Viera Vision | Trends in Wealth Management and Smart Home Safety

SUMMERTIME FUN IN VIERA

VO L . 1 3 ISSUE 2

Wood Flooring found in the finer homes of Brevard.

Financial Planning

|

Investment Management

Life & Long Term Care Insurance

100%

Transparency

Justin Connors, MBA CEO & Founder, Wealth Advisor

Frank Bucciero Wealth Advisor

Pablo Cuervo Investment Research Associate

www.CONNORSWEALTH.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Financial Partners (IFP), a registered investment advisor. IFP and Connors Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

contents vo l u m e 1 3 : i s s u e 2 PRE SIDENT

Steve Johnson

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EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

Lauri Duda EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd

NEW AT THE ZOO!

STAFF EDITOR S

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

REIMAGINED AUSTRALASIA LOOP REOPENS AT THE BREVARD ZOO.

SENIOR WRITER S

in this issue

14 FAMOUS HOMES - PART 3 SOME OF THE BEST CHEFS, ENTERTAINERS AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THEIR FIELDS GIVE US SOME INSPIRATION ON HOW TO DESIGN YOUR HOME IN VIERA.

4 RISING CLASSES

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola, Kate Schnake, Laurie Widzgowski PUBLISHER

FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Rita Holder

ESSENTIAL TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW PLUS TIPS ON MAKING YOUR OWN BUCKET PLAN.

16 SMASH GOLF

LEG AL

24 FAITH EXPANDING

Viera Vision is the official publication of

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson DISTRIBUTION

IT'S STRANGE, IT'S COLORFUL IT'S FUN. NO PRIOR GOLF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

COMING IN DECEMBER, ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST WILL OPEN THE DOORS OF A NEW CHURCH THAT WILL LEAVE PARISHIONERS AMAZED.

35 USSSA COMES TO TOWN

12 SMART HOME SAFETY

A Q&A WITH USSSA FLORIDA PRIDE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, MEGAN WILLIS.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST AN APPLIANCE HACK.

in every issue 26

PHOTOGR APHY

ADVERTISING S ALE S

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

NEW NEIGHBORS

Christina Geiger

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd

9 NEW TRENDS IN

03

DE SIGN

The Viera Company

A Q&A WITH STUDENTS RISING TO THE NEXT GRADE LEVEL OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Chris Poindexter, Sarah Levanti, Lyle Smith, Todd Jensen, Stephanie Byrd

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SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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DEVELOPER LETTER

Don Gust, All Service Graphics

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. ©2017. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

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

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/VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA

letter from the

Editor

#exploreViera

ZIP LINING AT BREVARD ZOO’S TREE TOP TREK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND ON THE TOP OF #EXPLOREVIERA’S LIST OF THINGS TO DO.

T

he spring break-induced laughter can still be heard from the local playgrounds, end-of-the-schoolyear banquets and performances have filled personal calendars, and the white chairs ceremoniously lined Viera High School’s football field for graduation. It has been an amazing year for our local and exceptionally talented students. The academic and sports programs could only achieve their district and state titles if the faculty, teachers and staff were at the top of their game. We asked students from VPK, 6th Grade, 8th Grade and two high school seniors to answer a few questions about their experiences this year and what they may expect to change about next year. As they move up to the next educational level these students have a few words of wisdom to share and it will inspire you.

We started a hashtag on social media called #exploreViera and we encourage everyone to get out and explore the community in a new way each week. Our growing community has new neighborhoods opening with stunning model homes to tour and more builder models coming each month. Music performances at The Avenue Viera, Smash Golf, and various restaurants all offer unique experiences. We have a new team in town called the USSSA Pride, a professional women’s softball team, and the first game of their season begins at Space Coast Stadium on June 8th.

Summer camps for the kids in our area include a bit of everything from dance, sports, and science to marching band, surfing, and the zoo. As you can see in the photo above, I challenged myself zip lining at Brevard Zoo’s Tree Top Trek over spring break and it is highly recommended and on the top of #exploreViera’ s list of things to do.

Planning is already underway for the Great American Celebration on July 4th and it too will be a unique experience as we watch the stadium change and make way for the future teams and families.

Summer in Viera is almost here so hit the trails, fly through the tree tops on a zip line, visit the wetlands, see a USSSA Pride softball game, or feed a kangaroo.

It’s all worth your time to explore more of Viera.

OUR GROWING COMMUNITY HAS NEW NEIGHBORHOODS OPENING WITH STUNNING MODEL HOMES TO TOUR AND MORE BUILDER MODELS COMING EACH MONTH.

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G N I RIS LASSES C T

*

7 1 2 of

What are you looking forward to this summer?

6TH GRADE MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I am looking forward to relaxing and doing camps like Boy Scout Camp and NASA camp, as well as going to places like the beach.

HOUSANDS OF LOCAL STUDENTS WILL BE RISING TO THE NEXT GRADE LEVEL OF THEIR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY. FOR MANY IT WILL BE ATTENDING A NEW SCHOOL AND FOR OUR SENIOR CLASS IT MAY INCLUDE MOVING AWAY FROM HOME TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY. WE ASKED STUDENTS MOVING ONTO THEIR NEXT EDUCATIONAL LEVEL TO SHARE SOME WISDOM ABOUT THEIR PAST EXPERIENCES AND HIGHLIGHT THE EXCITING EXPECTATIONS OF THEIR OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD. WE THANK THEM FOR SHARING THEIR ANSWERS AND CONGRATULATE THEM ON A JOB WELL DONE!

6TH GRADE QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Going to diving nationals in North Carolina with a few of my teammates.

LANA SCHMADEKE

PAYTON KAPATOES

…many summer activities but the main one is driving my brother to college!

I am looking forward to swimming a lot, eating popsicles, and being outdoors.

ABIGAIL OTT

ADDIE SPRADLIN

…my family takes an annual vacation every summer. We haven’t fully decided where we’re going yet but we think Norway.

ABIGAIL WATSON ACOSTA

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8TH GRADE VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL Going on summer vacation and volunteering at zoo camp.

MEGAN MULLEN

ABIGAIL WATSON, PAYTON KAPATOES, KATIE ROBBINS, ADDIE SPRADLIN

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hat do you think will g n i k o o l ou y ? e y r l t a n t change e r a e h f f i W d g n i o d o about your day in forward t elementary , middle , or high school?

I want to learn more math… eat lunch in the cafeteria… see my big brother.

I won’t be noisy.

JACE K

VPK STUDENT, CHURCH OF VIERA I am exc ited but it will be a long day.

ZACHARY DIVALERIO

VPK STUDENT, FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL My classes because there are 7 classes, not 3.

DREW WATTS

6TH GRADE, RALPH WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY In middle school I am looking forward to joining the basketball team, CTE, and Algebra 1.

RITVIK VARADA

6TH GRADE, QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ZACHARY DIVALERIO

VPK STUDENT, FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL It will be really different and I will meet new friends.

d le an eop e to p lac new ting y new p pe” e e be …m ring m he “hy t g to o l n l l i p a o ex so, ’s g . Al s, it live s game t ! spor ch fun u RD m Y ENT so AB I H ESID OOL R P SOP CH ICE OR V GH S SENI EDGE HI ASS 2017 L KL ROC ATING C U D GRA

SAMMI JO

VPK STUDENT, VIERA CHILDREN’S ACADEMY …band because I am eager to learn more about playing my saxophone and developing more and more skill I can use when I’m older.

JON LOUIS PINELA

6TH GRADE, QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ...having new experiences that will help me grow and be successful in the real world …making some of my own decisions because I am older and they trust me more.

SHELBIE STAMPS

6TH GRADE QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I am excited to meet new people and get involved next year. I am looking forward to being exposed to people from different backgrounds and with different interests…and begin my path toward becoming a doctor.

CHRISTINA SEDAROS

SENIOR CLASS SECRETARY VIERA HIGH SCHOOL

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ent d u t s a e v i g you d l u o r? a w e y e c t i x v e d n a e t d a a Wh t gr n e r r u c r u o y moving into It would be really great if your sister will be there with you.

