FORUM CALENDAR SPORTS
Gary Wheeler leaving office with no regrets Page 3
19 25 32
TO ADVERTISE CALL MARTINE FECTEAU 772.696.2004 MARK SCHUMANN 772.696.5233
Inside
T H U R S D A Y
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
V O L .
1 ,
I S S U E
5 2
Protecting Florida’s sport fishing LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
Local Realtor and longtime water sports enthusiast Lange Sykes knows the value of keeping Florida’s waters clean and thriving from both a business and personal perspective. He is putting his advocacy in action as a president of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association. The CCA is a 355-member nonprofit organization representing the rights of recreational saltwater fishermen on the waters offshore and on the lagoon. As an advocacy group, its sole function is to raise money to put lobbyists in Tallahassee and in Washington D.C. to ensure the rights of recreational fishermen are upheld against the demands of the commercial fishing industry.
156-mile waterway right down the middle of “the most biodiverse marine life estuary in North America; home to 4,500 different species,” said Sykes. A graduate of Pepperdine University in California where he studied fine art, Sykes, 26, grew up in Vero Beach enjoying life on the river. As a Realtor at Alex MacWilliam and Associates, Sykes is not opposed to businesses profiting from the lagoon’s bounty. However, “the commercial fishing industry generates far STAFF PHOTO less for the region than the $1 The Coastal Conservation Association billion impact made by the recadvocates keeping Florida’s water reational fishing industry,” said clean for sport fishermen. Sykes, citing waterfront restauCCA is entirely funded by rants, tackle shops and charmember dues and an annual tered tours. To ensure a continued stream banquet and auction, to be held April 3 at the Moorings Yacht of revenue from recreational fishing into the area, and to Club. The Indian River Lagoon is a CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
Garden party The Garden Club of Indian River County holds its annual flower show Page 24
Angels in action The Boys and Girls Clubs honors its supporters with a gala at Sun Aviation Page 21
Speaking out Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos talks about domestic violence at SafeSpace event Page 22
History is the difference. Knowledge is the difference. Global is the difference.
E D S CHLITT R EALTORS® We’re everywhere you want to be along the Treasure and Space Coasts.
FLC oldwel lBan ker.com FLC oldwel lBan kerPREVIEWS. c om
See Page 5
udly Introduces ro P r te n e C n o rs The Eme
s e i r e S s r e k a e p S d e t a r b e l e C 3 1 0 2 The Sponsored by
January 12, 2013
Jeb Bush
mer President Jeb Bush, the son of for a Bush, was bar Bar and . George H.W rida (1998the 43rd Governor of Flo ting taxes, cut 2007). Best known for and signing reforming education n, he now tio Medicaid reform legisla ting business sul con n ow his operates h start-ups working with small tec anies. mp Co 500 e and Fortun
February 2, 2013
February 23, 2013
Now in Our 7th Season! Continuing Our Standard of Excellence For You To Enjoy!
March 16, 2013
Reserve Now For the Best Seats at the Best Time Performances are held on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
t Season Subscriptions for Four Notable Speakers are $220 Single Tickets for $65 Each Go On Sale December 1, 2012 t
Alice M. Rivlin
mber of the Alice M. Rivlin, is a me ge board of han Exc ck Sto New York d a leading directors, and considereRivlin was . U.S economist in the l Reserve vice chair of the Federa ton and Bd., under President ClinObama to appointed by President mmission Co serve on the National and Reform. on Fiscal Responsibility
Mary Matalin
the most Mary Matalin, is one of servative con lar pu po and ed celebrat is an author, voices in America. She and widely st, ho io television and rad speaker. She has sought after and public Ronald Reagan, ent sid Pre der un ved ser e H.W. Bush’s made her mark as Georg st recently as mo and or ect Dir Campaign George W. Bush. assistant to President
James A. Baker
ved in senior James A. Baker III has sers from 1975 on siti po ent nm gover rsecretary of to 1992. He was Unde Gerald Ford, ent sid Pre Commerce to chief of staff to served as White House , became the President Ronald Reagan ry, and served asu 67th Secretary of the Tre of State under as the nation’s SecretaryH.W. Bush. President George
1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (On the SE corner of 16th Street & 27th Avenue at the
To purchase subscriptions visit our website www.TheEmersonCenter.org or call the Emerson Center box office at
(772) 778-5249 Limited physical disabilityseating available at both performances. All seats offer unrestricted views.
To see our seating chart and for more information on our exciting Celebrated Speakers Series, visit www.TheEmersonCenter.org. I T’S
HAPPENING
AT
THE
merson Center Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach)
Protect the Health of Your Skin with Regular Exams by a %RDUG &HUWLĂ€HG Dermatologist Jonathan Sanders, M.D., J.D.
Tim Ioannides, M.D.
‡ %RDUG &HUWLÀHG E\ WKH American Board RI 'HUPDWRORJ\
‡ %RDUG &HUWLÀHG E\ WKH American Board RI 'HUPDWRORJ\
‡ Fellow, American $FDGHP\ RI 'HUPDWRORJ\
‡ 9ROXQWDU\ $VVRFLDWH 3URIHVVRU 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LDPL
‡ )HOORZ $PHULFDQ 6RFLHW\ IRU 0RKV 6XUJHU\
‡ Fellow, American $FDGHP\ RI 'HUPDWRORJ\
‡ )HOORZ $PHULFDQ 6RFLHW\ IRU 'HUPDWRORJLF 6XUJHU\
‡ )HOORZ $PHULFDQ 6RFLHW\ IRU 0RKV 6XUJHU\
Sebastian 772.388.1740
Vero Beach 772.778.7782 www.TCDermatology.com
Fort Pierce 772.464.6464
By every credible measure, Americans are increasingly skeptical the institutions of government will be able to address the catastrophic debt crisis looming on the not-so-distant horizon. Locally, the budget challenge facing the City of Vero Beach is a microcosm of the dilemma playing out on the national stage. Local politicians are understandably eager to satisfy the public’s demand to liberate the city’s 32,000 electric customers from the burden of high rates which are costing the community an estimated $20 million a year compared to what Florida Power and Light is charging its customers. With the city dependent on coalfired generators and FPL more invested in plants powered with natural gas, the rate differential between the two utilities is only going to increase in the coming years. While
the cost to the city to get out of its contracts with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and the Orlando Utility Commission may be far higher than local utility activists have ever suggested, the price of doing nothing could be even higher. City leaders remain less than forthright, however, about just how dependent the city has become on the more than $7 million it siphons from its electric operations to pay for everything from police protection to travel expenses and cell phones. Psychologists suggest that adults only make fundamental changes when not changing becomes more painful. Similarly, political scientists have observed that governments must be faced with a crisis before they will deal with difficult and systemic problems. When you hear local leaders explain that with a sale of the electric system the city will need to close
a budget gap of approximately $3 million, you can bet they are not adding up all the numbers. What we are not being told is that just as the city has become addicted to charging high electric rates to fund local government, the city’s residents and property owners have become accustomed to paying artificially low property taxes. In fact, Vero Beach’s millage rate is less than half that of many Florida cities. Until the city is on the verge of failing to pay its bills we are not likely to hear the full story about some $30 million in unfunded pension benefits or $6 million in accrued liability for employees who have been allowed build up mountains of unused vacation and sick pay. Probably not until the city is close to bouncing checks will we hear a frank discussion about the growing and unfunded obligation to provide health insurance for current and future retirees. Un-
like the city’s pension fund, which is merely underfunded, there is no designated source of income to pay for health insurance promised retirees. The present-day value of this obligation is some $40 million dollars and not so much as a dime has been set aside to pay for it. How dependent is the city on money it draws from its electric operations? To begin with, the city last year took $5.7 million in electric revenue to help pay for police protection, parks and recreation programs and other services. The electric fund was charged an additional $1.7 million to cover the cost of administrative expenses the city says can be attributed to electric operations. In total, the city’s general fund is bolstered $7.4 million a year by transfers from its electric operations. Some trusting souls may believe operating an electric system is CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
N E W S W E E K L Y
BY MARK SCHUMANN
B E A C H
City may have no choice but to cut expenses, raise taxes
V E R O
News Analysis
!
CONTINUES ON PAGE 4
2 0 1 2
got much of his work ethic from his mother, Annabelle, who ran a beauty shop and expected her son to work hard and get an education. One day Wheeler was falsely accused of causing a disturbance in class and when he protested the teacher whacked him in the face. Incensed at the offense, Wheeler ran home and told his mother. “She told me to get back to school,” he remembered. “And I said, ‘But Mom, I didn’t do it.’ She said you go back to school, ‘that’s one you got for one you missed.’”
2 9 ,
GARY WHEELER
Commissioner Gary Wheeler is old school and he makes no apologies for that outlook. He has served on the County Commission in two stints covering 14 years and in that time he has ruled from core values of selfreliance and that one should not look to government to be the solution to the problems of everyday life. “I was born in 1945 (in Elmira, New York) and grew up when people were more self-reliant,” Wheeler said. “There was not all
this political correctness; it didn’t exist. You worked or you went without. Government was not there to step in and fix everything for you.” Wheeler describes his politics as fiscally conservative but more liberal on social issues. He will be calling it a career when his term ends this year. Wheeler had announced he would seek a fifth term, but last week thought better of it and was withdrawing from the District 3 race. Always a grandfatherly figure on the county dais, Wheeler says he
M A R C H
BY IAN LOVE
!
gCQTH dO8= Wheeler has no regrets ending his time of public service
3
4
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
LOCAL NEWS
WHEELER FROM PAGE 3
Wheeler laughs about that incident today, but he says to this day he still has enough of that little boy in him to realize even at age 66 he still has his insecurities. “I am more confident now than I was, but I don’t think I am the smartest person on the commission. What I think I do bring is some of my mother’s common sense.” Wheeler says he will miss the camaraderie of fellow commission members Bob Solari, Peter O’Bryan, Wesley Davis and Joe Flescher. “I think we made a good group. We had our disagreements, but at the end of the day we voted and moved on. There was no personal animosity.” Even those who disagreed with his positions admit to liking Wheeler on a personal level.
Charlie Wilson fought Wheeler’s effort to institute a charter form of government for the county. The charter, among other things, would have given the commission broader powers, including requiring voter approval if a developer wanted to increase building heights and the number of homes per acre on land outside the Urban Service Area. (“It’s easier for a developer to get to three county commissioners than to get to 20,000 to 30,000 voters,” Wheeler said at the time.) “I am probably opposed to Gary on most issues,” Wilson said. “But I have great admiration for him personally. He is one of the best politicians I have come across in Indian River County. I still have breakfast with him two or three times a week.” Wheeler disagrees that he is a master politician. He says his
“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
positions came from his convictions and he never tested the political winds when considering a vote. For instance, when the budget battle came up to close the lifeguard tower at Treasure Shores Park, citizens packed the commission asking them to reconsider. Wheeler said he never gave it a second thought to vote to close it down, the county needed to save the money. “I bet most of the people that came to the meeting drove past three beaches where we still have lifeguards,” he said. He said it was on fiscal matters that he draws a hard line -- he doesn’t like to spend tax dollars. “I always try to come at it from the position that it is the people’s money I am spending,” he said. “When I was Sheriff (from 1992 to 2001) I had a different perspective. I didn’t have such a problem spending money since I was in charge of the public’s safety. And when I was running my own business (he owned three Tasty-O donut shops) I certainly was freer in that regard. But I wanted to be able to justify every tax dollar I spent. After all, it wasn’t my money it was the citizens of Indian River County.” And he is not such a hard-liner that he can’t have his opinion swayed. He had voted consistently against spending $5.5 million on a recreation center at South County Regional Park. “You know I had voted against it, but then I listened to the arguments and got to thinking, just because I don’t enjoy some of the
things they were talking about others might, so I switched my vote to approve going ahead with the design,” Wheeler said. After 25 years of public service to Indian River County, either as a commissioner, sheriff or a member of non-profit or public boards, Wheeler says he has few regrets. And he does not dwell on battles won or lost. However, he still maintains charter government would have been good for the county. “It just got so distorted,” he said. “I don’t regret the fight. I was doing that because I thought it was best for Indian River County. That is probably what kept me in the race four years ago. “People said it gave more power to the county commission, but it actually took power away and gave more to the people. The way it was written was that we would have kept the form of government we had, but that people would have the right to recall commissioners and to set their salaries. But I lost that and if I were to be here another 20 years I wouldn’t bring it up again. Wheeler does seem content to put politics behind him and spend more time at his upstate New York home and with his wife Donna, who he met in the 10th grade. The last time Wheeler had free time on his hands, after losing the Sheriff ’s race to Roy Raymond, he didn’t know what to do with himself and decided to run again for a seat on the County Commission. This time he says he has no plans of returning to politics. “I enjoyed working with him,” Commissioner Bob Solari said. “We didn’t agree on everything, but even when we disagreed we were able to build a very cordial relationship. I wish him and Donna a happy retirement.”
5 ! M A R C H
[o_c rosqk o^]s]o^ 0}(|u!!! ~ 0%!!R TN JXNMF\HTMNI TN 9!%!# qTVU F\GQHXY ZXTQTNVIu B.!$"E0!*+$. PSS!: @1CH'8</ kTRX xMCY **9~(}}~}"99
^jg[o_ ^kc_o^ 0}/|u!!! F ?O".T+ 9.O$O J0TS A9I: 2SS+ USSPO3 J%$M* #$M: J0 L\II HUJG# -%9//|%' h\H ]\NVJX **9~""|~}/%9
qs^]sZsX qc[o 0}/|u!!! ~ xXIH F\QGX TN w\IH\E\C@ fXPMYXQ 9!!(5 JMMWu LMJZXQ\TN USSPO M%PLSLM3 &P.T$M* #$M: -%9%/%/' n\HUC jCIHJMP **9~""|~%%/O
[o_c rosqk ]cZdkc\^o 09O|u!!! F 7070C J0K.L"M*+ ,*$"~ TNVIu " L\HTMIu shu EXH [\J : PMJX# wMPP# LMMQ# -%9//}9' lTNY\ rMNB\QXB **9~""|~*}(*
qod]_sg [o_c rosqk 09(|u!!! F 70C0C DG4 J0&P.T$M*3 HTQXu EMMYu [XJ[XJu YMG[QX UGNV HUXJPML\NX ETNYMEI#-%9}9|O' h\H ]\NVJX **9~""|~}/%9
bobbo_]_oo 099|u"!! ~ bTQQ\ TN pNYT\N fTFXJ 4%SP*: C0C0C5+*T: >.P&* "$K$T& P! J0O"$+*PO MS QP$K: Q.M$S: @1C8RR'/ vX[MJ\U lCMN **9~}9%~%**"
lsrgo^ cn [o_c rosqk 0}(Ou!!! ~ iZX\N FTXEI WJMP 9NY UP LT$M: ;$,* #$M J0&P.T$M* MSQO3 KG\TNH [\QZMNC# -%9((%}' xXQTNY\ xMCY **9~9%(~*%"( MJ eXJVXT rMGR\IMF **9~9%(~*%9(
[jq]c_js qcdpc 0}/|u!!! F 1OM B"P C07:8 $O M%* QX\IIH XDLXNITFX TN HUX bTZHMJT\# qGJJTZ\NX LJMHXZHTMN# -%9"9/*' fX[XZZ\ ^MGNV **9~(}}~%*9* MJ vGIHTN q\CNXI **9~9!"~%|}%
[o_c rosqk 09}|u((! ~ xJ\NY NXE : JX\YC Q\RXWJMNH IL\ZTMGI / [XY } [\HU TN \ NXE ZMPPGNTHC# -%9(9}('
!
