SpaceCoast LIVING - Survivors Edition by Space Coast Magazines

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OCTOBER 2018

SurvivorS

edition From Cancer to Systemic Lupus Natasha Duran and Others Share Their Stories

Health

Travel

Style

Food

Lifestyle

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OCTOBER 2018 upfronts

FEATURES

HEALTH LIVING If Not Pharmaceuticals, Then What?

SURVIVOR EDITION: Natasha Duran

GOOD BONES Woof Gang Bakery

TRAVEL The Big Apple

SURVIVOR EDITION: Karen Caruso

RESERVATIONS River Rocks

MEMORIES, MEALS & MOSCATO All Things Pumpkin

SURVIVOR EDITION: Royce Shingleton

FLAVORS: Who’s Hungry

INSPIRATION Surviving the Inevitable

SURVIVOR EDITION: Cheri Lavelle

143

SURVIVOR Up Close with Kechi of “America’s Got Talent”

SURVIVOR EDITION: Shamika Chamberlin

144

COMMUNITY The Gourd’s Work

COOPER’S CORNER

ONE LAST QUESTION

Surviving with a Survivor

ON THE COVER ®

OCTOBER 2018

SurvivorS

edition

From Cancer to Systemic Lupus Natasha Duran and Others Share Their Stories

Health

Travel

Style

Food

Lifestyle

Cover Model: Natasha Duran Photography by Jason Hook

IN EVERY ISSUE

FROM THE EDITOR

129

MAKING THE SCENE

139

THE BUZZ

6 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

OCTOBER 2018 SPECIAL SECTION [ SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION ]

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OCTOBER 2018

BREVARD’S

INDIVIDUALS

TO WATCH

YOUR

HOMETOWN ATTORNEYS

Morgan & Morgan

Talent Acquisition Breaking the Business Mold

2018 Ballot

Amendment Preview

Young Professionals

Brevard’s Individuals to Watch

107

october 2018 : 107

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

108

MEILI VIERA Waterman Real Estate

122

THE CHALLENGES of Managing Multiple Generations

109

LORY MILTON Fidelity Bank of Florida

124

5 WAYS TO BOOST Your Company’s Facebook Presence

BLAKE & DESIRÉ STEWART Stewart Law / The Paper Clinic

126

110

IT’S THE REAL THING The Force of Authenticity

111

RYAN WILKINS Beacon Roof & Exterior Cleaning

112

DEREK CHENET Dental Excellence Melbourne Cedric C. Chenet, DDS, PA

113

AARON STITZEL Flaving Nooney & Person, CPAs and Advisors

YOUR HOMETOWN ATTORNEYS Morgan & Morgan

SHELTER FROM THE STORM: SD Data Center

TALENT ACQUISITION Rush Construction

MODEL OF INGENUITY Rapid Prototyping Services

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Collaborating to Benefit Both

102

BORDE & ASSOCIATES, P.A.

2018 BALLOT Amendment Preview

103

HIPPO ROOFING

114

RAY SMITH G&G Roofing, Inc.

118

STAYING PROACTIVE with IT Security

104

SCB MARKETING Carli Barr

115

LISA D. FITZ-COY Brevard Cultural Alliance

120

TIME TO PLAN Your Year End Taxes

105

FLORIDA TECH ATHLETE Leah Dunn

115

KIT FISHER Prime-One Insurance Corp.

PROFILES

octo b e r 2018 : 7

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Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival The Info and Interviews FALL INTO

Halloween

Décor and Recipe Ideas for Entertaining Guests SPECIAL SECTION:

FLAVORS

Top Local Restaurants

Celebration of Life Four Women Share Their Stories of Cancer & Survival

▸ 2 Years

space oast

Phone: 321.622.5986 www.spacecoastliving.com

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OCTOBER 2018

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c Lupus From Cancer to Systemi Stories Natasha Duran and Other

s Share Their

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Lifestyle

Food

Style

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DIGITAL MAGAZINE This month’s “SpaceCoast LIVING” is available exclusively in our digital edition. Download the Magazine Central app from iTunes or Google Play for free and view our latest and back issues. upfront

ART AND CULTURE

TRAVEL

I started by ﬁguring out what inspired my trip in the ﬁrst place: art and culture. The beauty of shopping in a metropolitan area is that every interest is more than catered to. I picked up my favorite novels at Kinokuniya, a three-story bookstore carrying everything from comics to stationary, and Midtown Comics, another comic and collectables store. The former is a great example of New York’s fusion of niche market and culture. They carry Japanese novels and comic strip novels both in their original Japanese format as well as translated versions. The café inside sells traditional Japanese tea and Americanized boba tea. It was amazing to see stores like this, carrying culturally diverse food and merchandise in their traditional packaging next to things I see every day.

The Big

APPLE

Every street held something interesting. I found myself taking walks and stopping whenever something caught my eye. I even stumbled upon the Union Square Greenmarket, where I tried apple cider donuts and fresh apple cider from one of the vendors. This was a fantastic way to live like a local, ﬁnding new coffee shops and hot spots.

OF THE TWO VISITS I’VE HAD TO NEW YORK, on the ﬁrst I was lucky enough to stay in Times Square. Even surrounded by all that Times Square had to offer, I found myself traveling each day to places like Koreatown. It’s surreal to be submerged in a different culture so quickly; it almost feels like you’ve traveled to a different country entirely.

By Cassandra Wilkerson

[up] T FRONT

here is something for everybody in well, leaving me feeling connected to the artists. busy New York City. I often get so COOL PEOPLE, HOT PLACES AND WHAT’S NEW New York City is great in that it has something caught up in planning a memorable AND NOTEWORTHY ON THE SPACE COAST for everyone. Whatever hobbies, interests, or and exciting vacation that I forget what makes a curiosities you might have, N.Y.C. has museums, vacation memorable and exciting. Exploration, stores and restaurants just for you. ◆ adventure and creativity called me to New York.

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o c to b e r 2 018 : 29

Healthy Living Travel Memories, Meals & Moscato

OCTOBER 2018

Inspiration Survivor Community

YOUR

HOMETOWN ATTORNEYS

Morgan & Morgan

Talent Acquisition Breaking the Business Mold

TRAVEL {PG 28}

INSPIRATION {PG 32}

2018 Ballot

Amendment Preview

Young Professionals

Brevard’s Individuals to Watch

COMMUNITY {PG 36} oc tobe r 2 018 : 25

WANT TO READ MORE?

Additional content is available on SpaceCoastLIVING.com FOLLOW OUR BRAND

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Happiness is a Healthy Smile Beverly Rose, DMD Always Gentle, Always Friendly

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OCTOBER | VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 10 SpaceCoastLIVING.com

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Ayers, Mike Candeleria, Cody J. Carter, Greg Demaro, Steven Hicks, Jeff Holder, Mallorie Ann Ingram, Jerry Jimenez, Tasha Marcri, Rebecca Meyer, Ken New, Jeff Piersall, Judy Piersall, Jack Roth, Kathryn Rudloff, Carrie Stevenson, Cassandra Wilkerson, Eric Wright

ADVERTISING

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ADMINISTRATION & PRODUCTION

ost a spectacular holiday party at Up the Creek Farms, conveniently located 15 minutes south of Downtown Melbourne. Celebrate in our beautifully decorated Boathouse and choose from our all-inclusive holiday packages, or have an event customized for you and your guests Info@UptheCreekFarms.com | 321.499.4232

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Cindy Kane, Chief Financial Officer Jessica Kane, Chief Operations Officer Alyssa Anelli, Production Coordinator Amelia Anton, Manager of Live Interaction Corbin Williams, Distribution Manager TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit SCBMarketing.com, SpaceCoastLIVING.com or send $27.95 for a one-year (12 issues) or $39.95 for a twoyear (24 issues) subscription to SpaceCoast LIVING, P.O. Box 410901, Melbourne, FL 32941-0901 Please include name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, phone number and email. Please allow 4-6 weeks for subscription to start. Or subscribe online at SpaceCoastLIVING.com

Informed Professionals. Clever Designers. Endless Choices.

TILE ENVY.

Suntree Showroom 395 Pineda Court Melbourne, FL 32940 Studiotileandstone.com (321) 242-5780

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you are moving

Historic Cocoa Village, Florida, since 1878

Preserving Historic

or changing the mailing address for your subscription, send your complete old address (where the magazine is currently being mailed), your complete new address, including zip code, to info@scbmarketing.com

ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL

COMMUNITY

SATURDAY

BACK

OCTOBER 13, 2018 6PM RECEPTION

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ISSUES: $10.00 each. To purchase call (321) 622-5986 or email info@scbmarketing.com REPRINTS: Reprints and commemorative plaques may be ordered from SCB Marketing. No other companies offering similar products or services are affiliated with SCB Marketing or any of its brands, including SpaceCoast LIVING. Contact Alyssa@SCBMarketing.com(321)-499-1557. CONTRIBUTE:

Send press releases, article submissions, announcements and images to editor@ spacecoastLIVING.com. Please provide 2-3 months’ advance notice for requests for event announcements and/or coverage.

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Starring Survivor & Singer

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SpaceCoast LIVING® is a registered trademark of Space Coast Business, LLC (“SCB”). The contents of SpaceCoast LIVING, associated websites, and any other print or electronic publications published by SCB or related to the brand, including advertisements, articles, graphics, websites, web postings, photographs and all other information (“content”), are for informational purposes only, are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any way without the prior written consent of SCB, or in the case of third party content, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. SCB does not necessarily endorse, verify, or agree with the content, and makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or usefulness of any content. SCB shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in the content. ©2018 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

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Meet BRIAN BREWER Brian Brewer has worked for Toyota of Melbourne for eight years as a master technician. We are proud to have him as a part of our team. He is a hard worker and is very dependable. Brian served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years and he speaks multiple languages. While serving, Brian went to every continent except Antarctica. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been to Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, Yemen, and more exotic places. The greatest lesson he learned from being in the Marine Corp is the importance of teamwork and leadership. Spending time with family is his favorite part of being home. What Brian enjoys most about working at Toyota of Melbourne is the people he works with.

Toyota of Melbourne 24 N Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935 Phone: (321) 426-9420 ToyotaofMelbourne.com

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from the

EDITOR Hi everyone, October is the month we all anticipate, especially after the heat of summer. With the scents of fall in the air, it’s time to break out the pumpkin spices and decor that have been hidden away and engage in festive gatherings. For SpaceCoast LIVING, though, October is also the month dedicated to telling survivor stories. It’s a time to reflect on some local residents’ testimonies as they open up about their first-hand experiences and difficulties. To listen to the heartfelt struggles these men and women have endured will leave you speechless. I know I was. But it’s more than that. The strength and perseverance these individuals exude will inspire you, as well as others going through any type of trial, to fight, thrive and look at living life in an entirely new light.

Mallorie

MALLORIE ANN INGRAM | MANAGING EDITOR, SPACECOAST LIVING | MALLORIE@SCBMARKETING.COM

meet the production team

Cindy Kane (Publisher)

Eric Wright (President of Publishing)

Nevin Flinchbaugh (Art Director)

Jason Hook (Photographer)

octo b e r 2018 : 21

Let’s have an honest conversation about your hopes, fears, dreams, and eventually, your money. At Merrill Lynch, we don’t measure success against traditional benchmarks, we measure it against you, and your hopes and dreams. Through honest, meaningful conversations, we’ll find out what you want your future to look like, and develop a strategy together to help make it happen.

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National Ballet Theatre of Odessa & Melbourne City Ballet Theatre present

The Sleeping Beauty Music by P. Tchaikovsky

December 28th & 29, 2018

live symphonic orchestra

King Center for the Performing Arts

For the ﬁrst time in Brevard legendary National Ballet Theatre of Odessa 55 of the most talented and brightest international ballet stars will perform in one of America’s favorite fairytales along with the magniﬁcent richness of a live symphonic orchestra. - A celebration of true love on the King Center stage and into our heartsTickets start at $20.00 go to Kingcenter.com

55th Annual

Our SavioUr Fall Festival Thursday, October 18 - Sunday, October 21 5301 N A1A, Cocoa Beach Admission is free Thursday 6-10PM Friday 6-11PM Saturday 2-11PM Sunday 12-8PM Discounted Tickets available at oursaviourschool.org/fairtickets Discounted tickets and armbands available until Oct. 18 at 12 pm

Armbands for unlimited rides are available each day $20 when purchased ahead of time and $25 onsite

All proceeds benefit the kids at Our Saviour Catholic School in Cocoa Beach

24 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

[up] FRONT

COOL PEOPLE, HOT PLACES AND WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW AND NOTEWORTHY ON THE SPACE COAST

Healthy Living Travel Memories, Meals & Moscato Inspiration Survivor Community

TRAVEL {PG 28}

INSPIRATION {PG 32}

COMMUNITY {PG 36} octo b e r 2018 : 25

upfront

healthy living

If not pharmaceuticals, then what? By Judy Piersall

get asked frequently, “Since you don’t use pharmaceuticals, what do you use?” I write a lot about options, so this article will focus on some of those. I’m not going to disclose how much I use of each product; most likely, my doses wouldn’t be the same as yours. Likewise, you may not even need the same products. That is a discussion you should have with your physician; hopefully you have a good integrative one.

For hormone replacement, I use estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. All are bio-identical. The estradiol and testosterone are doses in subcutaneous pellets that must be administered by a physician. Progesterone is in pill form formulated at a compounding pharmacy by prescription. It’s very important if you’re taking estrogen that you also take an estrogen blocker, such as DIM.

What Do I Use?

For Heart Health: ■ Jarrow Formulas Pantethine ■ Yes Ultimate EFAs ■ MRM Complete Vitamin E ■ Plasmanex 1 ■ Neo40 nitric oxide lozenges ■ My wonder supplement for joints is DaVinci Labs Effervescent Magnesium Citrate Powder. Taken at bedtime, it also promotes sleep.

26 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

What Do I Use?

For Inflammation: ■ Longvida Optimized Curcumin is my go-to product.

For Overall Health: ■ Vitamin D3 ■ BenaGene ■ Multi Vitamin ■ Life Extension Optimized Resveratrol

To some, it probably seems like a lot to take. It’s simply a lifestyle and a daily habit. It’s really not too much or that hard to do. And it beats drugs any day. Remember, this is what I take based on what my bloodwork shows I need. It’s very individualized. You can research all of these products online. I order from Amazon. Now off to Alabama I go. But not to watch my beloved Crimson Tide play. My oldest daughter is getting married, which is way more exciting than even Bama football!

Until next time, here’s to healthy living, and remember...

“You always have choices.” The information in this article is intended solely as a sharing of information and knowledge based on real life experience. It is not a substitute for professional care, but a complement to it. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem; always consult your healthcare provider relating to any suspected health issues you may have.

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upfront travel

The Big

APPLE

By Cassandra Wilkerson

here is something for everybody in busy New York City. I often get so caught up in planning a memorable and exciting vacation that I forget what makes a vacation memorable and exciting. Exploration, adventure and creativity called me to New York. 28 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

ART AND CULTURE I started by figuring out what inspired my trip in the first place: art and culture. The beauty of shopping in a metropolitan area is that every interest is more than catered to. I picked up my favorite novels at Kinokuniya, a three-story bookstore carrying everything from comics to stationary, and Midtown Comics, another comic and collectables store. The former is a great example of New York’s fusion of niche market and culture. They carry Japanese novels and comic strip novels both in their original Japanese format as well as translated versions. The café inside sells traditional Japanese tea and Americanized boba tea. It was amazing to see stores like this, carrying culturally diverse food and merchandise in their traditional packaging next to things I see every day. Every street held something interesting. I found myself taking walks and stopping whenever something caught my eye. I even stumbled upon the Union Square Greenmarket, where I tried apple cider donuts and fresh apple cider from one of the vendors. This was a fantastic way to live like a local, finding new coffee shops and hot spots.

OF THE TWO VISITS I’VE HAD TO NEW YORK, on the first I was lucky enough to stay in Times Square. Even surrounded by all that Times Square had to offer, I found myself traveling each day to places like Koreatown. It’s surreal to be submerged in a different culture so quickly; it almost feels like you’ve traveled to a different country entirely.

IN BETWEEN SHOPPING AND EATING, I visited art museums. I saw work by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock at the Museum of Modern Art, and visited legendary photographer Eric Johnson’s New York space. My personal favorite was the New Museum, which highlights lesserknown artists, but covers their work and histories well, leaving me feeling connected to the artists. New York City is great in that it has something for everyone. Whatever hobbies, interests, or curiosities you might have, N.Y.C. has museums, stores and restaurants just for you. ◆

octo b e r 2018 : 29

upfront

memories, meals & moscato

All Things Pumpkin By Rebecca Meyer

he day arrived and the weather was perfect at the park. After all, it was October, which meant rolling in the leaves, pumpkin picking time and of course, time to make favorite desserts with both pumpkin and chocolate. Nestled high on top of the mountain was our favorite park, which was the best place to see all of the spectacular colors of fall in Tennessee. The surrounding valley and river below seemed to twist and turn around every corner that could be seen. With a clear blue sky, we could see for miles on that perfect weekend day. Suddenly, Grandpa whistled and

30 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

announced that Grandma was ready to roll in the leaves and anyone who wanted to play with Grandma had to give a shout out. Of course, there was shouting, hooting and hollering and everyone ran to Grandma, who was standing at the top of the hill ready for fun. After all, she was an expert at rolling in the pile of fall leaves and had been doing it for at least 10 years. She taught the grandkids how to do it when they were little and had to always do it herself. One by one, each of the kids rolled down the hill with their hands folded on their chest as they landed in the pile of leaves. At last, it was Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn and the family cheered her on with whistling, clapping and shouting for her to go. She made it look so

easy as she slowly rolled down the hill covering herself in the colorful leaves. As she stood up, she brushed herself off and always managed to have some leaves stuck in her hair. As soon as everyone was finished, she opened up containers of pumpkin muffins, cookies and drinks and said it was time for a treat. It was a fun and memorable time and we enjoyed each October in the park with the family. The most popular treat seemed to be the chocolate chip pumpkin muffins covered with cream cheese icing. They were the first treats to be snatched up and of course disappeared quickly. This fall, give your family a treat and be sure to try out these delicious muffins. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

22ND ANNUAL

November 17 & 18 • 10 am - 5 pm

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs ¾ cup canned pumpkin ¾ cup white sugar 1/4 cup water 11/2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease the muffin pan or use paper liners. Mix oil, eggs, pumpkin, sugar and water. Use a large bowl and mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in wet mixture and add chocolate chips. Fill muffin pan 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Highland Avenue in the Eau Gallie Arts District Melbourne, FL 32935 Artists Working “En Plein Air” Hands-on art activities for kids of all ages. A juried fine arts festival for art lovers, casual festival-goers, and families. Presented by ArtWorks of Eau Gallie, Inc., and the Foosaner Art Museum, Florida Institute of Technology

www.artworksofeaugallie.org • artworksfestival@gmail.com

LEAVE IT TO

Fall

FASHION SHOW OCT. 25TH, 4-7PM One of Brevard County's most anticipated events of the year is hitting the runway. Local boutiques will be paired with Women's Council of Realtor Members and Partners to create a one of a kind ensemble in an exciting runway show. A portion of all proceeds to benefit BCSO, the Sheriff's Pet Posse.

