Viera Vision | Town Center Development and USSSA in Viera by Viera Vision

USSSAâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;THE PRIDE OF VIERA VO L . 1 3 ISSUE 3

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PRE SIDENT

Steve Johnson EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

Lauri Duda

VIERA WELCOMES U-TRIP

EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd STAFF EDITOR S

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

THE FUTURE OF THE SPACE COAST STADIUM

SENIOR WRITER S

Chris Poindexter, Sarah Levanti, Lyle Smith, Lyn Dowling, Stephanie Byrd

in this issue

DE SIGN

Christina Geiger PHOTOGR APHY

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola

4 DOWNTOWN VIERA

THE NEW FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT SPARKS THE FIRST PHASE OF VIERA TOWN CENTER

8 LET THE SUN SHINE IN

PUBLISHER

17 PARKS & REC.

The Viera Company ADVERTISING S ALE S

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd

VIERA REGIONAL PARK IS 125 ACRES OF FIRST-CLASS FUN

28 UNINVITED GUESTS IN YOUR COMPUTER

HOW TO STAY AHEAD OF HACKERS AND SCAMMERS

LIFESTYLE HOMES LEADS THE WAY IN ZERO-ENERGY HOME BUILDING

30 9-11 MEMORIAL

A NEW HOME FOR ANOTHER PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY

32 DUDA

13 A COMMUNITY OF

RUSTIC GRILLED CELERY CRAB CAKES WITH CELERY MANGO SALSA

WCI COMMUNITIES EXPAND ON THEIR AMENITY-RICH, LIFESTYLE-ORIENTED, COMMUNITY WITH BRIDGEWATER

in every issue 03

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEW NEIGHBORS

SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

UPCOMING EVENTS

Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Rita Holder 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, Viera Realty Inc., and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions.

SUMMER RECIPE

IMPACT IN VIERA

FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

DEVELOPER LETTER

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER 7350 Shoppes Drive, Ste. 103 Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800 VIERA.com /VIERAFLORIDA

/VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA

letter from the

Editor

id your summer novel include a character or subject matter that experienced or created a ‘change’ or the act of ‘changing’? Have you just moved into a new home and/or started a new job that changed your routine? Did you visit someplace exotic or different during your summer vacation and tried something new? Did your child attend a new camp this summer and develop a new group of friends? Change happens all the time. Experts on the topic usually present it as a mental image in the form of a circle or a boundary outside of our supposed psychological comfort zone and label it “Where the magic happens.” We each have a daily pattern that provides feelings of comfort and calm in our surroundings. My goal for this issue is to provide some graphics to give you a perspective of what the changes will look like in the months ahead. You will see a lot of renderings but I believe they are the tipping point of any project. When it becomes a visual rendering the project is usually full steam ahead. We have many new businesses that will be ready to open their doors this fall and we look forward to all the future ribbon cuttings and grand opening celebrations. So place a single step outside that comfort zone during the last month of summer and go explore. Visit the Art Gallery of Viera to see works from local artists, attend a group yoga session at The Avenue Viera, paint a rock and participate in Brevard Rocks, or smash a golf ball under the lights at the 9-hole Par 3 at Duran’s Development Center. This fall we have leagues you can join at the Viera Regional Park, or you can grab a ticket to cheer at various sporting events at Viera High School to support the ‘Hawks’, attend art openings at the Art Gallery

of Viera and other events at The Avenue Viera, or enjoy all the upcoming fun at the zoo. I will also be continuing to step outside my comfort zone and tackle the harder course at Tree Top Trek. In other simpler ways, I have made a commitment to not order the same thing every time I visit my favorite restaurants. I asked the owners of Burger 21 to suggest a new burger to try and they suggested the Tex-Mex Haystack Burger. It was just as delicious as they promised. I will need to work off the calories by playing a game of pickleball at the regional park (just to see what this new sport is about). We hope you are enjoying the #exploreViera campaign. We will be sharing special locations on social media where you can stop by and visit our team this month. We enjoy hearing from you on different topics and all the new ways you have explored the area. Mark your calendars and you too can take that first step into “Where the magic happens”. See you on the course!

THE VIERA COMPANY’S BREVARD ROCKS ROCK PLACED IN CIRCULATION ON JUNE 27, 2017.

[by Lyle Smith]

HOW DO YOU GROW A TOWN Begin with a positive footprint.

LANT AN IDEA AND GIVE IT WHAT IT NEEDS TO GROW. THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE MODEL FOR BUSINESS COMING FROM A COMPANY WHOSE EARLIEST SUCCESS CAME IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

The Viera Company is a whollyowned subsidiary of agricultural giant A. Duda and Sons, Inc., one of the world’s largest producers of celery, so naturally, growth is a concept The Viera Company team knows well and embraces at every turn. One of the central elements since Viera’s early plans was the development of a Town Center or “downtown Viera” district

around which the community could congregate. Until recently, The Viera Company has been carefully navigating the classic chicken and egg conundrum: Which comes first? Business or residential? Government, schools and infrastructure or Town Center? In the summer of 1989, The Viera Company began developing

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott > four stories > 116-rooms > 66,600 square-foot facility > 600 square-foot meeting area > swimming pool and deck

FROM

SCRATCH?

what was the Duda Family’s Cocoa Ranch property for a variety of uses from the residential neighborhoods we see today to the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center, the Brevard Zoo, the Brevard County School District headquarters, Viera Hospital, the Brevard County Government Center, VA Clinic, and parks and recreation spaces. The time has

come to consider developing what has long been the bulls-eye of the plan, the Viera Town Center. “It’s an amazing story, really,” says The Viera Company’s Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development, Todd J. Pokrywa. “After 28 years of work, we’ve achieved a critical mass that allows for the beginnings of a Town Center.”

Pokrywa noted that the Town Center is planned to have a central park community facility intended to one day host events such as concerts in the park, farmers’ markets, and art shows. Three of the newest projects in the Viera portfolio are adding detail and color to the portrait of the Town Center vision. A new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

hotel is in development on Lake Andrew Drive across from The Avenue Viera. Almost directly across the street from what is the hotel property is a new stretch of retail and dining spaces called Viera Colonnade Shoppes, and just around the corner next to the Brevard County School District headquarters, Artistry at Viera, an expansive three-story luxury modern apartment complex is being built. “The first phase of the Town Center is the hotel,” states Pokrywa. “We see this downtown area growing organically over time like a true town center does.” Together with the surrounding, existing Viera properties, amenities and facilities, he says, the planned Viera Town Center will develop naturally. The vision for the downtown area includes businesses, recreation areas, dog parks (affectionately known as “bark parks”) and more urbanstyle living areas connected throughout the residential communities by a network of multi-use pathways for walking, biking, running and golf-carting. Most successful master planned communities embrace this style of access through trails, sidewalks and cart paths. It’s all about making life accessible for residents and visitors by creating a series of extra-wide sidewalks to allow for multi-purpose use simultaneously within the trail systems. “Trails and parks are the #1 amenities residents are looking for in Viera,” Pokrywa says. A sense of kinship and social interaction has always been a key aspect of the Viera plan and connecting residents and visitors to the experience of the community through easy access to the Town Center is central to that goal, according to Pokrywa. “The design will include the best attributes of a city center,” he says. “The Town Center is the heart of Viera and over time it’s going to increasingly become a key community gathering place for all our residents and visitors.”

