Viera Vision | Light Up Viera: 2nd Annual

CELEBRATING VIERA’S

25 YEARS EST. 1989

NOVEMBER 2014

LIGHT UP

VIERA special edition VieraViera Brand Brand identity identity Color Palette Color Palette & Typography & Typography Treatments Treatments

A Living Inspiration.

VIERA.com

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Build your own legacy.

One of the most trusted and respected names in home construction; Viera Builders is currently developing new homes exclusively within the Viera Community.

Viera Builders is one of the largest, single-family, new home builders in Brevard County. New construction is underway in the following neighborhoods exclusively by Viera Builders: Strom Park, Arrivas Village and Stadium Villas. Each unique neighborhood offers flex options to meet the needs of every homeowner. Please stop by our Model Centers to learn more!

Proud Member of Florida Power & Light BuildSmartÂŽ Program

321-426-4177

VieraBuilders.com STROM PARK INFORMATION

ARRIVAS VILLAGE INFORMATION

STADIUM VILLAS INFORMATION

Debbie Hunter & Paula Cavan Office: 321-305-4939 Model Center: 8671 Strom Park Drive Community entrance by Quest Elementary and Health First.

Ian Scalia & Ryan Panek Office: 321-633-4101 Model Center: 2200 Arrivas Way Located across from The Avenue Viera.

Michael Griz Office: 321-305-6953 Model Center: 3255 Sedge Drive Located in Stadium Corners.

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VIERA contents

Volume 10, Issue 5 VIERA.com Facebook.com /VieraFlorida Twitter.com/VieraVision Publisher The Viera Company The Viera Company Tracy Duda Chapman | chief executive officer Stephen Johnson | president Lauri Duda | vice president of marketing Stephanie Byrd | marketing manager SCB Marketing Josh Field | co-founder / president Jeff Piersall | co-founder / CEO Creative Director Stephanie Byrd Editorial Donna Duda, Susan Howard, Emily King, Jeanna Wood

18

contents

Contributing Writers Allison Arteaga, Stephanie Byrd, Carl Kotala, Lauren Maleski, Katherine Schnake, Paula Biggs, Chris Bocchino, Lyn Dowling, Joane Dowd, Karla-Mae Goodman Graphic Design Kristy Curtis

TABLE OF 9 WELCOME

11 COVER FEATURE: Making Spirits Bright

18 LIGHT UP VIERA

Parade Route, Festival Features, Map & Schedule

25 HOLIDAY SPECIAL SECTION: Holiday Parties, New Year’s Eve

32 BUSINESS

Genna Jewelers

25 35 VIERA FEATURE: A Season for Charity

38 THE “A” GRADE Students Give Back

40 EVENT REVIEWS

Making Strides, Melbourne Air Show, Harvest Festival

44 UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS 46 WHY I LOVE LIVING IN VIERA 48 CLOSING

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company, Viera Realty, Inc., SCB Marketing, Space Coast Business, LLC and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions.

ON THE COVER: Light Up Viera 2013 by Cathy Heinz 4 V IE RA VI S I O N

Photography Don Agostini, Stephanie Byrd, Scott Ferris, Cathy Heinz, Jason Hook, Barbara Miller, Paula Biggs, Nathan Wyatt, Chris Bocchino Advertising Lori Reader Production/Distribution Emily King, Jason Horn Additional copy location and information The Viera Discovery Center 7350 Shoppes Drive, Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800

TH E

7380 Murrell Road, Suite 201, Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 242-1200 | Viera.com

5131 Industry Drive, Suite 107, Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321) 622-5986 | SCBMarketing.com Viera Vision is the official publication of The Viera Company ©2014 All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

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A playful life.

Named ‘Best Public Golf Course’ and ranked in the Top 50 in the country for practice range, Duran Golf Club defines ‘Great Golfing Experience’ to those who live for golf.

Duran Golf Club is a premier golf facility that is open to the public.

It includes a fully-lighted 9-hole Par 3 course and range, as well as an incredible casual dining experience at Tradewinds Restaurant and an exceptional banquet facility for weddings and events. To learn more or to book a tee time, visit durangolf.com or call 321-504-7776.

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VIERA welcome

TRACY DUDA CHAPMAN IS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE VIERA COMPANY AND GENERAL COUNSEL TO A. DUDA & SONS, INC.

Happy Holidays Viera residents! I can’t believe another year has passed. I guess with all the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to lose track of time. In fact, as we continue celebrating the Viera community’s 25th anniversary this year, it’s still hard for many of us to believe that so many years have passed since work began on the vision that is now Viera.

Because time has a way of getting away from us, the things that really matter to us — like our holiday traditions, our families, where we decide to call home and how we choose to share our blessings with others — and the memories associated with these things, seem to stand the test of time.

As we continue to build a vibrant community for our residents, it is important to us at The Viera Company that you find all of these comforts within Viera — the place you choose to call home!