Tickets: Member $35 | Non-Member $45 Enjoy a plated dinner served at your table, networking, and the WCR Fall Fashion Show!

Additional tickets for Raffles, Silent Auction & 50:50 are available for purchase. SPECIAL GUEST: SHERIFF WAYNE IVEY

MUSIC BY: “I DO” Entertainment, LLC

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

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octo b e r 2018 : 31

upfront inspiration

Surviving the Inevitable By Mallorie Ann Ingram

32 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

hether you’re going through a medical trial, work challenges, or even moving from one home to another, it’s safe to say that life sometimes throws us a curve ball of stress. We’ve talked a lot about survivors in this month’s issue, but let’s take a moment to define this state of survival mode. It’s running on empty, taking one step at a time, rolling with the punches — you catch the drift.

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octo b e r 2 018 : 33

upfront survivor

Up Close

with Kechi

of "America's Got Talent" By Mallorie Ann Ingram

ife can change in an instant. One day a person is here and the next, they’re gone. The old saying goes, “live life to its fullest”— but how? When in the midst of trials, that’s easier said than done. Sometimes all that’s needed is an inspirational voice of encouragement and a sobering realization; one comes from Kechi of “America’s Got Talent.” In 2005, Kechi and her fellow friends and classmates were headed home to Nigeria for the Christmas holiday. This was nothing out of the ordinary, as the group often traveled together, taking the same plane at the end of each semester. “The plane that we were on malfunctioned mid-air during the descent into the airport when the pilot makes that announcement, 15 minutes until the end of the flight,” Kechi says.

THE PLANE CRASHED AND TOOK WITH IT EVERYONE’S LIVES EXCEPT FOR TWO— KECHI AND ANOTHER WOMAN SHE DIDN’T KNOW PRIOR TO THE CRASH. “All of the kids from my school were gone,” Kechi says. “It was such a huge, national tragedy since so many children died at once.” Kechi underwent extensive medical treatment with third degree burns over 65 percent of her body. When being hospitalized in South Africa, a life-changing event happened, nothing short of a miracle. 34 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

“I was starting to feel better, and then one of my favorite songs came on the CD player my mom brought me from home,” Kechi says.

“I REMEMBER OPENING MY MOUTH TO SING ALONG AND THE SOUND CAME OUT TOTALLY DIFFERENT. MY MOM AND I LOOKED AT EACH OTHER IN SHOCK AND SHE ASKED ME ‘THAT’S HOW YOU SOUND?’” Kechi expressed how unexpected this was, but how it was such an enormous blessing. She went on singing all the time and was filled with happiness as this was her escape and distraction from the pain she was suffering. “It gave me a lot of joy and became a part of my treatment, my healing, especially when I came here to America,” Kechi says. “My doctors even made it part of my therapy.” As time went by, others began encouraging Kechi to sing and to consider trying out for “America’s Got Talent.”

“HONESTLY, I PROBABLY NEVER WOULD HAVE GONE IF ONE OF MY FRIENDS HADN’T PUSHED ME,” KECHI LAUGHS. “SHE LITERALLY SIGNED ME UP WITHOUT TELLING ME AND I RECEIVED A CALL IN 2016 SAYING MY APPLICATION WAS SELECTED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS.” As Kechi began this exciting stage in life, she explains that it acted as a reminder of constant encouragement and inspiration to get through the day.

“YOU DESERVED YOUR PLACE HERE TONIGHT, NOT JUST BASED ON YOUR STORY, BUT ACTUALLY ON YOUR TALENT. THAT'S THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH.” – Simon Cowell

“I'm a Christian, and I strongly believe that God had a much bigger purpose than I could see at the time, especially with what happened to my friends that died. He wanted something to come out of that, for people to know, people to hear, and he wanted me to be a kind of vessel for that message. I feel that’s simply letting people know that they shouldn't be afraid to be themselves, however they look, whatever they are, whatever they're going through,” Kechi says.

Kechi thanks God every day for the opportunity to have a second chance at life, to use her voice to encourage others going through difficult times, and not just overcome trials, but thrive in life. “I, quite literally, am trying every day to overcome things that happened to me, and I pray each time before I speak to a crowd,” Kechi says. “It doesn't always have to be the whole crowd. It can just be one person in that crowd who needed to hear one sentence of encouragement, and that’s enough for me.” ◆

Don’t miss Kechi perform live at the Space Coast Inspiration Awards on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Cocoa Civic Center, from 7-9 pm. Proceeds will help preserve St. Mark's Episcopal Community, which has been inspiring community leadership since 1878. For more information or to purchase tickets go to stmarkscan.org or 321.639.5773.

octo b e r 2 018 : 35

upfront community

The

Gourdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Work

How the Church at Viera Pumpkin Patch Helps Students Grow in Faith By Carrie Stevenson

ach year at the Church at Viera (CAV) pumpkin patch, there is more than the wind of a changing season in the air. Excitement is palpable and optimism abounds, and it’s generated by the teenagers and families who work days and nights at the patch to raise funds for the student ministry department, which supports two objectives: earning enough money to offset the cost of a trip for CAV’s student ministry’s service mission to an area in need (the 2017 trip went to Costa Rica, while in 2016 the mission served in Peru), or making money to put toward the cost of the popular summer camps that take place each summer. The fall festivities and children’s activities surrounding the pumpkin patch – which has been a fixture of the autumn season here for 19 years – support CAV’s vision for wholesome, welcoming, familyfriendly community engagement, and the proceeds enable CAV to support students’ growth in their faith through service to others. For CAV Pumpkin Patch Coordinator Emily Boudreaux, seeing children and families enjoying the pumpkin patch is very rewarding. “The mornings at the pumpkin patch are often dedicated to preschool groups coming for a special field trip, and we love watching the children choose their pumpkins at the end,” she explains.

“OFTEN IN THE AFTERNOONS WE HAVE FAMILIES COMING TOGETHER, JUST ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS. And as we get closer to the end of the month, we host our annual movie night in the patch, where people can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and pizza, grab some free popcorn and soda, and enjoy a double-feature: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and just set the mood for fall.” Boudreaux hints that there might be some Saturday pop up events in the patch throughout the month of October, including a story time in the afternoon, a corn hole toss, or a carving contest.

THE PATCH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM OCTOBER 8 THROUGH OCTOBER 31. Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm, Friday from 1 to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm. Details can be found at churchatviera.com/pumpkinpatch. ◆ octo b e r 2 018 : 37

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Natasha Duran “The greatest mark of a survivor is how they transform despair into hope.” “Your. Child. Is. Sick.” Four crushing words that no parent should ever have to hear. “Their condition — well, it’s life threatening.” A reality no parent should ever have to accept. “The thought of their childhood being stripped away ate away at my heart; a reality I was no longer able to tolerate,” Duran says. “So, with very little planning but a whole lot of prayer, I stepped out of my safe and promising corporate career and stepped into their world of pain.” Duran left Harris Corporation to join Candlelighters , an organization that assists children battling cancer and their families by offering emotional support and financial aid. “Just the very thought of comforting and saving one life was enough for me,” Duran says.

“Little did I know that these youthful souls would be the ones to save my life in return.” After three months on the job, Duran was asked by the board to be Candlelighters’ new executive director. “What could I possibly know about the anguished needs of

the families being served?” Duran says. “And then life stepped in, as it so poetically does, and answered.” Weeks after accepting the job, Duran was diagnosed with systemic lupus, a life threatening disease that attacks its owner’s immune system, major organs and joints. “I find myself struggling each morning to simply get out of bed, shower and do tasks that I took for granted just years before,” Duran says. “My organs and spine ache with an intensity and jarring persistence that leaves me completely breathless and drenched in my own tears.” Duran found herself enduring the same unimaginable pain these children were facing. “I cannot begin to compare my health struggles to that of my little fighters, but it is in standing in the pain, crying those same tears, and asking frustrated questions that I got it,” Duran says. “I had been chosen by God, not only to serve our courageous survivors, but also to become a survivor myself.” Over the past decade, Duran’s illness has only worsened. But her soul has never been stronger.

She has learned from a terminally ill child how to humbly ask for prayers when the pain becomes too overwhelming. From a teenager that planned her own funeral, Duran learned about unbreakable faith and peace. “It is them — my fierce little warriors — that I think of while I sit tied to my IV for immunotherapy at the cancer infusion center. If they can fight with so much joy, faith and love as children – who am I not to as an adult?” Duran says. “The greatest mark of a survivor is how they transform despair into hope, darkness into light, sadness into joy and doubt into faith,” Duran says. “Only through the mercy, grace and love from God can I stand here today holding a beam of light for the children of Candlelighters. But let it be known that these courageous angels are really the ones holding up their torch of light for me and for all of us in need of inspiration to stand as survivors.” ◆ octo b e r 2 018 : 41

Karen Caruso “I’m a wife, a mom, a sister, a grandmother and a friend.“ The old saying goes that life can change on a dime, and for Karen Caruso, it did just that. One week in July 2017, she was living life, enjoying family and friends, pursuing her passions with work and for ultra-running, and volunteering for BCSO at the county animal shelter. The following week, she received news that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, commonly known as metastatic breast cancer. After a brief period of shock, surgery and completing radiation, something amazing happened. She realized that she was still living that same charmed life with wonderful people, had a great job, and still carried the passions for animals and running.

For several years now, Caruso has participated in various ultramarathon events, but after the diagnosis, she had to switch things up a bit. “This year I opted for the 50K (31 miles), which took a lot of persuading to be cleared to participate by my radiology oncologist,” Caruso says. “We finally agreed that a gentle run/ walk sequence would be best. On May 19 of this year my daughter, Kimmie, and I completed The Keys100 50K from Big Pine Key to Key West and I’m proud to say we weren’t the last to finish.”

For those with stage 4 breast cancer, treatment doesn’t end, but instead continues until treatments no longer work or the side effects become intolerable.

“When you have MBC, it’s not like the Tim McGraw song ‘Live like you were dying,’ not at all,” Caruso says. “I have no desire to go skydiving or rocky mountain climbing. My weeks are filled with going to work, going to church, planning for holidays and birthdays, along with doing laundry and dishes.”

“Even with a very serious diagnosis, there is plenty of life to be lived,” Caruso says. “I don’t want to miss out on life now fixated on what the future may bring.”

Throughout Caruso’s 36-year career working at Health First as an RN CCM utilization review case manager, she diligently saved for retirement. When she was told the odds were not in her favor to make it to retirement, her financial planner made some suggestions.

“I was asked if there was some exotic trip I wanted to take or a sports car I wanted to buy, but my answer was no,” Caruso says. “I love spending time with family and friends. I’m a wife, a mom, a sister, a grandmother and a friend." Caruso belongs to an MBC group through “Driven by Heart” Breast Cancer Resource Center in Melbourne. The interaction with the ladies is not only helpful, but encouraging. “This is a great bunch of ladies,” Caruso says. “We are very upbeat considering our circumstances. A meeting doesn’t go by that we don’t laugh.” Caruso prefers the term thriver rather than survivor. For those with MBC, survivor just sounds like plodding through each day trying to stay alive.

“I like the term warrior because these women are courageous and relentless,” Caruso says. “At the end of the day, I am thankful that my faith in God is bigger than my fears,” Caruso says. “I am grateful to be living a life of passion, purpose and hope, despite the uncertainties.” ◆ octo b e r 2 018 : 43

Royce Shingleton “The doctor did go tell my wife that they lost me on the table...“ People often ask the question, why does one person survive such a traumatic experience while someone else may not? What makes one situation and fate different from another? Last year, Royce Shingleton found himself asking these very questions. “I thought everything was fine in life,” Shingleton says. “I was working and enjoying life. My son was in town and we were at the gym and planning to go to the beach that afternoon and cook out. Next thing you know, I’m in the hospital and what’s wild about it, is that I was in the hospital less than 24 hours.”

Shingleton knew something was wrong when he was leaving the gym. He had a knot in his chest, he couldn’t breathe and was sweating profusely. Even in the moment, Shingleton didn’t realize the severity of the situation. All he could think of was that he was healthy and physically strong. This shouldn’t be happening. When he got to the hospital, he noticed people

lined up in the hall, smiling but not saying anything.

go. He remembers everything going dark but then opening his eyes.

“That’s never a good sign to see that but they were able to get me to the cath lab, put a stent in my heart, and get the blood flowing,” Shingleton says. “The doctor did go tell my wife that they lost me on the table, shocked me back to life. The doctor said today wasn’t his doing, it was God that saved me. God obviously had some plan for me, and when you hear that from somebody that has just saved your life, it's sobering to say the least.”

“When I woke up and looked over at the nurses smiling, I was told ‘congratulations, you survived the widow maker,’” Shingleton says.

“I don't know if I'll ever find the reason I made it,” Shingleton says. “It’s not like God hands you a manual with instructions on how to live the rest of your life -- 'this is why you survived and you’re still here.' It sure would be easier that way, but I guess I won't find out until I'm not here.” It’s important not to take things for granted, to stress and worry less, and simply enjoy life. In the blink of an eye -- literally, a blink -everything can disappear. Shingleton says it’s a sobering reality to be here one moment and gone the next. It just wasn’t his time to

“You know a lot of sad things probably have happened in that room and you could feel the joy they had at that very moment.” Quality of life is everything and not just the physical aspect, but the emotional as well. Sometimes Shingleton finds himself taking life for granted, but now he’s much more cognizant of slowing down and being thankful. “My relationship with my wife and my children is ten times better than it was before,” Shingleton says. “I realize things now, like maybe I need to go hug my wife instead of making five more phone calls, things like that. All I know is that my day started normal, my day ended normal, if you will, but what happened in between was life changing.” ◆ octo b e r 2 018 : 45

Cheri Lavalle This was her dream home and she couldn’t be happier where things were at this stage of her life. In April 2014, Cheri Lavalle was living her life, and had recently moved into her grandfather’s house with her husband. This was her dream home and she couldn’t be happier where things were at this stage of her life. That month, she had a surreal dream. In it, she was receiving chemotherapy at Space Coast Cancer Center. Lavalle wasn’t one to do monthly self-examinations, but the dream prompted a visit to her doctor, especially after her finding a lump herself. Several tests and procedures later and, there she was, sitting in the Space Coast Cancer Center receiving chemotherapy, her devoted husband by her side. “Being a Type-A personality and a registered nurse, I found great difficulty not feeling in control of this situation,” Lavalle says. “The diagnosis was stage 3A breast cancer and I knew having cancer in the lymph nodes was not good.” She started to read self-help books, prayed, and shed multiple tears, but then took a step back and realized something that would change her life forever. “I do have control over how I deal with this situation, my nutrition,

lifestyle, emotions and my future,” Lavalle shared. “I realized at that moment that cancer wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.” After 16 weeks of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments, she was exhausted, but it was over. “I had a wave of enormous fear come over me of not being in treatment,” Lavalle says.

“What do I do now? I am supposed to be happy it is over; yes I was, but I was released to go on with my life as normal and had just gone through war.” She joined a support group called "Here for the Girls" and found a sisterhood of support that understood her feelings. She found herself living life again and landed her dream job. Things took a turn for the worse, though, later that summer when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). “We are in treatment forever because there is no cure,” Lavalle says. “We are the ones that breast cancer kills.”

Through all of this Lavalle’s attitude stayed strong. In fact, she even admitted that life isn’t that bad. “I find that cancer has given me more than it has taken away,” Lavalle says. “It has given me an outlook on life that, otherwise, I never would have experienced. I have learned how to forgive others and myself, how to love myself and put myself first.” Lavalle recognizes the importance of prioritizing family and fun, stepping out of her comfort zone, not caring what others think, and choosing not to worry about things she has no control over. “Let it go and live life,” Lavalle says. “I have learned how to be truly happy. I might not live to be 98 like my grandfather, but I have learned the meaning of life and happiness.

It is not always about quantity, but quality. Happiness is a choice you make within yourself. God is the only one that is truly in control anyway, and God is the one that sent me the dream, so he must not be ready for me yet!” ◆ octo b e r 2 018 : 47

Shamika Chamberlin “There’s a hole left in your soul, your heart shatters and your body goes numb.” Kira Dunnah-Chamberlin was the most vivacious 11-year-old one could imagine. She was always active: playing soccer, basketball, and a member of the swim team. She loved crafting and DIY kits. Born the second of four children but the eldest girl, Kira was lovingly referred to as the “little mother” of her siblings. Her love for them was nothing short of her mother’s love for her own children. “When I lost my daughter, my world became dark,” says Kira’s mother, Shamika Chamberlin. “Everything that I’ve known was now a question mark. My world was crumbling.