BE OUR GUEST

f you’re wondering what that large tower is going up across from The Avenue Viera and behind Duran Golf Club’s par-3 course, it is the cornerstone of what will become Viera’s Town Center district. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott will deliver a four story, 116-room hotel property to serve the needs of visitors, residents and local businesses alike, with a 66,600 square-foot facility including a nearly 600 square foot meeting area, swimming pool and deck with a breakfast area for guests. When the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) announced it was taking over the Space Coast Stadium property last year, that deal came along with a commitment to 75,000 nights of hotel room rentals for the county in the first year opening a new opportunity for expansion of the hospitality industry in Viera. That translates to more than 200 room-nights for every day on the calendar expanding to an estimated 100,000 room-nights after three years. USSSA has a minimum of 175 planned tournaments per year expected to drive significant visitor interest to the area. “The USSSA deal was one of the catalysts for moving forward with the Town Center development,” Pokrywa said. Kevin Arcieri, General Manager of the Hampton Inn Melbourne/Viera, also under the same Marriott umbrella, said “We are very excited to continue growing our company in Viera. With the continuing expansion of Viera and the Brevard County area, we feel this property will be a perfect fit.” The Fairfield Inn & Suites will stand at the entrance of what will grow into the planned Viera Town Center that will include retail space, restaurants, business offices and a central community park facility that hopes to host regular events from farmers’ markets to community concerts. Planned opening for the hotel is January 2018.

“The USSSA deal was one of the catalysts for moving forward with the Town Center development.” – Todd J. Pokrywa

LIVING, SHOPPING, DINING

he extensive building project extending to the south end of The Avenue Viera is a new, nearly 30,000 square-foot stretch of retail and dining space that’s bound to be a popular stop for Viera residents once completed. “In keeping with the vision for a more urban section of the community,” said Pokrywa, “we required the developer to pull the building right up to the road.” Urban is a word Pokrywa uses describing the Town Center that will include spaces with a variety of uses, from more concentrated residential spaces you’d expect to see in a downtown area to office, retail and hospitality businesses as well. Viera Colonnade Shoppes is being built to deliver the simple pleasantries of life for residents and visitors. This strip of stores will include Great Clips hair salon, Mattress One, UPS store, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and two restaurants: First Watch, serving breakfast and lunch, and Charlie Graingers, specializing in hot dogs, brisket and sandwiches. Like all the other new construction projects in the community, Viera Colonnade Shoppes is designed to be easily reached using the network of connected walkways throughout the area. It’s within easy walking distance to the new Fairfield Inn and Suites hotel and the planned Town Center.

BUILDING WITH ARTISTRY

ocated just a short walk from the developing Viera Town Center district is a new, welcome addition to the area called Artistry at Viera. Currently under construction along Judge Fran Jamieson Way next to Viera High School and the Brevard County School District headquarters, this is the second luxury multi-family rental development added in the area during recent years following Marisol at Viera along Lake Andrew Drive. Artistry at Viera is planned as a three-story, 259-unit complex including a fitness center, outdoor kitchen area, car care center, resort-style swimming pool, social room and cafe. There is also a dog park planned for the complex to serve residents of the fourlegged variety. “Bark parks are widely popular,” according to Pokrywa. “It’s a place where residents in the community can come together to enjoy the Viera outdoors with their pets and offers an additional opportunity for social interaction.” Artistry at Viera is designed to add to the urban-style planned for the developing downtown area while adding to the sense of community developing throughout Viera. “It’s easily walkable to The Avenue Viera lifestyle center and places of employment like the Brevard County Government Center and the School District headquarters,” Pokrywa said. “I believe it’s an exciting time for Viera. We’re really seeing the vision become reality.”

LET THE

SUN SHINE IN LifeStyle Homes leads the way in zero-energy home building

[by Lyle Smith]

[Photography by Cathy Heinz]

COMPANY THAT SURVIVES THREE DECADES IN BUSINESS IS, WITHOUT A DOUBT, DOING SOMETHING RIGHT.

LifeStyle Homes of Melbourne, some of whose latest work you can see going up in the Seville neighborhood in Viera’s Addison Village, is a prime example of this kind of success story. The Hufford and Luhn families, founders and owners of LifeStyle, have been building homes for more than 33 years. During that time, they’ve dealt with booms and busts and the challenges of business growth. But perhaps the most important skill they’ve developed is adaptability, recognizing the need to adjust to a changing market. Today, the company is managed by Jordan Luhn, son of co-founder John Luhn, and Karen Kicinski, daughter of co-founder Larry Hufford, along with members of the LifeStyle team who have worked for the company for many years. You can even see it in their logo. A hand-written addition of “solar-powered” indicates how the company has evolved over the years into an award-winning leader in the solar home industry, a growing niche in the market. “With rising utility bills, living in a solar-powered home is an attractive way to get control of your energy costs,” said Karen Kicinski, Director of Marketing. “Solar-powered homes that achieve zero-energy status produce as much energy as they use over the course of the year.”

SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)—a research institute of the University of Central Florida (UCF)—was created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to serve as the state’s energy research institute. The main responsibilities of the center are to conduct research, test and certify solar systems, and develop education programs. In 2009, LifeStyle partnered with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to develop a sophisticated, scientifically-proven method for building energyefficient homes. A HAND-WRITTEN The culmination of this partnership ADDITION OF was Florida East Coast’s first solar“SOLAR-POWERED” powered, zero-energy home in 2010. INDICATES HOW Since then, LifeStyle Homes has THE COMPANY HAS EVOLVED built 90 solar homes throughout OVER THE YEARS the region. INTO AN AWARDWINNING LEADER IN THE SOLAR HOME INDUSTRY, A GROWING NICHE IN THE MARKET.

SAVE AND DO THE RIGHT THING

Kicinski notes that Brevard County has a particular interest in solar energy and efficient building for a couple of reasons. First and most obvious is the extensive development going on throughout the county, particularly in Viera. The second reason is directly linked to the space and defense focus of local industry.

THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CREDIT OF 30% THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY REDUCE THE RETAIL PRICE (OF SOLAR) BY 30% HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH 2019.

“There is a very large engineering population here that gravitates to the technology aspect of it,” she says. While not exclusively a solar builder, LifeStyle Homes takes a unique and cost-effective approach to green building and living. The goal for each property is to get each home as energy efficient as possible before even considering adding an alternative energy system like solar. Every home built by LifeStyle falls under the company’s exclusive “LifeStyle SunSmart” method of building. That includes features such as a hybrid high-efficiency water heater, installation expertise, and energy-efficient components like LED lighting standard in every single home. “Then a homeowner might consider upgrading to a solar home,” Kicinski says. The “LifeStyle SunSmart” building package allows LifeStyle’s homes to be at least 70% more energy efficient than typical re-sold homes, and at least 40% more energy efficient than typical new homes. The company guarantees an estimated 40% savings or more on annual electricity costs as verified by third-party energy auditors.

VIERA AUTHORIZED BUILDER

LifeStyle is currently building in Seville in Viera, as well as a dozen or more sites around Brevard County. “We love being an authorized builder in Viera,” Kicinski said. “It’s a great place to build and it really is a great place to be.”

