Viera Voice, October 2024

A-Maze-ing

Anticipated fall event brings community together

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

The fall season started weeks ago, but it’s not really fall until the arrival of the Scarecrow Stroll and Viera Harvest Festival.

The Scarecrow Stroll from Oct. 3 through 17 leads up to the Viera Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at the colorful and

spacious Woodside Park at 1703

Crane Creek Drive at Murrell Road.

The stroll entails visiting scarecrows displayed at select businesses in Suntree and Viera.

“Woodside Park is a perfect location for the Viera Harvest Festival, with plenty of room for all the ’Crows on display in the scarecrow patch and fall-fun

activities,” said Jill Blue, the founder and CEO of Bluewater Creative Group, the parent company of Viera Voice, Senior Life and the Boomer Guide publications. “The park also offers a lot for children and families and is perfect for the Festival.”

page 39

VOICE file photo

The popular hay maze, sponsored by Viera Builders, is back this year at the Viera Harvest Festival.

Marshall family finds strength in family, faith, community

BY NICHOLE YUAN

The sun begins to set, signaling the end of another busy day for the Marshalls — Patrick and Jennifer and their children, ranging in age from 2 to 9.

As a family of six, adhering to a strict schedule ensures everyone gets to where they need to be. This means that their day begins promptly at 6 a.m. and by 6 p.m. the family is back home having dinner, helping with homework and taking baths before going to bed and preparing to do it all over again the next day.

Not to be left out when the two older children take the school bus each morning, Grayson, the youngest, refers to the family’s van as the blue bus, which takes him to daycare and sister Lily to VPK.

The Marshalls prioritize their faith and their love for one another above all else. Like many families, they enjoy going to Brevard Zoo, taking a dip in the pool, baking fresh treats and playing soccer. Other

before.

“It’s been hard to really just enjoy the everyday stuff that most families can enjoy because we’ve had to deal with (Jennifer’s) treatments and surgeries,” Patrick Marshall said.

In March 2023, Jennifer received a devastating diagnosis: stage 2 breast cancer. Wasting no time, Jennifer underwent a double mastectomy, a lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, hysterectomy and reconstruction. Ivy Marshall, 6, reflected on the past year.

“I wanted to do mommy’s hair when it was straight. But I couldn’t do it because she lost her hair,” Ivy lamented. When the Marshalls needed support during this critical time, the community around them came through to help with many things such as watching the children, tidying the home and providing meals.

“Because of the support, it’s helped us just pick up our pieces and keep carrying on,” Jennifer said.

It’s about others. And I just hope that my kids have seen resilience. And they’ve seen what it takes to rally around somebody in need,” Jennifer Marshall said. “They have been the recipient of that and I think that’s a beautiful

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Despite a strict schedule, the Marshall family takes time to simply enjoy each other's company.

A r e y o u t i r e d o f l i v i n g w i t h b a c k p a i n

t h a t w o n ’ t l e t y o u d o t h e t h i n g s y o u

o n c e e n j o y e d ?

H a v e y o u t r i e d e v e r y t h i n g a n d f o u n d

n o r e l i e f ?

I t i s t i m e t o c o n s i d e r a n a l t e r n a t i v e t h a t

h a s w o r k e d f o r t h o u s a n d s o f o t h e r

B r e v a r d c o u n t y r e s i d e n t s . D r . A n d r e a

I z q u i e r d o , A P , o f B o d h i T C M

A c u p u n c t u r e , o f f e r s a n i n n o v a t i v e

a p p r o a c h t o h e a l i n g

I m a g i n e w a k i n g u p f r e e f r o m p a i n . Y o u

a r e a b l e t o e n j o y y o u r l i f e , h a v e m or e

e n e r g y , s l e e p b e t t e r , a n d d o t h e t h i n g s

y o u l o v e . T h e s e a r e t h e t y p e s o f r e s u l t s

a n d s u c c e s s s t o r i e s p a t i e n t s a t B o d h i

T C M e x p e r i e n c e e a c h w e e k .

S u c c e s s s t o r i e s l i k e S h e r K . f r o m

M e l b o u r n e :

" A f t e r t h r e e d a y s o f s e v e r e b a c k p a i n ,

I w a s r e a d y t o g o t o t h e E R I c o u l d n ' t

s i t , s t a n d , o r l i e d o w n w i t h o u t p a i n .

L u c k i l y , I g o t a l a s t - m i n u t e

a p p o i n t m e n t w i t h D r . A n d r e a . W i t h h e r

c o u r s e o f t r e a t m e n t , I f e l t s ig n i f i c a n t

r e l i e f M y b a c k i s s t r o n g e r t h a n e v e r ,

a n d e v e n m y s h o u l d e r p a i n a n d f o o t

t i n g l i n g h a v e i m p r o v e d I h i g h l y

r e c o m m e n d a n y o n e i n p a i n t o s e e h e r . "

T h e s e a m a z i n g r e s u l t s a r e d u e t o t h e i r

p e r s o n a l i z e d t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s , w h i c h

a d d r e s s t h e r o o t c a u s e o f c h r o n i c p a i n

b y b l e n d i n g T r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e

M e d i c i n e w i t h t h e i r o w n C e l l u l a r

B i o M o d u l a t i o n T h e r a p y .

“ E v e r y o n e i s d i f f e r e n t , e v e n i f t w o

p a t i e n ts h a v e t h e s a m e c h r o n i c p a i n

d i a g n o s i s , t h e a p p r o a c h n e e d s t o b e

u n i q u e t o t r u l y a d d r e s s t h e r o o t c a u s e . ” -

D r A n d r e a e x p l a i n s

“ T h a t s w h y a l l o f o u r p r o t o c o l s a r e

p e r s o n a l i z e d D u r i n g o u r c o m p r e h e n s i v e

c o n s u l t a t i o n w e g o o v e r m e d i c a l h i s t o r y ,

l i f e s t y l e a n d h e a l t h g o a l s I f I c a n h e l p , I w i l l t e l l t h e p a t i e n t e x a c t l y w h a t i t t a k e s

t o h e l p t h e m a c h i e v e t h e i r h e a l t h g o a l s ”

D r A n d r e a c o n t i n u e s :

“ O n c e w e g e t s t a r t e d , t h e b e s t p a r t i s

t h a t o u r t r e a t m e n t s a r e v e r y r e l a x i n g

M o s t p a t i e n t s f a l l a s l e e p a n d d o n o t w a n t t o l e a v e t h e o f f i c e ”

C o n t i n u i n g t o s t r u g g l e w i t h c h r o n i c

p a i n d o e s n o t h a v e t o b e p a r t o f y o u r

l i f e E v e n a f t e r y e a r s o f f i n d i n g n o h o p e ,

g o i n g t h r o u g h s u r g e r i e s , s t e r o i d s h o t s , p r e s c r i p t i o n s a n d e v e n p r o c e d u r e s l i k e

k y p h o p l a s t y , p a t i e n t s a r e s t i l l a b l e t o o b t a i n g r e a t r e s u l t s L i k e R a c h a e l G o f

V i e r a w h o s h a r e s :

" S h e h a s g i v e n m e r e s u l t s a f t e r j u s t a f e w

s e s s i o n s , w h e r e a s o t h e r d o c t o r s h a v e

l i t e r a l l y j u s t s h r u g g e d a t m e a n d s a i d t h e y

d i d n ' t k n o w w h a t e l s e t h e y c o u l d d o f o r

m e b e y o n d a p r e s c r i p t i o n S h e i s

t h o r o u g h a n d t r u l y l i s t e n s ”

m

n t s a r e e f f e c t i v e f o r m a n y c h r o n i c p a i n c o n d i t i o n s s u c h a s : n e c k , s h o u l d e r , k n e e p a i n , f o o t p a i n , f a i l e d s u r

B i l l y F o f S a t e l l i t e b e a c h s h a r e s :

“ A s a v e t e r a n I h a v e h a d m a n y i s s u e s , k n e e s r e p l a c e d , n e c k s u r g e r y , b a c k

p a i n , y o u n a m e i t S i n c e s t a r t i n g

t r e a t m e n t , t h i s i s t h e f i r s t t i m e I h a v e

b e e n a b l e t o w a l k w i t h o u t p a i n T h e y

w a n t t o d o a f o u r t h k n e e r e p l a c e m e n t ,

b u t I w i l l b e a v o i d i n g t h a t n o w t h a n k s

t o m y t r e a t m e n t s h e r e . ”

A n o t h e r o n e o f t h e i r h a p p y p a t i e n t s ,

C h r i s t o p h e o f W e s t M e l b o u r n e s h a r e s :

“ I h a d b e e n s u f f e r i n g f r o m s h o u l d e r

M e e t t h e P r a c t i t i o n e r

p a i n a n d r e c e i v e d c o r t i s o n e i n j e c t i o n s ,

b u t t h e r e l i e f w a s s h o r t - l i v e d Th e n I

f o u n d A n d r e a a n d h e r t e a m w h o

s p e c i a l i z e i n a c u p u n c t u r e T h e r e s u l t s w e r e r e m a r k a b l e . W i t h i n a m o n t h , m y p a i n a n d i n f l a m m a t i o n h a d v a n i s h e d I t

d i d n ' t j u s t a l l e v i a t e t h e p a i n ; i t s e e m e d

t o h e a l m e . I w o n d e r w h y I h a d n ' t t r i e d i t s o o n e r ”

I t i s p r o v e n t h a t c h r o n i c p a i n b e c o m e s

w o r s e o v e r t i m e , m a k i n g i t h a r d e r t o

t r e a t D e l a y i n g t r e a t m e n t m e a n s

e x t e n d i n g s u f f e r i n g u n n e c e s s a r i l y

D o n ’ t w a s t e a n o t h e r d a y o f y o u r l i f e i n

p a i n . T a k e t h e f i r s t s t e p a n d c a l l t o d a y

t o s e t u p a c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d f i n d o u t

h o w y o u c a n t o o b e p a i n f r e e !

