Viera Vision Volume 14, Issue 3

VIERA PARKS - CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE VO L . 1 4 ISSUE 3

contents vo l u m e 1 4 : i s s u e 3 PRE SIDENT

Todd Pokrywa EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

21

PARKS AND PEOPLE

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE WELL-BEING OF EVERYONE.

26 THE DOCTOR IS IN

in this issue

14 WHAT'S IN A NAME

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Nina Salvaggio, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller SENIOR WRITER S

Lyle Smith, Lyn Dowling, Stephanie Byrd, Sue DeWerff Panzarino, Laurie Widzgowski

PHOTOGR APHY

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Michelle Livanos, Carmen Vastola The Viera Company ADVERTISING S ALE S

VIERA EAST'S VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER WILL SOON BE GETTING A NEW, “HEALTHY” FACELIFT.

MARK MULLINS TAKES THE HELM AT BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

STAFF EDITOR S

PUBLISHER

ORGANIC GROCERY

09 THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Stephanie Byrd

Christina Geiger, Mikki Livanos

28 EARTH FARE A CHAT WITH TODD POKRYWA, NEW PRESIDENT OF THE VIERA COMPANY. HOW’D A CANADIAN KID END UP HERE?

EDITOR

DE SIGN

LOCAL PSYCHOLOGIST, DR. CHARLES STEVENS, REMEMBERS THE EARLY DAYS IN VIERA.

04 DEVELOPING A VISION

Lauri Duda

32 MODERN DAY RECYCLING THE DO'S AND DON'TS EXPLAINED.

35 SO WHAT'S NEW AT THE AVENUE VIERA

EXCITING NEW STORES COMING IN 2019 REVEALED HERE.

A DEEPER MEANING CAN BE FOUND IN THE NAMES AROUND TOWN.

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan LEG AL

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson DISTRIBUTION

Don Gust, 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.

18 DESIGN AND DÉCOR TRENDS FOR 2019

©2018. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

in every issue

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER NEW LOCATION 2261 Town Center Ave. #105 The Avenue Viera Viera, Florida 32940

SOME IDEAS FOR A NEW HOME, A REMODEL OR JUST A REFRESH FOR THE NEW YEAR.

03

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

34

WHY I LOVE VIERA

36

SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

38

UPCOMING EVENTS

40

DEVELOPER LETTER

(321) 253-2800 /VIERAFLORIDA

2

VIERA.com /VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA

letter from the

Editor

i

“CAN I JOIN?”

have driven past a group playing volleyball at Clubhouse Park for years now. There was always something going on in my life that caused me to not stop and talk to this group but I would want to devote the same amount of time to playing the game. Were they a league, organization, private group, or just a friendly game at the same place at the same time each week?

Several weeks ago I did stop. I smiled and sat quietly near the end of the court while they played as to not interrupt the match. Each volley was skillfully played. The group dynamic was competitive but fun and made up of varying ages, genders, and backgrounds. Once I began to learn more about them I realized I was missing out on the fun and fellowship they were experiencing.

I’m now playing volleyball each week with them and I want to start a second group on the volleyball court at Trasona Cove East.

Another similar moment happened on my way to work. A group in lime green shirts saying Heritage Isle Easy Riders peddled past me on their hybrid bikes smiling and enjoying the beautiful morning. I pulled over and grabbed a quick photo of them, then quickly drove to the next exit of the trail. I passed them

my card like a water cup hand off to a runner during a race and was contacted the very next day and invited to their trail ride breakfast location at Divots Grille. You can find out more about this group on page 34 within Why I Love Viera.

Just like the diverse volleyball group, they enjoy the dynamics of their backgrounds and personalities while riding the trails through Viera on their bikes each week. I enjoyed watching them talk in animated fashion about the other members’ accomplishments and personal victories, with skill level or intensity of play never outshining the fellowship of being together and enjoying the same sport.

I was able to broaden my own social groups in a very unique way but it took me too long to say hello. I hope this fall you take a moment to get out there to connect and find out more. You may not need to run with your contact information like I did but just pull up and ask, like a new resident did last week during our game, “Can I join? Do you guys play each week?” Yes, you can.

Yes, we do.

L-R: TRAVIS, GAVIN, SUSAN, ANTHONY, PAM, ROB, KRISTIN, MIKE, ERIK AND NIKKI. NOT PICTURED: BRIAN, JUAN, JEFF AND CRAIG.

3

DEVELOPING A

VISION PLANNER. LEADER. FRIEND.

4

A CHAT WITH TODD POKRYWA, NEW PRESIDENT OF THE VIERA COMPANY. HOW’D A CANADIAN KID END UP WORKING FOR THE DEVELOPER OF ONE OF FLORIDA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITIES?

5

S

OME PEOPLE MIGHT NOT SEE A NATURAL LINK BETWEEN THE SOFT-SPOKEN, WELCOMING DEMEANOR AND THE DRIVE AND RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRED TO LEAD ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES, BUT TODD POKRYWA, THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE VIERA COMPANY, USES HIS SMILING, TRANSPARENT, FRIENDLY AND OPEN PERSONALITY TO ENORMOUS EFFECT AS HE TAKES THE HELM OF THE NEXT PHASE IN VIERA’S GROWTH. IT TAKES ONLY A FEW MOMENTS OF CONVERSATION WHERE TERMS LIKE COMMUNITY, STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY DROP EASILY INTO USE TO CLEARLY SEE POKRYWA AS A TRUE THOUGHT LEADER IN THE WORLD OF MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES AND WORTHY TO BE CALLED A BUSINESS LEADER IN BREVARD AND ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA.

WHAT MAKES GREAT?

When asked about what makes a great opportunity for a great master-planned community, his emphasis is more residentperspective rather than developer-focused.

“There needs to be a unique piece of property of a certain size and scale, and the commitment from the ownership to have some form of vision for the stewardship

6

of that asset over the long term,” Pokrywa says.

He speaks of Viera with the passion of a hometown local.

Maybe it’s because he’s a native of Canada and our neighbors to the north are known for hockey, humor and being preternaturally friendly, but Pokrywa (a Slavic name pronounced po-cree-va), who’s served as the Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development at the company for the past four years, is open to talking about the plans and the challenges facing Viera through what he is sure will be a smooth transition in leadership.

Pokrywa’s predecessor, Steve Johnson, announced his retirement earlier this year, having served in the role of President since 2005, Johnson joined the company as a financial analyst in 1989.

“Getting to work side by side with the leadership who’s been here since the inception of the development is of enormous benefit,” Pokrywa said. “I’ve had the great fortune to work for

“I had always been very interested in how cities grow and progress and rise and evolve as fortunes change in the market.”

Steve, who’s been here since the beginning. I’m very grateful for that opportunity. And it isn’t something that is available everywhere or every day in these types of situations.”

