Viera Vision Volume 18, Issue 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The first “magazine style” issue of the Viera Vision magazine was published in 1995. Prior to that it was a small mailer to the residents giving them updates on the future development plans. Fast forward to 2022 and we have elevated our look but we still maintain our purpose. We share information on local businesses, achievements, growth, and events in order to communicate with the residents, business owners, service and education sectors, and the general public about Viera, Florida. I’m happy to announce that we won another Charlie Award from the Florida Magazine Association for Best Cover Photo Illustration (the first cover of 2021)!

The recovery is underway from Hurricane Ian and we see neighbors, friends and companies all pitching in to donate items and assistance to Florida’s west coast area. Our team has already started to contribute in various ways and we encourage everyone to provide what they can towards their recovery. The journey forward will not be easy but we have faith in our abilities to always provide assistance when asked.

The holidays are here and each year we give you the latest information on the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade and other happenings around town (page 5-14). There are some exciting changes this year and we cover it all in the pages ahead including the new date, new route, and new elements. The two recipes (pages 26-28) were made and shared with several members of staff and a few friends in the community. They both received high marks for both taste and adaptability for vegan family members. Finally, we are excited to share the news about Urban Prime, which is coming soon, and the other businesses that opened in late 2021-2022.

From all of us at the Viera Vision magazine – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

SRVP SALES & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Scott Miller

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Stephanie Byrd

STAFF EDITORS

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller

SENIOR WRITERS

Maria Sonnenberg, Stephanie Byrd

COVER DESIGN

Dana Vinci

COVER PHOTO

Ercan Ekinci

MAGAZINE DESIGN

Dana Vinci, Brandt Ronat & Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos provided by subject unless otherwise noted. Balloon Photography by StarBound Entertainment, LLC

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola

PUBLISHER

The Viera Company

ADVERTISING SALES

Stephanie Byrd

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Shawn O’Keefe, Stacy Smith, Laurie Widzgowski

LEGAL Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

Editor, Viera Vision

DISTRIBUTION

Mark Peeples, All Service Graphics

VIERA VISION IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions.

©2022. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

First Vision - 1995

Last issue omission:

2005

VIERA VISION MAGAZINE 7380 Murrell Road Suite 201 Viera, Florida 32940

(321) 242-1200 VIERA.COM

PRESIDENT Todd Pokrywa

Stephanie Byrd

merry starts here.

THAN LIFE CHARACTERS FLOAT INTO VIERA

The Light Up Viera holiday parade will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this holiday season. The Viera Community Institute has produced the parade through the unwavering commitment of The Viera Company with the incredible public support and sponsorships of various groups, businesses, civic organizations, law enforcement, first responders, non-profits, Brevard County School Board, students, parents, teachers, and thousands of volunteers. The parade has gradually increased its value year after year based on the time and investment in the event along with community endorsements and participation.

The 10th year serves as a recognition year to a successful achievement by all those who started it, all those who have participated, and all those who continue to carry on the tradition.

We asked the two-member production team of Laurie Widzgowski (LW), Events and Marketing Coordinator at The Viera Company and Stephanie Byrd (SB), Marketing Manager and Editor of the Viera Vision, about the upcoming event. The opportunity has presented itself for the team producing the event to enhance a few elements and provide Viera and Brevard a unique opportunity to gather once again and celebrate the Christmas Season.

Q. How long have you been involved with the parade?

(LW): This is my eighth year being a part of the parade. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to take a parade that began with a strong foundation and incorporate new sponsors, participants and professional entertainment to the lineup each year. It’s important to me to bring a new experience each year to the community for our returning spectators, as well as new spectators that visit Viera each year for this wonderful event.

(SB): I’ve been involved since the beginning so this is the tenth parade for me. We have grown this parade year after year and the largest and best growth period has come under the planning and leadership of Laurie Widzgowski.