S c a n t h i s c o d e t o s e e t h e i r

p a t i e n t s u c c e s s s t o r i e s

o r v i s i t :

w w w b o d h i t c m c o m

D r . A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , A P .

S t a r t e d B o d h i T C M

A c u p u n c t u r e i n 2 0 1 7 w i t h t h e p u r p o s e o f

b r i n g i n g a

d i f f e r e n t t y p e o f

h e a l i n g t o t h e S p a c e C o a s t . S h e

c o m p l e t e d h e r P r e m e d i c i n e s t u d i e s

a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f F l o r i d a , a n d h e r

A c u p u n c t u r e P h y s i c i a n d e g r e e a t

F C I M i n O r l a n d o . S h e i s n a t i o n a l l y

B o a r d C e r t i f i e d a n d h a s s t u d i e d o v e r s e a s a t t h e 3 0 1 h o s p i t a l i n

B e ij i n g C h i n a a s w e l l a s T i b e t

H a v i n g p e r f o r m e d o v e r 1 5 , 0 0 0

t r e a t m e n t s a t h e r p r a c t i c e , s h e h a s

h e l p e d t h o u s a n d s o f B r e v a r d C o u n t y

r e s i d e n t s w i t h s e e m i n g l y h o p e l e s s

C h r o n i c a n d c o m p l e x c o n d i t i o n s

B l e n d i n g A n c i e n t C h i n e s e

M e d i c i n e w i t h M o d e r n S c i e n c e , D r .

A n d r e a a n d h e r t e a m d e v e l o p

p e r s o n a l i z e d t r e a t m e n t p r o t o c o l s

t o a d d r e s s th e r o o t c a u s e o f p a i n

e v e n w h e n e v e r y t h i n g e l s e h a s f a i l e d

K-9 Foundation showcases specially trained teams

BY NICHOLE YUAN

Since 2018, the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc. has enthralled Brevard County with its yearly competition featuring some of the most highly trained dogs in the nation.

Volume 16, Issue 9

©2024 Bluewater

Creative Group, Inc.

All rights reserved

Bluewater Creative Group

321-242-1235

7350 Shoppes Dr. Suite 102

Viera, FL 32940

media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

Publisher

Bluewater Creative Group, Inc.

Managing Editor

Jill Blue

Assignment Editor

R. Norman Moody

Office Manager

Sylvia Montes

Copy Editor Jeff Navin

Sports Writer/SportsBlog

Carl Kotala

Art Department

Jorjann Blake

Klinton Landress

Writers/Reporters

Mike Gaffey

Susan Houts

Elaine Moody

Betty Porter

Nichole Yuan

Again this year on Nov. 8, the public has another opportunity to witness these energetic teams in action at USSSA Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

The event began as a way to educate citizens about the importance and skills of these canines while simultaneously fundraising to support and maintain K-9 programs and remains a fun and exciting way to see exactly what these dogs are capable of doing.

Those attending the Space Coast Police K-9 Competition can expect to see about 30 teams consisting of law

enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians. Spectators will see these teams compete through a series of

Dr. Gloria Rivera King

Ph.D., LMFT, LMHC, CIRT

challenges on the obstacle course, in addition to the hard dog-fast dog portion. While viewing the exciting feats these dogs

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perform, the audience will also notice the incredible bond shared between the human and canine partners.

Yvonne Martinez, the vice president and secretary of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc., said that becoming a K-9 officer requires the most discipline and training compared to other officer positions. The intensive training an officer and canine partner go through consists of “10hour days for 12 weeks, four days a week,” she said. As can be expected, the dogs along with the training is costly and ranges from $10,000 up to about $30,000 for a fully trained canine and does not include equipment, resources nor maintenance.

The proceeds from the competition help to offset these expenses to make these invaluable furry companions more accessible.

After all, with their highly developed sense of smell and ability to sense danger, K-9 partners are a proven asset for any law enforcement agency.

A true labor of love, the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization operated by volunteers benefiting Brevard County and every cent received is donated.

“We don’t get any money from this,” Martinez said. With this family friendly event, attendees get to see the fruits of the foundation’s labors, watching how these teams navigate through various situations. This is the best way to see how the foundation’s continued financial support benefits not only the officers and dogs, but also how those teams have worked tirelessly to aid civilians when needed. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The public can expect to see some exciting K-9 feats at the Space Coast Police K-9 Competition.

Delicious food, music — Great Tastes at Suntree

It’s that time again to sample delicious culinary fare at the Suntree Rotary Club’s 19th annual Great Tastes at Suntree.

Get ready for an evening of great food and music at the Great Tastes at Suntree from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Suntree Country Club at 1 Country Club Drive, which is just off North Wickham Road at St. Andrews Drive.

Event attendees will be treated to delicious culinary fare from a variety of local restaurants as they prepare

their choice of menu items for you to taste — entrees, appetizers and/or desserts.

Some of the restaurants already signed up to participate include Chez Quan, Fiesta Azteca, Fresh Market, Genna Pizza, Grills Riverside, Jacqueline’s Bakery, Marker 99, the Melbourne High School Culinary Program, Metro Diner, Niki’s Restaurant, Perkins, Pineda Inn Bar & Grill, Shells of Melbourne, Soup Shop, Southern Caramel, Tuscany Grill, Urban Prime, Walk Ons Sport’s Bistreaux Viera, and 321-Popcorn. These

restaurants compete in contests for best-decorated booths and best food, including People’s Choice. Patrons should be sure to stop at each table and vote for their favorite. There will be live music by the Mighty Flea Circus Rockabilly Band.

In addition to the good food and great music, GREAT TASTES continued on page 28

Spooky Stories After Dark — storytelling, family fun night

BY BETTY PORTER

A pre-Halloween fun family event called Spooky Stories After Dark will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 in front of the soon-to-beopen dental office of White Palm Dental at 2305 Vidina Drive, Suite 103, in Viera.

Dr. Lance McGavin will sponsor the inaugural Spooky Stories After Dark free event, which will feature

spooky storytelling, Halloween music, dancing and more.

“This was my idea not only to bring awareness to my new practice, but more so to bring the community together for family fun,” he said. “I enjoy living here and want to do meaningful events like this in the future.”

In June of this year, McGavin completed five years of military service with the Air Force. He had

Oscar-nominated cartoonist to be featured artist at Spooky After Dark

Featured at the Oct. 12 Spooky Stories After Dark event will be Oscar-nominated animator and cartoonist Michael Grover, 32, who will do a live reading of his own animated cartoon stories in an interactive way.

His works will be shown on a projector screen as he reads and changes his own voice for each of the animated characters he created.

The Brevard County resident recently received the Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Story called “Ninety-Five Senses.” In March at the 96th annual Academy Awards, Grover and his team were among the five nominated in that category.

Grover grew up on the Space Coast and graduated from West Shore Junior/Senior High School in 2009 with a goal to become an animator.

“The seed was planted there at West Shore,” he said. “That’s where my love for animation actually began.” Grover moved back to Brevard County in 2021 with his wife and children.

He presented his animation and cartooning skills at a Suntree/Viera Library presentation in July. In June 2025, his graphic novel called “Deeply Dave” will be released. It is a fictional story about a deep sea diver’s search for his mom at the bottom of the ocean after she crashed her spaceship. Grover wrote and illustrated the book.

been assigned to Patrick Space Force Base in 2020, where he provided dental care to thousands of service members and was named U.S. Space Force Clinical Dentist of the Year in 2022.

He now looks forward to providing dental care to families in Viera, where he and his wife Hailey and their three young children have put down roots.

“People are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to Spooky Stories After Dark, which will take place in the grassy area of the parking lot,” he said. “There is plenty of parking for cars or golf carts. Dress in costume if you like, but just show up and have fun.”

McGavin will participate in the storytelling.

“Halloween is one of my family’s favorite times of the year, and so I look forward to sharing some of the spirit through spooky stories that are appropriate for all ages,” he said.

Folks attending the event will also get to see his scarecrow which is on display as part of the Viera Voice sponsored Scarecrow Stroll, which takes place Oct. 3 to 17.

The winning Scarecrows will be announced at the Viera Harvest Festival on Oct. 19 at Woodside Park

McGavin is excited to have his friend of the past four years, Oscarnominated animator and cartoonist Michael Grover, who will be doing live and interactive comic book readings, using a projector screen at the event.

For information, call 321VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Michael Grover, left, an Oscar-nominated animator and cartoonist, and Dr. Lance McGavin will share spooky stories during a family-fun night on Oct. 12

at the corner of Murrell Road and Crane Creek Boulevard.

Saturday, Oct 12 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Photo Booth • Animal Balloons

Snacks • Live Music

Food Trucks • Kid’s Face Painting Crafts and More!

Take a ride as a passenger in a Classic Car!

SPORTS WrapUp

Elwell, Girard brothers lead talented Viera cross-country teams

BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera High crosscountry teams have got some star power at the top, and plenty of depth after that, which should make for a

strong season for both the boys and girls.

Junior Addy Elwell, whose sixth-place finish at last year’s Class 4A state meet tied her for the best performance by any Viera

girl in program history, has already won her first three races of the season.

She’s on track to make another strong run at this year’s state meet, which is set for Nov. 16 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

“Assuming she peaks at the end of the season, I think she is very capable of running sub-18 (minutes) and, hopefully, improving on her sixth-place finish at 4A states from last year,” firstyear coach Kyle Thompson wrote in an email. “She just ran six seconds faster at the Astronaut Invitational than last year, and the conditions were worse … So, she is definitely in a good spot and

on pace to improve on her overall times and positions from last year.”

Elwell is backed by freshman Ava Griggs, who is already off to a phenomenal start, and returning senior Maddie Helms.

