Vero Beach News Weekly by tcpalm analytics

Grand Prix race returns to Vero’s Grand Harbor Page 33

FORUM CALENDAR BUSINESS

22 28 35

TO ADVERTISE CALL MARTINE FECTEAU 772.696.2004 MARK SCHUMANN 772.696.5233

Inside

T H U R S D A Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

V O L .

1 ,

I S S U E

4 7

Lecturer raises environmental awareness Property Tax Increase (2)

Award-winning author-photographer to speak at VB Museum of Art Page 31

Windsor polo returns

John Walsh’s team Shamrock takes home the Winner’s Trophy at Windsor Page 14

Vero Beach Vice Mayor Craig Fletcher.

The “Fletcher Factor”

STAFF PHOTO

Family’s civic involvement spans decades Page 3

The test of time

Attendees at Heritage Rocks! recall servicemen’s past Page 26

Trunk Show Doncaster February 20th through March 3rd Sizes 2-24

Including Petites

COUTURE BY

Merja

772.231.4545 doncaster.com/couturebymerjainc

TO FREE CHECKING WITH A SMILE

You are Invited

Champagne Reception Meet Atlanta Designer Ali Howell Thursday, March 1st 5pm-8pm

Jewelry

Show

Friday, March 2nd & Saturday, March 3rd 9am-8pm Sunday, March 4th 9am-6pm

Has your bank stopped offering Free Checking? Then check out what Seacoast has to offer. Our Free Checking is part of our customerfriendly promise to deliver the exceptional services and products that make a real difference in people’s lives. Switch to Seacoast Free Checking today and enjoy: No minimum balance No monthly fee Visa® Check Card Free direct deposit Free ﬁrst order of checks Free online banking with bill pay, e-bills, check images and e-statements Stop in to learn more about our products, including Free Checking. And feel free to discover the true meaning of customer service.

TO A MORE HUMAN WAY TO BANK 800.706.9991 | SeacoastNational.com

dTP pM\NNTYXIu k#v#

A (:-8) %&85>@&) ,. 5!& yPXJTZ\N xM\JY :$ #&8<-5:=:".

A sXQQMEu yPXJTZ\N *+-)&<. :$ #&8<-5:=:".

A /:=4;5-8. *66:+>-5& 78:$&66:8' 0;>2&86>5. :$ 9>-<>

A ?&==:1' *<&8>+-; 3:+>&5. $:8 9:!6 348"&8.

A sXQQMEu yPXJTZ\N *+-)&<. :$ #&8<-5:=:".

A ?&==:1' *<&8>+-; 3:+>&5. $:8 #&8<-5:=:">+ 348"&8.

A ?&==:1' *<&8>+-; 3:+>&5. $:8 9:!6 348"&8.

eX[\IHT\N **9#}OO#%*/!

bXJM xX\ZU **9#**O#**O9 EEE#dwvXJP\HMQMVC#ZMP

sMJH hTXJZX **9#/(/#(/(/

N E W S W E E K L Y

oMN\HU\N e\NYXJIu k#v#u o#v#

B E A C H

hJMHXZH HUX qX\QHU MW ^MGJ eRTN ETHU fXVGQ\J tD\PI [C \ )%&"$ '#"!(*#$ vXJP\HMQMVTIH

V E R O

CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

for McDonnell-Douglas. “Arlene say’s it’s the family genetic defect,” said Fletcher, laughing once again. According to Fletcher, his father, Alfred, became involved with civic affairs in the 1960s “because they wanted to build a high-rise hotel on the beach.” Building height limitations were added to the city’s code as a result of the outcry against the prospects of a South Florida-type beachfront lined with towering buildings. When the elder Fletcher ran for City Council, son Craig worked on his successful campaign. “But I was serving in Vietnam in 1965 to 1966 when he ran the second time and he lost,” Fletcher said.

2 0 1 2

near 8th Street and Old Dixie Highway and a far cry from the present day, state-of-the-art Indian River Medical Center. As grandparents to three boys, ages 14, 12 and 6, Fletcher and his wife, Arlene, have already endowed the youngest generation with a love of the family’s and city’s history. “The boys say ‘can we come over to the museum?’” Fletcher said with a laugh. With a father who served as mayor of the city in 1972-73 and a brother who was an Indian River County Commissioner in the 1970s, Fletcher noted that his own foray into the local political scene may have been pre-ordained, although he enjoyed a successful career as an aeronautical engineer

2 3 ,

VERO BEACH -- This scion of a pioneer Vero Beach family is, not surprisingly, an avid history buff and antiques collector. An accomplished horticulturist, his fuchsia-colored cattleya orchids are presently in resplendent bloom all around his wellmanicured property. And when he’s not presiding as Vice Mayor on City Council, Craig Fletcher might be found tinkering with his vintage collection of clocks and weather instruments or reading a first edition volume chronicling Henry Morton Stanley’s 999-day trek across the African continent to trace the Congo River to the sea. Fletcher’s comfortable two-story home in the McAnsh Park neighbor-

hood is a veritable treasure trove of the city’s historical record, thanks to photos and artifacts passed down from his grandfather who arrived in Vero Beach in 1903 after the family had lived for four generations in Live Oak. Tracing his ancestry back to colonial era Savannah, Ga, Fletcher said among his most precious family treasures are his grandparents’ old love letters. Those grandparents lived west of town on State Road 60 on a property that is now the entrance to the Indian River Mall. In 1925, his grandfather helped build the first bridge across the Indian River. Fletcher was born in Vero Beach in the city’s first hospital – a modest stucco building which was located

F E B R U A R Y

BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

gCQTH dO8= Vero Beach Vice Mayor has deep family roots in the city

VICE MAYOR FROM PAGE 3

A coin toss wins the mayor’s seat Like his father, Fletcher also wielded the gavel as mayor from March 2002 to March 2003 but he won the post in a slightly unorthodox way. “At the time there were only four members on council and we were deadlocked in a two-to-two vote for mayor between me and Tom White,” Fletcher said. “I suggested to Tom that we ﬂip a coin for it but he said he didn’t like the idea.” When another, now exasperated, council member vowed to shift his vote for mayor to Fletcher, White agreed and subsequently lost the coin toss and mayor’s seat. That coin, and the mayoral gavel, are among the framed city “artifacts” decorating Fletcher’s den. “It’s all about compromise in politics. You try to do a good, honest job

and I think we all try our best, but you sometimes have to meet somewhere in the middle,” Fletcher said. As perhaps the least vocal member presently sitting on the council dais, it is sometimes diﬃcult to get a sense of where he stands on various issues. “I pride myself on learning to listen. I’m an avid reader and I do my homework and call who I need to call to help solve problems before the meeting. And you have to work with people,” Fletcher said. While he admits that many times he is philosophically aligned with Mayor Pilar Turner and Councilwoman Tracy Carroll on some issues, Fletcher characterized himself as “being independent and not being led” by others.

Too many studies muddy the waters The city is presently trying to retain Indian River Shores as a customer for its water, sewer and reuse water serv-

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

LOCAL NEWS

“Comprehensive Care, Uncompromising Service”

CALL NOW FOR OUR $97 NEW PATIENT SPECIAL! 0% INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE

Don’t let fear of the dentist keep you from achieving your dental goals. At Beachside Dental we are pleased to offer the latest in IV CONSCIOUS SEDATION during your dental treatment. Find comfort that goes beyond a “pill”.

Ask us about our services • IV SEDATION • Veneers • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • In-office Whitening • Root Canals

• EMERGENCY CARE • Crowns and Bridges • Children’s Dentistry • Extractions • Denture Repair • TMD & Chronic Pain

Matthew J. Henry, DDS

772-234-5353 | www.beachsidedental.com | 5070 N A1A, Indian River Shores, In the Oak Point Building next to CVS

PHOTO BY BARBARA YORESH

Fletcher collects vintage guns and powderhorns and assembled an intricate clockwork. ices past its current franchise agreement which expires in 2016. Indian River Shores had previously indicated it might shift its business to the county because it offered lower reuse water rates. However, the city has decided to match the county’s rate of 67 cents per 1,000 gallons for reuse water. On Feb. 7, City Council voted 3-2 to offer revised rates to Indian River Shores for water, sewer and reuse water. Turner and Carroll strongly opposed the motion while Fletcher and Councilmen Jay Kramer and Dick Winger were in favor of it. Turner objected, stating she wanted additional financial information regarding the ramifications of the newly proposed 30-year, $90 million contract. She and Carroll also wanted the information reviewed by the city’s Finance and Utility commissions. “The mayor wanted to do another study and that’s a city manager’s job. I trust him (City Manager Jim O’Connor),” Fletcher said. “How much information do you need to make a decision? I had enough information to make a rational decision.” Fletcher said he believes the city can provide Indian River Shores with good water, sewer and reuse water

services. “It’s a good deal for them and for the city. We’ll be able to reduce rates because the optimization study issues (to make the city utility more eﬃcient) will help us lower our overhead,” Fletcher said. He added that Indian River Shores’ threat to take their water utility business to the county was ultimately a good wake-up call for the city. “Sometimes you need someone to prod you to get you to move. We had gotten ingrained at how we did business and we needed an outside source to tell us what we were doing wrong,’ Fletcher said. When asked if he believed that county government was attempting to encroach on and replace municipal utilities with county service, Fletcher didn’t hesitate to respond. “The county would love to take over the water and sewer of all the municipalities. But we give very good service at a very reasonable price and I want to retain control of our utilities.” He did not disagree when asked if he believed there were attempts being made by some county oﬃcials to consolidate power and services with the county. “There seem to be some who want to dismantle the city,” Fletcher said. CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

Indialantic Office

**9~9}%~/OO!

North Hutchinson Island Office

}9%~|"%~}}!!

**9~/(/~*!!*

F E B R U A R Y

Vero Beach Island Office

5 !

woldwell xanker ed ewhlitt realtore

2 3 , 2 0 1 2 !

x*"!,@@@

_HBL \HMJL nE8O x*!@,@@@ i=QBM g;EL

x%:!,@@@

*S*j! nA8=94Q=M 6SnQOQBQ IA8;L cd[ R(:#"#@

#S*j!, `NLQB, gBEL9, QBM g9=QNAQ;9QE XHL6; cd[ R(:*!!#

x*"),@@@

gBMHQB \H7L= kQ=D; x#(!,@@@

#S* 6H9I _AAE, A7L= (S: QN=L dA9 cd[ R(:!::w

*S:j!, aLQ=E4 ! QN=L; cd[ R(:(#)%

_Q=QJAB

x%#),@@@

*S*j!, 6=Q? Q=A8BM `NLQB XHL6; cd[ R(:@"#w

pB9HEEL;

x*w",@@@

*S* 6H9I Q iLA=JA8; eH9NILB cd[ R(:*)!(

Global Is The Difference

gBMHQB \H7L= nE8O x#%!,@@@ #S#j! A7L=EAAFHBJ iAEK nA8=;L cd[ R(:@!"(

slwoldwellxankerhreviews#wom

7#/8'+ (1/-! 74$/8'+ 5$3-/+6 74$/8'+ "1,-! 74$/8'+ 7.8+ 7,.-/+68+ 5+/8))$+3 2,/10$ *8&&6$ 2+.- "1,-! %+'89'

N E W S W E E K L Y

p=OA= Z=QNL

B E A C H

#S*, ILQ9LM ?AAE ML;HJBL= FH9NILB cd[ R((*:@#

V E R O

hAOQ=9 dQBMHBJ

VICE MAYOR FROM PAGE 4

Power plant issue is paramount “I think the lead issue is the power plant. It’s a dinosaur – a bleeding giant. And what happens if you can’t or don’t sell it? The technology of that plant is from 1960,” Fletcher said. A strong proponent of selling the

city’s electric utility, Fletcher said he was pleased with the manner in which negotiations to sell the plant to Florida Power & Light were proceeding, although he noted he would not be in favor of renewing an exclusivity agreement to deal solely with FPL as a buyer of the utility when that agreement period expires. “I would be in favor of not renewing that exclusivity agreement. FPL won’t back out of negotiations. There’s a

Neurosurgery including minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery

Fabio Roberti, M.D., FAANS

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

LOCAL NEWS

Board Certified Neurosurgeon Medical Director, Section of Neurosurgery

V E R O

Board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Fabio Roberti specializes in neurosurgery, including minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery.

Fabio Roberti, M.D.

narrow window of opportunity out there to sell a utility. Not a lot of people are looking for a power plant that’s 50 years old,” Fletcher said. Fletcher said he is more concerned with the impact to the city if for some reason the utility is not sold. “It would cost us somewhere between $200 to $250 million to revamp the plant – a huge hit. To re-engine and power that plant we couldn’t support the bond issue to finance it,” Fletcher said. “FPL (rates) is significantly lower in price than we can hope to produce and those are the facts.” Another fact upon sale of the plant is the cessation of more than $5 million in power plant-generated revenues that are transferred to the city’s general fund, Fletcher agreed. But he believes any rise in ad valorem taxes will be more than offset by electric rate savings. Fletcher said that since the power plant issue will not be resolved by the time his present term expires, he would seek re-election to “finish what I started.”

According to earlier reports made to council by O’Connor, the most difficult aspect of consummating a sale of the city’s electric utility will be negotiating a way out of the city’s existing power contracts with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and Orlando Utilities Commission. “It’s such a complex issue but I have a warm feeling about extricating from the contracts and I’m encouraged by what our transactional attorneys working on that have said,” Fletcher said.

City moving forward with change When asked what his view of the city is presently, as compared to the way in which city government was conducted in the past, Fletcher admitted changes were needed and are now being implemented. “There had been a systemic problem where people were in (elected and administrative) office so long CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

Prior to joining IRMC in spring 2011, Dr. Roberti was assistant professor and co-director of skull base surgery in the Department of Neurological Surgery at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Roberti earned his medical degree from the University of Modena in Modena, Italy, where he also completed a residency program and served as faculty. He completed both his neurosurgery residency training as well as a fellowship in cranial base surgery and microneurosurgery at George Washington University Medical Center. Dr. Roberti is an active member of many national and international organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the North American Skull Base Society.

Dr. Roberti specializes in the following areas: • Neurosurgical oncology • Minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery • Neuroendoscopy • Neurotrauma • Radiosurgery • Skull base surgery Medical Associates A subsidiary of Indian River Medical Center

Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery

Most insurance accepted. Now accepting new patients. Call 772.563.4741 to schedule an appointment. 1. 040 37th Place, Suite 201 | Vero Beach, FL | 772.563.4741

The Right Care Right Here

PHOTO BY BARBARA YORESH

Historic maps and first edition books are among Fletcher’s prized possessions.

7 ! F E B R U A R Y 2 3 ,

10-way Heated & Cooled Dual Power Seats, 6 Disc CD w/MP3 System, Keyless Remote and Keypad, Alloy Wheels, Front & Side Airbags, and much more!

2 0 1 2 !

Lease for 39 months, 10,500 miles per year with $2,495 due at signing plus tax, tag and $599 dealer fee. $0 security deposit. Must qualify for Lincoln Exchange Rebate. Exp. 2-29-12. VIN# 3LCR810302

V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y

Push Button Start, Keyless Entry, 10-way Heated and Cooled Seats, 4 Year/50K miles Complimentary Maintenance and much, much more! Lease for 39 months, 10,500 miles per year with $2,495 due at signing plus tax, tag and $599 dealer fee. $0 security deposit. Must qualify for Lincoln Exchange Rebate. Exp. 2-29-12. VIN# 1LCG802868

Power Liftgate, Dual Zone Climate Control, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, Remote Start, and much, much more! Lease for 39 months, 10,500 miles per year with $2,995 due at signing plus tax, tag and $599 dealer fee. $0 security deposit. Must qualify for Lincoln Exchange Rebate. Exp. 2-29-12. VIN# 2LCBL00406

FREE MAINTENANCE

4YR/50K ON ALL NEW LINCOLNS See Dealer for Details

888-596-1349 5555 SOUTH US HIGHWAY 1 LINCOLN OF FORT PIERCE

SALES: M-Sat 8:30am6pm Closed Sunday

2007 LINCOLN TOWNCAR

ONLY 19K MILES .................................................

2007 LINCOLN MKX

LOW MILES ......................................................

19,988 23K MILES 2009 LINCOLN MKS $ 20,988 15K MILES, COACH ROOF, WHITE $

2009 LINCOLN MKZ

..................................................... .......................