Q. Is the event held on the usual Saturday after Thanksgiving?

(LW): No, the first change made this year was the date of the event. Having the parade on the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday always presented itself with its own set of challenges. Many individuals have not been able to participate

LARGER

Laurie Widzgowski & Stephanie Byrd Parade Team

based on traveling or other commitments. The new date, December 3rd will allow for family time to continue and not be interrupted or shortened by the parade. It also creates less interruption for businesses during the busiest time of the holiday season.

Q. Will the route be the same?

(SB): The usual parade route that covered over 2.7 miles will now be reduced to 1.5 miles. The reduction will still provide plenty of viewing areas and allow for parking to be closer to those viewing areas. The biggest change in the parade requires a shorter route and this provides better security and control. Spectators must park in the designated areas and refrain from parking cars or other vehicles on sidewalks or other privately owned areas. We still encourage tents, chairs and picnics along the parade route! (see page 12 for the new route map)

spectators all over the world. The fireworks will also be enhanced for our 10-year anniversary with additional gold and silver shimmering lights in the sky at the start of the parade. The theme is Unwrap the Magic of Christmas and we want everyone to feel that they received an early present this year on December 3rd.

(SB): The wonderful marching bands are back along with more entertainers. The crowd has grown so large over the years that we need two food truck areas to accommodate everyone. We will have additional lighted areas along the route with the balloons

Laurie spoke of so everyone can see how impressive these giants are in person.

Q. What else can we expect that is new?

(LW): The sponsors will be greeting the crowd prior to the start of the parade so they may walk around and provide some of the candy, toys and other fun give-a-ways along the route.

(LW): We are excited to announce that the professionally-lit floats will be replaced with professional parade balloons. The professional balloons will embody the spirit of the holiday season and you will see your favorite holiday characters along with a few familiar childhood friends. The balloons will be pulled by the sponsors down the route and these balloons have been enjoyed by parade

(SB): We created a memory game for spectators to play prior to coming to the parade and it can be downloaded from the LightUpViera.com website. The kids can start to get familiar with the characters that will be in the parade and the incredible talent within the marching bands from each high school participating.

Laurie Widzgowski & Stephanie Byrd

Q. What is the biggest change this year and what has stayed the same?

Behind The Scenes

There is a small Christmas workshop within the offices of the producing team. Leading up to the parade you will find costumes, banners, decorations, lights, and a new item this year –balloon bibs. Each balloon character will have its own unique bib for the handlers of that balloon. Balloons and their handlers need a lot of space to maneuver and the team at Viera wants everyone to remember to keep their children close and make sure no one gets in the way of a balloon or the operators. Since it is a one-of-a-kind moment in Brevard County, the producers want everyone to have an equal experience watching the balloons as they travel down the parade route.

The parade will have two MC’s, Mindy Levy and Wingnut, from Lite Rock 99.3 FM. Broadcasting live from their positions along the route, they will be highlighting the brave members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Fire Department and the honorable color guard from the JROTC of Viera High School as they pass along the way with the sponsors, marching bands, participants and professional entertainers. Be sure to watch for Santa who will be arriving in a new mode of transportation this year! Local businesses, clubs, and organizations will be sponsoring other areas of the parade and volunteering at the event.

The child-like wonderment of the holiday season is the goal this year and every year. The magical moments not only happen when unwrapping a

present but also when family and friends are together. Fellowship with neighbors and the pride of seeing a local marching band with the cheer and dance teams give us all a heightened sense of the season.

The hometown traditions are what make the fondest memories for this team and they work all year to bring it this year and every year to Viera. Happy Anniversary!

Rudolph Sponsored by:

Twinkles the Snowman

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Find balloons, marching bands, and other important people by using this BINGO board and have some fun at the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade!