That’s why I am pleased to report that you can look forward to another spectacular Light Up Viera Parade in Viera this year. Our Light Up Viera Parade Route on page 18 will give you all the details

about this November 29th event. Our holiday events in Viera will also include a Light Up Viera Holiday Village, open for 35 days of fun. The Festival of The Holiday Season, on page 20, will outline all the fun ways this event can help you make new holiday memories. And, if you are looking for somewhere to share your blessings with others, the Holiday Village will hold special charity nights on select evenings to support some of our local charities. You can also learn more about our community’s giving spirit on page 35 in A Season for Charity.

However you decide to spend the holidays this year, we hope you find the community of Viera offers you many opportunities to celebrate the season and make enduring holiday memories with friends and family.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Viera Company!

VI VIEERRAA. c. com om 99



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10 V IE R A VI S I O N

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VIERA coverstory

Making Spirits

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VIERA coverstory

Photo provided by Calvary Chapel

L

ast year, Viera brought the community of Brevard County together for one night of holiday cheer with the first annual Light Up Viera Holiday Parade, but this year what they’re planning will really light up the town – for 35 days to be exact.

“What started as a one-day celebration has now transformed into a month of food, festivity, and community fun,” said Karla-Mae Goodman, general manager at the Viera Discovery Center. “We’ve taken the success of last year’s event and added more activities and excitement to create a celebration that will be enjoyable for all ages.”

This year’s Light Up Viera Winter Festival includes a Holiday Parade on November 29, as well as a festive and fun Holiday Village, open from November 21 through Christmas Day.

AN EVENT BY THE COMMUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY

When it comes to the motivation behind the event, the Light Up Viera team unanimously agrees that this holiday celebration is created by the community for the community.

12 V IERA IE RA VI S I O N

“Our commitment to Viera is to create a vibrant community,” shared Lauri Duda, vice president of marketing for The Viera Company. “This event reflects that commitment, and contributes to our overall mission of giving back to the community that has supported our vision for 25 years.”

Light Up Viera 2014 is meant not only to serve the community of Viera and the people of Brevard, but also to include them in the planning and execution.

“To captivate the hearts of residents with holiday spirit, it only makes sense to have them involved in the event from start to finish,” said Joane Dowd, president of BOF, Inc., the company contracted by The Viera Company to produce these signature community events. “From the vendors and entertainment to the sponsors and volunteers, it’s amazing to see the community come together to provide everyone with a unique experience.

Plus, those who travel to the Winter Festival from around Central Florida have the opportunity to experience what the town of Viera and Brevard County are all about!”

The Light Up Viera Winter Festival has been created in hopes of sparking long

lasting memories and community traditions for everyone throughout Brevard County, from young families to retirees.

It all starts with the Holiday Parade on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

“Lighting up the city with the Holiday Parade is our way of bringing the community together to kick off the holiday season,” Dowd said. “It is our hope that this year’s parade, made complete with 24 professional floats and light-enhancing glasses, will be a holiday destination for Brevard residents and beyond.”

The community fun continues with the Holiday Village at Calvary Chapel in Viera, through Christmas Day. “The Holiday Village is our way of providing affordable activities for all ages to enjoy throughout the holiday season,” said Scott Wilmont, director of special events for Calvary Chapel. “Calvary Chapel is making a strong commitment to the community by creating a family-friendly tradition for everyone to look forward to. The event extends our motto, ‘Love God, Love People,’ and we couldn’t imagine hosting it anywhere else but in our backyard.”

From the world’s largest bounce house to a 40’ x 100’ ice skating rink, adults and children can spend time

VIERA coverstory

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VIERA coverstory

“To captivate the hearts of residents with holiday spirit, it only makes sense to have them involved in the event from start to finish.”

— Joane Dowd

pass, starting at $15, and special prices will be offered for Veterans’ Night and the PJ Party.

Plus, starting December 8th, Santa will be available for professional commemorative photos for $10 at his SandArt Workshop in the Holiday Village. Guests can find more information about passes on the Light Up Viera website.

“This year for Light Up Viera we went BIG,” Goodman explained.

“We’re excited to bring large attractions to the festivities – like the 31-foot-tall Snowzilla Slide and 15-foot Snow Globe photo opportunity – but we are also looking forward to all of the live entertainment, including local musicians and performing arts groups, Santa, and even the characters of “Frozen.”

The Holiday Village provides affordable activities for everyone to enjoy all season long, so we hope the Winter Festival will put a smile on everyone’s face.”

(L-R) Karla-Mae Goodman, Scott Wilmont, Joane Dowd

IT TAKES AN ARMY

with their loved ones and create memories they’ll remember for years to come. General admittance to the Holiday Village is free, and guests can visit each weekend to enjoy live entertainment, like movie nights, visits from movie characters, and musical performances, without a cost. To take part in the Holiday Village’s special attractions, like the bounce house and ice skating rink, guests can purchase a 1- day weekday or 1-day weekend

14 VVIER IE RA VISSIIO ON N 14 A VI

To make the dream of this incredible event come true, it really takes an army.