19,988 $ 26,988 $

200-POINT INSPECTION BY FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS • 6-YR/100K MILE COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY COVERAGE • FREE VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

LOCAL NEWS

Temporary signs subject of ordinance review BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Bigger is not necessarily better. At least that’s what some beachside business professionals and at least one Vero Beach City councilman believe with regard to a proposed change to the city’s temporary sign regulations that, if adopted by council, would allow the option of a fourfold increase in the size of temporary residential real estate sale signs. Following a meeting last April, City Council directed staﬀ to review and amend the city’s temporary sign provision code. Last August, the city’s Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of a sign amendment draft ordinance for council’s consideration. Due to the complexity and scope of the overall sign ordinance, review is being conducted in phases by the city’s Planning & Development and

W S NE SEA IS TH

STAFF PHOTOS

The City Council is considering allowing larger real estate sign as shown on the right. The current signs as shown on the left are one square foot. Legal departments. City oﬃcials also sought input and recommendations from the local business and not-for-proﬁt commu-

Dr. Ben D. Emerson

The Emerson Center for Oral Health are pleased to announce the (#$$%(#$(

',)1 -&)1*! /2&110&++ "&,3&+.

nities which formed a task force committee facilitated by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. According to Chamber President Penny Chandler, the advisory committee which agreed to review the proposed changes to the sign ordinance was comprised of representatives from Chamber member businesses, the Realtors Association of Indian River County, retailing, food service and an elected oﬃcial. “We appreciate that the city reached out to the business community and asked for input. I don’t think this was

a Chamber task force. We were one of many groups involved on the committee,” Chandler said. “We read over the proposal line-by-line and made recommendations back to the city.” At press time, City Council was meeting to consider the ﬁrst reading of a draft of the proposed sign ordinance changes. A second reading of the ordinance is set for March 6. According to City Planning & Development Director Tim McGarry, a recommendation was made “to increase the size of residential real esCONTINUES ON PAGE 10

Please join us for a complimentary lecture on

Implant Restorative Dentistry Are Dental Implants Right For You?

February 28th · 9:00 a.m. 3730 7th Terrace, Suite 204-A, Vero Beach · RSVP required, limited seating · Light refreshments · For more information, please call

(772) 569-9700

$)(#"&' %('!(# $% for !&%# '"%#$'

3730 7th Terrace, Suite 301, Vero Beach www.emersonddsmd.com • (772) 569-9700

Offering the latest advancements in oral health, state of the art periodontics and implant dentistry for over 30 years

wood of City Hall – low growth or controlled growth. I think Vero is a and people needed to stir the bucket,” leader in low growth but the county not as much,” Fletcher said. Fletcher said. During his previous stint in office, Fletcher pushed for annual evaluaA family legacy tions for the city’s charter officers. Fletcher’s family legacy is already “When I was in office the last time, I pushed for annual reviews. But it a part of Vero Beach’s historical fabwas a culture that never took root in ric and he is still busy weaving more the City of Vero Beach. I’m glad that threads into that strong familial tapJim (O’Connor) has begun to do that. estry of civic involvement. Would he He’s a man who can walk on his own,” like to wield the gavel as mayor one more time? Fletcher said. “I’d love to be mayor to close out Fletcher noted the city has had a longheld desire to exercise growth control. my career because the next term (if “It seems to be ingrained in the elected) will be my last,” Fletcher said.

VICE MAYOR

FROM PAGE 6

! F E B R U A R Y

Uncompromising Quality At An Unheard-of Value.

2 3 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y

Now from the mid $600s! (includes lot)

The best new home value on Vero’s barrier island. • Financially sound new ownership

• Homes by Palm Coast Development; Vero Beach’s premiere design builder • 10-Year structural warranty and easy custom design/build process • One of the last ‘new home’ communities on Vero’s Barrier Island • Gated community located on A1A, walk to the Ocean

• 2 Clubhouses - 2 pools, tennis, fitness center, and 4 guest suites • Planned marina

Better built, Better value, Better lifestyle.

7777 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | RiverClubVB.com | 772.231.3818 The on-site sales office is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment.

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

LOCAL NEWS

SIGN ORDINANCE FROM PAGE 8

tate signs from one- to four-square feet.” Chandler emphasized that the proposal only “suggests a maximum sign size” rather than mandating an actual sign size increase. “It allows up to a maximum size and that is all. Anyone who wants a sign at a smaller size could do that,” Chandler said. She said that during meetings of the task force, comments were made by some participants that “it would be good to unify with the county” on sign codes so businesses would not need to order specially designed and sized signs if they were installed within city limits. The proposed change to the city’s temporary sign regulations – which includes broadening the definition of signs and sign classifications – would pertain to elections, special events, neighborhoods, business districts, residential real estate and other cat-

egories. Such signs, by definition, are intended to be on display for a limited period of time only – usually less than a year. “It’s basically hitting temporary signs and real estate signs although we also have a school banner issue we’re looking at,” McGarry said. “The Chamber (facilitated task force) group made a recommendation to increase the (allowable) size of residential real estate signs from one-squarefoot to four-square feet.” McGarry noted that there were “a lot of legal issues involved” in the drafting of an amended sign code and that for the past nine months he had been working with the city’s legal staff on the matter. He said the next phase of review will be more technical than legal in scope. “I feel it will be adopted. There have been a lot of iterations on it,” McGarry said. Following a 1981 case heard by the Supreme Court regarding a challenge

to the City of San Diego’s sign law, justices lamented the difficulty local governments had in crafting constitutionally supportable sign ordinances. Contradictory case law and local government ordinances have complicated attempts by governments to enact acceptable sign ordinances. While local government may regulate signs with regard to aesthetic and safety concerns, there are also First Amendment constraints which apply to a sign’s message and content. According to a Vero Beach city staff-generated, six-page “questions and answers” exhibit regarding the proposed temporary sign regulation changes, the city needs to address inconsistencies within its sign code as well as add clarification and constitutionality so the city can successfully defend any legal challenges to enforcement of the code. Unless the sign regulation changes are made, the city could face “a potential legal challenge,” according to the Q & A exhibit. The city’s current sign ordinance was drafted in the early 1980s and, according to the Q & A exhibit, “our sign ordinance has provisions that are undeniably problematic.” Political sign criteria are especially inconsistent, according to the exhibit. Other aspects of the overall proposed sign code changes including prohibition of signs on public property and rights-of-way to prevent sign clutter have not generated the same controversy as that of the residential real estate signs. Some local opponents of the proposed size increase for residential real estate signs believe that if the present sign size stipulation is satisfactory, why change it? Al Benkert, owner of Vero Beachside Sales-Rentals, a full-service real estate office located on the barrier island, also serves as vice president of the Oceanside Business Association which has sent a letter to City Council in opposition of the proposed sign change. “I just don’t see any need to change those signs and based on a meeting and resolution of the board, the

Oceanside Business Association sent a letter to council opposing the increase in size,” Benkert said. “We don’t want to see a 2-by-2-foot residential real estate sign when the 1-by-1-foot sign fits well into the environment and the way the (barrier) island looks.” Benkert noted that what might work well in less densely populated unincorporated county areas is not necessarily what works best in the city and particularly in the central beach area of the barrier island. “If it isn’t broken, why change it?” says Benkert. “The 1-by-1-foot signs are adequate. Penny Chandler put together a committee and made these recommendations (for sign changes) but the original proposal did not include any change to the residential real estate signs so we were surprised to even see this (proposal) in the ordinance,” Benkert said. Benkert noted that other barrier island real estate brokers he has spoken to are similarly opposed to the sign change. City Councilman Dick Winger said he plans to vote against the proposal to allow a fourfold increase in the size of residential real estate signs. “We (presently) have small, discreet signs that have worked well and I think you’ll get a big objection from the public,” Winger said. “I don’t think big, garish signs are any improvement over small signs.” Winger said he would make a motion to retain the present size for residential real estate signs. He predicted that there will be additional proposals to increase the size of permanent signs erected within city limits. “The argument on this is that we should do it because it’s done in the county (jurisdiction),” Winger said. McGarry acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Oceanside Business Association in opposition to the proposed size increase for residential real estate signs. “They want the signs to remain at one-square foot and there are various ways it could be resolved by council, including staying smaller on the barrier island and larger on the mainland,” McGarry said.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, VERO BEACH BALLET, AMERICAN RED CROSS, ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, SHILOH YOUTH RANCH, HUMANE SOCIETY, DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS, ROTARY CLUB

2012 GRAND SPORT TURBO Top end 157 MPH, Brembo brakes, navigation screen with back-up camera, front and rear parking assist, sunroof, aggressive styling and performance, 6 speed manual transmission.

&"!%

&$#%

A MONTH

2012 BUICK LACROSSE

2012 BUICK ENCLAVE

E-Assist technology up to 43 MPG in a full size luxury sedan, consumer digest best buy, 5 star safety rating, french seam stitching, dual zone air, blue tooth, highest sales growth of any luxury sedan. Available heads up display, blind-side alert.

Seats up to eight, alloy wheels, blue toothm, back-up camera, power lift gate, better fuel economy than any other eight passenger cross-over, 5 star safety rating, blind-side alert available.

mlX\IX LJTZXI \JX ETHU QX\IX ZMNKGXIH MJ QMC\QHC \NY \JX }( PMNHUIu %!n PTQXI LXJ CX\Ju 0%u||| YMENL\CPXNH LQGI H\Du H\Vu \NY WXXI#

c#e#% bXJM xX\ZU **9~"(9~%*!! lTNGIyGHMPMHTFX#ZMP

RIVERSIDE THEATRE, LIFEBUILDERS OF THE TREASURE COAST, VERO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE HUNDRED CLUB OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, QUAILVALLEY CHARITIES, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY,

N E W S W E E K L Y

2012 BUICK VERANO All new from Buick featuring “Quiet-Ride” technology, acoustic laminated glass, triple sealed doors, 7”touch screen with voice activation and Pandora radio/smart phone connectivity, blue tooth.

B E A C H

A MONTH

V E R O

A MONTH

&$%%

2 0 1 2

&"$%

2 3 ,

NEW Lower Price!

F E B R U A R Y

NEW Lower Price!

11 !

KEEP AMERICA ROLLING

FOOTBALL, ST. HELEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB, HIBISCUS CHILDREN’S CENTER, SUN UP, HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART,

IN SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, ST. EDWARDS SCHOOL, INDIAN RIVER MEDICAL CENTER, VERO BEACH HIGH SCHOOL, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY YOUTH

LOCAL NEWS

FMPA officials ‘noncommittal’ on reaching electric deal

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

BY BARBARA YORESH

F E B R U A R Y

VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Mon. Feb. 27th

N E W S W E E K L Y

Mon. Feb. 27th

B E A C H

ANNUAL

V E R O

SIDEWALK $10 off Golf Bags

Clubs Bags Gloves

SALE INSIDE ALL MEN’S & LADIES’ CLOTHING 20%-50% OFF

0% 50%-10 OFF MANY

ITEMS

$10 off Golf Shoes

Shoes Accessori es Caps

10 0’S OF GOL F ITEMS

490 21st Street, Vero Beach (East End Miracle Mile) 569-9655

ONE DAY ONLY TCN2670089

MON., FEB. 27th, 9am-4pm

VERO BEACH -- Can Vero Beach successfully negotiate a deal with the Florida Municipal Power Association to exit its electric power provider contracts with the association so the city can sell its electric utility? To date, the city’s transactional attorneys have focused attention on the city’s contracts with the Orlando Utilities Commission, but ultimately the FMPA contracts will also need resolution. A meeting last week in Orlando of the Florida Municipal Power Association was attended by Vero Beach Mayor Pilar Turner – the city’s official representative to the FMPA – as well as Councilman Jay Turner and city Finance Commission Chairman Peter Gorry. While their reception was “most cordial,” according to Gorry, FMPA officials were noncommittal regarding the position the association will take once they sit down with the city’s transactional attorneys. “To my knowledge, there hasn’t as yet been any opening negotiation with FMPA and the focus (thus far) has been on OUC,” Gorry said. “During the formal meeting, nothing was expressed at all but in speaking with them (informally), they said they would understand Vero’s situation and look forward to negotiations.” Gorry noted that the FMPA has $1.7 billion in bonds that underwrite its power facilities and a debt service of hundreds of millions on the coal-powered Stanton plants that supply power to Vero Beach. “They have a financial responsibility to protect everyone in the FMPA consortium,” Gorry said. “The FMPA can’t renege on its fiscal responsibilities.” Gorry said a sales deal with Florida Power & Light could be made if the company were willing to assume

the city’s financial responsibility to the FMPA. “Vero has contracts and to get out of the contracts, Vero and FPL will have to satisfy the contracts. It’s a very, very complex and serious issue that has to be overcome to be able to reach a deal. The Finance Commission is supporting the sale and we are awaiting the devil that’s in the details,” Gorry said. Kramer said he believed the complexities of the contracts will seriously hamper a sale of the city’s electric utility. “I’m 80 percent sure that the FPL deal is dead. A lot of people I talk to look at the math, shake their heads and say this can’t be done,” Kramer said. “My personal opinion is the full sale isn’t going to happen.” Kramer said the city’s existing contracts must be honored. “Those entitlements need to be paid 100 percent. We signed the contracts and we need to live up to them,” Kramer said. During a Feb. 14 meeting of the city’s Utility Commission, power plant sale proponent Glenn Heran expressed concerns that the FMPA board – comprised of city and utility managers – is “unmotivated to get out of the utility business” and may “deal punitively with Vero Beach.” Heran said one option would be the unlikely “dissolution of the FMPA because everybody (municipalities) is better off getting out of the utility business” due to noncompetitive electric rates. “No one is as competitive as FPL,” Heran said. Another option Heran proposed would be asking the Indian River County Commission to approve a referendum for the city’s electric customers living in unincorporated areas to vote on whether or not they would be interested in obtaining their electricity elsewhere – presumably from FPL.

13 ! F E B R U A R Y 2 3 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y

bHOT=O LOHA ]LO sGO?KQTD _OP q?C== TQ?C== ;LO ]?OT=:?O qCT=;` O 3)FIKL*F )C)G? (A %KDGF EK %)"I KL) K' KDG L)$&%,KGF -'E)G - NG)0 MKK* KG KE%)G *$F-FE)G O 4GKC$*)F -FF$FE-L+) K' 'KK*0 +"KE%$L& -L* F%)"E)G EK I)KI") *$FI"-+)* ,? - %KDF) NG) O 3)"$)F KL E%) FDIIKGE K' KDG CK"DLE))GF -L* "K+-" +K!!DL$E? EK +KLE$LD) KDG C$E-" %D!-L$E-G$-L BKG#

XC:? PCDT;KCD GTIO= ;LK= AC==KRHOm qTHH- QHKQI C? ;O7; 6C:? PCDT;KCD ;CPT6m

(|zBB|_op|q_c^^ u AR;Q?OPQ?C==mC?M ]O7; _opq_c^^ ;C *B*** ;C MK9O {(B 1)@E 3<=>3522 EK (J((( EK !-#) - H/J *KL-E$KL EK E%) 3)* >GKFF6 >%-G&)F B$"" -II)-G *$G)+E"? KL ?KDG B$G)")FF ,$""0 KG ,) *)*D+E)* 'GK! ?KDG IG)I-$* ,-"-L+)6 8)FF-&) 7 =-E- 3-E)F !-? -II"?6 3)I"? 2154 EK (J((( EK 21546 3)I"? :<94 EK (J((( 'KG :<946 ;D"" E)G!F -L* IG$C-+? IK"$+? -E BBB6G)*+GKFF6KG&.!6 d

1%$F -*C)GE$F$L& IGK&G-! B-F &G-+$KDF"? DL*)GBG$EE)L ,? - &GKDI K' -LKL?!KDF *KLKGF6

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

LOCAL NEWS

City weighs in how temporary signs may be displayed FOR VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

VERO BEACH -- The Vero Beach City Council considered at length at its meeting this week changes to the sign ordinance to better balance community standards with the right to free speech. The council did make some changes to the staff suggestions, allowing more signs to be posted and increasing the length of time the signs may be on display. Staff had suggested 10 signs be allowed per request and the council voted to expand the number to 20. Councilwoman Tracy Carroll pointed out that 10 signs were not adequate to cover the whole city for non-profits trying to get the word out on an event. The council also extended the length of time special events signs for community, public, religious, educational and civic events also would be

allowed on public rights-of-way on weekends. Staff had suggested noon Thursday to 6 p.m. Sunday. Councilmembers wanted to give volunteers more time to put up their signs and decided instead to allow placement from Thursday (morning?) to Sunday at 6 p.m. In addition, re-occurring special events, such as Sunset Saturday Night or Downtown Friday, can receive annual permits for posting of signs off-site. Garage or household sale signs will be prohibited from the rights-ofways, but up to two signs can be posted off-site on private property with the property owners’ permission. Councilmembers tabled until the second reading of the ordinance on March 6 the size of the signs. Current regulations in the city allow only one-foot-square signs and staff has proposed expanding that to fourfoot-square signs. Real estate agents

who do business primarily on the barrier island are in favor of keeping the smaller signs, however the county allows for the larger four-foot-square signs. Realtor Al Benkert spoke in favor of the smaller signs, saying they do an adequate job of showing a property is available and providing a phone number for interested parties to find out more information. “I spend a couple of thousand dollars a month on advertising, but I will tell you it is the signs that get the phone calls,” he told council. “Why do we need to increase the size four times? I don’t understand and neither does Norris & Company nor does Sorensen Real Estate; those are two of the companies doing the most real estate business in the City of Vero Beach. Their position is we don’t want the bigger signs.” Councilmembers did agree to staff suggestion that election signs no

longer will be allowed in the rightsof-way. Politicians will be able to put up their campaign signs 90 days before the election instead of 60 days, as the current ordinance requires and has been upheld as constitutional in the courts. The sign ordinance is being brought up in two phases with temporary signs under consideration now and the rest of the ordinance at a later date. The ordinance is available to read in its entirety on the city’s website at www.covb.org and explains, “We are taking it one step at a time. Our temporary sign regulations need to be changed as soon as possible, because as written, they create the most problems for the City in terms of constitutionality, administration and enforcement. The rest of the sign ordinance will be addressed upon adoption of the temporary sign regulations.”