SAMMI JO

VPK STUDENT VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL I would tell them it is going to be fun.

KATIE ROBBINS

6TH GRADE, MANATEE ELEMENTARY To not gossip and be who you want to be.

DREW WATTS

6TH GRADE, RALPH WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY

I think the most important thing to remember is to do your best and not give up. …believe in yourself…love who you are and not bother with what other people think. This is the year we start understanding and realizing people’s differences and that we need to accept who people are. You may not like some people but, you still have to try to respect them.

SKYLAR METTE

…push yourself, study, work hard and earn good grades because you will want them while applying for middle school or just some programs.

REAGAN DAILY

6TH GRADE, QUEST ELEMENTARY

6TH GRADE, QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL …slow their lives down if they can.

8th Grade year flies by and it will be gone before they even realize.

OLIVIA BYRD

Don’t be shy. Go up and say, “Hi” to someone you don’t know. Stay on top of your schoolwork. Don’t get behind.

8TH GRADE, KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

8TH GRADE, DELAURA MIDDLE SCHOOL Focus on schoolwork, avoid drama, and enjoy your last year of middle school.

Join clubs, get involved, and keep up with your schoolwork and don’t fall behind. Go out of your way to meet new people!

8TH GRADE COUNCIL MEMBERS:

CHRIS REIDER, MEGAN MULLEN, HANNAH ROGERS, SEVILLE KERNER, AND MARIA PAPPADEMETRIOU,

I like all the fun things we do. I like learning songs, singing, and science experiments. My teachers are nice and they love me.

FRANKIE RIOS

VPK STUDENT, FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL I liked that my school has a lot of things like a gifted program that challenges kids…

PAYTON KAPOTOES

6TH GRADE, MANATEE ELEMENTARY OLIVIA BYRD WITH HER FORENSIC TEACHER MRS. EMILY JENSEN

ZOÉ STANLEY,

What did you like the most about your school, teacher or a subject this year?

I loved the relationships I built with my friends and my teachers. I’ve created memories I won’t forget and made friends I’ll keep forever.

OLIVIA BYRD,

8TH GRADE, KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

ZOÉ STANLEY WITH HER CHORUS TEACHER MRS. BENINCASA

VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL

Our chorus teacher, Mrs. Benincasa, took her personal time to help us get into the All-State (competition).

ZOÉ STANLEY

8TH GRADE, DELAURA MIDDLE SCHOOL I enjoyed science the most as we learned about mitosis and the organelles of cells. Moreover, we have this project where we have to learn about a certain country and perform traditional dances and cook traditional foods and it’s really a joy to do.

VICTOR PEYTCHEV

6TH GRADE, QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CHRIS REIDER, MEGAN MULLEN, HANNAH RODGERS, SEVILLE KERNER, MARIA PAPPADEMETRIOU

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Senior year has definitely been the most fun, but also the busiest year of high school. …Senior-Faculty

Kickball was incredibly fun and a unique opportunity for seniors to interact with some of our teachers outside of the classroom. Also, after playing volleyball for all four years of high school, experiencing my last season was something very special, especially senior night. I am also very appreciative of all my teachers this year; they were all incredibly supportive of me as well as all the other seniors. Finally, being the secretary of the senior class improved my overall experience of senior year because it allowed me to be very involved in all senior events, especially the senior prom!

CHRISTINA SEDAROS

Being a senior, it was more about experiencing everything for the last time. The pep rally, homecoming, and the best prom! I served this year as the Lt. Governor for District 11 Key Club (Kiwanis) and served on the SGA board as Vice President. The experience was amazing! My teachers have prepared me for the road ahead and several have changed my life forever. I’m ready for graduation!

SOPHIA BYRD

SENIOR CLASS SECRETARY, VIERA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2017

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ROCKLEDGE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF 2017

TIME TO BRAG

Local principals share their achievements MANATEE ELEMENTARY • Excellence in Physical Education Award (EPEA) awarded to MES. This is the 2nd time we have received this award.

• Awarded Digital Classroom Plan grant (DCP) resulting in 300+ computers being added to the current inventory. This is the second time we have received this grant.

• Held 3rd annual 5K Thinga Ma Jogger. Over 625 participants.

All proceeds going to provide shade structures for the Playground.

QUEST ELEMENTARY • Recognition for sustained practice as a National Model Professional Learning Community School through the DuFour Foundation.

• Participation in the State Competition for Future Problem Solving Team.

• District finalist for Employee of the Year, Secretary, Audrey Lampkin.

RALPH WILLIAMS • Digital Classroom Program Grant that will fund the purchase of 300+ laptops for 2nd through 6th Graders.

• Mrs. Stasio and the kindergarten team received $1500 grant for digital technology focusing on reading readiness.

• Jamie Skinner, Cafeteria Manager, is one of the five finalists for the 2017 Employee of the Year for the State of Florida. This is a top honor for the school and the district.

VIERA HIGH SCHOOL TOP ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Three VHS seniors qualified as National Merit Scholars selected as Semi - Finalists. And two seniors went on to qualify as National Merit Finalist.

• The VHS Ocean Bowl team qualified for the national competition in Illinois.

• The VHS Spanish students earned an overall 2nd place in the State Spanish Competition.

• Strong Science Research program with four students qualifying for the State Science Fair Competition and one student qualifying for the International Science Fair.

• JROTC program provides our students valuable leadership skills. The VHS JROTC Raider Teams and Color Guard Teams compete qualify for state level competitions each year.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER MRS. STASIO WITH HER NOW GRADUATING SENIOR STUDENT SOPHIA BYRD. MRS. STASIO EARNED A GRANT FOR RALPH WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL • Inaugural year of the Digital Arts and Engineering Academy with a focus on projects related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).

• VCS Cross Country team competed and won several dual meets and qualified for the State Competition.

• Odyssey of the Mind Team took 1st place in the OM Regional Competition and placed fifth at the State Level.

• 2017-2018 our campus will have the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program added to the curriculum. The program currently impacts nearly 1.5 million students in 46 states and 16 other countries/territories worldwide.

2016-17 VIERA ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Girls tennis Cape Coast Conference champions.

• Girls golf, boys swimming & diving, girls swimming & diving, football, boys tennis, girls tennis, softball, district champions.

• Girls golf region champions.

VHS SCHOOL HISTORY ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • 26 Cape Coast Conference champions • 57 FHSAA* district champions • 13 FHSAA region champions • 7 FHSAA academic team champions • 6 FHSAA individual state champions • 4 FHSAA team state champions * Florida High School Athletic Association

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TURN INSPIRATION INTO

Reality

Furnishing Brevard’s Lifestyle FOR OVER 78 YEARS

NEW TRENDS IN

WEALTH MANAGEMENT A pathway to becoming an educated investor [by Chris Poindexter]

Connors Wealth Management photography by Cathy Heinz

B

ACK IN THE DAY WEALTH MANAGEMENT WAS A SECRET SAUCE RESERVED FOR THE VERY ELITE RICH. YOU MIGHT WORK WITH ONE OF A HANDFUL OF OLD, CONSERVATIVE NAMES ON WALL STREET OR, IF YOU WERE REALLY WEALTHY, YOU HAD WHAT’S CALLED A “FAMILY BUSINESS” AMONG WEALTH MANAGERS. THAT MEANS YOU HAD YOUR VERY OWN WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY COMPLETELY DEVOTED TO TAKING CARE OF YOUR MONEY.

spearhead the commercial race to space. The area’s abundant real estate options and near limitless range of outdoor activities attract retirees and the affluent who bring a lifetime of savings and investments with them. The flood of new wealth has created a need for a new type of investment advisor, one that’s as much an educator and service professional as a financial pro.

In the last decade we’ve seen a democratization of wealth management and retirement planning tools. Today the type of big data analytic tools, once only available to a handful of Wall Street analysts, are now as close as your smartphone and open to everyone.

Managing your money and investments has never been more convenient. Today there’s no such thing as a small investor and the trouble many have is selecting from a crowded field of equally amazing analysis tools and investment strategies.

