Vero Beach News Weekly by tcpalm analytics

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D E C E M B E R

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Cracker Christmas

Party to help raise funds for pets whose owners are struggling to provide care Page 19

Hello Santa

St. Nick was among the honored guests at Mainstreet’s Downtown Friday Page 16

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TASCON

This will be the last year of Christmas decorations at Tara Plantation. Page 12

Is Vero Electric better off downsizing?

Why a partial sale may make sensePage 3

Piper insiders discuss failed jet programPage 7

 FORUM  CALENDAR  OBITUARIES

Turkey Trot

Nearly 1,000 runners turned out to help the Harvest Food & Outreach Center Page 26 14 20 28

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N E W S W E E K L Y

CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

B E A C H

NEWS ANALYSIS

V E R O

Focused on the all-or-nothing approach to selling the electric system to Florida Power and Light, city leaders appear to have done little to explore an alternative which some believe could better serve all parties with a stake in the outcome. Proponents of a “partial sale” see it as a solution that would satisfy county customers, lower city power rates, avoid expensive contract isCouncilman Jay Kramer and more sues, while also minimizing, if not than a few members of the city’s Ficompletely avoiding, the need to nance and Utilities committees, as cut services and increase taxes. This well as industry experts, think a par-

franchise rights the city could, the theory goes, eliminate $55 million in debt, which is costing taxpayers $6.7 million a year. At the same time, a partial sale would end the city’s need to maintain an old and ineﬃcient power plant, which is losing approximately $7 million a year. Rather than selling the entire system, downsizing and restructuring could enable the city to continue operating an electric utility as a valuable asset for its customers and taxpayers. In contrast, some fear that turning over the entire system could leave the city with no alternative but to make

tial sale – where the city would sell to FPL franchise rights to its county customers and maintain its 12,000 users within the city limits – is a compromise solution that would result in competitive power rates. Those encouraging the Council to more fully explore this option believe it is possible to restructure the electric system and oﬀer competitive rates while also helping to support the General Fund to the beneﬁt of city taxpayers. Proponents say a partial sale would minimize, if not eliminate, the need to reduce city services and increase taxes. With the proceeds from selling its

more strategic approach to reducing electric rates is seen by some as a way of putting the city in a better position to serve its taxpayers, its 12,000 electric customers within the city limits, as well as satisfy the objections of county customers claiming the relationship amounts to taxation without representation.

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BY MARK SCHUMANN VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

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A partial sale to FPL has support and some merit, but a majority on Council seem against consideration

D E C E M B E R

An unexplored option for utility system sale

THE STRUCTURE OF A PARTIAL SALE Existing customer base – 32,000

Sell 20,000 county customers to FPL

12,000 city customers reorganized into smaller, more cost competitive utility

• The city would sell franchise rights to 20,000 customers outside the city limits. • The city would then pay oﬀ $55 million in debt on the electric system, saving $6.7 million a year in debt service expense. • County customers would receive FPL rates, and would no longer be paying into the city’s General Fund.

• City would no longer need the power plant, saving an additional $7 million a year that could be passed on to customers. • Combined savings from debt service reductions and from ending its need for the power plant would save customers approximately $10 million a year. • Coupled with additional cuts in operating expenses made possible by downsizing, proponents of a partial sale believe the city could oﬀer electric rates competitive with FPL.

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V E R O

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massive budget cuts and/or raise property tax increases. Other than Kramer, only newly elected Councilman Richard Winger is versed in the financial models showing the potential benefits of operating an electric utility that is focused on serving the 12,000 customers within the city limits. “By paying off the debt and eliminating the need for the power plant, we can operate a smaller electric system and match, or even do better than FPL rates. We will be able to do that while maintaining services, and keeping taxes low,” Kramer says. Kramer continues, “Before we agree to sell, we need to need to know exactly what the trade offs are going to be. We haven’t specifically identified what services we are going to have to cut, or what tax increases are going to be necessary.” Mayor Pilar Turner and Councilwoman Tracy Carroll remain adamant that a sale of the full system is the only logical approach.

According to Turner, while there may be some increase in taxes, additional taxes will be more than offset by savings in electric rates, making a sale of the full system the best deal for everyone. “My priority is to put more money in people’s pockets,” Turner said. Councilwoman Carroll has also not looked at the financial models that have Kramer convinced a partial sale is at least worth understanding. She is instead focused on moving forward in negotiations with FPL for a sale of the entire 32,000-customer system. Though Vice Mayor Craig Fletcher acknowledges that the rate reductions expected from a sale to FPL will have to be at least partially offset by a tax increase, he has not considered the pros and cons of a partial sale. Fletcher says his priority is to reduce “overhead” for city residents and taxpayers. Turner, Carroll and Fletcher show little interest in possible benefits from a partial sale. Newly elected Councilman Richard Winger, however, shares Kramer’s view that the

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Council should take the time to more fully understand the consequences of selling all or part of the electric utility and the impact on city government, tax payers and electric customers. Kramer and Winger both point out if the city is to sell the full system to FPL, there are challenging contracts issues yet to be resolved. Of particular concern are the potential costs to the city of buying its way out of obligations with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and the Orlando Utility Commission. If those exit costs exceed $40 million, which some think is likely, the city could end up selling to FPL with no proceeds to show for handing over an approximately $95 million-ayear enterprise. Accused by some of being “obstructionists,” Kramer and Winger both insist they would support a sale of the full system, if the numbers prove conclusively such a sale would be in the best interest of the city and its taxpayers. No one yet knows what the city will have to pay FMPA and OUC to walk way from more than $50 million in debt obligations. There are also multi-decade commitments to buy power valued at over $600 million. Winger, Kramer and more than a few members of the Finance and Utility committees maintain the true costs and beneﬁts of a sale cannot be

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D E C E M B E R

Craig Fletcher

known until the city’s transactional attorneys complete several months more of negotiations. Kramer, in particular, is confident the advantages of a partial sale are promising. He is concerned that the Council has not considered carefully enough the potential consequences of turning the full system over to FPL at what might amount to a loss to the city. Winger points out that in a partial sale, serving city residents on the barrier island would require an arrangement with FPL to share existing transmission lines crossing the Indian River. Without such a “wheeling” agreement, as it is called, the city would need to build additional transmission and distribution capacity in the Central Beach area at significant cost. These upgrades would be necessary because two of the three transmission lines crossing the lagoon, one near the Moorings and the other in Indian River Shores, would logically be part of a partial sale. Winger is confident a solution to the transmission issue could be reached, if a partial sale ultimately proved to be the best solution for the city. Experts say such “wheeling” agreements are common in the industry. Others who are urging the Council to move more cautiously fear if the price of extricating itself from its obligations to FMPA and the OUC, coupled with the cost of retiring its own debt exceeds the cash price being offered by FPL, Vero Beach will be left needing to make drastic cuts in services and/or raise taxes. When Kramer expressed these concerns during Council meetings several months ago, Carroll accused him of “fear mongering.” She concedes, though, that the numbers needed to precisely calculate the full costs and benefits of a sale to FPL cannot be identified until negotiations with FMPA and OUC are concluded. Advocates of a partial sale contend such a deal would solve at least two problems that are driving up electric rates. First, paying off the $55 million

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LOCAL NEWS

FPL FROM PAGE 5

in debt would allow the city to reduce rates an average of $550 dollars a year for each of its customers. This savings totals $6.7 million a year. Some familiar with utility valuations believe the city’s franchise right to its county customers is worth more than enough to pay off the city’s $55 million in utility debt. In fact, at least one expert believes selling the city’s

franchise rights to just the 7,000 or so island customers outside the city limits would raise enough cash to pay off the debt, and thus position the city to offer more competitive rates. If the city were only serving its 12,000 customers within the city limits it could also sell the power plant, saving another $7 million a year. The annual operating loss on “Old Blue” results from the inefficiency of maintaining an older plant that is only run

Indian River Medical Center welcomes

Arley Peter, M.D., FACC to Indian River Medical Associates

12 percent of the time, when power usage demands. Unsaddling the city from the power plant would save incity customers another $2.8 million a year off their current electric bills. In a partial sale “Old Blue” would be sold to FPL, or whoever buys the city’s franchise rights to its customers living in the county. That power supplier, presumably FPL, would only operate the plant long enough to upgrade transmission lines, at which time the plant could be decommissioned, and the land returned to the city for public use. With a downsized electric system serving only 12,000 customers, the city would have access to a more than adequate supply of power through its existing entitlements with FMPA and its agreement with OUC. Using

Arley Peter, M.D., FACC Board Certified in Cardiology, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology and Internal Medicine

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Board certified in cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine, Dr. Arley Peter has recently become a member of Indian River Medical Associates.

Arley Peter, M.D., FACC Diplomate of the American Board of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine Board Certified in Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography

Dr. Peter earned his medical degree at the University of Federal do Ceara in Brazil. His residency and cardiology fellowship were completed at the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, in Miami, Florida. He is board certified in internal medicine and in the subspecialty of cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and by the National Board of Echocardiography and the Board of Nuclear Cardiology. Dr. Peter has been a member of the Indian River Medical Center medical staff since 2010. Dr. Peter provides comprehensive cardiology services in two locations—in Sebastian and Vero Beach. His full-time practice remains in Sebastian, now in the Sebastian Medical Suites building adjacent to Indian River Medical Center's Urgent Care Center, Lab Express draw station, and Medication Management Clinic. Dr. Peter will continue to offer office hours in Vero Beach as well, now at the Kurtell Medical Center building. New Sebastian Location

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Jay Kramer power bought through FMPA and OUC would put the city on par with almost all Florida municipalities that own and control their own electric utilities. These two restructuring moves -paying off the city’s debt, and ending its dependence on the power plant -would result in savings for the city’s remaining 12,000 customers of almost $10 million a year. By operating an electric utility without the burden of a $7 million deficit on “Old Blue,” and without $6.7 million in annual debt service,

Kramer and others believe the city might well be able to offer its in-city customers rates within range of FPL. A partial sale would also end the city’s “taxation” of customers living outside the city. Further, the city could fulfill its commitments to FMPA and OUC, and would thus avoid paying early exit penalties of perhaps $40 to $50 million. Beyond these savings and shortterm reductions in cost, proponents of a partial sale have identified additional savings, further supporting their position that with a smaller system the city could provide power at competitive rates. Beginning in 2019, and again in 2027, the cost of power supplied through the FMPA entitlements will drop by millions a year. Debt service payments on Stanton I will end in October of 2019 and bring down the cost of power from that source by $3 million a year. The cost of power from the Stanton II unit will drop another $2.1 million in late 2027, when FMPA’s indebtedness on that asset will be paid off. In 2026 the city’s debt on its entitlement to St. Lucie nuclear power will be retired, making this, the city’s lease expensive source of power, even more so. The Council may well sign a contract with FPL by December 31, though that agreement will necessarily have numerous contingencies based on the city resolving its issues with FMPA and OUC. Council would be wise, Kramer and Winger say, to fully explore the option of a partial sale before committing to turn over to the state’s largest investor owned utility what was once and could again be a valuable public asset. In signing even a contingent agreement to sell the city’s electric system before first identifying all reasonable options and before knowing the costs of concluding such a transaction could have dire consequences. Noted Councilman Winger: “I believe Council signing anything without knowing the results upon the taxpayers is malfeasance.”