Savings key for Shores to extend water pact with city BY MARK SCHUMANN

INDIAN RIVER SHORES -- “It’s not about the money, it’s about the money,” Indian River Shores Mayor Tom Cadden said in explaining why he joined the majority in the Town Council’s 4-1 vote to seek an agreement with Vero Beach for water and sewer service beyond 2016. With the current contract set to expire in four years, the city and county had both made aggressive offers in hopes of landing Indian River Shores’ business. The county sought the Shores customers to help absorb at least some of the over capacity in its utility system, which was greatly expanded during the building boom. The Shores accounts for $3 million in water and sewer revenue to the City of Vero Beach; business it did not want to lose. Cadden said while the county’s offer was attractive, the city agreed to match county rates beginning Oct. 1, rather

than when the current agreement expires in 2016. Assuming the final details of a new agreement can be worked out, Shores residents will soon begin saving more than $300,000 a year in their water and sewer bills under the new terms proposed by the city. The county’s proposed rates would also have saved Indian River Shores residents an estimated $300,000 a year, but those savings would not have been realized until 2016. If Indian River Shores had accepted the county’s bid for water and sewer service, a number of issues would have been needed to be resolved about who actually owns the utility infrastructure within the city limits. Additionally, legal questions regarding state laws prohibiting counties from encroaching on the utility service areas of municipalities would also have needed to be resolved before an agreement between the Shores and the

county could have been implemented. The total savings of over $1 million between now and 2016, in addition to lingering questions about the viability of actually being able to execute an agreement with the county, were both factors in the Town Council’s decision. Councilwoman Fran Atchison opposed the decision to negotiate an agreement with the city, citing concerns about the city’s ability to honor the rates it offered. Atchison was not alone in expressing apprehension about the city’s ability to fulfill the offer it made to the Shores. In a letter addressed to the Vero Beach City Council, Indian River County Commissioner Bob Solari raised similar questions. Vero Beach Mayor Pilar Turner and Councilwoman Tracy Carroll both opposed the city’s latest offer to the Shores, objecting to what they described as a lack of adequate financial analysis to support the numbers.

Atchison gave a second reason for preferring to accept the county’s offer, rather than staying with the city. The county, she said, is too small for more than one utility system. Like others who encouraged the Shores to accept the county offer, Atchison said she believed the move would have left the city with little choice to but sell its water and sewer system to the county. Cadden didn’t see it that way. He said it seemed unlikely Indian River Shores’ decision could affect the outcome of negotiations between the city and the county. Indian River Shores Town Manager Richard Jefferson and Vero Beach City Manager Jim O’Connor both said they would be able to work out the specifics of an agreement with a month. “I am confident the details can be worked out and a final agreement brought to the Town Council at its March meeting,” Jefferson said.

LOCAL NEWS

In addition, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County and the Financial Aid Fund for St. Edward’s School benefitted from the outpouring of community benevolence. “This year’s event exceeded every level of expectation,” said Kelly Holm, who organized the Charity Cup in conjunc-

tion with Mary Mullan. “We sold every ticket, every sponsorship opportunity… people were trying to buy the shirts off the volunteers’ backs.” A final accounting of the money raised will be available until next week. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

2 0 1 2 ! V E R O

sor with the Honorable Hilary Weston, one of the founders of the seaside village who was a former top model in Ireland and is a devoted patron of the arts. She resides in Toronto. Walsh, who regularly plays polo in Vero Beach during the sport’s winter season, scored the match’s first and last goal, for a team win of eight to seven. Twenty-seven years ago, he established the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with his wife, Reve Walsh, after the loss of their son, Adam. The organization was one of the beneficiaries of Saturday’s event.

2 3 ,

Polo returned to Windsor for a oneday charitable event last weekend, but the spectacular display of grace and elegance made a lasting impression. Some of the world’s best polo players, local celebrities and generous philanthropists – all dressed to the nines -made a perfectly sunny day in the subtropics even better as they showed their support for three nonprofit organizations benefitting children and animals. Vero Beach resident John Walsh, host of television’s America’s Most Wanted, chaired the Charity Polo Cup at Wind-

F E B R U A R Y

LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Windsor polo event raises charitable funds, community spirit

B E A C H

Ne Remowly eled Showrd oom!

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Sisters Christine Heagle and Ann Deluce

Indian River Club

You Don’t Have To Live Here – To Play Here

DIRECT IMPORTER!

Importers of Porcelain Tile and Granite Slabs from Italy, Spain and Brazil The Only Indoor Granite Showroom in Vero! 1136 Old Dixie Highway • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm Floor Tile • Wall Tile • Stone • Granite & Marble Slabs All Internationally Imported Varying Sizes and Designs A limited number of invitational non-resident golf memberships are available. Call Stu Burk for membership information 772.770.0757 www.indianriverclub.com · 800 Carolina Circle, Vero Beach, Florida 32962

569-9113

Owned and Operated By Vincent Abbate Since 1987

TCN2669576

N E W S W E E K L Y

Edie Dubord, Nancy Rosner, Lynn Dudgeon, Sally Spillman and Susie Reichhart

LOCAL NEWS

POLO AT WINDSOR FROM PAGE 15

“I was told a long time ago to give until it hurts,” said Don Proctor, a local contractor and a pony sponsor, who attended the match with his wife, Linda. More than 1,000 children and adults attended Saturday’s event, filling a massive tent to capacity and which hostedin which attendees enjoyed a champagne luncheon for 600. Across the field, more than 100 cars lined up in the tailgate parking area.

Tailgate ticket holders were invited to decorate their picnic spreads, with winners determined by a panel of celebrity judges, including Steve Weagle, chief meteorologist for WPTV News Channel Five in West Palm Beach; author Leslie McQuirk of Vero Beach and her co-author, Alex von Bidder, who coowns the Four Seasons restaurant in New York City. A western themed tailgate decorated by Marjorie Mann won best overall prize. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Alan Bankart, David Brown, Chris Whittle and Jeremy Spencer

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

Linda Shipley, Linda Proctor, Chuck Thomas, Marion Kennedy and Mary Jane Dryer

Andy Joran, Carrie & Marshall Carlton and Michael Powers

LOCAL NEWS

POLO AT WINDSOR

We’ve been through so much together. From routine well visits to emergencies – Florida Veterinary League’s award-winning, experienced and compassionate team of veterinary professionals are here to help your pet in times of sickness and in good health.

15 Year Anniversary Celebration Open House February 26th from 1-5 pm John Walsh and his daughter Meghan wth her Blank Silk models, Kathleen Abrams and Hilary & Galen Weston

(772) 567-3070 1360 US Highway 1, Vero Beach (Across from Crispers & 12th Street Publix)

N E W S W E E K L Y

As seen recently on Ch. 5 News, Pia Pia is a Dogs For Life Certified Hearing & Service Dog trained to sense owner’s moods and contact emergency responders

B E A C H

Client & Owner, Jim & Dawn Taylor

V E R O

1 SPAY, 13 VACCINES, 22 DOSES OF FLEA & HEARTWORM PREVENTION, POPPED PATELLA (KNEE CAP) UN-POPPED (SURGICALLY)

Jeff Luther, John Walsh and Sheriff Deryl Loar

2 0 1 2

MEET PIA PIA

Service Dog and Man’s Best Friend

2 3 ,

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

John Walsh, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nick Manifold and Tommy Biddle in a formal Team Shamrock photo

The match was the first polo event at Windsor in two years. Windsor resident Stacey Logan Lewis, an accomplished chanteuse, performed an awe-inspiring rendition of the national anthem accompanied by Jim Hacker on trumpet. Polo player Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the famed Italian shoe designer and head of the family’s restaurant and wine business, Il Boro, which provided the wine at lunch, was accompanied by his wife, Christina. Ferragamo, who played opposite Walsh, was joined by teammates Mike Azzaro, the only American player to have ever won the British Open, and Memo Gracida, a descendant of Mexico’s first family of polo and who is considered a world legend. “I’m not sure there is an audience for polo every week, but it is nice to have it once or twice a year,” said Christine Bijur, a resident of Windsor, who wore a chic lavender chapeau to the event. Her husband, Peter, a retired CEO of

Texaco, admired the adherence to certain polo traditions, with many women wearing hats and festive dresses, while most men wore jackets or linen suits. “It’s really nice to see everyone dressed up like this. It gives Vero Beach a special caché” he said. Prior to the match, guests were treated to a presentation of several species of indigenous and invasive creatures by the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. An exhibit of classic cars belonging to area residents was also on display, including a rare 1985 Jaguar XJR-7 and a 2000 Audi R8, which won five out of six years at the European Le Mans Series 24 hour race. Both vehicles are owned by Jim and Mary Rogers of Vero Beach. Windsor resident Evelyn Mayerson, an award winning author and playwright, attended the match with her husband Don. “I could watch the event from my balcony, but then I would miss mingling with all of these wonderful people,” she said. The next Polo Charity Cup at Windsor is scheduled for 2014.

F E B R U A R Y

FROM PAGE 16

18 2 0 1 2

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Bill Helmly, Board Chairman of the Indian River Land Trust, will be the featured speaker at the Indian River Neighborhood Association luncheon on March 1. The Land Trust’s mission to promote preservation, conservation and improvement of natural resources became focused on

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

! F E B R U A R Y

Land Trust chairman to speak to Neighborhood Association

2 3 ,

COMMUNITY NEWS

real estate with direct impact on the Indian River Lagoon. As the cost of these properties reached a generational low, the IRLT recognized the opportunity to make an historic impact in our community and in 2009 the IRLT began a grant funded computer mapping project to identify opportunities for conservation.

“We are pleased to have placed a total of 21,120 feet of shoreline frontage in conservation,” Helmly said. “I will share with the IRNA our continued vision to protect environmentally important land and water resources.” The IRNA has come out in support of the goals and accomplishments of the Indian River Land

Trust as a significant influence on the quality of life for all residents in Indian River County. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. at CJ Cannon’s and costs $15, payable at the door. The public is invited. Reservations are encouraged by calling the IRNA at 794-4762 or email at exdir.irna@ comcast.net.

Plein Air attracts artists to support ELC and the Cultural Council Joann Phillips (right) paints a scene at the Environmental Learning Center’s three-day paint out, Plein Air Rendevouz, to benefit the Environmental Learning Center and the Cultural Council. Artists painted at the Center and sold their work each day with 40 percent of the sale going to the charity.

)%&# '## *+" ,#( *!-$# Dr. Brooks welcomes dental hygienists: Norma Howerton and Susan Hawas

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TASCON

State-of the-art equipment

STAFF PHOTO

Over 1,200 visitors attended the second Lobster Classic put on by the Treasure Coast Rotary of Vero Beach under the oaks at Riverside Park.

COMMUNITY NEWS

it was most fitting that some of the Society members attended a luncheon in their honor as they learned about saving the local eco-system. Experts from the Environmental Learning Center, the Indian River Land Trust, Ocean Research and Conservation Association and McKee shared their views on the local

environment. Loy said she knows the IRCF will be a good steward. “The needs of this community 50 years ago are drastically different from the challenges we face today,” said Loy, “I want to give the Foundation the flexibility to respond with the same dedication I have felt.”

2 0 1 2

were honored for their philanthropic efforts. Loy has entrusted the Indian River Community Foundation to continue her work with a program of planned giving and enlisted many others as well. One of Loy’s most fervent causes has been the restoration of McKee so

2 3 ,

VERO BEACH -- It seems as if Alma Lee Loy has been looking out for Indian River as long as most can remember and now she and her fellow philanthropists will watch over the community far into the future. At a luncheon at McKee Botanical Gardens, Loy and other members of the Alma Lee Loy Legacy Society

F E B R U A R Y

Local philanthropists gather to further nature’s legacy

! V E R O B E A C H

Ellie & Bob McCabe with Susan Relicke

Sports Village hosts 50 teams for President’s Day Challenge

STAFF PHOTO

The President’s Day Challenge held at Dodgertown this past weekend was the first major event since Peter O’Malley became involved again with the facility.

VERO BEACH -- Teams from New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois and Mississippi and a team from Canada participated last weekend in the Vero Beach Sports Village Treasure Coast President’s Day Challenge. In all the Village hosted 50 teams, over twice the number that participated in the inaugural event last year. The President’s Day Challenge was the first major event held at the Sports Village since Peter O’Malley took over with the goal of reviving the former Dodgertown facility. Age divisions ranged from 13 and under to 18 and under. “We were very pleased with the incredible growth of this event in just one year’s time,” said Jeff Biddle, the Director of Athletics and Marketing for VBSV. “Several of the teams that attended in 2011 are returned, which is a great testament to not only how great the baseball facilities are at VBSV, but also to the outstanding vacation destination that is Indian River County is.” Among those attending are Saints Sports Academy (MN); 220 Baseball Academy (NJ), Espoir Arvida; Saguenay (CAN); Valley Forge Rangers and Bullpen Baseball (PA); Ohio UTB Titans (OH); and the Upper Deck Cougars (IL). Florida teams in attendance include the Viera Hitmen (Viera, Fla.); St. Lucie Mets (Port St. Lucie, Fla.); Keith Mitchell Baseball and Brevard Plasma (Melbourne, Fla.); Pine Crest Pumas (Miami, Fla.); Team DeMarini and Team Worth (Fort Pierce, Fla.); and Top Prospects National (Rockledge, Fla.).

N E W S W E E K L Y

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Kerry Bartlett and Ronnie Brown

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

FEATURE

McLarty Treasure Museum: a valuable trove of history and haul LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Nowadays, the city of Sebastian has a reputation as a sleepy little fishing town on the east coast of Florida. But 300 years ago, on a one-mile stretch of this city’s sandy shores, world history took place. The McLarty Treasure Museum, part of the Sebastian Inlet State Park, houses a cache of artifacts salvaged from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet – anywhere from six to 10 ships that sunk in the waters off the coast of central Florida during a hurricane. The ships carried millions of dollars worth of gold, silver and jewels that were submerged by the turbulent sea. It is this fortune spread across nearly a 100-mile radius between Sebastian and Hobe Sound that gives the region its moniker, STAFF PHOTOS the “Treasure Coast.” The museum is named in honor of The McLarty Treasure Museum is one of three such treasure museums in the Robert and Dodo McLarty, who donatstate of Florida. ed the land in 1969 for a state park that was being developed. Around that time, GET UP TO SPEED WITH YOUR AUTO said Ed Perry, a park services specialist, “they learned that their one acre lot had INSURANCE. historical significance as the site of the ships’ survivors’ camp and later the salvagers’ camp.” Although the McLartys are both deceased, “their name lives on in the museum,” said Perry, who has worked at the park for 23 years. The museum opened in 1970. Situated among the sea grapes between the beach and A1A, the museum is run by a corps of 22 volunteers who help staff and maintain the building. They assist in providing residents and tourists an opportunity to learn about AT VE VERO INSURANCE YOU CAN BE ON historical events from long ago and those that transpired more recently. CRUISE CONTROL. On July 24, 1715, a fleet of Spanish Receiving the b best value for your premium dollar is more important than ever. galleons set sail from Cuba set sail from Now is the perf perfect time to take a second look at your auto insurance coverage. Cuba carrying treasure to help subsidize Spain’s economy after more than a decOur award winnin winning customer support will be here, whenever you need us ade of war. The ships carried large quanwith Vero Insura Insurance, the light is always green. tities of silver, or plata in Spanish, and We never stop wo working for you. gold, which were melted into ingots and coins after being mined from the mounCall today for a complimentary consultation tains of South America and Mexico. | 877.231.2021 | www.veroinsurance.com 772.231.2022 The jewels on board were for the dowry

of Queen Elizabeth of Spain. It was rumored that she refused to consummate her marriage to King Philip V until the dowry was paid. The plate fleet was actually comprised of three fleets of ships, one of which travelled in the Pacific from Mexico to the Orient and was transported across land by donkeys from Acapulco to Vera Cruz (before the Panama Canal was built). Two more fleets travelled in the Atlantic to South America and up into the New World. All were flanked by warships guarding against pirates and rogue nations. Only five days into their voyage home, the ships encountered an early season hurricane. Of the 2,500 passengers and crew onboard, 1,000 sailors, wealthy merchants and their families were killed. A 40-minute film at the museum based on archival documents details how the survivors set up camp on a desolate stretch of beach, barely able to endure Florida’s harsh summer sun. At night, they would bury themselves in the sand up to their necks as a way of dealing with the mosquitoes. “The movie was produced for the state by A&E (the Arts and Entertainment Network) for $1 million,” said Perry. A diorama in the museum depicts the survivors’ camp, illustrating how the Ais Indians, who had inhabited the area for an estimated 1,000 years, helped the survivors by hunting and fishing for their food. When they were finally rescued, the Spanish brought treasure hunters and slaves from Central and South America to salvage the sunken loot. The British governor of Jamaica declared open season on the recovery efforts. When it was called off, the age of piracy in the Caribbean began. And that is where the story ended for almost three centuries, until Kip Wagner, a building contractor from Sebastian, let his curiosity get the best of him. Wagner had a cabin just south of the survivors’ camp, where he often walked his dog combing the beach for driftwood.