More than 550 Calvary Chapel volunteers will donate their time and talents to make the spirit of the season come alive at the Holiday Village and Parade.

“Without the committed volunteers and gracious support of our sponsors, this year’s Winter Festival wouldn’t be possible,” said Wilmont. “We are providing the community with an outlet for holiday celebration, and the community is providing us with the means to do it. When you do something positive, it grows exponentially — and we are experiencing that first hand with the event.”

The event volunteers and sponsors are the backbone of the event, but other critical supporters helping make the 2014 Winter Festival possible are the countless musicians, performers, and vendors.

“We wouldn’t have the opportunity to offer live entertainment and special events if these groups weren’t willing to donate their time,” said Dowd. “We hope each and every performer will enjoy the experience of showcasing their talents in front of the community.”

For more information about the Light Up Viera Holiday Village & Parade visit LightUpViera.com.

Thank you to our

SPONSORS ival Winter Fest

Sponsors

We want to thank our festival sponsors for their generous commitment to the Viera Future Foundation and their commitment our community, for sharing our vision and helping deliver the spirit of the holidays.

age Spon Holiday Vill

sor s

Our sincere thanks for your commitment and sharing our vision of family and community.

ade Holiday Par

Sponsors

Your participation has inspired and created the magic of Christmas throughout Central Florida.

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VIERA holidays

Winter Festival with Holiday Village & Parade

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VIERA

LIGHT UP VIERA 2014

holidays

Saturday, November 29th Mondavi Dr

The route will take a loop from Breslay Drive to Tavistock Drive to Viera Boulevard to Stadium Parkway.

Viera Blvd

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Viera Manor

Volunteer Parking

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Viera VA Outpatient Clinic

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Float Drop

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Parade Finish Viera Regional Park

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Viera Regional Community Center

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Viera Charter School

8

Parade Start

Staging Area 2

Judge Fran Jamieson Way

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Courthouse

Governmant Complex

2

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1. Viera Charter School 2. Government Complex 3. Viera High School 4. Space Coast Stadium 5. Manatee Elementary 6. Courthouse 7. Viera Regional Community Center 8. School Board Complex (Staging Area 2)

7

School Board Complex

Lake Andrew Drive

Eason Landing

Participant Parking

(Staging Area 1)

Viera High School

1

Spectator Parking

Staging Area 1

Spectator Section: Guest emcee, Mindy from Lite Rock Radio at 99.3FM. Spectators are welcome to line the entire parade route to view the parade.

VIERA holidays

n its second year, the Light Up Viera Parade will create a magical night for families. Complete with spectacular lights and the festive sounds of marching bands, 24 professionally-themed floats will take a 3½-mile journey, beginning on Breslay Drive at 6:00 p.m.

Parade onlookers can expect to see a pirate ship, carnival ride, and holiday jungle, as well as a salute to the military, and a Nativity scene. The final float will feature Santa atop his sleigh.

Last year, spectators camped out along the route, setting up chairs and tailgating with hot cocoa and cookies as the parade passed. The winding route allows for viewing on straight-a-ways and turns. There is even a location for parade viewers to hear from the guest emcee, Mindy from Lite Rock Radio at 99.3 FM. Spectators can also tune in on the iHeart Radio app for live coverage of the parade.

I

Free parade glasses, available at the Viera Discovery Center in November, are also a fun way to experience the parade.

These Holoplex glasses transform the parade lights into dancing reindeer and jolly St. Nick. The images will be bigger and better than last year and the glasses will make a great souvenir from the event.

The parade map, available on the previous page, designates all spectator parking, participant parking, and volunteer parking. Although the parade begins at 6:00 p.m., event organizers are encouraging everyone to stay off the parade route beginning at 5:45 p.m. to allow time for their final assessment of the pathways to ensure the safety of parade floats and participants.

To allow time for parade attendees to set up along the route, the holiday village will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on parade day.

For more information, visit LightUpViera.com.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

this year

p.m. Santa’s Christmas Train will also be pulling into the station for rides in the Mini Village area.

Additional festivities include live performances by local musicians from our award-winning schools, costume theme nights with prizes, skating with members of the National Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears, movie nights with special guest stars, and special live Nativity performances on December 20th at 5:00 p.m.and 8:00 p.m. Charity Nights, held on select evenings, will include a food drive by local Girl Scout troops (11/21-22) and a Toys for Tots drive (12/6). Discount Nights for veterans (11/25), military (12/9), and students (12/18) will also be offered.

elebrating the season will have a unique twist in Viera this year with the first annual Light Up Viera Holiday Village. Residents will have access to 35 days of fun and excitement with attractions like a 30-foottall Snowman-themed bounce house and a 90-foot-long Snow Slide, beautiful handmade crafts and gifts from local artists, and food vendors on select weekends. Families will also have an opportunity to take a photo with Santa in a life sized carving of his workshop. The sand art workshop will be an original art piece only available at this event.