Sophomore Addison Dwenger opened the season with back-to-back personal bests, finishing the Astronaut Invitational in 23:27.

Junior Rachel Devoid has also had some strong finishes for Viera.

Other girls in the Astronaut Invitational included: Chloe Swayne (senior); Callie Price (junior); Marisa Vallejo (freshman) and senior Annabelle

Borondy.

Viera’s boys are led by senior Jack Girard and junior Michael Girard, who worked hard all summer.

“Their workouts indicate that they are both in sub-16 (minute) shape, so it's just a matter of putting the pieces together, pacing well, and having decent conditions for a race,” Thompson wrote. “They have both been running about 55 miles per week with two workouts every week. They are not in peak form yet, since they have barely touched speedwork, but our goal

VIERA CROSS-COUNTRY continued on page 12

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Girard family

The Viera boys and girls cross-country teams have a new coach in Kyle Thompson and are expected to once again make it to the state meet with a chance for success.

Holy Trinity cross-country teams ranked among the state’s top five

BY CARL KOTALA

With both teams ranked among the top five in the state in Class 1A, this could be the season the Holy Trinity cross-country teams have been building for the past few years.

“As both teams continue their climb in the state rankings, the potential for a historic season is within reach,” Holy Trinity coach Marc Bailey wrote in an email.

“With a mix of experienced leadership and emerging young talent, the Holy Trinity Tigers are setting their sights on state titles and personal bests as the season progresses.”

The Holy Trinity girls are led by senior captain Aniyah Francis, who set a new personal record of 20 minutes, 12 seconds earlier this season and is now looking to build off that to run even faster.

“Her leadership and consistency have been key in the team’s success so far this season,” Bailey wrote.

Joining Francis in Holy Trinity’s No. 4-ranked

lineup is freshman Liz Stewart, who has a seasonbest time of 21:39 and junior Grace Mooney, who is close behind at 21:48.

Holy Trinity’s No. 4 runner is seventh-grader Abby Connor, who has already made her mark with a PR of 22:02. Freshman Caleigh Schmoll ran a 22:41 at the Astronaut Invitational.

Other runners taking part in that race were senior Olivia Durgin; sophomore Evelyn Hsieh and seventhgrader Saren Heck.

Holy Trinity’s boys, ranked fifth in the state, got a big race in the season opener from junior Evan Spreitzer, who ran a new PR of 16:04. Junior Luke Thomas ran his personal best (16:28) the following week at the Astronaut Invitational.

Senior co-captain Skyler Jensen is the No. 3 runner for the Tigers. The other senior captain, Zach Gunderson, is coming off an injury but should be ready to help the Tigers make their postseason push for success.

Senior Aiden Silika will also play a vital role in determining how well Holy Trinity finishes at the state meet.

Other Holy Trinity runners taking part in the Astronaut Invitational included sophomore Kaden Nazareno; senior Tanner Bean; senior Sawyer Jacobs; freshman Liam Roche and eighth-grader Tedd Du.

The Tigers are hoping their early-season success will only lead to greater things down the road when the big, important meets take place.

Holy Trinity’s boys finished fifth at last year’s state meet while the girls came in seventh-place overall.

This year’s state meet is set for Nov. 16, once again at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Darren Nazareno

The Holy Trinity boys and girls cross-country teams are both ranked in the top five in Class 1A and expectations are high for their performance at this year's state meet.

Viera golf teams are loaded, eyeing strong finish at state tournament

BY CARL KOTALA

Life is good for both the Viera High girls and boys golf teams this season.

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MELBOURNE

175 E. NASA BIvd. Ste 100 & 201

PALM BAY

5055 Babcock St. Ste 6

ROCKLEDGE

150 S. Woods Drive

TITUSVILLE 1709 Garden Street

MERRITT ISLAND

250 N. Courtenay Pkwy. Ste 101

The boys team is simply stacked, while the girls team has the kind of talent that could lead them on a path back to Howey-in-theHills and the Class 3A state tournament.

“If the Hawks can get four players in the mid-to-low 40s or better in the district and regional tournaments this year, we will be making our fourth trip in four years to the state championship as a team, which is our goal this year,” girls coach Carl Guettler wrote in an email.

“We want a top 10 or better finish this year in the state championship and we are well on our way.”

Junior Hannah Hall, who recently committed to Kansas, has a low round of 34 and was a big reason why Viera got off to a 5-1 start. Freshman Mikayla Arold has already shot an even-par 36. She’s followed by senior Margaux Blais (38) and sophomore Avery Derdich, who has a low round of 42.

Junior Olivia Robinette has a season-low score of 49.

Other key Hawks include Lilyanna Amoroso; Gabriella Dellano; Leah Clemmons; Cordelia Mileski; Tori Berri and Paris Myers.

While the Viera girls are aiming for a top-10 finish, Viera’s boys have their sights

set even higher, assuming they get to the Mission Inn and Resort for the Class 3A state tournament, which is set for Nov. 19 and 20.

This is a group that has a chance to win it all this season.

The Viera boys feature sophomore Shayaan Kim, who won the Space Coast Amateur last year at Duran and finished tied for second at a Florida Junior event last month.

Senior Arth Sinha won a

Florida Junior Tour event last month in Broward County. Junior Ryan Woodard recently shot back-toback rounds of 74 at a tournament.

Alexander Tea; Peyton Roszkowiak; Jermiah Smith; Campbell Ryan; Vlad Bercea and Turin Duber make up the rest of the Viera boys roster.

“Viera boys golf should contend for a state title this year,” boys coach Paul Bentley wrote in an email. “We have players who have won Florida Junior events throughout the state and our team totals have been around even par.

“On paper, this is our strongest team to date and our expectations are high. Looking forward to watching this team get better and make some noise in the postseason.” VV-

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Carl Guettler

The Viera High School girls golf team is working hard to get back to the state tournament for a fourth straight year. This time around, the Hawks are looking for a top-10 finish.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera boys golf

With several players on the roster capable of shooting scratch golf, the Viera High School boys should be contenders for a state championship this season.

Contemporary Home Comfort is the newest home furnishings addition to the Space Coast. CHC showcases a display that offers the perfect blend of luxurious products at affordable prices. All of our Bedrooms/Dining collections are 100% made in Italy and our sleep studio specializes in helping you find personalized comfort.

Sept-Oct Promos :

New district means new opportunities for Holy Trinity golf teams

BY CARL KOTALA

New district. New opportunity to make something happen.

That’s what the Holy Trinity boys and girls golf teams are looking at this season as they try to get out of Class 1A, District 8 and into the regional tournament.

Holy Trinity, Edgewood, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Space Coast, West Shore and the Brevard HEAT make up part of the 12-team boys district, which extends as far south as Port St. Lucie.

John Carroll Catholic, Lincoln Park Academy, Masters Academy, Morningside and St.

Edward's round out the field for the boys.

The District 8 field for the girls lists 10 teams, with nothing listed for Melbourne or Masters Academy.

This year’s Holy Trinity boys team got off to a 1-2 start, but one loss was to state title contender Viera, while the other came when

the Tigers were missing three of their best players.

Coach Ron Benfeld has three returners and six new players who all figure to get better as the season goes along.

Landon Dawson, the only senior on this year’s team, is the Tigers’ No. 1 player and Benfeld said he is looking for him to have a strong season.

Dawson is followed by newcomers Luke Rector (junior) and Jay Huguley (junior) along with freshman Bradley Braid and sophomore Nate Combs.

“The players are capable of shooting good scores,” Benfeld wrote in an email.

“It’s just a matter of if they can do it in districts.”

This year’s district tournaments are scheduled for Oct. 28 to 30, with regionals set for Nov. 4 to

6. The FHSAA has not yet announced hosts or courses for those events.

Holy Trinity’s girls, meanwhile, are also hoping to advance deep into the postseason and they have three seniors leading the way.

“Natalie Doig, Audrey Ponton and Victoria Nelson are my top three players, and all three players are strong leaders on the team; great role models for my younger players,” Holy Trinity girls coach Ben Rotgers wrote in a text message.

“We’re looking forward to making it to regionals this year. They’re all dedicated, hard-working players.”

Other team members include: Hanna Harrington, Brooke Hess, Katie VanHooven, Juliet Niagra, Shreya Reddy and Xinlie Shen.

Rotgers said Doig, Ponton and Nelson are each averaging between 40 and 43 over nine holes, numbers that only figure to improve over time.

“They will get in the 30s in practice, so just a matter of time to see it in a match,” Rotgers wrote. VV-

VIERA CROSS-COUNTRY

continued from page 8

is to peak in late October/ November, so they are definitely in a good spot.”

Manning the No. 3 and 4 spots in the lineup are junior Colby Thompson, who ran back-to-back PR races, and sophomore transfer Aiden Germain.

Other Hawks who have run multiple races this season include: Carson Groh (junior), Brody Burrup (senior), Max Mercado Major (junior), Logan Rosenthal (freshman) and junior Quinn Pasanen.

“I’m expecting both teams to make and be very competitive at states,” Kyle Thompson wrote. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Ben Rotgers

The Holy Trinity girls golf team is led by its three seniors Natalie Doig, left, Victoria Nelson and Audrey Ponton. Not only are they the Tigers' top three players, they're also providing good examples for the team's younger players.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

Clarissa is by far the most qualified candidate in terms of both length and diversity of courtroom attorney experience in Brevard.

What County Court Judges Do:

• County Court Judges handle civil cases involving disputes up to $50,000; misdemeanor crimes; small claims cases; uncontested dissolution of marriage cases; and traffic court.

• County judges are eligible for assignment to circuit court and they are frequently assigned to their county’s judicial circuit. www.flcourts.gov/Florida-Courts/Trial-Courts-County

Clarissa Harrell Is Ready On Day One!