Brevard County and Florida’s Space Coast are blessed with an abundance of wealth. High paying jobs abound as the nation turns to the Space Coast to

Whether it’s an online survey or meeting with a wealth manager, one of the first investment questions you’ll face is your tolerance for risk, but what does that really mean? In the abstract it means the investments with the highest returns typically carry more risk. Stocks are a good example. If you look at stocks over a long period of time, the returns are very good. A closer examination reveals that within that very long timeframe were periods of epic losses, followed by long years of stock investments struggling to get back to even. Those sharp market downturns, which happen with regularity, can devastate personal wealth for years.

Justin Connors, founder and CEO of Connors Wealth Management in Cocoa Beach, HIRING A GOOD FINANCIAL MANAGER CAN REALLY

THE EDUCATED INVESTOR

Knowledge is the key to discipline when it comes to investing, so it’s important for today’s small investors to learn the basics of money management. Not only should that education include market basics but understanding investment systems like the Bucket Plan. Sometimes the biggest benefit to education is the awareness that 90 percent of managed plans fall short of market returns. The managed funds that do beat the market do so at rates no better than random chance.

WHAT DOES “RISK TOLERANCE” REALLY MEAN?

PAY OFF. THEY TAKE THE EMOTION OUT OF FINANCE. – Justin Connors, Connors Wealth Management

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CONNORS WEALTH MANAGEMENT IS ONE OF A NEW BREED OF SMALLER, LEANER BOUTIQUE WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.

MAKING YOUR BUCKET PLAN

Start by dividing your retirement expenses into three basic buckets:

1THE LIVING EXPENSES BUCKET

This might include social security and/or pension income. If those are insufficient, consider adding a financial device like a fixed-income annuity as a cushion. The timeframe for the investments in this bucket should be no more than five years.

2THE DISCRETIONARY BUCKET

You can accept a bit more risk in this bucket, so high yield bond funds and blue chip stock funds might be good choices for this bucket. The time frame for this bucket should be six to ten years, so there’s time to recover from a down market.

3THE LEGACY BUCKET

This is the money that survives after you’re gone, so you can afford to extend the risk profile here to include more volatile investments like small cap funds and emerging markets. If you have a lot of money to manage, sometimes a family trust can provide a framework to make sure the money is used according to your wishes after your passing. Since the time frame for this bucket is basically indefinite, you can set up this instrument for a very long investment window.

who has lived through more than one market bust, is quick to remind investors that the market works in cycles. “We tend to see performance cycles every three to five years,” he says in his tidy office on North Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach. “It’s been eight years since the last down cycle and we’re seven years into the recovery.”

It’s hard to tell if Connors is a wealth manager turned surfer or a surfer in a three-

10

piece suit, but he admits to keeping his board in the office utility closet and the building is mere steps away from the beach. Connors Wealth Management is one of a new breed of smaller, leaner boutique wealth management companies that provide a wide range of financial services, which can include property management and some legal services.

Automation is shrinking margins across the financial

services industry and a small office like Connors has to work big. A telling example is that instead of a receptionist they have the Director of First Impressions.

THE MATH OF LOSS

A discussion with Justin Connors is a reminder that most people underestimate the gains needed to recover from a major market downturn.

Let’s say you invest $10 in the market and that investment

AUTOMATED TRADING The titans of Wall Street protect themselves by investing in high-speed, automated trading systems that start selling company positions the moment there’s the briefest downturn in the market. High speed trading is what protects the big boys from the math of loss. For smaller investors the price tag is eternal vigilance. That kind of discipline is hard because many have not been invested long enough to ride out a significant down market.

PROTECTING YOUR WEALTH

If you’re a small investor, you should be adjusting your investment mix to be in line with your age and risk profile at least once a year, a process called rebalancing. In a hot market at the top of a long upcycle, rebalancing twice a year is not a bad strategy.

Rebalancing means selling off some of your best performing investment assets and shifting that money to assets that haven’t been performing as well. In other words, sell the winners and buy more of the losers.

Rebalancing is the most counter-intuitive activity in personal finance, yet it’s what saves you from working years longer because you had

Sources: http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=283348, http://www.braeburnwealth.com/resource-center/retirement/a-bucket-plan-to-go-with-your-bucket-list, http://www.marketwatch.com/ story/why-a-lot-of-fancy-math-cant-help-investors-beat-the-market-2017-03-15, https://www.google.com/search?client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=the+keycorp+story&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#channel=fs&q=keycorp +stock+price+history

loses 50% of its value. That original $10 investment is now worth $5. A 50% gain won’t get your investment back to even. A 50% gain on a $5 investment leaves you at $7.50. The real tragedy of the Math of Loss is that it takes a 100% gain to get even on a 50% loss. The math gets even uglier when the losses exceed 50%, which happened to many companies during the great meltdown of 2008.

too much money in equities during a sudden correction.

Rebalancing is hard because your brain is screaming at you that selling stocks, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and mutual funds reaching new highs is crazy. It feels that way when you do it and it can be hard to make the trade when the time comes.

REMOVING THE EMOTION

That’s why a sad part of every market correction is the number of people who get caught with too much money in stocks. Emotion gets in the way of sound financial planning and there’s less incentive to pay attention to your investments when the economy and the markets are riding high. That’s when hiring a good financial manager can really pay off.

They take the emotion out of finance,” explains Connors.

If your financial plan is set up properly, a good wealth manager can manage rebalancing to keep your investment mix in line with your age and tolerance for risk. Really good advisors can even move their clients out of equities if the market drop starts looking serious without waiting for the order to sell. That’s the tradeoff in investing: you can do it yourself and sweat the details or pay someone a percentage to manage the details for you while you go do other things.

The best financial managers are not selling financial products or strategies, they’re selling peace of mind.

PAYING FOR ADVICE

Every financial planner is making money somehow. A

wealth management advisor is either charging you up front, taking a percentage of your investment portfolio or making commission from the financial products they sell.

When a financial manager is dependent on commissions, there’s always the suspicion that the financial products they recommend are good for them, though not necessarily good for you.

Investment advisors registered with the SEC or state regulators are fiduciaries subject to a higher standard of loyalty and due care with their clients. In a fiduciary relationship your advisor is required to put your interests ahead of their own. That usually means the advisor makes money by charging a fee rather than a commission from

the financial products they recommend. Confirm in advance with your advisors on how they make their money with your accounts.

While it’s great that small investors have the tools to manage their own investment portfolios these days, it’s also nice to have the option of paying someone to take care of your money for you while you’re out surfing. Who knows, if you visit Cocoa Beach maybe you’ll run into your investment advisor while you’re waiting for that next wave.

CONNORS WEALTH MANAGEMENT JUSTIN CONNORS (321) 868-0732

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

11

YOUR HOUSE IS GETTING

SMARTER A subnet setup is key [by Chris Poindexter]

CONNECTED DEVICES SHOULD BE SET UP ON A WALLED OFF PART OF YOUR HOME NETWORK, CALLED A SUBNET.

– Michael Young at

Visual Dynamics in Viera.

I

MAGINE YOUR HOME AS A LIVING THING. NOT THE HORROR MOVIE KIND OF ALIVE BUT A HOUSE THAT SENSES AND REACTS TO YOUR SCHEDULE AND MOODS, ANTICIPATING YOUR NEEDS. AS YOU PULL INTO THE DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK THE GARAGE DOOR OPENS AUTOMATICALLY AND THE INSIDE DOOR UNLOCKS ITSELF. YOU’RE COMFORTABLE WALKING INSIDE BECAUSE THE HOUSE WOULD HAVE NOTIFIED YOU IF ANY DOORS OR WINDOWS WERE OPENED DURING THE DAY OR IF THE SYSTEM DETECTED THE SOUND OF BREAKING GLASS.

Just to be on the safe side the house sent you pictures and video clips during the day so you’d know all is well and could see the cat had been up on the counter. Before leaving work you checked the inside camera of the refrigerator and discovered you were out of mayonnaise. The refrigerator reminded you of a couple other things you needed at the store - stop on your way home.