ALWAYS A PLANNER

Pokrywa’s focus turned to planning at an early age when a guest lecturer from Hamilton, Ontario’s Mohawk College spoke to his high school Urban Studies class.

“I had always been very interested in how cities grow and progress and rise and evolve as fortunes change in the market,” he says. “It was just always an interesting phenomenon to me—the organic growth of an urban area.”

And so Pokrywa launched an academic trajectory based on planning. An academic career began in Canada, but eventually focused on Brevard County, FL. Pokrywa vacationed here with his family as a youngster and those memories gave him personal experience with the growth of Viera to the point that he actually completed his thesis project on the planning and development of Viera.

“When I was getting ready to graduate, I looked around North America, trying to decide where those dynamic growth areas are and I wanted to immerse myself in a career where I would be able to make a difference.”

RANCH TO RANCH

His search drew him to Florida and currently one of the most successful master-planned communities in the country. But the first stop wasn’t Viera, rather, he began as a

“We’ve jumped significantly to number 15 in the recent mid-year ranking, and we aspire to be in the top 10.” consultant and most recently worked for a dozen years overseeing planning at Lakewood Ranch.

Not unlike the way Viera was the vision of the Duda family for development of their Cocoa Ranch property, Lakewood Ranch was created by Milwaukee’s Uihlein family from their 31,000-acre property near Sarasota.

“And there are similarities,” Pokrywa says of his experiences. “Two families.

They both have legacy properties that they view as long-term assets. They’re providing oversight in terms of stewardship of the land and patient planning and development.”

Patient is an interesting choice of words here. Again, it’s one of those approaches, with deliberate actions and dedication to a plan, that creates a solid long-term strategy.

“Because whatever mistakes we make today, we’ll have to drive past them to get to what we’re doing tomorrow right?” Pokrywa says, thoughtfully. “So we’re very deliberate in our planning exercises.”

FAMILY BUSINESS

And what about growing a career within an established family business?

“I feel that the family, in effect, really adopts you when you join this organization,” Pokrywa says of the company he’s set to lead. “I believe the family has always recognized that you need a lot of expertise in different areas to do it well.”

And in Pokrywa’s case, he brings a perspective from another large master-planned community. One that’s ranked number two on the list of top-selling Master-Planned Communities in the United States.

But while sales is clearly one measure of success, Pokrywa is also sure to speak in terms of a larger economic ecosystem across Brevard County as an asset, not just what’s within the bounds of Viera. He cites business growth, population growth and the attractive amenities across Brevard County from 72 miles of beachfront to the Space Center and one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

“We’ve jumped significantly in the rankings because we’re effectively responding to market growth and demands with all of the great activity, particularly on the job front,” he says, referring to the ongoing economic development of the Space Coast.

“We’ve jumped significantly to number 15 in the recent mid-year ranking,” the new President is quick to point out. “And we aspire to be in the top 10.”

“Because whatever mistakes we make today, we’ll have to drive past them to get to what we’re doing tomorrow right?

So we’re very deliberate in our planning exercises.”

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A TEACHER

FIRST

MARK MULLINS TAKES THE HELM AT BREVARD SCHOOLS

D

EPENDING ON WHO YOU ASK, WHEN DR. MARK MULLINS WAS SELECTED AS THE BREVARD SCHOOL DISTRICT’S NEXT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, IT WAS EITHER A CASE OF “THE OBVIOUS CHOICE” OR “HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT.”

9

MULLINS SERVED IN THE DISTRICT'S #2

ROLE AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR

3 yrs

Desmond Blackburn, who announced his departure at the end of the last school year to pursue a leadership role in an education nonprofit in California.

Mullins served in the district’s #2 role as Chief Operating Officer for the past 3 years and played a key part in the way the district has transformed itself into a strategically oriented organization with an extensive, open and transparent communications style and an active information gathering process from all key areas of the community.

A TIME OF TRANSITION

When Brevard County Schools Superintendent, Desmond Blackburn, announced his intention to pursue a new opportunity at a California education foundation at the end of this past school year, the members of the Board of Education were virtually inundated with the questions from the community at large: “Who’s going to be the next Superintendent of Brevard Schools? And where will that person come from?”

The answer came quickly. And from within.

Fairly early in the process, members of the board, in one-on-one meetings with parents, PTO meetings, and school-based town hall meetings, began to let slip that they were favoring Serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the single largest district candidates “It took a very internal employer in the county behind the visible presence of his over a wider search for predecessor, Desmond Blackburn, Mullins role, while not short period of Blackburn’s replacement. time for me exactly “behind the scenes,” was often more about getting In short order, the district’s to fall in love the job done than being seen getting the job done.

Chief Operating Officer, Dr. with what Married to a native Brevardian, Mullins moved with Mark Mullins, was named as we do.” his family to the county in 1988 before becoming a math the Board’s choice to take over – Dr. Mark Mullins teacher in the district in 1994. A career educator, he leadership of the district as of is remembered by many, even after a long stint as an this current school year. administrator, very much as a teacher first.

“It took a very short period of time for me to fall in love with what we do,” Mullins says, describing his own relationship with teaching.

Since reality is often all about perspective, “And at the same time, I was having experiences in leadership. I was the choice of Mullins seemed obvious to some a varsity soccer coach, I led clubs at the school and helped write a and unexpected to others. As the COO, he was curriculum for the district over the summer.” probably the obvious choice in terms of line of From there, those opportunities to be a leader, Mullins says, made succession, but there is a belief that exploring him realize he could be a part of inspiring and empowering others a deeper pool of candidates for a leadership to impact the lives of kids. A Masters in Education Leadership from role like this requires searching outside the UCF followed six years of classroom experience before moving into a existing organization. director role, then assistant principal, principal, area superintendent In the end the Board decided there was more and eventually Chief Operating Officer (COO) under his predecessor, value in maintaining a sense of continuity by

A NEW ROLE

10

He’s been a part of the Brevard County Schools family for a long time and not only worked at, but succeeded in, roles at virtually every level in the district from classroom teacher to now, superintendent.

seeing their selection in-house. And there are many positives to Mullins as that selection.

He’s been a part of the Brevard County Schools family for a long time and not only worked at, but succeeded in, roles at virtually every level in the district from classroom teacher to now, superintendent. While there is always a balance to be struck in the top position, like Blackburn before him, he’s known as an educator first rather than purely an administrator or politician.

That said, he does prioritize the importance of the role our school system plays in our county.

“Because we’re not just the single largest employer in the district.

We work hand-in-hand. We’ve got to embrace that ecosystem that we’re a part of,” said Mullins. “We can’t just have a silo mentality in our community. There are too many opportunities and the question is how do I make sure we’re connecting with, and following through on and capitalizing on all of those opportunities?”