Number of Years of Courtroom Experience: 30+ Years All in Brevard Diversity of Courtroom Experience:

— Criminal Prosecution (Circuit and County Court, 12 years) — Child Welfare Litigation (Circuit Court, 5 years)

— Family Law & Civil Litigation (Circuit and County Court, 13+ years)

For the full list of all of Clarissa’s extensive experience, please scroll down the Legal Experience page of HarrellForJudge.com

ARTWORK PROOF

Community Leaders Believe In and Support Clarissa!

ENDORSED BY:

State Attorney Phil Archer

Retired Deputy Chief of the Palm Bay Police Department John Blackledge

Brevard County Property Appraiser Dana Blickley

Thirty-year Law Enforcement Veteran & Community Leader Marlon Buggs

Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Steve Crisafulli

Brevard County Tax Collector Lisa Cullen

Chairman of the Viera East Community Development District Rob Dale

Former Indialantic City Council Member Lori Halbert

Former Cocoa Beach City Council Member Tony Hernandez

Retired Brevard County Sheriff Jack Parker

Former Mayor of Cocoa Henry Parrish III

Former Mayor of West Melbourne Hal Rose

Chair of the Brevard County Commission Jason Steele

Retired Brevard County Sheriff Phil Williams

Card Readings By Melinda

4245 Rector Road

Cocoa, 954-254-7206

Oct. 12

Fall Craft Fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ascension Catholic Church

2950 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, 321-254-1595

Wesley Church’s Fall Craft Fair 2075 Meadowland Ave. W. Melbourne 321-727-7585

Pumpkin Patch Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Indian River Church 1355 Cheney Highway Titusville,321-267-7922

Oct. 13

Melbourne Toy and Comic Con

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne 321-259-3575

Oct. 16 & 17

Heroes vs. Villains Concert

7 p.m.

A symphonic battle of good and evil presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, mcorchestra.org

Oct. 18

Adult Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt

8 - 10 p.m.

Bring a flashlight and a bag or basket.

Crane Community Center 1440 Mosswood Drive Melbourne, 321-608-7400

Haunted Jail Trail

Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26

Take a walk through the Haunted Jail Trail in the backwoods of the Brevard County Jail.

Brevard County Jail 860 Camp Road Cocoa, 321-264-5201

Oct. 19 & 20

Cocoa Village Fall Art & Craft Fair

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Historic Cocoa Village 434 Delannoy Ave. Cocoa, 321-631-9075

Oct. 19

Annual Swing for Charity Golf Tournament

Noon - 7 p.m.

Men’s, ladies mixed foursome golf tournament. Fundraiser by the GFWC Viera Woman’s Club.

Rockledge Country Club 1591 Fiske Blvd. Rockledge gfwcvierawomansclub.com

Oct. 25

Boo Bash

5 - 7 p.m.

DJ dance party, face painting and balloon twists. Proceeds benefit the Children’s

Hunger Project. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Oct. 27

Eighth annual Helping Seniors Car Raffle

1 - 4 p.m.

Fundraiser for Helping

Seniors of Brevard

American Muscle Car Museum 3500 Sarno Road Melbourne, 321-473-7770

Space Coast Flute Concert

3 p.m.

Suntree United Methodist 7400 N. Wickham Road

Suntree 321-242-2585

Playa Bowls

Suntree Viera Youth Football League marks 20th season

BY CARL KOTALA

The Suntree Viera Youth Football League’s 20th season is off and running and, so far, it has been an absolute success.

“We have many new, and some past, board members/volunteers helping to carry our league through this season,” SVYFL Commissioner/President Adam Wallace wrote in an email.

“Our numbers are strong. Every tackle team was full with a waitlist, excluding 6U numbers (which) were lower. Cheer numbers are up from last year and the same can be said for NFL Flag football. This fall, we have more flag kids than years past.”

There are 174 kids in the SVYFL tackle program, which is similar to last season. As Wallace mentioned, the 62 members of the cheerleader program are up and flag football has seen a significant rise with 271 players coming out as opposed to last season’s numbers, which ranged between 230 and 240.

There have been several changes this season, including that SVYFL has moved from Division 2 to Division 1 and the 10U and 11U teams now have kickoffs and kickoff returns, adding a special teams element to those age groups.

Because player safety is a priority, guardian helmets — a soft-shell cover engineered for impact reduction — have been provided to all tackle players this season. There is also an athletic trainer on site for all home and away games this season.

The league has also created a merchandise trailer that offers a variety of spirit items.

Last season saw the 6U team win the championship, while the 14U team was in the title game. The 8U and 11U teams made it to the second round of the playoffs, while 12U reached the first round.

In cheer, the Tiny Mites, Mitey Mites and Junior Varsity all finished among the top 10 teams after making it to regionals. The Junior PeeWee team also qualified for regionals.

So far this season, the 10U and 11U tackle teams have been the standouts.

“We contribute their success to having welltenured, experienced coaches and a lot of returning players,” Wallace wrote. “The kids and coaches have built strong relationships over the years, which is clear when you see them out on the field.”

The SVYFL also has 46 student-athletes (43 football players, three cheerleaders) who have qualified to apply for the Pop Warner All-American

Award, a competitive scholarship program that considers an athlete’s academic achievements and their sports commitment and community involvement. VV-

Queen Elizabeth

Oct. 15 - 28, 2025 • Miami to Miami (12) Night Cruise with (2) Day Pre-cruise — Fort Lauderdale Escorted w/Car Parking & Motor Coach to Port r/t from Ormond From $2,625 pp Double — Call for Solo Rate

BILTMORE CHRISTMAS

Dec. 27 - 30, 2024

Only 8 seats left • Motor Coach Tour — Asheville NC Biltmore • Grove Park Gingerbread • Chihuly Departs Ormond with Overnight Car Parking $998 pp See website for details

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Dustin Duvall

Suntree Viera Youth Football League running back Cain Wallace (No. 15) looks for running room with help from quarterback Cohen Widmayer during a recent 6U game.

Viera — Ormond — Jacksonville

SCHOOLNews

Kindness goes a long way at Manatee Elementary School

BY NICHOLE YUAN

Students at Manatee Elementary School raised more than $25,000 by performing more than 2,200 acts of kindness.

Utilizing a new type of fundraiser, students received donations from family, friends and neighbors to encourage and reward them for being kind. Rather than asking the students to sell items, children were encouraged to be kind. By doing things like helping clean up within the home, sitting with someone different at lunchtime and writing letters of thanks to first responders, the children were able to actively participate while also helping their school.

In addition to helping teachers with classroom needs, the money raised will also be going toward new swings for the playground and sunshade maintenance.

When Sarah Sepanik, a co-president of Manatee Elementary’s PTO, came across Raise Craze on her social media groups she knew it would be a great way to uphold the school’s values while also generating financial support.

“Several other schools (mentioned on social media groups) had done this kindness fundraiser and I thought this would be amazing because Manatee already does character-building activities throughout the year, so I thought this would be perfect

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to start the year with the kids doing something kind,” Sepanik said.

Compared with traditional school fundraisers, Raise Craze caps fees at just 10% which ensures a much higher return to the school. Another way that Raise Craze has differed from other fundraisers is through the students’ engagement.

“In a normal fundraiser in an elementary school, it’s really the parents that are involved,” Principal Shannon Daly said. “With this, the focus is really on the kids. At home, they’re doing acts of kindness and here at school the teachers

have implemented some acts of kindness.”

One of the acts of kindness included students coloring bookmarks with positive messages and then hiding them in library books.

“I saw a kindergartner check out a book and find a kindness bookmark and the joy in that moment for that kindergartner was immeasurable,” Daly said.

Having seen the success of this somewhat unconventional fundraiser, it seems likely that Manatee Elementary School will introduce Raise Craze again in the future. VV

VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan

Manatee Elementary School students raised more than $25,000 by performing more than 2,200 acts of kindness, including coloring bookmarks with positive messages and hiding them in library books.

Builder:

Builder: Devereux Advanced Behavioral

Hosted by: Big Peach Running

Colonnade Ave., #103

Lorkey Lane, Borrows West

Builder:

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Builder: Birthday Blessings

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SCARECROW STROLL MAP

Enter your ballot for a chance to WIN

Three lucky winners will win one of the three exciting prizes. The winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19. at the Viera Harvest Festival. Enter your ballot after you stroll for a chance to win. Winners need not be present to win.

Turn in your entry at one of the Ballot Box locations indicated on the ballot and map.

Visit all 26 Scarecrows for a chance to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd Prize. Visit at least 17 crows for a chance to win the 3rd Prize.

Stroll winners and winning scarecrows will be announced at the Viera Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Woodside Park in Viera East and

Manatee Elementary launches into school year with rocket sand sculpture

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Manatee Elementary School is taking off into the new school year with a highflying sand sculpture in the school’s lobby.

The latest creation on display features a rocket blasting into space and the school’s mascot Manny the manatee. It’s carved by a beachside couple who have sculpted their award-winning works for free at the school for nearly two decades.

“It’s one of the tallest ones we've ever had,” Manatee Principal Shannon Daly said of the rocket sculpture, created during a late July weekend by internationally acclaimed professional sand sculptors Jill Harris and Thomas Koet of Satellite Beach-based Sandsational Sand Sculpting.

Harris and Koet, who have made intricately detailed sand sculptures locally at locations such as the Brevard Zoo, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Melbourne Orlando International Airport, also travel the world, captivating audiences with their skills.

They started sculpting sand at Manatee during the school’s first year in operation after an arts teacher inquired about their creations, said Harris, a Satellite Beach native.

“We said if the school or the county will pay for the sand and we get some help moving it into the building, we’d be happy to sculpt it for you and donate it,” Harris said. “And then we told him we can recycle the sand every year and if you'd like to have it every year, we can change it for you. And that's just how it started. And we've been there ever since. We fit it in when we're not doing our commercial work.”