qs^]sZsX qc[o 0}*|u!!! ~ iZX\N HM fTFXJ ZMPP# J0+**+*+ -*.,% .,,*OO: ' G6 OQ"$M Q".T J0O,PT*+ QSS":@1C7)''/ lTNY\ rMNB\QXB **9~""|~*}(*
2 0 1 2
[o_c rosqk 0}O!u!!! ~ lV HTQX HUJMGVUMGH# nTHZUXN ETHU VJ\NTHX ZMGNHXJHMLI \NY NXEXJ \LLQT\NZXI# -%9(9O9' n\HUC jCIHJMP **9~""|~%%/O
2 9 ,
Zs]o_n_cd] kcfo jd ]ko fcc_jdl^ 0O"!u!!! F GS.M$T&3 &S"VT&3 M*TT$O ,S!!LT$ME: fXIMJH~IHCQX LMMQ ZQG[UMGIX : JXIH\GJ\NH# -%9!(|"' rTNNC kTHZUXQQ **9#}9%#}}""
qs^]sZsX qc[o 0/}"u!!! ~ t MW y%y TN \N MZX\N HM JTFXJ NXTVU[MJUMMYu YXXYXY [X\ZU : JTFXJ \ZZXII# -%%|"!9' n\HUC jCIHJMP **9~""|~%%/O
V E R O
ro_f\ps qg\r|[o_c rosqk 0"/"u!!! ~ q\PTQHMN ZMGJHC\JY UMPXu [XHEXXN HUX pNYT\N fTFXJ \NY yHQ\NHTZ iZX\N# -%99"|9' vX[MJ\U lCMN **9#}9%#%**"
^os^cd^ ros\]X 0"O|u|!! ~ lMZ\HXY TN HUX pIQ\NY V\HXY ZMPPGNTHC MW dUX eX\IMNI \NY TI TN LJTIHTNX ZMNYTHTMN# -%%/(|(' eU\JMN jM[QXH~aTNTNVXJ **9~*%}~/(!9
^]\ddjdl qc\_]Xs_p sWsgos 0/||u||! ~ eX\IMNI V\HXY ZMPPGNTHC# kMFX~TN JX\YC# rJ\NTHX RTH#u sh : } BMNX yw# -%%|"/9' eU\JMN jM[QXH~aTNTNVXJ **9#*%}#/(!9
jo view more of our sisjings from jhe jreasure • space coasj visij our websijep we>re everywhere you wanj jo be/
eHXLUXN xGJRX **9~9O/~O|!!
dC CDO HK=;= TDP =OHH= GC?O LCGO= ;LTD qCHP8OHH rTDIO? bT?TPK=O oP ^QLHK;; _osg]c_^‘w nC? C9O? <+ 6OT?=- 8O ?OGTKD ;LO d:GRO? U( KD gK=;OP TDP ^CHPm
mx\IXY MN NGP[XJ MW UMPXI [MGVUH \NY IMQY \I JXLMJHXY [C HUX kle ICIHXPI TN pNYT\N fTFXJu eH# lGZTX : xJXF\JY wMGNHTXI#
slwoldwellxanker#wom
btfi xtywq 206-5% $3#,8#)0 &"9(# @&9' wLJp ~D~
**9~9}%~/OO!
btfi xtywq +-856-5% &"9(# D#'G wLJp ik )D
**9~"(*~%%O%
j# qcdwqpjeij 206-5% $3#,8#)0 &"9(# @GG+ qp wLJp ~D~
**9~/(/~*!!*
etxyedpyj +-856-5% &"9(# D9G# ipkp wLJ
**9~"O|~****
xftbyfv -h\J\YTIX' 206-5% $3#,8#)0 &"9(# '*' 48"/! 7,#5.#1 25%8-6-5/8(
}9%~|"%~}}!!
N E W S W E E K L Y
qs^\sggX ogolsd] ^os^cd^ kcfo 0"||u!!! ~ aXIH~pNYTXI IHCQXu PMFX~TN JX\YCu TN HUTI TIQ\NY V\HXY ZMPPGNTHC MW HUX eX\IMNI# -%%!(}/' vX[MJ\U lCMN **9#}9%#%**"
[o_c rosqk cqosdn_cd] 0(O"u!!! F G.T# SJT*+3 QP$K.M* +S,#0"$(M ST M%* $TMP.,S.OM." J.M*PJ.E J0S,*.T .,,*OO: @1CH)18/ A.MM*P0=L""*P <<C:<HH:8N)8 SP <<C:)17:18)H
B E A C H
[o_c rosqk j^gsdp kcfo 0*||u!!! ~ wQMIX HM [X\ZUu TIQ\NY UMPX TN HUX V\HXY ZMPPGNTHC MW pNYT\N fTFXJ eUMJXI# -%9}9O|' eU\JMN aTNTNVXJ **9#*%}#/(!9
6
BUDGET CHALLENGES FROM PAGE 3
driving up the city’s administrative costs by $1.7 million. By its own estimates, though, the city will be able to eliminate no more than half of those costs when it sells the electric system. That means $800,000 in administrative costs charged to the electric system do not pass the straight
face test. Without the electric utility enterprise fund to draw from, other sources of revenue will have to be found to cover these expenses which include charges for one-third of the salaries for the city council, city manager, city clerk and city attorney, among others. As a part of its offer to buy the city’s electric utility, FPL has proposed to pay $1 million a year for
General Surgery for routine and complex surgical problems
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
LOCAL NEWS
Daniel Glotzer, M.D., FACS
V E R O
Board Certified General Surgeon Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Board certified by the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Daniel Glotzer provides modern, comprehensive care for your routine and complex surgical problems in collaboration with colleagues in other surgical and medical specialties at Indian River Medical Center. Daniel Glotzer, M.D.
Prior to joining IRMC in early 2011, Dr. Glotzer was a partner in a multispecialty group in Jamestown, NY, where he held the position of Chief of Surgery at WCA Hospital and Westfield Memorial Hospital. Dr. Glotzer also served as WCA Hospital’s Cancer Liaison Physician for the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. After completing his general surgery residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, Dr. Glotzer went on to complete a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Erie, Pa. Dr. Glotzer specializes in the following areas: • Breast surgery • Colonoscopy and polypectomy for colorectal disease • Gastrointestinal surgery (stomach, small bowel, colon and rectal surgery) • Melanoma, pancreas, endocrine, thyroid surgery • Minimally invasive hernia repair, gallbladder and colon surgery Now accepting new patients.
Medical Associates A subsidiary of Indian River Medical Center
Call 772.563.4741 to schedule an appointment.
General Surgery
1040 37th Place, Suite 201 | Vero Beach, FL | 772.563.4741
The Right Care Right Here
five years to rent the power plant site. This short-term rental income will only begin to help close a huge gap between the city’s income and expenses. With a sale to FPL, the city will almost surely begin charging a 6 percent franchise fee. Projected to total nearly $1.9 million a year, you can bet this franchise fee won’t come out of FPL’s hide. It will simply be tacked on to local electric bills. So is it a fee, or is it a tax? Whatever you call it, this additional revenue, coupled with $1 million in rent payments from FPL, will still leave the city several million dollars short. Barring some wonder solution offered by a court magician, the city’s options for solving its imminent budget crisis will be to cut expenses, raise taxes or fashion a solution that relies on some combination of the two measures. Both approaches promise to be unpopular. Even if the political will can be marshaled to sell voters on accepting a significant increase in city property taxes, local leaders are still going to have to find a way to cut at least $3 million, or 17 percent, from general fund expenses. Much of the skepticism about giving the city more tax revenue has to do with the fear the money would not be used wisely. With some justification, the city is seen as less than frugal. Exceedingly generous would be another way to put it. For example, when former Police Chief Don Dappen retired last November at the age of 55 he received a $75,932 payout for unused sick leave and vacation time. He will also receive a yearly pension of $106,186.32. With a budget of $7 million, the police department represents one third of the city’s general fund expenses. If City Manager Jim O’Connor were looking for acrossthe-board budget cuts the police department would need to tighten
its belt by $1.2 million. But when O’Connor recently suggested the police department might be able to shave just 2.3 percent in expenses the labor union representing the city’s police officers began screaming bloody murder, and members of the police department held a Neighborhood watch meeting to “discuss issues facing the Vero Beach Department and how it affects YOU.” Of the $190,000 in cuts O’Connor proposed $100,000 would come from simply not filling the open position of assistant police chief. Given the city’s budget challenges an organization as top heavy as the police department ought to be able to get by with at least one less middle manager. Assuming O’Connor prevails in trimming a modest $190,000 from the police department budget, he is still going to need to find an additional $2.8 million in cuts from other areas. Applied across the board among the city’s remaining departments, this represents a 25 percent cut in programs such as parks and recreation. But those cuts won’t be easy to get through either. With the slightest suggestion of reducing park hours or cutting lifeguard protection the council chambers will be filled to capacity with concerned citizens delivering impassioned pleas to save their favorite programs. All of these projections for needed spending cuts assume the city will be able to increase property taxes by more than a trifling amount. In reality, though, there appears to be little willingness to take such a proposal to voters. Keep in mind, though, that whatever the city doesn’t raise in additional taxes it will have to make up for in spending cuts. For the city to avoid making severe cuts in staffing and services, CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
! M A R C H 2 9 ,
Uncompromising Quality At An Unheard-of Value.
7
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.
8 2 0 1 2
!
LOCAL NEWS
BUDGET CHALLENGES FROM PAGE 6
Make the Right Healthcare Decisions For You and Your Loved Ones.
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
while at the same time stepping up investment in a pension fund now some $30 million underfunded, Vero Beach’s property owners are going to have to be asked to accept that with the sale of its electric system the city can no longer survive on a millage rate half that of many comparable cities.
Many find these numbers both surprising and astonishing, precisely because very few people seem to be clear just how much the city has been reaching into the electric system cookie jar. Because the rate differential between Vero Beach Electric and FPL is estimated at some $20 million for all the city’s customers, the looming budget crisis does
eY\S FRJ RN ` URI\] RS\ S\\]L T\]X^`U ^`N\M XK Q`FL KR Y`I\ ` oJNL\ o`IXZ`KRN+ =C !,H; ,C <F3 G' E,J(HAC !,; +( &(IH& A%( >DGH& AD(,A!(HA ,H) / $H 5 E,J(HAC !,; %,?( A%( >DGH& )$,&HGC$C6 2%,A-C >%; HG> $C A%( J!( AG )$C*G?(D :GHH(*A:,D(46 0$A% :GHH(*A:,D(41 ;G@ >$"" +( ,CC$&H() , 7@DC( 7,?$&,AGD >%G >$"" %("E >$A% (?(D; ,CE(*A G' ;G@D *,D( T MH) A%( +(CA CE(*$,"$CAC ,H) AD(,A!(HA GEJGHC1 ,**G!E,H; ;G@ AG ,EEG$HA!(HAC1 ,CC$CA >$A% $HC@D,H*( $CC@(C1 ,H) *GGD)$H,A( *,D( +(A>((H !@"JE"( E%;C$*$,HC ,H) ',*$"$J(C6 ="" ,A , C@DED$C$H&"; ,PGD),+"( *GCA6 :GHH(*A:,D(4 A,#(C A%( &@(CC>GD# ,H) >GDD; ,>,;1 "(IH& E,J(HAC ,H) ',!$"$(C 'G*@C GH %(,"$H&6
A<8 #1?? '%4+@?6 <= !<. .% )+= +F<8'+*?- !%?; -<1 =+0@"+4% 4!% !%+?4! )+8% 6-64%> +=' E=' 4!% *%64 <;B<=6& )+?? 7:522:,,/:,/(3: 98 0@6@4 $<==%)4$+8%/:)<>:
B8869946945F . :GHH(*A:,D(46*G!
not necessarily argue for staying in the electric business. These harsh realities do, however, suggest it is time for some truth telling. Quite simply, even if Vero Beach voters were to accept a doubling of their city property taxes, the city will still be left needing to cut millions in expenses, all the while catching up on more than $30 million in unfunded pension liabilities. What a dilemma the city now faces. In order to avoid making cuts in staffing and services which the public will almost surely find unacceptable, city leaders are going to have to ask for an increase in property taxes which voters will see as equally objectionable. Maybe the best money O’Conner could spend today would be to buy a few copies of “Profiles In Courage,” and share them with the city council. If the city’s largest department -the police department -- is unwilling or unable to live within reduced means, perhaps it is time to begin considering whether the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department could more efficiently provide protection for the city. Vero Beach is hardly alone it its financial challenges. In the final chapter of his recently released book “Boomerang,” Michael Lewis looks at the predicament municipalities across the country face as they attempt to maintain levels of service with dwindling resources. In our own state, the city of Sarasota is considering asking the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department to provide protection within the city. The days when cities and counties can afford to keep their corner of the sandbox may be long gone. In 2006 the Village of Royal Palm Beach consolidated its police department with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. All of the village’s police personnel who met
the qualifications for county employment kept their jobs. They merely put on a different uniform. Immediately the village began saving $200,000 per month. At the time many residents expressed fears Royal Palm Beach would somehow cease to be a municipality. Five years after consolidating its police department with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Village of Royal Palm Beach is going strong and saving more than $1 million a year. The thought of consolidating police protection may seem drastic and it may ultimately prove unnecessary. Just the same, given the tax increases and budget cuts that will be required as a result of a sale of the electric system, perhaps it is reasonable to suggest that all options, however far-reaching they may seem, should for now remain on the table. The city’s budget dilemma gets even more complex and disquieting when you consider the unfunded pension obligations and the payas-you go approach to providing health insurance benefits. With three-fourths of general fund revenues going to salaries and benefits, any sizeable cuts in spending will mean layoffs. And each severance has a price tag in accumulated vacation and sick leave, and benefits. Even before the city begins laying off workers in departments such a police, public works, parks and recreation and administration, it will be eliminating approximately 100 positions when it sells the electric system to FPL. That expected reduction will bring the city’s employment down to the tipping point where it has more retirees receiving pension benefits than active workers. (Editor’s Note: Next week the Newsweekly will more fully explore the city’s pension and benefits predicament.)
SUN UP, ST. HELEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, ITALIAN AMERICAN CLUB, DUCKS UNLIMITED, AMERICAN RED CROSS, ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER, SHILOH YOUTH RANCH, DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS
per month
for 24 months
0 due at signing
$
379
per month
for 24 months
0 due at signing
$
349
per month
$
$
0 due at signing
319
per month
for 24 months
for 24 months
0! vct yd eprjpjr -ysdtf yll isstfe'u dy_u dpdltu lpwtjetu vtyltf stte yjv ihdpijyl tgcphdktjd t_dfy# kpltyrt wqyfrt is 0!#9!) kplt ibtf 9/u!!! kplte#
c#e#% bXJM xX\ZU **9~"(9~%*!! lTNGIyGHMPMHTFX#ZMP
LIFEBUILDERS OF THE TREASURE COAST, VERO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE HUNDRED CLUB OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, QUAILVALLEY CHARITIES, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, VERO BEACH BALLET,
N E W S W E E K L Y
469
$
$
2012 VERANO
B E A C H
$
2012 REGAL TURBO PREMIUM PACKAGE
V E R O
0 due at signing
$
2012 LACROSSE CONVENIENCE W/eASSIST
!
2012 ENCLAVE
2 0 1 2
SPECIAL 24 MONTH ALLY LEASE | 2 YEARS OF ONSTAR DIRECTIONS & CONNECTIONS 2 YEARS OF SIRIUSXM RADIO | 2 YEARS OF MAINTENANCE | OVER $1,000 MSRP IN ADDED VALUE
2 9 ,
A NEW LEASE ON LUXURY.