Engineers hired for jet project say many did not see end coming

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They had just begun what they hope will be a long career in aviation. But design engineer Nick Shipley and his former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University classmate Alex Perez were grounded by Piper Aircraft in the latest round of company lay-offs. Shipley, 23, is a former Massachusetts resident who lost his job in the first round of lay-offs on Oct. 24 when the company announced the indefinite suspension of its Altaire light jet project. Perez, 24, a Mexican national expects his job will end by the New Year. Both were hired by Piper in the summer of 2010. Shipley worked on the Altaire’s design team, while Perez’s was a flight test pilot whose duties were mainly concentrated on Piper’s existing “legacy” propeller-driven products with additional testing for the jet. Scrubbing the light jet project has resulted in the progressive lay-offs of about 150 employees including 55 contract employees. The job losses also complicate the agreement Piper

has with the state and county regarding a $32 million incentive package the company received in 2008 with repayment penalty clauses if employment and capital investment benchmarks went unmet. Despite their disappointment in not being able to complete a new “clean-sheet” jet project, the pair are stoic about the turbulent conditions that aborted their ﬂedgling Piper careers and believe many within the corporate hierarchy did not foresee the end of the jet project when the announcement came. “They were hiring up to one week before announcing the project was scrubbed,” said Perez. The Piper story in Vero Beach has been one of boom and bust since they began operations at the Municipal Airport in 1955 with the Piper Cherokee series. What was supposed to be the newest chapter in the Piper history in Vero Beach came in 2007 when then CEO Jim Bass announced the company was embarking on an ambitions project to build the PiperJet, a ﬁrst-of-its-kind single-engine light jet.

“Focus on Business”

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BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Barbara du Pont Cell: 772-913-3333

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FILE PHOTO

Piper Aircraft abandoned its jet program to focus on propeller-driven planes.

At the same time Piper was also entertaining offers from other municipalities around the country, keen on bringing in the project to boost their local economies. After a local and state-wide campaign to keep Piper in Florida, a deal was struck where Piper would keep the project in Vero Beach in exchange for $32 million -$12 million from the county and $20 million from the state – in incentive money to improve the plant. Piper has been unable to meet employment benchmarks that were part of that package after the worldwide recession hit. Of the $20 million the state awarded to Piper in 2008, $6.6 million has been paid out and that contract is under renegotiation. Piper has received $4 million from the county and county officials are presently considering giving the company an extension of several years to meet employment goals, citing Piper’s importance to the local economy. On May 1, 2009, American Capital Strategies sold the company to Imprimis, a Singapore-based investment company funded by the government of Brunei. In June, after heading Piper since 2005, Bass announced his resignation. The departure of Bass has signaled a wave of upper management turnover as Imprimis put its own team in place. The latest CEO to leave was Geoffrey Berger, brother of Imprimis Managing Director Stephen Berger. Berger was replaced on Oct. 17 by Simon Caldecott – the fourth CEO in just over two years for Imprimis. One week later Piper announced it had “indefinitely suspended” the jet project and would be laying off 150 of its 850 employees plus an additional 55 contracted workers. “Clearly, the market for light jets is not recovering sufficiently and quickly enough to allow us to continue developing the program,” Cal-

Melissa Mittag, ABR Cell: 772-538-9086

D E C E M B E R

Recruits stay at Piper is short-lived

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 8 3402 Ocean Drive | Vero Beach, FL 32963

PIPER FROM PAGE 7

decott said on Oct. 24. He vowed that the company would concentrate on improving its core products of turboprop and pistonpowered aircraft which would result in an increase of personnel to sustain the company’s manufacturing functions.

A birdseye’s view of Piper

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It was into that backdrop that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduates Nick Shipley and Alex Perez began their careers at Piper in the summer of 2010. Located in Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle is renowned for its degreed programs which prepare graduates to enter the aviation industry. Shipley, a design engineer, was originally hired to work on the PiperJet project which in late 2010 was

renamed Altaire and slated for a redesign. From the beginning, according to Shipley, engineers were working in a haphazard way. “What was interesting when I got hired was that I noticed there was no standardized training process. One new person was training another and there seemed to be no long-standing knowledge on staﬀ about the project,” Shipley said. A design change from the PiperJet to the Altaire delayed the project, Perez and Shipley said. “They changed a very important aspect of the plane. Originally for the PiperJet, they wanted to take the fuselage of the Meridian and put a jet engine on it. They built it and ﬂew it – that’s the ‘proof of concept’ (POC). Perez explained when the decision was made to redesign PiperJet to Altaire, they needed a completely accurate model to conduct wind testing. That change, and the added time and money it required, began a downward spiral for the project.

“It was a major setback to redesign. The reason was money-related to drum up interest (in the jet) maybe because the original concept (PiperJet) wasn’t selling and so the PiperJet was buried. “The jet was sold as a turn-key opportunity to Imprimis which had no history in the aviation industry. I don’t think they knew what they were getting themselves into. They thought it would be quick and easy, but nothing goes as planned,” Shipley said. He said the company’s original schedule to have the Altaire ready was “nothing short of ridiculous.” After changing the design, the first certifying flight date was pushed back until Nov. 30, 2012. Setting a specific first flight date is crucial to generate interest in the project, Perez said. “It’s very essential for a company to put a date on the first flight so people (within the aviation industry and market) know that. But even after the first flight, it still needs to go through the entire process of certification. They were hoping to complete certification in the summer of 2014 and start selling planes,” Perez said. According to Shipley, the first plane for testing was already in the works when Piper pulled the plug. Yet he believes there were clear indications that the end was coming. “I saw this coming a mile away because I’m also business oriented. In late September (of this year) there was what’s called Critical Design Review (CDR) where everyone shows

their design. There was no one from the (Piper) board of directors who showed up for this and that was very striking. “The CDR went well. It was on track and on schedule and moving well. But it was all for nothing. We were presenting to ourselves and I knew something was going on. Then at an Oct. 17 all-hands meeting, they announced that (interim CEO Geoffrey) Berger was gone – he was the (Imprimis) man who brought money into the company. That, basically, was our two-week notice. We knew we were going to be gone and on Oct. 24 they announced the (Altaire) program was cancelled,” Shipley said.

Demand for Altaire questionable “When all is said and done, they had no solid orders for this plane. The 180 ‘orders’ they had were through dealers and that creates an artiﬁcial demand. It’s like selling something from your right hand to your left hand because the (aircraft) dealers are like an extension of the company. And if it sits on the dealer’s lot, it covers up the fact that nobody wants the plane,” Shipley said. The pair said there were “rumors” within the company that there were only about 30 direct orders from interested purchasers for the Altaire and the company needed to sell 300 jets at $2.8 million each “to break even” on the project. The concept of a single-engine jet is CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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a good one, Perez and Shipley agree, because it offers a lower price point for the light jet market as well as significantly lower operating costs. Yet, it is also dicey to produce. “Some company is going to win this market for a single-engine jet,” Perez predicted. “Single engines are more reliable now than ever before, but Piper was late getting into the private jet market.” The PiperJet was intended to be an “entry-level” aircraft with a price tag just in excess of $2 million. But following the redesign to the Altaire configuration, the cost went up to about $2.8 million, according to Shipley. “The PiperJet price was a bargain – a great price point to gain entry into the jet market. But the Altaire’s final selling price was too close to the $3.5 million for the competition – such as the Cessna Mustang, a twin-engine

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Alex Perez, left, and Nick Shipley were happy to have the opportunity to work on the Piper jet program. jet,” Shipley said. Shipley and Perez as well as others in the aviation industry believe Piper attempted to enter the private jet market too late and was doomed to

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trying to play “catch up” with competitors whose aircraft were already certified and in production. The Altaire still needed fine-tuning of its redesign as well as lengthy testing and certification procedures. “It was just going to be too expensive and take too long,” Shipley said. “And I think the overall number of individuals qualified to fly this is pretty small because the average customer would be an owner-operator (private pilot) versus the twin-engine planes which are aimed at corporations with staff pilots.”

Turbulent skies predicted Shipley and Perez said they believe that if Piper doesn’t come up with new products and instead continues in the same patterns of the past, the company’s long-term survival looks grim. One possibility, they said, is that the company might decide to move its manufacturing overseas. “Their newest airplane design is 25 – 30 years old with some design improvements made over that time. They haven’t come up with a fundamentally new product in a long time,” Shipley said. Howard Linker, a now-retired jet engine engineer and ﬂeet mainte-

nance manager in the Paciﬁc Rim area for Pratt & Whitney who is also a private pilot, does not believe Piper will survive. He thinks that due to increasing needs for aviation in the Far East, a company there might “buy out Piper and move the assets and manufacturing to China.” “Piper and Cessna were building the same planes and then Cessna started building jets way back when. Jets are a diﬀerent ballgame. Then throw into the equation a company like Eclipse which has a brilliant twoengine (jet) design. “You have to have experience with them and know the technology of them as well as your market. You have to be in it for the long haul because the development process is long. Piper misunderstood where the (aviation) world was going and it makes them look like they were out to lunch. It’s a tragic story of a company that’s lost its way. “I don’t see a reason for Piper to survive. If they had a product or some innovation they would have had a product, but they didn’t,” Linker said. Nonetheless, Linker believes that to protect its investment in Piper, Imprimis might “put it where it will do something – maybe Asia.”