The sculptors avoid beach sand, which is round and smooth, for their creations, instead choosing sand with sharp, spiked grains that can lock together.

The sand is packed into wooden frames, which are stacked atop each other to the proper height and then removed so the artists can carve out their creations with palette knives, trowels and other sculpting tools.

The couple’s idea for a space exploration theme this year happened to coincide with Manatee’s STEM initiative, part of a nationwide effort to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, Daly said.

“The nice thing is that Jill and Thomas always come up with it,” Daly said of the couple, who have created sculptures at Manatee for 17 of the past 21 years. “I don't

give any input, but it's funny how they seem to match with what's going on at the school.”

Past creations have depicted Manny riding a school bus or reading at the beach. “They’ve always got a manatee in the sculptures,” Daly said. “There's always literacy involved.”

A small fence keeps students and passers-by from touching the large sculpture, Daly said. At the end of the school year, Daly, her husband and a team of parents take down the sculpture, keeping the sand for the next school year’s creation.

“We come in and help them take it down because they have never charged us a cent and they have completely donated their time,” Daly said. “They are fantastic. So we want to help in any way we can.”

For more information, visit Sandsational.com VV

VIERA VOICE Haley Power

Professional sand sculptors Jill Harris and Thomas Koet of Satellite Beach-based Sandsational Sand Sculpting have been carving their sand creations for free at Manatee Elementary School for nearly two decades.

Scholarship experience hones art teaching skills, benefits community

BY NICHOLE YUAN

Friendly faces abound within Seagrass Pottery as the room begins to fill up. Attendees are chatting with one another, catching up and making small talk while nibbling and sipping on drinks.

On display, there are pieces of art created by Brevard County school teachers Leann Reynolds and Megan Fernandez, showcasing a sampling of the skills they have focused on.

Both Reynolds and Fernandez were recipients of the Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship award this year, which granted them the coveted opportunity to fine-tune their skills and even learn new ones. However, without Nancy Baur Dillen and The Community Foundation for Brevard, none of this would even be possible.

“I like to set my station right next to them and learn everything I can in that brief amount of time and just try and bring as much back as I can.”

— Megan Fernandez

“Everything we do is about possibility and potential,” said Theresa Grimison, the president and

CEO of the foundation. And that statement perfectly exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between the

station right next to them and learn everything I can in that brief amount of time and just try and bring as much back as I can,” said Fernandez, a teacher at Viera Middle School.

Reynolds described the experience as being welcoming, with peers always willing to help.

“I loved my group, which were these lovely women who had been making jewelry for years. They were amazing at what they did,” said Reynolds, who teaches

at Indialantic Elementary

But something that made this particular gathering different was the absence of Rick Dillen, the husband of Nancy Dillen. His recent passing was felt among the guests when he was mentioned and several people became teary-eyed when Grimison announced a new award in his honor: The Philanthropist.

“He brought his trademark inventiveness, his wisdom, his consistency and dedication, and as many of us know, his quiet and sly humor,” Grimison said of Rick Dillen.

The beautiful, crystalline award was presented to Nancy Baur Dillen in commemoration for the work and support the Dillens have provided over the years to The Community Foundation for Brevard. With the success from both the foundation and Nancy Baur Dillen, the community can look forward to continued positive impact.

VV

VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan Megan Fernandez strives to master the technical skills of sculpture.

VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan

Leann Reynolds' self-reported eagerness to learn shines brightly.

VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan

Leann Reynolds, left, and Megan Fernandez were recipients of the Nancy Baur Dillen Art Teacher Scholarship award. It grants the coveted opportunity to fine-tune art skills and learn new ones.

July 17, 10 a.m. Estate and Medicaid Planning — Get Your Plan in Order!

Oct. 10, 2 - 4 p.m.

July 11, 2 - 4 p.m.

Movie Matinee RSVP required.

Movie Matinee RSVP required. One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Oct. 18, 10 - 11 a.m.

Elder Law Seminar RSVP required.

This seminar will discuss the basics of estate and Medicaid planning. Presented by Ruth C. Rhodes, Esq. and Jackie McManus. RSVP

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

1. Help at a heist

5. In a snit 9. Weep 12. Surf’s sound 13. Is beneficial 14. Brown, e.g. 15. Drives

17. Serve to be re-served 18. Sylvester, to Tweety 19. ___ -nous

A lot

45. Pursue

Spell-off

Cut down

Sworn statement

Make known

Pursue

Spare change?

Meddle 60. Overly sentimental 61. Purpose DOWN 1. Escort’s offering 2. “You stink!” 3. Have something 4. Played out 5. Squabble 6. Meal source 7. Bar order 8. Museum Folkwang locale 9. Sediment 10. Completed 11. Memory unit

16. Chekhov title character

20. After-tax amount

21. Night fliers

22. Give 23. Dittography, e.g. 24. Handle 25. Congeal 28. Barely beat 30. BB’s and bullets 31. Hip 32. Reed section member 35. Stitched 38. Functioned as 42. Brewer’s need 44. Qualifying rounds

45. Fella

46. Prince of Wales, e.g.

47. Off

48. Two-wheeler

51. Small number

52. Late ___

53. Through 54. Tick off 55. Golf ball prop

Brevard Schools install weapon detection system

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Brevard County high school students soon will be required to go through detection systems similar to those at airports before they enter their schools.

The schools plan to install the OpenGate system, which consists of columns through which anyone entering will pass. It is designed to detect weapons after laptops and similar items are removed from the bags of backpacks.

Brevard Public Schools announced last month that it would install the advanced systems at high schools beginning Oct. 8 and 9 with Melbourne High School. It did not give a schedule for the other 14 high schools.

“I’m thankful to the School Board for providing this additional layer of security and to our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for working to get this state-of-theart weapon detection

system into our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said. The security system is to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. The Brevard Public Schools said it was part of a broader effort to enhance the protection of everyone on school premises without disrupting the day-to-day educational experience. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of CEIA USA Students, teachers and staff will soon have to go through a weapon detection system before entering high schools in Brevard County.

ScoopBUSINESS

Local owner converts strip mall stores into contemporary furniture showroom

BY BETTY PORTER

John Wallace was excited to help transition two office stores in a strip mall into an attractive new luxury furniture showroom.

Wallace came from Evansville, Indiana to the Space Coast to help open and to manage Contemporary Home Comfort, the area’s newest fashionable furniture store.

“In opening the showroom, our aim was to provide quality furniture to the residents of Brevard County and surrounding areas through an assortment of luxury products for the contemporary home and modern lifestyle that provide comfort,” said owner Lloyd Davis IV, a native of Melbourne Beach.

Though it officially opened Sept. 5, Contemporary Home Comfort had already been working with builders and real estate agents to stage open houses.

The 7,000-square-foot Contemporary Home Comfort store is at 519 N. Harbor City Boulevard., near Sarno Road.

“We offer 20 different collector styles in bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices,” said Wallace, the store manager. “I refer to our furniture as

Cars for Homes

legacy in that it is of highest quality, allowing for it to be passed down through generations of family.”

Wallace said the furniture is made with old-world artisan craftsmanship. Its flagship brand is Alf Italia, a 75-year-old furniture company that handcrafts bedroom and dining room pieces in much the same way today as it did decades ago.

“You will not find anything in our store that is less than world class in quality and style,” he said.

In addition to the contemporary bedroom collections, modern dining room packages and custom home office selections, the store carries designer lighting and mattresses as well as Italian rugs to complement all of the collections.

Davis said the store also offers customizable mattresses with adjustable bases. The mattresses are made by the Diamond Mattress Company of Dallas, Texas.

“We carry mattresses for any budget and comfort level,” he said. “We also offer design assistance, special financing, after-hours appointments and a wide delivery area.”

For more information about Contemporary Home Comfort, check out contemporaryhomecollection.com or by calling the store at 321- 4252231. The store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. SL

GREAT TASTES

continued from page 5

participants can try their luck with gift baskets and 50/50 raffles. 50/50 raffles. The 50/50 raffle is where the winning ticket holder gets half the money in the pot.

Purchase raffle tickets and place them in the bucket of whichever basket you want to try to win.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the club’s website: suntreerotary.org

This fun event helps raise money for two programs: The Boys & Girls Club of Temple Terrace and the Aerospace and Aircraft Assembly Program at Eau Gallie High School.

The recipients of funds raised from last year's Great Tastes at Suntree each received $7,500 and Rotarians hope to top this amount this year. VV

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

Contemporary Home Comfort, the newest fashionable furniture store in Brevard County, is now open and already working with builders and real estate agents to stage open houses.

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter John Wallace is the manager of the new Contemporary Home Comfort store.

Promised Student Achievement

• 2024 “A” Rated School District 1st time in 5 years

• No “D” or “F” Rated Schools 1st time in over 10 years

• 2024 Highest Graduation Rate in 20 Years Promised — Expansion of Trade Programs

• Brought Back On the Job Training

• Created Largest Student Jobs Program in US

• Created 1st Aviation, Welding, Construction Programs Promised Keeping our Students/Staff Safe

• Provided a $51 Million Increase in Security

• Added 58 Student Resource Officers & Security Specialists

• Added two K 9 Units

• Passed Zero Tolerance Discipline Policy Promised Fiscal Responsibility

• Cut $42 million in wasteful spending

• Reduced Debt by $304 million Increased BPS Fiscal Rating As

• Delivering Student Achievement

• Attract/Retain Quality Teachers

• Respecting Tax Payer Dollars

• Supporting Parental Choice

• Highest Security For Our Schools

Delivered for Viera/Suntree Community

• Construction of long awaited Viera Middle School

• Construction of Viera Elementary

• Founded Construction Trades Program at Viera High

• Founded Nursing Trades Program at Viera High

• Expanded Elementary and Middle School Sports

• 6 School Resource Officers & 6 Specialists

• Brought Back Library Assistants

• STEM Specialist Positions in every Elementary

• Increased Mental Health Counselors

• Increased Behavioral Technicians & Social Workers

Miller’s Ale House open, others coming to The Crossings

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Brevard County’s

first Miller’s Ale House welcomed its first customers on Sept. 30 at The Crossings at Viera, a retail development on Viera Boulevard just east of Interstate-95.