According to Board Member Matt Susin, one of the strongest elements in the board’s choice of Mullins was that he was a believer in the strategic planning approach he and a strong team of staffers developed with Blackburn during his time in the role. And the Board, according to Susin, sees that approach as being the right one for BPS.

11

With his extensive experience in the Field of education, as well as extensive experience specif ically in the Brevard system, Mullins is clearly excited and energized to work toward big goals.

6 PRIORITIES

Mullins describes it as a living process for strategic development and execution of priorities within the district. Six priorities were identified that created an actionable, measurable, accountable process to identify and address issues facing the district.

“Dr. Blackburn brought to us a different way, a different process of developing and building a strategic plan or strategic priorities,” Mullins said. “Because he was new to the community, he spent a lot of time out in the community, engaging in conversation, starting conversations, building on former relationships and repairing some relationships.”

The approach is built on collecting information from the community: teachers, students, parents and Board members.

“Desmond presented a very intentional process for collecting data, what we call ‘findings,’” Mullins says. “And then we began wrestling with commonalities. Where are the common threads? What emerged were six themes: Leading and Learning, which is academics, Human Resources, Finance, Governance, Facilities and Capital Planning and the Community and Government Relations.”

It’s that strategic structure, Mullins points out, that enables the district to prioritize all of those things the district needs to address and accomplish as well as those things parents, teachers, staffers and board members want. Those things that represent the needs and desires of all the educational stakeholders in the county.

And in a challenging year, there have been many details from school safety to performance in particular schools to transportation to budget possibilities that have all tested the strategy from time to time.

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SO WHAT’S NEXT?

As he discusses each issue, it’s clear that Mullins considers every question and every answer carefully. He speaks of the schools as not just an entity to themselves, but as a component in an ecosystem of active people in the community, businesses as partners and other stakeholders in the success of our county and our region.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to not only live where we live, but to have partners who make those resources accessible,” Mullins said. “Like partnerships with our technology companies, the internships they provide to our kids, and the scientists and engineers who mentor and help judge our science fairs. Those are the reasons we go to state science fair, and we walk away the dominant leader in the state.”

With his extensive experience in the field of education, as well as extensive experience specifically in the Brevard system, Mullins is clearly excited and energized to work toward big goals. In the end, he seems most focused on one simple guiding principle.

“Hopefully, you walk away feeling like you know that I love what I do, and I love who we do it for,” he says. “And that’s what gets me up every day.”

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13

WHAT'S

IN A A NAME

A DEEPER MEANING CAN BE FOUND IN THE NAMES AROUND TOWN H, VIERA, AN EXOTIC-SOUNDING TOWN OF EXOTICSOUNDING COMMUNITIES, GROWING BY THE DAY WITH PLACES AND THINGS NAMED WITH YET MORE INTERESTING WORDS.

14

What’s with the California-themed neighborhoods, its streets named after wines? Didn’t one part of the sports complex formerly have a different title? And how about the Duran Golf Club, named after a rock band?

There’s a reason for everything, and Viera has lots of them, starting with the name of the town itself.

Developed by the Duda family, founders of one of the great agricultural companies, A. Duda & Sons, Inc., is located on a 20,646 acre tract called “the Duda Ranch” by outsiders and what the family still refers to as “the Cocoa Ranch.”

In the words of Lauri Duda, The Viera Company’s vice president of marketing, “We are farmers and never forget that part of our heritage.”

The connection to the land is profound.

The Duda family, whose forebears were immigrants from Slovakia, also possess the type of deep belief in the land that inspired them to name the town it would develop in the late 1980s Viera, meaning faith in their native language.

Other things in Viera have Eastern European touches too, like Suseda Park on Murrell Road, given the Slovakian name for “neighbor,” and the aptly named Strom Park, strom coming from the word for “tree.”

Many of Viera’s streets and neighborhoods simply were named by developers or builders with words they found evocative or special, but some do have deeper meaning.

“Given that so many of the common street names are already utilized in other locations in Viera and the surrounding communities, the street naming process is surprisingly challenging, but for a very good reason. The Viera Company submits large numbers of potential street names to Brevard County in the hope that some of these names will be approved. In order to be approved, street names must not have already been utilized, must be easy to pronounce and must not be too similar to existing approved names. In approving street names, Brevard County strives to ensure that in emergency situations

Vi•er•a (veeea-anirin-ag )Fainth. .

where seconds count, that first responders don’t inadvertently travel to the wrong street location, so as we progress in developing the master-planned community of Viera, the more challenging the naming process becomes!” said Scott Miller Jr., vice president sales and community management.

Wickham Road was named after one of Brevard County’s legendary politician-movers, Joe Wickham, a county commissioner from 1952 to 1964 and again from 1972 to 1984.

Murrell Road memorializes Robert Lee Murrell, who served on the Rockledge City Council for 36 years, beginning in 1938, and was famed for his fiscal conservatism. He died in 1986 at the age of 85.

Lake Andrew Drive, which runs in part along Lake Andrew, like the lake, honors Andrew Duda, the A. Duda in A. Duda & Sons, and it runs into Judge Fran Jamieson Way, on which the Brevard County Government Center, land which was donated by The Viera Company, is located.

Its namesake was a legend among Brevard jurists, a circuit court judge famed for her work on behalf of neglected and abused children, and judges throughout

1. Slovak word m

15

Dur•an (dur-ran) n.

1. Combination of Duda and Ranch.

the state endorsed naming the road for her in 1995, not long after her death.

“Fran was a special woman,” said her friend Wanda Wenner Schultz, who worked with Jamieson as a guardian ad litem, whose program also is based in Viera. “Children never had a better friend, and she was tough.”

On the street named after the judge is the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center, named for two of the country’s earliest heroes of the civil rights movements.

Educators and advocates of voter registration – Harry Moore founded the Brevard County NAACP. The justice center opened in 1996.

Viera’s first elementary school is named after a hero of a different sort, Ralph M. Williams, Jr. The first African-American man to become a member of the Florida Jaycees, Williams was a teacher, school

administrator and eventually, Brevard Public Schools area superintendent, before his passing in 1998. His family was present at the opening of the school in 1999.

The names of Viera’s other elementary schools, Manatee and Quest, were selected by Brevard Public Schools officials based on the input of local residents.

Ritch Grissom, for whom the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands (the Viera wetlands) was named in 2007, was a longtime employee of Brevard County who worked nearby at the water treatment facility, and yes, that facility adjacent to Space Coast Stadium does – or did – have a name: The Carl F. Barger Baseball Complex.

It was named after a onetime president of the Pittsburgh Pirates who later had the same position with the Florida Marlins, an advocate for the team taking spring training to Viera. Carl Barger passed in 1992.

As for Sonoma, with its California wine-themed streets, it was named by now-retired executives with Lennar Homes who were prominent oenophiles (wine lovers).