The festival has an under-5 area for smaller children to enjoy their own bounce house and games. And,starting on 12/21 through Christmas Eve, there will be story time with Santa as he reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ at 7:00

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The calendar of events, descriptions for special nights and attraction pass information can be found at LightUpViera.com.

featuring

VIERA holidays

:

• 40’ x 100’ Ice Skating Rink • 30-foot-tall Snowman-themed Bounce House • 90-foot-long Snowzilla Slide • 15-foot Snow Globe with photo op • Photos with Santa at his Sand Art Workshop • Skate with the Orlando Solar Bears • Themed costume nights with prizes • Holiday Food Court on select nights • Movie nights with special guest stars • Production of the Live Nativity on December 20

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Events

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VIERA holidays

Located at Calvary Chapel Learn More at LightUpViera.com Craft Vendors, Food Trucks and Food Vendors - Weekends Only 22 V IE RA VI S I O N

VIERA holidays

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

11/21

11/22

4pm – 10pm

10am – 10pm

Opening Night

11/23

11/24

11/25

11/26

11/27

11/28

11/29

10am – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

10am – 10pm

Thanksgiving

College / Team Spirit Night

Light Up Viera Holiday Parade

Veteran’s Night

PJ Night

Special Hours Open to the Public: 10am – 3pm Parade Participants: 8pm – Midnight

11/30

12/1

12/2

12/3

12/4

12/5

12/6

10am – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 10pm

Private Event Closed to the Public

4pm – 9pm

4 pm – 9pm

10am – 10pm

70’s Theme Night

Movie Night “Elf ” Happy Feet Dance Party Start Time: 7pm

Cosmic Skate Night

Under the Sea Character Night w/ Ariel

7pm

5pm – 7pm

12/7

12/8

12/9

12/10

10am – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

Movie Night “The Polar Express”

Santa Arrives

Military Night

12/11

Private Event “Florida Animals” Closed to with Brevard Zoo the Public

12/12

12/13

4pm – 10pm

10am – 10pm

Skate with the Solar Bears Start Time: 8pm

Start Time: 7pm

12/14

12/15

12/16

12/17

12/18

12/19

12/20

10am – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

Private Event Closed to the Public

4pm – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

10am – 10pm

Student Night

“Frozen” Night w/ Live Nativity Anna, Elsa, & Olaf Show Times

80’s Theme Night

Ugly Christmas Sweater Night

5pm – 7pm

Pet Pics w/ Santa 3pm – 5pm

Start Time: 7pm

12/21

12/22

12/23

12/24

12/25

10am – 9pm

10am – 10pm

10am – 10pm

10am – 9pm

4pm – 9pm

Story Time w/ Santa

5pm & 8pm

Movie “Frozen”

Creative Christmas Hat Night

Christmas

7pm

Santa Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5 – 7pm; Friday – Sunday: 11am – 1pm; 3 – 5pm; 6 – 8pm Story Time with Santa: December 21 – 24; 7pm All dates/times and themes subject to change.

VI E R A . c om 23

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VIERA feature

T

he holiday season is the perfect time to call friends and family together to do a little celebrating. For some, it can be daunting to play host or hostess, but with so many great party resources at your fingertips in Viera, holiday entertaining is a snap. Here are a few things to keep in mind to have the best bash possible:

26 V IE R A VI S I O N

VIERA feature

1. Plan to enjoy your party.

In other words, advanced planning and preparation is going to make your event a lot more fun and successful for you. Pre-make or buy as much pre-made food as possible so you don’t spend the whole party in the kitchen. Take advantage of Viera area restaurants like Bonefish Grill, Uno’s or Thai Hanna for catered platters.

For full catering during the holiday season, visit Publix for a wide array of pre-made foods perfect for entertaining.

A great DIY rule of thumb is to make two fantastic homemade items, then cater the rest and always plan for extra guests.

2. Keep beverages simple!

Don’t try to channel your inner bartender while you’re hosting a large gathering. Pick a signature cocktail to offer and a range of beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages your guests can self-serve. If you need a little help with beer and wine, the experts at Total Wine, World Market and Florida Wine & Spirits are always incredibly helpful in finding the best party wines to fit your budget. Buy extra and be sure to stock up on ice.

3. Create holiday ambiance.

With twinkling lights and wreaths hung with care, your house usually looks better during the holidays than any other time of year — which is a bonus when you’re having company over! If your décor needs a little updating, there are so many great places to find new holiday decorating treasures here in Viera - Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Kirklands, Pier 1 and Kohls are just a few. If you don’t want to decorate yourself, call up one of Viera’s talented interior decorators to help out.

4. Make a joyful noise.

Background music is the single biggest party mood setter there is. Before the party, be sure to set up a playlist a few hours long to match the mood you want your party to have. Jazzy Christmas music or classic, big band Christmas carols are perfect for a mingling holiday party. Need help figuring out how to create a playlist? Visit Visual Dynamics, Inc. in The Avenue for a workshop.