Cubic Feet of Helium is used inside the helium balloon

Yards of fabric for walker bibs: the size of an NFL football field

FUN FACTS:

Countries the balloons have visited: UK, France, Germany, and Chile

PARADE START & FINISH:

Viera High School | 6130 Stadium Parkway

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD:

LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE

4:30 PM: Find your spot to view the magical parade.

5:00 PM: Roads begin closing.

6:00 PM: Look to the sky for the spectacular fireworks display.

6:10 PM: Light Up Viera Holiday Parade Begins!

The parade route will make a loop from Viera High School to Veterans Way and then left onto Breslay Drive, left again on Judge Fran Jamieson Way and the final left turn onto Stadium Parkway back to Viera High School.

PARKING:

• Calvary Chapel

• Government Center

• Brevard County School Board

• Brevard County Health Department

• Viera Charter School (handicapped access area)

• Judicial Center

• Viera High School (Parade Participants and Marching Bands Only)

• Viewing areas on map (page 12)

Please note, there will be no parking allowed on the parade route. The areas are for tents and blankets only. All vehicles not in designated parking areas will be asked to leave or be towed at owner’s expense.

HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BANDS

Viera High | Rockledge High Satellite High | Astronaut High Merritt Island High | Eau Gallie High

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

Young and old alike will enjoy these fun, classic holiday characters as they pass along the parade route. Learn more about the parade balloons by going to LightUpViera.com or Facebook @VieraCommunityInstitute

ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS

BAND SPONSORS

URBAN PRIME

Urban Prime will prove a game-changer within the Space Coast culinary scene when Chef Ercan Ekinci’s dream gourmet restaurant, market, and wine shop opens in the spring of 2023 at Viera’s Town Center.

President of The Viera Company

While many of us spent the pandemic months binging on “Friends” reruns, Chef Ecran Ekinci was meticulously planning, down to the specific specimens in the luxuriant landscape that will surround the complex, what will be the keystone of the Viera Town Center, envisioned by the Viera Company as the “heart” of Viera, where local businesses, retailers and restaurants will cater to a flourishing residential community. “The Town Center has been long-planned as a central gathering area for residents and visitors to Viera, and Urban Prime will be in the middle of it all,” said Todd J. Pokrywa, president of The Viera Company.

With plenty of lake views, as well as vistas of Duran Golf Course, Urban Prime will provide a perfect spot to catch the events in the park planned just across the street on Metfield Drive, west of Lake Andrew Drive and across from The Avenue. At 300 seats, Urban Prime will be among the largest restaurants in Brevard, but that is just the beginning of the story.

Urban Prime will also encompass a gourmet market, complete with artisanal butcher shop, live lobster tank and fresh sushi bar, a 7,000-bottle retail boutique wine operation that should light up the eyes of wine connoisseurs, a spacious 150-seat outdoor dining enclave, large fire pit gathering area and two bars.

A self-serve wine machine at the market will allow customers to pour a glass of wine that will significantly sweeten the already pleasant prospect of selecting handcrafted cheeses from around the world. Seasonal grab-and-go selections, fresh breads and custom meat cuts will be available from the in-house butcher shop. Tasting tables will entice with new products.

Inspiration for the 13,000-square-foot building came from the clean, crisp angles of iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures. “I want people to remember this building,” said Ekinci.

With a seasoned design/build team that includes architect Dave Nagrodsky, Mike Williams Jr., of MH Williams Construction Group and Adrienne Chandler of AC Design Concepts, Urban Prime will prove memorable from first impression.

“Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant will be an incredible addition to the top-selling master planned community of Viera in 2023,” added Pokrywa. “Chef Ekinci is delivering a critical experiential component of The Viera Company’s vision for the Viera Town Center.”

Nagrodsky, of DNA Architects, helped Ekinci fine-tune the concept for Urban Prime. “His creative modern urban approach highlights this project to the fullest,” said Ekinci. Nagrodsky’s previous projects include Harbor’s Edge condominium in downtown Melbourne, The Landings at Pineda, Space Coast Early Intervention Center headquarters, Green Turtle Market, Matt’s Casbah and Pizza Gallery & Grill.