M A R C H
KEEP AMERICA ROLLING
9 !
lpjce ycdikidpbt rfich
CENTER, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, INDIAN RIVER MEDICAL CENTER, VERO BEACH HIGH SCHOOL, HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION,
IN SUPPORT OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY: VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART, RIVERSIDE THEATRE, ST. EDWARD’S SCHOOL, HUMANE SOCIETY, ROTARY CLUB , BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, HIBISCUS CHILDREN’S
LOCAL NEWS
Beachside businesses on pace for record season LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
VERO BEACH -- Spring has sprung and the season is sizzling. Across the board, sales are up beachside, with many business categories reporting record profits. “Things are hot, hot, hot,” said Alex “Buzz” MacWilliam, president of Alex MacWilliam Real Estate, about house and condo sales on both sides of the bridge. Commercials sales have been somewhat slower, but MacWilliam has his first commercial closing in a year this week. Nonetheless, after five brutal years of a real estate market turned upside down by unemployment, riddled with foreclosures, the end may finally be in sight. “It’s incredible; we’re selling a house a day. March 2012 is going to be an all time record month at Alex MacWilliam for number of sales STAFF PHOTOS and dollar volume,” he said. Shoppers at Loggia on Ocean Drive have helped He said that the number of sales in Januboost beachside sales to record levels.
Attention Boat Lovers S Sat., M Mar. 31st & Sun., Apr. 1st 10am to 5pm
@ 2&(+4?:< (&<4?546. @ #?"?4+> /%6+.5 @ 76+> )+<)&6 &/+=5 3 +- ,#2&$ (-% )(0$ !,.$ '/$(&!1-"* @ '707,A $:5=&4?)
ANNOUNCING... THE VERO BEACH 29th ANNUAL SPRING
BOAT SHOW!!
FREE ADMISSION! DON’T MISS THE BOAT! TCN2684907
Come See What’s New For 2012!
0!#*# $,&* %++,3.'/#.' 3( % 4"-14) .,' % '*#%'/#.'2
Get Ready For Family Fun On The Water!
RIVERSIDE PARK, VERO BEACH (East of Barber Bridge, on Beachland Blvd. (SR60) on the Intracoastal Waterway) • Kayaks to Offshore Fishing Machines • Bank personnel available for financial assistance • Daily Kayak and Paddleboard Demonstrations • Free local waterway charts
FOR MORE INFORMATION 772-562-7922 www.verobeachboatshow.com
ary and February were up 41 percent over the same time last year; the dollar volume for that time period was up 125 percent. “This time of year, they’re mostly out of town buyers, retirees or semi-retirees ages 50 to 70,” said MacWilliam. “A lot of people have been waiting on the sidelines for two, three, four years. You can’t wait forever.” Things sound just as optimistic for hoteliers, with sales this season, “phenomenal, record breaking, could not have been any better,” said Monica Smiley, director of sales and marketing for Costa d’Este Beach Resort at 3244 Ocean Drive. The hotel has booked $500,000 in business since January 1, due in part to a promotion that discounts accommodations based on length of stay. “We’re up 22 percent in revenue for the first quarter this year; about the same we did in the fourth quarter last year.” Hotel sales also benefitted from national
=I $H 6 : ,- -IK *# ") $L AI /( KK IK #H +
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
10
-& +))&94 =:54 ?<536+<)& +<( !+1& 9+.=&<4 9>+<58
5EI *%-$IH %-D(666
!-HH-&( -L) %(-F+
=I6 :-IK") 86 AIKK#H. 9I6 1&6:(&<4+>;;$*!:4=+?>8):=
3J3B >J0: 102<<0 M /<25 A<C?:. ;8 3>'BJ
77>@77G@444J
! M A R C H 2 9 , 2 0 1 2
! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y
television exposure in February when The Weather Channel featured Al Roker at the hotel, making mention of the property four times during the broadcast. The hotel was also featured in the Wall Street Journal last November, having been voted number 66 best hotel and resort on the U.S. mainland by Condé Nast. Hotels across the county saw an increase in sales, according to a report issued by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce that states January’s bed tax (the latest available data) was up 16.8 percent over last year, with a fiscal year to date (October 2011 – January 2012) increase of 19 percent. Because there is no local restaurant association, the tourism tax is the only economic indicator that can be tracked other than personal surveys. “I’ve never seen the beach this busy,” said Paul Castraberti, owner of The Lemon Tree at 3125 Ocean Drive, pointing out parking was a problem, but that he was glad to see people spending. Although he has not settled the books yet this season, he said his restaurant has seen an
11 LOCAL NEWS increase in sales every year since he purchased it seven years ago. “Last year, I had about a nine percent increase. March is our biggest month; we’re always busy,” he said. Gary Dulac, of Gary Dulac Goldsmith at 822 Beachland Drive, attributes local sales increases to the health of the stock market. He said that foot traffic was equal to last year, but after a somewhat dismal Christmas season, with sales barely up five percent over last year, “this spring we’re up 15 to 20 percent.” Because the price of gold is tipping the scales at $1,677 an ounce, compared to $600 or $700 an ounce six years ago, Dulac has modified his business model, which now includes an assortment of large diamonds. Callie Corey, owner of Corey’s Pharmacy at 2912 Ocean Drive which has been in business since 1956, said “this season has been the best we’ve ever had.” She attributes the additional customer traffic to increases in year-round residents, combined with the seasonal visitors. In fact, she has had to hire additional staff to handle the Callie Corey, owner Corey’s Pharmacy, is enjoying one business. of her best seasons since opening in 1956.
Applications now being accepted for Summer 2012. Discount for applications received by March 31 • Impressive 18-Hole, Championship Golf Course • Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary • A Blend of Vibrant Sporting, Social & Dining Activities
Call 567-3320 and ask for Jacki to learn about Summer Membership opportunities. 800 30th Street • Vero Beach, FL 32960 • www.vbcountryclub.com
12 !
FROM PAGE 1
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
COASTAL CONSERVATION
2 0 1 2
LOCAL NEWS
protect the value of waterfront property, it is imperative to improve the health of the lagoon. “Poor water quality effects life at a minute level and works its way up the food chain,” said Sykes, who says people simply don’t realize how polluted the lagoon is. Over the years, the river has become contaminated by fertilizer from storm water run-off, dumping toxic levels of nitrogen and phosphorus into the lagoon. Because of the distance between the inlets in Sebastian and Fort Pierce, the only time the current-less lagoon flushes out is when heavy rains help push the water south, where it washes into the ocean. Otherwise, the nutrients accumulate in the sediment on the river bottom causing underwater algae blooms. Those blooms deplete oxygen levels, poison the wildlife and emit noxious gasses into the air that aggravate people’s allergies, emit unpleasant odors and muddle the waters, severely compromising the area’s quality of life. Despite the underfunded efforts of water conservation organizations, as well as the ordinances and best practices established by county and
nization of CCA – which now has 8,000 members representing the interests of 1.5 million saltwater fishing licensees -- was instrumental in getting legislation passed prohibiting commercial net fishing. The fish populations were being depleted faster than they could reproduce. Since then, “speckled sea trout fisheries around the state have rebounded,” said Dan Askin, general manager for CCA Florida. In fact, he said, improvement in the fish populations exceeded the state’s goals, so the Florida Wildlife Commission increased the catch limits. “But then, the commercial fishing industry wanted to introduce STAFF PHOTO Water in the Main Relief Canal flows past the Vero Beach Country Club toward nets again,” said Askin about a futile attempt to get the net ban the Indian River Lagoon. rescinded. “Sea trout is strictly a CCA is a national organiza- hook and line fishery.” municipal governments, dirty water trickles down from the state capital. tion with 100,000 members in At a local level, the CAA planted The fertilizer industry and other 175 chapters spanning 17 coastal about 8,000 mangroves and shore businesses that impact water quality states. Florida has the second most grass along Paul’s Island and Peli-- from agriculture to septic systems miles of coastline of any state in can Island last year, as well as sup– have networks of lobbyists in Tal- the country; Alaska has the most. ported an oyster bed restoration When it comes to boats, Florida and enhancement project in the lahassee influencing legislation to is tied with Michigan at almost Mosquito Lagoon. help meet their financial goals. “It’s not a future state (of pollu- one million boating licenses issued That area, known for its red fish tion).We’re there,” said Sykes, who each year; California holds the top population, as much as for the has been attending CCA events spot. In Florida, proceeds from the mosquitoes, is a land-locked body since he was a young man and license fees go back into replenish- of marsh, shallow flats and standconsiders many of the members ing and restoring the resource. ing water. In the mid 1990s, the state orgahis mentors. Andy Steinbergs, advertising man-
Applications for a Limited Number of Summer Golf Memberships are Now Available to a World Class Vero Beach Private Golf Club
INDIAN RIVER CLUB
Family - $1,000 · Individual - $800 · May 15 through October 15, 2012 Contact Christine Papke at 772.770.0757 or visit www.indianriverclub.com
13 ! M A R C H 2 9 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y
LOCAL NEWS ager for Scripps Treasure Coast who has been a member of the orgaNewspapers in St. Lucie County, and nization “for most of my life.” At a cost of $18,000, the projan avid fisherman, has been involved with state organization of CCA since ect has been spearheaded by Paul Dritenbas, a Vero Beach architect its early days in the 1980s. “I want my children to be able to and CCA board member, who wants to cordon off 510 acres of fish too,” he said. “Between the sea grass, the man- grass flats with 26 buoys located groves and the shore grass, there directly southwest of the Moorare nurseries of crab, shrimp, baby ings, on the east side of the lagoon. “Every time a propeller goes tarpon, grouper, snook… all manner of marine life,” said Steinbergs, over that area, it leaves a ‘prop by way of explaining the impor- scar,’” Dritenbas explained about the 13- to 16-inch swaths of grass tance of clean water. Toxic algae blooms kill sea grass that are cut away, and can take “20 and disrupt an ecosystem that years to heal, if it heals at all.” The problem is that when the must be protected for environwater is filled with silt, the silt will mental and financial reasons. Steinbergs spends all his free time fill in the prop scars and the grass on the lagoon fishing for snook, won’t grow back. The buoys, which are proposed for redfish, trout and tarpon. ”It’s physically challenging, stand- a non-regulated zone, meaning there ing in a two-foot by two-foot space, would be no penalties for infractions, casting non-stop for hours on end,” would read, “Caution Sea Grass.” “The most effective method for he said with inexplicable exuberance. CCA is to create awareness. It’s more Yet, he rarely eats what he catches. “Unless it’s flounder or pompano, I effective than ticketing,” said Dritenbas, who has been fishing on the lathrow it back,” said Steinbergs. “If you talk to Grant Gilmore goon for more than 50 years. However, that project is not a benor Edie Whitaker, they’ll tell you don’t eat anything in the river,” said eficiary of this year’s annual banquet. “The organization has a laser foNorman Ridgley, a board member of the local chapter of CCA and an cus on advocating for recreational fishing rights,” said Sykes. active volunteer. His goal is to bring together Gilmore is a fish ecologist and senior research scientist at Estuarine as many like-minded people to Coastal & Ocean Sciences Inc. in bridge the various organizations so Vero Beach; and Edie Widder is the they are working together. Monies president and CEO of the Ocean Re- raised through the auctions and search and Conservation Associa- various levels of sponsorship go tion, a nonprofit based in Fort Pierce into a legal defense fund. This year’s event, chaired by Jawhose water testing of the lagoon helped convince the Vero Beach City son Wilson, features a sit down Council to establish a law in January dinner for 350 and a variety of dynamic auction items, includrestricting fertilizer use. As a CCA volunteer, Ridgley is ing an African safari, fishing trips part of a project the club has taken to South America and marine art on this year to put buoys along the by renowned artist, Don Rey, who Moorings Flats reefs to alert boat- will be on hand to sign prints. For more information and/or to ers the water is shallow and the sea buy tickets, please call Lange Sykes grass reef is delicate. “This is probably one of the most at 473-7983 or Jason Wilson at 216productive flats in the whole lagoon 3890. Visit the organization online at for trout spawning,” said Ridgley, www.ccaflorida.org.
14
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Emerson Center sets speakers for 2013 season Former governor Jeb Bush to lead off the series FOR VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
VERO BEACH -- The 2013 season for the Emerson Celebrated Speaker series has been set, with former Florida governor Jeb Bush kicking off the program. Bush will launch the four-person speaker series on January 12, 2013. He was elected the 43rd governor of the state of Florida in November, 1998, and he ended his second term in January, 2007. During his tenure, Bush cut taxes every year and Florida lead the nation in job growth. His focus on reforming education led Florida students to achieve the greatest gains in the country. Bush is currently the head of his own successful consulting
business, Jeb Bush and Associates, where his clients range from small technology start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. He is also chairman of Foundation for Jeb Bush Excellence in Education, a national foundation focused on education reform. Alice M. Rivlin follows on February 2, 2013. She is considered one of the leading economists in the United States and is currently a member of the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange.
Rivlin was the founding director of the Congressional Budget Office (1975-1983) and the director of the Economic Studies Program at the Brookings Institution. She has also served as vice chair of the Federal Reserve Board and as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget under President Clinton. Rivlin has taught at Harvard, George Mason, and The New School Universities and is a visiting professor at the Public Policy Institute of Georgetown University. She is married to economist Sidney G. Winter, a professor at University of Pennsylvania. Mary Matalin will speak next on February 23, 2013 as one of the most celebrated and popular conservative voices in America. She is a bestselling author, television and Mary Matalin radio host, and widely sought after political contributor, pundit and public speaker noted for her straightforward manner and insightful political repartee. She served under President Ronald Reagan, made her mark as George H.W. Bush’s campaign director and most recently was an assistant to President George W. Bush. Since then, Matalin has co-hosted the political talk show Equal Time on CNBC, made numerous appearances on NBC’s Meet the Press, hosted CNN’s debate show Crossfire, and became one of “The Most Important Talk Show Hosts in America” for her own CBS Talk
Radio show The Mary Matalin Show. Today, along with Arianna Huffington, she co-hosts the nationally syndicated radio program Both Sides Now. Matalin also coauthored the best-selling political campaign book All’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President with her husband, James Carville. James A. Baker III will complete the program on March 16. Baker served in senior government positions from 1975 to 1992 under three United States presidents and led campaigns for Presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush over the course of five consecutive presidential elections. Baker’s record of public service began in 1975 as undersecretary of commerce to President Gerald Ford. From 1981 to 1985, he served as White House chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan, and subsequently became the 67th Secretary of the Treasury, as well as chairman of the President’s Economic Policy Council under President Reagan. Finally, Baker served as the nation’s Secretary of State from January, 1989 through August, 1992 under President George H.W. Bush. Series tickets are $220. Remaining single tickets for $65 each go on sale December 1, 2012. Seats are available at either the 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. performances. Call the Emerson Center box office at 772778-5249 for tickets or visit The Emerson Center itself. Subscriptions will be available online after March 27, 2012 at www.TheEmersonCenter.org. For best seating, new subscribers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as seats will be assigned in the order requests are received.
COMMUNITY NEWS
! M A R C H
Plans for Beachland Elementary met with concerns and objections
15
2 9 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y
VERO BEACH -- A crowd of nearly 100 people, mostly central beach residents, turned out Tuesday evening to express concerns about plans the Indian River County School Board is developing to build interior roadways on the 25-acre site of Beachland Elementary School. Citing a need to ease traffic congestion during pick up and drop off times, architect John Binkley of Edlund, Dritenbass and Binkley Architects led a team of consultants in presenting plans for building new entrances along Indian River Drive and Mockingbird Drive. The new entrances and longer interior roads are needed, school officials say, to prevent cars from stacking up at the intersections around the school. The improvements, Binkley said, are needed to address safety, traffic congestion and future growth in enrollment at Beachland Elementary. Originally built in 1957 as a neighborhood school, Beachland Elementary now has a student enrolment of 600, with plans to grow to 750.
2 0 1 2
!