FEATURE

! ! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y

In the museum’s gift shop, Sebastian residents Doris and Ed Ramsey, who have volunteered at the museum and the park since their arrival from Rhode Island 12 years ago, flip through the pages of a photo album. There, every treasure find is recorded – from personal photographs to newspaper clippings. “People tend to find things after a storm comes through the area,” said Perry. For instance, in 2004, after Hurricane Frances, a Vero Beach resident found a gold cross and chain at Turtle Trail. In 2005, someone found a gold ring set with nine emeralds in a shell bed south of Fort Pierce. And in 2007, a local woman found a 69.32 karat emerald on Golden Sands Beach. “Just two weeks ago, a tropical wave came through here,” Perry chuckled. “You never know when conditions are going to hit.” McLarty Treasure Museum 13180 North A1A (772)589-2147 Open 7 days a week, 10 am – 4 pm

2 0 1 2

sank in 1622 during a hurricane. Fisher died in 1998 along with the exclusive license to salvage sunken treasure in Florida waters. Working In 2010, Brent Brisben and his father, William Brisben, took over the license to salvage sunken treasure from the 1715 Spanish Fleet. Their company, The Queen’s Jewels, implies they believe the mother lode of jewelry, intended as the queen’s wedding dowry, has yet to be found. But it is not just treasure hunters and the state that benefit from the finds. Local residents – and an occasional tourist – frequently discover their own gems washed up onto area beaches.

2 3 ,

Florida cannot sell its artifacts, which are on display at three museums in Florida. The main exhibit is in Tallahassee, another is at the St. Lucie County History Museum and, of course, at the McLarty Museum in Sebastian. After some initial success finding sunken treasure, the group of eight men realized they were involved more as a hobby than a vocation. In 1963, Wagner hired Mel Fisher, originally a chicken farmer from Indiana who had a scuba diving business in California, to take over the hard work of hunting for treasure. Fisher and his wife, Dolores “Deo” Fisher, sold their home and equipment, and came to Sebastian with a crew already assembled. On May 24, 1964, Fisher found 3,500 gold coins. In the ensuing years, he uncovered millions of dollars in treasure from the watery depths. Some of it is on display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, located on US Highway 1 in Sebastian. As a private enterprise, Fisher’s museum can sell artifacts and jewelry in the gift shop. For years, it was run by his daughter Taffi Fisher Abt and now is run by his granddaughter, Nicole Fisher. “The history at the McLarty Treasure Museum is better, but they have some breathtaking pieces of jewelry and religious artifacts on display,” said Perry about Fisher’s museum. The waters off the Treasure Coast have produced gold every year since Wagner, who died in 1972, first set out to hunt it down. Nonetheless, it is estimated that there are still vast fortunes buried beneath a mere 20 feet of water. Working with another area resident, Eugene Lyon, Fisher recovered $450 million in 1985 off the Florida Keys. That treasure was only a portion of the cache carried on the Atocha, which

F E B R U A R Y

Like other area residents, it was not unusual for him to skip what looked like stones across the water, but they were really pieces of eight, irregularly sized silver coins that were tarnished with age and seawater. On occasion, “he would take a $15 surplus metal detector down to the beach and find musket balls and even a diamond ring,” said Perry. .“One day, the dog started drinking from a well dug in the sand.” Adventure beckoned, and despite having limited funds, Wagner heeded the call. “He put a window in a surfboard and paddled out into the water to see what he could find,” said Perry. Through that window, Wagner discovered a submerged cannon, now on display at the McLarty Museum. His friend, Kip Kelso, a doctor who later helped found Sebastian River Medical Center and who had been the first director of the health department serving a four-county area, went to the national archives in Washington, D.C. to research records of sunken ships. In 1959, Kelso found a map of Florida indicating that a fleet of galleons had sunk opposite the Sebastian River. Armed with this previously undiscovered information, Wagner and Kelso, who was fluent in Spanish, went to Seville, Spain, where they learned that the salvage camp was pitched right there by the inlet. They also learned that more than one fleet had sunk. In fact, there were at least four Spanish fleets returning from Cuba that had been capsized by storms in 1702, 1708, 1711 and finally 1715. Wagner formed a partnership with a group of men – including Kelso, Lou Ullian, Delphine Long, Ervin Taylor, Colonel Dan F. Thompson, Lieutenant Colonel Harru Cannon and Lisbon Futch – who called themselves the Real Eight Corporation, after the Spanish coins. The group secured an exclusive license from the state to hunt for treasure. “The state had no experience with this sort of thing,” said Perry, who believes that the amount negotiated by the state as its share of any salvage was 25 percent and later 20 percent. Unlike treasure hunters, the state of

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

qCGG:DK;6 nC?:G

Turn off your phone and computer and see the world BY MARK SCHUMANN

“Get out and enjoying the weather,” I wrote in an email recently. And yet there I sat at my computer reading and sending email, while morning exercise time slipped away, and some of the best light for photography burned off as the sun continued its daily climb to zenith. One of my favorite poets, Rumi, wrote, “Don’t go into the study first thing in the morning and start reading. Pick up a musical instrument. Let the beauty you love be what you do.” Rumi lived 800 years ago in what is now modern-day Turkey. I wonder what he would think of smart phones, email and instant messaging? There is actually a company with the name, “Constant Contact.” Is keeping in constant contact a good thing? I wonder. And I wonder what Rumi might advise today. Perhaps he would say, “Don’t turn on your computer first thing in the morning. Don’t check in with your 287 Facebook friends. Don’t pick up that not-so-

smart phone. Rather than reading tweets before breakfast, go outside and listen to the song birds heralding a new day.” Recently my daughter introduced to me to the term, “email ﬁrestorm.” It’s used to describe the exponential proliferation of email messages sparked by one person who carelessly selects “reply all.” Next thing you know you’ve got twenty or more messages in the same email stream. As a graduate student, I wondered sometimes how our professors expected us to complete our reading assignments for all of our classes. After all, if the total time it would take the average person to read each and every assignment added up to more than 24 hours a day, getting it all done would simply be impossible. Surely we are fast approaching the point where keeping up with email and also getting real work done is nearly impossible. I’ve taken to responding to email with return phone calls when I think I might get away with it. Often, though, I wind up having

to leave a voice message, which is just as often promptly replied to with another email. What to do but smile! After exchanging several email messages with a colleague in a matter of minutes, I picked up the phone. “Can we talk?” Later that day, reading email while sitting at a red light, I wondered if there is an app that will track the number of messages you receive each day. After you’ve absorbed a certain number of incoming hits- say maybe 100- the app could send an automated replay explaining that you’ve received your limit of email for the day. The message could politely invite people to call you. Since few people are likely to place a call, you’re oﬀ the hook. In the sales world there have been the traditional categories of telephone salespersons, doorto-door salespersons and traveling salespersons. Now there are email salespersons. Email salespersons are not gregarious like door-to-door salespersons and not as chatty as telephone sales-

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

Ian Love, Managing Editor 978-2251 ian.love@scripps.com Mike Bielecki, Sports Editor 321-6105 mbwordsmith@gmail.com

Carrie Scent Graphic Designer Marsha Damerow Graphic Designer Lisa Rymer Contributor Milt Thomas Contributor

Scott Alexander Contributor Michael Birnholz Contributor Barbara Yoresh Contributor Martine Fecteau Account Executive

To contact one of our contributing writers please call 772-978-2251 or send an email to verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com To advertise call Martine Fecteau at 772-696-2004 (martine.vbnewsweekly@gmail.com) or Mark Schumann at 772-696-5233 (Mark.Schumann@scripps.com) Christina Tascon, Writer/Photographer 978-2238 verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com

persons. Well, let’s be honest. They’re shy. Prospecting by email may reduce the sting of rejection, but it sure increases the chances that a rebuff will be the likely result. Nowadays when I’m sitting in traffic, I feel guilty if I’m not checking email. Maybe there is an app that will keep track of the number of times you use your smart phone to check email each day. After some preset number, say 10, you’d be cut off from access to email for the remainder of the day. Imagine you are stopped in traffic and you look over at the driver in the car next to you. He’s sweating and trembling. You wonder if he’s got delirium tremens. With a quivering hand he holds up his phone for you to see and you realize he has one of those email limiter apps. He’s going through email withdrawal, cut off, cold turkey, no more for today. I wonder how long it will be before someone offers a 28-day recovery program for email addicts.

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 LISA RYMER

After being bombarded with advertisements at the beginning of the year telling me I was fat, had a saggy bottom, and was hiding behind excuses, I made a firm resolve that those businesses were definitely not getting my money. I am so tired of being yelled at; by my appliances, which beep at me incessantly; by people who want to sell me something and by the voices in my own head. When confronted with the myriad of tasks, concerns and problems that a family of seven can expect to encounter, six-pack abs and a bootylicious behind are not a priority. Not even close. So, as I saw my once taut physique – the one that used to be me -deteri-

orate into someone else’s 50-year-old body, I rationalized in my mind that I had a more noble calling. Yes, and world peace was on that list. But with the needs of my family LISA RYMER constantly beckoning, the bills ever mounting, and the real and imagined pressures of everyday life, stress had me wound tight enough to snap. And, I was already going outside to commune with nature to decompress. What more could I possibly do? Begrudgingly, I put on an old pair of sneakers and went for a run. It had been a long time since I put rubber to the pavement. In my heart, I believed my bones and joints could

no longer withstand the impact. But they did, and I learned something new about myself. I cannot worry when my heart is pounding in my chest, my lungs are on fire and every muscle in my body is engaged. For that hour, nothing else fits inside me other than the immediate experience. It is not easy, confronting our own bodies every day. Yesterday’s intake, never mind yesteryear’s, takes its toll. I can come up with a million reasons to skip a day of running - rationalizations that got me into a knot of angst and anxiety to begin with. But out there, two miles in, a peace settles over me, assuring me I will be okay, if not magnificent. Between my breath and my heart, there is no guile, no deception; each step takes me closer to a more authentic place, allowing me to bask in

a personal paradise. Some people know this instinctively, others have simply forgotten. Someone I know who is going through a divorce sat down with his daughter recently. “Daddy, when my friends and I fight, we have a race. Whoever wins gets to pick their best friends,” the eight year old said. “Why don’t you and mommy have a race -- then if you win, you can pick her.” So, if you see me out there racing around, howling at the top of my lungs, give a wave and just know that I am choosing me as my best friend, drinking in my aliveness and, perhaps, complaining a little about sore muscles. Hurts so good. Lisa Rymer is a newspaper and television journalist who resides in Vero Beach. She can be contacted at LisaRymer@comcast.net.

N E W S W E E K L Y

RYMER REASON

B E A C H

Exercise: it’s not just for toning and sculpting

V E R O

to our own space we are refreshed and can see our own accustomed surroundings in a new light. By stopping to ask directions or just visiting with those who cross this unexpected path, we meet people that we would otherwise never have met. We make connections that might be vitally important to us and our future or to them and their future. How many times have these random interactions become ones that really make a difference in bringing peace or healing to our world. Whether it is the journey of exodus or our own moments of getting off track, we can gain much more than we lose. 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.

challenge with a sense of humor and an open mind. Nachman of Bratslav is quoted as saying that the world is a narrow bridge, to get across we must face our fear. How often is it our fear or our arrogance that prevents us from asking for directions or making the most of the unexpected turns. We have the opportunity to understand our own habits and patterns when we spend time out of our normal rhythm. Once we are off our beaten path we might be off our predicted schedule. We have a lot to learn about ourselves, the blessings of life that we can appreciate when our sense of time and place has to readjust. We find places, see things, and experience pieces of our world that we would not have found if we stayed on our expected path. Not only do we see new things but when we return

2 0 1 2

supposed to go for this program or event. When it comes to navigation, I fear that I continually experience the Yiddish expression, humans plan and God laughs. I RABBI MICHAEL BIRNHOLZ don’t always end up in the place I expect to be, at the time I plan to be there. I certainly don’t always find the best route. And yet when I really reflect on the wanderings of the people of Israel in the wilderness, I see that what was gained by the experience of wandering far outweighs the futility of being lost. From this journey we learn that we can get further when we deal with

2 3 ,

There are countless jokes about men who get lost with their wives and/or families and refuse to get the directions that would get them back on the right path. This genre of joke always comes to mind when I am attending an interfaith or communal function and people turn to me and ask me to direct them to the place they need to be. I mean, remember, I am a descendant/student of Moses. It took him forty years, two generations, and lots of twists and turns to actually get his people from point A (Egypt) to point B (the Promised Land). Getting lost or taking the long way is in my genes and in my training. I always wonder if asking the Rabbi, as opposed the Pastor or Priest is the most efficient or direct way to find out where you are

F E B R U A R Y

BY RABBI MICHAEL BIRNHOLZ

We can gain much when we get lost

^CQKTH u gKNO=;6HO

Jack and Karen Diehl honored as Good Samaritans BY CHRISTINA TASCON

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

Indian River County could use a few more heartfelt volunteers like Reverend Jack and Karen Diehl. At the Samaritan Center’s 19th Annual Dinner held recently in Holy Cross Parish Hall, the couple was honored by over 125 guests at

their “Home is Where the Heart Is” event. Upon meeting Reverend Diehl, the first thing you sense in him is a deep, abiding good will and a whole lot of humor. He has been the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church for over thirty years and volunteered for

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON

Monsignor Nugent, Karen & Reverend Jack Diehl

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION FREE EXHIBITIONS, ACTIVITIES, & ART DEMONSTRATIONS

Saturday, February 25, 2012 – 10 am to 4 pm Sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.

— Free Exhibitions —

— Free Programs —

BEYOND REALITY: Hyperrealism and American Culture

Art in Bloom

STEPHEN KNAPP: Lightpaintings

Sandi Harpring, Kevin Brown and Heather Dean

Demonstrations Exhibition Tours

CYCLE OF CHANGE: Tom Nakashima’s Treepile Paintings

Hands-On Art Activities

MATTHEW GELLER: Woozy Blossom

Artist Spotlight Presentations

Museum Art School Faculty Show

Museum Art School Open House

From I-95 (Exit 147) or U.S. 1, take State Road 60 east towards the beach, cross over the Merrill P. Barber Bridge and turn right at the first traffic light into Riverside Park.

3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963 verobeachmuseum.org • (772) 231-0707

Diane & Vinnie Parentela, Andy & Tracey Segal, and Joyce Wild

SOCIAL | LIFESTYLE

prepare entire families for the long haul with training programs including life skills and transitional housing,” said Dean. “We want to change their lives so the next gen-

eration doesn’t experience homelessness.” For more information about the Samaritan Center for Homeless Families, call (772) 770-3039.