Semi-soft landings Despite certain indicators that the Altaire project would be dropped, Shipley and Perez believe middle and some upper-level managers and employees had no real inkling before the axe dropped. “I don’t think they really knew until the design review that it was going to be cancelled. And as late as Sept. 19 I was sent to San Diego for ﬂight test survival training. It was one of the best courses in the country and it’s expensive. I don’t think they would have sent me if they knew,” Perez said. Despite the abrupt end to the project and their Piper careers, both CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

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expressed their appreciation to Piper for the opportunity to work on an exciting project as well as the company’s help to laid-off employees in finding new jobs through job fairs and other assistance. “They’ve let us take time off to (go to) interview with other companies. They didn’t have to do this and my colleague said she has never seen a company treat people so nicely when they have to lay them off,” Perez said. As a Mexican national, Perez will have to leave the United States after he leaves Piper unless he connects with another American company and extends his visa. He expressed some interest in joining the Mexican Air Force or starting a company with his father. “I have some big decisions to make in a couple of weeks. My experience at Piper overall was excellent. The people are great and I learned a lot and got to expand my passion for

flight testing. I won’t get to experience the jet but I believe in Piper’s core products and if they play their cards right, they can reinvent their existing line. “With my experience at Piper I feel I’m competent and valuable in the industry. I would come back to Piper if asked to,” Perez said. Shipley seemed stoic, and said that engineers are project oriented rather than expecting to spend a whole career with one company. He is presently interviewing with several aviation companies and hopes to be offered a job in California. Almost immediately after the Oct. 24 announcement that the Altaire projected was indefinitely grounded, Piper competitors began advertising for aviation jobs in the Press Journal in an effort to mine the local talent. Bombardier, HondaJet, Eclipse Aerospace and Cobham Mission Systems are seeking engineers and other aviation specialists to fill positions including international opportunities. For now, it is unknown if there will be blue skies in Piper’s future.

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will be under different types of coverage for various services. Patients will return to the original Medicare plan in December, and they’ll be able VERO BEACH -- Attorney Jeff Pegler, who joined the school board last year, was to continue seeing their current primary care doctors. The HMO’s patients also will have until Feb. 29 — about two and a half months elected unanimously to serve as chairman, succeeding Matthew McCain. Pegler was nominated for the one-year term by McCain. Carol Johnson will serve as vice after enrollment closes for most patients — to change their coverage if, for example, they want to return to an HMO or change their prescription plan. chairman. Pegler said he wants to concentrate his efforts on student success and on the litBarrier island murder suspects caught eracy goal proposed by Superintendent Dr. Fran Adams where 90 percent of third when they returned to crime scene graders read on grade level. VERO BEACH — Barrier island murder suspects Henry Lee Jones Jr., 23, and Johnson was nominated by Pegler and elected by a vote of 3-2. Claudia Jiménez Darius Robinson, 16, were initially detained after police and neighborhood resinominated herself for the position of vice chairman, and received McCain’s vote. dents became suspicious of their wandering around the area of the killing in the Medicare terminates contracts 300 block of Conn Way. Officials said the two went back to the area of the home with Quality Health Plans Inc. murder-robbery looking for a firearm possibly stashed in a nearby vacant house. INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- Starting in December, more than 1,000 Indian The two were arrested last week on charges of first-degree murder and armed River County Medicare patients covered by Quality Health Plans Inc. will have to burglary in connection with the fatal shooting of Brian Simpson, 41. He walked in on the robbery around 6:42 p.m. Nov. 17, when he stopped by his house just before arrange their health care through other coverage options. Medicare officials have terminated the current Medicare Advantage and Pre- going to join his son at a ball game, police said. Jones and Robinson made their first court appearance last week and did not say scription Drug contracts with Quality Health Plans effective Dec. 1. The Tampa-based health maintenance organization misrepresented its numbers a word when county Judge David Morgan ordered Jones, of the 1100 block of 24th to the state, and the state determined the HMO had “insufficient capital to assure Street Southwest Vero Beach, be held without bail. In a separate first appearance prompt payment of losses and claims in this state in the future,” according to court hearing for juveniles, circuit Judge Robert Pegg placed Robinson, of the 2300 block of 10th Road Southwest, Vero Beach, into the St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention documents. Quality Health Plans’ 10,000 Florida patients — 1,049 in Indian River County — Center in Fort Pierce.

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Pegler unanimous selection to serve as chairman of Indian River School Board

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Time is limited for public viewing of Tara holiday decorations BY LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

If you have never seen the Christmas light display at Tara Plantation on State Road 60, this is your last chance. After more than 20 years of inviting the public into the law offices of Grall, Glenn and Grall -- where for about a month each December there is a gaggle of Winter Wonderlands, Santa’s Workshops, and, of course, Nativity scenes on display for public viewing -- this will be the last year. The outdoor light display, which covers five acres, “will most probably continue,” said Bernie Grall, the firm’s founding attorney and decorating mastermind. Grall, a native of West Palm Beach, specializes in personal injury law by day. But by night, on weekends, for months on end, year after year Grall, himself, painstakingly hand-decorates 20 rooms in the Gone with the Wind-style mansion that houses his practice. That feat includes decorating 17 Christmas trees, setting up the display of thousands of collectibles Grall has acquired over the years, and lacing mountains of garland over doorways, around banisters and everywhere else greenery is called for in the traditional setting of this antebellum-colonial.

so many resources into a holiday light display. “I wanted to keep the Christ in Christmas for them.” He has additional help decorating the outdoor display. It is estimated that as many as 12,000 people attend the Christmas display each year. However, Grall, has never charged admission Grall says he puts in between 500 and 800 hours over three months every year to get the Christmas display ready. The cost comes in as high as $25,000. Expenses consist of electricity and other utilities; materials such as strands of lights; the refreshments made available to visitors of the mansion; labor and the cost of running a squadron of busses to transport spectators from a designated parking area to the ten-acre estate. Cost, however, was not the deciding factor for suspending the exhibit, Grall said. At age 65, two back surgeries and a knee replacement have “slowed me down,” he said. “I haven’t seen a football game in 20 years,” Grall conﬁded, reminiscPHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON ing about days gone by when he was Bernie Grall has been inviting the public into his law offices to marvel at his a season ticket holder and never Christmas displays. missed a home game of the Vero Beach Fighting Indians. Grall gets help hanging literally a children in all with Bernie. Two of Grall’s children now work “It was for them,” explained Grall with him at the ﬁrm. Like her father, half-million lights from his wife of 35 years, Marge Grall, who has eight about why he was inspired to invest Erin Grall, 34, graduated law school

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from Marquette University in Milwaukee and now practices wrongful injury law. Erin Grall is married to writer and Vero Beach Newsweekly Sports Editor Michael Bielecki, and a first time mother of newborn, Aleska Grall Bielecki. Patrick Grall, 28, attended law school at the University of Florida. He and his wife, Stephanie Grall, are expecting the Grall’s eighth grandchild. Tara Plantation was a vision Bernie Grall had when he and Marge purchased ten acres in 1981. They built a personal residence on the property’s back five acres, where they live. In 1989, they completed Tara. The Christmas displays are stored during the year in what amounts to two garage car bays located on the property. There are 300 pieces in each of the snowy villages. The collections from Lladro to Christopher Radko, Thomas Kinkade to Mark Roberts. Next year, Grall plans to spend more time playing with his grand-

children and less time decorating for Christmas. But before Grall goes into semi-retirement, he takes his place near the front door of Tara Plantation shaking hands with visitors of the mansion. “This has been a very gratifying experience,” said Grall, who is particularly fond of the stories his displays elicit from children and the elderly. “We’re blessed we can do this,” said Grall. “We’re just sharing our blessing with everyone else.”

Tara Plantation public viewing December 13, 15, 19, 20, 22 6 - 8 pm Park at Central Assembly at 6767 SR 60, where free shuttle busses are available for transport to Tara Plantation. Tara Plantation is located at 7555 20th Street

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The decorations are both inside and outside the 10-acre property that houses Tara Plantation.

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Community Forum EDITORIAL

Refusing to consider all options should not be an option Without question, City of Vero Beach power customers have exhausted their patience with a utility and a government that has long subsidized inefﬁciencies and masked incompetence by charging rates well above Florida Power and Light and other more eﬃcient and accountable utilities. In electing City Council candidates determined to take on a bureaucracy that had become largely detached from political and economic realities, voters called for change. Again last month, in approving a referendum on leasing the power plant site, the electorate expressed a clear desire to sell the electric system to FPL, IF such a sale proves in the best interest of the city. While the wording of the referendum would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the Council is still in the process of exploring its options, and is still doing its own due diligence, the reality seems to be that a majority of Council members have more or less made up their minds. It appears they are itching to ink a contract with FPL, even though their transactional attorney is months away from determining just how much it will cost the city to end its contractual obligations with the Florida Municipal Power Agency, the Orlando Utility Commission and others. Mayor Pilar Turner, Vice Mayor Craig Fletcher, and Councilwoman Tracy Carroll all repeat more or less the same talking points used by Citizens for a Brighter Future, a political committee founded by Glenn Heran, perhaps the most vocal and visible critic of the city electric system. A big spender in the recent Council election and referendum, this

group has long held the position, without reservation, that customers of the city’s electric system would be better oﬀ to the tune of $20 million a year as customers of FPL. In fact, Heran contends that selling the system

Mark Schumann, Publisher 978-2246 Mark.Schumann@scripps.com

“Doing well by doing good.” Vero Beach Newsweekly is distributed throughout Vero Beach and the barrier island. Visit us on the web at www.VeroBeachNewsweekly.com Mail may be sent to Vero Beach Newsweekly, 1801 U.S. Hwy. 1, Vero Beach, FL, 32960

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even under circumstances that might leave the city empty handed, or in debt, would be better than continuing to operate at what amounts to a $20 million annual loss to the local economy. While

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LETTERS WELCOME Vero Beach Newsweekly invites you to send Letters to the Editor on topics of interest pertaining to Indian River County. Letters should be 250-300 words and may be edited for length. We encourage an open dialogue, but reserve the right to refuse publication of letters that do not meet our editorial standards. E-mails may be sent to verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com or by regular mail to Letter to the Editor, Vero Beach Newsweekly, 1801 U.S. 1, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

COMMUNITY FORUM

BY RABBI MICHAEL BIRNHOLZ

This generally requires the consent of the partners, as well as the approval of the lender that owns or services the loan. And as often is the case, the seller may remain liable to the existing mortgage lender, unless the lender agrees to release the seller from further liability. This analogy may help explain why, in FMPA’s view, it is going to be necessary for Vero Beach to find an authorized buyer and seek approval from its partners and lenders. FMPA is almost surely going to take the position that Vero Beach needs to follow the terms of the contract, just like in assuming a mortgage, where the partners and lenders must abide by the contract to protect the interests of everyone involved. Particularly given that the ultimate cost of buying its way out of its obligations with FMPA and the Orlando Utility Commission will not be known for several months or more, the Council would be wise to explore its options.