16
COMMUNITY NEWS
Learning Alliance honors literacy supporters at banquet LISA RYMER
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -The School District of Indian River County has the second most aggressive reading program in the nation, with a goal of 90 percent literacy by third grade. Now in its third year, what started out as a pilot reading program through the Learning Alliance has blossomed into a template for a nationwide literacy curriculum in school, after school and during summer school. The efforts of those who are making that happen – educators, donors and partners -- were honored Monday at a banquet hosted by the Learning Alliance, a nonprofit children’s literacy organization. Currently, 68 percent of children in America are failing to reach
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TASCON
Master educators Elaine Koziel, Brooke Flood, Janai Cooper, Kathy Nealy, Linda Condit, Kelly Palmer and Marybeth Gerbhardt.
reading proficiency by the end of third grade. In Indian River County, 24 percent are unable to pass the third-grade reading FCAT. To achieve 90 percent literacy, the Learning Alliance has intro-
rMTNV yE\C sMJ dUX eGPPXJA 9!# /-84)-$ 1 "#3#-)5 #5#&+823, )-# .*8&65$ )//-2)&!83"0 E)'QM) CQJ ")-I)0 +%)+# K%) LK-KJL Q' CQJM G,L)RK)) 3)22/+ -$.*$,+ (% '/1+)'+41" +!$ 02$'+4/1, &#5'$ )+ :22)+ ))*#/""49 /QJ +-R -"LQ M)NJ)LK -R G,L)RK)) E-""QK QR QJM H),L$K) -K ...80;5$@=%@(=6@0$68';>9 G,L)RK)) E-""QKL -M) RQRD'QMH-M*-,")0 LQ !-#) LJM) CQJ OMQI$*) K%) -**M)LL H%)M) CQJ H-RK K%) ,-""QK *)"$I)M)*9
=:@=G: 5=1?5 B82:3/
4JO)MI$LQM Q' ?")+K$QRL <!1<?! 3711-&, 1-&9 &6;7 &6M* GI)RJ)0 1)MQ E)-+%0 >< 6A(F; ;;A9AAF96&&P . '''7(2+#83%8)3-8(#-7&24
duced a full immersion, multi-sensory, systematic method of teaching language called the Sonday System in 99 classrooms throughout 13 elementary schools. Armed with the right tools and trained coaches – the essential ingredients -- the Learning Alliance has empowered “a community of educators, philanthropists, business leaders and concerned parents to make the potential of each child the center of attention,” said Barbara Hammond, one of the organization’s three founders. Hammond, Lisa Hurly and Liz Woody all had children with reading disabilities. Rather than pay for private tutoring, they banded together and addressed the issue head on. These pioneers, and the people who support the effort, are helping to change the way we teach teachers to teach children how to read. One of the organization’s first initiatives was to give a vision test to every student in the district. The result: 20 percent unknowingly needed glasses, and the Learning Alliance helped purchase 200 pairs. Next year, the reading program will be implemented in 154 classrooms, with students spending two hours and thirty minutes a day
reading. “This is the type of leadership we have in Fran Adams, superintendent of schools,” said Hammond, explaining the state requires 90 minutes of reading in school each day. Illiteracy can lead to low self-esteem in children and develop into a cycle of dependency, depression and poverty. Due to the generous $19,000 gift by Barbara Becker Hurley, who has supported the organization’s efforts from the beginning, the Gifford Youth Activity Center will continue for the third year with the Learning Alliance’s After School Scholars program that reinforces the school curriculum. Jerry and Karol Lynch have underwritten the $21,000 summer program at the Boys and Girls Club in Vero Beach for the second year. The event at the Moorings was hosted by Jayne and Paul Becker; Linda and Bernie Kastory; Betty and Whitney MacMillan, who are also founders; Ellie and Bob McCabe, and Jean and Ray Oglethorpe who are also organization founders. Other founders whose support has been ongoing are Tom & Carol Corr; Don and Patsy Riefler and King and Dace Stubbs.
17
COMMUNITY NEWS
! M A R C H 2 9 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H
Pioneer Dinner to honor Loy and Guy families VERO BEACH — Two of Indian River County’s oldest families - the Guys and the Loys -- will be honored at the Pioneer Family Recognition Dinner on May 12. Each year, Vero Heritage, Inc. honors a family, or families, who have contributed to the growth and progress of Indian River County. Those previously honored include the Sexton, Schumann, Michael, MacWilliam, Graves, Helseth, Vocelle, Zeuch, Cox, Gifford, Holman, Carter and Schlitt families. George W. Loy came to Fort Pierce in 1922 and moved to Vero Beach in 1924 as the manager of I.M. Waters Men’s Haberdashery. In 1928 he brought his bride, Viola “Vi” DeBerry from Fort Pierce, to make their home in Vero Beach. There were three children in the Loy family: Alma Lee, George Jr., and Gwen. Alma Lee and Gwen Loy Guy live in Vero Beach. George Jr. was killed in an auto accident in 1979. Herbert S. Guy arrived in Vero Beach in 1921 and Ethel Beindorf came to Vero Beach in 1922. Herbert and Ethel were married in West Palm Beach in 1924 and lived their adult life in Vero Beach. The Guys had two sons. Herb Jr. and his family reside in Grand Haven, Mich. and Tom and his wife, Gwen Loy Guy, reside in Vero Beach. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. A short program on the families’ contributions to Indian River County will follow dinner. Tickets are $50 per person, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
NOW OPEN
915 17th Street #104 • Vero Beach (772) 617-2178
GOLD & SILVER REFINERY BUYERS OF GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY, COINS, FLATWARE, WATCHES GOLD JEWELRY
UNITED STATES COINS
STERLING SILVER
• Pennies Before 1959
• GOLD COINS US & FOREIGN
• Dimes Before 1965
• Gold Jewelry/Rings
• All Flatware • Bowls • Dishes • Trays
• 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
• Statues • Bars • Frames • Candle Sticks • Tea Pots
• Charms
SMASHED AND
• Yellow Gold Teeth
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 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
PHOTO BY CHRISTINA TASCON
The Royal Palm Pointe fountains are converted for a twist dance contest at the Recreation Department’s annual Dancing Under the Stars.
18 !
COMMUNITY NEWS
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
! M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
FROM PAGE 17
Information about attending the dinner or becoming a sponsor is available by calling the Heritage Center at (772) 770-2263 or e-mailing veroheritage@bellsouth.net. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Heritage Center.
Indian River County United Way to offer free income tax preparation INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The United Way of Indian River County still has spots available in its free tax preparation clinics in both Vero Beach and Fellsmere. Last year, the United Way helped 330 Indian River County taxpayers file their taxes with the help of volunteer tax preparers. For the first time, appointments are not necessary for the tax assistance clinics, according to Eve Balance, who manages the program for the United Way. The average client waits about 20 minutes to see a tax preparer. Residents must earn less than $49,000 adjusted gross income to qualify for the program. “There’s been a bit of a lull during March,” Balance said. “A lot of people came in early this year because they were anxious to file and get their refunds. We can handle about 20 people each day and now we are seeing about seven or eight.” According to Balance, the average taxpayer refund is about $1,300, with one taxpayer this year receiving a tax refund of about $9,000. Residents can come to the United Way offices at 1836 14th Avenue in Vero Beach and get their taxes prepared for free on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m.; most Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon; and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 15th. North County residents can get their taxes prepared at the Fellsmere Community Enrichment Program, 10074 Esperanza Circle on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Bilingual tax preparers are available at the Fellsmere location.
Indian River County eighth-grader wins regional spelling bee INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- Yusra Hashmi, an eighth-grader at Gifford Middle School, topped 29 of the area’s best spellers in the Treasure Coast Regional Spelling Bee, earning a trip to Washington, D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Hashmi, 13, won by correctly spelling the word “nobiliary.” According to Dictionary.com, nobiliary means of or pertaining to the nobility. Yusra’s older brothers, Fahim and Sami, are previous Indian River County winners and Sami, now 18, competed at the national level twice. The event was sponsored by Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers and held at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. Sreya Banik, 9, a fourth-grader at West Gate K-8 in St. Lucie County, placed second and Chase Finney, 11, a sixth-grader at The Pine School in Martin County, placed third.
Humane Society fundraiser is slated for April 17-18 VERO BEACH -- The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County will hold a fundraiser in conjunction with Ruby Tuesday restaurant on April 17 and 18. Those wishing to participate must present their server with a special flyer and 20 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the shelter. Flyers are available at the Humane Society located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach; the Humane Society’s two thrift shops located at 4445 20th St., Vero Beach and 441 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian or the shelter’s Indian River Mall location. Flyers will be emailed by notifying ccotherman@hsvb.org or by calling (772) 388-3331 ext. 26. Flyers can also be downloaded directly from the Humane Society’s website at www.hsvb.org. Ruby Tuesday is located at 1825 58th Avenue in Vero Beach
STAFF PHOTOS
The 35th Antique, Classic and Collector Car Show was held at Riverside Park last weekend. The event featured cars from the early 1900’s, muscle and sports cars, and unique cars such as the Delorean.
19
!
qCGG:DK;6 nC?:G
M A R C H
WHERE TO CUT EXPENSES?
Admin/Finance/HR
$3.9 million $4.6 million
0
1
$7.0 million 2
3
4
5
6
7
Anticipating a budget shortfall as a result of a sale of the electric system, City Manager Jim O'Connor is looking for places to cut $3 million in expenses.
and reducing the rank of some of the department’s 20 ranking officers. The possibility of such a move has hardly been embraced by the Police Benevolent Association. This past Tuesday at meetings held on the mainland and the island, members of the PBA made their case to the public. “Find the money somewhere else,” was their basic message. They argue that the cuts
O’Connor has proposed will do little to solve the city’s budget dilemma, but will almost surely hurt morale. They also point out that the department has already made significant cuts in the past few years. While no one would welcome losing rank, the simple fact is every city employee and every city taxpayer is going to wind up in some way sharing in the sacrifices that will be necessary to
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
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.
N E W S W E E K L Y
Police
B E A C H
Public Works
V E R O
Department Budgets 2012/2013
Parks & Recreation $3.1 million
wean the city off its dependence on electric system revenue. For decades the city has annually transferred millions of dollars from its electric utility enterprise fund to bolster spending while at the same time keeping property taxes artificially low. Because so much of the real cost of running the city has more or less been masked in electric bills, the public has never had a clear sense of the taxes it would otherwise pay for city services. Though selling the electric system to FPL could certainly benefit the larger community, it is a move that will not come without a price. Employees of the city are going to have to accept that significant cuts are unavoidable. And taxpayers are going to be asked to assent to a higher millage rate in exchange for lower electric bills. It is easy to become indignant and refuse to see that spending cuts and tax increases are unavoidable, but failing to face reality doesn’t change the dilemma the city faces.
!
With 20 ranking officers out of a force of 52, the Vero Beach Police Department is an easy target for some of the $3 million in spending cuts the city is seeking to avert a looming budget crisis. By any measure the department is top heavy, with one chief, two captains, six lieutenants, seven sergeants and four corporals. Given that the police department’s $7 million budget represents 34 percent of the cost to run the city, it is easy to understand why some see no way for the city to bridge a $4 to $5 million revenue shortfall without making deep cuts in all departments, including the police department. From the perspective of some of the city’s police officers, they have already made sacrifices. For example, they point out that the number of officers is down from 62 to 52 in just the past few years. City Manager Jim O’Connor has proposed trimming $190,000 from the police department budget by leaving the deputy chief position unfilled
2 0 1 2
Sacrifices are ahead for city’s employees and taxpayers
2 9 ,
EDITORIAL
2 0 1 2
!
20
COMMUNITY FORUM
Learning about life from letters to the editor
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
BY MILT THOMAS
An elderly friend of mine told me when he reads the newspaper in the morning he first looks at the obituaries, and if his name isn’t there, he then reads his horoscope. The late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court once said he always reads the sports pages first because that is the only place he can read of man’s accomplishments instead of man’s failures. Personally, I enjoy reading letters to the editor. Here I can read about political issues, social issues, product complaints, humor (often unintended), sports, right wing, left wing, intelligent, inane, just a potpourri of opinions, sometimes pretending to be facts, but always interesting.
In the past week alone, someone objected to the condescending treatment of snowbirds. I don’t think anyone has the right to judge a person by their MILT THOMAS religion, the color of their skin or how much of the year they spend in Vero Beach. After all, the only people with a right to complain are the original inhabitants of this area, who all died of diseases we brought from Europe. Then there’s the exchange about certain religious groups boycotting Wings of Joy for selling Catholic-oriented books. Here I thought Catholics and Protestants were all
Christians. At least it is now easier to understand why some Christians don’t like Romney because he’s a Mormon. I hope Wings of Joy doesn’t sell Mormon books, or for that matter, books about Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, etc. We’re just supposed to tolerate those other religions, not learn anything about them or, God forbid, share bookshelves with them. Of course, Rush Limbaugh’s prostitute tirade stirred up many letters to the editor, some claiming that Bill Maher and other media types say equally repulsive things about Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman. The discourse in this country has certainly deteriorated, but the difference in this case is that Sandra Fluke was just a citizen testifying in Congress,
while Palin (and family) and Bachman are public figures. In either case, it is easy to understand why many of our best and brightest would never wish to endure the humiliation that comes with the right and privilege of running for public office. The age old issue of kids spending too much time on computers is often raised by people who spend no time on computers. If you are going to feel saddened because cursive writing is fading into history, imagine how the Egyptians felt when hieroglyphic symbols were replaced by words and letters, and how the Sumerians felt when their clay tablets were replaced by papyrus. When is all this scientific advancement ever going to end?
Stop!...Look!...Listen! and see the world around you BY REVEREND SCOTT ALEXANDER
When I was a boy growing up in Wisconsin, I was fascinated by trains. I will never forget the excitement I would feel when I heard the distant whistle of an approaching train, and the even greater thrill of feeling the rumble as the long trains raced by, often at high speeds. Another thing I remember from my Wisconsin boyhood was the hundreds of rural rail crossings which did not have the expensive electrified gates and lights which warn motorists of approaching trains. At these dangerous crossings, all that was there to warn the motorists was a simple white-X sign which said “Railroad Crossing”…and then a crucial piece of advice”Stop…Look…Listen.” Every once in a while there would be a story in the local newspapers
about a distracted, careless or impatient driver who would ignore this simpleyet-fundamental warning to stop, look and listen, and pay for it with his or her life. REVEREND It seems to me SCOTT ALEXANDER that, on a spiritual level, this is also true in our lives. If, in the course of our daily lives, we simply forget to faithfully “Stop…Look…and listen” we miss most of what makes life worth the living. It can be really deadly, and life-robbing to not pay attention to what is immediately around us. You and I live in both a distracted and a distracting culture. With the proliferation of all of our incredible electronic gadgetry – the cell
phones and Blackberrys…I-pods and I-pads…and the endless Internet and social media connections – it is quite possible to keep yourself “plugged in and tuned out” from the world at hand almost perpetually. A few months ago, a young man in Maryland was killed by a fast-moving passenger train as he walked alone down some railroad tracks near his home, oblivious to the train’s whistle because he was blasting loud music into his head through expensive headphones. In the lives that we are given to live, too much noise, clutter and distraction can kill us – both literally and figuratively. I am persuaded that we can only find spiritual and physical satisfaction in this life if we regularly train ourselves to “Stop…Look…and Listen”...to what is immediately and preciously around us. The natural and hu-
man world around us has so many rich sights, sounds, and sensations to bless and enliven us. But to truly know the world at hand, we have to unplug ourselves from all the ready and easy distractions of modern life and call ourselves back into direct relationships. Here on the Treasure Coast we have so many wondrous things which beg us to “Stop…Look… and Listen.” But when was the last time you stopped in your tracks to watch a “V” formation of pelicans gently gliding on the strong ocean breeze? And when was the last time you opened your bedroom windows at bedtime and tuned your ear to let the sounds of the tropical night lull you to sleep? The railroads of Wisconsin had it right. To preserve your life, you must regularly “Stop…Look…and Listen.” It really is that simple.