ATTRACTIVE COST SAVINGS

While solar, green and energy-efficient solutions in new homes present a significant opportunity to save money, the initial cost to build can seem intimidating. There are opportunities to offset that cost, however. The federal income tax credit of 30% that can effectively reduce the retail price by 30% has been extended through 2019. “The technology is here right now and it can be affordable,” Kicinski said. “The savings over the long run is real.” One of the unique illustrations LifeStyle is showing in its Seville model home is an electric golf cart plugged into an outlet in the garage. The golf cart generates its battery charge with excess energy produced by the home’s solar energy system.

“We love being an authorized builder in Viera, It’s a great place to build and it really is a great place to be.” – Karen Kicinski 10

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A COMMUNITY OF

IMPACT

WCI Communities has transformed the idea of communities from mere developments to a lifestyle with â&#x20AC;&#x153;55 and Betterâ&#x20AC;? living.

CI COMMUNITIES PROUDLY INTRODUCES THEIR AMENITYRICH, LIFESTYLE-ORIENTED,

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY, BRIDGEWATER AT VIERA.

WITH 408 ACRES AND APPROXIMATELY 870 HOMES, RESIDENTS FROM ALL OVER WILL FLOCK TO VIERA TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUN, AMENITIES, AND ONE-OF-A-KIND RETIREE LIFE.

BRIDGEWATER TOWN CENTER RENDERING

The “55 and Better” community is an extension of WCI’s commitment of quality living in quality locations. “Bridgewater at Viera will be a unique addition to the Viera community,” explains Mike Wolf, VP of Land Acquisitions. “We implement a high focus on creating an all-inclusive community with an engaging space that will provide programs and special events for our residents.” This engaging space will include amenities such as a resort-style pool with beach entry and lap lanes, pickleball, tennis, and a Bridgewater-exclusive town center with 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor entertainment and recreational spaces, including a fitness center, aerobics room, theatre, cafe, plus club and card rooms and event spaces. For residents, it offers a social center to their community. The community was created as a special blend of planned amenities and a variety of unique home styles, ranging from 1,557 to 2,800 square feet. For retirees and empty nesters, who reside within this community, it is an opportunity to adapt to the new lifestyle they earned. “With a variety of homes, newly-retired or soon-to-be retired residents are able to try out their new retirement lifestyle,” says Wolf. “This allows them to work with the changes at

this stage of their life and adapt to their evolving needs throughout retirement.” This transition is accomplished through home design choices such as maintenancefree cottages to traditional single-family residences, all of which have access to the Bridgewater at Viera campus of amenities. With these amenities also comes a comprehensive menu of planned events catering to the many interests of retirees and empty nesters. “We see residents start with our cottages, trying on the retiree life, then move up to our other larger homes (Grand Villas) when they see the need to entertain and accommodate visiting family and friends,” explains Wolf. “Often times, once they are settled, they also bring along friends from home, who then begin their own transition into the community.” The community fosters a resort-style atmosphere with engaging social activities and fitness programs to maintain their active lifestyle. WCI Communities “55 and Better” living will bring a new sense of community to Brevard. With 408 acres and approximately 870 homes, residents from all over will flock to Viera to take advantage of the sun, amenities, and one-of-a-kind retiree life. With such a close proximity to the beach and other areas of interest, there will always be something new to explore. Bridgewater at Viera will give residents a chance to experience life in a whole new way, perhaps in a way they did not have time for while raising families or pursuing careers. Now, their free time can be filled

HOMES OF BRIDGEWATER AT VIERA

B with sunny days poolside, free time to work on that tennis game, and a chance to make new friends in the Bridgewater Town Center. Residents will not only be investing in a place to live, but investing in a lifestyle. Event Space

• Poolside Bar with Cocktails and Casual Dinin

ridgewater at Viera will offer a variety of homes, ranging from 1,557 to 2,800 a/c square feet.

COTTAGES

Cottages are attached villa homes, offering maintenance-free living, ranging from 1,557 to 1,713 a/c square feet, with two bedrooms and a spacious layout. GRAND VILLAS

New to WCI Communities, the Grand Villas are two and three bedroom homes ranging from 1,822 to 2,389 a/c square feet with spacious great rooms and island kitchens. CLASSIC SERIES

A larger option, the Classic Series, are three to four bedroom home designs boasting 2,434 to 2,700 a/c square feet of living space featuring spacious kitchens with freestanding islands/breakfast bars and owner suites with spacious bathrooms. ESTATE SERIES

Another newcomer to the design portfolio, the Estate Series provides two to four bedroom home designs ranging from 2,284 to 2,800 a/c square feet with luxurious interiors and spacious lanais for true outdoor living.

PLANNED AMENITIES

menities at Bridgewater at Viera lend to the transitional life of its residents, supporting special events and programs for the everyday life of retirees. • Resort-Style • Tennis Courts • Theatre • Poolside Pool with Bar with For more information on • Bocce Courts • Coffee Lounge Beach Entry Cocktails and Bridgewater at Viera and WCI • Event Lawn • Club and Casual Dining Communities “55 and Better” Living, • Swimming Card Rooms visit Lennar.com/BridgewateratViera • Fitness Center Lap Lanes • 125 Acres of • Event Space Beautiful Lakes SALES CENTER WILL BE OPEN • Aerobics Room • Pickleball

AUGUST 26, 2017.

Playgrounds, Classes, and Leagues oh my! With so many choices of things to do, there is always something to pencil in on the calendar: Athletic leagues including Little League, youth football and cheer, soccer, and lacrosse programs Youth/Teen camps throughout the year After school care Tennis lessons Golf cart drive-in movies Community garage sales Kids Night Out Various exercise classes Specialty sport classes Get Out There With amenities galore, there are many ways the community can use and enjoy Viera Regional Park. Here are a few of the parks best features: Two lighted youth softball fields, two Major and two Senior Little League baseball fields, unlighted t-ball field, and two story restroom/concession/meeting buildings. Two lighted outdoor basketball courts. Four lighted tennis courts. One medium pavilion (seats 100), 2 large pavilions (seats 200), and 2 family-sized pavilions (seats 20). Two playgrounds. Pavilions and open space. 18,000 sq. ft. community center with gymnasium: Banquet kitchen with large meeting room with divider (Max capacity 80) 4 small meeting rooms

LIFE IS BETTER at

BRIDGEWATER

Viera Regional Park 2174 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940 For more information, visit www.BrevardParks.com

408-acre master-planned community • 870 homes planned from 1,557 to 2,800 sq. ft. More than 125 acres of lakes • 23,000 square fOOt clubhouse • Resort-style pool with bar Theatre, coffee lounge, club and card rooms and more

A NEW 55 & BETTER COMMUNITY COMING SOON TO VIERA • FROM THE $200 s

866 -3 15- 0 4 0 6

www.Lennar.com

WCI/Lennar makes no guarantee as to availability of homes within the prices stated above. Booking an appointment is not an offer to sell a home; any such agreement may only be made in writing signed by both the seller and buyer. Elevations are not standard on all models and may change from home to home and community to community. The prices of WCI/Lennar homes, included features, elevations, floor plans and available locations are subject to change without notice. Select homesites may have premiums. Pictures are artist’s concept, for illustrative purposes only and should never be relied upon when making any decision relative to the purchase of any property. It is not uncommon that the development can change without notice to you. Garage size may vary from home to home and may not accommodate all vehicles. Please see your New Home Consultant and actual home purchase agreement for pricing and features designated as an Everything’s Included® feature, additional information, disclosures and disclaimers related to the home and its features. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void Where Prohibited By Law. For additional legal disclaimers, please visit www.Lennar.com/legal. Copyright ©2017/WC/Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. WCI/Lennar®, the WCI/Lennar logo®, Eagle Home Mortgage logo, and the Everything’s Included logoSM are registered service marks or service marks of WCI/Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC 055082. 6/17