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these costs will be minimal, and will be more than offset by future savings in electric rates, that may prove to be little more than wishful thinking. While the most ardent proponents of a sale of the full system wish the city’s contractual obligations to FMPA would magically go away, that’s just not going to happen. Why? Perhaps an analogy would be helpful. The city’s contracts with FMPA are like contracts for a partnership that purchases property. In actuality, cities in Florida, including Vero Beach, have joined together through FMPA to borrow money to build power plants. Vero Beach is now saying to its partners, we no longer want to be in this partnership. In response, its partner cities say, fine, but we have these agreements that say Vero Beach must find someone to assume its obligations. The assumption of a mortgage obligation means a buyer must be found to accept liability for an existing debt.

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none of them can explain in any detail the net affect the sale will mean in terms of city services and taxes. Even novice negotiators know that without options one’s bargaining position is diminished. Though the Council has directed City Manager Jim O’Connor and its transactional attorneys to sit down at the negotiating table with FPL and work out the best deal possible, several of its members make it clear they have not yet, and do not intend to explore options to selling the full system. Both with regard to what it might cost and/or benefit the city to sell to FPL, as well as what the city might gain from running a smaller, debt free system, questions abound. Given the many unanswered questions, the Council would be wise to continue exploring its options, rather than negotiating its way into a corner. Take for example the question of what it will cost the city to exit its contracts with Florida Municipal Power Agency. While some suggest

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came down to Mount Sinai, Moses leading the people of Israel went up the mountain to get the Ten Commandments and seal the covenant. Throughout Jewish life – ritual and story - I see examples of this kind of partnering with God, of meeting God halfway. Just as this is a good time of year to count and consider the lights of the Hanukah Menorah this is a great time of year to think about how all of us regardless of religious tradition can live out this dynamic. During this Holiday season let us all search out acts of partnership with beings divine and human that we have to engage in to bring light, fellowship and peace into our world. Rabbi Michael Birnholz has served Temple Beth Shalom in Vero Beach since 2002. One of his goals is bringing Jewish values and wisdom to the wider community.

that number is debatable, no one seriously questions that city electric customers are paying way too much. Something has to change. While Citizens for a Brighter Future, and any other group has every right to advocate for public policy positions, and while it is completely reasonable for them to have already come to their own conclusions, it is more than a little concerning to hear several Council members speaking as if to suggest that they have been no more open minded in exploring the city’s options than has this one special interest group. Presumably these Council members serve a larger constituency, specifically the residents and taxpayers of Vero Beach, some of which may be left with higher taxes and fewer services after a sale of the electric system. Carroll, Fletcher and Turner seem ready to sign a contract with FPL, and at a price prescribed by FPL, though

it is up to us to share the story and its message of freedom, tolerance and faith. This give and take with God, in ritual and prayer happens time and again. There are things we ask of God or values we sense through our connection to God. Then, we either mirror what we seek, begin the action ourselves, or take the blessings we see in the world and carry them to a next level. For example, in the worship service there is a prayer asking God to redeem those who are lost or enslaved. The text declares, “Rock of Israel, rise up and come to Israel’s help.” Even as we say these words the congregation is supposed to stand up for the next part of the service. With words we ask God to rise up and care for us. We react or enact these words by standing up to meeting God half way. Just as God

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much of Jewish ritual. If you think about it making fire is only the first step of kindling Hanukah lights. In the context of the creation story of Genesis, the RABBI act of making fire/ MICHAEL BIRNHOLZ lights belongs to God. With that replay of the miracle of creation, first spark is ignited and the Shammes/helper candle is kindled. From there we have to take responsibility for spreading the light by lighting the other candles. Just as Adam and Eve joined with God as partners in taking care of creation, the ritual of the Hanukah remind us that while it was God’s miracle that led the Macabees to victory and sustained the oil to burn for eight days,

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When you have a kindergartener in your life you find yourself counting a lot of everyday things. You count buttons on your shirt or lines on a piece of paper and then discussing why that number of items is in that place. In one recent conversation instead of offering the explanation to a question, I received an answer that got me thinking. In the act of counting the candles on one of our Hanukah Menorah, my kindergartener pointed to the candles and declared that eight candles are for the eight nights of the holiday. In contrast, the ninth candle is called the Shammes and it is helper to light all the others. As I heard this answer it made me think about how the relationship between the Shammes and the other candles is model for the interaction between human and God that exists in so

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Santa Claus makes a visit to downtown festival

BY CHRISTINA TASCON

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VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

YouTube,” said Ashley Borsey. Rob Kenna, who was visiting from Australia, was enthralled with the event. “We don’t have anything like this back home. I think this is a great idea,” he said. Artist Jan Miller brought guests visiting from Boston to the event to see the 14th Avenue Zumba dancers

perform for the crowd. “The weather is amazing and we really enjoyed all the Christmas cheer,” she said. Events like the Christmas tree lighting is what has brought a renewed energy to the shops and restaurants in the downtown area and has become a must-see tradition to the hometown crowd.

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Mainstreet’s Downtown Friday became Santa’s Workshop South last week as hundreds came out to get in the spirit with great food, lively music and dozens of vendors for holiday shopping.

Santa stopped by and had his photo taken with all the kids and a puppy or two for the annual Christmas card. “Boppin’ Heads” was a huge hit as people sang against a green screen to put their heads to graphics and star in their own music video. “We’re going to put this on Facebook and

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Ashley Datkiewicz, Jake Geary and Ashley Borsey at Boppin’ Heads, the most popular booth on Mainstreet

Mickey enjoys a ride in the Firemen’s Express Train

Maya Watts tells Santa what she wants for Christmas

Savina, Tony & Niko Magaro, Danelia Cassidy, and Leah Nacion wait to meet Santa

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Linda, Makaela, Makintyre & Makenzi Tippens

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Jewel Blakeslee and MacKenna Jones take a deserved break from volunteering

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Christmas Parade set for Saturday

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The annual Christmas Parade is set to start at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3

VERO BEACH -- Get ready for one of the best events on Ocean Drive when the Oceanside Business Association and Treasure Coast Rotary Club host the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 3. Organizer Karen Dodson says about 45 ﬂoats have signed up to be part of the parade, but along with other marching groups there should be over 65 participants in all. Dodson also asked that that parade watchers bring a canned good for the Rotary Chuck Wagon or an unwrapped to for the Toys for Tots program. Oceanside Business Association President Al Benkert says this year’s parade will be similar in timing and format to last year’s event, including the ceremonial visit from Santa Claus. “Last year’s event was so successful, we aren’t changing a thing,” he said.

“Everyone told us it was one of the best run Christmas parades ever.” Rosewood Magnet School, which last year took first-place overall with its Nutcracker float, will be back to defend that title with a float honoring the Cape Canaveral space program. The parade is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m., but participants are asked to arrive at Riverside Park by 4 p.m. to head to the staging area on Cardinal Drive. The parade route will run along Ocean Drive from Flamevine Lane to Greytwig Road. The traffic schedule will be as follows: 4 p.m. Cardinal Drive and Flamevine Lane will be closed to traffic. 5:15 Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic. 5:30 Greytwig Road will be closed to traffic.

Reach More Than A Zip Code Advertise your business in Vero Beach Newsweekly to reach every home on the barrier island, plus communities such as Vero Isles, River Wind, Oak Harbor, Grand Harbor, Vero Beach Country Club, Indian River Club, Pointe West and Bent Pine.

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Christmas in July Santa makes summertim e visit for Homeless Family Center !Page 16

Toe-tapping fun Oceanside Business Association hosts end concert ! weekPage 10

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In land they trust Indian River Land the Indian River Trust sets about keeping Lagoon green !Page 7 12 TO ADVERTIS 20 MARTINE E CALL FECTEAU 24 MARK SCHUMAN 772.696.2004 N 772.696.52 33

The Vero Beach Newsweekly gives you the barrier island and more. To learn more, call Martine Fecteau at 772-696-2004 or Mark Schumann at 772-696-5233.

BY CHRISTINA TASCON VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Ophelia

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Martin Lavander and furry friend with Cracker Christmas tree display

VERO BEACH -- There are plenty of holiday events to fill your social calendar, but the Florida Cracker Christmas is a party with a cause for the “paws.” The holidays are all about family and that includes the furrier members of the household as well. With many families struggling with finances, sometimes it is difficult for them to afford their own human health needs let alone any issues their pets may suffer. That’s when Martin Lavander’s Blue Ribbon Charitable Foundation comes to the rescue. His Pet Medical Assistance Program, or PMAP, has been helping to provide animal care for many pets in need for the last three years. “This is a program to keep family pets in warm beds and loving arms and out of cold shelters,” says Lavander. All proceeds will go to PMAP and the Dogs and Cats Forever, No-Kill Shelter. The Florida Cracker Christmas event

will rock the Heritage Center with music by the Lucky Dog Band and offer a twist on Southern comfort food by Elizabeth D. Kennedy Catering. Guests will munch on honey fried chicken, pulled pork, Gator tail, corn soufflé and collard greens; desserts by Frostings and specialty drinks like the Belini-tini at the cash bar. So come out to enjoy some great food, dancing and participate in the silent auction which will include some really great items this year which make wonderful Christmas presents. Your teens would love a Justin Bieber autographed photo; your spouse would like the five star Kentucky Derby trip and everyone would enjoy art from renowned photographers Hal & Barbara duPont or a painting by artist Barbara Landry. The event takes place from 7 – 11 pm at the Heritage Center; tickets are $50 per person. Call Martin Lavander, (772) 567-2123.