The thermostat adjusted the temperature when you were still a mile from home

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and the lighting, a mixture of natural light and tinted LEDs, was pleasant and even, coming up gradually when you walked in the door. Your television has already queued up your favorite shows for viewing later.

SMART HOME DEVICES The smart home trend is already driving real estate development, especially in places like our own Brevard County in Florida.

With a highly educated

workforce serving the race to commercialize space, a new breed of technology savvy homebuyers are demanding those features today. Home buyers, many of whom help control spaceships orbiting the Earth, want to be able to monitor and control their house from a smartphone.

The proliferation of connected services and devices falls under the label IoT, which stands for Internet of Things. IoT means that more and more devices are offering user control via the internet and home Wi-Fi. The numbers are staggering; it’s estimated that around the world 5.5 million new devices are being attached to the internet every day. That list includes refrigerators, microwaves, crockpots, dishwashers, clothes washers, thermostats, baby monitors, televisions, security cameras and voice activated controllers inside the home. That doesn’t even count devices like your phone, laptop and wearable devices that monitor your pulse and exercise routine.

The potential risk to our new, connected world is that the functionality and reach of these new systems are advancing faster than we can determine the security of the devices themselves. While hackers may not be able to get your banking information from your crockpot, the neighbor kids could use your security cameras and baby monitor to watch you. Smart televisions could be looking back and

reporting on your viewing habits. For many, connected devices security can be an afterthought.

HOME NETWORK AND A SUBNET

Keeping your new home automation from becoming a hacker nightmare means taking some basic precautions, according to Michael Young at Visual Dynamics in Viera.

Connected devices should be set up on a walled off part of your home network, called a subnet. That way a hacked kitchen device can’t be used as a stepping stone to your phone and laptop. Most devices have an administrative function built into them and it’s good practice to change the default access password.

For most people digital security is still about the basics. “Most of the problems we see are people clicking on something they shouldn’t,” says Young. The scary ad banners that offer to fix a problem for you are really a type of hack called a social engineering attack that requires assistance from the user. “Don’t click on those,” says Young, “it’s inviting someone into your computer.”

While a connected house is a natural evolution for a tech savvy generation, the new technology can be bewildering for seniors. In our next installment we’ll look at how aging and technology can sometimes be a difficult combination.

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Famous

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PA R T [ 3 ]

I DIDN’T WANT THE LIBRARY TO FEEL LIKE A BIG ROOM OF OLD BOOKS, WALKER SAYS. I WANTED IT BE LIKE A THEATER, BUT NOT FOR PERFORMANCE — FOR ENGAGEMENT.

JAY WALKER

HOME LIBRARY AND COLLECTIONS [by Todd Aaron Jensen]

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ithout libraries, the late science-fiction author Ray Bradbury once declared, we would have no past and no future.

Jay Scott Walker, the 61-year old pioneering inventor/ entrepreneur behind high-concept, bigmoney outfits like Priceline.com and credit card processing network Synapse, could not agree more with the Fahrenheit 451 wordsmith. Some 15 years ago, Walker, who holds nearly 1,000 patents for inventions and other intellectual properties he may eventually parlay into “the next big thing,” realized he owned more books – a 900-year old volume on Chinese apothecary arts (the oldest medical tome known to man), a 400-year old, hand-painted celestial atlas, and other unique pieces – than he did room.

“I’ve tried to assemble for the modern age an experience that looks backward on the history of imagination and looks for those points in human history where imagination has played an exciting and material role,”

says Walker, whose Library of Human Imagination houses some 30,000 rare volumes, gathered from around the world since the early 1980s. That’s not to mention the roughly 5,000 singular artifacts and eccentric items from Trouville Walker has also curated through the years, a veritable caboodle of curiosities, including an original 1957 Russian Sputnik, the world’s first space satellite, a chandelier from the 2002 James Bond film, Die Another Day, a field tool kit for Civil War physicians, a 45 million-year-old complete skeleton of a juvenile raptor, two small rocks from

the planet Mars, and one well-worn cocktail napkin in which Franklin Delano Roosevelt inked his three-point plan for winning World War II. Walker says that the word “library” is something of a misnomer when applied to his admittedly eccentric collection.

“It’s really more of a wunderkammer, or a ‘cabinet of wonders,’” he says.

When it came to supersizing his living quarters to accommodate the ever-expanding treasure trove, the progressive impresario didn’t merely purchase larger dwellings down the road.

Instead, emboldened by fond childhood memories of visiting the innovative workspace/reading room combinations of Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan, Walker built his dream home from the ground up – a sprawling, 24,000-square foot Tudor in the quaint, colonial foothills of Connecticut, his 3,600-square foot Library of Human Imagination positioned at the abode’s very heart.

Walker’s wonderland is intoxicating, a mazelike tabernacle bathed in cobalt light, free-floating glass bridges and gravity-defying, translucent platforms

connecting all three levels. Modeled on the surreal aesthetic of Dutch graphic artist MC Escher, Victorian flourishes and state of the art fiber optics and surround sound (playing Walker favorites like Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” and Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man”) complete the journey from Walker’s Downton Abbey-style mansion into a mind-bendingly beautiful, exalted realm.

“I didn’t want the library to feel like a big room of old books,” Walker says.

“I wanted it be like a theater, but not for performance — for engagement.”

Today, the library is for Walker a sanctuary, a vibrant inspiration, a creative space, the headquarters for his company’s regular, think tank-style “invention sessions” with colleagues and collaborators. Occasionally, Walker will even rise early in the morning to watch the sunrise cast new light across his thousands of volumes. “In that morning light, I’m always so inspired in this room,” Walker says. “And the question I always begin with is: what haven’t we imagined yet?”

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SMASHING! There’s more than one way to “golf” your ball [by Lyle Smith]

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I

F YOU’VE EVER SPENT A MOMENT GAZING OVER AT THE ROLLING, GREEN DURAN GOLF CLUB PROPERTY AND WANTED TO GET OUT TO SPEND SOME TIME IN THE FRESH AIR, BUT YOU’RE NOT REALLY A GOLFER, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO TREAD THE LINKS AND ENJOY A GAME WITH YOUR KIDS OR FRIENDS WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND HOURS DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS.

Smash Golf is a strange, colorful and fun way to spend some time on the course even if you’ve never picked up a golf club before. It’s not golf. Not really. But it is FUN! Open to the public, Duran offers Smash Golf on the club’s beautiful Par-3 course located directly across from the Tradewinds Clubhouse on Stadium Drive. The Par-3 course is an integral part of the club’s Development Center, recently named to the list of top 50 in the country.

Just sign up and you’ll get outfitted with a brightly colored rubber ball and a device that looks like a tennis racquet with a putter head extending out of the handle.

Step up to the first tee and hit your ball with the racquet toward the green. Once there, turn your racquet around and putt your ball into the hole.

Repeat, smiling and laughing all the way until you hole out on the course’s ninth green.

“It was the best day I ever had!” raved 8-year-old Hayden Yannick one recent spring evening after finishing the last hole.

THE OBJECT IS TO PUT A VERY SMALL BALL INTO A VERY TINY AND REMOTELY DISTANT HOLE, WITH ENGINES SINGULARLY ILL ADAPTED FOR THE PURPOSE. – CONFESSIONS OF A DUFFER, PUNCH MAGAZINE, LONDON, 1892.

WHY SMASH GOLF? Bringing new players into the game has always been the biggest challenge in growing golf as a business. More than that, golf takes time to learn and is near impossible to master. This, of course, is one of the things that makes it a great game, but not appealing to everyone.

Local businesses have found they can become much more engaged with their clients and employees by spending time in a fun and relaxing social atmosphere playing Smashgolf.

“Developing relationships is more than a text or an email, it is about spending quality time with someone”, notes David Tomczak, Duran’s General Manager.

Multi-level driving ranges, night golf, and foot golf (with a soccer ball and a very large hole) are alternative approaches to the game designed to bring new people to the links for a game and a fun time.

Golf traditionalists may turn their noses up watching families scurry around the grounds with tennis racquets, but this is an alternative that businesses and families, in particular, are embracing.