Chandler, responsible for the design of restaurants such as 28 North Gastropub, Pineapples, Pancetta’s in Cocoa Beach and Makoto’s Steakhouse, is working closely with Ekinci to bring his vision for a perfect culinary gathering place to life. She admits that when it comes to Ekinci, her emotions have been seriously influenced by his culinary output. “I’ve known Chef Ekinci for years and years and am a big lover of his food,” she said. Chandler

Todd J. Pokrywa

” “

also knows Ekinci’s extreme devotion to perfection. If the Chef has his way, Urban Prime will be flawless.

Although the design must remain flexible at this stage of construction, particularly with the supply chain hiccups currently challenging the business industry, the driving force is a palette of natural colors with organic shapes and materials to complement the aesthetics of the menu. High ceilings, floating honeycomb acoustic panels and intimate seating in the restaurant contrast with the industrial ambiance of the market, with its exposed pipes and polished concrete floors.

Restaurant patrons will be met by a temperature and humidity-controlled glass wine cellar, where a collection of wines rated 95 or higher in the 100-point scale of “Wine Spectator” awaits. Ekinci plans a wine club that will host monthly wine tastings and other special events exclusively for members.

The restaurant’s coastal cuisine-inspired menu, brought to reality by several chefs that are part of the 125-member team at Urban Prime, features everything from dry-aged steaks to locally sourced produce.

And, ah, the seafood! Ekinci is orchestrating a seafood menu that ranges from off-the-boat pompano from the Cape to U-12 diver scallops from Boston, high-grade tuna shipped overnight from Honolulu, to Kumamoto oysters from California. “I have so many connections in the industry,” he said.

THE MAN BEHIND URBAN PRIME

Even as a child growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, Chef Ercan Ekinci was always driven with the desire to elevate food into an experience. “I always knew cooking was going to be my career,” he said. Mentored by Walt Disney World executive chef Reimund Pitz, Ekinci quickly found his muse in the kitchen.

For five years, he created dinners for admirals, generals, colonels and the other patriots living at Indian River Colony Club before becoming executive chef and partner at Green Turtle Market in Indian Harbour Beach. For 20 years he managed a large culinary staff, a busy catering facility and the Grapevine Restaurant at that location. In 2020, Ekinci sold his share in Green Turtle to concentrate on Urban Prime.

Ekinci’s artistry extends beyond the kitchen. What began as an interest in photographing food has expanded into nature photography for this self-taught photographer who has been selected by the Brevard Cultural Alliance for its “Art in Public Places” program.

Chandler plans to incorporate Ekinci’s photography, as well as art from other local artists, into the design of Urban Prime. “We’ll highlight Chef’s artistic side through his photographs,” said Chandler.

Chef Ercan Ekinci Owner, Urban Prime

An avid gardener, Ekinci has also taken an active role in the landscaping design that Pollack Landscape Architects has developed for Urban Prime. “I gave him a wish list of plants for a resort-style feel,” said Ekinci. Everything from Japanese blueberries to orchid trees has been selected to provide color through the seasons, even in the large parking area. Dedicated parking for golf carts is a first for a Viera restaurant, and with 110 spaces for cars, parking should never be an issue. “It’s such a huge turnoff if you can’t find adequate parking,” said Ekinci.

Chef Ekinci’s considerable fan base is abuzz with the news of Urban Prime. “I can’t wait,” said Viera resident Silvia Mozer, who lives so close to the upcoming restaurant she need never reach for her car keys to come dine at what should prove a favorite hangout. “I have been following his journey for years. We need him in Viera.”

For years, Suntree resident Shena Scott depended on Ekinci for catering, wine dinners and gourmet shopping at the Green Turtle. “His cooking is just so imaginative, artistic and delicious,” she said.