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Florida Cracker Christmas to help support pets in need

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Community Calendar Every Friday: Farmer’s Market from 3-6 pm in downtown Vero at the corner of 14th Ave. & 21st St. 772-480-8353. Every Saturday: Oceanside Business Association’s Farmer’s Market, 8 amnoon. Ocean Dr. & Dahlia Ln. www. VeroBeachOBA.com, 772-532-2455. Dec 2: First Friday Downtown Gallery Art Stroll, art galleries and businesses open house receptions all through downtown. Free event, call 772-5625525 or 772-299-1234 for info. Dec 2: Christmas Boat Parade on the Intracoastal, 6:30 pm. Viewing stations at Vero Beach Marina and Royal Palm Pointe. Dec 2: Tara Plantation Night of Lights, Christmas tour, wine tasting and food plus silent auction for Exchange Club. Park at Central Assembly, 6767 20th St., 7-10:30 pm, $50. Public tours Dec 13, 15, 19, 20 & 22. 772-569-0000. Dec 2: Royal Palm Pointe Tree Lighting Celebration, 5:30 pm, entertainment by Vero Classical Ballet, Glendale Elem. & more, tree lighting 6:15 pm. City of VB Recreation Dept., 772-567-2144, covb.org. Dec 3: Florida Cracker Christmas, Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., dinner, blue grass music, silent auction, $50, Benefits Pet Medical & Blue Ribbon Charities for pets, 772-562-1357. Dec 3: 5th Annual Art Trail, tour of 10 artists’ studios/homes around Vero, $25, tickets at Vero Beach Art Club office, 772-231-0303 or Artist Guild Gallery, 772-299-1234. www. VeroBeachArtClub.org. Dec 3: Vero Beach Christmas Parade by Oceanside Business Association on Ocean Dr., 5:30 pm, VeroBeachOBA.com, 772-532-7983. Dec 3: Literary Services of IRC THURSDAY, DEC. 1

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Tara Plantation’s 21 year tradition of decorating the offices and opening to the public will come to a close this year. Public tours will be held December 13th, 15th, 19th, 20th and 22nd from 6 to 8 pm. See story on page 12. 40th Anniversary Luncheon, The Moorings Club, speaker Martha Powers, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, $50. 772778-2233. Dec 3: St. Patrick’s Parade Fundraiser Dinner Dance, 5:30 pm, Vero Beach Elks Club, 1350 26th St., $20, Reservations, 772-562-8450. Dec 3: Literacy Reunion Bash Luncheon, 11:30-1 pm, $40, Martha Powers speaker, Moorings Clubhouse, 2125 Windward Way. Literacy Services of Indian River, 772-778-2223. Dec 3: & 4: Christmas in the Park 9 am-4 pm, Crafts and gifts to buy for the holidays. Riverside Park, 3001 Riverside Park Dr., 772-336-0606. Dec 4: “Christmas is Coming,” Academy for Performing Arts concert, First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave., 6:30 pm, bring non-perishable food item. Dec 4: Happy Holidays at the Museum, 1-4 pm, refreshments, entertain-

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ment and Santa at 2 pm, Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr., 772-231-0707, verobeachmuseum.org. Dec 5: Book Review by AAUW, “Kristin Lavransdatter” by Sigrid Undset, Mueller Campus, IRSC, Richardson Center, 6155 College Ln., 9:30 am, 772-532-4712, aauwverobeach.org. Dec 5: Harry Getzov Luncheon, author of “gOLD” at Quail Valley River Club, 2345 Hwy. A1A, noon, $100, benefits Treasure Coast Community Health, 772-571-1983 or email sdorrance@tcchinc.org. Dec 6: Environmental Learning Center Open House, 255 Live Oak Dr., learn about volunteering at the ELC, 3-5 pm. 772-589-5050. Dec 6: Fesstival of Lessons & Carols, Waxlax Center, 1895 St. Edward’s Dr., 7 pm. 772-231-4136. Dec 7: Diving with Goliath, 4 &

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7 pm, free virtual dive and lecture with hors d’oeuvres Harbor Branch Oceanographic, 5600 US1 North, Ft. Pierce, 772-242-2506. Dec 7: Indian River Medical Center’s Tree of Lights holiday tree lighting ceremony, 6 pm, songs of the season and refreshments, 1000 36th St. 772-567-4311 x1133. Dec 8: Navy League’s Treasure Coast Council Christmas Dinner Dance at The Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., social hour 5:45 pm, followed by dinner & dancing. $28 per person. 772-231-6101. Dec 9: Community Holiday Party, Vero Beach Community Center, 2266 14th Ave., 11 am-2 pm, $7, tickets must be bought in advance only by Dec 5th. 772-567-2144. Dec 10: Free Photo Op With Santa, Walker Woods, 2610 71st Cr., 1-3 pm, bring your own camera, 772-299-6100. Dec 10: St. Patrick’s Parade sponsored by Elk’s Club, held in Downtown Vero Beach along 14th Ave. to Community Center. 10 am. 772-562-8450. Dec 10: Traditional Christmas Concert & Dinner, Choral Group & Jazz Band of I.R. Charter High School, 6 pm, $9-$15, Elk’s Lodge, 1350 26th St., 772-913-1196 or 772-562-8450. Dec 10 & 11: Rotary Club’s Nautical Flea Market, 9 am-5 pm, Riverside Park, 3000 Riverside Park Dr., free. Dec 10 & 11: Intrepid Gallery Art Fair, 11 am-6 pm, holiday shopping of wonderful art items, pastries and café, 4807 North A1A. Dec 11 & 18: Hallstrom House Open House by Indian River Historical Society, 1723 Old Dixie Hwy., candlelight Christmas, 2:30-5:30 pm, $15-$20. 772-778-3435. To submit your calendar listing please email: verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com

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One thing is certain, Putzke and his cast members promise an entertaining and enjoyable evening. “As our name implies, it’s been fun going around the county with TheatreGo-Round. We’ve performed at the (former) Best Western hotel as well as in our own little dinner theatre on 34th Avenue for 18 months. We’ve also taken shows to communities like Oak Harbor, Vista Plantation, Indian River Estates, Woodfield Country Club and even to the Lyric Theatre in Stuart last year. From the beginning we have always said, ‘you supply the space; we supply the show.’ “And it’s great being able to present our shows to the public at the Elks Lodge this season. The stage is the biggest we’ve worked on, the amenities are comfortable and the location is

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searching songs on snow, winter, pine trees, icicles and stars – all the things you think about pertaining to winter nights – a whole list of songs came tumbling out of the files,” Putzke said. After careful consideration, many holiday favorites made the cut including Sleigh Ride, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland and more. Once the melodies were selected, it was musical director Gregory Harris’ task to arrange them into multi-part harmonies. But Harris, a music teacher at Vero Beach High School, was more than up to the challenge. “Greg has taken the challenge of putting four and five-part harmonies into many of the production numbers giving the show a full, rich sound vocally. One of my favorites is a Celtic rendition of The Little Drummer Boy,” Putzke said.

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Jon Putzke and his able Theatre-Go-Round cast of performers want to celebrate with local audiences all the goodwill and joyous spirit of the holidays with an evening of casual dining and songs of the season. To that end, Theatre-Go-Round will present a special one-night-only performance of “Winter Nights & Christmas Lights” on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Elks Lodge located at 1350 26th St. in Vero Beach. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the show at 6 p.m. Cast members Eleanor Dixon, Caitlin Harris, Gregory Harris, Beth McKenzie-Shestak and Tamara Turner will perform holiday harmonies to everyone’s favorite holiday songs. Included in this festive celebration

for the entire family is a three-course prix fixe dinner menu catered by Blessings Bistro which will feature a plated tossed salad and dinner roll; entrée choice of raspberry chicken breast or citrus salmon accompanied by rice pilar and green bean stuffed carrots; raspberry cheesecake and coffee. An a la carte cash soda, beer, wine and liquor bar will also be available. Putzke, who has presented live entertainment throughout the Vero Beach area for more than 30 years, surprisingly said that the most difficult task in producing this holiday show was selecting the music. “It was the biggest challenge. The concept I had envisioned was a very elegant Christmas setting so any music having to do with Santa, reindeer, snowmen and the like just wasn’t going to fit the bill. “I was amazed when I started re-

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great,” Putzke said. The Dec. 11 performance also marks the first time Theatre-Go-Round has joined with Blessings Bistro to cater the dinner. “We were given so many wonderful recommendations about their food and services and it just seems appropriate to use Blessings for our Christmas show. We like moving around to various locations and using different local caterers to complement our ‘casual dining with a Broadway flair’ dinner theatre motto,” Putzke said. The all-inclusive price for the threecourse dinner, show, tax and gratuity is $45 per person. Children age 12 and under are $35. Show-only tickets are $22.50 per person and a group rate of $40 per person is available for parties of 16 or more. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (772) 252-9341 or by emailing theatregoround@gmail. Gregory Harris, Eleanor Dixon, Caitlin Harris, Beth McKenzie Shestak and Shamara Turner are set to appear in Winter Nights & Christmas Lights. com.

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BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Two of the area’s most accomplished and civic-minded favorite sons are returning to their roots again next weekend with a popular festival of tennis and music to benefit programs designed to enrich children’s lives. Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest to benefit the Mardy Fish Foundation and Jake Owen Foundation is a two-day event set for Dec. 9-10 which combines the music of Grammy nominated recording country artist Jake Owen with the world-class tennis prowess of Mardy Fish. The childhood friends who rose to international prominence in their respective careers have felt a strong commitment to giving back to their hometown Vero Beach area as well as the community at large. In 2006, Fish established a foun-

dation and joined with Owen to present a tennis and music event that would benefit the Vero Beacharea community. The Mardy Fish Foundation’s mission is to provide after-school programs for area children. In 2009, the foundation added a “Mardy’s Kids on Courts” program to offer tennis instruction and competition to local youngsters. The foundation also supports other youth organizations. In 2010, Owen followed suit and formed his own foundation to benefit children who are battling cancer and other diseases as well as support the objectives of his friend’s foundation. Fish, who is currently the eighthranked tennis player in the world and the top-ranked U.S. tennis player, has invited singles and doubles champ Sam Querrey and top doubles team brothers Bob and Mike

Bryan to join the festivities. Joining Owen will be Chris Young, a recent Grammy nominee for Best Male Country Vocal. The tennis and music fest begins Friday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. with a Kids’ Tennis Clinic hosted by Fish at the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club which is also the site for a reception, dinner and silent auction from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and a tennis exhibition by Fish and other tennis professionals in a singles and doubles match which begins at 7: 30 p.m. Owen and his special guests will perform in a rousing country music concert on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Holman Stadium at the Vero Beach Sports Village. Tickets for all the events and reception are available by phone at (866) 333-7623; by visiting online at www.chevents.com or emailing mardyjake@completeticketsolutions.com.