And Duran? Sorry, Simon LeBon fans, it simply is a combination of “Duda” and “Ranch.”

his•to•ry (his-tuh-ree) n.

1. The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

LOOKING DOWN ON JUDGE FRAN JAMIESON WAY WITH THE GOVERNMENT CENTER TO YOUR LEFT AND THE BREVARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD FACILITY ON THE RIGHT. ROAD TURNING TOWARDS THE SOUTH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PHOTO IS LAKE ANDREW DRIVE.

16

(L-R) STATE ATTORNEY NORM WOLFINGER, NANCY HIGGS, EVANGELINE MOORE (DESCENDENT OF HARRIET T. MOORE), JOHN L. DUDA.

GROUNDBREAKING OF THE SPACE COAST STADIUM COMPLEX.

THE LANDMARKS

After so many years, it simply is “The Tree.”

Nothing has come to symbolize Viera like “The Tree,” the majestic oak that marks the traffic circle at the junction of Wickham Road and Lake Andrew Drive. With its colorful, landscaped surroundings, it is Viera’s harbinger of spring, and when hung with shimmering white lights, it serves as the community Christmas tree.

It wasn’t always there, though.

The Duda family, ever aware of Viera’s connection to the land, were determined to have something living as a symbol of life, community and nature, and so in 2002, a majestic oak was selected from Cocoa ranch to be transplanted to a place where it could be seen by all.

Fifty feet tall, with a canopy of about 80 feet, it was estimated to have been 50 to 100 years old when it was moved from the ranch to the roundabout, inch by inch, literally, by professionals from South Florida under the careful supervision of Viera ranchers.

It will be illuminated again, as always, when the holidays officially begin in Viera on Thanksgiving weekend, with the Light Up Viera parade and other seasonal activities.

DID YOU KNOW?

»Beam remnants from the World Trade Cente r in New York, reminders of the terrible toll taken by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and each are displayed at Brevard Co unty Fire Rescue Statio n 48 and The Avenue Viera. »The statues near the wa lkways to Space Coast Sta dium Complex are a represen tation of an orbiter with its external fuel tank, its so lid rocket boosters in pla ce: the space program as repres ented by Space Coast Sta dium when it opened and the launch of the space shutt le Columbia, STS-62, took place the same day as the stadium’s opening cerem onies, March 2, 1994. »The giant, jaunty figure leaning on his bat: “Cas ey at the Bat,” the character from the renowned po em by Ernest Thayer that symb olizes baseball, is watch ing over the stadium upon what was once Duda Ranch pasture.

So somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright, as the poem sa ys. People are inspired , people remember, and the ga mes go on.

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17

DESIGN AND DÉCOR TRENDS FOR 2019

W

HETHER DESIGNING A NEW HOME

OR REMODELING YOUR CURRENT RESIDENCE, HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER IS A GREAT WAY TO SIMPLIFY THE PROJECT, SAVE TIME AND RELIEVE STRESS. AS FOR THE TIMING TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL, INDIAN RIVER FURNITURE DESIGNERS’ BRIDGET LILLY AND ANDREA ZGONC RECOMMEND DOING SO AS SOON AS THE FLOOR PLAN IS COMPLETE.

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“It is important to know the electrical layout, window placement, flooring, wall and cabinetry colors, even ceiling heights, to effectively create a great furnishings plan for every room,” said Zgonc.

“I try to work within the budget as closely as possible. Changes to every plan can vary as the project unfolds. We work with several area builders to help our clients choose new décor to compliment the flooring and cabinetry and meld the existing furniture to create the most efficient use of space. Putting it all together to achieve the right look and best fit for individual comfort is where our design team comes in,” said Lilly.

Having just returned last month from a visit to the largest furniture market in the world in High Point, N.C., and two other stops in Atlanta and Las Vegas at trade shows featuring accessories, rugs and outdoor furnishings, Lilly shared some of the key highlights in the latest trends in design and décor.

WOOD, WROUGHT- IRON & A TOUCH OF GOLD Furniture made with teak and mango woods are making a big comeback. Also still prominent is the industrial look, incorporating wrought-iron and brass in sofas and chairs, tables, even bed frames. If there is a love affair that is ever constant – it’s love for gold! Gold leaf touches can be found as painted trim on furniture, finished lamps, headboards, and more. Subtle, easy-to-live with, gold accents can bring royalty to any home.

FLORA & FAUNA

Odes to nature, flora and fauna derived designs have emerged to become one of the hottest trends in decorating. Floral motifs can be classic chintz to bold and abstract designs. Whether a hand-blown vase with ornamental flowers, an intricately layered vine watercolor print, or a leaf-inspired chair or lamp flora or fauna derived designs bring a touch of nature indoors.

POLYGON PERFECT

Whether applied to lighting, textiles or accessories, the use of hexagon shapes can add eye-popping punctuation to any room. This sizzling trend has become a popular way to add elegance and pizazz to dining rooms, via chandeliers that incorporate the suspended nesting of movable hexagons to form striking compositions. Bold and colorful hexagon prints on sofas and chairs also bring dazzle and liveliness to any living space.

GREENS AND BLUES

VELVET

When it comes to fabrics, velvet is back! The mid-century, re-invented cozy-chic covering beckons with the promise of sumptuous comfort and lasting durability. Posh pillows and plush upholstered velvet furniture can add a simplistic, yet sophisticated aesthetic to a formal living area, office, library or even a bedroom.

Perennial lime-yellow, navy to ocean shades of blue, and turquoise are atop the popular list of colors heading into 2019. Bold, bright and warm, all of these shades fare well with live foliage and a wide variety of both painted and natural wood furniture.

SUGAR COATED PASTELS

Delicate hues of blush and soft rose are the forerunners in this group, but soft shades of lilac, mint, aqua and butter bring a feeling of harmony and tranquility to interior spaces. Printed linen pillows, lampshades, wall art and more are popular décor featuring colors of iced pastel.

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PARKS AND

PEOPLE V

IERA’S LARGER PARKS AND TRAILS ARE WOVEN WITHIN THE FABRIC OF THE MASTER-PLAN OF THE COMMUNITY. CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

IS IMPORTANT FOR THE WELL-BEING OF EVERYONE.

In Viera, one has access to local, community, and regional parks providing a recreational value and sense of pride in the well-developed and well-used parks and trails.

The trails wind themselves from area to area connecting the parks, neighborhoods, businesses, and to larger amenities like the Linear Trail at the Brevard Zoo and the paths throughout the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands.

Park designs over the years have three must-have elements: an open field for running and ball play, a playground for multiple age groups between 0 – 12 years old, and a public restroom facility. Even dog parks follow this same pattern. But it is in the design within each park that has something unique in its footprint or history you may not know.