As a mom, you never think of losing a child. Instead, you spend part of your parenting, preparing your child to lose you. There’s a dark place that you go to when this happens.” Kira was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic Ewing sarcoma in

December 2016. She faced her diagnosis like a champ, enduring biopsies, a port implant, a prosthetic limb implant, blood transfusions and countless rounds of chemotherapy. Kira persevered through 11 months of treatment with grace and a bit of humor. She always enjoyed a hearty laugh. In November 2017, only ten days after Kira’s last round of chemotherapy, she and her family learned that her cancer had returned. In true warrior spirit, Kira prepared herself for another fight. But this time, things were a bit different as her doctors couldn’t quite identify her type of cancer. They worked feverishly to decide on the best treatment plan, and when the decision was made, Kira readied herself. “When that treatment stopped working, she surrendered to the thought of not surviving,” Chamberlin says. “And at that moment, she became a parent; preparing me and our family for her departure.”

Kira endured two additional rounds of treatment before gaining her angel wings on January 31, 2018. Although many may not find Kira’s battle victorious, her family finds victory in knowing that Kira is no longer suffering. And it is that thought alone that brings them peace. Kira loved good food and music and would often post dance videos on her Instagram and musical social media sites. Her family would like her to be remembered as their dancing angel. “There’s a hole left in your soul, your heart shatters and your body goes numb,” Chamberlin says. “But there is also a time where light creeps in. A time when you cope; when you deal; and when you grieve.

There comes a time where healing begins and you no longer surrender to the pain but you embrace it as a part of the healing process.” ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 49

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13th Annual Luncheon

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. SERENE HARBOR, INC.’S REGISTRATION NUMBER IS CH3352

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52 : spac ec oa st L IV I N G

Save The Date

Presented By

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Saturday, Oct. 13 â&#x20AC;˘ 5pm to 10pm Cruise Terminal 1, Port Canaveral

Join us for an uplifting event Let the sounds of the big band and the wonder of twinkling lights take you back in time to the golden era of space. Proceeds benefit mental and behavioral health to create a better future for our community.

Benefit Benefit Gala Gala Gala chairs: Judy Allender & Holly Carver

Individual tickets $125. Sponsorships start at $500. Visit ParrishMedFoundation.com/gala or call 321-269-4066

Good Bones

54 : spac ec oa st LI V IN G

How Woof Gang Bakery is Reimagining Pet Nutrition and Care

or Woof Gang Bakery franchise owner Ryan Wesner, pet care is personal. Six years ago, Wesner decided to open his Lake Nona location because he was tired of driving out of town for higher quality pet care products when his dogs were facing health issues and allergies. When one dog was hurt during an appointment at a grooming facility, Wesner decided that opening a Woof Gang Bakery location was a good fit for him as a business owner and a dog lover. And six years later, after opening his second location in Suntree in August, the personal approach has paid off. “We offer the best products at a reasonable price to keep your dog happy and healthy,” he explains. “We’re a smaller, more independent-style store. We carry several different product lines, and everything we offer is high quality.

We want to be the neighborhood pet store, where we’re always on a first-name basis with the dogs, and sometimes even with the people.” Drawn by Woof Gang Bakery’s simpler approach to nutrition and grooming, Mr. Wesner tried a raw diet regimen aimed at addressing one dog’s allergies and watched the symptoms disappear. He also appreciated that Woof Gang Bakery offered a more hands-on approach

to grooming with less automated processes than many facilities. And he believed in the franchise because they offer higher quality nutrition options and services at prices comparable to other national pet specialty retailers.

“We really aim to get away from the more processed stuff and get to more ingredient-style foods,” Wesner explains. “Initially, higher quality dog food is more expensive than a basic kind of kibble. But if you have a healthy dog, your expenditures annually will be less – their weight is better and they can avoid allergy issues that you need to treat with more frequent vet visits and medications. If you ate McDonald’s every day, you would have health problems too. Good food for dogs will lead to better health. And the reverse is true as well; if there’s a problem, we want to try to treat it with the diet.” Woof Gang Bakery offers several raw diet options, as well as super premium kibble and highquality wet/dry food options.

The grooming options at Woof Gang Bakery are perfect for keeping pets in the Florida heat healthier and more comfortable as well. The deshedding process is a popular choice involving

By Carrie Stevenson

high-speed blow dryers, proteinenhanced shampoo, and a brushing that pulls so much dead hair from the coat “it ends up looking like snow in the back room,” laughs Wesner. Keeping up with a grooming schedule leaves the coat – and the dog – happier and healthier. “Once we get customers, we have a very high return rate,” Wesner says. “I think that’s because we’re trying to bring that more intimate, small shop feel to the experience and really build a family environment. We want people to come into the shop, feel comfortable talking with us about the products and trying to figure out what will work best for them.” ◆

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POLISH POTTERY

3185 New York Avenue #13, Melbourne - (321) 253-5195

Polish Pottery is handmade in Poland by artists, using brush and stamps to create a collection of collectible, functional art. These designs are typically cobalt blue with accents of greens and reds. We offer a large selection of bowls, bakers, plates, mugs, teapots, salt & pepper sets, butter dishes, gravy boats, candle holders and other home dĂŠcor items. Oven, microwave and dishwasher safe Polish Pottery.

PHYSICIANS BODY SCULPTING

315 East Strawbridge Avenue , Melbourne - (321) 914-4925

At Physicians Body Sculpting Wellness and Beauty Center, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re committed to helping you reach ultimate health and beauty satisfaction, from the outside in. Procedures and treatments to rejuvenate the skin include: Botox/Dysport, Fillers, Skin Care product lines, Perfect Derma Peel, Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion, Dermaceutic Cosmo Peel, Coolsculpting and Diamond VIP Facial.

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"Not recommended for women who wish to go unnoticed"

DOWNTOWN DIVAS

847 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne - (321) 733-0898

Downtown Divas takes great care to provide our clients with a selection of the latest fashions and trends. Style is individual. You can be sure that what you find in our shop is as unique and individual as you are. Our inventory is constantly changing. We only bring home a limited number of each item in each size. In this way, we keep our store fresh with new items and fantastic new trends.

GOLF 1, INC

162 Island View Drive, Indian Harbour Beach - (321) 536-7766

Golf 1 Inc. owner, Realtor Claudine Brandon brings a variety of skill sets to her clients with a unique style. Specializing in beach and golf properties, her expert skills make each client’s house hunting experience a successful one. Along with over 20 years of real estate knowledge and ability to speak French and German, Claudine is part of the Women Council of Realtors, as well as a Certified International Property Specialist.

WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING 7777 N Wickham Road, Melbourne - (321) 428-5565

The industry leader in pet supplies and grooming services for dogs and cats. Providing only the best premium and super premium pet foods including Raw, Freeze Dried, Kibble and Canned options as well as leashes, collars and delicious treats. It is our goal to assist in every way possible to keep your pet happy, healthy and looking their best! Come in and see us to discuss the needs and wants of your special furry friend!

SCOUT & MOLLY'S BOUTIQUE

2261 Town Center Avenue #109, Melbourne - (321) 433-0022

Scout & Molly’s gives women distinctive ways of expressing their style. A contemporary boutique, our fashion destinations are stocked full of the brands you love. We offer a unique experience, like the fun of browsing in your best friend’s closet! Ours is the place where you can find everything to wear from work to cocktails and every memorable moment in between, courtesy of your own personal stylist.

LUXE LASER LIPO at Sorelli Hair Studio & Spa 400 St. Andrews Boulevard, Melbourne - (321) 430-7733

Independently-owned, Luxe Laser Lipo offers the #1, FDA-approved, inch-loss device on the market in over 32 countries; clinically-proven to reduce the waistline by 3.7”‚ or 2 sizes overall in just 8, 20-minute, painfree treatments. The Strawberry Laser. No needles, no bruising and no downtime. Lose inches from the waist, back, arms, butt, thighs or chest (on men). GRAND OPENING: Call for Specials. LuxeLaserLipo.com

VITALIFTS, LLC

4865 N. Wickham Road, Suite 109, Melbourne - (321) 425-2111

When diet and lifestyle demands shortchange the body’s needs for essential vitamins and nutrients, overall health suffers. IV vitamin drips and boosters to enhance and optimize your nutrition, hydration and health. Supervised by Board Certified Physicians. Administered by Florida licensed Registered Nurses.

octo b e r 2018 : 57

RETAIL

EXECUTIVE CIGAR SHOP AND LOUNGE 837 E. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne - (321) 733-4554

You deserve the best... four words that describe Executive Cigar Shop and Lounge located in historic downtown Melbourne. For the last 15 years we have provided the best selection, staff, and atmosphere to enjoy a premium cigar. From individual and full boxes to accessories, humidors, pipes and pipe tobacco, lighters, ashtrays and thousands of gift options, we have everything for all of your smoking needs!

CANAVERAL CRUISES 1

620 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral - (321) 783-4100

Come visit Cocoa Beach's latest attraction located in Port Canaveral next to Fishlips. CC1 is a 90ft, 150 passenger vessel. We feature weekend 2-hour harbor cruises. In addition we offer private charters custom designed for your party or event. CC1 features a 2500 sq ft event room with panoramic views of the harbor as well as a large cash bar and lounge area. Get outside on our large walk around deck areas and sundeck.

BREITWERKS

2735 Center Place #7, Melbourne - (321) 806-8664

At BreitWerks, you can rest assured that your Porsche is in the best hands possible! Using state of the art tools every part will be cleaned and assessed for condition. We ensure that the only parts going into your project are as good as, or better than, the original equipment! We offer full engine rebuilds as well as maintenance, repair and performance enhancements. Let us take care of your Porsche the way it should be!

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Are You In Control of Your Technology?

Or Does It Control You? Managing todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IT requires many skillsets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; networking, security, compliance, cloud, email, mobile and on and on. Staffing an IT department with all these skills is expensive. Trying to manage it yourself takes you away from your business. Is there a better way? Yes! Managed Services from Artemis. We deliver a complete IT department with a CIO, Service Desk, onsite support, 24/7 monitoring and much more for an affordable monthly payment. Call today for a free consultation!

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Brevardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unique Eats by Steven Hicks

octo b e r 2018 : 61

‘Tis the Season… to PLAN!

ACCORDING TO TERRENCE CROVO OF RIVER ROCKS, PEOPLE START BOOKING THEIR CORPORATE EVENTS AND PARTIES AT ABOUT THE TIME YOU READ THIS, MAYBE EVEN A BIT EARLIER.

Crovo says, “We're also doing a lot of events with pharmaceutical companies here and that is something we plan to continue to work with -- to expand with other corporate events. We’ve hosted Edward Jones in our back banquet area. We’ve also had mortgage companies, title companies, and Realtors hold their holiday parties here.” River Rocks prides itself on those events and putting on a good presentation for those clients. “Obviously, we have a very unique space, being on the water, and we typically accommodate about 75 people comfortably in the back banquet room, but we've got so many different spots throughout the property that you can do different-sized events.” River Rocks also has the technology on-site for basic presentations. Companies can reserve the entire interior or exterior restaurant or both. “We can accommodate just about anything with a little planning,” Crovo added. He recalls an event held by Prestige Title a few years ago. “I want to say they probably had a good 150 people outside. They took the whole outside bar area and then the upper deck area as well. We just cleared all the tables and set up like an appetizer buffet around the railing.” To remain useable in any weather, River Rocks just installed new motorized closures around the entire deck area. “Even if it gets a little cooler, that area becomes sort of an indoor-outdoor space that can accommodate events even during bad weather. Still the same view.” 62 : spac ec oa st L IV I N G

But along with the parties and that iconic view, we go to River Rocks for the food. So, what’s new? Crovo says, “We really pushed hard on specials and raising the bar a bit. We’re adding new, creative cuisine. River Rocks has always been ahead of the curve … something that's been an emphasis as well.” Look for new flavors and flare to the same beautiful riverside restaurant. They’ve also completely revised their wine selection. “When Mike Brennan came on, he really improved our wine list, and our drink specials as well. There have been changes to the inside menu along with the wine list, and that is starting to trickle out to the dock menu as well,” says Crovo.

“ALSO, WATCH FOR OUR DINNER EVENTS. WE LOVED OUR COLLABORATION WITH INTRACOASTAL BREWERY RECENTLY. IT WENT VERY WELL AND I THINK … THAT WILL BE SOMETHING THAT WE WILL LOOK TO DO AGAIN. WE’RE ALSO WORKING ON HOLDING A COUPLE OF WINE DINNERS AND SPECIALTY EVENTS WITH LIMITED SPACE. THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IS DEFINITELY IN THE FUTURE.” ◆

octo b e r 2018 : 63

New Roof and Repairs Residential and Commercial

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committed to providing you with excellent customer service, the best roof installation, and professional workmanship. Our knowledge about installing the latest roofing system and roofing accessories provides us with the most effective solutions for all of your roofing and repair needs. The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior in maintaining the value of your largest investment and well being of your family. Many times, we do not give the exterior the priority we give the interior. However, sun, rain, leaves, debris and mold can reduce the life of your roof and gutters. Call today to schedule a â&#x20AC;&#x153;No-Obligation Roofing Inspectionâ&#x20AC;? with one of our certified roof inspection professionals.

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FLAVORS your community magazine

FALL 2018

Who’s

Hungry? Photo provided by Pizza Gallery and Grill

Signature margarita: Tequila Aviรณn, fresh squeezed lime juice and orange liqueur

The Name Says Everything

6630 Colonnade Ave, Melbourne, FL 32940

www.tequilaazulviera.com

r r e v i w w. r

Daily

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Happ

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y Ho ur 11 -6

Pr i v

ate

Eve

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0 0 2 7 7 321-75

GRILLS SEAFOOD has two waterside locations to choose from in Brevard County, providing two great options for casual waterside dining. The restaurants serve the finest seafood possible at a fair price, and also serve up the finest steak, chicken and ribs. Grills Seafood is kid-friendly and offers a great menu for children, as well. Live entertainment also is provided on the deck of both locations Wednesday through Sunday.

ON THE MENU THE RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST Shotgun Start

Two eggs, two buttermilk pancakes, two pieces of bacon, sausage or ham steak - your choice of grits, hash browns or home fries & choice of toast, english muffin or biscuit

Bluewater Breakfast Burrito

Delmonico

12-ounces of the finest cut for the grill. A flavor bonanza!

Grills Sirloin Special

10-ounces of a sirloin lover’s perfection!

Flour tortilla stuffed with bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese and sour cream covered in Picante sauce and cheese

Grilled Ribs

Crabby Frank’s Benedict

Teriyaki-marinated grilled chicken breast

Traditional Benedict with a seafood twist. Succulent snow crab meat in place of Canadian Bacon.

Daniel’s Seafood Omelet

Our signature omelet packed with crab, shrimp, cheese, chives and mushrooms then topped with our Caribbean Hollandaise sauce.

SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES Grilled Fish of the Day

The finest quality local fish available, handled with care, lightly marinated, then grilled to perfection

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Succulent, deep-water scallops seasoned with lemon pepper, wrapped with bacon, skewered and grilled to perfection

Coconut Shrimp Dinner

Mouth-watering coconut-encrusted shrimp with two incredible dipping sauces

Surf & Turf

Tender 6-ounce Florida lobster tail and a 12-ounce Delmonico steak

Florida Lobster Dinner

A tender 6-ounce lobster tail grilled to perfection

Snow Crab Clusters

One full pound of steamed deep-water crab legs

Grills Seafood Alfredo

Shrimp, fish and scallops in an alfredo sauce served on a bed of linguine with veggies

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp marinated & grilled to perfection and served atop a heaping portion of linguine covered with scampi sauce. Served with steamed island veggies and cheese bread

“Fall-off-the-bone” tender

Grilled Chix Dinner

Smothered Island Yard Bird

Incredibly tender chicken breast grilled to perfection and smothered with mushrooms, bacon, grilled onions, Swiss cheese and honey mustard

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Incredible flavors merge in this island favorite. Served with veggies and cheese bread

SANDWICHES

(All sandwiches served with chips and pickle.)

Grilled Fish Sandwich

Incredible grilled fish served on a fresh toasted roll with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and mayo.

Grilled Fish & Cheese

Incredible grilled fish served with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and smothered with cheese. Served on a fresh toasted roll

Chicken and Cheese

Tender grilled chicken breast with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and smothered with cheese

Grilled Reuben

Melt in your mouth corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese served on toasted rye. Of course, it comes with Thousand Island dressing

Melbourne Location

Sunday -Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cape Canaveral Location

Sunday -Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. + Meals Served Breakfast Lunch Dinner + Average Price per Entrée $12 + Specialty Seafood + Atmosphere Casual Family Friendly + Alcohol Full-Liquor

+ Features Waterfront Reservations Accepted Entertainment Outdoor Seating

Classic Reuben with the Fish of the Day

Grills Deluxe Cheeseburger in Paradise

Harness yourself in for this whale of a burger. Comes standard with bacon, grilled onions, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickle. Choice of cheddar, American or Swiss cheese

Hurricane Burger with Cheese

A grilled hamburger, dripping with melted cheese

(The following items are served with choice of Tahiti taters, Caribbean wild rice or pasta, steamed island veggies and cheese bread.)

7-ounce filet, seasoned and lightly basted with garlic butter. Melt in your mouth tender!

+ Hours

Fish Reuben

“WITHOUT FINS” The Filet

+ General Manager Chris Herrnkind

*This is a sample of Grills Seafood’s menu. The restaurant also serves a selection of appetizers, kabobs, sushi, chowders, salads, desserts, tacos and wraps.