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GROWING THE GAME Golf Jewel Sparkles in Viera

B

revard County may not be first on the list of top golf destinations in the country, or even in Florida, but our region has more than its fair share to offer golfers - some extremely talented golfers living and visiting here. Specifically, there is a golf jewel in Viera - not just a jewel of a golf course, but a jewel of a golf education and development facility to rival just about any in the entire country.

Duran Golf Club’s Development Center was named to the top 50 in the nation this year by the Golf Range

to the highest levels of junior competition including the U.S. Kids World Championships, AJGA, FL Junior Tour, US Junior Amateurs and earned scholarships at the collegiate level.

At a recent Drive, Chip & Putt Championship tune-up event, he managed a clinic of more than two dozen youngsters ages five through fourteen while bringing in parents to take part and Viera High School players serving as examples. The younger players learned from the older players and the older juniors were inspired to show their stuff against a FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, DURAN WILL BE HOSTING LOCAL QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS FOR THE NATIONWIDE DRIVE, few parents.

CHIP & PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP. “When I first arrived here in 2013, Association of America. And Duran’s my goal was to bring national golf Academy of Golf, run by Director of initiatives to Brevard County and Instruction Justin Blazer (PGA), offers provide every junior the chance to a welcoming, fun and challenging see what this great game has to approach to growing the game offer,” he said. “When kids find out for youngsters, adults and anyone they have a chance to compete and interested in nurturing their passion then possibly qualify to a national for the game. championship, it really motivates Blazer was named a U.S. Kids them to play and practice more.”

Golf Top 50 teacher three times Head Professional Matt Morrison recognizing him as one of the top golf runs all golf operations at the instructors in the country and holds facility and is equally committed Top 50 Master Teacher recognition. to ensuring Duran’s excellence To watch Blazer work with young as a learning center as well as a people is to get the itch to improve championship venue. The latest your own game at the same time. addition to the instructional With so many options for kids from staff at Duran is recent Michigan novices to experienced competitive transplant, Assistant Professional junior players, his style enables him Peter Watts. to inspire, entertain and instruct Opportunities for youngsters his charges in ways you don’t and families abound at Duran and see everywhere. Several of his range from the 4-week after school students, in fact, have risen development program for ages 8-13 to parent/child tournaments to the

PGA Jr. League competitions in the Fall and Spring.

For the first time ever, Duran will be hosting local qualifying tournaments for the nationwide Drive, Chip & Putt Championship.

Youngsters who qualify for the final through local and sectional events will tee it up against some of the best young players in the country at Augusta National Golf Club the day before the start of the famed Masters Tournament next year.

Blazer launched Duran’s first PGA Jr. League in 2016. Kids compete in teams for several weeks in a row in the Spring and Fall seasons.

“The PGA Jr. League is the perfect program for junior golfers. It bridges the gap between a new player learning how to play to becoming confident enough to play on their own,” he said. “The team concept is just like little league sports and has so many benefits that come with the league. Watching kids help and encourage each other is probably the most rewarding thing for me to see as a coach. We now have packs of kids, who have met playing in the league, playing golf together weekly.”

The PGA Jr. League is designed to enable youngsters to learn how to compete and enjoy the game of golf playfully and competitively at the same time. Teams who do well have an opportunity to compete at the state and even national levels.

Parents are active in the league as caddies and spectators and the latest edition of the league tees off for practice sessions and matches every week.

Duran offers a wide variety of events and instructional options for golfers of every age. The club is open to the public and welcomes experienced players and novices of all ages.

DuranGolf.com

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DURAN GOLF LOVES JUNIOR GOLF! SUMMER CAMPS June 5-9 June 26-30 July 24-28 AFTER SCHOOL CLINICS PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE ...AND LOTS MORE! For more information: Duran Golf Club 321.504.7776 www.DuranGolf.com 7032 Stadium Pkwy, Viera, FL 32940

VIERA, FLORIDA

INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES

Master-Planned Community

Well-Appointed Homes

Business Centric

Diverse Amenities

• More than 23,000 residents

• More than 10,000 residences

• Centrally located on Florida’s Space Coast

• Priced from the $200’s to over $2 million

• Easy access to interstates and 3 international airports

• Championship golf and outdoor Florida fun

• A-rated schools

• Situated among pristine nature preserves

• Desirable retail and office space options available

• Countless dining and shopping opportunities

• Hundreds of businesses with highly skilled workforce

• A short drive from world-famous attractions

For more information about purchase or leasing options and availabilities please contact: Lee Ward, Viera Commercial Properties • 321-242-1200 ext. 4510 • lee.ward@duda.com

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THE MUSCLE CAR MADNESS FUNDRAISER EVENT DAVE TOMCZAK, GENERAL MANAGER AT DURAN GOLF CLUB AND DEBRA TOMCZAK, REALTOR AT VIERA REALTY

THE BUSINESS OF [by Sarah Levanti]

GIVING BACK How two organizations make it their business to give back to the Viera community. [by Sarah Levanti]

DEVEREUX ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

D

EVEREUX ADVANCED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IS ONE OF THE NATION’S

LARGEST AND MOST STABLE PROVIDERS OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS OF VARYING NEEDS.

Now in its second century as a service provider, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a non-profit organization and serves over 200 individuals at any point in time within Brevard County.

They have grown in size to several locations throughout Florida, but the Viera Campus, whose land was donated by the Duda family, remains their flagship location. Children and adolescents are referred to the 136-bed campus, many from prior treatment locations, and receive a highly specialized treatment approach.

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This approach has a complex foundation, providing results time and time again. “At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we integrate the latest scientific and medical advancements with time-tested philosophies and compassionate family engagement,” explains Lindsey Phillips, Director of External Affairs. “This offers practical, effective, and efficient care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and the world around them.”

Match this unparalleled care with round-the-clock available services,

THE MUSCLE CAR MADNESS FUNDRAISER EVENT LISA SOLOWAY, KATE GOODRIDGE, LINDA HOLMGREN, LIZ PINCHERA, VICE CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BECKY CREWS, CARA PHILPOT, RICH FRANCK, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND PATTY HURST.

and children and adolescents in Brevard have a safe haven if they are in need of one.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has had an extraordinary amount of support from Brevard County through volunteer work, monetary donations, inkind gifts, and attendance of community awareness events. They also continue a strong relationship with the Brevard County’s Sheriff’s Office, the Brevard Family Partnership, the Scott Center

for Autism Treatment at Florida Tech, and many others. “Calls to the abuse hotline regarding human trafficking have increased significantly in Florida in the past three years,” says Phillips.

“We need our community partners to be vigilant regarding children and to help us ensure all our kids are provided a safe place in which to grow and thrive. Never hesitate to report abuse or suspected abuse by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE.”

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health:

• Employs nearly 400 staff members in Viera.

• Provides services to approximately 1,200 youth in Brevard County on an annual basis.

• Provides a comprehensive continuum of services to over 5,000 children on any given day in 25 counties.

• Has a staff of nearly 1,000 throughout the state of Florida.

• Treatment services include diabetes management, educational expertise, clinical services for sexually exploited youth, dual diagnosis specialty, foster care programs, and autism services.

FLORIDA AUTISM CENTER

F

LORIDA AUTISM CENTER RECENTLY JOINED THE VIERA COMMUNITY, AS PART OF AN

EXPANSION, BRINGING THEIR TOTAL NUMBER OF CENTERS IN THE SUNSHINE STATE TO 11. COMPRISED OF A DYNAMIC GROUP OF BOARD-CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS,

CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS, AND CAREER EDUCATORS, THE FLORIDA AUTISM CENTER IS DEDICATED TO HELPING CHILDREN MEET THEIR HIGHEST POTENTIAL THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION PLANS. EACH CENTER SPECIALIZES PROGRAMS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY. “WE CHOOSE EACH LOCATION BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY,” EXPLAINS JEANINE TANZ, CENTER DIRECTOR. “THIS ALLOWS US TO INDIVIDUALIZE AND SPECIALIZE SERVICES FOR EACH CHILD. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A CHILD HAS DIFFICULTY GOING TO THE DENTIST, WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND AN APPOINTMENT TO ENABLE US TO RE-CREATE THE SITUATION IN OUR CENTER TO APPLY BEST PRACTICES.”