One way to counteract the unrelenting sameness in parks

is to start with a site-specific design approach. The flow-through design concepts of playgrounds at schools or fast-food restaurants only encourage the participants to quickly move through the equipment at lightning speed.

The play structures in Viera are not based in this manner. Instead, their multiple use design concept allows for greater opportunities for residents of all ages and interests to utilize the parks.

You won’t experience it until you venture out and take a moment to play and enjoy the beautiful weather at the local park. Grab a ball or hop on a bike and take a moment to enjoy the hands-on experience that parks can provide you and your family. This fall might be the perfect time to venture out, take a longer bike ride, and play.

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“Over the years volleyball has been a key part of 3 marriages within the group.”

– Mike Dean, the Sunday coordinator of Clubhouse Park volleyball.

CLUBHOUSE PARK (2000)

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he park was created with access to a large field connecting to a local school, providing a home to the annual Bunny Hop for several years.

It was the only park with two sand volleyball courts, two tennis courts and two basketball courts at the time. A large pavilion allowed for various events with birthday party gatherings almost every weekend.

NORTH SOLERNO PARK (2007)

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lay systems for small children changed dramatically by 2007 and this park lead the way in design advancements with a futuristic web climbing ball, rock wall and other equipment. You might see a pick-up basketball game on the weekends and/or local tennis enthusiasts grabbing a quick match before noon.

SHARON BEAN AND JEANNIE DIAZ PLAY A MATCH OR TWO AFTER A BUSY DAY AT WORK.

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EASTWIND PARK (2008)

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he Evos™ play system was purchased after attending the 14th Annual EPCOT® International Flower and Garden Festival. It remains the most unique park feature in Viera with the ForeverLawn playground grass under the structure using a multi-layered backing system with AlphaSan® antimicrobial technology. Using springy climbing cables to build upper-body strength, the system also includes sensory components that build on imaginative play.

MELINA RENICK PLAYING AFTER A MORNING OF VPK CLASSES.

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PALMETTO PARK (2018)

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esigned to include the newest game in parks, Pickleball® has become the fastest growing racket sport in the country. This combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis has two or four players with simple equipment (solid paddles and a polymer ball). The park also includes one of the largest web climbing balls in the area with a sand volleyball court and extra-large soccer goals on an open field.

A GROUP OF LOCAL CHILDREN CONQUER THE PLAYWEB® AT PALMETTO PARK USING BALANCE AND HAND/EYE COORDINATION.

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THE DOCTOR IS IN WITH AN OFFICE CLOSE TO HOME LOCAL PSYCHOLOGIST, DR. CHARLES STEVENS, REMEMBERS THE EARLY DAYS IN VIERA.

ARLY ON A SUMMER NIGHT, DR. CHARLES STEVENS, DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, LOOKS OUT A WINDOW OF HIS PRACTICE’S NEW QUARTERS IN THE VIERA OFFICE PARK AT A SIGN NOT FAR AWAY. “DEVEREUX,” HE SAYS. “WHAT A COINCIDENCE. I GUESS I’VE COME FULL CIRCLE.”

“I remember having to drive pretty far for lunch,” he says with a grin. Viera (as a planned community) always seemed to be such a good idea – I knew it would be so much more – and I always thought I would live and practice here. Now I do.”

So he does. A resident of the Sonoma subdivision since it opened, he ultimately moved his practice from Satellite Beach as well, not because it is convenient, but because it is appropriate, he says.

“If the patients we serve are in Central Florida, or if it’s easy for them to find us here, this is where we should be,” he says.

Where he is, is practicing psychology with all types of people, from children with behavioral issues to police officers with PTSD to seniors who cannot get over the loss of a spouse. Dr. Stevens made his reputation as a family psychologist who spoke about and diagnosed autism long before most people heard of it, certainly before they could recognize it.

As one of the “originals,” as he refers to the people who helped start Devereux Florida, indeed he has. In 1988, after having worked with the company for three years in California, the West Virginia native arrived at the Devereux Hospital and Children’s Center, then near the end of what was partially a dirt road in Viera.

“Viera (as a planned community) always seemed to be such a good idea – I knew it would be so much more – and I always thought I would live and practice here. Now I do.”

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He also is forthright about what is and isn’t a mental illness.

Dr. Stevens has the credentials to say so. A graduate of West Virginia University and the University of the Pacific (with a master’s degree in another then-rare discipline, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)), he also studied at the Temple University Department of Psychiatry under the famed Dr. Joseph Wolpe, among others. His doctorate is from Florida Institute of Technology, where he has also taught.

He left Devereux in 1994, as clinical director for the hospital and the organization’s Southeast region, to enter private practice.

Having served on the Brevard Case Review Committee and the Central and South Brevard Family Service Planning Team, as well as serving as a psychologist for the District 7 Juvenile Justice System, Dr. Stevens has seen it all and treated much, but that provides a narrow description.

Deeply cultured and an entertainment aficionado, as a graduate student in California he served on the board of the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and when the people behind the Academy Award-winning film “Rain Man” needed professionals to help with its portrayal of an autistic savant, he was among them. “Dustin Hoffman is a very nice man, pleasant and polite. He listened,” Stevens says as he hoists the movie poster onto a potential place on his wall.

When someone suggests this is “your season,” he laughs again. Stevens

something fearful, like getting through a scary movie, making it through Halloween Horror Nights® or a haunted house, we are able to say we endured. It can be cathartic. It also can lessen violent impulses,” he says.

Dr. Stevens flies north to visit nieces and nephews whenever he can, and they visit him nearly as often.

Family is why he moved to Viera in

the first place, he says; he likes the emphasis on that, personally as well as professionally.

“It is so much different than it was in those early years, when I was at Devereux,” he says. “I’ve always known it would be the right place to live, which is why I bought a home here years ago, and now I finally practice here. I’m where I should be.”

TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN DR. STEVENS IS ONE OF THE “ORIGINALS,” WHO HELPED START

DEVEREUX, FL counsels storm victims and potential storm victims, and last fall, saw patients stressed by Hurricane Irma in his busy offices. And every year, he speaks about Halloween, which he usually celebrates with a flourish.

Halloween, with its costumes and sets, is a bit of yearly play-acting that is good for you, believes the man kids call “Dr. Chuck.”

“Halloween represents something outside our comfort zone, the unknown and the unexplained,” he says. “It really is a theatrical tradition in which people assume different personas. We’re not actors, but we do behaviors that we don’t normally do in society. It’s an expression of yourself, the projection of the inner person.”

He also sees the value of being scared, professionally as well as personally.

“It’s about overcoming fear. We like to be scared because we like to have a sense of control and mastery of our fears. After experiencing

What should parents do to prepare for a safe and happy Halloween? We have a few tips from Dr. Charles Stevens and Fun4SpaceCoastKids.com.