5. Outsource the clean-up.

After the guests are gone, dealing with the party aftermath is usually exhausting. The best money you’ll probably spend on your party is hiring a service to come in and clean afterwards; it’s much more reasonable than you think! Extreme Gleam and Green Leaf Maids are both ready to help Viera residents.

Aside from the party details, don’t forget to relax and have fun with your guests. With so many resources locally available, the planning part is easy!

VI E R A . c om 27

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VI E R A . c om 29

VIERA special

New

Year’s

EVE It’s Never too Early to Start Making Plans

N

ew Year’s Eve is just around the corner and local businesses are planning events that will help you celebrate the arrival of 2015 in a variety of different ways.

TRADEWINDS AT DURAN

Duran Golf Club is hosting “New Year’s Eve, a Night to Remember” at the Tradewinds Restaurant. Chef Tim Raup, who has developed an excellent reputation since coming to Viera a year ago, will prepare a five-course dinner and there will also be live music to provide added ambience.

There will also be specialty drinks, a wine list and a cigar bar, as well as a fire pit set up on the veranda.

“We really want to showcase what we’re best at,” Duran’s Food and Beverage Manager, Jeff Cosat, said.

“We’re just trying to make the year end on a special note for our guests.”

Seating will be limited and a sellout is expected, so reservations will be required for the event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. on December 31, and costs $39.99 per person.

To make a reservation, or for more information, please call (321) 504-7776.

30 V IE RA VI S I O N

BREVARD COUNTY ZOO

Yes, it’s New Year’s Eve, but let’s not forget about the kids. If you’re looking for something to do as a family to celebrate the New Year, and don’t want to stay up late, the Brevard Zoo will be hosting its second annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids can make crafts and play games in the Paws On and Wildlife Detective Training Academy.

There will be a juice toast and a ball drop to ring in 2015 at noon at the Paws On stage.

All the activities are free with regular zoo admission. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success and added to what is always a fun time at one of the county’s most familyfriendly locales.

THE HOLIDAY INN, VIERA

For those who really want to get into the swing of 2015 and stay out past midnight, The Holiday Inn has got you covered.

The hotel will host a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner/Dance featuring a 20-piece Swingtime Big Band. The black tie optional event will begin with a cocktail hour at 8 p.m., followed by an “elegantly served dinner” and dancing

VIERA to music of the band and vocals from Sally Hart (from the Lawrence Welk Show) and Len Fallen. The party is expected to go until 1 a.m.

There will also be noisemakers, a champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight. Tickets are $100 per person, or $1,000 for a table and can be purchased online, by credit card or by check. For more information, call (321) 501-3722 or visit Info@MelbourneMunicipalBand.org.

Capacity is 300 people and last year’s event sold out.

If you would like to stay overnight, the hotel is offering special room rates that include breakfast.

special

KINNA DRY BAR

Brevard’s first blow dry bar is hosting a “New You, New Year” blowout event between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. at its location in The Avenue.

If you want to look stylish on New Year’s Eve, and have a fun time doing it, this is the place for you. Kinna Dry Bar advertises as “a refreshing alternative to your typical birthday parties, bridal showers, ladies or teens night out, and much more.”

There are no haircuts, coloring or chemicals. Customers receive a “luxurious” shampoo and scalp massage followed

by Kinna Dry Bar’s custom blow-drying technique and styling. They also do makeup and have a party room. On New Year’s Eve there will be drinks, snacks and appetizers for people to eat and enjoy the party.

The store is already booking for the day, but walk-ins are welcome.

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VI E R A . c om 31

VIERA business

oing

GPlatinum

Popular Jewelry Store Takes on Big Move to Viera

S

ometimes you choose your profession, and sometimes it chooses you. For Peter Genna, owner of Genna Jewelers, the latter was true. “I’m a fourth generation jeweler,” he says. “Both of my grandfathers were jewelers in Italy, as well as both of my uncles. It’s always been in our DNA.” Peter’s ingrained passion for jewelry, along with the support of his wife and business partner Kateri, has helped make Genna Jewelers a trusted staple in the Palm Bay area. And now, as the Gennas celebrate 20 years in the industry, they’ll be bringing their business to Viera in hopes of tapping into the area’s growing reputation as Brevard’s main shopping destination.

With the grand opening of a brand new location at The Shoppes at Viera this fall, Genna Jewelers will distinguish itself as one of few locally owned jewelry stores successful 32 V IE RA VI S I O N

enough to support a second location. That success, Genna says, can be attributed in part to expertise and education.

Genna Jewelers is widely known as “the diamond professionals,” and for good reason.

Peter is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and boasts an official American Gem Society (AGS) title of “certified gemologist appraiser,” which he says is the highest title in the industry. His business is also an official AGS store, an honor bestowed on only about 500 institutions in the U.S. and Canada, according to Genna.

“We think that when a customer comes into our store, we should be able to provide the top level of service in the industry,” said Genna of his motivation for achieving such laurels. “It’s what sets Genna Jewelers apart.”