By ticking off all the boxes in the plan for Urban Prime, Ekinci aims to provide a centerpiece for shopping, dining and gathering. “Lots of times, you go to a place and three hours later you can’t remember much about the experience,” he said.

With Urban Prime, Ekinci will make sure his patrons won’t forget.

His cooking is just so imaginative, artistic, and delicious.

Shena Scott Suntree Resident

” “

Come in WE'RE OPEN

DESSERT FIRST NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

Teri and Bob Hirsch are the reason residents of Viera and the rest of Brevard, for that matter, are enjoying delicious Nothing Bundt Cakes®. The franchise, which Las Vegas residents Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz founded in their kitchens in 1997, has grown to more than 430 locations in 40 states and Canada. The reason is the modern spin on a classic treat, handcrafted in a variety of flavors, sizes and themes, including, of course, plenty of options for Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, and with signature frosting petals made with real cream cheese and butter.

“We’re so excited to bring these amazing bundt cakes to Brevard County,” said Teri Hirsch.“We have ten flavors and we always have a feature flavor. The community reaction has been very welcoming and excited. I keep hearing people are thrilled they no longer have to drive to Orlando to buy cakes.”

Florida must love bundt cakes, since the MelbourneViera store at 2261 Town Center Ave. is the 36th Nothing Bundt Cakes!

Viera residents will have plenty of temptations for holiday gift giving---and receiving---from bundt cakes to Jaguars, thanks to new businesses that set up shop during the last year.

The old combines with the new perfectly at Shabby Loft, another business that will tempt many this holiday season. The eclectic store features one-of-a-kind repurposed furniture, handmade creations, DIY supplies and out-of-theordinary brands such as Consuela, Antique Candle Company and HUK Gear.

“Since we opened, we have had a very warm welcome to the Viera neighborhood,” said Jenny Alford, who opened the shabby chic boutique at 2281 Town Center Ave. with best gal pal Georgia Robbins.

We really love getting to know our customers and enjoy hearing where people are from and their stories. The days go by so fast and we have a lot of fun being there, changing the shop around, adding merchandise and creating new displays. We really like combining the old with the new and being able to offer such unique creations handcrafted locally. We are continually amazed and impressed at the talent of the craftspeople in our area. We feel so fortunate that they are a part of the shop.”

A GRILL NEAR YOU TUSCANY GRILL

Although Tuscany Grill has been a go-to choice for fans of locally sourced, seasonally inspired Italian cuisine since it opened in 2000, the restaurant’s arrival at 6630 Colonnade Ave. this year was great news for its legion of devoted Viera patrons.

“The community has been very receptive to our new location!” said owner Gina Pierce. “Everyone has been so kind, supportive, and understanding. I really couldn’t ask for a better clientele.”

Unlike many other dining establishments, Tuscany Grill boasts almost nil turnover, and new customers soon become old friends with the steadfast Grill team who is always at the ready with impeccable service. All of Pierce’s five children have been part of the business over the years. Elegant yet welcoming, Tuscany Grill is all about family and the family includes the customers.

A cornucopia of staples in the menu, enhanced by nightly dinner features prepared to astound, win hearts---and stomachs---every time. House-crafted desserts are the cherry on the top of a memorable meal. Pierce expects that she and her team will be plenty busy in coming weeks, as Tuscany Grill’s two banquet rooms hosts a stream of merry holiday events. “Space is booking up quickly, so if you’re thinking about hosting an event with us you may want to call sooner than later.”

In addition to its regular menu, the restaurant also offers special menus that include buffet and plated options for groups larger than 20 guests. “We look forward to serving you!” said Pierce, and she truly means it.

DRIVEWAY SHOW-STOPPER JAGUAR LAND ROVER MELBOURNE / LINCOLN OF MELBOURNE

The ultimate holiday gift may well be sitting in the showroom of the new Jaguar Land Rover Melbourne/ Lincoln of Melbourne, for a new Jaguar, Land Rover or Lincoln would make the holidays merry and bright indeed.