DR. CHUCK TIPS

» Leave out the extra-gory costumes, which are meant for adults only and scare younger children. Keep in mind that the more realistic a costume is, the scarier it probably will be. » Remember that young children can’t tell the difference between what is real and what is fantasy. » Avoid having people or things that jump out at trick-or-treaters. It terrifies very young children, who will remember.

FUN4SPACECOASTKIDS.COM

» Establish a pre-planned route no matter the age and have children carry their parent’s phone number in case they are separated from the group. » Don’t let oversized hats, helmets, or headpieces interfere with a child’s vision. » Choose bright colors and add reflective tape or stickers to all costumes. » Provide children with a flashlight even when walking with a parent. » Use sidewalks and only go to homes with the outside lights on.

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E R A F H T R A E V

IERA EAST'S VILLAGE SHOPPING

CENTER WILL SOON BE GETTING A NEW, “HEALTHY” FACELIFT,

THANKS TO THE ADDITION OF EARTH FARE, A SPECIALTY ORGANIC AND NATURAL FULL-SERVICE SUPERMARKET PROPOSED TO OPEN NEXT YEAR.

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The national grocery chain will take over the 26,000 square ft. space at Viera Boulevard and Murrell Road, serving as anchor to the center currently being redeveloped by The Benchmark Group.

“We have looked at several different opportunities to update this plaza and are now in the process of beginning an entire renovation to modernize and bring it into its’ next lifecycle,” said Martin DelleBovi, Executive Vice President and Director of Real Estate for the New York-based company. “We plan to add canopies with LED lighting, new site-lighting

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EARTH FARE

ORGANIC GROCERY COMING TO VIERA EAST

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and signage, and patch, resurface and seal the parking lot.

This center was built in late 1999, so it is definitely time for a change.”

Fresh new colorful landscaping will also be added, giving the property a more polished, upscale feel. “Erecting a freestanding building on the first of three existing outparcels here will be another project we will be overseeing going forward,” said DelleBovi.

Initial plans are to build on the land off Murrell Road near Beef O’Brady’s.

With a goal to complete all renovations by the end of 2018, DelleBovi said his hopes are to have all remaining stores leased by then and see the supermarket open its’ doors by the first of next year.

“Earth Fare is a very good operator. The company has been around for 40 years. I have had an opportunity to shop at one of their locations in Charleston, S.C. near my home there,” he expressed. “The selection and quality is great.”

The Asheville, North Carolina-based grocery chain promotes its’ stores as ‘Everyone’s Healthy Supermarket’

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offering a variety of healthy choices from meats, produce, dairy, seafood, and bakery to toiletries and other wellness items.

According to the company’s website, all foods are promised to be free of added hormones, artificial and trans fat, artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and bleached flour.

The take-out section of the store will be named the Viera Kitchen, featuring specialty pizzas and homemade meals.

Along with providing catering and delivery service, the store will also feature a juice bar.

“Americans everywhere deserve a place where they can shop confidently, knowing that every product in the cart is free of harmful ingredients or chemicals, [which are] not conducive to a healthy lifestyle,” said Earth Fare President and CEO, Frank Scorpiniti, in a press release.

According to the Earth Fare website, the store will offer digital specials on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Manager Bobby Maita, of Brooklyn Pizza and Pasta (located at the west end of the Center), said he is thrilled

VIERA KITCHEN THE TAKE-OUT SECTION OF THE STORE WILL BE NAMED THE

FEATURING SPECIALTY PIZZAS AND HOMEMADE MEALS. ALONG WITH PROVIDING CATERING AND DELIVERY SERVICE, THE STORE WILL ALSO FEATURE A JUICE BAR.

there will now be a national supermarket chain in the Center. “I’ve been here 10 years, so it has been some time since we’ve had a grocery store in the plaza. I’m sure this specialty supermarket will be positive for all here and a good fit for this community. Combined with the new access off I-95 for Viera Boulevard coming soon, the timing couldn’t be better.”

Zee Baber, manager at the Mobil station that sits on the east corner adjacent to the Center, agreed. “The updating of the landscaping and parking lot alone will definitely make the Center more appealing. The store will also provide opportunities for employment in the area.”

Among the leaders in the health food grocery industry, Earth Fare has demonstrated rapid growth in Florida, opening four new locations last year. The most recent to enter the central Florida market, debuting in 2016, was the location in Orlando at South Orange Avenue.

The chain currently has 46 stores in ten states throughout the southeast. Ten of these stores are located in Florida and include: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch,

Ocala, Oldsmar, Palm Beach Gardens, Tallahassee, Seminole and Orlando.

In 2015, Brevard’s only other national organic and wellness-oriented supermarket chain, The Fresh Market, opened about 6 miles away, off Wickham Road just south of the Suntree area. Other similar health food supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, have yet to make their way to Brevard.

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Modern DayRECYCLING In the modern age of recycling it helps to remember all the ways you can recycle effortlessly but not everything can go in the recycling can. The most common problem is leaving food particles in or on the item you are recycling. Food, dirt, and other waste can cause contamination in the recycling process. The tips below will help you remember what to recycle and where to recycle it.

Metals

Aluminum, foil, steel, and tin cans are recyclable. Rinse out all food particles prior to recycling.

Eyeglasses

Recycling boxes can be found for outdated eyeware at the local post office and eyeware retailers.

Local grocery store recycling

Publix, Walmart, and Target allow for disposal of: Plastic Grocery Bags Egg Cartons

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

Foam Meat Trays Don’t forget to clean them prior to placing in their receptacles.

Never put plastic bags into curbside recycling bins.

Hard-toRecycle Items

Recycle Brevard, Inc. is a local non-profit organization that provides the most up-to-date information on where you can recycle various hard-to-recycle materials, upcycling (terracycle) and repurposing items.

Where do I take a

BROKEN/USED COMPUTER?

Can I put EGG CARTONS in the recycling can?

Plastics

Recycle by shape as the numbers on the bottom will not help you decide because they are for identifying the plastic type. To keep it simple, Waste Management wants bottles, jars and jugs only.

Glass

Paper & Cardboard

Cardboard from moving boxes, magazines, office paper, newspapers, paperboard, dairy and juice poly-coated paperboard, and unsolicited direct mail are recyclable.

Pizza boxes are not recyclable.

Clear (flint) glass, brown (amber) glass, and green (emerald) glass are recyclable. Do not place any glass decorative items (whole or broken), old ovenware, dishes, crystal, light bulbs, mirror or window glass in the can.

TV’s, computers & other e-waste

Certain TV, cell phone, and computer retailers and manufacturers offer recycling programs.

It takes just a few minutes to search on a mobile device for a location near you.

Waste Management wm.com/us Recycle Brevard, Inc. recyclebrevard.org Black Hole Makers blackholemakers.com

keeping Viera beautiful.