The popular sportsthemed, casual-dining restaurant on 1.6 acres at 2005 Viera Boulevard is one of 71 Miller’s Ale House locations in Florida.

Miller’s is among 12 announced tenants opening at The Crossings at Viera, a 20-acre commercial plaza west of Star Rush Drive and Viera Boulevard. When completed later this year,

The Crossings also will feature a highly anticipated

Whole Foods Market as well as a Home Depot, Panda Express, Chicken Salad Chick, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Fifth Third Bank and Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

Another area of the Crossings that runs alongside I-95 will be called Lakeside and likely will have more than six tenants, including a Fatburger, a Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Veterinary Emergency Group, according to Cori

she added.

“We all extend a warm welcome to Miller’s Ale house in bringing their lively variety of food and drinks to Viera in their prominent location at The Crossings at Viera,” Scott Miller, the executive vice president of sales, marketing and community development for The Viera Company, stated in an email.

Orlando-based Miller’s Ale House was founded by Jack and Claire Miller, who opened their first location in Jupiter in 1988. The couple wanted to create a local sports bar with casual dining and a “come as you are, everyone is welcome” atmosphere, according to Kimberly Morales, Miller’s senior director of brand marketing.

“The original decor and logo reflected their love of being close to the water, boating and fishing,” Morales shared in an email.

The Millers were sole owners until teaming with their first investment COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF

• Stinging or burning sensation

• Light sensitivity

• Eye fatigue

• Fluctuating vision

• Watery eyes

• Eye redness

• Sensation of having something in your

•

•

•

VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey

Miller’s Ale House opened Sept. 30 at The Crossings at Viera, a commercial plaza on Viera Boulevard just east of Interstate-95.

Progress curbs sewage from IRL, much needs to be done

Sewage has always been a major part of the Indian River Lagoon’s pollution problem, but the nature of the problem and our response has changed over time.

Until 1996, sewage plants in Brevard County dumped up to 26 million gallons per day of partially treated sewage directly into the IRL. This stopped due to the enactment of the 1990 IRL System and Basin Act.

Since then, there have been occasional, but unacceptable, releases from various of six counties and 30-plus city sewage treatment plants. Some releases were up to a few million gallons but they are tiny in comparison to the pre-1996 daily dumping.

That’s a good change, yet the past dumping added

Lagoon

pollution to the IRL, which recycles as part of the muck we are dealing with today.

Increasing population means demand for increased treatment capacity.

While the County Utility Department and cities bear the primary responsibility of meeting these needs, the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) half-cent sales tax also plays an important role.

Through SOIRL, we have learned that pollution contained in our plants’ reclaimed water (used to water lawns and transported by the lavender

color pipes) is seeping through the soil into the IRL. And, leaking lateral lines that pipe sewage from our homes to the main sewage lines can also cause problems.

The SOIRL program has allocated funds to help with these issues. It is providing more than $31 million to co-fund seven projects to reduce pollution in reclaimed water (three are complete). It is also providing $8 million to help locate and repair leaking lateral lines.

Current plans to connect thousands of our septic systems to sewer will add to the demand for treatment capacity. Therefore, projects to extend the current sewer line for septic to sewer conversions are being located where there is

existing sewage treatment capacity.

We will see additional changes to our sewage treatment system due to drivers like continued growth of our space industry and reductions in the number of septic systems. This is all a reflection of our county’s development. Healing the IRL takes each of us. It takes all of us. It takes you and me! For more, visit: helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. VV

Edited by Margie E. Burke

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue) 6 3 8 5 2 7 2 6 8 4 7 4 3 1 9 5 2 3 4 1 7 2

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.

Veterans will be honored at eighth annual event

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

The eighth annual Every Day is Veterans Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Center for Collaboration at Space Coast Health Foundation at 1100 Rockledge Boulevard (U.S. 1) in Rockledge. One Senior Place is sponsoring the gathering to honor veterans and their families.

Don Kramer, the founder and CEO of One Senior Place, considers it a privilege to recognize U.S. military veterans.

“We are honored to once again present this very special day of recognition for veterans and their families,” Kramer said. “We call it Every Day is Veterans Day because one day of the year is not enough to express how grateful we are to the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform.”

A bugler will play “Reveille" to open the patriotic event, which will officially start with the Posting of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem by retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Watkins-Pishdad. The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum Band will

make their way through the assembled crowd and play several numbers.

Co-sponsored by VITAS Healthcare and Rhodes Law P.A., retired U.S. Army Col. Stephen Bond will give a keynote address entitled Salute to Veterans.

A special pinning ceremony for U.S. military veterans of all eras will be conducted. The solemn ceremony will foster a sense of camaraderie and pride among those who served in the armed forces. It is intended to serve as a meaningful moment of recognition.

Gold Star families (those who lost a family member in the line of duty) will also be pinned and thanked for their sacrifice to the nation.

Attendees are urged to wear red, white and blue in a show of patriotic solidarity. Space is limited for the free event. Contact One Senior Place at 321-751-6771 or go to OneSeniorPlace.com/ events to make a reservation to attend.

Refreshments, door prizes and information from numerous veteran and military organizations and sponsors will be offered.VV

Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Space Coast Highlanders

The Space Coast Highlanders Bagpipe & Drum Band will perform during Every Day is Veterans Day on Oct. 11.

Office building brings professional space to growing Viera area

BY NICHOLE YUAN

Expecting to break ground within a few months, Tricon Development will be constructing an office building to provide space for muchneeded medical specialists and attorneys.

The planned structure, named Paragrass Place, will have approximately 35,000 square feet of available office space with two lobbies, two elevators and hurricane resistant windows among its amenities.

Robert Kodsi, the principal of Tricon Development, noted that the proximity of the upcoming building to Viera Hospital and the courthouses played a role in his choice to move forward with this project.

“Viera is growing like crazy and I like the strategic location of that,” Kodsi said. “It’s only half a mile west of the hospital and we’re also close to the county courthouse.”

Although construction has not yet started, Kodsi expects about 10 tenants to eventually occupy the space, depending on how much space each future tenant needs. Tricon Development is already pre-leasing and aiming to have the shell of the building completed by

MILLER'S ALE

Continued from page 30

expanded their concept to 70 restaurants. Today, the privately owned company operates more than 110 Miller’s restaurants in 10 states.

Miller’s serves a variety of entrees, from steaks and burgers to seafood and sandwiches. The restaurant is known for its appetizers, including its handbreaded, boneless chicken Zingers, chicken wings and 17 available sauces for Zingers and wings.

Daily lunch and dinner specials include Zingers Monday, Wing Wednesday, and premium prime rib on Thursdays and Sundays. A snow crab dinner is available.

Miller’s also features a kidfriendly menu and such desserts

fall of next year. Once the shell is finished, incoming tenants will have an opportunity to have their office space laid out and shaped to their needs.

Since 1979, the company has overseen development from start to finish and Paragrass Place will be no exception. In addition to development and construction, Tricon Development also works as a management company.

“We wear many hats,” Kodsi said. “We buy the property. If we have to rezone the property, we do our due diligence. We rezone it, we work with the architects, engineers, and we want to make sure the property is suitable for the needs for not only us, but for the community. Then, we go under permitting — we do that ourselves in house — and we build it in house.”

Aside from office buildings, Tricon Development also builds oceanfront condominiums around Florida. And as Viera continues to grow, Tricon will be keeping an eye out for more opportunities to build what the community needs.

Those seeking to occupy the future class A office building, should contact Kodsi at 321-453-5360.

VV

as ice cream cake made with Oreo Cookie Heath Bar crumbles.

The 6,343-square-foot Viera location offers more than 35 beers on tap and a large selection of signature cocktails. Sports fans can watch their favorite teams on more than 60 televisions.

Guests can dine inside at booths and tables, or outside at an openair patio. For upcoming events, Miller’s offers party platters including chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, and other entrees. Miller’s will have 115 employees, Morales stated. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, she added. For more information, visit millersalehouse.com/locations/ viera/ or call 321-635-4243. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Tricon Development

This is a rendering of Paragrass Place, an office building for medical supplies. It is strategically planned in close proximity to Viera Hospital.

Nationa y Month

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 3 4 5

SATURDAY

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Oct. 13 BUY SELL TRADE

Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center

8298 N. Wickham Rd. Viera FREE ADMISSION Sports Cards, Pokemon

Fire Pup Day

Rockledge National Night Out

4 - 7 p.m.

Harvest-theme event presented by Rockledge Public Safety. 1801 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge 321-221-7540

Karaoke Night

7 - 10 p.m.

Walk-On’s 8550 Napolo Drive Viera, 321-848-7269

Sit-n-Stitch

1 - 3 p.m.

Bring your current project and share ideas.

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

Chick-fil-A Story Time 9 a.m.

The reading of one of Dr. Seuss' many iconic stories.

Chick-fil-A 8300 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-751-0801

Health Living Day 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free health screenings, cooking demonstration and lunch seminar. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Brevard Critique Group 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

National Day of Commuy Service

Brevard Antiques and Collectibles Club 10 a.m.

The subject will be Souvenirs.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-254-5831

Viera Park Market & Food Trucks 4 - 8 p.m.

Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-759-3713

Great Tastes at Suntree 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Restaurant stations, live music.

Suntree Country Club 300 Country Club Drive Suntree suntreerotary.org

Aging Matters Havana Night 6 p.m.