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

FORT PIERCE -- Steve Solomon has made a career out of making fun of his family. His first one-man show, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy,” was played to rave reviews, including a two-year stint off Broadway. Solomon is at it again with “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home for the Holiday,” where we learn more about his dysfunctional family He will make his only Treasure Coast appearance Dec. 3 at the Sunrise Theatre. The show is set in the Atlanta airport and all flights have been cancelled as he tries to get home to be with mother, father, sister and assorted other family members. Along the way we meet 20 different characters that help tell the story of what makes

his family so special and one with which we can all identify. Solomon, who worked for years on the comedy circuit in South Florida, says one of the remarks he hears most from his Florida fans is, ‘We must be related.’ In “Home for the Holidays” we meet the people with whom we are all too familiar -- “the family members that make you remember why you left home in the ﬁrst place.” This time, however, we get to see greater nuances into the personalities of the characters we meet along the way. We get a deeper insight into their personalities (or lack thereof) their feeding habits and their instinctive ability to turn total joy into relentless, but hysterical chaos. The Sunrise Theatre is located at 117 South 2nd Street in Fort Pierce. For ticket information for this and other shows call (772) 461-4884.

VERO BEACH OPERA verobeachopera.org 772-569-6993 Box Office: 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org Dec 3: Live at the Met: Handel’s Rodelinda, noon, Majestic Theatre, 772-770-0774 Dec 10: Live at the Met: Gounod’s Foust, noon, Majestic Theatre, 772-770-0774

SPACE COAST SYMPHONY

VERO BEACH THEATRE GUILD

Various Locations 321-536-8580 SpaceCoastSymphony.org Dec 2: “A Leroy Anderson Christmas & The Nutcracker,” Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts, 7 pm, $20

772-562-8300 2020 San Juan Avenue verobeachtheatreguild.com Jan 12-22: Born Yesterday, $20-22, Hilarious play about uneducated mob gal being educated by book smart tutor

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Steve Solomon brings his own brand of neurosis to Sunrise Theatre

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RIVERSIDE THEATER 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com Children’s Theatre: Dec 3 & 4: Aristocats Kids, $8 Dec 9-18: Nutcracker In Swingtime!, $12-$18 Stark Main Stage: Jan 12-Feb 5: The Full Monty, 2 pm, 7:30 & 8 pm, $57-$73 Second Stage: Dec 9-10: Comedy Zone, Mike Siscoe and Derrick Tennant, 7:30 & 9:30 pm, $15

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 verobeachmuseum.org Dec 4: Happy Holidays at the Museum, Santa, activities, refreshments, 10-4 pm, free public event

OCEANSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Beach Concert Series on Ocean Drive VeroBeachOBA.com Second Saturday of every month Free concert, 5:30-8:30 pm, food & drink vendors. No coolers allowed, bring your own chair or blanket.

VERO BEACH CHORAL SOCIETY Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Avenue 772-569-8165 verobeachchoralsociety.org Dec 9 & Dec 11: Winter 2011 Concert, “Tidings of Joy: Sounds of the Season,” at Dec 9 at 7:30 pm and Dec 11 at 3 pm

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INDIAN RIVER SYMPHONIC ASSOCIATION Community Church 1901 23rd Street 772-778-1070 irsavero.org Jan 7: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 7:30 pm $50 each, season tickets $260-$290

TREASURE COAST CHORALE First Baptist Church 2206 16th Avenue 772-643-0019 treasurecoastchorale.org Dec 18 & 19: Handel’s Messiah, 7 pm, donations accepted

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EMERSON CENTER at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1590 27th Avenue 772-778-5249 TheEmersonCenter.org Dec 8: “The Ashley Gang,” Florida Humanities Series, 7 pm, Free Dec 18: “A Stan Kenton Merry Christmas & Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker,” Space Coast Symphony, $20-$25/Students, Free. 2:30 pm Jan 4: Arianna Huffington, Celebrated Speakers Series, 4 & 7 pm, $65

SUNRISE THEATRE 116 South 2nd Street Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com Dec 3: “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home for the Holidays,” 8 pm, $45/$39 Dec 10: Bowzer’s Rock & Roll Holiday Party, 8 pm, $45/$65-with meet & greet Dec 17: Comedian Sinbad, 8 pm, $39 Dec 21: “A Christmas Carol,” 7 pm, $39/$35 Dec 27: Nutcracker by State Ballet Theatre of Russia, 7 pm, $55/$45

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Dec 18: See Emerson Center

COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES

Community Church 1901 23rd Street 772-778-1070 communityconcertseries.org Jan 13: The Phantom of the Opera, Tom Trenney, organist with film, 7:30 pm, $25

Steve Solomon appears at Entertainment Calendar Sunrise Theater on Dec. 3

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#"!%$&' A jewelry store where the classics are always in style BY LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

This season, bells are ringing and diamonds in all colors are blinging at John Michael Matthew Fine Jewelry on Beachland Boulevard in Vero Beach. Some of the brightest jewels that will fit under any tree this holiday are canary yellow, chocolate brown, green and even the rarest-of-the-rare red diamonds, says long-time store owner, John Michael Matthews. Nonetheless, “colorless diamonds remain the most valuable…and the most traditional,” he says. Sales are up significantly over last year for Matthews at his current location on the island, where he just celebrated his second anniversary after more than 20 years on Royal Palm Pointe. In what may be a positive indication of the economic winds of change,Americans spent a record $52.4 billion for the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, including an estimated $11.4 billion on Black Friday. Matthews has managed to meet the needs of his Vero Beach customers by providing “classic contemporary jewelry,” he said, pointing to the timeless aspects of a sapphire and diamond ring in platinum. Pearls, understated and conservatively cropped close to the neck, are also making a comeback, said Matthews, who carries a wide array of cultured and natural pearls in a variety of shades, from ivory white to Tahitian grey. Last summer’s Paris runways showed plenty of chokers in fashion this fall and winter, hence the multitude of blouses with neck scarves, harness-style collars and even more pieces with the jewelry built right into the clothes. Matthews, however, is not interested in fashion runways or really

PHOTO BY MARK SCHUMANN

Edie Collins and John Michael Matthews admire one of his classic diamond necklaces. trendy fads. “Real people don’t wear that stuff,” he says. “The classics are always in style.” On occasion, he has designed more unusual pieces, straying from the customary favorite gemstone cuts, shapes and forms. What he has discovered, he said, is that sometimes when you get too adventurous, “you get away from what people like.” Matthews, a former Marine, Vietnam veteran and former president of the local Veterans Council, opened his first shop in Vero Beach at Sutton Place Antiques on Ocean Drive in 1988. There, he rented an area of the store and learned his market. Two years later, he moved into his own tiny shop on what was then Royal Palm Boulevard. The son of an executive with the Federal Aviation Association, Matthews travelled extensively as a child,

living in Lima, Peru and finishing high school in Washington, D.C., where he worked part time at a jewelry store. As he became more experienced as a goldsmith and diamond setter, Matthews worked in South Miami and Tallahassee, where his wife, Carla Mitchell Matthews, attended law school at Florida State University. The couple came to Vero Beach when Carla was recruited by a local law firm. In addition to his jewelry store, Matthews also owns a karate studio in town where he teaches the martial arts. Known for his integrity, Matthews makes a trek to Antwerp, Belgium, the world’s diamond capital, twice a year to buy custom diamonds for his clients. He also purchases stones for his own designs.

He spent most of October in Europe, where he purchased large canary yellow diamonds for a pair of drop earrings he is making. This year, Matthews also visited Arezzo, Italy, where he toured several jewelry manufacturing facilities. He is currently adding a few lines of hand-crafted silver pieces from the region. Matthews also features an estate sales jewelry case for previously owned jewelry, where clients can find classic pieces of the highest quality at greatly reduced prices. Services include appraisals by a graduate gemologist and expert in-house jewelry repairs. John Michael MathewsFine Jewelry 645 Beachland Boulevard Vero Beach (772)234-1512 http://www.johnmatthewsjewelry.com

BY MARK JOSEPH

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Join us in the Wave Kitchen & Bar Christmas Eve Dinner 5:30-10pm or Christmas Day Buffet 11am-3pm Ring in the New Year at Costa d’Este Beach Resort

2 people 0 excuses 1 night 2 cherish Choose the party that is right for you:

Poolside Party with Bobby & the Blisters & DJ Swingsation 7pm - 3am, Dinner Show with Jennifer Patty 8pm, Five Course Pre- Fixe Dinner 7pm & 9pm Take the Elevator Home New Year’s Packages

3244 Ocean Drive I Vero Beach 32963 I costadeste.com I 772.410.0100

N E W S W E E K L Y

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fresh and included a nice portion of cold noodles, the menu price of $30 seemed a bit steep for this entree. The short ribs ordered by my companion had far surpassed our expectations; arriving on a sizzle platter the tender ribs included onions and peppers and enhanced by a tasty, thick brown sauce. The dish was reminiscent of fajitas, minus the tortillas. Also included was a traditional bowl of steamed white rice. After hearing the dessert selections we chose the peanut butter stack and the tempura cheesecake. We waited over 10 minutes to learn that the peanut butter stack was not available, so after choosing the coconut mango sorbet as an alternative we waited another 15 minutes for both desserts to arrive. The cheesecake tempura was actually a wedge of traditional cheesecake, deep fried, served with ice cream and garnished with whipped cream and drizzled with both chocolate and caramel syrup and very satisfying. The Mango sorbet arrived frozen in a plastic coconut shell, but also in a dish that was almost too small and with no garnish at all. The sorbet was tasty and also a generous amount. One nice touch was owner Diane Lee stopping by our table. We told her of some service issues and she acknowledged that she is still training her staff and promised a smoother experience during our next visit. Service issues aside, Izziban is a welcome addition to the Vero Beach dining scene.