Peter and Kateri hope their business will be a standout in Viera as well, and to make sure of it, they have some big things

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planned. The interior of the new store will have a unique, urban, loft-inspired, industrial chic look to it, and with their merchandise, the Gennas plan to put an emphasis on new, fashion-forward jewelry lines that they can introduce to the area. They’ve even brought their daughter, Madeline, the family’s fifth-generation jeweler, onboard to help out with running the Viera location.

But most importantly, the Gennas hope to win over the Viera market with their traditional high standards of customer service. “Whether it’s a new client or an existing client coming in to our store, we want them to have a ‘wow’ experience,” Peter says. “We want them to leave thinking, ‘Let’s tell our friends about it, and when we purchase jewelry, this is where we want to shop, because it’s so unique.’”

Look for Genna Jewelers this fall in The Shoppes at Viera, near Total Wine and TJ Maxx.

For more information, visit GennaJewelers.com.

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A SEASON

VIERA feature

Unique Holiday Giving

B

ack in August, while other Brevardians kept out of the heat, Pam Rogan prepared for a Blizzard.

“Oh, yes, planning starts well before (the event),” said Rogan, who is founder and executive director of Harmony Farms, the therapeutic riding program located in Viera. “We start to prepare flyers and (compile) ideas as early as August every year, and this is our seventh year. This is a major event for us.”

The major event of which Rogan spoke is Blizzard at the Barn (Dec. 7), one of a number of events aimed at, and

in celebration of, holiday giving.

In this case, Harmony Farms will host its annual open house, its barn festooned with paper snowflakes, each of which will bear the name of a donor large or small. Pony rides will be offered, a garage sale will take place, vendors will have tables on the premises and bags of baby carrots will be sold to people who want to feed the organization’s dozen horses, whose stalls – and in some cases, whose heads – will be decorated for the season. “It’s just a good time to celebrate what we do,” Rogan said. “It’s

a time when people think about charity, giving back. It is the holidays.”

Melissa McComb of Viera, leader of Girl Scout Troop 17, believes much the same thing, and her Girl Scouts will keep the holiday spirit with a food drive at the Holiday Village at Light Up Viera (Nov. 21 and 22) off Stadium Parkway. The food will go to children who have far less than the Scouts, courtesy of Sally Shinn, who heads Brevard Public Schools District Homeless Student Liaison Services.

“She talked to the girls about homeless kids who go to school hungry, about VI E R A . c om 35

VIERA feature

kids whose only meals may be the ones they get at school,” said McComb.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get kids of their age (Junior Girl Scouts are about 10 years old) to understand that some children have so much less than they do.”

The girls, who now do understand, will pack up the emergency food kits, which will feed a family for four days on average, and present them to Shinn. “She will distribute them as she gets calls (from families in need),” McComb added.

It is not as if the Girl Scouts are unfamiliar with holiday generosity.

Last year, they gave of themselves by reading to other children at the Suntree Public Library, and they also have prepared holiday boxes for active duty service personnel and veterans.

“We try to do something; we’ve always done something,” McComb said.

“We tell the girls that the Girl Scouts is not just about the fun stuff, but about giving back to the community, and what better time is there for giving back to the community than the holidays?”

Sandi Scannelli agrees with that, it being her job to find people willing to give back, year-round. She is president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Brevard, the locally based organization that has connected donors with causes countywide since 1981. The foundation is about philanthropy, likely to deal with large gifts, legacies and corporate giving, but the holidays are busy in that respect too and Scannelli does have perspective.

“It is the season for being thankful for what we have, when we are encouraged to share; of feeling grateful for the year you’ve had,” she said. “It is the season for giving, not just to members of your family, organization or group, but to your community. Yes, it is the deadline for taxes, but it’s more than that. It’s unselfishness.”

No one knows that better than Lorrie Barnes of Malabar, for whom unselfishness began years ago, when she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Now former Staff Sgt. Barnes is active in the Marine Corps League, and through it is a coordinator of the league’s Toys for Tots campaign, one of the largest holiday undertakings in the country and the county.

36 V IE RA VI S I O N

In 2013, the local Toys for Tots campaign collected more than 40,000 gifts, which it distributed to 12,221 children countywide. It is a near fulltime volunteer job.

“We think about it all the time; we’re always planning,” Barnes said with a laugh. “But our campaign opens each Oct. 1. It really starts (in earnest) around Nov. 1, through maybe Nov. 15, and the giving actually keeps going until after Christmas … last year we had an 8,000-square-foot warehouse – we also used PODS – and the year before, a 15,000-square-foot warehouse. Last year, we had about 400 collection boxes.”

The work – collecting, inspecting, sorting, registering, distributing – is done by about 150 volunteers, and the reactions of the children who have been registered for, and receive gifts just before Christmas, is a great deal of what motivates them to do it. “The kids are so grateful,” Barnes said.

So, no doubt, will be the adults to whom local Meals on Wheels volunteers will bring Christmas gifts, courtesy of the GFWC Viera Woman’s Club: a far smaller, but no less touching, undertaking.