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Best practices are second nature at the Florida Autism Center.

Opened in 2005, it has since established the use of Applied Behavior Analysis to promote skill acquisition and independence, while decreasing maladaptive behavior. This hard science includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional assessment of the relations between environment and behavior.

The Viera location offers three distinct programs: Early Intervention, Private School, and One-on-One. “I always tell our staff that it is our goal to essentially go

out of business,” says Tanz.

“We strive to transition our children to the next phase of their lives, whether it be public or private schools, successfully.” With many of the other autism programs in the area having a wait list, the Florida Autism Center has been welcomed with open arms. “I’ve encountered family and friends of children-in-need burst into tears,” explains Tanz. “It’s a joy helping these families, and there is nothing like hearing a nonverbal child say ‘Mommy’ for the first time.” flautism.com

A look at the Florida Autism Center

• By 2017, the Florida Autism Center projects 19 total centers throughout Florida.

• Within 5 years, the Florida Autism Center plans to have a total of 40 centers statewide.

• The Florida Autism Center boasts a centralized resource center in Lake Mary, which provides operations for each center. This allows centers to place their main focus on the children.

• The Early Intervention Program is intensive at 25-40 hours per week, delivered in a 1:1 format.

• The One-on-One Program is less intensive after-school care with a 1:1 format.

• The Private School offers both half-day and full-day options with a low teacher-to-student ratio, focusing on common core.

• The Florida Autism Center serves clients from age of diagnosis up to 13 years.

TYRONE’S STORY

Almost 24 years ago, 4-year-old Tyrone came to Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health with his two younger brothers.

The three siblings transitioned to the Foster Care Program provided by Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. About 10 years after they first stepped foot into the center, Tyrone’s younger siblings were adopted by a loving family.

Tyrone would take a different path. As the oldest, Tyrone’s struggles differed, and were more intense, than that of his brothers. This is where the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s THIS IS WHY WE’RE HERE – THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT. programs made all the difference. Instead of just being in foster - Lindsey Phillips, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s Director of care, Tyrone was surrounded by a strong support system including External Affairs resources such as mental health services and counseling. He embraced a local police officer as a mentor and had the same case worker throughout his foster life. His resilience, and an amazing care system, led him to make life goals. Now, at 28, his story is one for the books. Through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s Funding Department he was able to acquire transportation to attend and finish mechanic school. This led to a successful job. Not too much later, he found the love of his life. Before getting married, Tyrone wanted his last name to be changed, and at the age of 26 he was officially adopted by the same family who took in his brothers with open arms. Many were in attendance, including his case worker and the police officer whom he called a mentor. He is now working on his second life goal and has joined the police academy.

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FAITH

EXPANDING

This December, the Viera landscape will welcome an exciting new addition.

St. John the Evangelist will open the doors of a new church, which will leave parishioners amazed. [by Sarah Levanti]

S

INCE 2001, ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST HAS BEEN A PILLAR IN THE FAITH

COMMUNITY OF VIERA.

St. John the Evangelist was started by the Priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross who recognized Viera as a place for future growth.

As their predictions have come

true, the Parish has grown along with the Viera community, increasing from 200 families in 2001 to just over 2,300 families today. With this amazing following, the time has come for expansion. Ground was broken in June of 2016 for a new St. John the Evangelist Church, and parishioners will be welcoming their new place of worship in December 2017.

A NEW SPACE

The current church seats 750 parishioners and is designed as a community hall. With a large diversity of worshipers, from young families to the elderly, a building to host all ages and needs was necessary. “We have added classrooms around our hall,” explains Father John Britto. “Building our

“Building our new church, along with our current community hall, we will be able to support the increasing needs of parishioners in our church and any future growth of our church.”– Father John Britto 24

new church, along with our current community hall, we will be able to support the increasing needs of parishioners in our church and any future growth of our church.”

The new church will be a sight to see. Visible from miles around, it will host 1,050 parishioners and have a space designated for their large choir.

It will house a signature Chapel for

QUICK LOOK

The future is exciting for St. John the Evangelist. Here is what to expect with their new church: • The current church will be kept as a community hall.

• The new church will seat 1,050 parishioners, 300 more than the current hall.

• The church choir will now have a dedicated space, with a special entrance for masses.

• The new building will include a Chapel for Adoration, providing a space for worship 24/7.

• There will be a new bright space available for weddings.

• 14 stained glass windows will adorn the new building, highlighting St. John the Evangelist himself.

Adoration, which will be available 24/7 for worship, along with a bright space for weddings. “A very exciting addition will be beautiful stained glass windows, sometime after completion,” says Father John. “These windows will highlight themes from the Gospel of St. John, and add a stunning new dimension to our new church.”

The opening will prove to be divine timing for many reasons. The start of the Christmas season will certainly be a time for celebration. It will also bring in the season of Advent, which starts on December 3rd. Bishop John Noonan, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, will be on hand to dedicate the church at the start of the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Orlando.

Keep your eyes to the sky for developments, or for more information, visit: StJohnViera.org.

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(321) 541-1434

A member of the Charter School Associates Family of Schools

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ARTISTRY AT VIERA

T Neighbors new

HIS WINTER, VIERA WILL WELCOME ITS NEWEST LUXURY APARTMENT COMMUNITY, ARTISTRY AT VIERA. USING A BLEND OF LUXURY AND LOCATION, DAVIS DEVELOPMENT WILL DESIGN AND BUILD A UNIQUE

COMMUNITY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. [by Sarah Levanti]

LUXURY MEETS LIVING

Artistry at Viera will be much more than luxurious living spaces.

It will be a community with a social and fun lifestyle.

Open floor concepts, ranging from 661 square feet to 1,471 square feet, will have spacious kitchens that boast stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and designer backsplashes.

Creature comforts will be available at a fingertip, with digital programmable thermostats.

These comforts continue with USB outlets in the kitchen, a washer and dryer included in each home, and lofty 9-foot ceilings. “The Davis Development Management Team is grounded by a desire to offer a best-in-class living experience, which directly aligns with our development goals,” explains Carissa Brogdon, Creative Marketing Director for Davis Development. “We pride ourselves on maintaining a family style culture that is centered on results and having fun while achieving them.”

This fun will extend to Artistry at Viera’s residents. With unique and diverse monthly resident events, a social environment will be found in the community’s indoor and outdoor social/entertaining lounges. It will also take advantage of outdoor Florida living; with an outdoor kitchen and a resortstyle salt-water pool, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the sun and beautiful weather. No need

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“The Davis Development Management Team is grounded by a desire to offer a best-in-class living experience.” – Carissa Brogdon

THE LUXURY-MEETS-LIVING ENVIRONMENT WILL BE WALKING DISTANCE FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT.

to leave the four-legged friends behind, either. The new complex will be pet-friendly, welcoming small to large breed pets with no weight restrictions with an additional dog park and dog washing station on site.

The luxury-meets-living environment will be walking distance from world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Avenue Viera. Also, with quick and easy access to major roadways, commuters will enjoy more time at home. Artistry at Viera will live up to Davis Management’s best-in-class living experience.

