Raiders team won districts and went to the state championships. The drill and color guard teams followed suit.

That standard has existed at Viera High for the past 14 years. Sonnenschein was there for six of them. He was followed by Sgt. Maj. Robert Wilson for the next four. That spot now belongs to Sgt. First Class Carl Thomas.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have some other people training these kids with me that have been very skilled at what they do and always

— Lt. Col. Tim Thomas

have the kid’s interests at heart,” Thomas said.

“Whatever success we’ve had, I definitely share that with them. I’m a team person. I don’t believe it’s one single person that makes an impact. I believe it takes a team of people to impact a young person.”

Thomas hasn’t decided what he’s doing next, but he knows he won’t be going away completely.

“I’ve promised these kids I’m going to be very active, still, in this community,” he said. “I’m going to be

working with the Military Officers Association of America and support a lot of the events they’re involved with.

“Donn Weaver (former chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council) and I have developed a really close relationship. I’m going to stay connected with him and stay connected to this community — not just at Viera High School, but across the county, and help mentor these young men and young women to be better leaders and better citizens.”

Lt. Col. Tim Thomas

Free hearing checks offered at One Senior Place

BY JEFF NAVIN

No one really wants to get their hearing checked. Most are delighted after they do.

Free hearing exams will

be offered by America's Best Hearing of Viera. The exams will be conducted at One Senior Place at 8055 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera for women and men 18 and older.

After that, a wide variety of hearing aids will be offered at discount prices and through special marketing offers each month.

“There’s a level of

Margie E. Burke

reluctance,’’ said Charity Cole, who will administer the audiograms through America's Best Hearing of Viera. “People don’t usually call for an appointment unless their spouse drags them in. People aren’t really educated about hearing aids.’’

Cole is a board certified hearing aid specialist and hearing instrument specialist. She graduated

from Keiser University and then earned her credentials through the International Hearing Society.

“It’s very rewarding,’’ Cole said. “I’ve seen so many people with tears running down their faces. They’ll hear their spouses’ or children’s voices again for the first time in years. They can finally hear clearly.’’ For information, call 321-253-6310. VV

VIERA VOICE Sylvia Montes

Charity Cole is a board certified hearing aid specialist and hearing instrument specialist..

Pending law will ban releasing balloons into the outdoors

An important bill (CS/HB 321) prohibiting the intentional release of balloons in Florida has passed both the House (102-9) and the Senate (38-2) and has been sent to Governor DeSantis’ desk to be signed into law. If signed, the law will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Oceana, an international organization whose mission is to protect and restore the world’s oceans, together with other environmental organizations celebrated the new bill as a step forward in protecting oceans and wildlife.

Balloons may seem to be a harmless and festive ornament at events, but many do not know what kind of damage those colorful floating decorations may do once released in the environment.

Even though many, like balloonsblow.org and NOAA as well as environmentalists, have worked for years to educate and prevent the release of balloons, that

BEYOND the CURB

Recycle Brevard

has been a common practice on many occasions, be it at a wedding, birthday, graduation or memorial.

An event like the Indy 500, for example, until two years ago had been releasing 500 balloons every year for more than 70 years as part of its opening ceremony. That was probably a beautiful spectacle but a disaster for the environment.

According to an article from the University of Michigan, “in 2019 the International Coastal Cleanup, an annual event organized by the Ocean Conservancy, recorded more than 104,150 balloons found around the world, with almost half in the United States.”

Able to travel for miles once released, balloons may fall anywhere — oceans, forests, parks, lakes, trees, power lines, and any other place you can think of, making balloons “the deadliest form of marine debris” (University of Michigan) and, really, a threat to all animals, from pets and small mammals to sea turtles and birds. It does not matter whether they are biodegradable, balloons will linger in the environment for years until they break down, if at all,

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posing a risk to wildlife. Wildlife may get entangled in its string or mistake it for food and end up either suffocating, choking or blocking their digestive system and dying from starvation.

The effects on the environment are also not positive — most will never biodegrade and, besides littering, latex balloons turn into microplastics in waterways once they eventually break down.

For those reasons, “several other states, like California, Connecticut, Tennessee, Maine, Maryland and Virginia, have passed or put forward legislation to ban or limit

balloon releases outdoors” (USA Today) so having Florida join that list is a very good thing. The long-lasting ill effects of released balloons plus their cost to the environment and wildlife make us welcome the new legislation. At the next send off, let’s blow bubbles instead. VV

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.

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

been looking for. Viera, FL 32940 Call 321-253-6336

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

Solution, page 39

Edited by Margie E. Burke

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

The Indy 500 no longer releases balloons.

To fertilize or not: that's the question

We all know (at least we should know) there are fertilizer-use restrictions during the summer.

Why?