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

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

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

ACTUAL CLIENT PHOTOS

Beverly Rose, DMD 2755 North Wickham Road, #101, Melbourne ♦ (321) 259-4666 ♦ www.BeverlyRoseDMD.com Family Dentistry | Cosmetic Dentistry | TMJ/Neuromuscular Dentistry | Relaxation Dentistry | One-Visit Crowns & Fillings Metal-Free Dentistry | Porcelain Veneers | ZOOM! Whitening | Digital X-rays (90% less radiation)

HERITAGE ISLE EASY RIDERS

why i

Love

viera

E

ARLY FRIDAY MORNING YOU MIGHT SEE A GROUP OF RIDERS IN NEON GREEN CROSS YOUR STREET AT SOME POINT ON THEIR JOURNEY FROM HERITAGE ISLE. THE HERITAGE ISLE EASY RIDERS MAKE RIDING LOOK EFFORTLESS AND FUN AS THEY SMILE PEDDLING THEIR HYBRID BIKES. YOU CAN TELL THEY ARE A GROUP OF FRIENDS WHO ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY TOO.

CAN ANYONE JOIN? Yes, but we start and end all rides at the Heritage Isle pavilion behind the clubhouse.

HOW MANY RIDERS DO YOU HAVE? 6-20 but it depends They formed as a group in 2011 and have been on the trail ever since. They ride to a different local breakfast destination each Friday to enjoy fellowship and conversation. As they sat down to have breakfast at Divots Grille, the conversations varied from family to vacations to jokes about the news of the moment. As a diverse group of retired and semi-retired professionals and business owners from Harris, the U.S. Airforce, and the Defense Department, they talk like they have known each other their entire lives. Here’s a few reasons they love getting together and riding in Viera.

We typically use nature trails in Viera and Suntree but occasionally go to trails in Orlando. We love riding the trails and enjoy the larger pathways.

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on the weather, time of year and breakfast destination.

We have 65 people on the mailing list for information.

HOW MANY ROUTES DO YOU HAVE AND CAN RIDERS JUMP IN ANYWHERE ALONG THE ROUTE? There are no

fixed routes. We typically use nature trails in Viera and Suntree but occasionally go to trails in Orlando. We love riding the trails and enjoy the larger pathways.

HOW MANY MILES DO YOU RIDE? The rides can be short – about 6 miles and others between 15 – 20 miles with a stop for breakfast. Some will break off and make their way back if they don’t want to do the extended ride.

Some members will ride about 100 miles in one month.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UNIQUELY SPONSORED RIDES?

Many of our member families have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and the group has supported the local fundraising charity ride for several years. We have also participated in the CURE Childhood Cancer.

g n i m Co Soon L

BY MICHEL

A

s we enter into the Holiday Season and early 2019, The Avenue Viera is undergoing a lot of big changes. Our redevelopment has been a huge success, including our very popular kids POP Jet fountain and newly renovated Central Park! We are looking to expand our event schedule to include more family-friendly events. Our leasing office will continue to add more restaurants and entertainment to our already existing and growing retail mix. 2019 will be a big year with a lot of changes! We are excited to share them with the entire community and continue to make The Avenue Viera the shopping, dining and entertainment venue in the region!

- Kevin Cedik, General Manager

E BUJOLD

Urban Air Viera will be located in The Avenue Viera’s MarketCenter in the former Sports Authority space.

The adventure park is currently scheduled to open at the end of 2018. Urban Air Viera will be furnished with wall-to-wall trampoline arenas, a full-length bowling alley, dodgeball courts, stunt airbag, slam dunk tracks, a Tumbl Trak, Tubes Playground, and laser tag. The Urban Warrior Course™ is a virtual reality game that includes a Warrior Battle Beam. Guests can also sit down and share a meal at the Urban Air Cafe.

Urbanairtrampolinepark.com/attractions Leaf in Creek Earthpedition will be bringing the best of lifestyle and outdoor gear this spring to The Avenue Viera. The outfitter company is known for its unique blend of fashion and technical gear. They carry the world’s top performance brands like Patagonia, Kuhl, GoPro, Scott, Ibis, ENO, RipCurl, Roxy, Osprey, Keen, Rainbow, and many more. “Inside you’ll also find the trendiest women’s boutique styles, locally made jewelry, and shoes,” Curtis Stolaas, owner and CEO, said. Leaf in Creek is unique, with a product mix that is unlike any other store. “We love apparel brands that are versatile for any activity, whether that means taking off early for a midafternoon adventure or the weekend. We cater to outdoor enthusiasts who need top performance gear, but we are also all about the lifestyle,” Stolaas said. Leaf in Creek carries fishing kayaks, stand up paddle boards, road and mountain bikes, adventure gear, and quite literally everything you need to play outside.

Leafincreek.com A higher-end, sit-down gastropub will be coming to The Avenue Viera this November! It is known as a trendy eating and drinking establishment boasting a casual yet refined atmosphere that serves craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, wines and culinary delights.

The location will span the entire endcap next to Pizza Gallery and Planet Smoothie.

Facebook.com/28northgastropub/

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snapshots

around

town

WELCOME BASKET VALERIE, IVAN,

AND JENNA YUSPEH WERE SO EXCITED TO RECEIVE THEIR WELCOME BASKET FROM THE VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER. IVAN, THE STORE MANAGER FOR BELK DEPARTMENT STORE AT THE AVENUE VIERA, AND HIS FAMILY HAD STOPPED BY TO LEARN ABOUT THE COMMUNITY BEFORE BUYING THEIR VIERA HOME.

VIERA REGIONAL PARK FIELDS UPGRADE RIBBON CUTTING THE FOOTBALL,

SOCCER, AND LACROSSE FIELDS RECEIVED A $6 MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT UPGRADE WITH THE INSTALLATION OF ASTROTURF ON FIELDS FOR USE YEAR-ROUND. UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION (USSSA) WILL BE PROVIDING MAINTENANCE OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

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TAILGATE 2 MILER AS THE SUN ROSE THE

RUNNERS STRETCHED AND PREPARED FOR THE 2 MILE RACE TO KICK OFF FOOTBALL SEASON. THE RACE REGISTRATIONS BROKE A NEW RECORD AT 1,110 WITH PROCEEDS BENEFITTING HARMONY FARMS HORSES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.

CENTRAL PARK UPGRADES AND SPLASH PAD OPEN AT THE AVENUE VIERA AFTER WBSC WOMEN’S BASEBALL WORLD CUP OPENING NIGHT DUE TO A

QUICK RAIN SHOWER, THE GAME STARTED LATER THAN EXPECTED BUT THE LADIES OF BASEBALL SHOWED THEIR FANS THE POWER AND SKILL OF THEIR TRAINING DURING A USA VS. PUERTO RICO GAME. THE RAIN MADE FOR AN AMAZING SUNSET AND THE FINAL SCORE WAS USA 14, PUERTO RICO 0.