505 Glen Cheek Drive Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 (321) 868-2226 6075 N. U.S. Highway 1 Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 242-8999 4301 North Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 291-8881 GrillsSeafood.com

Chefs‘ Table The

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

Brevard’s Best Open-Kitchen Steak House RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED 7720 N Wickham Rd #120, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 255-5377 www.amicis-suntree.com

Whether you’re looking for modern flair or classic cuisine

Amici’s Italian Restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. A contemporary

Italian restaurant with a creative menu, Chef and Owner, David Dashi, strives to ensure a top quality product from the kitchen. Casual and classy, Amici’s serves classic cuisine with a modern flair and a wine list that offers something for every taste. 7720 N Wickham Rd. #120, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 255-5377 www.amicis-suntree.com

Come Brunch with Us!

Every Sunday from 11-2pm!

PizzaGalleryandGrill.com @pggviera #pggviera

321.633.0397

2250 Town Center Ave. Located in the Avenue Viera

Gourmet Pizza & So Much More!

Where the L o c a ls Eat & Drink

Come by Boat or Car! Three convenient locations Melbourne 321.259.3101 1477 Pineapple Ave. Melbourne, FL 32925

Cocoa Beach 321.783.1350 2200 S Orlando Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Sebastian 321.589.3828 1660 N Indian River Drive Sebastian, FL 32958

www.SquidLipsGrill.com

v SEAFOOD v STEAKS v FULL SERVICE BAR

Reservations Accepted

Just South of the Pineda Causeway on US 1 2515 Roberts Rd, Melbourne, Fl. 32940

www.PinedaCrossing.com

NFL TICKET • 18 HD 65’ TVs • $5 Pitchers Daily Happy Hour 11 - 6 and 9 - Close

Over 24 Years of Excellence

Signature dishes, clam chowder, hamburgers, wings, prime rib and much more. Check out our menu and specials @

www.cheersseafoodandgrill.com

900 North Atlantic Avenue • Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 www.GregorysOnTheBeach.com

C O N T I N E N TA L C U I S I N E

CONTINENTAL . . . F R O M S C CUISINE R AT C H . ...FROM SCRATCH.

Cuizine Restaurant and Lounge brings exotic flavors

from all and over the world to Satellite Prepared Cuizine Restaurant Lounge bringsBeach. exotic flavors fresh daily and served by some of the most learned from all over the world to Satellite Beach. Prepared staff in the county, Cuizine will soon become part of fresh daily and served by some of the most learned your weekly schedule for cocktails, music and dining staff in the county. Cuizine will soon become part of with all of your closest friends. your weekly schedule for cocktails, music and dining with all of yourCuizineRestaurant.com closest friends.| 321.779.3605 | Located at 1790 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach (Across from Sun On The Beach Restaurant)

CuizineRestaurant.com | 321.779.3605 Located at: 1790 Highway A1A, Satellite Beach (Across from Sun On The Beach Restaurant)

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5 Halftime Buffet

Wings, Sliders and Rotating Specials

Spin the Wheel with T-Bass!

Win free drinks, merch, food & prizes 812 E. New Haven Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Historic Downtown Melbourne 321.952.5510 â&#x20AC;˘ MegOMalleys.com

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Enjoy Live Music Select Nights and 2 for 1 Margarita Mondays 5360 STADIUM PARKWAY, VIERA 321.349.3494 www.elleoncito.com

Red Ginger Chinese Cuisine One of the few upscale Chinese restaurants in the area offers elegance in the dining room and on the plate, with original cuisine like Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chicken (chicken sautĂŠed with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and carrot in white wine sauce). Chef selections are top-notch too.

Suntree Location 6300 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 242-1167

Melbourne Square Mall 1700 W New Haven Ave. Melbourne, FL 32904 (321) 951-8818

RedGingerMelbourne.com

octo b e r 2018 : 77

WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE

Spectacular Waterfront Dining Seasonal Seafood ³ Prime Rib Craft Cocktails Fantastic Happy Hour Every Day • 4pm - 6pm

Early Dining Monday - Friday • 4:30pm - 6pm Saturday & Sunday • 4pm - 6pm

Sunday Brunch 11am - 4pm 2250 Front Street • 321-729-6558 • chart-house.com

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OCTOBER 2018

YOUR

HOMETOWN ATTORNEYS

Morgan & Morgan

Talent Acquisition Breaking the Business Mold

2018 Ballot

Amendment Preview

Young Professionals

Brevardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Individuals to Watch

How do you become president of a $75 million geotechnical engineering company founded by your father more than a half century ago? Did you just hang around until Dad gave you the keys? Mark Israel didn’t. He tackled every tough job at Universal Engineering Sciences, learning the business from below the ground up, just like his dad, Sy Israel. It’s why Mark and Universal’s nearly 800 employees

EARNING IT

have a “whatever it takes” reputation for hard work, integrity and customer service. They earned it. OFFICES IN ORLANDO, TAMPA, SOUTH FLORIDA, JACKSONVILLE AND 14 OTHER BRANCHES IN FLORIDA AND GEORGIA UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES IS HEADQUARTERED AT 3532 MAGGIE BOULEVARD, ORLANDO, FL, 32811 UNIVERSALENGINEERING.COM 407-423-0504

INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF QUALITY 3D PRINTING SERVICES

LARGE PART 3D PRINTING UP TO 36X24X36” 710 South Patrick Drive Satellite Beach, FL, 32937 (P) 321.536.2611 (E) info@rapidps.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We provide the individualized service and personal touch of a small firm while also having the force of an 800 pound gorilla in the room.â&#x20AC;? 84 : spac ec oa st b us in ess

YOUR

HOMETOWN ATTORNEYS With a small-town, customer-service approach and the resources of one of the most influential law firms in the country, Morgan & Morgan Melbourne is making a difference in the community.

or Derrick Connell and the four other attorneys at Morgan & Morgan Melbourne, it is about being there for people when they need them. Connell opened the office as the lone attorney in 2015 after John Morgan approached him looking for a presence on the Space Coast. The goal: cater to the residents of the community and offer one-on-one interaction with clients at a convenient location they feel comfortable walking into. “We provide the individualized service and personal touch of a small firm while also having the force of an 800 pound gorilla in the room,” said Connell, managing partner. “Most importantly, we live, work and play in the community where we’re servicing our clients, so we’re vested in helping our neighbors get the best possible service.”

By Jack Roth To d ay, t h e Morg an & Morg an Melbourne office has a wide breadth, serving Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Connell, who specializes in personal injury cases, shares litigation responsibilities with four other attorneys, who each has a different practice area. They include Edward Combs (workers’ compensation), Michael Peacock (personal injury), Robert Hoag (firstparty insurance litigation and hurricane claims), and Grant Gillenwater (premises liability). The office also has a 24-person support staff. “We pride ourselves in going to the courthouse and trying cases in all areas,” asserted Edward Combs, w ho has p ers ona l ly t r ie d nine workers’ compensation cases in 2018.

“ We d o n’ t j u s t s e t t l e cases for the last best offer. Here at Morgan & Morgan we aren’t afraid to go up against the big corporations. We fight back against bullies every day. Insurance companies know we don’t back down. We have a strong reputation for our trial skills.” states Connell, who just obtained a $1.6 million verdict along with attorney Grant Gillenwater in August.

And, he added, each of the attorneys at the Morgan & Morgan Melbourne office takes great pride in understanding every nuance of his practice area. ▶ octo b e r 2018 : 85

Workers’ Compensation

According to Morgan & Morgan Melbourne attorney Edward Combs, the most important aspect of any workers’ compensation claim is communication. “Workers’ compensation law is riddled with strict time constraints and requires documentation that must be followed in order to initiate as well as preserve a claim,” he said. “Explaining this complex system to a client can leave them feeling both overwhelmed as well as fearful. Our staff makes great efforts to ease the anxiety of our clients and let them know we stand with them every step of the way.”

Personal Injury

Michael Peacock, who specializes in personal injury law, stresses that although it sounds obvious, the most important thing clients need to do if they are injured due to negligence is contact him and their insurance company immediately. “With new laws relating to receiving Personal Injury Protection benefits, all of the nuances of getting vehicles repaired and making sure insurance companies don’t take advantage of them, if they contact me immediately, I can guide them through all of that. This ensures they get help receiving all of the benefits they’re entitled to as quickly as possible.”

Insurance Litigation and Hurricane Claims

When it comes to insurance litigation, attorney Robert Hoag states it plainly. “If you feel like you’re being treated unfairly by your insurance company, you are!” he exclaimed. “Often, I see people who try to rationalize their insurance carrier’s refusal to pay for their loss. But if you need a new roof, you need a new roof. Accepting a payment to repair a few shingles, then paying the difference between this amount and what it will cost to re-shingle your entire roof is absolutely unacceptable. Rest assured the insurance companies don’t appreciate this sacrifice. Following Hurricane Irma, many insurance companies are systematically refusing to pay for new roofs. If your insurance carrier is refusing to pay what it will cost to adequately repair your home after a hurricane or any event, then it’s time to contact an attorney.”

Premises Liability

Attorney Grant Gillenwater tells his clients not to be overwhelmed after an accident or injury. “After you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you’re going to feel a whole range of emotions, from anger to helplessness. Let us deal with the insurance company and adjusters while you focus on the most important thing … getting better. My mission, and that of the team, is to ensure you get the justice you’re entitled to. As a lawyer who dedicates his practice solely to premises liability, I have the upper hand on defense lawyers who are often spread thin and don’t have the ability to dig into cases like I do.” 86 : spac ec oa st b us in ess

A Sense of Purpose

The attorneys and staff at Morgan & Morgan Melbourne all believe strongly in what they are doing, which is keeping people safe. Connell explains it is not about playing the role of punisher, but of protector. “Every time someone is negligent, we start to change the way companies handle themselves moving forward, creating safer, healthier environments for people,” he said. “This leads to better safety regulations and guidelines, as well as better insurance coverages. Everyone wins when this happens.”

And most importantly, the community wins. Connell and his partners share a great pride for the region in which they live. On a professional level, they represent the community, but they and their families are also a part of the community. Sitting on several committees including for the March of Dimes, Little League, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts and the Brevard County Bar Association, as well as being active in various local charities and fundraising events, they are committed to community.

“At the end of the day, we are here for people when they get injured and suffer harm due to the negligence of others,” said Connell. “We want people to understand we’re their local law firm with feet on the ground and a stake in this community, and we also have a huge firm standing firmly behind us,” says Robert Hoag, who grew up in Brevard County and returned to practice here after lawschool. ◆

30 Years For the People Morgan & Morgan is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. John Morgan founded the company in 1988, and the firm’s first office was made up of three attorneys, two paralegals and a receptionist. By 1992, the firm expanded to include eight lawyers, 10 paralegals and a sizeable support staff as it began to focus its practice on medical malpractice. In 1995, the firm grew to include 25 lawyers and

opened a second office in Tampa. By 1999, more than 40 attorneys and 40 paralegals were employed by the firm, which began to specialize in nationwide mass tort litigation. Since then, the firm has grown to include nearly 420 attorneys, 305 paralegals and a support staff of approximately 2,000 people in offices around the country. The firm recovers close to $1 billion a year for its clients.

octo b e r 2018 : 87

The SpaceCoast Business 2018 Business Leaders of the Year is a rare opportunity to meet and hear from six leaders in space, transportation, technology, civic development, entrepreneurialism and more, who are having an impact not only in their business sector, but on the larger business and cultural ecosystem.

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the Storm:

How SD Data Center Protects Data from Both Natural and Cyber Disasters By Carrie Stevenson

hen business owners are thinking about the security of their systems and information, there is more than just the “data cloud” to consider. Naturally, virtual cloud storage is a necessity for businesses today. But it’s important to consider other clouds on the horizon as well – along with the literal ground beneath the building and the winds whistling through the trees. Natural disasters can pose a very real threat to data storage. Even the threat of a cyberattack is enough to set off alarm bells. Where critical data lives, danger looms. But SD Data Center offers several layers of protection for disaster recovery, business continuity, and cybersecurity to offer clients an invaluable deliverable: peace of mind. The way Rob Hill sees it, failing to prepare for a disaster is preparing to fail. As the business development director, Global Data Solutions, for SD Data Center, Hill is exceptionally attuned to the risks businesses run if they do not have proper redundancy and recovery plans in place. “One thing we face, having a data warehouse and storage facility in Florida, is proving to our clients that the data is secure no matter what strikes. The building for our Melbourne location is essentially a bunker – a Tier 3 purpose-built data center, constructed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, with 25,000 square feet and the ability to meet a huge array of network requirements.” Even with exceptional facility features, data should never live in one physical location alone. SD Data Center provides several secondary sites in Denver, Colo.; Santa Paula, Calif.; and Southbury, Conn. to host data as an added layer of protection, ensuring that, no matter what catastrophe strikes, businesses can be back up and running quickly. 90 : spac ec oa st b us in ess

CONDITIONS OUTSIDE...

...CONDITIONS INSIDE

“No one should have data stored exclusively in one site, or even along one or both coasts,” explains Hill. “If you have your data primarily housed here in Florida, the backup shouldn’t be along the East Coast in New York or the West Coast in San Francisco. It should be stored in a non-coastal area, providing that added protection and peace of mind. Geographical diversity is key.” Of course, man-made threats can wreak as much havoc as Mother Nature, and such cyberattacks rarely give the advanced warning of an approaching storm. But the team of experts at SD Data Center is equipped to meet such challenges with cybersecurity solutions including dark web monitoring, advanced endpoint protection shields, and intrusion prevention system/malware protection. “We try to take a complete approach to client security by offering the client security-training solutions along with the more traditional security solutions. Lack of proper security practices is often the client’s greatest weakness,” says Frank Huston, director of Global Data Services.

SD Data Center serves hundreds of clients, including in the compliance-driven aviation, legal, finance and healthcare industries. “We consider ourselves a specialized, boutique data center,” offers Huston. “We work closely with our clients to provide consulting and support, free of charge, to design solutions that meet their needs and compliance requirements, as well as monitoring and reporting after the fact so it’s clear that their data is safe.” Whether it’s a space built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, a backup location on the other side of the country, or layers of protection in the cyberworld, SD Data Center makes customers’ data safety their top priority. ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 91

Talent Acquisition Breaking the Business Mold

By Mallorie Ann Ingram

iring a strong workforce traditionally follows a consistent structure for corporations across the region. But when it comes to finding invaluable skill sets for the team at RUSH Construction, Inc., it’s not exactly a textbook process. Instead, it’s a forward thinking mindset. When the opportunity exists, take it. “Do we have to bring this person on? No. Could we get by without them for a little bit longer? Sure. Will they still be there two months from now? Definitely No.” says President and CEO William Chivers.

In the last 12 months, RUSH has grown its staff by over 50 percent, which, for a small business, is astronomical. In addition, a recent $38.6 million dollar contract secured by RUSH Marine means another 30 staff members will be added by the end of 2018, making their job growth even more astounding.

“Talent is very hard to find,” Chivers says. “We’ve been so fortunate and blessed that we have found some amazing people and some amazing people have found us, too! Some would ask why we would bring people on when we already had enough staff to manage the current work. I always answer, “you can't time opportunity.” We knew that if we didn't grab these employees, someone else would.” By doing it this way, it allows RUSH to get ahead of the curve, based on the vision of what they see happening in the future. “We’re now starting to see that vision unfold with growth in our revenues and some additional backlog coming in,” Chivers says. Additionally, RUSH is expanding toward other locations, picking up work in Orlando, Jacksonville and Daytona. “It’s a tough business. If you don't work hard, you're not going to succeed,” Chivers says.

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“When we hire, we look at succession,” says Executive Vice President Al Forbes. “This type of talent that we have here now, it’s hard to find and that’s why we don’t wait.” One of RUSH’s recent hires, Ben Thornton, joined the team in March of this year after working for Embraer Aircraft Holdings as the liaison between contractor and business units. “My long-term career goal has always been to work on the contractor's side, and I knew it was time to make that transition,” Thornton says. “I was looking at RUSH's website and I noticed an opening for a project manager position. What really drew me to RUSH was their reputation for being a company with such high integrity. They're very catering to their clients. Anything to make the customer happy is what they are always striving towards and that's my same mindset.” With the level of experience and talent Thornton brings to the team, he sees great potential and growth and considers this to be his long-term career destination.

“One of the things we’ve recognized is knowing when revenue growth is about to occur,” Chivers says. “We don’t want to fail our clients by the revenues coming in the door and then us looking around saying, ‘We better go hire some people to implement this.’” That’s why Karyn Barker, another new project manager on the RUSH team, joined the company in October of 2017. She brings years of design experience, including running her own construction company. “I met RUSH's Founder, Eduardo Rabel, at the 2017 Founders Forum, listened to him speak, and loved everything he had to say,” Barker says. “I realized this group had the same mindset as me. I introduced myself afterwards, and then I started meeting everybody and eventually was hired. It's really like a family here. I know they are very careful about hiring the right people. They vet them very thoroughly.”

RUSH Marine prepares for Cruise Terminal #3 Berth to serve a 6500 passenger ship.

Barker recently finished working on the Legacy Academy, a charter school in Titusville, and also holds the title as the first female project manager at RUSH Construction. She, along with colleagues, enjoy the positive culture, as well as the employee-owned status of the business. “We think that the opportunity to own a piece of the company is a big attraction, and it helps keep people here,” Chivers says. A long-time, familiar face within the community, Steve Mundine, joined the RUSH team in July of this year, bringing a prominent drive to build greater things. “I've been in construction all my life. I went to M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management, University of Florida, and then worked with my father on the commercial side,” Mundine says. “I eventually started my own business on the residential construction side, but wanted a change of that market.” Mundine has known the RUSH team for years and was thrilled to join the company to focus more intently on commercial project management. “In the commercial field you get a set of plans, you follow it and build it. If you do a job well, everyone is satisfied,” Mundine says. “Residential construction tends to be far more emotional than commercial construction and I wanted to step away from that to be able to move on to larger projects.”