Managing partner Jonathan Russo notes that Viera has been extremely welcoming since the lake view 55,000-square-foot showroom opened Labor Day at 6897 Bromley Dr., south of The Avenue Viera.

“The feedback has been outstanding,” said Russo. “We bring to Viera a modern luxury experience,

a place where people would want to do business, and if they want an at-home experience, we welcome that, too. We want our customers to dictate how they would like to interact with us. Our main goal is to make it as easy as possible to shop, purchase or service with us.

We are really looking forward to a busy holiday season and we are all so happy to be here in Viera!”

UNIQUE RECIPES FOR YOUR NEXT Holiday Party

Looking for new recipes during the holiday season can be a chore so we thought this might help. Taken straight from the Duda Farm Fresh Foods website with Chef Todd Fisher, we were inspired to try them out for our selves in a test-kitchen style challenge. Both received high marks from our testers and the first can add a little sidedish spice to any holiday party and the second is great for the vegan and gluten-free guest or family member.

Dandy® Super Sweet Corn & Miso Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 ears Dandy® Super Sweet Corn

• 1 pkg. Dandy® Radish Ministicks

• 1 cup Dandy® Celery, cut thinly on the bias

• ½ cup scallions, chopped

• 3 tbsp. mayonnaise

• ½ tbsp. honey

• 1 tbsp. yellow miso paste

• 2 tsp. sriracha

• 2 tbsp. furikake seasoning, store bought

• 2 tsp. togarashi seasoning, store bought

• Juice from 1 lime

Directions:

1. To prepare, steam or boil Dandy® Super Sweet Corn for 4-6 minutes. While corn is cooking, combine mayonnaise, honey miso paste, sriracha and lime juice and mix well to combine until smooth.

2. Once corn has been cooked, plunge into an ice bath to cool completely, drain on paper towels. Cut the corn from the cob and put in a bowl with the Dandy® Radishes, Dandy® Celery, and scallions. Add the miso dressing, furikake and togarashi seasoning and mix well.

3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve (no longer than 2 hours).

Yield 4 servings

Recipe by Chef Todd Fisher

Recipe found on DudaFresh.com/recipes

Dandy® Vegan Grapefruit Cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients:

• ¾ cup nut milk, cashew or almond

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 tsp. Dandy® Grapefruit zest

• ½ cup Dandy® Grapefruit, freshly squeeze for juice

• ½ cup olive oil

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, gluten-free preferred

• 1 tsp. sea salt

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• ¼ tsp. baking powder

• Cupcake liners

Frosting:

• ½ cup vegan butter (softened to room temperature)

• 8 oz. vegan cream cheese (slightly softened)

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 4 cups powdered sugar

Curd Filling:

• ½ cup Dandy® Grapefruit, freshly squeezed for juice

• ½ tbsp. Dandy® Grapefruit zest

• 2 tbsp. agave syrup

• 2 tbsp. cornstarch

• 1 tbsp. coconut cream

• 1 ½ tsp. coconut oil

• Pinch of sea salt

Directions*

Curd:

1. Combine agave syrup, cornstarch, and sea salt in a medium pot, and whisk until combined.

2. Add Dandy® Grapefruit juice and zest and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium high heat whisking constantly until thickened to a curd or pudding like consistency, about 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in coconut cream and coconut oil. Pour into a bowl and allow to chill in refrigerator until very cold, at least one hour.

Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin pans with prepared cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together nut milk, sugar, Dandy® Grapefruit zest, juice, olive oil and vanilla extract. Mix together in a separate bowl, flour, sea salt, baking powder and baking soda. Blend well. Whisk together the wet mixture and the flour mixture until well blended.

3. Pour the cake batter into prepared cups, ¾ of the way full, and place in the oven. Bake cakes until set and toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean, about 14-18 minutes.