^CQKTH u gKNO=;6HO
21 !
GREAT THINGS TO DO WITH A
No. 47
Grand Opening Interventional Cardiology Program PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON
Jack & Peggy Lingo with Lori & Jack Maddox
Wednesday, April 4 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sebastian River Medical Center 13695 US Highway 1 | Sebastian, FL 32958 g Call 888-671-SRMC Ca Led by Dr. Charles Croft, services to be provided at the new 5,000 square-foot Cardiac Catheterization Lab include: • Heart catheterization • Angioplasty and stents • Aortic surgery and minimally invasive stents for aneurysms • Pacemakers and defibrillators
Barrie Fahey, Pat Kielley and Joan Sullivan
SebastianRiverMedical.com
N E W S W E E K L Y
Excellent cardiac care is only a heartbeat away.
B E A C H
healthy heart
V E R O
G IN EN 2 P 1 O D 4, 20 N l A i GR Apr
be in a safe environment over the summer and after school. They enjoy field trips, movies and games but most importantly, it keeps their school skills sharp over the summer.”
!
really affect children at this age and make a difference.” “These children want to come and have fun,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Thomason, “and their parents want them to
2 0 1 2
“Summer Dreams Come True Because of Angels Like You” was the theme of the Boys and Girls Club event at Sun Aviation to thank supporters. Guests were greeted with a proper handshake by the children and then led through a mock club activity center. The youngsters engaged the guests in games, computers and arts and crafts before
they moved into the decorated hangar for cocktails and dinner. The cost of a summer scholarship per child is $300 and the Boys & Girls Club hoped to raise approximately $150,000 to fund this year’s summer program. Jay McNamara is the current Boys and Girls Club chairman and spoke of the value the organization provides area children. “I first got involved when I was in the Marine Corp,” said McNamara, “you can
2 9 ,
BY CHRISTINA TASCON VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
M A R C H
Boys and Girls Club honors its generous angels
SOCIAL | LIFESTYLE
Dr. Haridopolos shines a light on domestic violence She tells her story at a fundraiser for SafeSpace BY CHRISTINA TASCON VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, wife of Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, spoke from personal experience about domestic violence as SafeSpace of Indian River County’s keynote speaker at their annual dinner. Ha r i d o p o l o s was in an abusive Dr. Stephanie first marriage beHaridopolos fore meeting her
current husband and, “her knight in shining armor.” She suffered through years of fear and even after she had her husband arrested and was divorced and kept the secret of what she went through to herself and very close family. In a very difficult decision she came out of the darkness and told her story to a reporter at Florida Today just four months ago. After the story was printed, over a 100 women called the Spouse Abuse hotline and that was before the story was picked up by the Associated Press. Invited guests and supporters met with Dr. Haridopolos, who was accompanied by her husband, at a VIP
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
22
reception followed by a dinner at Grand Harbor to hear her personal story. This was the first time she had spoken before a full audience on this subject. “I wanted to take responsibility for my survivorship by stripping away the stereotypes,” said Dr. Haridopolos, “and let all women know that it can happen to anyone at all levels of education and economics.” Many attending were strong supporters of SafeSpace. Guests included the Honorary Chair Alma Lee Loy as well as Mayor Pilar Turner, Sheriff Deryl Loar, Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan, and Gerri and Bob Ripp. The event was sponsored by Schlitt Insurance and Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. Dr. Haridopolos admitted she was a little nervous, but guests Debbie Bedell, Helen Robertson and Suzanne Bertman were quick to reassure her and let her know she was among a friendly audience. What is most obvious is the couple’s
real caring and the down-to-earth way they have chosen to get behind both SafeSpace and the Coalition for Domestic Violence. “When (Executive Director of the Coalition for Domestic Violence ) Tiffany Carr called me,” said Dr. Haridopolos. “I asked her what do you need? Tiffany told me no one else had asked her that since Jeb Bush,” she told the audience followed by friendly laughter. “There has not been an increase in funding in over a decade,” said Carr. “With Stephanie and Mike’s help we not only have increased that budget to an extra million dollars per year of re-occurring funding, they have also advocated three new bills this last year.” Guests rose to give Dr. Haridopolos a standing ovation as she finished sharing her story. “She is just so brave to come forward like this,” said SafeSpace CEO Jill Borwicz. For more information about SafeSpace visit www.safespacefl.org.
Harold Scott, Dr. Erika McLean, Mark Riordan, Donna Fabean, Rebecca & Clell Boyer
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON
Jennifer Loar, Beverly Jones and Inez Frid
Jill Borowicz, Angie Francalancia and Tiffany Carr
23 !
READ THE PRESS JOURNAL
2 9 ,
M A R C H
GAIN PERSPECTIVE
2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H
Seven days a week the Press Journal’s experienced team of reporters and editors offer a comprehensive and balanced report of the news of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
N E W S W E E K L Y
Many of the members of the Press Journal news team, including editorial page editor Larry Reisman, have been covering local news for decades. Every member of the Press Journal’s team of reporters and editors is invested in the community. Reisman, a 27-year Press Journal veteran, is currently president of the Indian River Soccer Association, and has coached youth sports for 25 years.
“A responsible newspaper is the conscience of its community. We’re not here to control the agenda, but to insure people play by the rules, and to hold them accountable when they don’t. We report the stories and offer the commentary that can help lead to a better community.” Editorial Page Editor, Larry Reisman
FOR CONVENIENT HOME DELIVERY CALL (866) 707-6397 Subscribe today and receive a $10 gift card to Publix, Walgreens or the Village Beach Market This offer is for non-subscribers who have not received home delivery within the last 30 days.
2 0 1 2
!
24
SOCIAL | LIFESTYLE
Garden Club show a gift to the community
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
CHRISTINA TASCON VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
With ten classes and four entries in each class, the Garden Club of Indian River County had a lot of floral displays to judge for their annual flower show. On a quiet street in Old town of Vero Beach sits the Garden Club building which has been holding flower and horticulture shows there since 1928 when it was first established. Visitors wandered among the stunning displays of orchids, bromeliads, and arranged floral displays enjoying their unique beauty and the sweetly scented air. Every type of hanging and potted plant had also been judged and awarded ribbons in each category. Monti Jones of Monti’s Potpourri Flower Shop attended with her granddaughter, Sarah. “I brought Sarah here the first time when she was just five months old,” said Jones. Cathie Althoff, Garden Club president, was pleased to see how many came out to enjoy the show which does not charge any admission. “This is our gift back to the community,” Althoff said.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA TASCON
Tom and Kelley Leela and another guest, Linda Urban, marvel at the flowers in the garden
Sally Gawler won a first prize award
A visitor gazes at Best in Show by Jennifer Sauter
Robbie Breffle acts as a Garden Club hostess
25 !
Community Calendar Adams Ranch Tour & BBQ, 8:451:30 pm, meet at Ocean Discovery Center, $40-$50, reservations required. 772-242-2559.
EvEry Saturday ! Oceanside Business Association
Farmer’s Market, 8 am-noon. Ocean Dr. & Dahlia Ln. 772-532-2455. FirSt Friday ! Downtown Gallery Art Stroll
! “Find Your Fashion” Event
EvEry Sunday through april 1 ! Vero Beach Polo
Polo Grounds Field, 12th St. between 74th & 82nd Aves., 2 pm, $10+ per car. 772-778-222 through april 30 ! Sculpting Nature
30 large scale art pieces in McKee Botanical Gardens, 350 S US 1, $5-$9, 772-794-0601. March 29 ! Humane Society’s “Cause for Paws”
Fundraiser, Thursday Preview Party, 6:30-8:30 pm, $125 each, Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. 772-388-3331 x26. ! Alzheimer Caregiver Day of Hope
Educational conference, Vero Beach Country Club, 800, 30th St., 8:30 am-12:30 pm, $10. 772-563-0505. March 30 ! Humane Society’s “Cause for Paws”
Fundraiser, Charity Auction, 6-8 pm, $125 each, Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. 772-388-3331 x26. THURSDAY, MAR. 29
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. ! Casino Magnifique
Benefits the Sun Up Center, 6:30 pm, Vero Beach Elks Club, 1350 26th St., cocktails, Vegas style gaming, live music. 772-770-6626. March 31 ! Road Rally Magnifique
Benefits the Sun Up Center, 8:30 am registration, noon line up, Sun Up Center, 2455 5th St. SW. 772770-6626. ! Private Garden Tour
By Garden Conservancy, 5 home gardens in Vero Beach, 10 am-4 pm, $5 per garden, children under 12 free. 888-842-2442. ! Exhibition Game
Triple-A Miami Marlins & NY Mets to benefit United Way, Holman Stadium, Vero Beach Sports Village, $5. Call Michael Kint,
FRIDAY, MAR. 30
SATURDAY, MAR. 31
772-567-8900 or email Michael. Kint@unitedwayirc.org. ! City of VB Recreation Dept.
Easter Egg Hunt at Mulligan’s Beach House, kids up to 9 years old, free, 10 am, bring an Easter basket. 772-567-2144. ! Golden Oldies Dance Party
Fundraiser, St Helen Parish Center, 2050 Vero Beach Ave., $15, DJ Jerry and the Dolls, byob, 772299-6199. ! Touch-A-Truck Family Festival
Childcare Resources & Exchange Club, IRC Fairgrounds, 10 am-3 pm, $5, family fun, games & entertainment. 772-567-3202. ! Gems Jam
Dave Mason concert, Pointe West 1999 Pointe West Dr., 5-10 pm, $10-$15. Tickets 772-794-9912.
SUNDAY, APRIL 1
! Oceanside Business Association
Free Beach Concert Series, Ocean Dr., 5:30-8:30 pm, live band, food, refreshments, family fun. 772532-7983. ! Traditional Chinese Mo Ku
Brushwork Demo by Marcy VonKohorn, free, 11 am-2 pm, Darby Fine Art, 1902 14th Ave., proceeds of demo art sales go to VBAC Scholarship Fund. 772-480-0491. april 8 ! Navy League Dinner
5:45 p.m. Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., $28, all welcome, speaker Frank Partell author of modern naval fiction. 772-231-6101. april 11 ! Homeless Family Center
Spring Luncheon, Bent Pine Golf Club, speaker Lauren Chapin from “Father Knows Best,” $50. 772567-5537 ext 326. To submit your calendar listing please email: verobeachnewsweekly@gmail.com
MONDAY, APRIL 2
TUESDAY, APRIL 3
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
81O 61O
83O 64O
84O 66O
83O 66O
83O 67O
84O 67O
79O 65O
Winds: SSE 5 mph chance of rain 10%
Winds: SE 6 mph chance of rain 10%
Winds: S 7 mph chance of rain 10%
Winds: SW 11 mph chance of rain 20%
Winds: SSE 9 mph chance of rain 30%
Winds: SE 11 mph chance of rain 0%
Winds: EnE 12 mph chance of rain 0%
N E W S W E E K L Y
At Vero Beach Outlets, 9 am-2 pm, Children’s Home Society accepting donations for chances for $5,000 prize trip noon-2 pm. 772770-6097.
B E A C H
Art galleries and businesses open house receptions. Free. 772-2991234.
V E R O
Hometown Benefit Concert, Vero Beach High School Citrus Bowl, 8 pm, for tickets call 866-333-7623. Info 561-394-9190.
!
april 7 ! Jake Owen
2 0 1 2
From 3-6 pm, downtown Vero, corner 14th Ave. & 21st St. 772480-8353.
2 9 ,
april 3 ! Harbor Branch Oceanographic
M A R C H
EvEry Friday ! Farmer’s Market
26
Highwaymen art finding new found appreciation
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
SOCIAL | LIFESTYLE
STAFF PHOTO
Highwaymen art collector Roger Lightle with wife Pattama. Lightle has been collecting Highwaymen art since 1999 and has about 50 paintings. hJMYGZTNV xTV wTHC dUX\HJX WMJ \ rJX\H eP\QQ dMEN@
a>BO9PJCL r>:J<:JP oJ>NP:B>, rGGNC ol pB>CNGG
• Do you enjoy great musicals performed by Broadway actors? • Isn’t it amazing you are within 15 minutes of a Broadway experience for nearly half the cost? • Do you enjoy side-splitting laughter
oU^ T] }QTb_LbJ>P \Q^bO^PO ]bQ`^P* ~ yNUUJ j[ZU\ wbSS^U^_ TU O[^ gbJ OT O[^ yTQNV ZP WZ\[O* ]bPO)Sb`^_* LZOOJ* ZQQ^M^Q^UO bU_ TU^ T] O[^ ]NUUZ^PO VN) PZ`bWP ^M^Q LQZOO^Up y^bONQZU\ b PO^WWbQ `bPO* ZU`WN_ZU\ {bUb kUJ_^Q 5rbK }ZbWJPOT`X% bU_ lTU gZPZUPXZ 5yQbUI sZ^aXZU_% ]QTV j[^ nQT_N`^QP L[T Q^ONQU ZU O[^ QTW^P T] nP^N_TWNP bU_ rbQ`NP sJ`NPp
rNPZ` • sJQZ`P aJ kO^S[^U kTU_[^ZV }TTX aJ }NQO k[^M^WTM^ • sbQQJ x^WabQO
oS^UP ~SQZW D9 nQ^P^UOZU\ kSTUPTQ
kSQZU\wZWW kNZO^P aJ rbQQZTOO
**9#9}%#(||! if fpbtfepvtdqtydft#wik }9"! fpbtfepvt hyfn vfpbtu btfi xtywq
BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
Their paintings have become an iconic testament to Florida’s natural beauty and their story is a compelling and ongoing chapter in Florida and American history. They are “The Highwaymen,” a vagabond group of primarily self-taught Afro-American artists from the Fort Pierce area who traveled Florida’s east coast to sell their paintings door-to-door and from roadsides in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The 26 artists, which included one woman, painted idyllic Florida landscapes on simple Upson and Masonite board and framed their works with crown molding and other handfashioned borders. Painting rapidly and prolifically, the Highwaymen captured serene “Eden-like” scenes on canvas which primarily depicted archetypal rather than actual Florida locations although some actual sites such as River Road were painted. The oil paintings were often still wetwhen they were offered for sale at
an average of $5-$25 each and some artists produced up to 10 paintings per week. Because of racial conditions prevalent in Florida during the pre-civil rights era, galleries would not represent the artists’ works. Despite this, the Highwaymen were influenced and encouraged by Florida landscape artist A. E. “Bean” Backus who gave art lessons to Highwayman Alfred Hair. Barrier island resident Roger Lightle, a former developer and contractor who also serves as a lieutenant for the county’s fire-rescue department, is one of the area’s most knowledgeable collectors of Highwaymen art. “Imagine what it took to walk up to a house in a white neighborhood and knock on someone’s door to ask them if they wanted to buy a painting. I have spoken to the artists and they tell me that sometimes they were greeted with the “n” word,” Lightle said. Local author/photographer Gary CONTINUES ON PAGE 27
s?;= u oD;O?;TKDGOD;
CONTINUES ON PAGE 28
d
N E W S W E E K L Y
It may be based on a children’s fairytale performed by youngsters, but Rapunzel and Me,” now playing at Riverside Children’s Theatre through April 15 is a very grown up and professional re-telling of that classic tale. The production reaches those lofty standards thanks to the immense talents of RCT director Kevin Quillinan, who wrote the show; Riverside Theatre musical director Ken Clifton, who wrote the music and lyrics; and a cast of more than 30 young thespians, who bring the fairy tale to life and teach a few lessons about life along the way. For anyone who thinks this is
just some cute little kids’ show, I will say that, yes, the young performers are “cute” and then some. The poise and talent displayed on stage are inspirational to those of far less tender years. And the quality of the treatment in “refreshing” a classic fairy tale and setting it to music and dance is nothing short of world class. Quillinan and Clifton have collaborated on something very unique and special and by show’s end, I was left hoping that they can somehow take this production “on the road” all the way to Broadway. The story line and music are just that good. Opening night on March 23 filled the Anne Morton Theatre with proud parents, grandparents
B E A C H
BY BARBARA YORESH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
V E R O
‘Rapunzel and Me’ a grown up retelling of the fairy tale
!
as saleable – for example, a woman hanging wash on a line. They usually painted something over and over that was easily sold because that was their bread and butter and they had to make a living,” Lightle said. “I collect the ones that are the top of the line of the group and most average about 50 years old.” Lightle said that for him, Highwaymen art is transformational. “You work hard all day and then come home and look at these. It just takes you to another place,” he said. His passion for Highwaymen art inspired his own business – Florida Art Auctions, Inc. – which serves as a resource for those interested in beginning or expanding a collection of Highwaymen art. For more information, visit online at www.floridahighwaymenart.com or call (772) 473-2507.