2 3 , 2 0 1 2

! V E R O B E A C H

fish rather than give him a fish’ philosophy.”Shotsi LaJoie, one of the original board members, says, “What I like the most about the Samaritan Center is they represent an ecumenical effort to serve the Indian River homeless. “If anybody knows the needs of the community, it is a pastor.” Reverend Diehl agreed. “I wish the world worked as well as the Samaritan Center,” he said. “They actually give people the skills that will take them to a better place and not just pass them off down the road.” Board member Heather Dean said the help of local clergy was invaluable. “The Samaritan’s system helps

LET ME RENT YOUR PROPERTIES! SUSAN BELMONT POWELL REALTOR® Rental Specialist

DAVID WALSH &ASSOC! REAL ESTATE 800 20th Place, Suite 5, Vero Beach, FL 32960 · Office (772)234-3450 · verorents.com

N E W S W E E K L Y

Catherine Phee, Stephanie & Patrick Grall

Shotsi LaJoie, Commissioner Wesley Davis, Taylor Davis and Tonya Davis

F E B R U A R Y

more than a half dozen charities and community organizations throughout the years. Karen has been at his side supporting just as many non-profits and being a visible figure as a teacher at the church’s Sunday School and Sebastian Elementary as well as supporting the Vero Beach High School’s Band Booster efforts. Both have been tireless volunteers for the Samaritan Center. Tracey Segal, Samaritan Center program administrator, said the most important aspect of the center’s programs is to teach their clients the abilities needed for selfsufficiency. “Basically the ‘teach a man to

social | lifestyle

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2



Heritage Center guests rocked and rolled...and boogied by Christina Tascon

photoS by Christina Tascon

Angela Morgan, Alma Lee Loy and Neda Heeter

“Diddley Squat” provided the jamming music; Bono’s catered the delicious BBQ; attendees won bottles of wine by tossing rings, and guests were greeted by a walking orange tree. Now you know this was a great hometown bash! Honoring over 77 years of service as the community’s central meeting spot, the Heritage Center held its 19th Annual Heritage Rocks! party at

the Paris Air hangar with more than 200 attendees. In 1935, the Heritage Center began as the well titled “Community Building” and progressed to the Servicemen’s Center in the 1940’s; the Physical Arts Center in the ‘70’s to the ‘80’s and finally was dubbed the Heritage Center as we know it now. Guests were encouraged to dress in outfits that reflected the varied phases of the building’s use over continues on page 27

v e r o

b e a c h

n e w s w e e k l y



F e b r u a r y

vero beach newseekly

Duane & Amy Selby, Tracy & John Carroll, Mayor Pilar Turner and Eric Menger

Mary Jane Mitchell Stewart, Judy Mitchell Roberts, Randy Wytrval and co-organizer Robin Votaw

Sponsors Steve & Lucia Bailey and Julie Webb

SOCIAL | LIFESTYLE

2 3 ,

the years. Bobby soxers jitterbugged with soldier boys; hippies shook their bell bottoms to rock ‘n roll and everybody filled the dance floor at some point during the night. Alma Lee Loy has seen almost

every generation pass through the Center’s doors. “What I think of most of all from that place, is the fun,” said Loy nostalgically. “A lot of memories happened there for a lot of families.” Hopefully, a few more memories were made last Saturday evening for the next generation.

! F E B R U A R Y

HERITAGE CENTER FROM PAGE 26

2 0 1 2 ! V E R O

Celeta Arden, Beverly Paris and Elizabeth Graves Bass

B E A C H

NOW OPEN

915 17th Street #104 • Vero Beach (772) 617-2178

GOLD & SILVER REFINERY Judy Van Saun and Connie Bishop

BUYERS OF GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY, COINS, FLATWARE, WATCHES GOLD JEWELRY

UNITED STATES COINS • Pennies Before 1959

• GOLD COINS US & FOREIGN

• Dimes Before 1965

• Gold Jewelry/Rings

• Quarters Before 1965

• High School Rings

• Half Dollars Before 1969

• Wedding Bands

• Dollar Coins Before 1936

• Bracelets

• Silver Eagles

• Earrings

• 999 Silver Bars

• Chains

• 999 Commemoratives

• Charm Bracelets • Charms • Yellow Gold Teeth

STERLING SILVER • All Flatware • Bowls • Dishes • Trays • Statues • Bars • Frames • Candle Sticks • Tea Pots SMASHED AND BROKEN IS OKAY

BRING IN THIS AD FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5% • DOES NOT INCLUDE COINS. Free Estimates • Other Area Locations • Mon-Fri 10:00 am-5:00 pm • Sat 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Cliff Norris, Penny Chandler and Milt Thomas

Corner of US 1 & Eau Gallie Blvd. • Melbourne

6963 N. Wickham Rd. • Suntree Plaza

376 N. Atlantic Ave. • Cocoa Beach

(321) 622-8966

(321) 622-6935

(321) 613-2947

WWW.GOLDANDSILVERBUYERSOFCENTRALFLORIDA.COM

TCN2665039

N E W S W E E K L Y

Don Heeter welcomes guests to Heritage Rocks! as Indian River’s famous citrus

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

Community Calendar Every Friday: Farmer’s Market from 3-6 pm, downtown Vero, corner 14th Ave. & 21st St. 772-480-8353. Every Saturday: Oceanside Business Association’s Farmer’s Market, 8 am-noon. Ocean Dr. & Dahlia Ln. 772-532-2455. First Friday of the Month: Downtown Gallery Art Stroll, art galleries and businesses open house receptions. Free. 772-299-1234. Every Sunday, Jan 22-Apr 1: Vero Beach Polo, Polo Grounds Field, 12th St. between 74th & 82nd Aves., 2 pm, $10+ per car. 772-778-2224. Every Sunday in February: Art in the Park, Vero Beach Art Club members exhibition, Humiston Park, free. 3000 Ocean Dr. 772-231-0303. Dec 15-Apr30: Sculpting Nature, 30 large scale art pieces in McKee Botanical Gardens, 350 S US1, $5-$9, 772-794-0601. Feb 23: Tie-Bration cocktail party, Northern Trust, 755 Beachland Blvd., $50-$100, 5:30-7:30 pm, benefits Dollars for Scholars. 772-569-9869. Feb 23-26: Mardis Gras weekend by Energy Spa for Homeless Family Center, costume contest at Joey’s Bistro; giveaways & booth at Downtown Friday; “Tans 4 Cans,” Sat & Sun with free tan with canned foods. 772-562-3826. Feb 24: Art in Bloom Luncheon/ Floral Design, Vero Beach Museum of Art, 12-2 pm, $125, reservations only. 772-231-0707. Feb 24: Downtown Mainstreet Friday, 5:30-8:30 pm, “Boots & BBQ,” line dancing, food, music, kids’ fun, 14th Ave., Historic District. 772-480-8353. Feb 24-25: “Into the Woods” Musical at Waxlax Center at St. Edward’s School, 1895 St. Edward’s Dr., 7 pm, $5-$10, 772-231-4136. Feb 24-26: Waldo’s 75th AnniverTHURSDAY, FEB. 23

STAFF PHOTO

If you’d like to see one of your photographs published in Vero Beach Newsweekly, please send them to us at verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com. Photos need to be at least 200 dpi and in jpeg format. sary Celebration Weekend, live bands, courtyard vendor market, birthday cake, lots more. 772-231-7091. Feb 25: “Day of Dance for Your Health” Event, free health screenings, Indian River Mall, 10 am-2 pm, sponsored by IRMC. 772-567-4311 – press 3, x1600. Feb 25: Annual Walk for the One You Love 5K, to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Awareness, Riverside Park, $15 donation, 9 am registration, 10:30-noon kids’ activities & prizes. 772-226-0765. Feb 25: Vero Beach Museum of Art Community Celebration, free community event, art exhibitions, kids activities, presentations and tours, 10 am-4 pm, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. 772-231-0707. Feb 25: Vero Beach Rotary Sunrise Fundraiser – Craft Brew Tasting and

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Wing Fest, 11:30 am-5 pm at Royal Palm Pointe. 772-794-9975, floridacraftbeerandwingfest.com. Feb 25: “HabiTour” 10 am-noon, Indian River Habitat for Humanity Tour of South County ecological sites. 772-562-9860 x209 or x229. Feb 25: Outdoor Cinema at LaPorte Farms, 7 pm, “Dolphin Tales,” $5 per person, 3 and under free, 772-633-0813. Feb 25: Richard Louv lecture “Nature-deficit Disorder” at McKee Botanical Gardens, 10:30 am, $75 including breakfast. An Evening with Richard Louv/Dinner, 6 pm, $200. 772-794-0601. Feb 26: Living a Course in Miracles, Jon Mundy, 12-3:30 pm, Unity Center, 950 43rd Ave., $25 suggested donation, 772-562-1133. Feb 26: Vero Beach Theatre Guild Benefit, The Titanic! A Musical, Vero

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Beach Yacht Club, dinner & show, $100 per person. 772-562-8300. Feb 27: Top Chef Challenge, the Club at Pointe West, Homeless Family Center benefit dinner and chef contest finals, 6 pm, $175, 772-567-5537. Mar 1: Student Showcase at Culinary Institute at Indian River State College Mueller Campus, 6155 College Ln., 6 pm, kitchen tours, free food samples. 772-226-2511. Mar 2: Boar-B-Q for ORCA, $15, 12-2 pm, Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park, 950 Shorewinds Dr. 772-467-1600. Mar 2-4: St. Edward’s Trunk Show, preview party Friday 6-8 pm, $50. Saturday 9-5, & Sunday 10-4, $5 entry, 1895 St. Edward’s Drive. 722-231-5192. Mar 2-4: Italian Food Festival, Italian American Civic Association, 1600 25th St., Fri & Sat 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm, live entertainment and food specialties. 772-778-1522. Mar 3: OBA Beach Concert Series, (note new concert date), 5:30-8:30 pm, music by Z Street, food & beverage vendors, Ocean Dr., free. 772-532-7983. Mar 3: Cracker Hoedown, Riverside Park, 6-10 pm, $75, benefits Habitat for Humanity. 772-562-9860 x209 or x229. Mar 3: March for Babies to benefit the March of Dimes, Riverside Park, 7:30 am registration, 6 mile walk-athon. 772-562-0115. Mar 4: “The Three M’s” Christ by the Sea concert with Matt Stott, Morcos Flores and Michael Carter, 3 pm, $10$20, 3755 Hwy A1A. 772-231-1661. Mar 4: “EcoFest” at the Environ-

mental Learning Center, noon-4 pm, 255 Live Oak Dr., free admission, live animals, fun and children’s activities. 772-589-5050. To submit your calendar listing please email: verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com

MONDAY, FEB. 27

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 29

86O 61O

86O 60O

68O 56O

70O 62O

77O 62O

77O 63O

80O 62O

Winds: SSW 10 mph Chance of Rain 10%

Winds: SW 17 mph Chance of Rain 20%

Winds: N 17 mph Chance of Rain 30%

Winds: E 14 mph Chance of Rain 10%

Winds: E 15 mph Chance of Rain 10%

Winds: E 14 mph Chance of Rain 30%

Winds: SE 12 mph Chance of Rain 30%

Arts | Entertainment

29 

Presenting Sponsor WELLS FARGO ADVISORS

photo supplied

Call 772.231.6990 or Buy Online RiversideTheatre.com

n e w s w ee k l y

February 23March 18

b e a c h

OpeningSoon Week Coming

v e r o

continues on page 30



into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a boys’ marching band he promises to lead. Although he plans to skip town with the money, Hill gets waylaid when he falls in love with the town’s librarian, Marian Paroo (played by Jennifer Hope Wells). He subsequently stays and is ultimately vindicated when his young musical charges coalesce to form a beloved, if somewhat raggedysounding, band that wins the hearts of the River City community. Directed and choreographed by Vince Pesce, the Riverside Theatre production’s creative team includes Ken Clifton (musical director); Allen D. Cornell (scenic and lighting design); Craig Beyrooti (sound design), Jenny Lang (stage manager); C.J. LaRouche (assistant stage manager) plus

2 0 1 2

Broadway role of con man Harold Hill, is the latest production set to perform on the Riverside Theatre Stark Stage beginning Feb. 23 through March 18. Thought to be Willson’s tribute to his own boyhood in Mason City, Iowa, The Music Man is a quintessentially American musical which showcases close-knit Midwestern communities via such iconic tunes as “Seventy-six Trombones, “Gary, Indiana,” “Ya Got Trouble” and “Goodnight My Someone” as well as romance, barbershop quartets and a wholesome look at a bygone American era. Willson wrote two other Broadway hits in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Here’s Love. The Music Man is slickster “Professor” Harold Hill (played here by David Schmittou) who portrays a band instructor and cons the citizens of River City, Iowa

2 3 ,

nostalgic look at small-town Americana of 100 years ago. This rollicking, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man is blockbuster musical, which was subsea Tony Award-winning Broadway clas- quently made into a heralded 1962 film sic that showcases a heartwarming and starring Robert Preston reprising his BY BARBARA YORESH

vero beach newsweekly

F E b r u a r y

‘The Music Man’ coming to Riverside Theatre

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

“MUSIC MAN” FROM PAGE 29

a large cast which includes Broadway veterans J.B. Adams as Mayor Shinn and Beth McVey as his indomitable wife Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn. The “mayor and his wife” – iconically portrayed in the 1962 ﬁlm version of The Music Man by Paul Ford and Hermione Gingold – took time from a busy pre-opening rehearsal schedule to share some thoughts about the show. “I adored the movie and of course, when I saw it I wanted to be Shirley Jones (playing Marian Paroo),” McVey said. Playing the roles of leading ingénues was a reasonable expectation for the talented performer who also wore the crown of Miss West Virginia in 1973 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. McVey subsequently became part of the original Broadway company of 42nd Street. But time passes and ingénues mature.

“This character acting is a new role in my career and I just love it. I’m ﬁnding it to be a wonderful new part of my life that these characters opened up to me. Besides, no one expects someone my age to sing high C’s anymore,” McVey said with a laugh. The fact that she is playing Eulalie Shinn is particularly special since her mother played the same role in a community theatre production in Huntington, W. VA. when McVey was still in high school and part of the show’s cast. McVey was in a production of The Music Man last summer in summer stock at a famed Ogunquit, Maine theatre. “The young cast really enjoyed it and we worked with a director who had a diﬀerent vision of the show,” she said. J.B. Adams has also performed in other versions of The Music Man during a career which has included Broadway appearances in Chitty Chitty Bang! Bang!, Beauty and the Beast, Parade, Me and My Girl and Annie. “I’ve done the show twice before

and now I’m revisiting it all over again. It’s very diﬀerent as the ‘mayor,’” Adams said. Although Adams has had many singing roles, the one of “mayor” requires more acting, he noted. “But I’ve always been a ‘character’ man (versus a leading man). I never had to deal with that transition,” Adams said. “I realized that character roles are often more interesting and it has worked out well for me.” Both were asked if a show as familiar to audiences as The Music Man and linked to such role deﬁning stage and screen performances by Robert Preston poses more challenges to this production. Both said that each version stands on its own. “This show is so tight and well-constructed,” Adams said, “and I think even though it portrays America of 100 years ago, it transcends the time in which it was written.” McVey agreed that this classic American favorite never gets old. “I think the music is good. The book (upon which it

was based) is good. It’s pure entertainment and you just can’t mess this up. “Even after all this time, I find myself surprised that something that so sweet and dear happens within the show that I’m brought to tears. Everyone transforms and Eulalie becomes softer, giddier and more fun,” McVey said. But does performing a well-known role in an equally familiar show pose difficulties for cast members? “The question I am asked is how do you do this night after night? The challenge is to give the audience the experience I want them to have,” McVey said. Adams noted that to experience live theatre is to experience something very different from film or television. And the band will play on as The Music Man performs on the Riverside Theatre Stark Stage Feb. 23 through March 18. Tickets are $36 $70 and may be purchased at the box office located at 3250 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach, or by calling at (772) 231-6990 or going online to www.riversidetheatre.com.

Everybody’s reading the Newsweekly

Tammy Blackwell tropical-tennis@hotmail.com

“Soon after the Newsweekly ran a story about my custom tennis apparel I went to the Riverside tennis complex to meet a customer. Lot’s of women came over to speak with me. Before I left I had more than $500 in orders. Local shops carrying my tennis apparel received orders after the story ran. I can’t begin to tell you how many people have mentioned seeing the story about me in the Newsweekly. It seems like everybody is reading the Newsweekly.”

To Advertise Call 772-696-5233

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

! F E B R U A R Y

Photographer James Balog to lecture at museum

2 3 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O

dance Film Festival in January 2012. EIS has been recognized with the Heinz Award, the Missouri School of Journalism’s Honor Medal for Distinguished Service, the Aspen Institute’s Visual Arts & Design Award, and the Galen and Barbara Rowell Award for the Art of Adventure. Balog has also received the Leica Medal of Excellence, the International League of Conservation Photographers Award and the North American Nature Photography Association’s “Outstanding Photographer of the Year” award. He was named “Person of the Year” for 2011 by PhotoMedia magazine. Balog has also written seven books, including “Extreme Ice Now: Vanishing Glaciers and Changing Climate: A Progress Report,” published in 2009 by National Geographic Books. “ICE: Portraits of the World’s Vanishing Glaciers,” will be released in the fall of 2012. Tickets are $65 for the general public; $55 for Museum Members. Attendees may register in-person at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, by phone at (772) 231-0707, or take advantage of the convenience of online registration and payment at www.verobeachmuseum.org.