Support Brevard Seniors Space Coast Association of Realtors 2950 Pineda Plaza Way Suntree, 321-639-8770

Noodle Day

Blessing of the Animals

1 p.m.

Conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. A procession of animals, from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, are welcome.

Myrt Tharpe Square 17 Oleander St. Cocoa, 321-305-4584

Inner Beauty Day

Scottish Country Dancing

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree, 321-427-3587

Dietician Series 1 p.m. Learn 10 techniques to boost metabolism. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Hero Day

Sit and Get Fit

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549

Ikebana 1 - 3 p.m.

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

Elder Law Series Part 3

4 p.m.

Second marriages or subsequent presented by William Johnson, P.A. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Lunch and Learn 10:30 a.m. Shell Harbor, 855 Murrell Rd. Rockledge, 321-252-1221

Opening Doors for Women 6 - 9 p.m.

A red-carpet fundraiser for New Life Mission. Opening doors for homeless single moms and their children Muscle Car Museum 3500 Sarno Rd. Melbourne, 321-480-9100

Family Movie Night in the Patch

5 - 8 p.m.

Movie, music, games, bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.

Church at Viera 9005 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-259-3454

Classic Car Show

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Photo booths, live music, food trucks and face painting.

Alura Senior Living 777 Roy Wall Blvd. Rockledge, 321-549-3980

Viera East Farmers Market

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

The Space Coast Art Festival

Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dozens of fine artists displaying their work, a popular Student Art Show, and plenty of food. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-784-3322

Story Time at Books-a-Million Kindergarten - second grade: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Third - fifth grade: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sixth - eighth grade: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Books-a-Million 2251 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-504-6236

Walk to a Park Day National Cheese Curd Day

Fall-Inspired Painting Class

1 p.m. Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-252-1221

Special Needs Trusts

10 a.m.

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

Boss' Day

What’s New at NASA

1 p.m.

This seminar will provide insights into the newest space missions, research and technology. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

3rd Thursday at The Avenue Viera 5 - 8 p.m. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Bourbon and Cigar Night 5 - 9 p.m.

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

Estate and Medicaid Planning

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Get your plan in order seminar presented by Rhodes Law, P.A. RSVP

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Viera Harvest Festival

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Scarecrows, hay maze, food trucks, ponies and silent auction to benefit Harmony Farms. Live music by the Penny Creek Band. Fun for the whole family. Free. Woodside Park 1703 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, 321-242-1235

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Denim & Diamonds

4 - 8 p.m.

All proceeds benefit and support many charitable and educational programs.

Rocking L Ranch

6767 Palae Lane

Cocoa, 321-465-2299

Books are Always Better Book Club

6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

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

Make a Dog's Day

Coin Talk 6 - 7:45 p.m. American Numismatic monthly meeting.

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

Tuesday Trivia

4 - 6 p.m.

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

Salsa Dance Night

4:30 - 9 p.m. Happy hour, beginner salsa lesson followed by an open social Latin dance.

Tuscany Grill 6630 Colonnade Ave. Viera, 305-970-9022

Roctoberfest with Hot Pink 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Matthew’s Hope 825 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-459-2200

Addison Village Club

Trunk or Treat 5 - 9 p.m.

Trunk or treat, golf cart and car-decorating contest.

Addison Village Clubhouse 8150 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-237-2377

Trunk or Treat 5 - 7 p.m.

Wear your costumes.

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

Trunk or Treat 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Viera East CDD Viera East Golf Club 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

Civics Day

27 28 29 30 31

Trunk or Treat Car and Motorcycle Show

4 - 8 p.m.

Fairway Cigar Lounge 6729 Colonnade Ave. Viera, 201-658-2004

Space Coast Flute

Concert

3 p.m.

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

Medium John Rogers

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn about mediumship and have a reading done.

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

Cat Day

Trunk or Treat

5 - 8 p.m.

Texas Roadhouse 1975 Viera Blvd. Viera, 321-785-8880

Yappy Hour: Howl-O-Ween 5 - 7 p.m. Dress your pup for the costume parade. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Candy Corn Day

Evening

5:30 p.m. Brevard ladies pickleball group, beginners welcome. McLarty Park 788 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, Facebook.com/ BrevardLadiesPickleball

Program: Harry Potter Themed Escape Room 3-4 pm This month's STEAM program is a Harry Potter-themed Escape Room. Halloween costumes encouraged but not limited to the Harry Potter theme. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-254-5831

Sunday, Oct. 13

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FOOD DRIVE

BRING A FOOD FOR THE Children's Hunger Project and GET PACKS OF CARDS!

SPACE COAST CARD SHOW Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera 8298 N. Wickham Rd. Viera FREE ADMISSION

Woodside Park offers great venue for Viera Harvest Festival

Woodside Park — the venue of this year’s Viera Harvest Festival — holds special meaning for area residents who helped to build it.

It is where the community will gather form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 for a family fun day at the annual festival where this year’s Scarecrow Stroll will conclude.

Woodside Park, a 6.3acre space, offers ample space for the festival and amenities that makes it a great neighborhood park. Park benches under large shade trees offer a serene break from the bustle of traffic on nearby Murrell Road. On most afternoons, children play and dogs frolic in a nearby fenced area.

The park, which was originally built in 1998, has a large playground area with slides and tunnels of elevated mounds, tire climbing stations and play obstacles for children.

It includes a concrete walking path, a rock garden, an area for yoga classes and a place for outdoor movies.

Woodside also features Pieloch Dog Park with two fenced areas — one for big

Scarecrow Stroll

Oct. 3 to 17

Viera Harvest Festival

Oct. 19

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Woodside Park

Viera East

dogs and the other for small.

Businessman Mark Pieloch and his wife, Tetiana, provided a $70,000 grant to finance some of the work. The Pielochs have underwritten two other community parks in Melbourne.

In 2021, volunteers from the community, The Brevard Zoo and students doing community service credit by helping were instrumental in helping to expand and update the park, which is part of the Viera East Community Development District.

Other assistance with some of the most recent work came from A. Duda & Sons Inc., LSP Nursery, D Bell General Contracting.

Woodside Park is located at 1703 Crane Creek Blvd., off of Murrell Road. VV

VIERA VOICE photo

The Viera Harvest Festival will move to spacious and natural Woodside Park

Viera Cookbook

Rice bowl fills the need for a delicious, healthy offering

BY ELAINE MOODY

This rice bowl recipe is a favorite of ours. It’s very versatile and a healthier choice than some other meals you might make. My recipe can be made for just two or expanded to serve your entire family. Cooking time should be about 45 minutes.

Its ingredients contain protein, antioxidants, vitamins and carbohydrates and are low in fat.

Skinless chicken breasts are low in fat and provide high-quality protein. It contains vitamins B12, zinc, B6, thiamin and other micronutrients.

By adding black beans to your diet, you’ll feel full longer. They help to control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as help regulate blood sugar levels. Black beans are packed with antioxidants and are good for your gut health.

Haas avocados are high in fiber and have more potassium than a banana. They’re full of vitamins A, C, E and K plus beta-sitosterol, folate and magnesium and antioxidants.

Rice is a major staple for millions of people’s diets around the world. It’s a better alternative to potatoes, corn or wheat. One cup of cooked rice contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates. Many people try

to avoid carbs, but remember, carbohydrates are an essential nutrient and provide energy to our bodies.

Depending on what kind of protein you use, it can be cooked fresh or leftover from a previous meal. It really depends on how much time you have. Usually when I cook chicken breasts, I always put some aside to make other meals.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious and healthy meal. The amount you cook will depend on how many servings you’ll be making.

Suggestions below are per person.

Chicken breast — 3 to 4 oz.

Yellow rice — one cooked cup serving

Black beans — ½ cup serving Haas Avocado — ½ per person Additionally, you’ll need white onions, red and yellow bell peppers, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, garlic salt, olive oil and mayonnaise.

Prepare chicken breasts by sprinkling with lemon pepper seasoning (to taste) and sautéing in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. After cooking chicken on both sides, cover the skillet and reduce heat to

medium low. Once the chicken becomes tender, add sliced white onion and red bell peppers, turn heat to low and cover again. If needed, you can add a little water to keep it from drying out.

While the chicken is cooking, you’ll need to prepare some yellow rice. There are many yellow rice mixes available, so use the one you like best.

In addition to the rice and chicken, heat a can of black beans. I generally add some black pepper and chopped onion to add even more taste.

While everything is cooking, slice up the avocado and sprinkle a little lemon or lime juice on top to prevent darkening.

Next, you’ll need to make a sauce to pour over the completed dish. It consists of mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, garlic salt and olive oil. In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, juice from one lemon, garlic salt (to taste) and 2

tablespoons of olive oil and mix well. This should make enough for four servings. (reduce or add ingredients as needed for each serving).

Once everything is finished cooking, you can start putting together the rice bowls. In single serve bowls, place the chicken, rice and beans next to each other and top with the onions and peppers. On top of that, arrange the avocado and top with the special sauce. Enjoy. VV

Woman’s Club golf tournament at Rockledge CC helps local charities

The GFWC Viera Woman’s Club’s Swing for Charity Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 19 at the Rockledge Country Club.

The golf tournament will benefit the charities of the Viera Woman’s Club, which is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

The tournament is $100 per person, men, ladies and mixed; foursome required. Check-in begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start and scramble format.

All tickets include golf, cart fee, hot meal and bounce back cards.

There will be cash prizes — first and second place for men, ladies and mixed, practice balls prior to start and goodie bags. These will also be a 50/50 drawing and prize for a hole in one.

Participants could win $1,000 in the golf ball drop.