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Located on US 1 and hidden between a theater and a bowling alley, is a new Asian restaurant. Though opened only a few short weeks, Izziban is already Vero’s talk of the town. Diane Lee opened Izziban just three weeks ago. This is actually Lee’s second location as she also owns the original Izziban in Orlando, which has been successfully running for five years. Izziban features traditional Asian delights including sushi and sashimi along with the “sushi boat” designed for large parties that includes more than 70 pieces of raw fish. The atmosphere at Izziban could be described as techno-disco without a dance floor, yet with a sprinkling of Asian touches. For appetizers we chose edamame and fried tofu. The edamame quickly arrived, the pods were hot and well salted. The fried tofu arrived shortly after included a wonderful rich sauce that reassembled teriyaki. The tofu also included strange paper thin flakes which had a strong fishy smell with a briny taste which was distracting from the dish, otherwise the tofu was delicious. While still enjoying our appetizers the waiter returned to ask if we were ready to order entrees; after quickly scanning the menu I chose the chef’s selection of sashimi. My companion was excited to try the short ribs, since hearing wonderful comments from friends about Izziban’s version of this authentic Korean dish. The Chef’s choice sashimi I selected arrived beautifully presented in a traditional boat-shaped dish, garnished with fresh cucumber slices and sections of citrus. Though the tuna, salmon and white tuna were all very

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Izziban serves Asian delights

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Runners come out to help families in need Nearly 1,000 runners, joggers and walkers came out Thanksgiving morning to make room for their turkey and to provide some much needed help to families in need through the Harvest Food & Outreach Center. The money raised from registration fees at the 5K Turkey Trot Against Hunger at Riverside Park will go to the locations in northern and southern Indian River County and in Fort Pierce as well. The event, which included a sweet potato pancake breakfast courtesy of Marsh Landings and fresh juice provided by Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, raised enough money to provide thousands of meals and other types of services to the center’s clients. The overall winner was Dominic Patrick, finishing with a Turkey Trot record time of 15:38. Cheryl McMurray was the first female to cross the line with a time of 19:13, just one second better than her winning time last year. Other sponsors for the race included Dyer Chevrolet Mazda Subaru, George E. Warren Corp., John’s Island Real Estate, Consulate Health Care, Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates, P.A., Rossway, Moore, Taylor & Swan, Triton Submarines, LLC, and Florida Power & Light. Harvest Food & Outreach Center is

Runners take off for the Fourth Annual 5K Turkey Trot Against Hunger Run/Walk at Riverside Park. a local nonprofit which provides food, crisis services, education and job readiness programs to those in need. To learn more, visit www.harvestfoodoutreach.org or call 770-2665.

Superior Auto Service Family Owned and Operated “Old Fashioned Service” Superior Auto Service employs ASE Master Mechanics to provide diagnostic and repair services on all American, European & Asian vehicles. We install premium and original equipment parts only!

Valvoline Expresscare of Vero Beach Quick Lube Owned and Operated by Superior Auto Service

(772) 778-6645 Under New Management

Owner Bill Marion, a certified ASE Master Mechanic, has been repairing vehicle in Vero Beach since 1987 at the same location.

(772) 569-1410 1212 23rd St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 · www.verobeach.com

Top male and female runners were Dominic Patrick with a record Turkey Trot time of 15:38 and Cheryl McMurray, who was the top female runner for the third year in a row with a time of 19:18.

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SPORTS

BY MICHAEL BIELECKI VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- Football in Vero Beach is a way of life during the fall season. Little boys and girls grow up going to Vero Beach High School games at the Citrus Bowl on Friday, watching the Gators, Seminoles or Hurricanes on Saturday, and cheering on the Dolphins, Buccaneers or Jaguars on Sunday. The other four days of the week they have the opportunity to transform from spectator to player in one of the Indian River County Recreation Department’s football leagues. These leagues have been the lifeblood of Fighting Indians Football for decades, and part of its continued success can be attributed to the presence of team sponsors. One such champion for youth football is Linus Cadillac Buick GMC, who sponsored two teams -the Seahawks of the junior midget division and the Giants of the junior division -- this season. “Our Recreation Department runs a tremendously important program -- for it to go by the wayside or let it founder is unacceptable,” Linus Cadillac Buick GMC General Sales Manager Vincent Perez said. The Linus-sponsored teams received a $500 check for practice and game supplies, chain crew marker sets, t-shirts to wear under their pads and more. “Kids who are involved in sports tend to get better grades and go off to college at a higher rate,” Perez said. “The Tim Tebows of the world, the good community members and good role models who have been products of youth football serve as inspiration to get kids involved and off of the streets.” Perez and Linus Cadillac Buick GMC owner Jim Linus -- an ex-Army Ranger Captain -- seized another opportunity to contribute this year when they raised money by selling 2,000 raffle tickets -- at $5 per ticket -- for a chance to win a GMC Terrain. Proceeds helped the recreation football leagues, and all tickets were redeemable for an oil change at the dealership. “They seem to be very community oriented,” said Indian River County assistant recreation director Mike Redstone. “We’ve had a short but great relationship with Linus. They have been very proactive with the GMC grant program. They’ve provided us with things like down markers and tents for football, and we’re very grateful for that.” Hamstrung by over $350,000 in Indian River County budget cuts since the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Recreation Department has been forced to cut services and also had to trim staff from 39 to 23 over that same period of time.

D E C E M B E R

Sponsors are key to keep recreation programs running

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SIEGEL, INC.

Linus Cadillac Buick GMC has stepped in to help promote recreation league sports.

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Obituaries Leroy Bowden Leroy Bowden, 65, died Nov. 19, 2011, at his home. He was born in Midland City, Ala., and moved to Vero Beach in 1986 from Lake Wales. He was an airport specialist at the City of Vero Beach Municipal Airport prior to his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his daughter, Norma Jean Perasa of Vero Beach; sons, Christopher and Joshua Bowden, both of Avon Park; sister, Judy Connelly of Lake Wales; and eight grandchildren. Services: Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach. Condolences may be sent through www. coxgiffordseawinds.com.

ale, Florida with his wife in 1963. Tony was hired by Plasterline, where he worked as a machinist. During the 1980’s Plasterline was acquired by Flow Control. Tony maintained his position as a machinist and retired in 1992. Upon retirement Tony and his wife Rena moved to Sebastian, Florida. In his free time he enjoyed woodworking , and creating model railroads, planes and boats. Tony is survived by his wife of 64 years Rena, his daughter Irene Ferraiuolo and his sister Rita Stringer. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael and his sister Marie Saccavino. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice or the Humane Society.

Robert Sullivan Harry G. Elfstrom Harry G. Elfstrom, 80, died Nov. 21, 2011, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach for 21 years, coming from Long Island, N.Y. He retired from the New York City Transit Authority after 30 years of service. He was an avid ballplayer and tried out for the New York Yankees. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Janet Monsen Elfstrom; daughter, Jane Arnoso of Carlisle, Pa.; son, Jeff Elfstrom of Fernandina Beach; sister, May David Blufton, S.C.; and six grandchildren. A guestbook is available at www.oxleyheard.com.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Ferraiuolo Anthony Ferraiuolo, 84, died Nov. 11, 2011 at Visiting Nurses Association Hospice in Vero Beach. Tony was born in New Haven, Connecticut and came to Florida in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the USS Fargo as a Gunner’s Mate. After his military service he worked various jobs until acquiring a position with Winchester Arms. After fifteen years of employment and being promoted several times throughout the company, Tony left Winchester Arms and relocated to Fort Lauderd-

Robert Lee Sullivan, 75, died Nov. 20, 2011, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Richmond, Va., and lived in Vero Beach for 60 years, coming from his birthplace. He was an Air Force veteran. Survivors include his companion of over 30 years, Peggy Meadows of Vero Beach; daughter, Sandie Sullivan of Ocala; son, Robert Sullivan of Belmont, N.C.; sisters, Margaret Demaline of Boynton Beach and Shirley Gourley of Virginia Beach, Va.; and three grandchildren. Arrangements are being handled by All County Funeral Home & Crematory Treasure Coast Chapel.

Mary-Claire Collins Gallarano Mary-Claire Collins Gallarano, 80, of Sebastian, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones around her. She was born in Billerica, Mass., June 26, 1931 and graduated from Lowell High School and then earned a degree from Stone College. She was a devoted wife for 43 years to Joseph Gallarano who died in 1998. She was survived by her loving family: daughter Michele Saraceni, son Michael Gallarano, Michael’s wife Janice, and grandchildren Jennifer Saraceni, Michael Saraceni, Sage Gallarano, and Austin Keen. In her memory, the family would welcome donations to

the VNA Hospice Foundation, 1100 35th Lane Vero Beach FL 32960.

Harold E. Johnson Mr. Harold E. Johnson died at his home in John’s Island on Nov. 23, 2011. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Elma Lowry Johnson, and his three children, JoAnn Rampton of Charleston, S.C., Patricia Hunter of Buffalo, N.Y., and Harold E. Johnson, Jr. of Alexandria, Va. Mr. Johnson, a native of Utah, graduated from the University of Utah and later received an MBA degree from New York University. Following studies at Dartmouth College, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and served four years as an officer in several staff commands. As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve, he returned to live on Long Island, and work on Wall Street. Mr. Johnson was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer as well as a director of Continental Corporation. He also served as a director of Idaho Power Company, Diners Club, Franklin Life, Phoenix Assurance Company (London), Pan American Bank, New York Community Bank, Baltica-Skandia Reinsurance, 1st Insurance of Hawaii, Independence Holding Company and many others. He was an Advisor and Trustee for the American Red Cross Endowment Fund, the Licia Albanese Puccini Foundation, the Ontario Hospital Association of Canada and the New York State Teachers retirement funds. He also served six years as Mayor of Munsey Park in Manhasset, New York.