N E W S W E E K L Y

VERO BEACH -- Photographer, author, and environmentalist James Balog will present “When Mountains Move” as the third lecture of the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s 2012 International Lecture Series on March 5. This talk will be held in the Museum’s Leonhardt Auditorium, with presentations at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. A light wine reception with an opportunity to meet the speaker is scheduled at 5 p.m.. The reception will take place in the atrium of the sculpture garden. Balog has been a leader in photographing, understanding and interpreting the natural environment for three decades. An avid mountaineer with a graduate degree in geography and geomorphology, he is equally at home on a Himalayan peak, a whitewater river, the African savannah or polar icecaps. To reveal the impact of climate change, Balog founded the Extreme Ice Survey (EIS), the most wideranging, ground-based, photographic study of glaciers ever conducted. National Geographic showcased this work in June 2007 and June 2010 issues. The project was also featured in the 2009 NOVA documentary “Extreme Ice,” and in the feature-length documentary, “Chasing Ice,” premiering at the Sun-

B E A C H

PHOTO SUPPLIED

James Balog

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT

Diana Ross appearing at Sunrise Theatre Feb. 28

FORT PIERCE – Diana Ross will make her only Treasure Coast appearance on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Sunrise Theatre. The 67-year-old Motown singer is an icon in the entertainment industry. She is an Academy Award-nominated actress for her role as Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues,” a Tony and Golden Globe winner, a best-selling author, winner of eight American Music Awards and a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors. Ross has sold more than 100 million records including 18 No. 1 hits. Ross was named “Female Entertainer of the Century” in 1976 by Billboard magazine and in 1993, the Guinness Book of World Records named Diana Ross as the most successful female music artist in history due to her recording success in the United States and United Kingdom. She most recently received the

Grammy ’s L i f e t i m e Achie vement Award for her work with The Supremes and as a solo artist. Though she has been nominatDiana Ross ed for 12 Grammy awards over her 50-plus-year career, she has never won the award for one of her songs. Ross’ current musical revue, “More Today Than Yesterday: The Greatest Hits Tour,” showcases the greatest hits from her days as lead singer of The Supremes as well as her solo career. Limited tickets are available. For more information call the Sunrise box oﬃce at (772) 461-4775 or visit online at www.sunrisetheatre.com.

Entertainment Calendar ATLANTIC CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA 866-310-7521 acomusic.org Feb 29: Featured Violinist Elmar Oliveira, Waxlax Center at St. Edwards, 8 pm, $55

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VERO BEACH Community Concert Series 1901 23rd Street 772-778-1070 Feb 26: Canadian Brass, 7:30 pm, $35 Adults & $15 Student Mar 9: MozART Group, 7:30 pm, $35 Adults & $15 Students

EMERSON CENTER at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1590 27th Avenue 772-778-5249 TheEmersonCenter.org Feb 25: Scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Celebrated Speakers Series, 4 & 7 pm, $65 Mar 10: Former Congressman Joe Scarborough, Celebrated Speakers Series, 4 & 7 pm, $65 Mar 11: Sunday Jazz Series, Blues, Boogie, Be-Bop & Beyond, Space Coast Orchestra, 2:30 pm, $20 Mar 24: American Novelist Edwidge Danticat, 4 pm, $25-$50

RIVERSIDE THEATER

Final jazz show of season at Emerson on March 11 VERO BEACH -- The third installment of Jazz on Sunday’s trilogy will be performed on Sunday, March 11 at the Emerson Center featuring the Space Coast Jazz Orchestra. “Blues, Boogie, Be-Bop and Beyond” will include selections from the jazz roots of Louis Armstrong through the boogie woogie of Harry James, Lionel Hampton and Count Basie as well as Louis Prima’s swing and jump styles. Dizzy Gillespies’ be-bop and a nod to the rock era will also be oﬀered. The concert will spotlight Carlia Alderman, a graduate of the University of Central Florida who has been performing since the age of 5. Since 2007, she has been traveling nationwide with Classic Albums Live to recreate popular albums of the past. The Space Coast Symphony is a Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians and select

youth players. The orchestra was formed to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest youth musicians as well as Carlia Alderman offer professional-caliber concerts at affordable prices. Advanced tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at www. TheEmersonCenter.org, or by calling the box office at 772-778-5249. Tickets at the door are an additional $5. Students 18 years and under (with identification) are admitted free. The Emerson Center is located at 1590 27th Avenue, on the SE corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue in Vero Beach.

3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com Children’s Theatre: Feb 3-25: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, 1:30 & 7:30 pm, $10-$16 Stark Main Stage: Feb 23-Mar 25: The Music Man, 2 pm, 7:30 & 8 pm, $57-$73 Second Stage: Feb 23-Mar 25: The Music Man, 2 pm, 7:30 & 8 pm, $57-$73 Mar 15-25: The Gin Game, 2 pm, 7:30 & 8 pm, $40 Comedy Zone: Feb 24-25: Kevin Bozeman & John Wynn

SPACE COAST SYMPHONY Various Locations 321-536-8580 SpaceCoastSymphony.org

Feb 25: “American Icons,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Avenue, 3 pm, $20

SUNRISE THEATRE 116 South 2nd Street Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com $25-$50 Feb 23: Monty Python’s Tour “Spam-a-Lot,” 7 pm, $50/$60 Feb 24: John Lennon Imagined by the New Utopians, 7 pm, Advance $25, at door $30 Feb 25: 38 Special, 8 pm, $59/$49 Feb 28: Diana Ross, 7 pm, $115/$85 Mar 2: Disco Ball Extravaganza, 8 pm, $39/$35 Mar 3: Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis, 8 pm, $40/$35/$25 Mar 4: Vince Gill, 7 pm, $69/$59

TREASURE COAST CHORALE 772-643-0019 treasurecoastchorale.org Mar 11: “Give Our Regards to Broadway,” First Baptist Church, 3 & 7 pm, free will offering

TREASURE COAST JAZZ SOCIETY 772-234-4600 tcjazzsociety.org Feb 27: Two Grand Piano Giants “More Improvs on The Great American Songbook,” Vero Beach Museum of Art, 7:30 pm

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 Mar 15: Warm Nights Cool Music, Live Jazz in outdoor sculpture garden, 5-7 pm, $10 VERO BEACH OPERA verobeachopera.org 772-569-6993 Box Office: 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org Feb 25: Met Live at the Majestic, Ernani, 1:00 pm, Majestic Theatre

VERO BEACH THEATRE GUILD 772-562-8300 2020 San Juan Avenue verobeachtheatreguild.com Mar 15-Apr 1: Titanic the Musical, 2, 7 & 8 pm

SPONSORED BY '2*!

) 1 # # - $ ' $ + 12 2 ) -

/"(&,.0".%"(

,$*$'#(!$% )&$(+$#" )$#-$" January - April 2012

1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach (772)778-5249 www.TheEmersonCenter.org

^AC?;=

33 !

F E B R U A R Y

Grand Prix of Vero Beach revived, will benefit Pelican Island Audubon Society

2 3 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H

BY MICHAEL BIELECKI VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

Racers from all over Florida will compete on a closed-course track at Grand Harbor in the Grand Prix of Vero Beach this Sunday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Originally held at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, the 1951 and 1952 Grand Prix was one of the first, great North American endurance races of its time. Pre-dating both the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona, the race featured the fastest cars from Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche and Cadillac driven by racing luminaries like Max Hoffman, John Fitch and Briggs Cunningham. “We wanted to make this the finest autocross in the state to commemorate those fabulous Grand Prix races,” event chair Wayne Sandlin said. “With the help of Indian River County Sheriff ’s Spokesman, Deputy Jeff Luther, and Grand Harbor Direc-

tor of Development, Chris Cleary, we found exactly what we were looking for in a venue.” Grand Harbor agreed to let the autocross take place on a 0.9 mile road course within an unfinished area of the development. The site is secure and safe, surrounded by walls and entry gates. Weaving through soft curves, 90 degree turns and two lakes, the course also promises to be challenging. “It’s going to be so much fun for everyone involved,” Sandlin said. “The drivers will have a great time, the spectators will watch top drivers race without spending a bunch of money and all the proceeds will benefit the Pelican Island Audubon Society.” Event sponsor Porsche of Melbourne will cover the major costs of the race. They will also bring a handful of cars to show off to the spectators. Each racer must put up a $95

entry fee, and the Indian River County Sheriff ’s Department—working security detail at the event—is asking for an optional $5 donation from spectators. “You just can’t do it without law enforcement help and Jeff Luther and Sheriff Deryl Loar have been very supportive,” Sandlin said. “I would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Dan Bryant, the two founders of the Corvette Club of Indian River County, Center State Bank, Marriott Spring Hill Suites and, of course, Chris Cleary from Grand Harbor. Without the support from any one of them we wouldn’t be able to do this.” An accomplished autocross and Super Vee driver himself, Sandlin will be running a Lotus Elise at the event. Others, like John and Kathi Schumann, will be driving 360 and 430 series Ferraris and Sandlin said the crowd can expect to see Corvettes, a Nissan GT-R, an old Dat-

sun race car, some vintage performance cars and a whole spectrum of Porsches. “There are 68 racers registered and lots of them are Porsche guys,” said Sandlin, who owns a vintage Porsche 904 himself. “There will be some outstanding drivers out there, and I’ve ridden with two of the very best guys who will be running. Terry Borcheller, the 2010 Rolex 24 winner, is slated to show up at 1:00 p.m., and who knows what he will show up with to drive?” Parking for the event is available behind CVS on the corner of 53rd street and U.S. 1 and there will be signs and deputies on hand to direct foot traffic to the event. Bleachers with a capacity of about 300 will be set up with an intimate view of the track for spectators. Fandood and non-alcoholic beverages will be available on-site through Grand Harbor.

N E W S W E E K L Y

PHOTO BY MIKE BIELECKI

There are 68 racers signed up for the Grand Prix of Vero Beach to be held on Feb. 26.

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y



F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2



SPORTS

Dean, VBHS girls’ lax face top competition this season BY MICHAEL BIELECKI VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

After six-straight state championship game victories, Coach Shannon Dean’s Vero Beach High School Girls Lacrosse program is now a dynasty. The Fighting Indians have notched 60-straight wins since losing to Archbishop Spalding (MD) in 2009. Their only in-state loss in recent memory was to FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Executive Director Roger Dearing, who officially stripped the team of their 2009 state title for playing too many out-of-state games. Dearing’s heavy-handed rulings also forbid them to travel outside of Florida to play. “I owe it to the girls and their parents to provide them with the best schedule possible,” Dean said. “Due to our situation with the FHSAA the past couple of years, we could not travel. It was frustrating, but understandable. Last year I felt we didn’t have a strong enough schedule and our girls felt that way too. I made it a point in the offseason to contact other programs and try to schedule the best games I could.” Vero Beach, which opened its season this week against South Fork, has a 17-game schedule which features six out-of-state opponents. Dean’s schedule is in full compliance with FHSAA rules as he was able to attract top competition for

PHOTO BY MIKE BIELECKI

The Vero Beach girls’ lacrosse team is seeking a seventh straight state title. his team to Florida. “The six out-of-state opponents are an outstanding group from various places throughout the nation,” Dean said. “I am very excited to play against because we’ve played a couple of them before. Milton High School in Georgia is a six-time state champion and Archbishop-Carroll is one of the top teams in Pennsylvania. N; o doubt their reputation precedes them. St. Stephen-St. Agnes areis undoubtedly ambassador of the sport of lacrosse and they are making another swing down to Florida this year.” Although Vero Beach—who finished the 2011 season ranked 15th in

Home of 18 months or 18,000 miles PARTS AND LABOR warranty.

Don Meeks Owner 150 43rd Ave. Vero Beach

We Service Foreign & Domestic Cars

ASE & Bosch Certified Technicians

www.donsimport.com

the country—plays against several of the top programs in the country this year, their March 23rd game will be circled on everyone’s calendar. “I think the big game on the schedule is McDonough High School, the national champions last year,” Dean said. “They are number one in the nation, and what better way is there to gauge your program than by playing against the best team in the nation? This is what I, the coaching staff and the players live for.” While the state tournament is still a goal for Dean every year, the reality of Florida high school girls lacrosse is that there is no other program playing at Vero Beach’s level. Case in point—Lake Brantley finished the season ranked 237th in the nation, which was good for second-best in the state of Florida. Winter Springs was next in the state, ranking 353rd. “The state tournament is exciting, but we love to play out-of-state games,” Dean said. “By playing against these teams from outside Florida we’ve made a name for ourselves. Being in a non-traditional area, it is amazing that we are mentioned as one of the top teams in the nation—that’s a credit to the players.”

A steady stream of All-Americans has come through Dean’s program over the past few seasons and 2012 is no exception. Five of the six seniors on the team are going to play NCAA Division I lacrosse next year on scholarship. Johns Hopkins-bound Olivia Long (defense), is not only a pre-season All-American selection, she is also the ESPNHS 34th-ranked player in the country. Vanderbilt-committed Mackenzie Smith (attack), an honorable mention All-American last season, was one of 12 players nominated for the prestigious Heather Leigh Albert Award this summer. Caitlyn Miller, a 2011 All-American at goalie, will play for Longwood University next season. Gracee Hendrix (midfielder), will play at Virginia Tech next year and Lucy Sexton, (attack), will play at Davidson. “And it’s not just our seniors,” Dean said of the attention his team gets from college scouts. “Junior Ally Modica just committed to the University of Connecticut. Meredith Baker and Brianna Blum are also generating a lot of interest as juniors. I just had a sophomore—our new transfer student, Katie Pridemore, from highlyranked Baltimore Notre Dame Prep— verbally commit to the University of Florida. She’s a very good player from an outstanding lacrosse school who played in the best lacrosse conference in the nation, the IAAM (Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland).” Along with winning, of course, seeing his players pay for college with lacrosse is what gives Dean the most satisfaction going into his 10th year as Vero Beach’s head coach. “You can use lacrosse as a tool to get into schools you normally wouldn’t get into and that is an exciting position for an athlete to be in,” Dean said. “The best part is that I now have coaches calling me, saying, ’hey, what do you have in your 2013 class?’ They are even asking about the 2014 and 2015 class and they’ll keep calling back.”

r:=KDO==

35 !

Wallace Lincoln in Fort Pierce holds exclusive Treasure Coast dealership rights

F E B R U A R Y

Seven new Lincoln cars to hit the market soon

2 3 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H

FOR VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY

FORT PIERCE -- If you are a Lincoln or Mercury owner, then you may have noticed that Vero Beach Lincoln-Mercury is no longer in business. So what happened? And where should you go for Lincoln-Mercury service, sales, or parts? To completely answer those questions you must go back a few years. Even before the economic collapse at the end of 2008, Ford Motor Company had the foresight to recognize the company was not properly structured for the future. They were far too vested in sports utility vehicles (SUV’s) and there was too much overlap amongst their product lines. To address this Ford started making dramatic changes to the core structure of the company. These changes were some of the most dramatic retooling in Ford Motor Company history. They were also some of the most difficult decisions ever made by Ford. However, being ahead of the curve allowed Ford to avoid bankruptcy and survive without government assistance. Ford’s new plan was to immediately strengthen their Ford product line with new products (especially cars), and then second, to re-identify Lincoln as their premier luxury brand. The changes with the Ford brand happened very quickly and their new car and truck models quickly returned Ford to profitability. For Lincoln-Mercury, the plan was much more

difficult. The first step came in October of 2010 when Ford discontinued their Mercury brand. This move achieved the goal of one exclusive luxury brand for Ford Motor Company, and it created separation between the Ford and Lincoln brands. The second and most difficult part of the plan is currently ongoing. It calls for the consolidation of many existing Lincoln dealerships to create exclusive regional Lincoln locations. This is what happened to several area dealerships, including Vero Lincoln. The Lincoln dealerships in Melbourne, Vero, Stuart and North Palm Beach were all closed, leaving only Wallace Lincoln in Fort Pierce as the Treasure Coast’s exclusive Lincoln dealership. “Having our Fort Pierce store selected as the exclusive Lincoln dealership on the Treasure Coast was a great honor for us,” said Bill Wallace, owner of Wallace Lincoln. “Unfortunately, our Stuart dealership had to be closed in the process, but unlike the closings by Chrysler and General Motors, Ford compensated the dealers for their lost franchises. Closing dealerships is a very painful process, but Ford handled it as fairly and equitably as possible. I am very proud of our 60 year relationship with Ford.” The biggest benefit of one large centralized dealership on the Treasure Coast is inventory selection. The inventories of all of the closed local dealerships were purchased and sent to Wallace Lincoln in Fort Pierce. Currently, there are over 100 new Lincoln’s on their lot.

The next step for Wallace Lincoln comes in a few months when construction of their new facility is scheduled to start. “The commitment to build a new building is a huge investment, but the growth plans for Lincoln are incredible,” said Wallace. “They are introducing seven brand new Lincoln vehicles in the next 18 months. The lifeblood of any franchise is the desirability of new product designs. We are very excited about the new Lincoln models that are in the pipeline.” The launch of seven completely new Lincoln products is the final step of Ford’s plan to revitalize their Lincoln brand. In the past, there were too many Lincoln vehicles with a similar or shared body style with Ford vehicles. The goal of Ford is to create a brand new exclusive Lincoln line-up of vehicles. For Lincoln customers the future is very bright. Lincoln luxury is back on track. The seven new products are soon to hit the market, and a brand new state-of-the-art facility in Fort Pierce is also being built. This new dealership will carry a much larger inventory than past Lincoln dealerships, providing greater selection and options. For more information, you can contact Dennis Rafferty, General Manager of Wallace Lincoln in Fort Pierce at 772-461-6060 or dennisrafferty@ wallaceautogroup.com or stop in at 5555 South US Highway 1, Fort Pierce.