NOT JUST A TYPICAL PARK

Adding to the quality of life in Viera, Viera Regional Park is 125 acres of first-class fun. [by Sarah Levanti and Stephanie Byrd | photography by Cathy Heinz]

OR OVER THIRTY YEARS, MARY ELLEN DONNER HAS BEEN DISPLAYING WHAT REAL PASSION IS FOR IMPROVING COMMUNITIES THROUGH HER WORK IN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. AND, AS THE NEW PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR IN BREVARD COUNTY, THAT

PASSION WILL TRANSLATE INTO PROVIDING RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES, REFLECTING THE INTERESTS AND VALUES OF CITIZENS AND VISITORS, AND THEREFORE MAKING BREVARD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE.

THE VIERA REGIONAL PARK FAMILIES ARE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UNIQUE OFFERINGS SUCH AS GOLFCART DRIVE-INS, KID’S NIGHT OUT, COMMUNITY GARAGE SALES, AND SO MUCH MORE.

“Parks are vitally important and essential for establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community,” explains Donner. “They ensure the health of families and youth, and contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and a region.” Luckily for Viera residents, one of the many parks Donner overseas is right in their backyards. Viera Regional Park, constructed in 2007, is not just a typical park, but an excellent contribution to the Viera Community, with an abundance of special programs and facilities. “Parks and recreation have three values that make them essential services to communities: economic, health and environmental benefits, and social importance,” says Donner. The Viera Regional Park unquestionably fits all three values. Families are able to take advantage of unique offerings such as golf cart drive-ins, kid’s night out, community garage sales, and so much more. The National Parks and Recreation Association has shown through various research studies that community parks and recreation services are vital for our communities — from protecting open space and natural resources, to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all walks of life. Time outdoors is critical for creating healthy, active, and sustainable communities. The Viera Community, being no exception to this, has a great advantage with the Viera Regional Park. With various opportunities within the park to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, they can continue the quality of life found in Viera. For the last few years, Darryl Nugent, the current director of the Viera Regional Park has worked with his team to provide the robust programs you see today. He enjoys continually working with

“Parks are vitally important and essential for establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community.” – Mary Ellen Donner 17

local leagues and organizations to provide the center with a comprehensive list of classes and leagues to join. When we interviewed him for this article he was in the middle of their summer camp program at the regional park. He mentioned working with the camp kids is his favorite part of the job. “This time, right now is one of the things I look forward to each year,” he said. “The group has doubled in size and we offer more now than in past years.” The campers not only get to enjoy the park but are also taking field trips to local amusement centers and waterparks in Orlando. He continues to praise his team and the summer camp counselors that help him make the program so unique to families who need affordable camp options. Don’t forget to ask him or the staff about local leagues that are located and/or attached to the Viera location. There are several levels of play in

PLAYGROUNDS, CLASSES, AND LEAGUES OH MY!

ith so many choices of things to do, there is always something to pencil in on the calendar: • Athletic leagues including Little League, youth football and cheer, soccer, and lacrosse programs • Youth/Teen camps throughout the year • After school care • Tennis lessons • Golf cart drive-in movies • Community garage sales • Kid's Night Out • Various exercise classes • Specialty sport classes

various sports and activities. In some cases you will have an opportunity to meet the coach and team before you decide if it is right for you. Parks help communities in more ways than one. They play a vital role in creating active and healthy communities by connecting children with nature, providing facilities for people of all ages to maintain fitness, aid in the prevention of chronic disease, and introduce persons with special needs to physical activity and remain socially interactive. Their programs provide youth with a safe refuge and place to play, helping to reduce at-risk behavior, build self-esteem, and create a positive life experience. Mary Ellen Donner, Darryl Nugent and everyone at the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department work to achieve this goal and continue to provide these important elements in our community.

GET OUT THERE

ith amenities galore, there are many ways the community can use and enjoy Viera Regional Park. Here are a few of the parks best features: • Two lighted youth softball • One medium pavilion (seats fields, two Major and two 100), 2 large pavilions (seats Senior Little League baseball 200), and 2 family-sized fields, unlit t-ball field, and two- pavilions (seats 20). story restroom/concession/ • Pavilions and open space. meeting buildings. • 18,000 sq. ft. community center • Two lighted outdoor with gymnasium: basketball courts. > Banquet kitchen with large • Four lighted tennis courts. meeting room with divider (Max capacity 80) • Two playgrounds. > 4 small meeting rooms

Viera Regional Park | 2174 Judge Fran Jamieson Way | Viera, FL 32940 | For more information, visit BrevardParks.com 18

321.426.4177 VieraBuilders.com

Arrivas Village

321.633.4101 2200 Arrivas Way

Stadium Villas

321.305.6953 3255 Sedge Drive

Reeling Park

321.305.6310 7883 Desmond Avenue

Kerrington

321.610.3381 7619 Kerrington Drive

Trasona Cove

321.305.4939 3251 Casterton Drive

Loren Cove

321.426.4177 8004 Loren Cove Drive

SACS Accredited! A-Rated! Viera Charter School is a premier, tuition free public charter school offering students in grades K-8 an opportunity to excel academically. 

   

Character-based education program. Private school environment. Rigorous and challenging curriculum. Highly qualified teachers.

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A member of the Charter School Associates Family of Schools

UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION U-Trip for short

[by Lyn Dowling]

THE WAY IT WILL LOOK AND FUNCTION

IT IS A FAMILIAR VIEWING SITE FOR THOSE FAMILIAR WITH SPORTS IN VIERA, A PANORAMA OF THINGS TO COME AS SEEN THROUGH THE BROAD WINDOWS OF THE FOURTH FLOOR OF SPACE COAST STADIUM. Formerly, the things to come were the future stars of professional baseball working out on the green practice fields or playing on the newly mown grass of the diamond to the south. You could see the offices of Major League Baseball teams, plus a church in its building stages, the beginnings of a high school, and cattle.

Now the cattle are long gone, the high school is part of the fabric of the community, the church thrives and is building its sanctuary and the major and minor leaguers are being transformed for sports of a more basic kind. The green of the practice fields has given way to vehicles, construction equipment, scores of workers and, after spring downpours, acres of mud. As a truck drops huge, black drainage pipes near what once was home plate on the practice field nearest the stadium, Kevin Reynolds, manager of the Viera complex for the United States Specialty Sports Association, USSSA or “U-Trip,” smiles. “It won’t be like this for long,” he says. “It’s going to be beautiful.”

TECHNOLOGY WILL BE PARAMOUNT, AND A SECTION OF THE OLD NATIONALS/MANATEES’ PRESS BOX HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO AN ELECTRONIC NERVE CENTER THAT RIVALS MOST PROFESSIONAL COMPLEXES, WITH ACTIVITIES ON EACH FIELD MONITORED AND READY FOR STREAMING, RADIO OR TELEVISION.