4. Remove from oven, let cool completely, then remove from the pan and set aside to frost.

Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add softened vegan butter and beat or whisk vigorously to combine.

2. Add vegan cream cheese and mix again until creamy and smooth.

3. Add vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar in 1 cup increments.

4. Frosting should be firm enough for a piping bag or to smooth onto top of cupcake.

Assembly:

To assemble, pipe the frosting on top of the cooled cup cake and make a large circle on top. Fill the center of the circle with the Dandy® Grapefruit curd (about 1 tsp.) and serve. Optional decoration idea: peel one Dandy® Grapefruit into individual segments and remove the membrane then dry with a paper towel. Place one small slice over the curd as shown in the recipe photo. Add decorating sugar if desired.

*We encourage you to prepare the curd first so it may chill in the refrigerator while the cupcakes and frosting are being prepared.

Yield 18 cupcakes

Recipe by Chef Todd Fisher

Recipe found on DudaFresh.com/recipes

COMPASSION Into Action

The GFWC Viera Woman’s Club, Inc., began in 2003 with 11 members and soon became a very active community service organization growing to 98 local members by 2022.

The GFWC Viera Woman’s Club was established to provide a welcoming environment where members of all backgrounds and ages could combine their talents, time, strengths and resources for the betterment of the community. They became a formal 501(c)(3) in 2005 and in 2021, Viera Woman’s Club members supported numerous charitable organizations in Brevard County with 16,842 hours of volunteer service and $65,705 in goods and monetary contributions locally, nationally and internationally. Currently, they support 17 local charities with volunteer service and donations.

“Our club provides a warm, welcoming environment for members of all ages and backgrounds to meet new people, make new friends, and have fun while volunteering! Working together on a variety of community service projects

and programs, our members proudly and passionately utilize their time and talents to meet specific needs for numerous non-profit organizations in Brevard County and beyond. Together, we make a difference in our local community, one interaction at a time, as we turn compassion into action,” stated Jan Gates, President 2022-2024. “We are making a difference in our communities, one act of kindness at a time, all while having fun and nurturing friendships!”

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is credited with establishing 75% of the public libraries in the U.S. and developing the first kindergartens in the U.S. public school system.

To learn more about this incredible club, visit: GFWCVieraWomansClub.com

Facebook: GFWC Viera Woman’s Club

Knot Knitters making blankets for veterans and Operation Smile

Circle of Friends Social with Barbara Jones (seated far left), the first president of the Viera Women's Club (left) Stocking Supplies for Teachers (right)

FUN FOR ALL

LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE 2022

10th ANNIVERSARY December 3rd

Viera High School LIGHTUPVIERA.COM

VIERA PARK MARKET

VIERA PARK MARKET & FOOD TRUCK EVENTS

Monthly 1st Friday Vendor Market and Food Trucks 4-8 p.m. (weather permitting) Viera Regional Park, Viera (321)433-4891

FUNDRAISING

38th ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE SPACE COAST'S FESTIVAL OF TREES

November 19th

Wickham Park Community Center, Melbourne JLSB.NET

ART SHOW

ACTIVE EVENTS

SPACE COAST MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

November 27th Cocoa Village, Cocoa SPACECOASTMARATHON.COM

RUN RUN SANTA 1 MILE -VIERA

December 24th Calvary Chapel Viera, Viera RUNNINGZONE.COM

FIGHT CHILD HUNGER 5K

January 14th Viera High School, Viera RUNNINGZONE.COM

BREVARD ZOO'S PARROT

PACE 3K

February 11th Brevard Zoo, Viera RUNNINGZONE.COM

MUSICAL

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON BREVARD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

November 26th

The King Center, Melbourne KINGCENTER.COM

GLORIA! A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION | BREVARD COMMUNITY CHORUS December 10th The King Center, Melbourne KINGCENTER.COM