2 0 1 2
“I couldn’t sleep that night after I’d seen the artwork. These guys have talent and a style that’s unique to the group. They were doing it to make a living but also doing it because they loved it,” Lightle said. “I bought the first one about 1999 and it’s become a passion to me.” Since that time, he has built a house specifically designed to showcase his important collection of about 50 Highwaymen paintings primarily done by Harold Newton and Alfred Hair. The two are generally considered by the genre’s experts to be its pre-eminent painters. Lightle’s collection represents the “best of the best” and includes several with rarely depicted subject matter not usually associated with the more typical Highwaymen landscape scenes. “Some scenes were, perhaps, not
2 9 ,
Monroe said that although the era of segregation transitioning into civil rights was difficult, the artwork helped transcend the racial climate of those times. “The paintings assuaged the racial aspects. It was about the paintings,” he said. Awareness of the Highwaymen and their unique “Indian River School” of art has gained national and even international attention. Influenced by Backus’ more classically rendered landscapes, the Highwaymen developed something of a “hybrid” form of painting which romanticized the Florida landscape. The 26 Highwaymen are credited with having produced more than 100,000 paintings during a period from the 1950s – ‘80s.
According to Lightle, National Public Radio (NPR) has committed to presenting a three-part series on the Highwaymen and NPR representatives will be visiting the Fort Pierce area beginning in April to conduct interviews with the artists, with experts on Highwaymen art including Monroe and Lightle. Monroe, who has authored three books about the Highwaymen, is excited about the NPR project. “They have credibility and do everything right,” Monroe said. Lightle, who grew up in Hollywood and moved to Fort Pierce in 1976, had always loved the Florida landscapes made famous by Backus whose works were “out of my price range.” When he viewed his friend’s collection of major Highwaymen works, he became captivated by their renderings.
! M A R C H
HIGHWAYMAN FROM PAGE 26
27
28
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
ARTS|ENTERTAINMENT
“Rapunzel and Me” is playing at Riverside Children’s Theatre through April 15.
RAPUNZEL FROM PAGE 27
and others who sat spellbound throughout the two-act musical. In anticipation of a reception for young cast members following the show, many sat gripping cellophane-wrapped floral bouquets to present to their young star. There were nearly enough flowers in the audience to build a Tournament of Roses Parade float. For those who may have forgotten the Grimms Brothers story, “Rapunzel” is the story of a girl locked away in a tower to “protect” her from the ills of the world. The fair-haired lass’ tresses are so long, they serve as a kind of rope ladder and when Rapunzel “let’s down her hair,” her adoptive Mother Grimm (Lilla Stawara) and later Prince Archibald (Skyler Granito) can climb to her tower room. Alas, a girl can get lonely up there all alone for years on end and Rapunzel (Taylor Beckmann) yearns
to get “My Feet on the Ground” and learn for herself if Mother Grimm’s admonition that “people are mean, cruel and can’t be trusted” is really true. Surely, thinks Rapunzel, there “must be some good out in this world.” It is this yearning to end loneliness, find truth and to write one’s own life story that unfolds not only for Rapunzel, but also for the young Prince Archibald who finds his young royal life bound by expectation. He must honor his “duty” to go through with a marriage to the very snarky Lady Bertha (deliciously played by Jacqs Carroll) that was arranged by their parents when they were both babies. But, this is, after all, a fairy tale, and while these fantastic stories tend to be allegories for life, they usually also have happy endings. Rapunzel and Me explores overly protective parents and young adult children who need to find their own way and life story. The
show beautifully examines family estrangement and how, if there is willingness, there can be reconciliation and reunion to write yet another life chapter -- together this time. The clever, revolving sets and scenic backdrops designed by Tim Billman perfectly capture the essence of Rapunzel’s tower and the pomp of the royal court, thanks, too, to costume design by April Bowman and wig design by Jaime Billman. The cast was capably choreographed by Angelo Cerniglia, who guided the young hoofers through some truly delightful dance steps that was enhanced by the lighting design of Rob Siler. Other technical support was provided by Josh Schacht as sound designer; Katie Andrew as prop master and Patrick Schlitt as stage manager. One would be remiss not to mention Jamari Johnson Williams, who, as Phillip the Page, and re-
PHOTO SUPPLIED
splendent in lavender tights and costume, simply stole the show. A senior at Saint Edwards School, the 18-year-old plans to major in musical theatre and it is not difficult to imagine him gracing a Broadway stage in a few years. Johnson Williams has a stage presence which is compelling coupled with strong vocal and dancing skills; no doubt he’ll be a formidable “triple threat” in years to come. The audience’s pride in these young performers and delight in the show was felt in the positive and loving energy that filled the Anne Morton Theatre. It’s a notto-be-missed treat for the entire community. Rapunzel and Me, performs March 31, April 1, 14 & 15 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-16 for adults and $5-8 for students. The Anne Morton Theatre is located at 3280 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach. For more information, call the box office at (772) 231-6990.
29
ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT
VERO BEACH THEATRE GUILD 772-562-8300 2020 San Juan Ave verobeachtheatreguild.com Mar 15-Apr 1: Titanic the Musical, 2, 7 & 8 pm
SPONSORED BY '2*!
) 1 # # - $ ' $ + 12 2 ) -
/"(&,.0".%"( (",)#+. %$!.-#&#*' '*)#*'
Six Speakers · October-April
1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach (772)778-5249 www.TheEmersonCenter.org
N E W S W E E K L Y
VERO BEACH OPERA verobeachopera.org 772-569-6993 Box Office: 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org Mar 31: VBO Scholarship Student Piano Recital, Community Church, 1901 23rd St, 1 pm Apr 7: Live at the Met: Massenet’s Manon, noon, Majestic Theatre, $20-$25 Apr 14: Live at the Met: Verdi’s La Traviata, 1 pm, Majestic Theatre, $20-$25
B E A C H
SPACE COAST SYMPHONY Various Locations 321-536-8580 SpaceCoastSymphony.org Apr 21: Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies, Trinity Episcopal Church, 7 pm, 2365 Pine Avenue, 7 pm, $20
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 Apr 21: Children’s Art Festival, 10-3 pm, music, art activities, free admission
V E R O
Ayvar has developed an impressive repertoire of bilingual, cultural, folk and h i s to r i c a l tales as she preser ves the art of stor ytellCarrie Sue Ayvar ing. The show begins at 7 p.m. and admission is free.
RIVERSIDE THEATER 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com Stark Main Stage: Apr 12-May 6: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, 2 pm, 7:30 & 8 pm, $57-$73 Second Stage: Mar 19-29: Bridge and Tunnel, 2 pm & 8 pm, $40 Comedy Zone: Mar 30-31: Tim Statum and TBA, 7 pm & 9:30 pm, $15 Children’s Theatre: Mar 23-Apr 15: Rapunzel and Me, the Muzical, 3/23, 7:30 pm, 3/24, 3/25, 4/1, 4/14 & 4/14 1:30 pm, $10-$16
VERO BEACH CHORAL SOCIETY Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Avenue 772-494-5011 VeroBeachChoralSociety.org Apr 13 & 15: Songs of Spring, Concert & Art Debut, Men’s Ensemble Chorus with Music Inspired Art, $20 ($5/$10). Reception & Concert on 13th at 7:30 pm; Concert on 15th at 3 pm, art on exhibition in Great Hall after concert. Art auction Apr 27 at Northern Trust.
!
VERO BEACH -- Carrie Sue Ayvar will perform “Florida Stories with Latino Sabor (flavor)” on April 19 at the Emerson Center, the final presentation of the of the Emerson Center Humanities Series. A descendant of Eastern European Jews, Ayvar grew up in Pittsburg surrounded by stories. She moved to Mexico as a teenager, where she met her husband and discovered another world of stories among her newfound family and friends. Combining her childhood stories with those she has gathered during her time in Mexico and the U.S.,
EMERSON CENTER at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1590 27th Avenue 772-778-5249 TheEmersonCenter.org Mar 31: Bob Woodward, Celebrated Speakers Series, 4 & 7 pm, $65 Apr 19: Carrie Sue Ayvar, Florida Humanities Series, Free Apr 29: “Forever Kitten”, A Father Knows Best Remembrance by Lauren Chapin, 5 pm, $25/$30.
2 0 1 2
Carrie Sue Ayvar to present ‘Florida Stories’ at Emerson
SUNRISE THEATRE
116 South 2nd Street Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com Mar 31: Kevin Costner and Modern West, 8 pm, $49/$39 Apr 1: B.B. King, 7 pm, $75/$65 Apr 13: Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers, 8 pm (Black Box), $30 Apr 18: International Dance Sensation, “Burn the Floor,” 7 pm, $55/$49 Apr 21: One Night of Queen, 8 pm, $45/$39 May 6: Ziggy Marley, Wild and Free Tour, 7 pm, $39
2 9 ,
author. Her first book entitled “Father Does Know Best, The Lauren Chapin Story” was written in the late 1980s and curLauren Chapin rently she is writing her second book entitled “Pass the Past.” Her work lately has brought her back into the public light on such shows as “The Today Show,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and “The Late, Late Night Show.” She was also one of the three celebrity judges for Dancing with Vero’s Stars.
COMMUNITY CHURCH OF VERO BEACH
Community Concert Series 1901 23rd Street 772-778-1070 Mar 30: Concert for World Peace: John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children,” 7:30 pm, $25/$10 Apr 17: Chanticleer, 7:30 pm, $35/$15 students May 20: Spring Sing and Ring, Atlantic Childrens’ Chorale & Bell Ringers, 4 pm, suggested $15/$5
M A R C H
VERO BEACH -- Lauren Chapin will put on the premier performance of her one woman show “Forever Kitten” at the Emerson Center on April 29. Chapin, a Vero Beach resident, is known to millions of TV viewers as “Kathy ‘Kitten’ Anderson” from the classic “Father Knows Best” series. Her performance will provide an intimate look into her life. Chapin will transforms the Emerson Center stage into a cozy sitting room where she will exchange stories and answer questions as well as show a 25-minute film evoking memories of the past. Among the topics she will discuss will be the golden age of television as well as swap stories about her television family that includes the late Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, along with Elinor Donahue and Billy Gray. Chapin is also a published
!
Lauren Chapin to talk Entertainment Calendar about life as child actor
[O?C ^;6HO
Aromatherapy: to stay well just follow your nose LISA RYMER VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
As Americans become more aware of the costs and long term side effects of pharmaceutical remedies, people are seeking alternative ways to heal aches, pains and other ailments. Several area residents have developed their own lines of aromatherapy products, applying the ancient practice of using essential oils
from plants and other botanicals for their medicinal properties. “It’s not just about smelling good,” said Sebastian resident, Rita Bernstein, a silk painter and one of the artists in residence at Disney Resort and Spa, where she conducts demonstrations and teaches classes. Bernstein, a certified aromatherapist, has been making incense, perfumes and balms using or-
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
30
STAFF PHOTO
The benefits of aromatherapy can be both physiological and psychological.
ganic grade essential oils for the past ten years. Her products are made with pure essential oils from around the globe – devoid of herbicides and pesticides – that are distilled from plants, roots, berries, trees and flowers. “Essential oils can enter the body through the air via the nose and bronchial passages or can be absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream using massage,” said Bernstein. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system of the brain, “where our most primal feelings, urges and emotions reside,” she added. Essential oils are simply concentrated forms of the plant, which the body recognizes and is able to use the nutrients as a natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, etc. The benefits are both physiological and psychological. For instance, just a small amount of the lavender oil diffused into the air can have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Bernstein also makes a blend of lavender and sandalwood for traveling anxiety, which is delivered through a lipstick-size atomizer. Now, aromatherapy is beginning to be used more in institutional settings, such as at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. “This is not a new trend,” said Bernstein. “Aromatherapy has been seen as a valuable complement to conventional medicine in Europe for years, in palliative care, hospice and even in the treatment of cancer.” Although reluctant to recommend essential oils for particular ailments, due to the powerful nature of the products, she cautions people not to confuse the pure organics with the chemicalladen incense plug-ins and air freshener sprays available on grocery store shelves. People are becoming more aware of the danger of absorbing toxic chemicals by the body, whether from scent or through the skin. Nowadays, essential oils, such as tea tree oil, an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, are even being used in household cleaners. “Anything that enters the bloodstream is processed by the liver,” said Brenda Moreu, a master herbalist for 20 years and the owner of Spirit
ing aromatherapy blends for 20 years in Bre- 31 vard County, was faced with helping her father heal from knee surgery, she whipped up a concoction of jojoba oil and seven essential oils, the main one being marjoram. “Marjoram is good for healing, because it seeps into the ligaments and marrow and nourishes them,” said Deserres, whose objective was to reduce the need for pharmaceutical pain and anti-inflammatory medication. “The synergistic effect of the oils working together is better than any one working alone,” she says, urging people to become educated about aromatherapy before making their own mixtures. For inhalation of the oils, there are a variety of diffusers, vaporizers and burners on the market, as well as reeds, incense sticks and candles. Respiratory problems are best alleviated with essential oils, such as eucalyptus, delivered via an inhalation mechanism. Although there are no stores that sell pure essential oils in Vero Beach, you can learn more about Bernstein’s products at RitaAroma.com; Moreu’s aromatherapy blends can be purchased at the book store at Unity Church; and, Nature’s Spirit aromatherapy blends are available at Spark of the Divine. M A R C H 2 9 , 2 0 1 2
! V E R O B E A C H N E W S W E E K L Y
VERO STYLE smallest drop of lavender oil mixed with water or even olive oil. “A little goes a long way,” she says, warning that too much of a good thing can be harmful. She uses essential oils to make her own household cleaning products, rather than risk prolonged exposure to chemicals. Dryer sheets – which contain nothing but chemicals – can be replaced with a damp washcloth doused with a drop or two of your favorite smelling essential oil to infuse the clothes with the aroma. To prevent ant infestations, Moreu suggests washing countertops with a couple of drops of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is also an anti-spasmodic, making it good for reducing menstrual cramps, muscle pains and sports injuries. And instead of loading up on caffeine, Moreu likes any of the citrus oils for a little pick-meup, especially tangerine, which “brings joy when you’re in a bad mood,” she said. Using essential oils as a balm, salve or massage oil requires combining the products with an organic carrier, such as shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil or olive oil. When Doreen Deserres, who has been mak-
!