Karyn Barker, Steve Mundine, Ben Thornton

With the amount of opportunity in the region, and this forward-thinking mindset, RUSH not only continues to flourish, but has set itself up with a strong support staff to handle the growth.

“We’re open for change and new ideas and don't want to get stuck in the same box,” Al Forbes concluded. “That’s why we're in the position we're in, because we're looking ahead of what's happening in Brevard County, and positioning ourselves to meet the demands.” ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 93

Thanks to strategic calculations, Rapid Prototyping Services has found an equation for impressive success. By Mike Candelaria

trictly by definition, threedimensional printing is formal and precise. It’s a manufacturing process of making solid objects from a digital file, the result of laying down successive layers of material until the object is created by machine. Those digital files, typically consisting of sophisticated computer-aided designs, don’t allow for uncalculated wiggle room. The process, like the plastic models that result, is inflexible and uncompromising. What you see on the computer screen is pretty much what you get once the printing is done, which is inherently helpful to engineers, inventors and other customers seeking immediate, tangible feedback on their creations. Nonetheless, the approach is, for the most part (pun intended), rigid. Those limitations don’t apply to Ken Brace. 94 : spac ec oa st b u s iness

Brace is the owner, chief executive and lone employee (excluding his cocker spaniel, who assists on some deliveries) of Rapid Prototyping Services in Satellite Beach. After 17 years of running a sheet-metal business with his father, with clients such as the U.S. Department of Defense, Brace scrapped one industry for another and employed an entirely different technology. At the same time, he also was able to maintain a base of former customers who were “real familiar with what I could do for them and my work ethic.” Smart move. Since 2004, in his own bit of ingenuity, Brace has engineered his company to become a model itself — one used by area economic developers to showcase the depth of service providers available to prospective companies relocating to the Space Coast. Or, it can be said that one quick turn by Brace led to many others for his business.

“The gist of 3D printing is you don’t have to wait for your machine shop to do it,” explained Brace, a 1986 engineering graduate of the University of Central Florida. “A 3D printer can do it overnight for you. You can get it in your hand and make any changes you want, then we can print it overnight for you again.

“You can look at something on the computer all day, but until you actually get it in your hand, it’s really a huge difference.” That’s where some marketing ingenuity has come into play in the form of a little extra personal service, according to one local aerospace/aviation customer (company name withheld for security reasons). In one instance, an early Friday morning request by the customer was fulfilled by Brace with next-day delivery

“The gist of 3D printing is you don’t have to wait for your machine shop to do it. A 3D printer can do it overnight for you. You can get it in your hands and make any changes you want, then we can print it overnight for you again.” - Ken Brace, Rapid Prototyping Services

on a Saturday. “A larger company might go the extra mile, but a lot of times it’s with added costs and red tape,” the customer commented, adding Brace even made recommendations on how to reduce production costs. That equipment consists of five large Stratasys Ltd. 3D printers, able to run 24 hours per day, if necessary. With no employees, Brace says he’s continually able to reinvest in equipment, with Stratasys being the recognized leader in 3D printers and production systems for office-based rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing. When his previous business sold, Brace’s company had approximately $5 million in machinery. That knowledge of equipment has proved invaluable, he added.

Notably, Brace also has done his share of donating equipment. As one example, he gave a group of young UCF engineers three 3D printers to help advance their work in adolescent prosthetics. That group, now well-known as Limbitless Solutions, has won international acclaim. “I’ve met some of the kids who are showing off their new arms, and it just gives you chills,” Brace said, simply. These days, Brace is in a good place. In fact, Brace says he’s in the right place at the right time.

“I found a niche that no one was servicing here locally,” he concluded. “It’s worked out really well for me. I just count my blessings.” ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 95

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY C ol l ab or at i ng to B e n e f it B ot h

By Michael Ayers

n today’s interconnected global environment, celebrating business success stories that reflect the collaboration of multiple industries and organizations is nothing new. Businesses are exceedingly looking to a model of collaboration to address some of the most complex issues facing the world around them. This approach is also true at the local level where businesses are finding ways to work together to address key social and economic issues right in their backyard. The Melbourne Regional Chamber, the central organizing body for the business community here in Brevard, is using its reach, influence and connections to help businesses and nonprofits work together to foster a more sustainable and vibrant community. MRC’s ENGAGE Young Professionals, in its third year of existence, was born out of these principles: To create avenues for young professionals in the community to come together, network and learn about some of the most pressing issues facing Brevard and how, by working together, they can make a difference and shape the community where they live. In 2017, ENGAGE used their end of the year celebration to bring awareness and resources to the Street to Home Movement, the coordinated effort addressing chronic homelessness through the housing-first model in South Brevard. Street to Home, in partnership with the South Brevard Sharing Center, is responsible for finding over 150 individuals and families a positive destination out of homelessness, using targeted street outreach, case management and permanent supportive housing options.

“These partnerships are the key to making an impact and fostering a positive and vibrant business climate on the Space Coast.”

The event drew over 200 people to Hell n Blazes, resulting in triple the sales of a typical Wednesday night and generating over $1,200 for Street to Home. Longtime supporter of Street to Home and MRC member Hell n Blazes, a local family-owned and -operated brewery in Downtown Melbourne, was a natural fit to host the event. In planning for the event, it was important to all vested parties that the celebration be a win-win for everyone. It helped bring exposure and raise funds for Street to Home, while hosting an exciting event that brought new patrons to the brewery. It was also an opportunity to give back to a chamber member known for their consistent support of many community initiatives. “I’m proud to be part of a community that works together to address issues of importance to quality of life in our downtown, and sees homelessness as one of those,” said Keith Donald, Founder of the Street to Home Movement. “While most communities in Florida are only talking about what to do, our businesses, City, police department, and non-profits are working together through the Street to Home movement to solve the problem.” With a few connections and some good luck, ENGAGE was able to book the band Hot Pink for this event, a locally loved cover band that is known for drawing a

great crowd. Through creative planning with the Blazes team, attendees were able to “buy” Street to Home a beer, each purchase adding $10 onto their tab with all donations going straight to the cause. The event drew over 200 people to Hell n Blazes on a Wednesday night, resulting in triple the sales of a typical Wednesday night and generating over $1,200 for Street to Home. The cornerstone of the MRC is to help business and community leaders build their networks and create connections that will allow their businesses to thrive and grow. This event and the collaborative process that took place to bring business, community and nonprofits together for a common cause is a perfect example of those principles being put into action. “The Chamber is committed to creating and supporting opportunities for businesses, individuals and community partners to collaborate,” said Brent Peoples, Raymond James Financial, Chair of the Board. “These partnerships are the key to making an impact and fostering a positive and vibrant business climate on the Space Coast.” ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 97

2018 Ballot

AMENDMENT PREVIEW by Kathryn Rudloff

usiness Voice Political Committee is a non-partisan group of diverse businesses from across the region that believes the only way to make a difference in the political process is to be involved and informed. Business Voice has compiled a voter guide to the 2018 ballot amendments that includes both policy and political context, as well as links to help voters research the thirteen proposed amendments. In addition to the three amendments placed on the November general election ballot by the Florida Legislature, there are two amendments brought up by the petition process and eight placed on by the Florida Constitutional Review Committee. These are all amendments to our state constitution and it is the hope of Business Voice that all voters will take the time to research and understand these issues thoroughly before they vote.

*Multiple amendments are being challenged in the courts and may be stricken from the ballot.

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Amendment 1 (Legislature) Florida Amendment 5 (Legislature) 1 Florida 5 Homestead Exemption Increase Amendment Two-Thirds Vote of Legislature to Increase “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to increase the homestead exemption by exempting the assessed valuation of homestead property greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000 for all levies other than school district levies. The amendment shall take effect January 1, 2019.”

Amendment 2 (Legislature) 2 Florida Limitation on Property Tax Assessments “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to permanently retain provisions currently in effect, which limit property tax assessment increases on specified non-homestead real property, except for school district taxes, to 10 percent each year. If approved, the amendment removes the scheduled repeal of such provisions in 2019 and shall take effect January 1, 2019.”

3 Florida Amendment 3 (Petition)

Taxes or Fees Amendment

“Prohibits the Legislature from imposing, authorizing, or raising a state tax or fee except through legislation approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the legislature in a bill containing no other subject. This proposal does not authorize a state tax or fee otherwise prohibited by the Constitution and does not apply to fees or taxes imposed or authorized to be imposed by a county, municipality, school board, or special district.”

Amendment 6 6 Florida Rights of Crime Victims; Judges (CRC)

Marsy’s Law; Judicial Retirement Age; and Judicial Interpretation of Laws and Rules Amendment

This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling in the State of Florida. This amendment requires a vote by citizens’ initiative pursuant to Article XI, section 3, in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law. This section amends this Article; and also affects Article XI, by making citizens’ initiatives the exclusive method of authorizing casino gambling.”

“Creates constitutional rights for victims of crime; requires courts to facilitate victims’ rights; authorizes victims to enforce their rights throughout criminal and juvenile justice processes. Requires judges and hearing officers to independently interpret statutes and rules rather than deferring to government agency’s interpretation. Raises mandatory retirement age of state justices and judges from seventy to seventy-five years; deletes authorization to complete judicial term if one-half of term has been served by retirement age.”

“Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any disqualification from voting arising from a felony conviction shall terminate and voting rights shall be restored upon completion of all terms of sentence including parole or probation. (b) No person convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense shall be qualified to vote until restoration of civil rights.”

Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities (CRC) Florida First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits, Supermajority Board Votes for College Fees, and State College System Amendment

Voter Approval of Casino Gambling Initiative

Amendment 7 7 Florida Amendment 4 (Petition) 4 Florida First Responder and Military Member Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative

“Grants mandatory payment of death benefits and waiver of certain educational expenses to qualifying survivors of certain first responders and military members who die performing official duties. Requires supermajority votes by university trustees and state university system board of governors to raise or impose all legislatively authorized fees if law requires approval by those bodies. Establishes existing state college system as constitutional entity; provides governance structure.” ▶

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Amendment 8 8 Florida School Board Term Limits and Duties;

Public Schools (CRC) Florida School Board Term Limits, Allow State to Operate Non-Board Established Schools, and Civic Literacy Amendment “A proposed revision relating to education; amending Section 4 of Article IX and creating a new section in Article XII of the State Constitution to establish a limitation on the period for which a person may serve as a member of a district school board; amending Section 4 of Article IX of the State Constitution to specify which schools are operated, controlled, and supervised by a school board; and creating a new section in Article IX of the State Constitution to require the Legislature to provide for the promotion of civic literacy in public education.”

Amendment 9 9 Florida Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling;

Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces (CRC) Florida Ban Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Ban Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces Amendment “Prohibits drilling for the exploration or extraction of oil and natural gas beneath all state-owned waters between the mean high-water line and the state’s outermost territorial boundaries. Adds use of vapor generating electronic devices to current prohibition of tobacco smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces with exceptions; permits more restrictive local vapor ordinances.”

Amendment 10 10 Florida State and Local Government Structure

and Operation (CRC) Florida State and Local Government Structure Amendment

“Requires Legislature to retain department of veterans’ affairs. Ensures election of sheriffs, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, tax collectors, and clerks of court in all counties; removes county charters’ ability to abolish, change term, transfer duties, or eliminate election of these offices. Changes annual legislative session commencement date in even numbered years from March to January; removes Legislature’s authorization to fix another date. Creates office of domestic security and counterterrorism within department of law enforcement.” 100 : spac ec oa st b u s iness

Amendment 11 11 Florida Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete

Provision; Criminal Statutes (CRC) Florida Repeal Prohibition on Aliens’ Property Ownership, Delete Obsolete Provision on High-Speed Rail, and Repeal of Criminal Statutes Effect on Prosecution Amendment “Removes discriminatory language related to real property rights. Removes obsolete language repealed by voters. Deletes provision that amendment of a criminal statute will not affect prosecution or penalties for a crime committed before the amendment; retains current provision allowing prosecution of a crime committed before the repeal of a criminal statute.”

Amendment 12 12 Florida Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public

Officers (CRC) Florida Lobbying Restrictions Amendment “Expands current restrictions on lobbying for compensation by former public officers; creates restrictions on lobbying for compensation by serving public officers and former justices and judges; provides exceptions; prohibits abuse of a public position by public officers and employees to obtain a personal benefit.”

Amendment 13 13 Florida Ends Dog Racing (CRC)

Dog Racing Ban “Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.”

CAST AN INFORMED VOTE. Read more at www.businessvoicepac.com

| Company Profile

BORDE & ASSOCIATES, P.A. EXECUTIVES: Corrie Borde, Founder and CEO FOUNDED: 2017 LOCATION: Melbourne, FL WEBSITE: www.baapa.us

For Corrie Borde, founder and CEO of Borde & Associates, helping folks in the community truly comes first. After years of working for a major national insurance carrier and ending 2016 as No.10 in the nation in core product sales, Borde decided to start his own agency. “As an independent agency we conduct free consultations and reviews; whether it is healthcare for all ages, Medicare, life insurance with living benefits, tax-free retirement or lifetime income strategies, we have the flexibility to search for solutions that would be the most beneficial to each individual client,” Borde explains. “Another advantage of using an independent agency is that we become the agent of record, so if there are any concerns or disputes with the policy, we can go to work directly with the insurers, advocating on our clients’ behalf.” Such personalized service from Borde & Associates agents even extends to personally delivering policies in order to review details together with clients. “We are a hometown agency, and as a business owner I focus on having quality agents working for me to deliver that sort of exceptional service.” ◆

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Company Profile |

HIPPO ROOFING EXECUTIVES: Brian Stillwell, Sales Manager Mona Stillwell, Manager FOUNDED: 2008 LOCATION: Melbourne, FL WEBSITE: www.HippoRoof.com

Your home’s roof can be an investment that pays for itself over and over again as time passes. A permanent, energy efficient roofing solution backed by a real lifetime guarantee frequently increases the market value and desirability of your home and eliminates the need to re-roof every 12 to 15 years.

Hippo Roofing is a first- and second-generation, family-owned home roofing company with a long history of providing quality work and exceptional customer service. Based in Melbourne, the Stillwell family knows consumers have many choices when it comes to choosing a roofing company. There are over 180 listings in the Yellow Pages for roofers in the Melbourne area, and the internet shows over 246,000 search results for “roofers in Melbourne, Florida.” But even with so many choices, Hippo Roofing has made the decision an easy and logical one. Using the best roofing materials that practically last forever, offering financing and including an unparalleled, transferrable lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials, Hippo expects that their roofs are the last you’ll ever buy. ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 103

| Employee Profile

CARLI BARR COMPANY: SpaceCoast LIVING TITLE: Digital Marketing Coordinator EDUCATION: University of Central Florida – College of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business, 2017 YEARS IN AREA: 22 YEARS AT COMPANY: 1 With an eye for detail and a passion for creativity, SpaceCoast Living’s digital marketing coordinator, Carli Barr, keeps the social and web content for clients fine-tuned at every turn. Barr, who joined the agency last year, relishes working on a wide array of stories and projects. “I really enjoy the chance to be creative,” she explains. “It’s exciting to help clients grow their companies and succeed in getting their message across.” That success is driven by the team at SpaceCoast LIVING, Barr believes. “We are very much like a family and work together so well. It makes coming to the office each day easy.” Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, playing with her dogs Sadie and Honey, and renovating and decorating her first home with her husband. ◆ 104 : spac ec oa st b u s iness

ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT

L Leah Dunn

Sport: Women’s Lacrosse Hometown: Arnold, Maryland Major: Biomedical Science major, Psychology minor

eah Dunn has been playing organized sports, including lacrosse, swimming, gymnastics and cheerleading, most of her life. From an early age, Dunn wanted to be a doctor, specifically an orthopedic surgeon who works with athletes. She was inspired to pursue this career by several prestigious, nationally recognized surgeons who were also student athletes. She chose to attend Florida Tech because of its advanced science, academic excellence and research programs, as well as the women’s lacrosse team. “As a student athlete, it has been a terrific combination of opportunities for me. I am a published researcher, distinguished scholar, and a member of a nationally ranked women’s lacrosse team,” Dunn says. Performing medical research at a hospital in Maryland and at Florida Institute of Technology, Dunn had a research project

published this spring in a nationally known medical journal. “I am currently working on additional research with my professors and the experience has been instrumental in my development as a student and future doctor,” she says. Dunn is a board member of The Future Doctor’s Organization, a non-profit outreach program focused on providing exposure to the medical field to high school students. As a lacrosse player, she has been a part of the development of Florida Tech’s women’s lacrosse team into a nationally recognized and ranked team that competed in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament. Dunn says this year she and her teammates will go out to win the NCAA Division II Women’s Championship. At the same time, she will be continuing to pursue her post-graduate medical school options. ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 105

Happiness is a Healthy Smile Beverly Rose, DMD Always Gentle, Always Friendly

If you and your family are seeking personalized care by a highly trained and experienced dentist in a comfortable setting, Exceptional Dentistry is the place for you!

“Whether your smile needs a little help or a lot, I can help.”

ACTUAL CLIENT PHOTOS

[ SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION ]

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

BREVARDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

INDIVIDUALS

TO WATCH

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

DEREK CHENET COMPANY NAME: Dental Excellence Melbourne Cedric C Chenet, DDS, PA TITLE: Doctor of Dental Surgery, MA LOCATION: Melbourne, FL EDUCATION: B.S. in Chemistry, Duke University, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, M.A. From Teachers College at Columbia University YEARS IN AREA: 1 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 6

r. Derek Chenet was born at the Misawa Air Base in Japan while his father, Dr. Cedric Chenet, served overseas as a dentist in the United States Air Force. He achieved his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Duke University before pursuing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. While at school, he was selected as one of six students to take part in the Comprehensive Implantology Continuum, where he received extensive training in implant treatment planning, surgery and restoration. He also earned the Henry Chang Jr. Memorial Scholarship and the Academy Osseointegration Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry Award. Additionally, he completed two years of post-graduate training in a general practice residency at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in association with Mount Sinai Hospital, where he trained in the management of complex cases, fixed and removable prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, and implant placement and restoration. In 2015, he became a Certified Invisalign Provider. Today, Chenet works alongside his dad and fiancée, Dr. Veronica Yu at Dental Excellence Melbourne.