N E W S W E E K L Y

One of the major benefits of centralizing the Lincoln dealerships is the increased inventory selection.

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

Dining

Dining Inside proved challenging at Dockside Grille

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

BY MARK JOSEPH

We entered the Dockside Grille at Royal Palm Pointe on a busy Thursday evening, but had only a short wait. The young hostess on duty seemed more intent on getting folks seated than small talk and with the line outside the door quickly building, it was easy to see why she was so rushed. Thankfully, our advanced reservations assured us a table. Entering the small, very crowded dining area, we quickly realized this meal would not allow for table conversation of any kind. In fact, the din of voices in this small crowded room made it virtually impossible to communicate with one another, even when shouting. It was like a high school cafeteria during lunch break and early on I was hoping for earplugs. Clearly, if the weather had not been threatening we would have chosen outside seating. The Dockside Grille at Royal Palm Pointe opened in 2008 and quickly became a popular waterfront dining spot. The restaurant’s main draw is the beautiful, yet very casual, patio dining area overlooking a canal. The tranquil waterfront view is a major draw for the lunch time crowd and Vero’s movers and shakers can often be seen or heard brokering business deals while dining by the river. Inside and adjacent to the main dining room is a roomy bar, equally as popular during both lunch and or dinner. Due to the crowd and minimal staff on duty, we waited nearly 15 minutes before the server arrived to take our drink order, then endured another

long wait before drinks finally arrived. No apologizes were extended at any time during the evening. When the server finally returned to take our food order we had more than enough time to decide on appetizers. Our choices were Ahi Tuna Nachos, Battered Coconut Shrimp and a basket of Crispy Onion Straws. More than 30 minutes after being seated, the appetizers finally arrived. The three large Coconut Fried Shrimp were encrusted with a dark brown coconut breading and were prepared very well; all three pieces were surprisingly tender and not overcooked. Two side sauces for dipping were included, one being a sweet mango chutney that tasted more like a sweet and sour sauce served at Asian restaurants. The Crispy Onions Straws were piping hot and were indeed crispy. The large portion was presented steak-house style, arriving in a metal cone basket lined with paper. The Straws disappeared quickly and were the favorite of the three appetizers ordered.

The Ahi Tuna Nachos were a mixture of fresh tuna, dressing and chopped vegetables. Unfortunately, the tuna was over-dressed with mayonnaise and seemed lost in sauce. The dish included house-made nachos, which were more like dark fried wontons, with only a few strips of these strange nachos accompanying the tuna. This dish practically begged for more nachos and less dressing on the tuna. The list of entrees was somewhat eclectic with an assortment of seafood, beef, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Many menu items included a choice of “Dock sides” which were served ‘diner’ style and the list included baked sweet potato, mixed vegetables and house potato chips. For our entrees we selected Blackened Salmon, BBQ Danish Baby Back Ribs and Coquille St “Dock.”. The Blackened Salmon was an inviting presentation of fish with a crispy, crunchy and spicy crust. Our dinner companion said he was more than happy with his selection and he

would easily order the Salmon again. Most dinner entrees included your choice of one or two Dock-sides. Green beans and slaw were chosen with the Salmon. The string beans were steamed crisp, but a bit on the bland side. The rough cut coleslaw was over-dressed with vinegar, which left an almost unpleasant after-taste. The second selection was Baby Back Ribs, which was the smallest entree at the table and included only one side. The ribs were more chewy than tender, and at $23 for a small half-rack with only one side, this item would have been better suited as an appetizer. The saving grace was a singular side of potato salad. The skin-on red potatoes were cooked perfectly and this time with the right amount of mayonnaise. Hands down, the potato salad was the best of all Dock-sides ordered. After reviewing the list of seafood offerings, the Coquille St “Dock” quickly reeled in my attention. The dish was a medley of scallops,

DINING

and time less crowded. Dinner for 3 before tip: $100.

Dockside Grille Restaurant with full bar and wine 41 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach Florida 32960 772-569-6865 Hours: Open 7 days, 11:30 a.m. till close.

Weekly Sunday Brunch Starting January 8th 9:30am - 3:00pm Only $24.95* per person

568(*, 6M**P 6P.RPH S9 ,%*(/Q ,%V$,* +*QQ*RPQ -0%2(*, A."( V(( ."" -VPP"*Q V( M$W* TR$,*+ S0UU VR "*QQ +%(8%2(*, 2$W* DVMW 2*+W*Q+.GH ."" %VOQ* M$W* &".QQ TVORQ S9 ."" +.G -!032(*, 5%$RQPG 5%ORQ+.GH *JP*W+*+ A.TTG AVOR +R$W#Q OWP$" =H8UT! <3;(*, >R; >VPVMW FORP$Q A$"" T".G$W& .P =T! $W P%* FV-."P ?VOW&* /*103(*, SK I"VV+G >.RGQ +OR$W& -ROW,% /08(*, IVPPV!"*QQ >$!VQ.Q .P -ROW,% (VR SEU

Weekly 3 course Prex-Fixe Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Only $21.95* per person

/%3.;8" '3%*9$*21& 708)!& #;88%3& :*44, :603 *8( +%%9%8( '308)! 89UU :,*.W DR$N* 4*RV I*.,%3 B? 8E)K8 ==E;'K);0UKU

Now Open for Dinner Lemon Tree – Love it!

Ocean Drive

great breakfast, great lunch, great dinner Friendly, clean, excellent food and service. Beer and Wine. Homemade soups and desserts. Children’s menu available.

NOT JUST ICE CREAM! • Breakfast • Lunch • Lite Dinner • Dessert

TCN2670583

Breakfast: Mon.-Sat. 7 am - 11 am Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11 am - 2:30 pm Sunday Breakfast: 7:30 am - noon Dinner: 5 pm - ’til close 3125 OCEAN DRIVE, VERO BEACH | 772.231.0858 WWW.LEMONTREEVERO.COM

Indoor & Outdoor Seating 7 days 6:30am-10pm

Visit our online catalog at

www.cravingscookies.com

3149 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach 231-0208

N E W S W E E K L Y

Simple, Savory & Seaside Offering a menu directly sourced from local farmers, fisherman and artisanal purveyors.

B E A C H

<C2 1CL73 <C2 DL@?1 DCL?6 L<D C4C<56

Sunday Traditions and Weekdays Specials

V E R O

Cuisines of Vero

Most major credit cards. Reservations suggested.

2 0 1 2

was enjoyed by everyone at the table. However, again, the portion could have been larger. The Pineapple Upside Down Cake was simply yellow cake topped with a slice of canned pineapple and laden in a thin sauce. Somehow this treat lacked definition, though the scoop of rum-raisin ice cream definitely helped. Noise level aside, the biggest issue with our meal at Dockside Grille was the fact that the restaurant was understaffed and completely overwhelmed on a very busy evening. Perhaps next time we will choose to dine outside on the patio, and at a day

2 3 ,

lic- infused spinach and baked sweet potato. The sautéed spinach did have a nice garlic ﬂavor, but was a bit on the dry side. The small baked sweet potato came with brown sugar and plenty of butter. Since two of the entrees were smaller than expected, we deﬁnitely had room for sweets afterwards. The dessert menu was modest, but included two interesting choices: Blueberry Bread Pudding and an individual Pineapple Upside-down Down Cake. The Bread Pudding was creamy rich with tart blueberries and though not exactly a traditional version, it

F E B R U A R Y

shrimp and local fish, served casserole style and “swimming” in a rich sherry cream sauce. The seafood was cooked to perfection and the shrimp were flavorful and tender. The thin, buttery cream sauce had just a hint of sherry and though delicious, would have been wonderful with garlic toast points to sop up the sauce. Unfortunately, garlic toast was not offered. In fact, no bread of any kind was offered during the meal. It appears that aside from sandwiches, bread is not a traditional offering at Dockside. My side dishes were sautéed gar-

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

Obituaries Lawrence Patrick Hepburn Lawrence Patrick Hepburn, 78, died Feb. 9, 2012, at the VNA Hospice House. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach for 12 years, coming from the Bronx, N.Y. He graduated from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a master of arts and was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology. Before retirement, he served 30 years as a loyal and dedicated captain for the New York Police Department, Detective Division. He was a member of the NYPD Honor Legion. Survivors include his wife, Sally Hepburn of Vero Beach; son, Peter Hepburn of Vero Beach; daughter, Sarah Hepburn Boos of Sebastian; sister, Maureen Bleuler of Queens, N.Y.; brother, James Wylie of Ridgewood, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www. coxgiffordseawinds.com.

Emory R. ‘George’ Hobbs Emory R. “George” Hobbs, 97, died Feb. 11, 2012, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Ellicott City, Md., and lived in Vero Beach for 33 years. He graduated from Baltimore City College. He had a 47-year career in the insurance industry with U.S. Fidelity and Guarantee Co., Baltimore and later Chicago; American States Insurance Co., Indianapolis; and State Farm Casualty Ins. Co., Bloomington, Ill., from which he retired. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Survivors include his son, Richard Hobbs of Vero Beach and Annapolis, Md.; daughters, Susan Leitner of Vero Beach and Fairhope, Ala., and Elizabeth Cruickshank of Flagstaff, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Vida Elizabeth Hobbs. Memorial contributions may be made

to VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.coxgifford seawinds.com.

Phyllis Behringer Holliday Phyllis Behringer Holliday, 86, died Feb. 13, 2012, having just celebrated her 67th wedding anniversary. She was born in Anderson, Indiana to Claude and Mildred Behringer, moving to Indianapolis when she was two. Mr. Claude Behringer was one of the founders of Inland Container in 1925. She attended Tudor Hall and graduated from Dobbs School, Dobbs Ferry, New York, and Briarcliff College. Active in civic affairs, she was on the boards of Christamore Aid Society and the Indianapolis Garden Club, as well as a member of the John’s Island Garden Club. She found much joy in raising orchids and gardening. She was an excellent golfer and tennis player, spending winters at John’s Island with her husband since 1972. She is survived by her husband, John H. Holliday, a daughter, Mary H. Rogers, a son, John H. Holliday, Jr., three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Contributions as a memorial may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to the American Cancer Society , 3375 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. An online guestbook is available at www.strunk funeralhome.com.

Stanley V. Joeckel Stanley V. Joeckel, 97, died Feb. 11, 2012, at Atlantic Healthcare Center. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach since 1994, coming from Wayne, N.J. He worked as a mechanical engineer for American Fused Quartz, N.J., and was the coowner of Infrared Systems of Riverdale, N.J. which was later known as IREX Corp.of Paterson, N.J. He retired after 30 years. He was a member of the Christian Business Men’s

Committee, Wayne, N.J.; Pompton Reformed Church, Pompton Lakes, N.J.; Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church; and Westminster Presbyterian Church, both of Vero Beach. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Hope College, Holland, Mich. Survivors include his daughters, Beverly VanGenderen of Vero Beach and Holland, Mich., and Anita Joeckel of Pompton Lakes, N.J.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Horizons International, P.O. Box 18478, Boulder, CO 80308. A guestbook is available at www.lowthercremationservice.com.

Ray Lockhart Ray Lockhart, 53, died Feb. 8, 2012, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He was born in Indian River County and returned in 2004 from Georgia. He attended the public schools of Indian River County and was a graduate of Vero Beach High School Class of 1976. He was on the wrestling and weightlifting teams. He was a correctional officer in Georgia. He served in the Army. He was a member of the New Jerusalem It’s Power Holiness Church in Miami. Survivors include his daughter, Audrey Lockhart of Vero Beach; brothers, the Rev. Willie A. Lockhart and Abe Lockhart, both of Vero Beach, Johnnie Lee Lockhart of Alma, Ga., John Henry Lockhart and Elijah Lockhart Sr., both of Vero Beach; sisters, Gloria J. Lockhart and Rosemary Lockhart, both of Vero Beach; and two grandchildren. A guestbook is available at www.stonebrothersfuneralhome.com.

Geoffrey N. Pearsaul Geoffrey N. Pearsaul, 66, died Feb. 14, 2012, at the VNA/Hospice House in Vero Beach. He was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., and lived in Vero Beach for 24 years, coming from Elgin, Ill. He served in the Army with the 1st Company In-

fantry Division during the Vietnam War. He was a combat wounded veteran and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a PGA certified golf professional at the Elgin Country Club in Elgin. He designed and helped build Summit View Golf Club in Grant. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Reagan C. Pearsaul; son, Edward Pearsaul of Vero Beach; daughter, Margaret King of Vero Beach; and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter, P.O. Box 22594, West Palm Beach, FL 33416. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

Ambers Lee Reynolds Ambers Lee Reynolds, 59, died Feb. 11, 2012, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Trion, Ga., and was a lifelong resident of Vero Beach. He served in Vietnam with the Army. Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Arlene J. Reynolds of Vero Beach; sons, Byron Lee Reynolds and Charles Harris, both of Vero Beach, Daryl Harris of Sebastian and Cody Lee Reynolds of Atlanta; daughter, Anna Harris of Orlando; and three grandchildren. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

Dairen Earl Roberts Dairen Earl Roberts, 46, died Feb. 6, 2012, in Monterio, Calif. He was born in Vero Beach and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Vero Beach High School. Survivors include his daughter, Maribeth Watson of Sweetwater, Tenn., son, Kyle Roberts of Knoxville, Tenn.; mother and stepfather, Ellen and Clyde Bledsoe of Vero Beach; sisters, Karen Fedick and Lynn Wright, both of Vero Beach; brothers, Wm. Gary Roberts Jr. of Vero Beach and Philip Bledsoe of Bedford, Ind.; and one grandchild.

OBITUARIES

Leman Skipper

Donald Thomas Wynne Jr. Donald Thomas Wynne Jr., 85, died Feb. 15, 2012, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Port Chester, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach since 1976, coming from Cleveland. He became president of Vlchek Plastics in Middlefield, Ohio, by his late 30s and was a member of the YPO, the Young Presidents Organization. Locally, he was a member of the Moorings Club in Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Marilou J. Wynne of Vero Beach; sons, Thomas Wynne of Greenwich, Conn., and Craig Wynne of Westport, Conn; and four grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.Strunkfuneralhome.com.

N E W S W E E K L Y

Margaret McCrary McCorkle, 88, died at her home in Vero Beach on Feb. 14, 2012 after a brief illness. She was born in Hot Springs, Ark., and moved with her family to Birmingham, Alabama, where she grew up and spent her early adult years. She later worked in the bacteriology department in the Medical College of Alabama where she met her husband, Walter W. McCorkle, MD. They married in 1949 and were wed for 35 years. They moved to Daytona Beach, in 1951 and then to Vero Beach in 1954, where she lived for 58 years. She is survived by her four children, Frank Scott McCorkle of Apopka, Florida (Carol), Susan McCorkle Shirley of Corpus Christi, Texas (Tom), George Walter McCorkle of Hobe Sound, (Janet), and Margaret McCorkle Reeser of Tarpon Springs (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren Carrie Ann McCorkle, Scott Alexander Reeser, Kevin Walter McCorkle, and Natalie Jane Reeser, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avian Reconditioning Center (P.O. Box 296, Apopka, FL 32704), or the

B E A C H

Floyd Perry Walters, 88, died Feb. 12, 2012, at his home. He was born in Greensboro, N.C., and lived in Vero Beach since 2011, coming from Greensboro. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. Before his retirement, he was the manager of the U.S. Post Office on Tate Street and then Guilford College Station, Greensboro, N.C. He was a member of the Greensboro Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a lifelong member of College Place United Methodist Church, Green-

Joseph F. Bromberger, 86, died Feb. 16, 2012, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. He was born in Winchester, Mass., and lived in Vero Beach for 23 years, coming from Weston, Mass. He was vice president of High Voltage Engineering, Burlington, Mass., and then president of Nissan Electric, Westford, Mass. He served in the Army Air Forces during the World War II. He received his bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Montreal and a master’s degree from Harvard University. He was a member of Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach and a former member of Weston Country Club. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Barbara Bromberger of Vero Beach; son, Gary Bromberger of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter, Audrey Soderberg of Duxbury, Mass.; and three grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero

Margaret McCrary McCorkle

Walter Joseph Singer Jr., 88, died Feb. 14, 2012, at VNA Hospice House. He was born in Steger, Ill., and lived in Vero Beach for nine years, coming from Deerfield Beach. He was employed with the Ford Motor Co., Chicago Heights, Ill., for 35 years before his retirement in 1985 as plant manager. He served in the Army, 5th Army Division, as sergeant in the Anzio Beach Campaign and in North Africa during World War II. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann Singer of Vero Beach; son, Walter Singer of Parkland; daughters, Barbara Hardt of Palos Heights, Ill., Loreen Dresser of Lake Villa, Ill., and Diane Broecker of Elburn, Ill.; sister, Dolly Dexter of Crown Point, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

V E R O

Floyd Perry Walters

Joseph F. Bromberger

Thelma Ross Collins, 77, died Feb. 8, 2012, at her home. She was born in Fellsmere and lived there. Survivors include her husband, Matthew Collins Jr. of Fellsmere; sons, Anthony Brown of Fellsmere, Tony Ross of Nashville, Tenn., and John Hield of Louisville, Ky.; daughters, Linda Ross of Vero Beach, Gladys Barrow, Chiquita Hield and Vera Hendrieth, all of Fellsmere, and Regina Collins of Palm Bay; brothers, Marvin Ross and Oscar Ross, both Vero Beach, and George Ross of South Bay; and sisters, Margaret Green of Vero Beach and Annie Gordon and Vivian Lemelle, both of Fellsmere.