Hazel Jones Hazel Reid Jones, 95, died Nov. 17, 2011, in Vero Beach. She was born in Red Bay, Ala., and lived in Vero Beach since 2002, coming from Fernandina Beach. She taught school in West Blocton, Ala. She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach. She was a volunteer in the community of Fernandina Beach. She helped found the public library

in Fernandina Beach and was involved in support and fundraising for that cause. She was a member of the Woman’s Club and the Garden Club of Fernandina Beach. She attended the University of Alabama and received her liberal arts degree in June 1937. Survivors include her daughter, Anne Mettler of Arcadia, Calif.; sons, Elliott Jones of Vero Beach and Larry Jones of Palo Alto, Calif.; sister, Nan Smitherman; brother, William Reid; and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nassau County Public Library System, c/o Library Director Dawn Bostwick, 25 N. Fourth St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Make checks payable to the Nassau County BOCC and note that it is for the library in the name of Hazel Jones. A guestbook is available at www.oxleyheard.com.

Brenda M. Laflamme Brenda M. Laflamme, 59, died Nov. 23, 2011, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. She was born in Massachusetts and moved to Vero Beach 13 years ago, coming from Willimantic, Conn. She worked as a nanny for several families in Vero, as well as working with the homeless. Before moving to Vero Beach, she worked for Frito Lay in Connecticut. She was a member of the Newport Club of Vero Beach. Survivors include her son, Matthew Laflamme of Connecticut; daughter, Princess Laflamme of Vero Beach; father, Lawrence C. Laflamme of North Windham, Conn.; and one grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. A guestbook is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.

Wilbur E. Thrasher Jr. Wilbur E. Thrasher Jr., 73, of Vero Beach died Nov. 22 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born in Cumberland, Md., and had been a resident of Vero Beach for 14 years, coming from Pennsylvania. He was an Army veteran. He retired from the West Penn Power Utility Company after 40 years.

OBITUARIES

Elise Boyce Kelsey, 95, died Nov. 23, 2011, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. She was born in Baltimore and lived in Vero Beach for 20 years, coming from Greenwich, Conn. She was the founder of Stubis Farm, Greenwich, which later became Kelsey Farm. She was a life member of the Fairfield West Chester Professional Horseman’s Association. She was a volunteer at the Tambourine, John’s

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Dudley F. Judd, 89, died Nov. 23, 2011, at the VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in McAlester, Okla., and lived in Vero Beach for 30 years, coming from Tarrytown,

Elise Boyce Kelsey

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Dudley F. Judd

Luis G. Pena, 65, died Nov. 25, 2011, at his home. He was born in Puerto Rico and lived in Vero Beach for 25 years, coming from Philadelphia. Prior to retirement, he worked for Canterbury Apartments for 15 years. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Carmen Pena of Vero Beach; son, G. David Pena of Vero Beach; daughters, Nancy Pena and Joyce McDonald, both of Vero Beach; and eight grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA, 1100 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

Former Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Bernard Albert Shorkey, 77, died Nov. 24, 2011, at VNA Hospice House. He was born in Mount Clemens, Mich., and moved to Vero Beach in 1983, coming from Pensacola. He served in the Army for three years followed by 26 years in the Marine Corps where he served two tours in the Vietnam War and later retired as master gunnery sergeant. As a civilian, he retired from the Federal Communications Commission. He was of Catholic faith. He was a member of Vero Beach Veterans, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3918, American Legion Post 39, Vero Beach Elks Lodge and Marine Corps League Indian River Detachment. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Joan Schmith Shorkey of Vero Beach; son, Albert Shorkey of St. Augustine; daughters, Rebecca Warner, Marion Morton and Margaret Marshall, all of Pensacola; brother, Albert Shorkey and Richard Shorkey, both of Mount Clemens; sisters, Kathy Reigel of Arizona; Diane Turbin of Santa Clara, Calif.; stepsons, Stephen G. Schmith of Virginia and Karl Schmith of Massachusetts; stepdaughter, Kate Sullivan of Oregon; and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Florida Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, 6720 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211. A guestbook is available at www. lowtherfuneralhome.com.

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William Harold Hoskins, 90, died Nov. 24, 2011, at his home. He was born in Middletown, Ohio, and lived in Vero Beach for six years, coming from Fort Myers. He worked for Champion International Paper Co. in Hamilton, Ohio, before his retirement. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Forces. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane Hoskins of Vero Beach; and sister, Marilyn Shearer of Hamilton. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

Barbara “Bobbie” Merton Morrison, 86, of Vero Beach, died peacefully on Nov. 18, 2011, at the Vero Beach VNA Hospice House. She was the devoted wife to John J. Morrison to whom she was married for almost 51 years and who pre-deceased her on December 18, 2000. Survivors include her sister Judith Saul of North Carolina; one brother, Bill Merton of Virginia; daughter, Dr. Lynn Williams of Vero Beach; daughter, Sharon Lucie of Jacksonville, FL; son, John James Morrison Jr. of St. Augustine, FL; son, John Roddy Morrison of Vero Beach; granddaughter, Angela Beckley Waldrop of Vero Beach; grandson, Ryland Lucie of Jacksonville; grandson, Craig Lucie of Atlanta; grandson, Stephen Morrison of Vero Beach; grandson, Nicolas Morrison of Vero Beach; and greatgrandson, Beckley Robert Waldrop of Vero Beach. She was born on March 4, 1925, in Lake Worth and had lived in Vero Beach and John’s Island for fifty-plus years. She was raised in Stamford, Conn., and Englewood, N.J. She obtained an Associates of Science de-

Luis G. Pena

Bernard Albert Shorkey

William Harold Hoskins

Barbara “Bobbie” Merton Morrison

Island Resale Shop, Vero Beach, and a member of the Moorings Club. She was the oldest living member of the Bellhaven Club, Greenwich, and The Elkridge Club, Baltimore. Survivors include her son, Cadwallader Washburn Kelsey III of Greenwich and New York, N.Y.; daughters, Elise Kelsey Merrow of Greenwich and Sterett Gittings Kelsey of Rocksbury, Conn; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenwich Riding and Trails Association, P.O. Box 1403, Greenwich, CT 06836.A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

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Kimberly Ann Trudnak, 52, died Nov. 22, 2011, at the VNA Hospice House. She was born in Miami Beach and lived in Vero Beach for a year and a half, coming from St. Louis. She graduated from Florida State University in 1982 with a degree in criminology. Survivors include her son, Zachary David Trudnak of Vero Beach; parents, Frank and Dixie Cavanaugh of Winter Beach; and sister, Lyn Miller of Cary, Ill. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice House at 901 37th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

gree in nursing at Indian River State College in 1973. She was also an accomplished painter, seamstress, and a gourmet cook and baker all while raising, with her husband, their four children. She won the first place poetry award in 1990 at the Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest for her poem titled “Bella Coola”. In the early sixties she developed the advertising campaign for the Summerplace development which was founded by her husband and Anthony Drexel Duke. She was also a founding trustee of the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) in Vero Beach. Bobbie was a member of the Quail Valley River Club at the time of her death. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so make financial contributions to St. Edward’s school or to the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach in Bobbie’s name. Condolences may be sent to www. coxgiffordseawinds.com.

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Kimberly Ann Trudnak

N.Y. He was a 1947 graduate of George Washington University and had been a financial and records manager for Exxon/Mobil, retiring after 35 years. He was a veteran of World War II, flying 14 missions over Germany while serving as a B17 pilot in the Army Air Forces. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, where he served as an elder and trustee, and was a past volunteer and treasurer of the Indian River Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth V.N. Judd of Vero Beach; son, Gary K. Judd of Greenville, S.C.; daughter, Cynthia A. Judd of Vero Beach; and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

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He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Elks Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Edie Thrasher of Vero Beach; daughters, Michelle Schmidt of Melbourne and Mary Virginia Shindle of Maryland; son, Ed Sankbeil of La Grange, Ga.; sister, Goldie Jean Evans of Cumberland; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 3375 20th Street Suite 100, Vero Beach, FL 32960. An online guestbook may be signed at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.

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Real Estate

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Barrier Island Real Estate Sales – November 17-November 23 Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

540 Palm Island Ln. Palm Island Plantation 8/18/2011 $1,375,000 11/22/2011 $1,270,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. Matilde Sorensen NMLS NMLS AGENT

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

504 River Dr. Riomar Bay 7/31/2010 $1,650,000 11/17/2011 $1,150,000 Norris & Company Jane Schwiering Norris & Company Jane Schwiering

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

925 Starboard Dr. Moorings 9/16/2011 $399,000 11/22/2011 $365,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Scott Reynolds Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Scott Reynolds

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

416 Conn Way Bethel by the Sea 12/7/2010 $260,000 11/18/2011 $234,000 David Walsh & Associates RE Opey Angelone David Walsh & Associates RE Opey Angelone

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Mainland Real Estate Sales – November 17-November 23

Address 1010 Amethyst Dr. SW

Subdivision Diamond Lake

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

13 Sea Horse Ln. Vero Isles 6/10/2011 $550,000 11/18/2011 $475,000 Realty Connection Rosemarie Wilson Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB Mark Seeberg

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

6371 Astor Pl. Woodfield 9/7/2011 $279,500 11/23/2011 $260,000 Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt Mark Seeberg Real Living All Florida Realty Mark Fields

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

1125 45th Ct. SW Grove 7/25/2011 $269,900 11/22/2011 $255,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Kim Cybulski Peter’s, Cook & Company RE Maria Fulchini

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

2425 47th Terr. Executive Manor 9/30/2009 $259,900 11/21/2011 $234,000 Norris & Company Phyllis Horner Norris & Company Gretchen Hanson

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

4360 12th Ln. Old Sugar Mill Estate 10/19/2011 $219,000 11/18/2011 $219,000 Associated Home Solutions Rlty Wendy Wilson Re/Max Crown Realty Jenny Gates

Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:

705 Brush Foot Dr. Collier Club 4/21/2011 $224,000 11/23/2011 $209,000 Peters, Cook & Company RE Gerry Durham Peter’s, Cook & Company RE Patricia Thompson

List Date 1/31/2011

List Price $200,000

Sell Date 11/18/2011

Sell Price $202,000

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