Sage, a company that develops salves, tinctures and sprays using organic and aroma-grade essential oils. Skin, the body’s largest organ, is very efficient at absorbing products into the blood stream, making it important to be aware when using deodorants and lotions. For instance, “anything you put on your feet will be distributed throughout your whole body within 20 minutes,” said Moreu, claiming a garlic clove held against the foot will result in garlic breath within the time frame indicated. The significance of the feet harkens back to Biblical times, where on several occasions it mentions the anointing of Jesus with essential oils that aided in spiritual awakening, as was the custom for holy men entering prayer. Aside from massage, baths and even foot baths are transdermal methods of absorbing the essential oils. Unlike adults, who have come to expect immediate results from popping a pill for a headache or a cold, children and pets are particularly receptive to aromatherapy because they don’t have that expectation. To assist with a baby that won’t go to sleep, Moreu recommends a foot massage using the
Service Directory Emergency Service 7 Days
Vero Beach Canine Country Club, Inc.
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
Exclusive Boarding and Daycare
Sales · Service · Repair
Certified Technicians · Maintenance Agreements Indoor Air Quality We Service All Makes & Models NO
(772) 778-4026
NO RUNS – FREE TO ROAM AND PLAY!
OVERTIME FEES!
845 7th Ave. #6, Vero Beach, FL 32960 www.alanac.com Licensed & Insured. Lic. #CAC1814730
wltyjtf : qtyldqptf oced rid tyeptf@
6750 73rd Street in Vero Beach · 772-978-9817 www.verobeachcaninecountryclub.com
Vero Beach Newsweekly Is Looking For
A Few Great Writers pSGG [< \BOS5 mB> r pGNSCN> = jNSG:KJN> \BFB>>B7
(4$"/+"#6 ,/+)-"#6 1"-*45"#6 2./#"#
"";l;!"l%##; %%%34//.&'*4&"!-"+*.-'*4./3$.0
Interested in joining our team? Contact Ian Love, Managing Editor 772-978-2251 · ian.love@scripps.com
6%-.+'2& "$-)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#
32
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
Sports
The competition continues for Lady Indians lacrosse BY MIKE BIELECKI VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
VERO BEACH – The Vero Beach High School girls’ lacrosse team heads across the state to St. Petersburg this weekend to play three of the top teams in the country in the AMLAX Challenge Tournament. The Fighting Indians, 7-1, are coming off a 15-5 loss to reigning national champion McDonogh School (MD.) at home. The loss was Vero Beach’s first in 69 games, a streak that dated back to 2009. In spite going undefeated last year and beating a few top-50 teams, Vero Beach finished just 15th in the national rankings. As a result, Coach Shannon Dean made sure to schedule the best competition he could find this year to challenge his team. “I made it a point in the offseason to schedule the best teams that I could,” Dean said. “The big name on the schedule was McDonogh, last year’s unofficial national champions. How better to gauge your program than to play
the best team in the country?” In spite of their 10-point loss to the national powerhouse, Vero Beach was competitive throughout the game. A surge late in the first half by the Fighting Indians brought the score to 8-4 at intermission. The second half was a display of complete team depth by McDonogh, as they smothered Vero Beach with their defense and caused a parade of ground balls. Dean and his team studied film from the game and have licked their wounds. They are ready to face stiffer competition from five other top out-of-state programs. “The six out-of-state opponents we’re facing this season are some of the best from their respective regions and in the country,” Dean said. “The three we play in St. Petersburg, Archbishop Carroll (PA.) and St. Stephen/St. Agnes (VA.) have reputations that precede them. We also play Milton High School (GA.), six-time and current Georgia state champions.” Vero Beach plays Upper Dublin
(PA.) and Sacred Heart (NY) to warm up for in-state rival Oviedo, whom they play in the regular season finale. “There is a high level of expectation here at Vero for our team,” Dean said. “On a personal level, as a coach, I’m really excited about
the schedule we have facing all of these unbelievable opponents. Win or lose, I love coaching these big games. It is fun to prepare your team; it is fun to get them mentally and physically ready for them. My staff and I are constantly preparing for that next game.”
Superior Auto Service Family Owned and Operated “Old Fashioned Service” Superior Auto Service employs ASE Master Mechanics to provide diagnostic and repair services on all American, European & Asian vehicles. We install premium and original equipment parts only!
We Specialize in Restoring Classic Cars, including: Mercedes Benz Rolls Royce Muscle Cars
Owner Bill Marion, a certified ASE Master Mechanic, has been repairing vehicles in Vero Beach since 1987 at the same location.
1212 23rd St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 569-1410 www.verobeach.com
PHOTO BY MICHAEL BIELECKI
Vero Beach midfielder Mackenzie Smith races past a McDonogh defender in a game against the No. 1 high school team in the country.
33
SPORTS
! M A R C H
IRSA spring recreation soccer numbers surge
2 9 , 2 0 1 2 ! V E R O B E A C H
Nearly 500 players signed up to participate in the spring season at the Indian River Soccer Association. Opening day for the 75 teams was last Saturday. BY MIKE BIELECKI VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -The 26th year of the Indian River Soccer Association kicked off in style last Saturday to perfect weather, a dramatic increase in player registration and a full slate of competition. Longtime IRSA volunteer Dick Aldrich was pleased with how opening day went at the organization’s fields at Hobart Park. “We’re up 50 percent registration-wise, with a little bit less than 500 kids registering for recreation leagues spread out over 75 teams,” Aldrich said. “The increase in numbers from the fall isn’t usual, because spring is also lacrosse, baseball, softball and tee-ball season. Usually this is the slower time of year.” Aldrich attributes IRSA’s high
registration numbers to a change in the organization’s pre-season marketing campaign, as well as a result of a stronger economy. “We did two things differently this season,” Aldrich said. “We had a camp about a week ago, and in conjunction with that camp, we also sent out fliers through all the schools -- twice. Kids liked the camp and they jumped into the recreation league. The extra advertising through the fliers really helped, too. If you can get parents to pay $100 for their 4-year-olds to play soccer, you must be doing something right.” IRSA also partnered with Sports Authority to hold player registration at its Vero Beach store. The store gave IRSA money for clipboards, soccer balls and general fund usage. “The whole organization has be-
come bigger, as there are hundreds more kids who play soccer here now,” said volunteer U-6 and U-12 girls coach Charlie Garrett, Jr. “The kids are all excited to get their uniforms and socks today, and also to go out and play with their friends for the first time this season.” Opening day for soccer is just as exciting for him now as it was when he was playing in the thenfledgling organization 26 years ago. Over that time, Garrett has seen the organization grow from playing with short-handed teams on makeshift fields surrounding the high school, to the huge megacomplex at Hobart Park. He’s also seen a wider variety of kids come to the fields to compete. “The skill set of these kids, collectively, is a lot broader,” Garrett said. “There are kids out here who could eventually play on a compet-
itive team, but there are also some kids out here who are playing soccer for the first time. You have kids who are entering their eighth year of soccer playing with kids who are doing well by heading down the field in the right direction.” Even though IRSA has very competitive teams, the majority of the teams it fields are through its recreation leagues. These leagues are completely run by volunteer officers, commissioners and coaches. “We had plenty of volunteers today handing out the uniforms and telling people where to go for their games,” Aldrich said. “We’ve got coaches who any given day, might get 35 kids and decide they need to play on a bigger field. The commissioners of each league try to give these coaches enough flexibility so they can keep it ‘F-U-N’ for the kids.”
N E W S W E E K L Y
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BIELECKI
pKDKDM
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
34
Johnny D’s: Family tradition continues at South Beach bistro BY MARK JOSEPH VERO BEACH NEWSWEEKLY
A few weeks ago while dining at the Pomodoro Grill, we learned the owners were planning to open a new Italian bistro not too far away. In fact, the new bistro, which includes an Italian market and deli, was to be named after John DeChellis, an Amelio family member who passed away last summer. Driving into the parking lot of Johnny D’s located on the west side of A1A just south of the 17th Street Bridge, it was very clear this establishment had just opened. The exterior was squeaky clean with sparkling clear windows and a brand new sign. Walking into Johnny D’s was a bit confusing at first, directly ahead were deli counters offering fresh cheeses, meats and creations from the kitchen and to the left, a small gourmet food section that included a small but impressive selection of fine wines. To our right was the small formal dining area and just in front, an open kitchen which seemed rather large for this small restaurant and deli. Our appetites were huge this evening and in looking at the list of starters there were several that caught our eye; one that was very familiar and one that sounded very intriguing. The mussels arrived swimming in a sweet Sambuca sauce and included was a trio of sautéed green, orange and red julienne bell peppers and leeks. The mussels were fresh and tender and aside from only one which was unopened and should have been discarded, the plate was simply marvelous. The intriguing appetizer was grilled prosciutto wrapped in house-made fresh mozzarella and beefsteak tomatoes. This bountiful dish included red onions marinated in basil with a blood orange balsamic glaze. Delicately grilled slices of prosciutto were wrapped around large slices of sweet tomatoes. Nestled between each layer was a thick slice of delicious home-made mozzarella cheese. This was far more than your typical tomato Caprese salad. The generous side of fresh greens was
STAFF PHOTO
Johnny D’s is located at on the west side of A1A just south of the 17th Street Bridge.
cleverly tied with nothing more than strands of fresh red onion and when released -- presto! A nice fresh salad was revealed that was perfect with the remaining balsamic reduction. A side of dressing was also included. The catch of the day included several tempting selections; however since we were dining at a new restaurant owned by a family well known for fine Italian food, for our choice of entrees we decided to stick with traditional fare. Our selections were Maryland blue crab ravioli crawfish and penne vegetariano. The penne vegetariano (pasta with vegetables) included grilled eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, portabella mushrooms, tomatoes and gorgonzola cheese. Although the sausage was not made in house, my dinner companion still wanted to include it with his penne and vegetables and requested it be added to this dish. Later, we were pleasantly surprised to learn the addition of sausage to this dish added only $2.50 to the final bill. In old Italy, pasta and vegetables together with sausage could be considered by some as a tradi-
tional peasants’ dish, however this modern day version was definitely fit for a king. A heaping plate of penne, perfectly cooked vegetables and chunks of casing-free, spicy sausage made this a terrific choice for dinner and finished with gorgonzola cheese in a delicate tomato sauce, the huge plate of food was definitely large enough to share. It’s often difficult for me to pass up ravioli and when spotted on the menu, I’m glad I yielded to my temptation. The Maryland blue crab ravioli was a nice large portion of large house-made pasta, stuffed with blue crab meat and finished in a braised mirepoix, with a spicy Cajun cream sauce and sherry. The sauce clung to the ravioli perfectly and the Cajun seasoning added just the right amount of kick. The robust ravioli was topped off with a surprising garnish: a steamed red crawfish, with meat so tender it practically fell away from the shell. I’ve never had crawfish this tender and this juicy. I’m wondering if Johnny D’s would consider adding crawfish as a separate seasonal dish? After thoroughly enjoying both the appetiz-
35 !
Bistro Hours: Lunch: 11AM-2PM, Monday-Saturday
Reservations accepted for parties of 6 or more
2 0 1 2
Most major credit cards accepted
! V E R O B E A C H
Cuisines of Vero Lemon Tree – Love it!
great breakfast, great lunch, great dinner Springtime Cravings Cookies- Shop before they hop! Waffle Cone Wednesday- Buy One, Get One FREE!
TCN2683893
• Breakfast • Lunch • Lite Dinner • Dessert Indoor & Outdoor Seating 7 days 6:30am-10pm
Visit our online catalog at
www.cravingscookies.com
3149 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach 231-0208
Sunday Traditions and Weekdays Specials
Simple, Savory & Seaside Offering a menu directly sourced from local farmers, fisherman and artisanal purveyors.
Weekly Sunday Brunch Starting January 8th 9:30am - 3:00pm Only $24.95* per person
Weekly 3 course Prex-Fixe Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Only $21.95* per person
Friendly, clean, excellent food and service. Beer and Wine. Homemade soups and desserts. Children’s menu available. Breakfast: Mon.-Sat. 7 am - 11 am Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11 am - 2:30 pm Sunday Breakfast: 7:30 am - noon Dinner: 5 pm - ’til close 3125 OCEAN DRIVE, VERO BEACH | 772.231.0858 WWW.LEMONTREEVERO.COM
jta ^tyfu jta vypl^ vtyle yjv tbtjde kMNY\C eEXXH eH\JH5 0" ZUXW$I ZUMTZX YXIIXJHI dGXIY\C q\QW MWW \QQ [MHHQXI MW ETNX LJTZXY 0%!! MJ QXII aXYNXIY\C aTNX vMEN aXYNXIY\C5 \QQ UMGIX ETNX VQ\II LMGJI 0" \QQ Y\C dUGJIY\C dUTJIHC dUGJIY\C5 XDHXNYXY q\LLC qMGJ YJTNRI GNHTQ (5}!LP sJTY\C kJ# kMHMEN wGJHTI qTQQ LQ\CTNV \H *LP TN HUX wM[\QH lMGNVX e\HGJY\C 0( xQMMYC k\JCI YGJTNV [JGNZU eGNY\C xMHHMPQXII kTPMI\I \H [JGNZU WMJ 09!
eXJFTNV xJX\RW\IHu lGNZUu vTNNXJu q\LLC qMGJ \NY aXXRXNY xJGNZU jXE q\LLC qMGJ HTPXu /5}!~(LP@@
3244 Ocean Drive | Vero Beach | 32963 HOTEL DIRECT: 772.562-9919 | The WAVE Kitchen & Bar: 772.410.0100 | SPA: 772.410.0100 costadeste.com | Facebook.com/Costadestebeachresort * prices do not include tax or gratuity
}"!! iZX\N vJTFX bXJM xX\ZUu sl }9|(} **9#/(|#%!(!
N E W S W E E K L Y
Now Open for Dinner Ocean Drive
2 9 ,
Dinner: 5PM-9PM, Monday-Sunday
M A R C H
ers and entrees’ we were curious: Could Johnny D’s desserts be as equally as impressive? The answer to that was a resounding yes! Our choices included the chocolate tartufo, which was a chocolate covered shell, filled with rich ice cream and complemented with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. A tartufo may not be well known by some, but it will soon be well known by many, once enjoyed here. Finally, when dining out Italian, one simply cannot pass up tiramisu and though this version
DINING was one of the simplest of presDinner for two entations we’ve ever seen, the tibefore tip: $80 ramisu’s creamy texture and distinct flavor of espresso made this popular dessert, decadent, dreamy Johnny D’s and delicious. Market & Bistro In only two weeks of opening, Restaurant, market the food at Johnny D’s this night and gourmet deli excelled on every level and provid1409 S. A1A, ing some minor glitches in service Vero Beach, FL 32963 are quickly worked out, we antici772-234-4181 pate this new beachside bistro and deli to become very popular very Market Hours: quickly. In fact, I’ve already added 9AM-9PM Monday-Saturday Johnny D’s to my list of Vero’s Best 10AM-9PM Sunday Bites!
36
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
!