Walter Joseph Singer Jr.

Marjorie Jean Taig, “Mama Scrap,” 74, died Feb. 10, 2012, at Indian River Medical Center, Vero Beach. She was born in Pontiac, Mich., and lived in Fort Pierce for 32 years, coming from Highland, Mich. She was a bookkeeper and worked at her son’s business, Mr. Scrap, Vero Beach. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Robert Melvin Taig of Fort Pierce; sons, Keith Taig of Vero Beach and David Taig of Pontiac, Mich.; brother, Jerry Kaston of Pontiac, Mich.; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A guestbook is available at www. strunkfuneralhome.com.

Eugene “Gene” N. Wells, 58, died Feb. 14, 2012. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., and lived in Fort Pierce for 39 years, coming from his birthplace. He ran St. Lucie Speedway for many years and owned G&B Trophies and Awards in Vero Beach. He recently worked at Darrell’s Paint and Body Shop in Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Brenda Wells of Fort Pierce; and son, Brandon Wells of Fort Pierce. Memorial contributions may be made to Brenda Wells at PNC Bank, 5100 Turnpike Feeder Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34951. A guestbook is available at www.aycock-hillcrest.com.

Thelma Collins

Humane Society of Vero Beach (P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 329610644).

2 0 1 2

Marjorie Jean “Mama Scrap” Taig

Eugene N. ‘Gene’ Wells

Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.

2 3 ,

Leman Skipper, 79, died Feb. 13, 2012. He was born in Chipley and lived in Vero Beach for 56 years, coming from his birthplace. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He worked as a carpenter in the construction industry. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sammie; daughters, Margaret Tripp of Vero Beach, Charlotte Freeman of Cape Coral, Wanda Skipper of St. Augustine and Misty Rose of Vero Beach; three brothers; four sisters; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A guestbook is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.

sboro. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Lucy Vaughan Walters; son, Lawrence J. Walters of Vero Beach; daughter, Martha Dawn Walters of Greensboro, N.C.; four grandchildren and one and great-grandchild. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.

F E B R U A R Y

He was preceded in death by his father, Wm. G. Roberts Sr.; and brother, Scott Bledsoe.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Up where you belong at Atrium on the Ocean II

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

2 0 1 2

~ PL^^SZU\ MZ^L T] aWN^ PXJ bU_ T`^bU ZP O[^ VTPO TNOPObU_ZU\ ]^bONQ^ T] O[ZP 9D&@ PRNbQ^ ]TTO b^QZ^ [TV^ WT`bO^_ TU O[^ DGO[ 400. 0# ,!$ WNKNQZTNP (~OQZNV TU O[^ o`^bU vv> TU qTQO[ wNO`[ZUPTU vPWbU_p j[^ TLU^Q* b gbP[ZU\OTU {p|p ZUO^QZTQ _^) PZ\U^Q* `[TP^ U^NOQbW OTU^_ LbWWP OT `TVSW^) VÛO P^b \QbPP `bQSÔZU\p k[^ P^W^Ò^_ lTJbW '%-,$. *+.)2$ 400.31" (3,! /+,,$.1- 0# "02&$1 a^Z\^ bU_ Pb\^ [N^P PLZQW^_ TU b WZ\[O `Q^bV WbU_P`bS^ OT PZVNWbO^ O[^ PTTO[ZU\ ]^bONQ^P T] O[^ a^b`[p ~ \bWW^QJ)WZX^ ÛOQbU`^ ]TJ^Q* L^WW bSSTZUO^_ LZO[ OQbJ `^ZWZU\* aZ_P JTN (`TV^)ZUp> ~ \Û^QTNPWJ PZI^_ XZO`[Û ]^bONQ^P [TU^J) `TWTQ^_ \WbI^_ VbSW^ `baZUÔQJ* PbOZUJ OT O[^ ]^^W* bU_ `NPOTV Vb_^ aJ |NPOTV |baZUÔQJ ZU nbWV }^b`[p ~ kNa)I^QT Q^]QZ\^QbOTQ bU_ LZU^)`[ZWW^Q* j[^QVb_TQ `TTXOTS bU_ \QZWW* gTW] TMÛ* bU_ }TP`[ _ZP[LbP[^Q LZWW _^WZ\[O

O[^ VTPO _ZP`^QUZU\ `[^]p nTWZP[^_ \QbUZO^ `TNUO^Q OTSP* b ab`XPSWbP[ ^Va^__^_ LZO[ b V^_W^J T] aN]])`TWTQ^_ OZW^P* bU_ b aQ^bX]bPO abQ ]b`^_ LZO[ Q^`WbZV^_ n^`XJ |JSQ^PP ]QTV sbX^ oX^^`[Ta^^ S^Q]^Ò O[^ STQOQbZOp ~ VbPPZM^ aNZWO)ZU [NO`[ \ZM^P O[^ ]TQVbW _ZUZU\ QTTV b [TV^J ]^^WZU\* bU_ `NPOTV WZVZU\ SbU) ^WZU\ aQ^bO[P b PÛP^ T] L^WW)a^ZU\ ZUOT O[^ PSb`^p j[^ bZQJ* NUSQÔÛOZTNP WZMZU\ QTTV `ÛO^QP WZ]^ TU Q^WbKZU\ VTVÛOPp kWZ_ZU\ \WbPP _TTQP ZU O[^ WZM) ZU\ QTTV* XZO`[Û bU_ VbPO^Q a^_QTTV TSÛ TNO OT b abW`TUJ O[bO QNUP 44 ]^Ô* bU_ T]]^QP bU ^b\W^>P MZ^L T] O[^ ~OWbUOZ` o`^bU bU_ a^b`[ a^WTLp yQTV b LbWW T] T`^bU]QTUO LZU_TLP ZU O[^ VbP) O^Q a^_QTTV* LbX^ NS OT LZOU^PP O[^ VTQUZU\ PNU S^bXZU\ TM^Q O[^ T`^bU>P [TQZITUp j[^ VbPO^Q abO[QTTV ZP WNKNQZTNPWJ bSSTZUO^_ LZO[ QTVbU ONa bU_ P^SbQbO^ P[TL^Q Û`bP^_ ZU VbQaW^ bU_ Û`WTP^_ LZO[ LZ_^ \WbPP _TTQPp j[^Q^ bQ^ OLT

PSb`ZTNP \N^PO a^_QTTVP* TU^ T] L[Z`[ _TNaW^P bP b _Û LZO[ bU ZUO^QZTQ O^QQb`^ O[bO TM^QWTTXP b D9)POTQJ \WbPP)Û`WTP^_ VbQaW^ bOQZNV bU_ bP) OTNU_ZU\ PNUPÔ MZ^LP TM^Q O[^ vUOQb`TbPObW gb) O^QLbJp j[^ [TV^ ]^bONQ^P b OTObW T] OLT bU_ TU^)[bW] abO[P bU_ b `TUMÛZÛO NOZWZOJ QTTV [TNPZU\ LbP[^Q bU_ _QJ^Qp ~ SQZMbO^ \bQb\^ bU_ b P^SbQbO^ POTQb\^ bQ^b b__ OT O[^ `TUMÛZÛ`^Pp ~VÛZOZ^P T] O[ZP \W^bVZU\ `TU_TVZUZNV OTL^Q ZU`WN_^ bU bOQZNV WTaaJ `TVSWÔ^ LZO[ ]TNUObZU bU_ WNP[ OQTSZ`bW ]TWZb\^* b ]Q^^)]TQV STTW bU_ PSb* b OÛUZP `TNQO* `babUb* WZaQbQJ* PbNUb* ^K^Q`ZP^ QTTV* `TVVTU QTTV bU_ \bV^ QTTVp rbX^ O[ZP ]baNWTNP `TU_TVZUZNV [TV^ JTNQP ]TQ :&GG*GGGp yTQ VTQ^ ZU]TQVbOZTU TU O[ZP [TV^* bU_ TO[^Q T`^bU]QTUO Q^PZ_Û`^P TU qTQO[ wNO`[ZU) PTU vPWbU_* `TUObÒ rbQJ gbUI^Q T] |TW_L^WW }bUX^Q z_ k`[WZOO l^bWOTQP bO ++9)4'#)#+G&* TQ ^VbZW VbQJpLbUI^QB`TW_L^WWabUX^Qp`TV.

HOME OF THE WEEK

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

OVERTIME FEES!

845 7th Ave. #6, Vero Beach, FL 32960 www.alanac.com

2 0 1 2

(772) 778-4026

2 3 ,

Sales · Service · Repair

Certified Technicians · Maintenance Agreements Indoor Air Quality We Service All Makes & Models NO

F E B R U A R Y

Emergency Service 7 Days

Service Directory

Licensed & Insured. Lic. #CAC1814730

V E R O B E A C H

Exclusive Boarding and Daycare NO RUNS – FREE TO ROAM AND PLAY! 6750 73rd Street in Vero Beach · 772-978-9817 www.verobeachcaninecountryclub.com

6%-.+'2& "$-)5/# ,!$ 4$-. 3$*(! 1.00+/5,&7 E?9 D@$?9A,7D?@ ?@ !?2 /?4 ),@ ,(3&97D8& /?49 8&93D)& 2D7! 1&9? '&,)! <&282&&CB/ =B&,8& D@:4D9& 7? >,97D@& E&)7&,4 ,7 A,97D@&;3*@&282&&CB/+"A,DB;)?A ?9 ),BB 55-%.0.%-66#

STAFF PHOTOS

N E W S W E E K L Y

Vero Beach Canine Country Club, Inc.

42 2 0 1 2

Real Estate Barrier Island Real Estate Sales – February 9-February 15

Address 4450 Highway A1A, #203

Subdivision Ocean Club

List Date 10/7/11

F E B R U A R Y

2 3 ,

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

924 Painted Bunting Lane Riomar 4/13/11 $1,450,000 2/15/12 $1,250,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. Matilde Sorensen Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Matilde Sorensen

List Price $225,000

Sell Date 2/15/12

Sell Price $200,000

Listing Broker/Agent Treasure Coast Sotheby’s Intl Realty/Claudia Pascal

1903 Bay Rd., #305 Pointes 7/22/11 $850,000 2/15/12 $775,000 The Moorings Realty Sales Co. Judy Hargarten The Moorings Realty Sales Co. Judy Hargarten

Selling Broker/Agent Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc./Tripp Hernandez

V E R O

B E A C H

N E W S W E E K L Y

Mainland Real Estate Sales – February 9-February 15

Address 2065 Bennington Ct. 1290 40th Ave. 698 Gossamer Wing Way

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

1705 Majorca Pl. River Club 2/2/11 $679,000 2/13/12 $600,000 Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Stacey Clawson Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Stacey Clawson

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

1015 Ansley Ave. SW Ansley 7/23/11 $358,000 2/15/12 $355,000 The Land Corporation of FL Cami Kanner RE/MAX Classic Kelly Fischer

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

471 12th St. SE River Shores Estates 1/1/11 $375,000 2/10/12 $350,000 Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB Ginny Mitchell NMLS NMLS MLS

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

1115 Harbor Links Cir. Harbor Links 5/2/11 $395,000 2/15/12 $287,500 Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Stacey Clawson Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Stacey Clawson

Subdivision Millstone Landing Shady Oaks Collier Club

List Date 1/6/11 1/19/12 12/2/11

List Price $339,000 $241,900 $249,000

Sell Date 2/9/12 2/15/12 2/10/12

Sell Price $265,000 $241,900 $215,000

Listing Broker/Agent Real Living All Florida Realty/Bob Lewis RE/MAX Classic/Kelly Fischer Conway & Company, Inc./John Conway

Selling Broker/Agent Real Living All Florida Realty/Bob Lewis RE/MAX Classic/Kelly Fischer Conway & Company, Inc./John Conway

Humane Society Pets Of The Week

Johnny

Blue

Binji

Cinnabun

Piper

2 Years Old German Shepard Mix Male

1 Year Old English Foxhound Mix Male

6 1/2 Years Old Himalayan Mix Male

2 Years Old Domestic Shorthair Female

1 Year Old Domestic Shorthair Male

Moty 1 1/2 Years Old Poodle/West Highland Terrier Mix Male

These and other animals are available for adoption at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County located at 6230 77th Street. For directions and information call (772)388-3331

$FXSXQFWXUH %HDFKVLGH

1DWXUDOO\ +HDOWK\ LQ %RG\ 0LQG 6SLULW

$QQ %HOLQNRII ' 2 0 'RFWRU RI 2ULHQWDO 0HGLFLQH

ZZZ $FX%HDFK FRP 'DKOLD /DQH 9HUR %HDFK )/

Love & Money, oh what a combination! Individuals, in-laws and anyone married 6PDUW 7DONV or considering marriage will greatly benefit from this 45-minute presentation on protecting marital & gifted assets. Reservations Required - Limited Seating

>>> -6336>05.;9,5+: *64

,]LY` >LKULZKH` ' ! HT ,]LY` ;O\YZKH` ' ! WT

*HWP[HS 0U]LZ[TLU[ (K]PZVYZ 0UJ ( 9LNPZ[LYLK 0U]LZ[TLU[ (K]PZVY /PNO^H` ( ( :\P[L =LYV )LHJO -SVYPKH

*CXKPI (WP CPF /CMKPI C &KHHGTGPEG KP QWT %QOOWPKV[ %QOG ,QKP 7U

3R XLI -WPERH 571 Beachland Blvd. Vero Beach, FL 32963 772-231-6611

On the Mainland:

Member FDIC

1450 U.S. 1 Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-778-6713

P CHEF

TO LY CTR HOMELESS FAMI

www.marinebankandtrust.com

Vero Beachside Sales-Rentals 5HDO (VWDWH %URNHU ( 3UR 5HDOWRU 6KRUW 6DOH )RUHFORVXUH 5HVRXUFH /X[XU\ +RPH 6SHFLDOLVW ZZZ 9HUR%HDFKVLGH6DOHV FRP

Al Benkert

DÄ&#x17E;ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; EÄ&#x17E;Ç zĹ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x160;

(772) 234-5092

January 14–March 31, 2012

S! BONU

25CF Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Vero Beach NEWSWEEKLY 1801 U.S. 1 Vero Beach, FL 32960

Dream Savings for a Dream Kitchen

****************ECRWSS*****

Local Postal Customer

-ASTER#ARD® 0REPAID #ARD BY MAIL WITH PURCHASE OF SELECT +ITCHEN!ID "RAND APPLIANCES*

w/ Ice & Water Dispenser

+32* &8-3 s -!0

LEC ON 3E 2EBATEIGERATORS FR E 2

30” Electric Range w/ 5.3 CF SpeedBake Oven

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID FORT PIERCE, FL PERMIT NO. 173

+%23 433 s -!0

Fully Integrated Dishwasher w/ Hard Food Dispose +5$# )833 s -320

2CF 1000 Watt Microwave w/ 300 CFM Hood & Popcorn Sensor +(-3 733 s

PRICED LOWER IN STORE See store for Jetson 3ALE 0RICE

T H U R S D A Y

2ECEIVE UP TO A

2EBATE ON SELECT APPLIANCES

2 0 1 2

2EBATE ON SELECT APPLIANCES

2 3 ,

2ECEIVE UP TO A

F E B R U A R Y

2ECEIVE UP TO A

WWW *ETSON0OWER"UY COM s TH 3TREET 6ERO "EACH s

3EE SALES ASSOCIATE FOR 2EBATE &ORM WITH COMPLETE DETAILS AND QUALIl ED MODELS /NLY VALID AT PARTICIPATING !6" "RAND3OURCE RETAILERS 2EBATE IN THE FORM OF A +ITCHEN!ID "RAND -ASTER#ARD¤ 0REPAID #ARD BY MAIL ¤2EGISTERED TRADEMARK 4-4RADEMARK OF +ITCHEN!ID 5 3 ! © !LL RIGHTS RESERVED 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE +ITCHEN!ID "RAND LINE PLEASE VISIT +ITCHEN!ID COM #ARDS ARE ISSUED BY #ITIBANK . ! PURSUANT TO A LICENSE FROM -ASTER#ARD )NTERNATIONAL )NCORPORATED -ASTER#ARD IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF -ASTER#ARD )NTERNATIONAL )NCORPORATED 4HIS CARD CAN BE USED EVERYWHERE $EBIT -ASTER#ARD CARDS ARE ACCEPTED %8#

F R E E

Expert Advise + The Best Price