So it will, this $32 million project, undertaken in part by USSSA and in part by Brevard County, expected to be completed by year’s end, which will transform the landmark stadium and its adjacent training areas into an athletic hub like no other, as well as a magnet for visitors. It will move its operations from Kissimmee to Viera, and games and tournaments that formerly took place elsewhere, including Disney’s Wide World of Sports, will take place at the renovated complex. “People may not understand what USSSA is,” former Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher of Titusville said, having championed the organization’s move here. “USSSA is like the NCAA in the amateur sports world: It is the governing and sanctioning body for its sports, and now it considers Viera its home. That is good for USSSA, because it finally has a facility it does not have to share and it does not have to work around (other groups). And it’s better for Viera, and for Brevard, because what they have been doing in other markets, they now will do here.” Here, amateur and professional sports will be played – women’s fastpitch softball, as represented by the Florida

Pride, got underway in the stadium in June – and more softball and baseball are expected to follow, with other sports not far behind. When complete, it will look every bit the professional venue but every bit the part of the community in which it is located as well, its design intended to blend with and complement Viera. Those acres of practice fields, left to dust, weeds and ominous-looking fencing after the departure of the Washington Nationals following the last spring training season, and the one-time Brevard County Manatees after the last Florida State League season, will be replaced by:

• FOUR 225-FOOT NCAA-REGULATION SOFTBALL FIELDS • A 225-FOOT, CHAMPIONSHIP-QUALITY FIELD WITH A VIDEO BOARD • FOUR 325-FOOT BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL FIELDS • FOUR 385-FOOT NCAA-REGULATION BASEBALL FIELDS • A 175-FOOT CHAMPIONSHIP-STYLE FIELD FOR PLAYERS 8 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER, ALSO WITH A VIDEO BOARD

as they might at a major league stadium, and 11 suites will accommodate waiting teams as well as important personages and sponsors. And although the fields will have lights, glare should not become a problem, as the latest LED technology will be used throughout the venue. The smile on the face of Reynolds, a longtime baseball man (he worked in the New York Yankees’ organization) and sports tourism marketer (he worked at Disney’s Wide World of Sports) turns to a grin. “This (facility) had what, seven fields for baseball?” he asks. “We’ll have 15 fields for baseball and softball. Ten-throughtwelve-year-olds can play on the 225 (feet) fields and 13s and 14s, on the 325 fields. We’ll have temporary pitchers’ mounds for all fields that can be moved in or out, depending on the need, and no dirt . . . . We can take a field from baseball to softball in 35 minutes; it’s the same concept for all our fields.” Technology will be paramount, and a section of the old Nationals/Manatees’ press box has been transformed into an electronic nerve center that rivals most professional complexes, with activities on each field monitored and ready for streaming, radio or television. Reynolds calls it “first-class, all first-class,” and turns thoughtful, “We can’t ask people from around the country, from around the world, to come here and have it not be a first-class facility, can we?”

By the time it is finished, the Pride will have its own 1,500-seat stadium and there will be an indoor facility for training, rehabilitation and clinics too. A couple of new concession and scorekeeping-announcing stands will be built: classically-Floridian white octagons, with red roofs and cupolas, the paths to which will be lined with palm trees. That doesn’t count the landmark, red, white and blue, 8,100-seat stadium itself (“The colors will stay; USSSA colors are red, white and blue,” Reynolds says) with its formerly emerald, but tough to maintain, grass replaced by more durable and equally bright artificial Pro Turf. So too is its pitchers’ mound history and its fences moved, and movable, to accommodate softball as well as baseball by changing the dimensions of the fields. In the end, 1.3 million square feet of turf will have been rolled onto all those fields, to be maintained constantly and replaced when needed, or as Reynolds puts it, “It will never fade, never become dirty or dusty.” It also will have a giant video board that will allow youth athletes and Pride players alike to see themselves

Those people from around the country and world are expected to number in the many thousands, with thousands of games played by thousands of athletes in Viera, most of whom will be joined by family members. Reynolds grins again. “This area will become the youth and amateur sports destination in the country,” he says. “There is always going to be something going on in Viera.” No one is more delighted that their hometown stadium will be revitalized and active than officials of Viera, however. “The use of the complex will be maximized as never before…the hub for sports, drawing teams from around the country,” said Todd Pokrywa, Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development for The Viera Company. “The Viera Company is proud and honored that USSSA has chosen Viera to call home and we are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future as the community continues to grow.”

1 1.

WHAT IT WILL DO FOR VIERA

AS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION APPROACHED, ONE OF ITS MEN IN VIERA, KEVIN REYNOLDS, RUMINATED ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS FUTURE AT SPACE COAST STADIUM AND THE BRAND NEW COMPLEX USSSA AND BREVARD COUNTY ARE BUILDING IN THE AREA. “Say you have a tournament with 160 teams,” said Reynolds. “One-hundred sixty teams with 18 people and coaches each equal about 2,880 athletes and coaches, and when you add to that about 7,200 moms, dads and other family members, you get to almost 10,000 people for each tournament.” Moments later, Robin Fisher, a former Brevard County Commission member, who knows a little about sports too – he was a star nose guard at the University of Florida and briefly played for the Miami Dolphins – pondered USSSA’s presence in Viera too. “Let me explain,” he said. “I was talking to one of the guys in management over there, and he was talking about a tournament coming in here. So he called (a local hotel) and asked how many rooms they would have vacant (at the time of the tournament). They told him, ‘80.’ He said, ‘I’ll take them.” Then he called another hotel and asked the same question. He took all the rooms they had too, and all the rooms (a third hotel) had during the tournament. So yes, USSSA is serious about what it is going to do here.” usssa.com

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OR MORE THAN 2,500 DOCUMENTED YEARS, A FULL ONE-QUARTER OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION HAS USED ACUPUNCTURE AS ITS PRIMARY CHOICE OF HEALTH CARE. ACUPUNCTURE IS A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT, PAIN-FREE, WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS, AND IT IS NEWLY AVAILABLE IN VIERA AT DR. HEATHER SMITH’S LAVENDER MOON CLINIC. [by Lyle Smith]

LAVENDER MOON ACUPUNCTURE IS

LOCATED IN VIERA AT WICKHAM COMMONS AT 8247 DEVEREUX DR., STE 102. PHONE: (321) 292-1844. LAVENDERMOONACUPUNCTURE.COM

Acupuncture is widely used to treat a vast array of medical issues including, but not limited to, pain and pain syndrome, autoimmune disorders, skin issues, allergies, arthritis, anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, digestive issues and women’s health. Dr. Smith has an extremely successful record with fertility patients and has worked very closely with some of the finest fertility specialists in the country. “We are so happy to be working here in Viera. The people of the community are welcoming and enthusiastic

about us being here,” Dr. Smith said. “Acupuncture became a passion of mine simply because it’s been so helpful to me. I look forward to sharing it with the community.” Dr. Smith was introduced to acupuncture herself as a patient after she suffered a serious snowboarding accident while living in Colorado. “I’d tried just about every other treatment to find some relief with no success,” she says. “I had a friend who was an acupuncturist who convinced me to give it a try.