For more information and to explore floor plans, visit ArtistryViera.com

AMENITIES AND MORE

Beyond the first-class luxury units, there will be plenty to enjoy in this unique community: • Resort-Style Salt-Water Pool • Lofty 9-Foot Ceilings • Wi-Fi Sundeck • Upscale Wood-Finish Flooring • High Endurance Fitness Center • Two-Toned Paint Color Scheme • Social/Entertaining Lounges • Large Walk-In Closets • Online Rent Payment and • On-site Dog Park Maintenance Requests • Outdoor Kitchen • Gourmet Kitchens • Car Care Center • Stainless Steel Appliances • Cyber Café • Stylish Designer Backsplash • Onsite Storage Spaces Available • Power-Saving Digital for Rent Programmable Thermometer • Short-Term Rentals Available 27

HOMEMADE HAPPINESS BAKES UP A TASTY NEW DESSERT EXPERIENCE

new

Neighbors

T

HERE’S A CERTAIN JOY THAT BURSTS THROUGH ALL OTHER EMOTIONS AS YOU STEP THROUGH THAT UNIQUE ASSAULT OF SWEET FRAGRANCE THAT IDENTIFIES A TRULY GREAT BAKERY. HOMEMADE HAPPINESS, ONE OF THE NEWEST NEIGHBORS TO OPEN ITS DOORS AT THE AVENUE VIERA, IS NO EXCEPTION TO THAT RULE. [by Sarah Levanti]

HOMEMADE HAPPINESS

LOCATED ALONG THE INTERIOR CIRCLE AT THE AVENUE VIERA IN SUITE 119 AND OPEN MOST DAYS FROM 10A.M. TO 9P.M.

Open the front door and you are welcomed by color and fragrance and a playful sense of shabby-chic style.

The staff welcomes you with a smile and an easy answer to any question that might be prompted by any of the spectacular-looking desserts in the main case.

“We really work hard to give a quality product that everyone can enjoy,” says owner Jennifer Hayes.

And that is really the central focus of what Hayes is trying to accomplish. Pride in

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craftsmanship. Pride in good service. Pride in delivering something enjoyable and interesting to her customers.

“It’s all about the quality of the baker,” she says.

“Holding yourself up to another level.”

The modern storefront space is decorated in what might be called “early American kitchen,” with distressed furniture pieces throughout, each carrying its own rich patina. A white, wooden paneled door makes a low table top across from

the cash register. This is the “kids’ table” where Hayes encourages children to decorate their own cupcakes every Saturday and Sunday.

The main case is filled left to right, top to bottom with a wide variety of colorful cupcakes, cheesecakes and cookies. Thick, brown snickerdoodles peek out from behind a plate of sugar cookies and crème-centered confections designed to delight the senses.

Homemade Happiness was first founded about

a year ago in Cocoa.

Expanding the business into Viera came as a welcome surprise following Hayes’ appearance in the Taste of the Coast event.

Management of The Avenue Viera approached her to take over a space—an opportunity she accepted with enthusiasm.

“They said they really liked our energy,” she said.

“And we’ve had a very good response so far. Business has been great!”

VieraCupcakes.com

NEW AT THE ZOO! REIMAGINED AUSTRALASIA LOOP REOPENS AT THE BREVARD ZOO [by Lyle Smith]

W

HEN THE AUSTRALASIA LOOP REOPENED AT THE BREVARD ZOO AFTER A SEVENMONTH LONG REIMAGINING, VISITORS DISCOVERED A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE INSIDE THIS LOCAL JEWEL. REIMAGINED AS THE LANDS OF CHANGE: AUSTRALIA AND BEYOND, VISITORS CAN REINTRODUCE THEMSELVES TO SOME OLD FRIENDS, MEET THE ZOO’S NEWEST RESIDENTS AND EXPLORE EXCITING NEW, UP-CLOSE ACCESS TO MANY ANIMALS THEY COULD PREVIOUSLY ONLY SEE AT A DISTANCE.

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Lorikeet

Cockatiel This is the first Komodo Dragon major renovation of this section of Plaza the zoo since it opened in 1996.

Hornbill Kangaroo “It’s an extreme makeover for us, so that’s superOutdoor Theater exciting,” said the zoo’s Director of Marketing, Andrea Cassowary Cassowary Hill. “The new space has a colorful, rustic N look and offers new Warty Pig experiences for our visitors.”

The zoo closed access Every turn offers a chance to actively to the Australasia exhibit participate and learn about these last August for an extreme makeover which also wonderful animals first-hand. enabled them to improve traffic flow and the overall limbs into the sky. These guest experience including technological marvels line adding new animal the new pathway through experiences. What they’ve the Kangaroo enclosure built is nothing short of an and will power a portion of amazing, colorful new world the electrical needs in this that is home to kangaroos, section of the park. horn bills, exotic birds, The new loop features emus, green tree pythons an expansive central plaza and even Komodo Dragons. area with wider pathways Futuristic solar trees, throughout the exhibit courtesy of Zoo sponsor designed to allow visitors Florida Power & Light, to wander freely under their stretch their long green own direction. One specific

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benefit of all the extra room is that parents will no longer need to park their strollers on one end of the aviary. Instead, the path will be clear for wheelchairs and strollers to flow through freely.

HEART OF THE DRAGONS

The newest residents of the zoo are two Komodo Dragons - the world’s largest lizard. The zoo’s dragons are still young, but they could grow to a length of ten feet or more. The dragons, native

The zoo has installed a sparkling new 100 seat outdoor theater near the “waterfront” area to be used for educational presentations, demonstrations and shows. to Indonesia, have plenty of space to grow and their habitat includes a sandy beach and a large area of water including freshwater fish. A glass walkway allows visitors to examine the dragons swimming below.

REVISIT OLD FRIENDS

All of your old Australian friends have returned, too. Flocks of enthusiastic Lorikeets and Cockatiels are standing ready to be hand fed by visitors who choose to purchase seed sticks or nectar cups. The aviaries they call home have been radically enlarged and visitors will be able to stroll through each of the two sides through leafy native plants and ponds.

The Wallabies and Emus are back and a new pathway inside the exhibit itself allows zoo patrons a chance to feed the kangaroos themselves. The Fruit Bats have returned as well, but now in an expansive walk-through exhibit designed to enable guests to witness their natural behaviors undisturbed.

NEW EXPERIENCE

Change is the central theme of the new Australasia exhibit and zoo staff are dedicated to exploring how these animals and others from the continent down under can or can’t adapt to the changing environment around them. From a zoological standpoint,

Australia is very much at the forefront of the effects of climate change having not only one of the most significant rates of extinction around the world, but also suffering through major decline in the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The zoo has installed a sparkling new 100 seat outdoor theater near the “waterfront” area to be used for educational presentations, demonstrations and shows.

“We have a new animal training program scheduled to begin in January specifically for the theater space,” Hill said. “And it will be a great resource for the education department, camp programs as well as the meet a keeper program.”

Every turn offers a chance to actively participate and learn about these wonderful animals first-hand. Of particular interest, visitors can participate hands-on in demonstrations of how Australian animals and animals around the world are affected by climate change.

“We’re really known for our innovation and our commitment to the community,” Hill said. “I always say it’s YOUR zoo.

And we want the community to participate.”

The Brevard Zoo makes regular updates through its social media networks. The new aviaries are open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

BrevardZoo.org

WHERE STYLE FINDS YOU BATH & BODY WORKS BELK CHARLOTTE RUSSE CHARMING CHARLIE CHICO’S KIRKLAND’S KOHL’S LOFT OLD NAVY SCOUT & MOLLY’S BOUTIQUE TALBOTS

AVV-7196-A97D AD2 Where Style FInds You Print Ad.indd 2

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

4/21/17 10:36 AM

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snapshots

around

town

GREASE

VIERA HIGH SCHOOL’S THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT TOOK THEIR BOW ON OPENING NIGHT TO A SOLD OUT CROWD FOR GREASE. THE WEEKEND RUN WAS DIRECTED BY ELOISE EVANS, VOCAL COACH ASSISTANCE BY JORDAN EVANS (HENEGAR MUSICAL DIRECTOR), AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR KEVIN ALBRIGHT (VHS CHORAL DIRECTOR).

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2ND ANNUAL VIERA FAMILY FAIR

(L-R) Jennifer McFadden, Viera Discovery Center, Tonya Evans, Viera Community Institute and Carl Ott, Event Chairperson and 3rd Vice President of the Viera Lions Club take a moment between greeting families at the 2nd Annual Viera Family Fair on April 8th.