DENTAL EXCELLENCE MELBOURNE 560 Solutions Way Rockledge FL 32955 (321) 507-4851 www.dentalexcellencemelbourne.com

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“The best part of my job is working with my hands and using new technologies every day,” said Chenet. “The Space Coast region is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. With the increased importance being placed on engineering and computer science jobs, I am hoping for an injection of youth that will bring more diversity and excitement to the area.” ◆

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

LORY MILTON COMPANY NAME: Fidelity Bank of Florida TITLE: Commercial Loan Officer LOCATION: Merritt Island, FL EDUCATION: University of Central Florida Bachelor’s Degree. College of Financial Planning Registered Financial Planner Certification YEARS IN AREA: 24 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 18

ory Milton joined Fidelity Bank of Florida in April of 2016 as a Commercial Loan Officer. Her role includes developing relationships with business clients and prospects in an effort to help them grow and prosper their companies. Fidelity Bank of Florida offers a wide range of services including commercial lending, both conventional and SBA, deposit accounts and treasury management services. Lory meets a variety of business owners with very different needs. Fidelity looks for solutions and ways to make their clients’ goals and visions a reality. Their objective is to build lasting relationships and in a way, they become a partner to their business clients. When their clients succeed, Fidelity succeeds – it’s a win, win. There is a lot of strong leadership behind President Lamar Roberts and Senior Vice President/Chief Lending Officer, Robert Good, which re-enforces the strong team approach at Fidelity. The underwriters and management staff are located in Brevard County, which sets them apart from others as this team is just a phone call or visit away. There are so many great companies in Brevard County, Lory is honored to be a part of an organization that is eager to help local business owners of every size. When asked what she loves most about her job she stated, “Meeting business owners, listening to their stories and finding solutions to help them grow.” Lory has lived in Brevard County for over 24 years. She enjoys kickboxing, boating and spending time with her husband and three children. Lory is an active volunteer of The Gift Angel Society, which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping Brevard residents during difficult financial times. She also proudly serves as Tropical Elementary’s PTO Treasurer. Fidelity Bank of Florida is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender where all loans are subject to approval. ◆

FIDELITY BANK OF FLORIDA 1380 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 (321) 328-1368 Lmilton@fbfna.com www.FBFNA.com

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

BLAKE & DESIRÉ STEWART COMPANY NAME: Stewart Law / The Paper Clinic TITLE: Blake – Stewart Law, Practicing Attorney; The Paper Clinic, Co-Owner/Co-Founder

Desiré – Stewart Law, Operations Manager; The Paper Clinic, Co-Owner/Co-Founder

EDUCATION: Blake - B.S. in Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida, J. D., Saint Thomas University Desiré - A.A. Eastern Florida State College B.S. in Microbiology & Cell Science, University of Florida, M.B.A. Healthcare Management, Florida Institute of Technology YEARS IN AREA: Blake – 3; Desiré – 18 STEWART LAW

7341 Office Park Place, Ste 202 Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 541-6845 www.stewartlawcs.com

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THE PAPER CLINIC

7341 Office Park Place, Ste 202 Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 482-1081 www.thepaperclinic.com

or Blake and Desiré Stewart, too much is never enough. The couple founded Stewart Law, a firm specializing in contract and construction law, in 2015. Through their experience starting a small business, they recognized a need for an interactive and collaborative space for other solo practitioners to start, learn, and grow in place. And thus, The Paper Clinic in Viera was born in 2018. “We are driven to provide unmatched passion and a personal touch for every one of our clients,” Desiré explains. “In the legal business, no one gets more fired up for his clients or fights harder on their behalf than Blake. And for The Paper Clinic, we’ve created a place where small businesses can walk in the front door, get their businesses professionally formed, access accounting, insurance, and media services – we even have our own in-house podcasting studio.” This drive for the highest level of excellence doesn’t stop in business, however. Both are extensively involved in numerous community service projects, including Desiré’s service as president-elect of the Viera Rotary Club and Blake as the youth services chair. Desiré harbors future political aspirations as well. The future is bright for the Stewarts and the clients and community they serve. ◆

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

RYAN WILKINS COMPANY NAME: Beacon Roof & Exterior Cleaning TITLE: Owner LOCATION: Rockledge, FL EDUCATION: B.S. in Business, University of Pittsburgh YEARS IN AREA: 12 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 10

yan Wilkins began his career in Brevard County as a golf professional. However, he learned quickly while playing with prominent businessmen that there was a big need for service-based businesses in Florida to cater to the needs of the retirement community. Wilkins recognized an excellent opportunity and started Beacon Roof & Exterior Cleaning when he was just 26 years old. He prides himself on providing exceptional customer service, quality roof and exterior cleaning along with a desirable place to work for his employees. Wilkins feels strongly about staying positive and sends motivational messages to his team on a daily basis and often holds cookouts and team building events. He has created a family work environment where everyone takes care of each other and, in turn, take care of the customers. While the company started 10 years ago as a strictly residential pressure washing and roof-cleaning operation, Beacon Roof & Exterior Cleaning has evolved into a full-service commercial maintenance business that focuses on the specific needs of each clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property. Beacon Roof & Exterior Cleaning provides a wide array of cleaning services to commercial and residential properties in Central Florida, including Harris Corporation, Brevard Public Schools, Osceola County Public Schools, St. John County Public Schools, Health First, and several Hilton and Marriott properties. Wilkins enjoys the personal scheduling freedom being an entrepreneur has provided him, but what keeps him going each day are the reward and fulfillment he has experienced with his friends and customers over the years. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

BEACON ROOF & EXTERIOR CLEANING 560 Solutions Way Rockledge FL 32955 (321) 507-4851 www.beaconroofcleaning.com

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

MEILI VIERA COMPANY NAME: Waterman Real Estate TITLE: Broker Associate, Realtor LOCATION: Melbourne, FL EDUCATION: Masters In Business Administration & Management YEARS IN AREA: 7 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 13

eili Viera is a multi-faceted, bilingual professional with 13 years of experience in all sectors of the real estate industry including residential & commercial sales, investment properties, commercial retail shopping center leasing & management and luxury residential property management. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Viera began in the industry at just 17 in Punta Gorda, Florida, and relocated to Brevard County in 2011. With a master’s degree in Business Administration & Management from Nova Southeastern University, Viera handles a diverse group of clients, and in 2012 began managing commercial investment properties as well. In 2017 alone, she closed over $12 million in real estate home sales and commercial leasing transactions. Viera also actively manages four Publix Retail Shopping Centers. Viera joined Waterman Real Estate over a year ago. “I am focused on delivering an outstanding service experience for my customers. Attention to detail, excelling in communicating and placing my customers’ interests above my own, plays a pivotal part in the buying/selling/managing process.” In matching people with the perfect property/investment fit based on their specific requests, “I enjoy the puzzle, and putting all the intricate pieces together. It is extremely fulfilling guiding my investors in finding the ideal property to bring them their highest profit margins,” she said. “It is extremely rewarding to be able to find a first time homebuyer their first investment as well as seeing seasoned homeowners find their forever home.” ◆ MEILI VIERA 2390 Minton Rd. Melbourne, FL 32904 (321) 848-7344 meiliviera@icloud.com www.watermanrealestate.com

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

AARON STITZEL COMPANY NAME: Flavin Nooney & Person, CPAs and Advisors TITLE: Certified Public Accountant and Tax Manager LOCATION: Melbourne, FL EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Master of Business Administration: Finance and Master of Accountancy, Gardner-Webb University YEARS IN AREA: 6 YEARS AT COMPANY: 4

or Melbourne native Aaron Stitzel, working at Flavin Nooney & Person, CPAs and Advisors provides the opportunity to help others by clarifying one of everybody’s most dreaded topics, personal finance. “We are both planner and partner for our clients,” he explains, “we take these individual situations and tailor tax-efficient plans so that our clients can realize their own unique goals.” It is a natural fit for Stitzel, who has always been a selfdescribed “numbers guy and finance geek,” but thrives on helping others feel comfortable with their finances, an aspect of life that many people ignore or avoid. “It is not a subject that’s widely taught, most people don’t have much exposure to it, and oftentimes we tend to put off the foreign and unfamiliar,” Stitzel explains. “But what really drives us as CPAs and advisors is being able to take the time to explain the story behind the numbers. Objective and independent advice empowers business owners to grow their business, and it enables individuals to build wealth and peace of mind. I love being in that trusted advisor role. Our clients know that their best interests drive our recommendations, not commissions or proprietary products.” ◆

FLAVIN NOONEY & PERSON, CPAS AND ADVISORS 2200 South Babcock Street Melbourne, Florida 32901 (321) 725-4700 www.flavincpa.com.com

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

RAY SMITH COMPANY NAME: G&G Roofing, Inc. TITLE: President LOCATION: Rockledge, FL YEARS IN AREA: 18 YEARS AT COMPANY: 11

s the founder and owner of G & G Roofing Inc., Ray Smith aims to cover it all when it comes to roofing projects. With over 1,500 jobs each year in commercial and residential real estate across the state of Florida, Smith always stays busy. “With all of the new construction in Central Florida, as well as roofing repair and replacement following the hurricanes over the last two years, our schedule is definitely packed,” he explains. But the 150 employees of G & G Roofing pride themselves on providing good, honest, productive work to their clients. “Our workmanship sets us apart,” Smith says. “Whether a customer needs a tile, shingle, metal, or flat roof, we offer all of those options and pride ourselves on exceeding their expectations.” When he is not leading the G & G Roofing organization, Smith enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and G & G Roofing vice president, Kristy, and their four children. ◆

G & G ROOFING

456 Gus Hipp Boulevard Rockledge , FL 32955 (321) 301-4470 www.cflroofing.com

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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

LISA D. FITZ-COY COMPANY NAME: Brevard Cultural Alliance (BCA) TITLE: Communications Manager LOCATION: Melbourne, FL EDUCATION: B.A. Communication, Public Relations; Minors: Art History and Creative Writing, Flagler College YEARS AT COMPANY: 4 months

L BREVARD CULTURAL ALLIANCE 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, C-307 Viera, FL 32940 (321) 690-6817 www.artsbrevard.org/

isa D. Fitz-Coy’s aspiration in college was to work for an organization that inspired and sparked her creativity. It’s these drivers that led Fitz-Coy to her first internship at Brevard Cultural Alliance, and now as BCA’s chief storyteller. This journey from intern to communications manager was not always easy. Her career began at the height of the recession, but these experiences have made her resilient and driven. After living and working

in Virginia for a decade, Fitz-Coy is happy to be “back home” on the Space Coast, working to realize BCA’s vision to promote Brevard County as a cultural destination. “I believe communities are stronger when they embrace art and culture. Now, more than ever, the arts play an important role in creating empathy and driving positive social change, and I’m excited to be part of that movement here in Brevard,” says Fitz-Coy. ◆

KIT FISHER COMPANY NAME: Prime-One Insurance Corp. TITLE: Executive Vice President LOCATION: Melbourne, FL EDUCATION: University of Central Florida, College of Business Administration YEARS IN AREA: 6 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 2

A PRIME-ONE INSURANCE 2332 N Hwy A1A Indialantic, FL 32903 (321) 241-1111 www.prime1insurance.com

t the age of 13, Kit Fisher chose to go into business, working for himself. He began mowing grass for cash, marketing door to door. Quickly, a couple yards became a thriving business. Five years in the Florida heat led to a pursuit of a college education. Using the sale of his business, Fisher paid his way through the UCF College of Business while working full time as a kitesurfing and surf instructor. He planted roots in the Space Coast

because of a love for the coastal lifestyle. Upon graduation, he became a licensed consultant for Prime-One Insurance and began advising companies and individuals. In two years, after undergoing exhaustive training and time in the field, Prime-One’s president/CEO asked Fisher to fill the role of executive vice president. In conjunction with his role at Prime-One, Fisher serves as chair of ENGAGE Young Professionals and lives the coastal lifestyle. ◆ octo b e r 2018 : 115

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| BEST PRACTICES

IT SECURITY

Cody J. CARTER Cody J. Carter is the marketing manager for Creative Network Innovations. His goal is to communicate to Space Coast businesses the effectiveness of evolving with tailored IT solutions. To learn more about CNI IT solutions, head over to www.CNIweb.net.

STAYING PROACTIVE WITH IT SECURITY HOW MUCH IS A DAY WORTH?

If your systems fell victim to a virus, how much money would the business lose over the course of time it takes to repair them?

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As we enter into the final quarter of 2018, businesses should be taking the time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s to fully prepare for the upcoming year. This could include anything from running through checklists, updating out-of-date processes, or even organizing business-critical information. For some businesses, the one department that is often overlooked during this preparation period is the IT department. Maybe this is because an IT department’s return value isn’t apparent? Or maybe it’s from a general absence of knowledge pertaining to the IT processes? Despite the reasons, business owners and managers should take a moment to ask themselves, “How much is a day worth? Can our operations afford to lose, at best, even one day?” The response to this is more than likely no. The IT department has evolved into an integral component of every operation. From email to data storage, no operation can escape the necessity of proper security measures.

So how can you ensure that your business’ IT security is up-to-par? This is going to require an in-depth analysis of where your business stands, as well as a long-term strategic plan with help from professionals.

Checking for Holes

A boat doesn’t float very well when there are holes in the bottom, right? To keep things simple, the same applies to your IT security setup. What’s the point of having a security solution that lacks in some areas? This is where a risk-based analysis and a penetration test can dramatically reduce the chances of threats or breaches. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities such as simple passwords, out-of-date software, misconfigured services, or limited security so that measures can be taken to avoid exploitation. The results can affirm the potential impact of security threats in a manner that most can understand – monetarily. If your systems fell victim to a virus, how much money would the business lose over the course of time it takes to repair them? How much is this day worth?

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In today’s world, cybersecurity reaches far beyond the IT department. Attackers are targeting any opportunity they can find, and that opportunity might result from an employee’s lack of awareness. One of the largest, most complex, and adaptive threat factors is human error. Combatting this is fairly easy though. Most professional IT companies offer security awareness training seminars that go over fundamental ways for employees to identify and prevent threats. Businesses should expect to hold these seminars multiple times a year to stay relevant or as new hires enter the workplace and new threats hit the web.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Whether it be a data breach, a natural disaster, or any other unexpected event, it’s crucial to have a plan to follow as times get a little unpredictable. This portion of IT security changes the question from “what if ” to “when.” A well-designed disaster recovery plan aims to reduce overall stress in times of emergency, limiting downtime and saving money. The process includes:

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1. Evaluating all possible threats. In Florida, hurricanes are an annual risk. Flooding, wind, power outage, limited business access are all items that should be taken into account. 2. Developing a business impact analysis to determine the effects of a potential IT disaster. This analysis covers compliance, financial outcomes, overall safety, as well as credibility effects. 3. Staying as current as possible. Has your company made any changes over the past year, and are those accounted for in the disaster recovery plan?

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4. Testing the plan thoroughly. When disaster strikes, the last thing any business needs is to learn that their business continuity plan had issues. 5. Backups, backups, backups. You’re only as safe as your last backup. Who is responsible for them? Where are they? Have they been tested? Although this may seem like a large process, it’s much easier to handle emergencies proactively rather than reactively. A solidified disaster recovery plan shows exactly how much your day is worth. Don’t let IT security fall to the back of your business mind. Whether you’re implementing security measures to meet compliance standards or recovering from a previous attack, none of these efforts previously mentioned will go to waste. Remember that professional help is out there to assist with any analysis/planning of your business. ◆

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octo b e r 2018 : 119

| BEST PRACTICES

TAXES

KenNEW Ken New is the president of Pinnacle Financial Wealth Management serving retirees and business owners in Brevard County for 21 years. To learn more call (321) 454-3623.

TIME TO PLAN YOUR YEAR END TAXES PLANNING AROUND THE TAX CUT AND JOBS ACT The Tax Act of 2017 created reform for C corporations. Regarding other parts of the tax code, the portions that affect individuals and pass-through business entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and LLCs, are described as tax editing.

Consider repositioning money into vehicles that have lower or no future tax liability depending on health and financial circumstances.

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What does this mean? We have the same overall tax system as before, but with some changes in the details. Most all of the changes affecting individual taxpayers and pass-through enterprises are under a sunset provision. Unless Congress acts to make all or a portion of the changes permanent, most will be rescinded, effective for tax year 2026. The focus of this article is to identify areas of opportunity for individuals and pass-through enterprises. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start with individual taxes. Standard deductions nearly double to $24,000 for couples, $12,000 for singles and $18,000 for head of household. Those age 65 or older and blind people will get $1,300 more per person ($1,600 if married).

The new tax law eliminates the personal exemption. What this means is the first $24,000 of taxable income for married couples under 65 is not taxed because the standard deduction offsets the amount of taxable income. For married couples under 65, the next $19,050 is taxed at 10 percent. So, if a married couple had $43,050 of taxable income, their effective tax rate would be 4.4 percent. That is $1,905 divided by the $43,050 of total income. Continuing, the next $58,350 of taxable income is now taxed at 12 percent, which is $7,002. Last year the rate would have been 15 percent. So, if a married couple has taxable income of $101,400 their effective tax rate under the new law is 8.8 percent. That is $8,907 divided by $101,400. This is an amazing opportunity to take advantage of historically low tax rates. Many people ask about moving money from 401Ks and IRAs before retirement. People are also asking about making contributions to 401Ks and IRAs, 402Bs and 457 plans while still working.