I was a real skeptic at the time, but you can’t argue results.” Her outcome was so positive that not only did she get back to every athletic passion she had before, from kayaking to mountain biking, but she was inspired to start studying and become a licensed acupuncturist herself. “When I began studying acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I felt like I’d found my calling,” she said. The course of study to become an acupuncturist is intense and Florida has some of the strictest

credential standards. Dr. Smith studied at some of the most elite schools in the country including Boulder, CO, and in New York City where she interned for two years in an urban setting. She’s owned and operated her own practices in New York, New Jersey and now here in Viera. She loves to be active in the community and you can often find her volunteering at Manatee Elementary School, which her son attends, or guiding kayak tours at the Brevard Zoo across Wickham Rd. from her office.

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UNINVITED GUESTS IN YOUR COMPUTER [by Chris Poindexter]

PA R T [ 2 ]

[by Chris Poindexter] S INTERNET ACCESS BEGINS TRANSITIONING FROM A SERVICE TO A UTILITY, MORE OF OUR WORK AND LIVES ARE TRANSACTED ON A VAST GLOBAL NETWORK. THE NEED TO STAY AHEAD OF HACKERS AND SCAMMERS BECOMES MORE ACUTE AS MORE AND MORE SERVICES MOVE ONLINE.

Any connected device, running any operating system, can be vulnerable to malware or a virus infection. In order to be profitable, hackers have to cast a wide net. Cybercriminals know they’re not going to get everyone; they just plant their exploit packages and, like fishermen, wait to see what they catch.

WHY YOU?

Professional hackers have a lot of uses for your PC or laptop. Your PC can become part of what’s called a BotNet, a collection of thousands of infected computers running background processes used for sending spam emails or launching DoS (Denial of Service) attacks

which overwhelm a target website and prevent it from responding properly. Hackers can also log all your keystrokes, collecting credit card numbers and passwords.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Running a good antivirus program definitely helps but it’s a mistake to rely upon cheap security programs to keep you safe. You have to stay alert and respond properly to attempts to gain access to your computer. Some think they’re protected because they’re not using a

Microsoft Windows product. Unfortunately malware targeting Apple products was up over 700% in 2016 No one should think they’re immune from cyber-attacks.

COME ON IN!

More often than not, individuals caught up in cyber-attacks did something to invite hackers into their system. One common avenue of attack is creating realistic-looking pop-up windows claiming your machine is infected with a virus and offering to help remove it. Instead of

advertising that masks deceptive downloads accounts for the majority of computer infections that he sees. SOME THINK THEY’RE PROTECTED BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT USING A MICROSOFT WINDOWS PRODUCT. UNFORTUNATELY MALWARE TARGETING APPLE PRODUCTS WAS UP OVER 700% IN 2016 NO ONE SHOULD THINK THEY’RE IMMUNE FROM CYBER-ATTACKS.

STAYING UP TO DATE

Operating system security has improved dramatically over the last ten years, but not everyone is running the most up-to-date version of their computer’s operating system. Sometimes upgrading is delayed because a user needs a particular piece of software that only runs on an older version of the operating system, other times they are simply being resistant to change.

emails with misspellings, that are overly generic and that try to panic you with a sense of urgency. “The IRS is not going to threaten you by email,” he points out. He also suggests checking any URL or link in an email by hovering over it. The real address usually appears in the lower left corner of the email window. “If the email is supposedly from one company but the link points somewhere else, don’t click on it,” Demasis says. For older family members and kids he suggests setting them up with a different type of computer user account that prevents them from installing software

VPN (Virtual Private Network) from a company like VPN Unlimited. The VPN encrypts your internet connection to keep snoopers from logging your traffic. “For $20 a year, it’s worth the money,” he says.

or making changes to the operating system.

“Yes” to an innocent question and using that as authorization. The Better Business Bureau suggests completely avoiding the words yes, sure or okay. Other simple tips include answering a question with a question or just hang up. Hackers and scammers are constantly thinking up new ways to trick people into inviting them in the front door of your computer. By educating yourself you won’t become their next target.

ONLINE NOT YOUR ONLY THREAT

Scammers are even going back to telemarketing with a new bag of tricks. An innocent answer to the question, “Can you hear me alright?” can be their ticket to sign you up for cruises and services you didn’t authorize or request. The tricksters are taking the recording of you saying

“Don’t do your banking on public Wi-Fi.” – Oliver Damasis

removing a real problem, by agreeing you’re allowing an attacker to upload a malware package to your computer. Once infected, payloads can take over your email accounts, creating backdoors for remote operation of your computer. A new type of malicious software called ransom ware, then encrypts all the files on your computer and demands payment to unlock them. Mike Odom, of Mike’s PC Support in Melbourne, says that fixing compromised computers is a big part of his business. “I’d say about a third of my business is cleaning up infected computers,” he says. Fake

EMAIL LINKS AND ATTACHMENTS

Still today, even after more than fifteen years of computer malware being disguised as attachments, email is still one of the most common ways of gaining access to your computer. Oliver Demasis, Business Manager at Brevard Computer & Technology Services in Melbourne, suggests treating links in email messages and attachments with suspicion. Demasis says be wary of

PUBLIC WI-FI

One of the lesser known ways of skimming logins and account information is by hackers monitoring poorly secured public Wi-Fi connections, like the kind you find at coffee shops. “Don’t do your banking on public Wi-Fi,” Demasis suggests. To combat snoopers for people who spend a lot of time traveling, he suggests purchasing a personal

THE METAL IS PERSONAL A new home for another piece of American history. [by Lyn Dowling]

INCE 2011, THEY HAVE COME TO VISIT THE PIECE OF METAL ON DISPLAY NEAR BREVARD COUNTY FIRE RESCUE STATION 48, THESE RESIDENTS OF VIERA, THEIR FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND VISITORS. MOSTLY, THEY GAZE AND MEDITATE UPON THE MEANING OF A RELATIVELY SMALL SLICE OF A STEEL BEAM, AND IN SEPTEMBER, WHEN THE WEATHER IS STILL HOT BUT THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL, THEY STOP MORE OFTEN.

The piece of metal has immense power to them, and not merely because it once helped hold up one of the mightiest structures ever built. This metal is personal. It is so because of the makeup of Viera itself, untold

numbers of its residents having come from the New York Metropolitan Area, so many being men and women with prior military service, and some having worked for airlines. In the words of Mike Staff of New Jersey, whose brother-

in-law escaped the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, whose wife once worked in the building and who has visited the memorial at Station 48, “Everyone knows someone who was there and a lot of people know at least one person who died.” So they do, and so Station 48 remains special in the eyes of Vierans, who always have had a special relationship with firefighters from their two stations anyway. Firefighters are in their parades, celebrate their important events and teach their kids to be safe. Fire engines delivered Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to local neighborhoods for years, and everyone always is welcome at Stations 47 and 48. When firefighters at Kennedy Space Center sought a place for yet another piece of what was the World Trade Center, which had been

displayed at Fire Station 1 at KSC, and for which firefighters sought a new home they thought, well, why not Viera? “Yes. Why not here?” asked the people who manage The Avenue Viera. The story goes back to 2012, when KSC firefighters and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) of America petitioned the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to request a piece of World Trade Center steel to serve as a memorial at Kennedy Space Center Fire Station 1. After three years of waiting, the petition was granted, the most precious of all precious metals was moved to its station and it was dedicated Sept. 11, 2015. But in the words of Scott McCarthy, general manager of The Avenue Viera, “Not a lot of people had the chance to see it at the [KSC] fire station, which is in a restricted area and no longer is on the tour.”