COCOA BEACH ART SHOW 2022

November 25th - 27th

COCOABEACHARTSHOW.COM

THE NUTCRACKER

SPACE COAST BALLET & BREVARD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

December 3rd The King Center, Melbourne KINGCENTER.COM

MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE

February 22nd The King Center, Melbourne KINGCENTER.COM

SHOWTIME! | SPACE COAST

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

February 25th Satellite High School, Satellite Beach SPACECOASTSYMPHONY.ORG

THEATRE

PETER PAN

November 18th - December 4th Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa COCOAVILLAGEPLAYHOUSE.COM

SLEEPING BEAUTY

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE December 30th The King Center, Melbourne KINGCENTER.COM

EVITA

January 20th - February 5th The Henegar Center, Melbourne HENEGARCENTER.COM

THE MUSIC MAN

January 27th - February 12th Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa COCOAVILLAGEPLAYHOUSE.COM

THE COLOR PURPLE

February 24th - March 12th The Henegar Center, Melbourne HENEGARCENTER.COM

THANKS AND GRATITUDE

and will begin with a spectacular fireworks display at 6pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT

Viera is in full swing celebrating this wonderful time of year filled with thanksgiving and gratitude. We all have much to be thankful for this Christmas and holiday season: We made it through more than two years of limited size gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous nonprofits providing needed services to many of our neighbors have been steadfastly supported, Viera witnessed exciting new residential and commercial developments, our community was spared the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian that sadly affected many other parts of Florida, and Viera continues to be an increasingly desirable place for new residents and businesses to locate on Florida’s Space Coast.

The holidays bring joy and cheer but they can also be a time that is overwhelming and stressful. Let’s not forget to give back to the many causes each of us support. For me personally, this is the 7th consecutive year I have served as a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador, raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society, in the fight against breast cancer which affects far too many individuals, families and communities including ours right here in Viera. In addition, this fall I was Captain of Team Viera in The Princess Margaret Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament held in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. The team featured, among others, former National Hockey League player and 60-goal scorer Dennis Maruk, renowned sports artist and goaltender David Arrigo, as well as women’s professional hockey players Taylor Accursi, Jillian Moffatt and Kendra Fisher. Team Viera was the 25th top fundraising team out of approximately 140 teams in the tournament - raising nearly $30,000 for the cause which benefitted the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – one of the top 5 cancer research centers in the world.

With Christmas on the very near horizon, our annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade celebrates its 10th anniversary introducing balloons like those you may have seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Light Up Viera Parade moves this year to the first weekend in December with a new route

This year Viera climbed the list of the nation’s best-selling master planned communities, claiming the #13 spot on the RCLCO list, up from #16 during the prior year. As a centrally coastal and conveniently master planned community on the booming Space Coast, this ranking is a testament to the dedicated efforts of The Viera Company’s team as well as the investment all of our residents and businesses have made in the community.

Viera’s most recently introduced neighborhoods, including Pangea Park and Aripeka, have opened for new home sales. In addition, we have welcomed many new businesses during 2022, including the opening of Lincoln, Jaguar & Land Rover adjacent to I-95 and Ace Hardware in Borrows West. We are also seeing the commencement of development of Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant in the Viera Town Center and the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in Borrows West, to name just a few.

From all of us at The Viera Company, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a blessed holiday season. I look forward to unveiling many thrilling announcements about the new phases of development in Viera as we move into 2023.

Todd Pokrywa (bottom right)

Team Viera - The Princess Margaret Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer

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SpecialThanks

The Viera Community Institute wishes to thank all the Viera residents and community partners for their continued support of the 2022 Light Up Viera Holiday Parade.

The continued success of the parade would not be possible without the many sponsors, participants and volunteers that make this event a part of their holiday tradition. We want to thank you for your participation, hard work and dedication to the event. You each help us make Viera a unique and wonderful place to celebrate and create holiday memories. Happy Anniversary!