“We get 65 names from Meals on Wheels and those people are asked what they want for Christmas,” said Sally Kramer, who heads community service efforts at the club. “The names are

written on strips of paper and members take the strips and make gift (baskets or boxes) with whatever the person wants.

For example, last year, someone wanted blue towels and blue sheets, so that was in my gift, and I put in some shortbread cookies. It’s up to club members how much they spend.”

The gifts are wrapped and presented to Meals on Wheels for distribution at Christmas.

“It’s satisfying to know we have made someone’s holiday a little better,” Kramer said, and those involved in doing so frequently repeat that line.

That includes Lauri Duda, vice president of marketing at The Viera Company, who is described by Stephanie Byrd, marketing manager for The Viera Company, as, “Like she is Santa Claus himself sending off a gift to the soldiers,” carrying eight to 10 boxes to the post office each holiday season.

“I have been devoted to the Adopt A U.S. Soldier program for the past five years,” Duda said. “They risk so much for us and it is the least I can do. Each year I package up a few quality items they may need like thick socks, warm blankets and even general food items. The list online is just a small fraction of what they need. I always add a bit of my own personality to the box. Last year I added a few Christmas-themed foods to make them laugh. If it brightens their day even

VIERA feature

for just a moment, I’m happy to do it.”

And that is the type of sentiment that strikes a chord with the likes of Rogan, who has countless stories of people who are grateful for their experiences at Harmony Farms.

“We had an older woman who would come (to Blizzard at the Barn) every year, first in a walker and then in a wheelchair,” Rogan said. “Finally, a car drove up to the barn and her son said she wasn’t able to get out. So we brought the horses to her, and there she was, with a horse’s head coming through every window of her car. She seemed to love it. Finally, we noticed that she was missing; her son came in and said she had passed away. But he told me that coming here helped … make the end of her life better. That is so rewarding.

That’s what we try to do: make people’s lives a little better, and when better than the holidays?”

Rogan smiled and patted one of her kindly equine friends. “You get as much back by giving, you really do,” she said. “We get it all back.”

Duda family members Donna Duda & Valerie Duda-Miller with Keith Winsten, Executive Director and Chris Delorey, Director of Education at the Brevard Zoo.

To Give & Grow TOGETHER

For information about: • • • • • •

Adopt A U.S. Soldier, go to AdoptAUsSoldier.org Community Foundation of Brevard, go to CFBrevard.org Girl Scouts of Citrus Council (includes Troop 17), go to Citrus-gs.org GFWC Viera Woman’s Club, go to GfwcVieraWomansClub.com Harmony Farms and Blizzard at the Barn, go to HarmonyFarmsInc.com Toys for Tots, go to: Barefoot-Bay-Fl.ToysForTots.org/ local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx

As DUDA, a diversified land company, has grown and prospered since 1926, so has the Duda family who owns it. In response to this growth, the Duda Family Council was formed in 2004 to create effective governance for the business-owning family now in its 6th generation and encompassing 200 family members. The ten-member Council is elected to lead the family in their decisions related to mission, values, policies, and giving, as well as connect the family to their business.

Giving is a decision particularly close to the Duda family’s heart. In July, 2014, the Council organized a family fundraiser to support the Brevard Zoo’s Wild Side Summer Camp program, raising $2,500 to give ten at-risk children a summer to remember.

This holiday season, the Duda family will sponsor the nativity float in the Light Up Viera Holiday Parade.

Volunteer family members of all ages are excited to recreate the biblical scene, slated to feature Joseph and Mary amongst shepherds and angels.

Stacy Mello, Duda Family Council Chairman and Senior Director of Planning for DUDA, says the Council’s participation is due in part to the special connection the Duda family shares with Viera. “We love Viera and we love Christmas,” she says, “so it was easy to say yes to participating in the parade. The Duda family’s mission statement is: One family, growing together, making an eternal difference, and the parade gives us an opportunity as one family to share our faith with the community and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

VI E R A . c om 37

VIERA education

grade

THe ‘A’

Students Give Back

T

he students of Viera schools recently participated in the seventh annual Food 4 Thought campaign. This is a countywide initiative by the Brevard Public Schools designed to assist local food pantries experiencing a lull in donations between the summer months and holiday season.

Naturally, Viera students rose to the occasion displaying unparalleled compassion and generosity.

38 V IE RA VI S I O N

The food drive successfully collected 76,000 pounds of food last year. “Our BPS family is very generous in both time and donations,” says Pam Escobar at the superintendent’s office. “The numbers for this year are not yet in but it is looking like another successful collection year for needy families in Brevard.”

KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students at Kennedy Middle School provided several boxes worth of goods. For students, the food drive brought them together in a powerful way. Participation in the food drive taught the students of Kennedy about taking care of others and being part of the community.

“It was great seeing students come together and work for a common goal,” says Emily Jensen, student council sponsor.

“It gave them a sense of community, and they enjoyed doing something they felt would make a difference.”