Because we usually get heavy rains during the summer, and they wash

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

nearly 100,000 pounds of excess nitrogen pollution into the Indian River Lagoon annually. That’s not good. We want to reduce pollution and we can help. First, if you have grass (or other plants) you fertilize, read and follow fertilizer restrictions: Basically, don’t use fertilizer from June 1 until September 30, and use only 0 phosphorous and 50% slow-release nitrogen products.

See more details here: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/brevard/ lawn-and-garden/fertilizerordinances

But, hey! There are other choices as well.

First, you can use organic rather than chemically synthesized fertilizers, but the summer restrictions still apply.

Also, try going native. Check out spacecoastliving. com/going-native

Yes, there are a variety of Florida native plants that are becoming more popular because they evolved to thrive naturally in our climate. They can be great

because, after a little TLC up front, they don’t require fertilizer, trimming or much irrigation. Another benefit of natives is that they attract birds, butterflies, various types of bees and other pollinators. That makes them more interesting. We are fortunate here because there is an active community of native plant

enthusiasts that is glad to help. Maybe start with the two local chapters of the Florida Native Plant Society, Conradina (conradina. fnpschapters.org) and Sea Rocket (searocket. fnpschapters.org).

For more about the Indian River Lagoon, go to helpthelagoon.org and facebook.com/BIRLC VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the BIRLC

The health of the Indian River Lagoon also helps butterflies.

Love still flourishes as vows are renewed 55

BY BETTY PORTER

Bobby and Maureen "Goldy" Goldstein said “I do” again in a vow renewal ceremony 55 years after they were married.

The Goldsteins first met when they were in high school. During a football game, Bobby got her attention when he grabbed her majorette baton. He offered to drive her home, but because she did not yet know him, she declined the offer.

So, he went to the soda shop where young people gathered, and a friend there gave him her address. He later showed up at her house.

They soon discovered they had mutual friends and she agreed to go out with him on the condition that it be a double date. The couples remain friends after all these years.

The Goldsteins were married in 1969 in Lakewood, New Jersey. In 1980, they moved to

Fort Lauderdale, where she taught World History, and Bobby started Bobcap Industries, which manufactured baseball caps in Miami.

From time to time, they visited friends in Viera. It didn’t take long before they fell in love with the area.

The couple bought a home in Heritage Isle in 2010 and, years later, when they both retired, they moved to Viera.

Maureen calls it paradise.

Bobby serves on the board of the homeowners association, and he is vice chairman of the Community Development District. He is active in various clubs and enjoys playing tennis.

Maureen, a retired teacher, loves substitute teaching at Viera High School.

She said that two of the clubs in which she is a member, give her the joy of entertaining at assisted living facilities. She is a member of the joint Heritage Isle/Indian River Colony Club Aloha Butterflies Hula

Group, and the Heritage Isle Bells and Chimes Club.

Couples married for a long time can look back and smile at some special moment. The Goldsteins are no different. She remembers rushing to the delivery room to deliver their baby.

The baby was born before Bobby could make it into the delivery room. The doctor told him that he had just had a son, and there was another one on the way.

Maureen vividly remembers hearing the nurse repeatedly asking Bobby if he was OK.

The couple already had a 13-month-old son at home. So, it meant three cribs, three high chairs and three car seats.

Their three sons, daughters-in-law and their four grandchildren all live in South Florida. VV

They moved from New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale in 1980.

Memorial Day — remember those who died serving

BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Everywhere from museums to residential communities, Brevard County residents will honor the fallen on Memorial Day.

At Indian River Colony Club, where more than 80 percent of residents have a military background, Memorial Day ceremonies literally bring tears to eyes in this community that knows all too well how high the price of freedom can be.

Part of the Memorial Day ceremony includes the reading of names of residents’ family members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The names span from the Civil War to the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“There are not many dry eyes by the end,” chief operating officer and general manager John Robinson said. “We celebrate by remembering.”

Retired Marine Corps

Col. Mike Gautreaux led many troops on dangerous missions in his more than 25 years in the Marines during

the Vietnam era and beyond. “Memorial Day is a special day for me, not only because of the Marines I lost while serving, but also because my wife Phyllis’ father was killed in Korea six weeks before she was born,” said the IRCC resident.

Former Army infantry combat veteran Keith VanBuren, wounded in action

in Southwest Asia, served approximately four years before his military career was cut short by injuries sustained from the blast of an improvised explosive device. He was awarded a combat infantry badge and the Purple Heart for his service.

After his medical discharge, VanBuren served with the Wounded Warrior

Project and is now a veteran’s advocate for U.S. Rep. Bill Posey.

“The best thing to do on Memorial Day is something that brings you joy and peace, whether it be grilling out with family, going to the beach or taking a walk out in nature,” VanBuren said. “Just be sure to remember those who served and lost their

lives.”

On May 27, Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Cocoa and other municipalities throughout Brevard County, including at Honor America’s Liberty Bell Museum in Melbourne. SL

VIERA VOICE photo

Maureen and Bobby Goldstein have been married since 1969.

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