UNDER THE BIG TOP FEEDER CHAIN CONCERT THE LARGEST CONCERT OF NEW MUSICIANS PERFORMED AT THE UNDER THE BIG TOP FEEDER CHAIN CONCERT. SCHOOLS AT THE FESTIVAL INCLUDED: RALPH WILLIAMS, ANDERSON AND GOLF VIEW, MANATEE AND QUEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, RONALD MCNAIR AND JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOLS, AND ROCKLEDGE HIGH AND VIERA HIGH SCHOOLS.

Local student winners of The Charlie Corbeil Conservation Awards’ Youth Art, Photography and Writing Contest pose with their parents and Jill Gaines of the Viera Voice newspaper and organizer along with judge Charlotte Corbeil in honor of her late husband Charlie Corbeil.

THE VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL

THE VIERA WETLANDS NATURE FESTIVAL KICKED OFF THE FIRST OF THEIR TWO DAY EVENT WITH VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL TOURS HIGHLIGHTING ELEMENTS OF THE WILDLIFE ENVIRONMENT.

Charlotte Corbeil with winner Alexis Steinberger – 2nd place (8th – 12th grade).

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

KEVIN ARCIERI, GENERAL MANAGER, HAMPTON INN AT VIERA SPOKE AT THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF THEIR NEWEST HOTEL IN VIERA. THE ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS INCLUDED CURT SMITH, BREVARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4, TODD POKRYWA, SR. VP. LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING THE VIERA COMPANY, SCOTT MILLER, VP SALES AND COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT THE VIERA COMPANY, AND ERIC GARVEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FLORIDA SPACE COAST OFFICE OF TOURISM.

USSSA'S GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF THE NEW HOME OF USSSA IN VIERA, FLORIDA. THE NEW RENOVATIONS OF THE STADIUM COMPLEX WILL INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF 15 NEW FIELDS, VIDEO BOARDS, AND A STATE-OF-THE-ART PRODUCTION AND BROADCAST STUDIO.

(L-R): Matt Susin, Brevard County School Board District 4 Representative, former Brevard County District 1 Commissioner Robin Fisher, Todd Pokrywa , Senior VP of Land Use Planning & Development, The Viera Company, Jamey Carroll, Former professional Baseball infielder and Special Assistant to the Pittsburg Pirates, Eric Garvey, Director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism, Don DeDonatis, Chairman and CEO of USSSA, and Curt Smith, Chairman of the Brevard County Commission and District 4 representative spoke at the ceremony.

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upcoming

Events JUNE JULY

JUN 1

MUSICAL DATE NIGHT Brevard Symphony Orchestra – The Beatles: 50th Anniversary Sgt. Pepper

FUN FOR ALL Father’s Day Brunch

DATE: June 18th LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran, Viera CONTACT: DuranGolf.com

LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne CONTACT: KingCenter.com

23rd Annual Great American Celebration JUL 4

DATE: July 4th LOCATION: Space Coast Stadium, Viera

EXPOS

Brevard Home & Garden Expo

DATE(S): July 22nd – July 23rd LOCATION: Melbourne Auditorium, Melbourne CONTACT: BrevardExpos.com

SOFTBALL GAMES The USSSA Pride

DATE(S): June 3rd – August 20th LOCATION: Space Coast Stadium, Viera CONTACT: USSSAPRIDE.COM

JUN 23

HEALTH SEMINARS

THEATRE

Healthy Living Seminar Series

by Health First

Nunsense II

DATE: Monthly lectures LOCATION: Various CONTACT: HFevents.org

DATE(S): June 23rd – July 2nd LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa CONTACT: CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

SUMMER CAMPS Brevard Zoo

(Preschool through 12th grade)

DATE(S): May 30th – August 4th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BrevardZoo.org

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Summer Camp Theatre Project: Willy Wonka

DATE(S): May 31st Auditions LOCATION: The Viera Studio for the Performing Arts, Suntree CONTACT: TheVieraStudio.com

Church at Viera – Slam-A-Jama| Galactic Starveyors

(Pre-K through 6th grade)

DATE(S): June 5th – June 16th LOCATION: Church at Viera, Viera CONTACT: ChurchAtViera.com

Viera Regional Park and Recreation Center

DATE(S): May 25th – August 4th LOCATION: Viera Regional Park, Viera CONTACT: (321)433-4891

Q&A WITH USSSA FLORIDA PRIDE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER,

MEGAN WILLIS Q: Who are the USSSA Pride?

A:

We are a Women’s Professional Softball team in the National Pro Fastpitch league (NPF). We were established in 2009 and have been the 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 NPF Regular Season Champions.

Q: Are there any players fans may be familiar with?

A:

I certainly hope so! Over the years, Pride players have won a total of 4 Olympic Gold Medals, 8 Olympic Silver Medals, 17 NCAA Championships, 6 NCAA Players of the Year and 41 Pride players have been named NCAA All-Americans. Kelly Kretschman should definitely be a familiar name, the former Satellite High standout is a 2x Olympian and 2016 NPF Triple Crown winner.

Third baseman Andrea Duran, a 2008 Silver medalist and 2015 NPF MVP, will return this season and the 2016 NCAA Player of the Year, Sierra Romero.

Q: Are there any other local players to keep an eye on?

A:

We recently drafted Florida State pitcher Jessica Burroughs with the #1 overall selection and local standout Alex Powers (Eau Gallie High) with the #10 overall pick. The roster has two Florida Gators who hail from the Sunshine State–Hannah Rogers and Kirsti Merritt.

Q: Where will the Pride be playing?

A:

The Pride will be calling Viera, FL home this summer! With USSSA taking over Space Coast Stadium, renovations are underway and first pitch will be thrown at Opening Day on June 8th!

Q: What is the NPF?

A:

National Pro Fastpitch was established in 2004 to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career.

Women’s pro fastpitch first originated in 1997 as Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and then the Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). The NPF currently has 6 teams, playing a 50 game schedule (10 games vs each team). The season runs from June 1 - August 21st.

Q: Who is USSSA?

A:

USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 4.5 million participants, competing in 14 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! USSSA Headquarters is now based out of Space Coast Stadium in Viera. FL. USSSAPride.comVISIT USSSAPRIDE. COM FOR MORE INFO.

THIS TICKET VOUCHER IS REDEEMABLE FOR ONE (1) USSSA PRIDE HOME GAME PLAYED AT USSSA SPACE COAST STADIUM AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH. TICKET VOUCHER CANNOT BE USED ON JULY 4, 2017. OFFER VALID THROUGH 8/6/2017. RAIN CHECK TICKET EXCHANGES CAN ONLY BE MADE AT THE STADIUM TICKET WINDOWS.

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developer

Letter

VIERA ADDS ROOMS FOR SPORTS

T STEVE JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

TODD POKRYWA, SENIOR VP OF LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT

he community of Viera has experienced significant business and economic growth within just the first few months of 2017. By mid-spring, The Viera Company was thrilled to have helped host and participate in two of the most important groundbreaking ceremonies for our community this year. The groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Viera Town Center Hotel and the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) both marked momentous occasions as Viera enhances its ability to showcase all the community has to offer.

In March, The Viera Company was honored to host the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fairfield Inn & Suites – Viera Town Center Hotel. This 116 room, modern hotel marks the first cornerstone piece of the long awaited Viera Town Center which will serve as a gathering place for families and friends to come together within the community. One short month after breaking ground on the Town Center Hotel, The Viera Company was pleased to be involved in the groundbreaking ceremony for USSSA which recently entered into a long term lease and commenced renovations on the Space Coast Stadium and former Spring Training Complex.

By relocating their national headquarters to Viera, Florida, USSSA has made the impactful decision to make Viera, and all of Brevard County, the hub for amateur sports tournaments in the nation. With a promise of 100,000 hotel rooms sold per year, just from USSSA alone, the economic growth of our area is expected to rise significantly with more people visiting our local businesses, community amenities, and neighboring beaches.

Early 2017 roadway improvements and mid 2017 infrastructure growth have collectively demonstrated that Viera is laying the foundation to respond to opportunities that enhance our quality of life. The Viera Company is proud to welcome these marvelous companies and organizations to our community and we are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future as Viera continues to grow and thrive.

Viera is laying the foundation to respond to opportunities that enhance our quality of life.

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