Knowing their beam deserved more attention than could be given at the previous location, members of TWU Local 525 and the KSC firefighters agreed to move the object to The Avenue Viera. It arrived here in fitting fashion May 27, borne on a truck provided by Neff Rentals, part of a mile-long procession of motorcycles, firefighters, veterans’ groups and law enforcers. Members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, which also has a presence at The Avenue, led them, and they arrived flag suspended high above two fire trucks. There is room enough in Viera for two historical reminders of a dark day in our history and so the firefighters of Station 48 did not have to be persuaded to provide a ladder truck. The beam was placed where it will rest for years to

come, in a small park carved out of space in front of the AMC, formerly Carmike Avenue 16 Movie Theater. On June 3, the memorial was dedicated with military precision, much in the style of a veteran’s funeral, but this time the seven-feetlong, one-ton beam, not a casket, was flag-topped, and firefighters and law enforcers in crisp dress uniforms stood to attention while bagpipes skirled in tribute. People who lost people, or who understood, spoke, as did members of a fraternity

WHERE COMMUNITY CONNECTS

unalterably associated with heroism during and in the hours following the terror attacks, and recovery thereafter. And loss. Three-hundred forty-three firefighters and eight private emergency medical services workers died because of the attacks in New York; 60 police officers were killed. The effects go on. So too for those who come to the new memorial, with its seating, its programmable lighting and, naturally, its flags. “You can tell the people who have lost something,” McCarthy says quietly. “They’ll just sit on a bench

and contemplate it. People come and read the plaque, but the focus of their attention is that rusted, heavy beam… Once or twice, a flower has been left, quietly, and you can tell the general public is excited about it.” Kevin Smith, president of TWU Local 525, is. “The Transport Workers Union is excited to donate this WTC beam to The Avenue and bring such a historical artifact to the residents and visitors of Brevard County,” he said in May. “I hope this beam serves as a reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. May we never forget!” Likewise, McCarthy, who called it, “an honor that The Avenue was chosen to be the new home for such an important piece of American history…It kind of gets to you, you know?”

VISIT THE AVENUE VIERA 85+SHOPS &RESTAURANTS Visit the 9/11 Memorial Beam Ride The Avenue Train, operated by Riverside Express LTD Thirsty 3rd Thursdays, live music every third Thursday in Central Park

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

Present this to The Avenue Viera Management Office for a complimentary reusable shopping bag.

Located between Massage Envy & Art Gallery of Viera Monday - Friday | 8AM - 5PM AVV-7206-A97D AD1 Where Community Connects Resize.indd 1

6/9/17 11:34 AM

Duda Farm Fresh Recipes Recipe by Linda Bonwill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ultimate Celery Champion Entrant

Rustic Grilled Celery Crab Cakes with Celery Mango Salsa

Serves: 8

ingredients:

4 TBS olive oil 2 TBS butter 2 1/2 cups celery, chopped fine 1 cup onion, chopped 3/4 cup red bell pepper 3 cups seasoned stuffing cubes 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium SALSA: 1 cup celery, sliced fine 2 cups mango, cubed 1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 3 1 12 1/4 4 1/8 1/8 8

tsp garlic TBS capers egg, beaten oz lump crab meat cup cilantro leaves TBS lemon juice tsp salt tsp coarse pepper 8 x 8 sheets of parchment paper

1/4

cup red bell pepper, diced cup cilantro leaves TBS lemon juice tsp salt

1/4 2 1/8

directions:

1. In a large skillet heat oil and butter on med/ high heat. 2. Add celery, onions and peppers. Stir. Cover and cook for approx. 15 mins or until celery is soft. Add capers and garlic. Stir and cook for an additional 5 mins. Remove from heat and cool. 3. Place stuffing cubes in a bowl. Add chicken broth. Let soak up liquid. Squeeze out excess liquid and discard. 4. Add to same bowl with stuffing mix the crab meat, egg, cilantro, lemon juice and contents of skillet. Toss well. Season with salt and pepper to liking. Mold into 8 cakes. 5. Place one cake in the center of a sheet of parchment paper. Fold over the two sides, tucking under the ends. Place on top rack of gas grill only using 1 burner. Cook for 10-13 mins with lid closed. 6. Remove from grill and let sit for a few minutes. Open by cutting across the top with scissors. Serve in parchment paper or on plates and a side portion of celery mango salsa. 7. To make salsa: Mix all ingredients in medium size bowl. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

EMBRACE HOME LOANS

snapshots

EMBRACE HOME LOANS IS NOW OFFICIALLY A MEMBER OF THE VIERA BUSINESS COMMUNITY, HAVING CELEBRATED THEIR GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING IN MAY. EMBRACE HOME LOANS IS ONE OF THE NATION’S LEADING, FULL-SERVICE DIRECT MORTGAGE LENDERS, AND THEIR NEW VIERA OFFICE MAKES THIS THEIR 9TH LOCATION IN FLORIDA. WELCOME, EMBRACE HOME LOANS!

around

town

NATURE EXPLORE CLASSROOM

THE VIERA COMPANY IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE NATURE EXPLORE CLASSROOM AT RIVERWALK PARK, ROCKLEDGE. BRANDON SMITH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM SUPERVISOR AT THE RIVERWALK NATURE CENTER RECEIVES GLOWING REVIEWS EVERYDAY.

The first Viera Company rock found at Duran for Brevard Rocks. Rock at Linear Park.

BREVARD ROCKS

BREVARD ROCKS HAS OFFICIALLY REACHED PARTICIPATION IN EXCESS OF 26,000 SINCE THE MOVEMENT STARTED IN BREVARD IN NOVEMBER OF 2016. THESE ROCKS ARE MOST COMMONLY FOUND IN PARKS, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND AT LARGE AMENITIES. ROCKS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES WITH SOME OF THE MOST CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS OF HAND PAINTED ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART. VIERA SHARED ITS FIRST ROCK AT DURAN GOLF CLUB AND THE SECOND ROCK (ONCE HIDDEN) TOOK ONLY 17 MINUTES TO BE FOUND.