Obituaries June Ann West June Ann West, 52, died March 14, 2012, at her home. She was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach for 20 years, coming from Cheshire, Conn. She worked as a home health aide for many years. She belonged to the The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints in Vero Beach. Survivors include her brothers, William Fairbrother of Meriden, Conn. and Michael Fairbrother of Florida; and sisters, Marsha Longofono of Topeka, Kan., Mary Frano of Colchester, Conn., Roberta Curtis of Middlefield, Conn., and Colleen Gagne of Cheshire. Memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3980 12th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 Se A guestbook is available at www. Coxgiffordseawinds.com. Richard D. Medley Richard D. Medley, 88, died March 17, 2012, at Atlantic Healthcare Center, Vero Beach. He was born in Somerville, Mass., and lived in Vero Beach for 22 years, coming from Arlington, Mass. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in business administration and history. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Knights of Columbus Council 12141, Vero Beach, and a past treasurer of the Vista Gardens Condo Association in Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Eileen Medley of Vero Beach; sons, Stephen J. Medley of Tampa and Richard F. Medley of Haverhill, Mass.; daughters, Karen E. Medley of Haverhill and Mary A. Medley Taff of North Andover, Mass.; four granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Resource Associa-
tion, (Meals on Wheels), 694 14th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
Stephen J. Naumann Stephen J. Naumann, 85, passed away on March 18, 2012 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Rainey Naumann, his children: Nancy Naumann Vanore (Bob), Stephen J. Naumann Jr. (Chris), and Susan Mary Naumann; his grandchildren Stephen (Theresa), Kaitlin and Daniel Naumann, Matthew and Michelle Vanore and great grandson Stephen Dexter Naumann Born in Paterson, NJ, he had been a resident of Vero Beach for 23 years. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Navy. Prior to his retirement in 1989, he had been employed by Sears- Roebuck for 39 years . After raising their children in Oakland, NJ, Steve and Betty retired to Vero Beach, FL in 1989. He was a parishioner at Holy Cross Catholic Church , where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Elks Lodge #1774 in Vero Beach. He enjoyed many years of new friendships and social activities at the club house, playing golf, special family cruises, afternoons at the arcade and Monday night poker. Steve will always be remembered for telling a good joke. He was pre-deceased by his father, Det. Stephen P. Naumann, his mother, Mary Smith Naumann and sister, Eileen Naumann Sanders. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 at the Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrat-
ed March 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach. Contributions as a Memorial may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 An online Guestbook is available at www.strunk funeralhome.com.
Heidi Lynn North Heidi Lynn North, 25, died March 16, 2012, at home. She was born in Fort Lauderdale and lived in Vero Beach since 1990. She attended St. Helen Catholic School and John Carroll Catholic High School. She was a licensed aesthetician and worked at Mark’s At The Pointe Salon & Boutique. Survivors include her parents, Wendell and Debbie North of Vero Beach; sister, Ashlee Brooke Castle of North Port; and her fiance, Richard Joseph Maragni. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Indian River County, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961. A guestbook is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
Theresa Petrillo Theresa Petrillo, 96, died March 21, 2012, at Indian River Medical Center. She was born in New Haven, Conn., and moved to Vero Beach two years ago, coming from Middletown, Conn. She volunteered with the Senior Resources Congregate Meals, Vero Beach, and had once served on the executive board of International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She was of the Catholic faith. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Petrillo of Vero Beach; sons, John DeLucia of Port St. Lucie and David DeLucia of Sebring; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. An online guestbook may be signed at www. lowtherfuneralhome.com.
Patricia Koby Patricia Margaret Koby, 85, died March 22, 2012, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach. She was born in Akron, Ohio, and lived in Vero Beach for 21 years, coming from Tallmadge, Ohio. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, where she also was a former Eucharistic minister and Jessie M. Silvis a former member of the Legion of Jessie M. Silvis, 83, died on Mary. Survivors include her husMarch 16, 2012, at Palm Gardens band of 63 years, Leonard P. Koby Nursing Home. She was born of Vero Beach; sons, Michael E. in Corbin, Ky. and lived in Vero Koby of Concord, Calif., and Kevin Beach for 10 years, coming from C. Koby of Vero Beach; and three Milan, Ind. She worked for a pot- grandchildren. Memorial contribupourri manufacturing plant for tions may be made to Visiting Nurse many years. Survivors include a Association & Hospice Foundation, daughter, Tina Adams of West- 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL port, Ind.; sisters, Cleta Isaacs of 32960. A guestbook is available at Pineville, Ky., and Louise Wag- www.strunkfuneralhome.com. ner of Brookville, Ind.; brother, John Maroney Curtis Burton of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; three grandchildren; and John “Jack” Maroney, 64, died four great-grandchildren. A guest March 21, 2012, at his home. He book is available at www.coxgif- was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and lived in Vero Beach since 2003, fordseawinds.com.
37
OBITUARIES
! N E W S W E E K L Y
Thomas R. Hall Thomas R. Hall, 58, died March 9, 2012, at his home. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived in Vero Beach for 15 years, coming from St. Petersburg. Survivors include his sisters, Laura, Margaret, Caroline and Vida; and brothers, Charles, Edward and Andy. A guestbook is available at www. lowtherfuneralhome.com.
B E A C H
Lillian Marie Foti Lillian Marie Foti, 88, died March 22, 2012, at her home. She was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and lived in Fort Pierce for 22 years, coming from Yonkers, N.Y. She belonged to St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Louis Foti; and sister, Margaret Hedding, both of Fort Pierce. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation, c/o Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997. A guest book is available at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
V E R O
Carl Phelps Carl Phelps, 78, of Vero Beach, FL died March 18, 2012. He was born and spent the first part of his life in Cincinnati. He lived 23 years in the Miami Florida and several years in Cairo Egypt. The last 25 years he has lived in Vero Beach. H is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Al) Gonzalez of PlantationL and son, Ronnie (Susie) Phelps of Plantation; 3 grandchildren, Eric Shephard, Kelly Phelps, Cody Phelps. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd Street, New York, Caroline Chamberlain NY 10016 www. kidney.org or Make-A-Wish Foundation SouthE. Caroline Chamberlain, 88, ern Florida Chapter 4491 S. State died March 22, 2012, in Vero Road 7, Suite 201 Ft. Lauderdale, Beach. She was born in Revere, FL 33314 http://sfla.wish.org/. Mass., and moved to Vero Beach in 2000. She served in the Navy Conrad R. Surprenant during World War II. Before reConrad R. Surprenant, 89 , tirement, she worked for many died March 21, 2012 at Consu- years at Jordan Marsh in Boston. late Health Care of Vero Beach. She was a member of the Red Hat Mr. Surprenant was born May Society at The Club at Vero Beach. 14, 1922 in New Bedford, Mass. She was a 1944 graduate of Revere and moved to Vero Beach many High School. Survivors include years ago, coming from Warham, her sons, Bruce F. Chamberlain Mass. He was the president of the of North Carolina and Wayne P. Ocean Harbor Marina Associa- Chamberlain of Conway, N.H.; tion and was a parishioner at Saint daughters, Joyce E. Simpson of ReHelen Catholic Church. Survivors vere and Cheryl Ann Dowdell of include his wife Lorraine Surpre- Vero Beach; seven grandchildren; nant of Vero Beach; sons Alan and 10 great-grandchildren. MeSurprenant of Ashfield, Mass., morial contributions may be made and Kenneth Riley of Colchester, to Alzheimer and Parkinson AsConn.; daughter Karen Ripley of soc. of Indian River, 2300 Fifth Ave, Fairhaven, Mass., and brother Dr. Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Edga Surprenant of Rolling Hills, Dr. Robert J. Fallon Calif.; four grandchildren; one great grandchild and Taffy II his Dr. Robert J. Fallon, 83, died beloved dog. Memorial Contribu- March 21, 2012, at Indian River tions may be made to Alzheimer’s Medical Center. He was born in Association , P.O. Box 96011, Fitchburg, Mass., and lived in
!
Gilberto Caban Jr. Gilberto Caban Jr., 37, died March 22, 2012. He was born in Smithtown, N.Y., and lived in Vero Beach for 11 years, coming from Long Island, N.Y. He was of the Protestant faith. He worked as a carpenter. Survivors include his wife, Margaret of Vero Beach; daughter, Ashley Caban of Vero Beach; mother, Henrietta Leclercq of Vero Beach; father, Gilberto Caban Sr. of Utica, N.Y.; brothers, Jose, Anthony, Christopher and Carlos; sisters, Jennifer, Kyo, Aja and Kim; and one godson. A guestbook is available at www. lowtherfuneralhome.com.
Lunenburg, Mass. He was a winter resident of Vero Beach for 25 years. He served in the Army during the occupation of Japan from 1946-48. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Montreal School of Veterinary Medicine. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Madeleine M. Fallon of Lunenburg and Vero Beach; son, Dr. Michael J. Fallon of Lunenburg; daughters, Anne M. Leader and Carolyn M. McLaughlin, both of Leominster, Mass.; brother, Dr. Philip Fallon of Fitchburg; and six 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.
2 0 1 2
Lucille Ougheltree Lucille J. Ougheltree died March 21, 2012, in Vero Beach. She was born in Davenport, Iowa, and lived in Vero Beach for 15 years, coming from Mountain Lakes, N.J. Before retirement, she was a judicial secretary for the State of New Jersey. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Vero Beach. Survivors include her sons, Charles Edward Ougheltree of Crystal Lake, Ill., Stephen W. Ougheltree of Vero Beach and Robert F. Ougheltree of
Washington, DC 20090. Online condolences may be sent through www. coxgiffordsea winds. com.
2 9 ,
John McHale John L. McHale, 87, died Feb. 23, 2012, in Stamford, Conn. He was born in Philadelphia and lived on John’s Island in Vero Beach from 1989 to 2008. He graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and from Columbia University in New York. Before retirement, he worked for United Parcel Service in New York. While in Vero Beach, he organized tennis matches and foot races at John’s Island Club and taught computer skills in town at the nonprofit Senior Net organization. He was a member of the Holy Cross parish. Survivors include his wife, Genevieve G. McHale of Stamford; four children; and 11 grandchildren.
Ridgewood, N.J.; sister, Irene Beil of Vero Beach; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A guestbook is available at www. lowtherfuneralhome.com.
M A R C H
coming from Bethel, Conn. He was a mechanic with Velde Ford in Vero Beach and was featured in the Velde Ford commercials. Survivors include his daughters, Stacy O’Hara of Gaylordsville, Conn., and Jennifer Torres of Danbury, Conn.; stepdaughter, Danielle Howley of Bethel, Conn.; sisters, Joan Haines of Newington, Conn., and Deborah Lato of Orange Park; and seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A guestbook is available at www.seawindsfh.com.
38 2 0 1 2
!
Real Estate
V E R O
B E A C H
N E W S W E E K L Y
!
M A R C H
2 9 ,
Barrier Island Real Estate Sales – March 15-March 21
Address 1925 Anglers Cv 5300 Hwy. A1A, #403 1441 Ocean Dr., #110
Subdivision Anglers Cove Sea Watch Condo Oceanside
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
131 Seaspray Ln. Orchid Island 10/6/10 $2,500,000 3/16/12 $2,400,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. Joan Cook Orchid Island Realty, Inc. Bob Niederpruem
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
60 Beachside Dr., #302 Orchid Island 2/7/11 $1,995,000 3/15/12 $1,750,000 Orchid Island Realty, Inc. Bob Niederpruem Orchid Island Realty, Inc. Bob Niederpruem
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
823 Pembroke Ct. Orchid Island 1/20/12 $1,000,000 3/15/12 $1,000,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. Joan Cook Orchid Island Realty, Inc. Bob Niederpruem
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
1860 Cutlass Cove Dr. Moorings 11/2/11 $799,000 3/19/12 $750,000 The Moorings Realty Sales Co. Erika Ross Peters, Carlton & Mugford RE Bevin Mugford
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
1296 Island Club Sq. W Island Club Riverside 9/30/11 $449,000 3/16/12 $425,000 Norris & Company Debbie Bell Boca Executive Realty, LLC Cheryl Goff
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
9565 Maiden Ct. W Old Orchid 10/3/11 $389,000 3/15/12 $360,000 Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Macy Barcia Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Bobbie Holt
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent: List Date 2/23/11 11/9/11 1/3/11
4601 Bethel Creek Dr. Bethel Isle 3/28/11 $295,000 3/21/12 $281,000 Sheridan Network.com Cliff Glansen Sheridan Network.com Cliff Glansen List Price Sell Date $275,000 3/16/12 $219,000 3/20/12 $159,900 3/21/12
Sell Price $245,250 $190,000 $150,000
Address: 615 Conn Way Subdivision: Bethel by the Sea List Date: 3/15/12 List Price: $230,000 Sell Date: 3/19/12 Sell Price: $262,500 Listing Broker: Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB Listing Agent: Sharon Noblet-Wininger Selling Broker: Norris & Company Selling Agent: Gretchen Hanson Listing Broker/Agent Selling Broker/Agent RE/MAX Beach and Beyond/Tina Carone Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB/Dustin Haynes Norris & Company/Cheryl Burge Starfish Real Estate - Vero/Lori Schoonover Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc./Beverly Cambron Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc./Dick Davis
Mainland Real Estate Sales – March 15-March 21 Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
Address 5465 Corsica Pl. 732 Cleveland St.
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent: Subdivision List Date Isles at Waterway Village 9/10/11 River Oaks Townhouse 4/27/09
7 Royal Palm Pointe, 2W Royal Palm Pointe 2/18/11 $799,000 3/16/12 $725,000 Norris & Company Jane Schwiering Norris & Company Peggy Hewett 5845 Clubhouse Dr. Bent Pine 10/7/11 $349,000 3/16/12 $330,000 Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Sally Woods Phoenix Acquisitions, Inc. Elaine Amy List Price Sell Date Sell Price $247,000 3/19/12 $244,000 $229,000 3/21/12 $215,000
Address: Subdivision: List Date: List Price: Sell Date: Sell Price: Listing Broker: Listing Agent: Selling Broker: Selling Agent:
940 82nd Ave. Indian River Farms 1/6/12 $359,900 3/15/12 $359,900 MarreroTeam.com Real Estate Tammy Bogart Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Tripp Hernandez
Address: 3130 62nd Ave. Subdivision: Indian River Farms List Date: 1/25/12 List Price: $300,000 Sell Date: 3/16/12 Sell Price: $295,000 Listing Broker: Billero & Billero Properties Listing Agent: Ralph Santoro Selling Broker: Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. Selling Agent: Michelle Kantzler Listing Broker/Agent Selling Broker/Agent Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB/Deborah Lyon Coldwell Banker Ed Schlitt VB/Deborah Lyon RE/MAX Riverside/Skip Gray Non MLS/NMLS AGENT
SHOP OCEANSIDE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annual End Of Season & Thank You to our Seasonal Friends
ALFRED HENRY MAURER (1868-1932)
Terrific Sale
AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIRST MODERN PAINTER
TWO WEEKS ONLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APRIL 2-14 Storewide 20%-50% Off (some exclusions apply)
Accessories, Furniture, Home De´cor, Linens, Sleepwear, Bath, Bridal, Children, Unique Gifts...and more! The Village Shops N. A1A ¡ www.elegance-interiors.com ¡ (772)234-7333 6WLOO /LIH FD
RLO DQG JROG OHDI RQ SDQHO [ LQFKHV
$Q H[WUDRUGLQDU\ ÂżQH H[DPSOH RI WKLV LPSRUWDQW SHULRG LQ 0DXUHUÂśV FDUHHU 7KLV SDLQWLQJ ZDV SUHYLRXVO\ RZQHG E\ 0DUVGHQ +DUWOH\ DQG QRWHG FROOHFWRU +XGVRQ :DONHU
.20$1 ),1( $57
Beautiful, Sparkling Diamonds
&$5',1$/ '5,9( _ 9(52 %($&+ )/ _ _ 021 6$7
Hand-Selected in Antwerp, Belgium. Order yours by April 20th at 645 Beachland Boulevard ] Vero Beach, Florida 32963 772-234-1512 ] www.JohnMatthewsJewelry.com
Shoe Salon and Boutique
3385 Ocean Drive 231-2772
TCN2685035
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID FORT PIERCE, FL PERMIT NO. 173
2 9 ,
2 0 1 2
F R E E
Expert Advice + The Best Price
WWW *ETSON0OWER"UY COM s TH 3TREET 6ERO "EACH s
M A R C H
EL1024A s WAS $149 s $71
Vero Beach NEWSWEEKLY 1801 U.S. 1 Vero Beach, FL 32960
T H U R S D A Y
w/ 12V Cycolonic Technology
****************ECRWSS***** Local Postal Customer
ERGORAPIDO GREEN STICK VACUUM