Here is an example to consider: A couple has $70,000 per year of taxable income. They could withdraw $30,000 from taxable accounts each year and they would stay in the 12 percent tax bracket with an effective income tax rate of 8.8 percent. The question is, would it benefit to pay an income tax rate of 8.8 percent now or risk paying a much higher rate later? Consider repositioning money into vehicles that have lower or no future tax liability depending on health and financial circumstances.

A few additional highlights: • Many popular deductions are affected. The home mortgage interest deduction has been nixed and the state and local taxes are being squeezed. Several other write-offs are eliminated: deductions for job-related moves except for the military; all miscellaneous write-offs subject to the two percent of AGI (adjusted gross income) threshold, including employee business expenses; brokerage and IRA fees; hobby expenses; tax preparation expenses; theft losses; and alimony for divorce decrees after 2018 (that is good news for the receiver, who will not be taxed on the alimony they receive). • Key points to consider for your donations: Donate your RMD (required minimum distribution from an IRA) tax-free to charity. A donation counts as your required minimum distribution, but doesn’t increase your adjusted gross income. If you already give, this could be a great tax savings strategy. • Calculate your tax break: The limit for a charitable contribution from your IRA is $100,000; that could save tens of thousands of tax dollars. You do not need to make a huge donation to benefit from this tax break. For a retiree in the 25 percent tax bracket, a $10,000 contribution from your IRA could save $2,500 in taxes or $1,000 could save $250 in taxes. • The new tax law dramatically reforms the taxation of businesses of all sizes. Regular corporations (C corporations) will pay tax at a flat rate of 21 percent. • Many individual owners of pass-throughs will get a new 20 percent deduction. The rules cover sole proprietors and owners of S corporations, partnerships and LLCs. They can generally deduct 20 percent of qualified business income. This is a new and temporary section 199A deduction on qualified business income. These provisions are, however, some of the most complex in the new law. There are a lot of limits and restrictions. The bottom line is this: individuals and businesses have a spectacular opportunity to take advantage of historically low tax rates, focusing on strategic charitable deductions and the 199A deduction for owners in pass-through entities. ◆

Space Coast

Symposium

October 19, 2018 Featuring Dr. Dwayne Mckay,

President of Florida Institute of Technology Where else do you have the opportunity to hear from five fortune 500 companies along with leaders in the space industry and the military who support the launches? The second annual Space Coast Symposium provides an update on the space industry in Brevard County, giving attendees a comprehensive overview of current operations and future development plans all at one time and place.

Panelist Lineup: Session 1 8:30A-9:30A 45 Space Wing Kennedy Space Center U.S. Coastguard Naval Ordnance Test Unit 920 Rescue Wing Session 2 9:45A-10:45A One Web United Launch Alliance The Boeing Company NASA The Symposium is from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, FL. It includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch.

Session 3 11A-12P Lockheed Martin Rockwell Collins Harris Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Embraer Session 4 (Lunch) 12:15A-1:30P Dr. Dwayne McCay, President of Florida Institute of Technology

Tickets are $45 (members and non-members) and $55 after October 12th. Ticket includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch.

Please register online at greaterpalmbaychamber.com or call the ofﬁce at (321) 951-9998.

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| BEST PRACTICES

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

GregDENARO Greg Denaro is the manager of HR services for Insperity, a provider of HR and business solutions, with presence in the area since 1989.

JeffHOLDER Jeff Holder is a Certified Business Performance Advisor for Insperity for seven years and has been helping businesses grow since 1993.

With the right preparation, managers can harness the power of multiple generations and discover positive resolutions.

THE CHALLENGES OF MANAGING MULTIPLE GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE With advances in healthcare and an increased focus on wellness, not only are people living longer, but they are delaying retirement further. This shift in the modern workplace may be creating more age diversity than ever before. A 2017 Gallup poll found that 74 percent of Americans expect to work past the average retirement age, with most anticipating retirement after age 65. This may create a range of adjustment for organizations because many workforces could soon contain five generations of employees, if they do not already. While this diversity can benefit an organization by providing a variety of skills, diverse opinions and intergenerational mentoring opportunities, it can also present challenges. G enerat iona l dif ferences may cre ate conflict due to opposing views, updated communication techniques or workplace evolution, and could increase office tension. Here are a few ways managers can help reduce these difficulties.

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Know the workforce

Managers should familiarize themselves with key differences between the varying generations of those they manage, and how those differences affect the individual. For instance, they will want to recognize and understand how millennials like to communicate or the way baby boomers prefer to receive feedback. However, it also remains important to take time to learn employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; specific preferences to avoid adhering only to generational stereotypes.

Make the most of mentoring

One common characteristic generally identified among younger generations is a desire for learning and development. Consider identifying mentorship opportunities between veteran employees and younger professionals to provide the chance to learn and build knowledge firsthand. This may also increase employee engagement, enhance teamwork levels and present junior employees with growth opportunities. Satisfying the desire of younger employees to mature professionally, and sharing a plan to further their career path, can diffuse tensions while strengthening the whole team.

Be adaptable

Adaptability is a skill managers should strive to develop and improve upon when leading a diverse team. Their communication style and delivery may vary depending on generational preference. Seasoned employees may favor a more traditional form of communication, like email, whereas new professionals may opt for instant messaging platforms. By taking into account these preferences and acclimating accordingly, leaders can better serve employees.

Address issues head-on

Transparency is a reputable attribute in any leader, but the importance of being open is heightened when someone is managing multiple personality types. If an issue presents itself, leaders should respond quickly and communicate clear and direct expectations to those involved. Avoiding or delaying action can worsen the situation at hand and cause a divide between colleagues. A mutual respect between employees and leaders should remain the goal. However, while differences in the workplace are appreciated, and often welcome, any negative conflict that occurs should be addressed appropriately.

Encourage collaboration

Inspiring a collaborative culture can serve as a fundamental component of developing strong teamwork. When addressing an issue, managers should solicit facts and views from everyone affected. Allowing the opportunity for employees to voice their concerns can unveil specific details managers and colleagues did not previously know. By treating the process as a partnership, management can demonstrate to workers the power of teamwork. This will encourage employees to speak up as an issue surfaces, which can turn potentially challenging situations into positive outcomes.

Unearth common ground

Successful conflict resolution often starts with identifying a common ground and building upon it. Despite generational differences, individuals frequently share key common goals, such as project-based, sales-driven or personal objectives. A good tactic for leaders is to remain aware of these varying, yet constant, objectives and use them to lay the foundation toward resolution. Establishing mutual purposes can help the involved parties build a connection and, in turn, return to their roles, individually and together, with a renewed focus. Managing multiple generations can present a range of challenges for organizations. But with the right preparation, managers can harness the power of these situations and discover positive resolutions. octo b e r 2018 : 123

| BEST PRACTICES

SOCIAL MEDIA

TashaMACRI Tasha is the Director of Digital Marketing for SCB Marketing having spent the past few years perfecting the art of social media marketing.

5 WAYS TO BOOST

YOUR COMPANYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FACEBOOK PRESENCE

The majority of potential customers will peruse your page, reviews, posts, images, all before making the decision to do business with you.

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Times are changing and the speed of social media has evolved into one of the most valuable and inexpensive sources of digital advertising. Did you know Google brings in over $30 billion in advertising revenue per year accounting for 97 percent of their total annual revenue? When this kind of money is involved, you have to ensure you know how to find the right target to get your return on investment or ROI. That is why social media is a cheaper way to gain a stronger online presence for your business. Here are five solid tips to help achieve this.

1. Ensure your Facebook has the right account

Most companies have a Facebook page, which is a great way for people to communicate and engage with your business. Think of it this way: The majority of potential customers will peruse your page, reviews, posts, images, all

before making the decision to do business with you. It is critical to keep this content up to date, and take advantage of some of Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customization features.

2. Organize your Sidebar

After choosing the theme, make sure to check the different types of tabs available for your profile page. Use only the ones businesses would need to use and prioritize them, in order, from top to bottom. Page visitors can shop your website, join your email list, look at your events, find out what services you offer and learn about special promotions you are having.

3. Customize your Profile Button

When you have a standard Facebook page, the button under your cover image says Send Message. This button can be used as a call to action button and can lure free customers to your business. The custom features let you do

many functions, but you can only pick one, so make sure you are using the optimum choice for your particular business. If the majority of your clients contact you via email or phone, this contact button now has capabilities to call your phone just by customers clicking it.

4. Schedule your Posts

Frequently updating your Facebook page is easily forgotten, thanks to the interfering tasks you face each day. Facebook tracks organic engagement to filter your followers’ newsfeed, and if you are not engaging with your followers, your content may be suppressed. In other words, with Facebook, if you do not use it, you lose it. Fortunately, you can schedule posts for free right through Facebook Publishing Tools function.

5. Boost your Posts

If you want to attract potential customers to your content, Facebook advertising can ensure your followers are seeing what you are posting. You can add call to action buttons to your post directing them to your site and target your followers and even friends of your followers. Facebook also has a $39.9 billion annual revenue ad manager system that has endless possibilities for advertising, but oftentimes, it’s best to leave Facebook advertising to the professionals. ◆

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TEL: 321.622.5986 octo b e r 2018 : 125

EXALTING FREEDOM

THROUGH ETHICAL CAPITALISM

IT’S THE REAL THING

The Force of Authenticity By Jeff Piersall & Eric Wright

veryone alive at the time remembers the campaign and it still inspires a flood of nostalgia. It blanketed the television networks and, as expected, people were whistling the inspirational jingle all the way to the nearest Coke machine.

Jeff Piersall

Eric Wright

The iconic commercial opened with young, flower-children types from around the world, smiling while holding their Coke and singing: “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I’d like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company. That’s the real thing; what the world wants today, it’s the real thing.” It is true that people were looking for the “real thing” in 1971. The Vietnam War was a national humiliation, the Watergate scandal spawned a new level of cynicism and everyone pined for something harmonious and real. The campaign was so effective it was included 44 years later in the final episode of the advertising drama Mad Men. Brilliant campaign, but hardly “The Real Thing.”

Who Is that Masked Man?

Great advertising always seeks to address

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our deepest needs, aspirations or problems. In this case it is the universal longing for authenticity. We demand it in jewelry, look for it in sports memorabilia and even those designer purses we see women carrying. But like the Coke ad, those are a somewhat superficial manifestation of a much deeper need. Authenticity is what makes us laugh at the most talented comedians. They peel off our cultural or social masks and expose the idiosyncrasies of human nature that we all know, but don’t always want to acknowledge. Authenticity is what gives a leader or advisor the authority to guide and direct us: “I have been there, I understand your struggles, but I have made it to the other side.” Like bad breath, a lack of authenticity is something everyone else can immediately detect, though the source of it may be blissfully ignorant. Our word “hypocrite” comes from a Greek term meaning “behind the mask,” a reference to the masks worn by actors on the ancient stage. When ability or integrity is a thin facade, the relational or professional halitosis can’t be covered with a mint.

Keys to Authenticity

1. Trust is rooted in demonstrating two qualities:

ability (doing) and integrity (being) or to put it simply, “I can do what I say I can” and “I will be who I say I am,” period. When we are clear about our abilities and are willing to honestly identify our weaknesses, that speaks to our integrity and authenticity, so avoid the temptation to oversell.

2. Vulnerability is a risky scheme, so leaders often

want to keep people at a distance or relate to them only through digital or highly controlled platforms. However, this can reduce our ability to actually influence; seeing a person’s humanity and their struggles attracts those seeking the authentic.

3. Know when you need to suppress your feelings

or fears for the sake of those you are leading. All heroes have fears, they just don’t allow themselves to be driven by those fears. This isn’t hypocrisy, it is emotional maturity, like a child not throwing a temper tantrum when their will is crossed. America needed Franklin D. Roosevelt to say “You have nothing to fear, but fear itself ” after Pearl Harbor was attacked, not “I’m freaking out and I’m not sure what to do!”

4. Understand what it means to be interested

versus being interesting. One focuses on us, the other on someone else. Asking questions is something authentic leaders do, because they want to learn and they value the perspectives others have. Authentic leaders know what they don’t know, so they seek input from others.

5. Avoid the pull of the dark side, which is abandoning

who you are to be something your environment is trying to shape you into. This isn’t external conformity that still frees us to be who we are on the inside. It is when we allow our true self to be suppressed or morphed into someone we don’t recognize. Then the most important form of authenticity is lost, our authentic self.

Like the medieval “hallmark,” which was usually a stylized crown stamped into either silver or gold at a royal metallurgical hall to authenticate its purity, people look for the hallmark on our life as well. That little 14K or 18K on our life and work is something people expect, and is a sign of an ethical capitalist. ◆ Trep Talks is the educational platform of Jeff Piersall and Eric Wright; for more information visit www.JeffPiersall.com

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FOR BREVARD COUNTY

Morgan & Morgan has always advocated keeping the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best interests in mind. We are not afraid to go to court to get our clients the compensation they deserve. The attorneys in our Melbourne office have the personal touch of a small firm, with the resources of a large well-respected national firm, and will make your case a priority.

scene MAKING THE

SEE MORE EVENT IMAGES AT

BrevardCountyEvents.com and Facebook.com/ SpaceCoast.Living

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LADIES NIGHT OUT {P130}

FOUNDERS FORUM {P132}

WOMEN'S BASEBALL {P136} octo b e r 2018 : 129

thescene] Brought to you by

Costume Winners

CANDLELIGHTERS'

LADIES NIGHT OUT Photograhpy by Acevedo Photography

Dale Sorensen Real Estate

Candlelighters of Brevard held its Ladies Night Out, celebrating legendary ladies from infamous to fabulous.

Lori Scott, Malak Hammand, Mallorie Ann Ingram, Brandie Witmer

Crystal Kabboord's Family and Friends

Harris Corporation

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Carrie Wam and Shamika Chamberlin

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Housewives of Bedrock

Yes We Can Girls

Rosemarie Cally and family

Golden Girls

2018 Ladies Night Out Event Committee

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Jessica Kane, Joseph and Lynn Duda

FOUNDERS FORUM Founders Forum, dedicated to elevating entrepreneurs within Brevard County, celebrated the 2018 Founder of the Year, Joe Penovich.

Lynda Weatherman, Daniel Pieron

Cortney Hermansen, Michael Cerow

Wayne and Barbara Justice, Joe Penovich

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Jake Schweich, Susan and Eric Wright

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Ari Lozano, Don and Julie Herndon

Mark Mikolajczyk, Bill Davis

Kurt Wilson, Susan Wilson, Staci Schieman

Cathy Cady, Lisa Schuler

Judy and Bryan Roub, Faye Gallant, Linda and Randy May, Brad Gallant

Lynda, Sam and Scott Lewit, Moses Harvin

Scott and Silvia Shephard

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MELBOURNE AUDI

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audi dealership is moving its location to the southeast corner of U.S. 192 and I95. Owner Shay Rowe says this allows space for Mercedes Benz to expand at their current location which, in turn, indicates business is good. The new 46,000 square feet location will carry solely Audi.

Andy Kinner, Rosemary Barnett, Rhonda Formigoni, Jason Brannam

Andy Ward, Mel Howard, Shay Rowe, Gustavo Becce, Brandon Stranz, Craig Heringmaus

Richard Gard, Jason Brannam

Andy Ward, Sherrie Gamerl, Brandon Stranz, Andy Kinner, Rosemary Barnett, Rhonda Formigoni, Jason Brannam, Gustavo Becce, Craig Heringmaus, John Dittmore, Pat Bentley, Hal J. Rose, Shay Rowe

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Brandon Stranz, Andy Ward

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MT1(SS) Jacob Singleton, MTC(SS) Eric Burton, BM1(SW) Ronald Stuart, CAPT John Gerken, MT2(SS) Michael Straehly, MT1(SS) Joshua Long, CDR Juan Hines, LCDR Jamie Cook

CAPT John Gerken

LCDR Jamie Cook, CDR Juan Hines

LCDR Ryan Crisman

CHANGING LEADERSHIP Lieutenant Commander Ryan Crisman assumes the duties and responsibilities as the Officer in Charge of the Program Management Office for the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fleet Ballistic Missile flight systems detachment at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

CDR Juan Hines, LCDR Ryan Crisman

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The Gomez Family

WOMEN'S BASEBALL WORLD CUP

OPENING NIGHT Fans braved the rain and storms to cheer on USA and Puerto Rico as they went head to head on the opening night of the Women's Baseball World Cup at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

The Stewart Family

Hallie Wilson, Alex Powers

Megan McKenna, Sammi Shapiro

Hot Pink performing opening night

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Fans cheering on their team

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The Saller family with neighbor Gary Rose

The Bou Family

Bob Brown, Dale Osinski, Phil Ringle

Team USA

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY LEADERSHIP FAITH FORMATION

MELBOURNE CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

HOLY NAME OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Melbourne | (321) 727-0793

Melbourne | (321) 723-3631

Indialantic | (321) 773-1630

DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC ACADEMY

ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ASCENSION CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Merritt Island | (321) 452-0263

Rockledge | (321) 636-4208

Melbourne | (321) 254-1595

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ST. TERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

OUR SAVIOUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Palm Bay | (321) 723-8866

Titusville | (321) 267-1643

Cocoa Beach | (321) 783-2330

† Tour campus and classrooms † Meet administrators and teachers † Receive admissions and financial assistance information

Serving Students in Pre-K3 & VPK4 Through Grade 12 | Visit BrevardCatholicSchools.org octo b e r 2018 : 137

of Melbourne

MORE THAN A STROKE OF GENIUS. A MASTERPIECE OF INTELLIGENCE.

2018 GLA 250 SUV of Melbourne 509 E. NASA Blvd. Melbourne, FL (800) 617-5547 | www.mbmelbourne.com

359

/36 months $4,007 Due at signing $36,195 MSRP, 10k miles/yr, for 36 months, with approved credit through Mercedes-Benz Financial. Due at signing: $4,007($2,553 capitalized cost reduction, $1,095 acq. fee & 1st month’s payment). Excludes tax, tag, title and $799 dealer processing fee. No Security Required. Expires 10/31/2018.