Rockledge Country Club is a part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail. Register at gfwcvierawomansclub. com

For more information, contact Jan Gates at 321-522-6334 or sfc@ gfwcvierawomansclub.com VV

APPRAISALS

Insurance, Estate, Distribution & Divorce

LIQUIDATION

Estates, Diamonds, Jewelry, Watches & Gems

PURCHASE ASSISTANCE

Private Jewelry Consultation & Advice

Call 321-914-0118 for more information.

Peter D. Indorf, GG, ASGR, NAJA

Email: info@jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com

Website: www.jewelryappraisal-liquidation.com

1103 W Hibiscus Blvd | Suite 307B | Melbourne

tious meal.

In August, the Viera Means Business networking group met at the Market Street Viera for breakfast and coffee. The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at various locations. Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network. For an invitation to the September VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS M ANS SINES UP

As a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, I have exclusive rates and amenities for most cruises and all river cruises. Call me today!

Upcoming Trips

Orlando Fire Museum — Friday, Nov. 8 - $99

Spend a fun-filled day — history, exhibits at the 1926 firehouse. Lunch included.

Travel Supplier Showcase — Nov. 12 • 1 - 4 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center, 1025 Florida Ave, Rockledge. Meet cruise lines and travel suppliers from around the world.

Key West Holiday Trip — Dec. 1-4 - $817pp based on double, $1170 for single. 18th annual Key West, 6 seats left.

St. Augustine Night of Lights — Dec. 12 $126

Annual trip — second largest holiday lights display in the U.S. Horse and carriage tour. Minimum of 35, final due Nov. 25.

Voyager of the Seas — Transatlantic sailing Port Canaveral to Barcelona. May 3-16, 2025, limited space.

Scottish Highlands and Islands - May 10-23, 2025

Join Jean for an immersive two-week Scotland trip! Deposit is $250 per person, plus travel protection.

Spotlight on Northern Italy - Sept. 12-20, 2025

Join Jean in Treviso and enjoy day trips to — Venice, Verona and the Dolomites! Ask about the Slovenia pre-extension.

Susan Houts, Mandee Combs

Market Street Viera staff Brian Dillon and Susie Parente

Melissa Alonso, Samantha Sanchez, Nathaniel Cochrane

Adam Copenhaver, James Moore

Brandan Payne, Dana Vinci, Shaleta Stallworth and Ashley St. Clair

Jamie Rhude, Dana Vinci, Cheryl Clark

Erikka Williams, Kelly Riese, LaChrista Jones and Denise Bergman

Charlie Reese, James Brassard

Jeff Law, Jordan O’Daniel, Daisy Pickett, Mike Acosta and Vik Sewdath

SENIOR News

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Aerospace veterans share special link to wonderful era

BY SUSAN M. HOUTS

Bob ZiBerna, a resident of the Sonata Senior Living community, has lived a life full of remarkable experiences, including his service in the Air Force and his work at Cape Canaveral during the 1960s space race.

As part of the logistical team at the Cape, ZiBerna played a vital role in numerous launches. On his final mission, he took home a Northrop Grumman sign, featuring the “Grumman Meatball,” from a logistical trailer, a small keepsake from an era that had transformed the world’s understanding of space exploration. That sign hung in ZiBerna’s garage for more than 40 years, a constant reminder of his significant contribution to the Apollo missions.

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue) 6 3 8 5 7 6 4 1 2 3 7

“I feel very lucky to have been a part of that span of putting a man on the moon,” ZiBerna said.

“No matter the job, big or small, do it right or not at all.”

— William Waldron

ZiBerna decided that it was time to part with the piece of history, entrusting his daughter to donate the sign to a museum. When she contacted the Kennedy Space Center, they invited her to bring it to a reunion

event at the Apollo Saturn V Center, where astronauts and engineers who had worked on those historic launches would be speaking.

It was there that she handed the sign over to William Waldron, a U.S. Space Worker Hall of Honor inductee, Army veteran and a key figure in the Apollo missions who had worked for Northrop Grumman during the same period as ZiBerna. Waldron, who was a founding member of the Grumman Retirement Team, recalled the

offer of the sign.

“I still remember his daughter asking me if I’d like the sign,” Waldron said. “And I said I sure do.”

The story recently took a new twist.

Last month, Waldron became a resident at Sonata Senior Living, and it was then that Bob ZiBerna and William Waldron, after years apart, realized they shared a deep history.

Over dinner, the two men reminisced about their time working together at the Cape,

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.

were both born and raised on Long Island, traveled with staff and residents of Sonata to the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville to donate the sign together. It is a fitting conclusion to their story — a piece of history that, much like their careers, has come full circle. Reunited as residents at Sonata Viera, they made the donation, symbolizing not just the end of an era, but also the enduring legacy of their contributions to space exploration.

When asked what piece of advice he would pass along from his long and successful career, Waldron quoted a former supervisor “no matter the job, big or small, do it right or not at all.”

reliving the excitement and challenges of sending humans into space.

To their amazement, they realized that the Northrop Grumman sign, which had once hung in ZiBerna’s garage, had made its way to Waldron’s garage wall after the event — and a decade later still had not yet reached its final destination — a museum.

On Sept. 5, more than 50 years after their shared work on Apollo missions, ZiBerna and Waldron, who

“I feel very lucky to have been a part of that span of putting a man on the moon.”

— Bob ZiBerna

These two men certainly lived by those words. The Space Coast owes much to these and other thousands of dedicated men and women who worked together to develop the Space program, and future visitors to the Warbird Museum will be able to celebrate the successes of ZiBerna and Waldron through this historic and memorable donation. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Bob ZiBerna and William Waldron, both now residents of Sonata Senior Living community, got together to donate a historic sign decades after the men worked in the aerospace industry.

Recycle Brevard Gives Back program fights waste at many local levels

In preparation for the 26th annual Teacher Open House at Brevard Zoo this past September, Recycle Brevard put together 12 large boxes of unwanted materials that had been donated by the community and seemed to have the potential of finding new uses in the hands of creative teachers.

As one of the 37 exhibitors at the event, Recycle Brevard got the attention of teachers as they stopped by to check out what was available. Teachers were welcome to take whatever they thought would be useful as resources in their classrooms and for school projects. They loved it!

That is what Recycle Brevard Gives Back is about — returning unwanted but usable materials to creative hands, turning those materials into resources instead of trash that accumulates in our landfills.

Our landfills are filling up and we need to do something about that. In the United States, about 251 million tons of trash each year ends up in landfills as Americans generate an average of

BEYOND the CURB

4.9 pounds of trash per day per person, according to the EPA. What is even worse is that not all trash makes its way to the landfill.

According to National Geographic, about 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris lingers in the ocean and approximately 171 trillion pieces of plastic floats at the ocean’s surface. Ocean Conservancy recently wrote about the need to reduce the waste we generate and reuse more of what we already have.

When Recycle Brevard had a facility in Rockledge, Recycle Brevard Gives Back events were scheduled every quarter to share all kinds of items with teachers and the community at large. Since closing its facility, Recycle Brevard will organize Recycle Brevard Gives Back in a pop-up format to offer free materials for teachers and materials for a nominal donation for other members of the

community.

If you are interested in hosting a Recycle Brevard Gives Back event, email info@RecycleBrevard.org. For anyone interested in the program, more events will be announced in the future.

At the Brevard Zoo event, 194 teachers had the chance to obtain some useful supplies for their projects and to sign up to stay connected and learn more about future supply availability. To join that list, check out RecycleBrevard.org and select Receive our Emails from the Get Informed menu option.

For other events, make sure to follow Recycle Brevard on Eventbrite to see what is coming up. All programs and events are focused on the practice of the 3Rs and inspiring others to take action toward a more sustainable living. 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.

FESTIVAL

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This year, a maze of golden hay will lead to a lot of family fun as children navigate the twist and turns of the path. Bales of hay will be laid out in an interesting pattern on the grass.

“We expect this year’s Festival to be our best yet,” Blue said. “We believe the hay maze will be a hit with the children. This will be an exciting fall celebration.”

The hay maze is just one of the many features and fun things to do and see at the Viera Harvest Festival. The whimsical hand-crafted scarecrows built by businesses will be on display.

The ’Crows will remain at the businesses on a mapped route during the Scarecrow Stroll from Oct. 3 to 17. Stroll participants will visit and mark their ballot for their favorite ’Crow. The ’Crow with the most votes will earn the People’s Choice Award and bragging rights for the year. The judging for the Best of Show will take place at the Viera Harvest Festival, with the winner garnering a $300 prize sponsored by Viera Voice

At the Festival, the ’Crows all come together for a quirky and amusing display, where the public can see them all in one place. The ’Crows will be up for sale during a silent auction beginning at 10 a.m. The proceeds will benefit this year’s charity of choice — Harmony Farms Equine Assisted Therapy, which helps individuals of all ages to improve their physical, mental and emotional well being.

Harmony Farms will build a ’Crow called Galloping Ghost. It will also run the Scarecrow Silent Auction bidding table. Harmony Farms will bring father and son Cupid and Ziti, two of their mini horses, to the event.

The Viera Harvest Festival is a collaboration with businesses such as the presenting sponsor Watson Realty Corp. and CDS Builders, which is the Gold sponsor. Viera Builders is the hay maze sponsor. The Viera Company is the sponsor for the Kids Costume Contest. Mr. Delicious Pizza is the mini pumpkin decorating booth sponsor. Jason Vaughn of Edward Jones is the Hydration Station sponsor.

The Penny Creek Band will again bring its lively brand of bluegrass musical entertainment, which is sponsored by the law office of Amy B. Van Fossen.

Another fun Viera Harvest Festival tradition will be back. Children 5 to 8 and 9 to 14 will build mini crows at home and bring them to the Festival. The mini ’Crows can be no taller than 3-feet tall. The mini crows will be displayed and will compete for prizes.

For information, call Viera Voice at 321-242-1235VV

Recycle Brevard

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