EAT MY CRUST DONATIONS

"GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS SUPPORTED VIERA PIZZA SINCE DAY ONE WAS A NO BRAINER. WE HAVE CREATED POWER OF PIZZA CHARITIES WITH THE MISSION TO INSPIRE YOUTH AND ADULTS TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTING EVENTS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND HEALTH. WE’RE CONTRIBUTING TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN OF ALL AGES IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE DO ALL THIS WHILE MAKING AWESOME PIZZA AND HAVING FUN THROUGH IT ALL. PROCEEDS FROM THE EAT MY CRUST 5K SUPPORT THE VIERA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF BREVARD COUNTY AND EARLY STEPS SERVICES." – MIKE ACOSTA TOTAL RAISED VIERA HIGH SCHOOL $20,000 SPECIAL OLYMPICS $3,000 EARLY STEPS $3,000 SUNTREE LIGHTNING $1,500

SEP 2&9

upcoming

Events

THE AVENUE FARMERS MARKET

LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

SEP 16

KID FRIENDLY

FUN FOR ALL

Cold Blooded Weekend

Bonsai Weekend

DATE: September 2nd – September 4th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

DATE: August 19th – August 20th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

Wild About Nature

DATE: September 16th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

DATE NIGHT Friday Night Out

DATE: August 25th & September 29th LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran, Viera CONTACT: DURANGOLF.COM

HEALTH FAIR

CAREER FAIRS HBCA Builder and Contractor Career Fair DATE: August 24th CONTACT: HBCA-BREVARD.ORG

Classic Albums Live: Music of Woodstock

Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Health Fair

DATE: September 16th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM

DATE: September 30th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

ACTIVE EVENT Tailgate 2 Miler

DATE: August 20th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

Run With Hope 5K

DATE: September 23rd LOCATION: Church at Viera, Viera CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

UNIQUE EVENTS & FINDS Solar Eclipse DATE: August 21st TIME: 2:42 P.M.

Labor Day BBQ

DATE: September 4th LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran, Viera CONTACT: DURANGOLF.COM

9/11 Memorial Event

DATE: September 11th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

Yoga In The Park

DATE: Every Saturday LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

HAWKS FOOTBALL GAMES AUG 25

SEP 15

Viera Hawks vs. Rockledge Raiders

Viera Hawks vs. Merritt Island Mustangs

LOCATION: Hawks Stadium at Viera High School CONTACT: VIERAHAWKSFOOTBALL.COM

why i

Love

viera

THE GOLDEN YEARS

BUSY RETIREES SHARE THE INS AND OUTS OF SPENDING THEIR GOLDEN YEARS IN VIERA. [by Sarah Levanti]

AILING FROM NORMAL, IL, STEVE AND PATTY RYAN-FOST ARE SPENDING THEIR FIRST WINTER IN VIERA. WHILE GETTING READY TO RETIRE FROM THEIR JOBS IN A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM, THEY SPENT SEVERAL YEARS RESEARCHING SPOTS IN FLORIDA TO CALL THEIR WINTER HOME. “WE WOULD STAY WITH OUR FRIENDS RIGHT HERE IN VIERA WHILE EXPLORING LOCATIONS,” STEVE EXPLAINS. “FINALLY WE THOUGHT, WHY DON’T WE JUST LIVE HERE?!”

Steve and Patty Ryan-Fost “We are so thrilled to have found Viera. There is so much to explore, and we have barely scratched the surface.”

The hidden gem of Viera offers so much for the Ryan-Fosts. Steve, an Air Force Veteran, has access to benefits on Patrick Air Force Base, and loves the accessibility to the beaches, shopping, and places like Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral. The abundance of golf courses has him ready to take out his favorite clubs, as well. Patty spends her mornings walking in the beautiful Florida weather. “There is no way I could be doing this in January in Illinois,” she said. Not only are they enjoying the many amenities in close proximity to their Viera East home but they are also both diving into community activities and charities. Patty is enjoying the local Woman’s Club and has met several new acquaintances through Pro-Health & Fitness Center classes. Steve, who is still settling into his newly acquired retirement status, plans to join the local American Legion since he is a lifetime member. He will also be looking into local golf associations and they both plan on looking into joining charities through their church in the very near future. “We are thrilled to be here,” Steve says. “The palm-tree lined roads, clean landscaping, and wildlife are exactly what you picture Florida to be.” They also noticed that the people all stop to say hello – everyone seems so happy to be in Viera.

developer

Letter

FORGING FORWARD – VIERA WELCOMES NEW DEVELOPMENT

“V

STEVE JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

TODD POKRYWA, SENIOR VP OF LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

OVER HALF OF THE VIERA COMMUNITY HAS YET TO BE DEVELOPED. EACH DAY BRINGS US CLOSER TO CLOSING THAT GAP AND FULFILLING THE VISION FOR VIERA, FLORIDA THAT THE DUDA FAMILY HAD 28 YEARS AGO.

iera isn’t even half way complete,” a sentence you may have heard from a representative of The Viera Company as they describe the current status of Viera. While this may be hard to believe looking around, it is true that over half of the Viera community has yet to be developed. Each day brings us closer to closing that gap and fulfilling the vision for Viera, Florida that the Duda family had 28 years ago. A cohesive community that provides its’ residents with ample shopping, entertainment and dining options. A community that provides jobs and economic development to the area while still offering a substantial amount of green space to preserve the natural Florida habitat. If you take a drive through Viera today you will see multiple development projects in various stages of completion. In the northernmost portion of Viera, you’ll see the exclusive community of Adelaide with its elegant and grand entry and exclusive model homes being constructed. As you travel south along Stadium Parkway you will see new commercial development such as El Leoncito restaurant (which will feature a Mexican and Cuban menu) and Smile Viera dental office popping up near the Space Coast Stadium which is also undergoing extensive renovations by USSSA. The first neighborhood in Viera to have only modern, luxury homes is also going up quickly next to the third fairway of the Duran Golf Course with the first model home in Modern Duran nearing completion. Near the core of our community at The Avenue you’ll notice the new tenants at the Viera Colonnade Shops have begun to install their signs and across the street the Viera Town Center’s Fairfield Inn & Suites has already risen three stories out of the ground on its way to being a four story landmark. Down the street from The Avenue is the new luxury

apartment complex, Artistry at Viera, which is expected to be ready for tenants later in 2017. Not far away, the alley-loaded, maintenance-free lifestyle product at Arrivas Village is close to beginning its third phase. At the current southernmost point in Viera, the new “55 and Better” Community, Bridgewater at Viera, is beginning to take shape with sales expected to begin late summer/early fall 2017. The new Addison Village neighborhoods of Valencia, Seville, Loren Cove, Reeling Park, Kerrington, Trasona Cove East and West are also in a wide range of construction stages and actively selling while the plans for the Addison Village Amenity Center are taking their final shape. The commencement of construction on the Diverging Diamond Interchange at Viera Boulevard and I-95 is imminent; this improvement will provide an additional point of ingress and egress into the community. “Every time I come to Viera there are new things to see and do.” Yet another comment you may hear in Brevard County that may seem hard to believe but is fairly accurate. One of the best parts about living in Viera is the knowledge that you are living in a master-planned community, which means that none of the development that is occurring or that will occur without careful consideration, planning and extensive research to evaluate the potential impacts and benefits to the community. Everything that goes into the community of Viera, from a large hotel to a newly planted tree, is specifically chosen and precisely executed to maintain and enhance the quality of the community and your experience within it. On August 4th the community of Viera turned 28 years old and with so much happening and on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what Viera looks like when it turns the big 3-0.

SUMMERĘźS HERE! IS YOUR SKIN READY?

Larry Bishop, M.D.

Florida summers are perfect for laying on the beach or spending time in the sun. But, did you know the Sunshine State has the second-highest skin cancer rate in the United States? With the intense summer sun beating down, make sure to take care of your skin and visit the Skin Care Experts at Health First Dermatology for a skin exam. It could save your life!

Locations 7125 Murrell Road, Suite A, Viera, FL 1223 Gateway Dr., Suite 2H, Melbourne, FL

Call our toll free number at 844.470.3026 to make an appointment.