Get the luxury sedan whose sole purpose is exhilaration. Experience all the thrills of the Panamera. 2018 PORSCHE PANAMERA

1,079

* /MONTH 36 MONTHS

$10,099.36 due at lease signing Excludes tax, title, and license fees. No security deposit required.

Porsche of Melbourne Tel. 1-800-719-6980 www.melbourne.porschedealer.com © 2018 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seatbelt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment extra. $97,040 MSRP, 36 months, 10,000 miles/yr. Total due from customer at signing $10,099.36 (First month’s payment, acquisition fee of $1,095 and capitalized cost reduction of $7,925). No security deposit required. Taxes, tag, and $700 dealer fee due at signing. With approved tier 1 credit through PFS. Expires 10/31/2018.

Versatility that sacrifices nothing. The All-New 2018 Audi Q5 lease for

399/

mo +tax Due at signing $3,999

509 E. NASA Blvd., Melbourne, FL. Tel. 1-800-617-5547

audimelbourne.com

“Audi,” all model names, and the four rings logo are registered trademarks of AUDI AG ©2018 Audi of America, Inc. *36 Month lease. 7,500 miles per year. $42,465 MSRP. Due at signing (capitalized cost reduction) of $3,999. Excludes taxes, tag, title, $799 dealer fee and $1,095 acquisition fee. With approved tier 1 credit through Audi Financial Services. See Audi of Melbourne for details. Expires 10/31/2018.

THE

• ART & EXHIBITIONS • EVENTS • MUSEUMS & GALLERIES • MUSIC • PERFORMING ARTS

WHAT'S GOING ON IN BREVARD

BrevardCountyEvents.com

Looking for more things to do around the Space Coast?

octo b e r 2018 : 139

THE

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SpaceCoast LIVING Networking Event at River Rocks Event Date: Thursday, October 4, 2018 Location: River Rocks Join SpaceCoast LIVING for a networking event at River Rocks on October 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. There will be light hors d'ouerves and a cash bar. Attire is business casual. Frightmaze Productions Misfortune Haunted Attraction Start Date: Friday, October 5, 2018 End Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Location: Merritt Square Mall (rear side) An indoor haunted attraction at the Merritt Square Mall that encompasses over 7000 square feet of themed rooms and mazed corridors where guests have to guide themselves. This year's theme is Misfortune, a twisted path where your destiny may outweigh your fate. Your future is in the cards. Frightmaze Productions presents Misfortune, Friday and Saturday nights in October, 7 PM to 11 PM, located in the rear of the Merritt Square Mall. www.frightmazeproductions.com 18th Annual Blessing of the Animals Event Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 Location: Myrt Tharpe Square (Gazebo) Join us as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi which honors the special role animals play in peoples’ lives. 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. Father Gary Jackson of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Cocoa Village, will officiate this special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals.

6th Annual MFC Never Forget: Support Brevard’s First Responders Event Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 Location: Merritt Island Moose Lodge MFC Brevard Motorcycle Club will hold their 6th Annual Event on October 6th at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge. This year's event will benefit Brevard County Public Safety Charity and Survive First. Both are 501 (c) 3 organizations based here in Brevard County. Brevard County Public Safety Charity assists first responders in their time of need and Survive First helps first responders dealing with PTSD and suicide prevention. We will have registration at 9:00am for our fun run for motorcycles and/or cars and starting at 1:00 we will have raffles, a live auction and 50/50 drawing. Please join us on October 6th to support the first responders that support us every day! Manatee & Dolphin Encounter Paddle & A Pint Event Date: Sunday, October 7, 2018 Location: Playalinda Brewing Company - Hardware Store Get up close and personal with some of Florida’s most personable wildlife! Join Playalinda Brewing Company and A Day Away Kayak Tours for a Paddle & A Pint taking in some of the most memorable characters in the Indian River Lagoon! Ticket includes a 90-minute kayak tour, followed by a Playalinda beer with your fellow paddlers at Playalinda Brewing Company – Hardware Store. It’s an encounter unlike any other as you spend the morning floating gently in the endangered manatees’ favorite lounging spots on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The kayaking adventure continues with a search for playful dolphins, often fishing actively nearby. As if beholding these majestic mammals in their element isn’t enough, you’ll likely enjoy many other Florida natives including pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and even the occasional gator. As visitors in the manatees’ natural habitat, you can expect to observe and study the famed Sea Cows. Keep in mind that we seek not to disturb, overwhelm, or disrupt the manatees’ natural behaviors, but rather let you experience them on their terms. Your voice may reach a new octave as you ooh and ahh, but you can be sure they’ll just keep doing their adorable and friendly (but curious) thing. fareharbor.com/embeds/book/adayawaykayaktours/items/63381/ calendar/2018/09/?flow=28524&full-items=yes

Pet photos with Fr. Jackson will be taken immediately following the group blessings ($5 donation). All donations will benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary, Palm Shores, Florida, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to Florida’s wildlife in need. Special ambassadors from the Florida Wildlife Hospital will be in attendance for a unique meet-and-greet.

Purses with a Purpose 2018 Event Date: Friday, October 12, 2018 Location: Melbourne Rialto Hilton Each year we have a special guest speaker at our luncheon that has been affected by domestic violence. We are proud to announce Marni Sawicki as this year's speaker.

The Brevard Kennel Club will also be in attendance with members and their beautiful dogs who will provide a Meet the Breeds presentation. A number of non-profit animal rescue organizations have been invited to showcase adoptable dogs and answer questions about their organizations. All pets are welcome on a leash or in appropriate carriers.

Being a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, as both a child and an adult, Marni understands firsthand the challenges victims face as they maneuver through the judicial system. Using her voice and her contacts as a former elected official, she is committed to advocating for legislative changes and educating others on the abuse cycle and effects of victim shaming.

fwh.wildapricot.org

www.sereneharbor.org/purses-with-a-purpose-2018/

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It’s Simply Inspiring: Space Coast Inspiration Awards! Event Date: Saturday, October 13, 2018 Location: Cocoa Civic Center, Historic Cocoa Village Some of the most inspirational people along Florida’s Space Coast will be honored at the Space Coast Inspiration Awards, Saturday, October 13, 6-9pm, at Cocoa Civic Center. The event will feature Master of Ceremonies Wayne Ivey, Brevard County sheriff, and world-inspiring survivor and singer Kechi, top finalist, America’s Got Talent 2017. Tickets and details are available at stmarkscan.org or by phoning 321.639.5773; general admission tickets are $50; VIP $75 and include a complimentary reception and intermission. Proceeds benefit preservation of historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Community Church and Academy, Cocoa Village, inspiring community leadership since 1878; the event is presented by Space Coast Living and Historic Cocoa Village Association. World-renowned Kechi was one of two survivors of a plane crash that killed 107 passengers, including 60 students from her Christian high school in Nigeria. She then moved to the U.S., endured 100 surgeries, graduated, discovered her angelic voice and adopted her mission to inspire the world. The event will begin with a complimentary 6pm reception, courtesy of The Restaurant and Entertainment Establishments of the Historic Cocoa Village Association, Victory Casino Cruises and Two Chicks and a Pot Catering.

THE

SUBMIT your Crossroads UCC Church Pumpkin Patch Start Date: Monday, October 15, 2018 End Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Location: Crossroads UCC Church Stop by and buy your Halloween pumpkins at the Crossroads UCC Church Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins of all sizes. All proceeds support Crossroads UCC Church programs. www.crossroadsucc.church 2nd Annual Children’s Halloween Ball Event Date: Friday, October 19, 2018 Location: Azan Shrine Center Bring the children to our 2nd Annual Halloween Ball

Event

BREVARDCOUNTYEVENTS.COM

There are many things to do on the Space Coast. Don’t miss out on the fun! Head to BrevardCountyEvents.com for a comprehensive list of events that are happening around the Space Coast. To be listed in ‘The Buzz’ submit your events to brevardcountyevents.com.

October 19, 2017 7:00 to 9:30 PM Fly Me To The Moon – Jess Parrish Medical Foundation Benefit Gala Event Date: Saturday, October 13, 2018 Location: Cruise Terminal 1, Port Canaveral Jess Parrish Medical Foundation's 2018 gala, Fly Me to the Moon, will be held on Saturday, October 13 at Port Canaveral, Cruise Terminal 1 from 5:00PM - 10:00PM. Let the sounds of the big band and the wonder of twinkling lights take you back in time to the golden era of space exploration. Proceeds from the event will help expand mental and behavioral health services in our community, providing help for teens, parents of young children, and employees at work. With your help, we can create a better future for our community. Individual tickets are available at $125. Sponsorship opportunities start at $500. For additional information visit www.parrishmedfoundation.com/gala or call 321.269.4066.

Doors open at 6:45 PM The Azan Shriners Center,1591 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935 Looking for something family friendly and fun for Halloween? Bring the children to a night of thrills and dancing, live performances and costume contest A night like no other....

SEE AND BE SEEN Sign up for SCB Marketing’s e-newsletters “The Buzz” specially developed to keep you up-to-date on all the latest news, announcements and happenings around the Space Coast! Sign up online at: SpaceCoastLiving.com.

It is Halloween and your favorite witches are amuck and up to no good. Halloween costumes and/or royal ball attire for all ages is welcome (please keep faces visible). PLEASE bring tickets to event with you PLEASE like and follow Santa by Scott Children's Entertainment on Facebook for more great events Tickets on sale now Veterans, military, 1st responders, medical and teachers use promo code: Military for discounts.

Looking for more things to do around the Space Coast?

e mor r o f ing ts? Look cal even lo Our Visit ite s Web

BrevardCountyEvents.com octo b e r 2018 : 141

THE

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Field Manor Third Annual Oyster Roast & Fish Fry Event Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Location: Field Manor Third Annual Oyster Roast & Fish Fry An old-fashioned celebration of the Indian River's bounty featuring delicious food, live music and greeter in costume.

Legends Generosity Awards 2018 Event Date: Thursday, October 25, 2018 Location: Rocklegde Country Club Hospice of St. Francis will honor Brevard notables who demonstrate extraordinary generosity of spirit that uplifts many charitable organizations and makes a meaningful difference in the quality of life in our community. This will spotlight the selfless efforts of five well-known Brevard citizens: Jerry and Judy Allender, the late Ron Norris, Ambika Ravindran, and Christine Sylvester. The event was created as a reflection of the mission of the Hospice of St. Francis: Uplifting lives. Uplifting each other. Uplifting our community. www.hospiceofstfrancis.com/Legends

Menu: Oysters, fish, veggies and dessert. Beer by Florida Beer Company. Pre-sale tickets: $35 per person or 2 for $60. Children 10 and under are FREE! Purchase tickets by calling Field Manor at 321-848-0365 or visiting out web site at Bioluminescent Paddle & A Pint Event Date: Saturday, October 20, 2018 Location: Playalinda Brewing Company Hardware Store Experience the magic of bioluminescence on the Space Coast! Ticket includes a 90-minute kayak tour, followed by a beer with your fellow paddlers at Playalinda Brewing Company – Hardware Store. In the warm and dark lagoon waters on the Space Coast of Florida lies a natural phenomenon of glowing blue waters alive with activity called bioluminescence. The swirling of your hand, every paddle stroke, the darting trails of nearby fish swimming, the torpedo-like aura of a dolphin swimming by all spark the blue that many compare to the “Avatar” or “Life of Pi” movies, and some even recall “those Gatorade commercials” as the gentle plankton leave a trickling glow when holding it in your hands. Being on a wildlife refuge, other wildlife often makes appearances as well! Frequent visitors include manatees, dolphins, herons, other endangered species of birds, and even the occasional gator. Escape with us to the most pure and otherworldly experience that natural Florida has to offer. www.fareharbor.com/embeds/book/ adayawaykayaktours/items/63381/calenda r/2018/09/?flow=28524&full-items=yes

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www.fieldmanor.org/events/calendar Neighbor Up Brevard’s “Carnival at the Creek” Event Date: Sunday, October 21, 2018 Location: Up the Creek Farms Experience Old Florida charm at its best! Sip a signature cocktail as you stroll under a majestic oak canopy and enjoy the pristine views. Live music by the Blue Cypress Bluegrass band will energize the evening! Step into the rustic elegant barn to play games and win prizes. No carnival is complete without yummy treats! Delicious upscale carnival fare will be served. By supporting this event, attendees will be supporting the vital work that Neighbor Up is doing in struggling neighborhoods here in Brevard: In Melbourne's Booker T. Washington community, there has been an 86% reduction in violent crime. Each year, close to 150 youth are mentored at our "DOCK" community center. Working poor parents and seniors have affordable housing - and the stability and pride that comes from providing for their families at Greater Heights Apartments. In the Powell/Driskell Heights area of Palm Bay, over 5,000 residents will have access to fresh food and a health clinic at the Evans Center.

Ghostly Gecko 5K Event Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Location: Eau Gallie Civic Center Calling ghosts, witches, superheroes and princesses to celebrate the spookiest 5K run or walk in town! All ages and abilities welcome to this Running Zone Foundation event in downtown Eau Gallie that benefits the Eau Gallie High School Health & Wellness Academy. Great race shirts, costume contests, a random prize of a drone, an after party at Squid Lips and MUCH more! www.runningzone.com/series/

Cooper’s

Corner The Holistic Benefits of Turmeric

e all love our pets and want the very best for them, especially when it comes to care and medical treatment. Just like humans, certain precautionary measures can be taken to help prevent ailments, or at least cope with them. Dog owners are turning toward a more holistic approach to care, while still adhering to traditional methods of treatment. One recent development that’s caught the eye of veterinarians and pet parents are the benefits associated with turmeric for dogs. Research shows this plant-based product has numerous health perks and may improve your dog’s skin conditions, tumors and other concerns.

How it Works

Other Benefits

Consult First

Tell your doctor you’re experiencing joint and inflammatory pain and chances are, you’ll be prescribed turmeric. It’s no different for dogs. Studies show that this substance not only helps control the pain, sometimes better than traditional relievers, but it also can help stop the degenerative process of inflammatory cell growth and cancer cell formation.

This powerful antioxidant can slow down the aging process, increase your dog’s lifespan and help prevent and treat various diseases, all without the harsh side effects of traditional medication. Turmeric works to fight and prevent conditions, some of which include:

Be sure to talk with your dog’s veterinarian before administering turmeric to be sure there is no interaction with other medications that could be harmful to your pet. You can make your own turmeric remedy paste from scratch or purchase an already made formula. Research the various options that work best for your dog’s weight and dosage amount.

Cancer Gastrointestinal issues Chronic inflammation Allergies

octo b e r 2018 : 143

[inclosing]

SurvivorS

edition

ONE

Last Question

With this month’s edition of SpaceCoast LIVING, we’ve highlighted various individuals sharing their survivor stories and testimonials and how to thrive in these types of circumstances. In closing, we decided to ask one of our local residents, Tasha Flinchbaugh, what living with a survivor is like, what it means to cope and advice for others watching a loved one suffer.

SCL: When you first heard the news about your father’s stroke and heart attack, what went through your mind? Tasha: My worst nightmare had come true. My dad is 87 years old, so it was always one of my fears that something would happen to him while I was away. When his stroke and heart attack happened, I was in Virginia Beach for a wedding and I feared he wouldn’t make it for me to get home and say goodbye.

SCL: What is it like being the main caregiver for your dad, especially being in your 20s with a child on the way? Tasha: Since I was 14 years old, I have been the main caregiver for my dad, managing his accounts, making breakfast for him daily and keeping up the house for him. This level of care, however, has been a whole new adventure. It has truly given meaning to the concept of taking one day at a time. I’ve had to overcome and dive into things I have had no idea about, such as home health care, bathing/bathroom management and health insurance for a man of his age. Having a child on the way was the biggest light in the darkness. We found out I was pregnant the first week my dad was in the hospital. We told him a few days later since we were unsure if he would ever make it out of ICU. I really felt it helped him hang on, push through and get better in order to meet her.

SCL: Do you have advice for someone watching a loved one suffer? How do you remain strong? Tasha: Faith. Whatever that means for you. For me that was praying on my hands and knees asking God to do whatever his 144 : spac ec oa st l iv in g

will was and giving me the strength to handle it. At the beginning I was holding his hand as he repeatedly said he wanted to die. I had to tell him it was okay, and that I understood if he had to let go. I would just take each opportunity to tell him I loved him; if he passed away while we weren't at the hospital, I wanted the last thing I said to him to be that I loved him. In order to stay strong I had to also cry, just to let out the emotion. I refused to cry in front of him, but sometimes at home I would take an hour long shower, play some music and just cry. Then I would come out, hug my husband and cry again.

SCL: Is there a remedy or attitude that kicks in to be that encouraging support system for your dad when days are extra difficult? Tasha: I realized I needed a support system of my own. Someone that I can go and vent to, to cry with and who can make me laugh. You also need to get some time away. For me it is writing and scripture, to gain a new perspective that this is just a season.

SCL: Have you discovered there’s hope on the horizon? Tasha: This has been one of the biggest trials of my life, but while I say that, it has also been one of the most rewarding. Witnessing my dad coming from a hospital bed saying he wanted to die and barely being able to grip a spoon to eat, to now doing physical therapy exercises six times a week, playing with his active kitten, and making it through with no speech issues and only minor coordination trouble is simply amazing. The doctor calls him the miracle man. Being a part of someone’s recovery story is a privilege and has taught me to be grateful for every day. ◆

Kate Breast Cancer Survivor

Our team is dedicated to providing the most highly specialized treatment and care so patients can better navigate health care. Convenient locations for you, close to your Brevard home:     

1130 S. Hickory St., Melbourne 225 Cone Road, Merritt Island 1421 Malabar Road NE, Palm Bay 490 N. Washington Ave., Titusville 8725 N. Wickham Road, Viera

Most insurances accepted

To make an appointment, call 855.894.HOPE (4673). To learn more, visit HF.org/cancer.