SEVERAL MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION, THE NEW SEATING IN CENTRAL PARK IS WELL RECEIVED AND KIDS ARE WOWED BY THE NEW SPLASH FOUNTAIN IN FRONT OF THE AMC THEATRE.

CAUDILL ORTHODONTICS BREAKS GROUND

A NEW BUSINESS EXPANSION TAKES PLACE IN VIERA WITH CAUDILL ORTHODONTICS PREPARING TO OPEN THEIR THIRD LOCATION IN BREVARD.

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upcoming

Events

FUN FOR ALL OCT 26

DATE: October 26th – November 11 th LOCATION: Across from Space Coast Stadium Complex, Viera CONTACT: SPACECOASTSTATEFAIR.COM

DATE NIGHT

OCT 17

World of Dance Live Tour

Adam Devine (Comedian/Actor)

Pumpkin Patch at The Church at Viera

DATE: October 26th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM

DATE: October 8th – 31st LOCATION: The Church at Viera, Viera CONTACT: CHURCHATVIERA.COM

MUSICAL

“Sock Hop,” a dance with music by the Rock and Roll Revue

OCT 03

DATE: September 28th LOCATION: Melbourne Auditorium, Melbourne CONTACT: MMBAND.NET

NOV 04

Waste Me Not Recycled Art Show

DATE: November 4th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera CONTACT: RECYCLEBREVARD.ORG

Boo at the Zoo

DATE: October 12th - 14th, 19th - 21st and 26th - 28th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

Harvest Festival

DATE: October 20th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: 321-242-1235

NATURE AND ART SHOWS

DATE: September 22nd LOCATION: The Avenue Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

Scarecrow Stroll

DATE: October 3rd – 17th LOCATION: Local Businesses in Viera, Suntree and Rockledge CONTACT: 321-242-1235

DATE: October 17th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM

3rd Annual Wild About Nature Celebration

Space Coast State Fair

FUNDRAISING

FARMER’S MARKET

DATE: October 3rd LOCATION: Viera High School Gym CONTACT: VIERAVOLLEYBALL.WORDPRESS.COM

DATE(S): Recurring weekly on Friday evening 3-7 p.m. (weather permitting) Food Trucks on first Friday of every month from 5 -9 p.m. (weather permitting) LOCATION: Viera Regional Park CONTACT: FACEBOOK.COM/VIERAPARK-MARKET

The Pink Game: Hawks vs.

Melbourne Central Catholic

Jazzoo

DATE: November 3rd LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

ACTIVE EVENT

Take Stock In Children’s – Run 4 The Future 5K Walk/Run DATE: October 20th, 4:00 pm start LOCATION: Viera High School, Viera CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

Viera Park Market & First Friday Food Truck Events

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

DATE: October 27th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDFLSTRIDES@CANCER.ORG

321.426.4177 VieraBuilders.com

Arrivas Village

321.633.4101 2200 Arrivas Way

Loren Cove

321.610.3014 8004 Loren Cove Drive

Reeling Park

321.305.6310 7883 Desmond Avenue

Kerrington

321.610.3381 7619 Kerrington Drive

Trasona Cove East 321.305.4939 3251 Casterton Drive

Trasona Cove West 321.241.4068 3305 Archdale Street

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developer

Letter

EXCITED AND GRATEFUL TO BE AT THE HELM

development, it became clear that I should focus on the benefits of masterplanned communities and selected Viera as my case study. In pursuing my studies, I met with Mason Blake, then General Counsel of The Viera Company, Brevard County Planning staff, and attended an East Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting as part of my research.

Upon graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1995, I moved to Florida and have since worked in a number of planning and land development roles involving large scale mixed use projects.

TODD POKRYWA, PRESIDENT Immediately prior to joining The Viera s a child growing up in Company in 2014, I spent nearly twelve Toronto, Canada, when years overseeing planning for the I wasn’t on ice skates, I 31,000 acre master-planned community would often spend time on the weekends of Lakewood Ranch in southwest unrolling large pieces of construction Florida. During this time, I became paper and devoting hours to laying out actively involved on the Board of and drawing cities, starting with the Directors for the Association of Florida roads and then filling in the pieces of the Community Developers and came to puzzle with office buildings, shopping know Duda’s current Chief Legal and malls, homes, schools, churches and Administrative Officer Tracy-Duda parks. Later, when I was in a 10th grade Chapman as well as Steve Johnson, the high school urban studies class, an urban recently retired President of The Viera planning professor was a guest speaker Company. During mid-2014, Steve and his presentation of how cities grow reached out and asked me to speak and evolve interested me so much that with them about an opportunity at The I starting researching universities that Viera Company. I was thrilled with the would offer a program in this field. prospect of being able to have a hand During my formative years, my in the future of Viera after studying the family vacationed annually in Brevard initial plans as a student more than two County. It was during this time that I decades ago. Shortly after accepting a started to become familiar with the land role with The Viera Company, my wife Duda owned and the plans they had for Cyndi and I relocated to the Viera area a new town. When I was attending the and have fallen in love with everything School of Urban and Regional Planning the community has to offer. at Canada’s University of Waterloo in I have had the great fortune to work the early 1990s, it came time to choose side-by-side with the entire team at The a research topic for my thesis; given my Viera Company during the past four early and ongoing interest in community years in preparation for my transition

A

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to President of The Viera Company. I am appreciative for the opportunity of assembling the team as we begin setting the stage for the next phase of growth for the 20,000 acre community of Viera.

I am thankful to Duda for entrusting me with this role and grateful to the Viera community. Both the business and public sector leaders on the Space Coast have been so welcoming to me and my family in making us feel at home here in Brevard County.

While not even halfway built out, the master-planned community of Viera is ideally situated in the heart of Brevard County, being centrally coastal and uniquely master-planned with unparalleled accessibility and visibility, making it the premier location to reside or locate a business in this market.

With the long runway in front of us, I am excited about leading the dedicated team of professionals at The Viera Company into the next frontier which provides an opportunity for continued innovation in the company’s approach to and vision for future development. With everything new that we add, we will be mindful of how that piece enhances the value of the next element to be introduced. Harkening back to those childhood years and my enthusiasm for ice hockey, I’m borrowing a phrase often attributed to Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky as I look forward to Viera’s future, “I skate to where the hockey puck is going to be, not where it has been.”

Did You Know?

THE MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY OF VIERA IS NOT EVEN HALF WAY BUILT OUT.

WHERE LAUGHTER TAKES YOU

THE AVENUE VIERA

POPJETFOUNTAIN NOW OPEN

IN FRONT OF AMC THEATRE

MORE THAN 85 STORES AND RESTAURANTS 2261 Town Center Ave. | Melbourne, FL 32940 | AvenueViera.com