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Students at Quest Elementary put their hearts and souls into the food drive. Seeing collection boxes in the lobby fill up each day motivated the kids at Quest. This experience was extremely meaningful to them. “They were very compassionate and excited to bring in their items each day,” says first grade teacher Kim Berkemeier. Seeing the contributions grow really taught the students that giving just a little makes a big difference.

The first grade team was responsible for organizing the food drive at Quest.

The team collected boxes. They made posters and hung them around the school. The kids heard about the food drive on morning announcements and the school’s TV show. Working together they were able to collect around 40 large boxes of donations.

“Our kids actually enjoyed themselves and asked when they can go back!” “...Definitely exceeded my expectations with everything especially service.”

DELAURA MIDDLE SCHOOL

DeLaura students also had the chance to participate in the food drive. Their participation level was good as well. They are looking forward to next year’s drive, according to Trevor Garvey, who is already planning for next year. The sooner they get the dates the better! DeLaura is a generous school with students who were also participating in a drive for animal shelters occurring at the same time as the Food 4 Thought campaign.

MANATEE ELEMENTARY

Students at Manatee rose to the occasion! Katherine Stafford was in charge of organizing the event at the school. “I was blown away by the amount of food that we collected,” she says.

Daily videos and flyers throughout the school helped keep the food drive in the forefront of students’ minds. “The kids were genuinely interested in the drive,” she says. Seeing the faces of those who their donations would be helping made a huge difference to the kids.

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VIERA events

EVENT

review

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Societyยนs Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk attracted more than 200 teams and almost 3,000 participants who raised over $141,000. The non-competitive 5K event held at the Space Coast Stadium, raises money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services for people facing breast cancer and their families.

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VIERA events

EVENT

review

Melbourne Air Show

Melbourne Air and Space Show on October 4 and 5th at the Melbourne International Airport. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds stole the show with their incredible formations and stunts. A portion of the proceeds from each program benefited the National Air, Sea & Space Foundation.

42 V IE RA VI S I O N

EVENT

review

VIERA events

Harvest Festival

Scarecrow Stroll and Harvest Festival on October 19th at the Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera. The successful event showcased local business, schools and charities together to help raise money for 30 different programs, causes, clubs and schools.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey, seen here in the dunk tank for charity.

VI E R A . c om 43

VIERA calendar

CALENDAR OF FUN FOR ALL LIGHT UP VIERA WINTER VILLAGE Date: Nov. 21 – Dec. 25 Location: Grounds of Calvary Chapel of Melbourne Viera Campus

MUSICAL DATE NIGHT

JINGLE BELL 2 MILER

BREVARD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT 2

Location: Satellite Beach Library

Date: Nov. 22

SUPER HERO 5K

Location: Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

Date: Jan. 31

LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK

UNIQUE FINDS

Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 Location: Central Park, The Avenue Viera BREVARD COMMUNITY CHORUS: ‘HODIE’ 30TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES Date: Nov. 15 – 16 Location: Foosaner Art Museum LIGHT UP VIERA PARADE

Date: Dec. 13 Location: Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

KID FRIENDLY

Date: Nov. 29 @ 6:00 p.m.

Location: Breslay Drive, Viera

events

HOLIDAY PJ PARTY FOR KIDS Date: Dec. 6 Location: Central Park at The Avenue Viera

Date: Dec. 15

Location: Church at Viera

BOLSHOI BALLET AT CARMIKE CINEMAS Date: Nov. – Mar. 2015 (Various Showings) Location: Carmike Cinemas in Viera THE COMEDY OF BILL COSBY Date: Nov. 21 Location: Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts SPACE COAST BIRDING & WILDLIFE FESTIVAL Date: Jan. 21 - 26 Location: Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands

NEW YEARS EVE BLIZZARD AT THE BARN Date: Dec. 7 Location: Harmony Farms, Inc.

TRADEWINDS AT DURAN Date: Dec. 31 Location: Duran Golf Club

THEATRE “THE AMERICAN NUTCRACKER” Dates: Dec. 19-21

HOLIDAY HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES

Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse

Dates: Dec. 6, 13 and 20 Location: The Avenue Viera

“TWELVE ANGRY MEN” Date: Jan. 9-11 Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse

ACTIVE EVENTS

“WEST SIDE STORY”

SPACE COAST MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

NEW YEAR’S AT THE ZOO

Date: Jan. 30 – Feb. 15

Date: Nov. 30

Date: Dec. 31

Location: Cocoa Village Playhouse

Location: Cocoa Village

Location: Brevard Zoo

44 V IE RA VI S I O N

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VIERA living

WHY I T

love

he people are only one of the reasons he loves calling Viera his home. Nick Orzio has called Viera his home for the past 19 years, having retired here from White Plains, New York. Initially, Nick and his wife, Annie, lived in south Brevard but that all changed after Nick decided to take a drive one afternoon. “I got in the car and went up I-95. I wasn’t sure where I was headed. I decided to get off on Wickham and ended up turning down Murrell onto Spyglass,” he recollects with a sweet smile on his face. “I honestly don’t know why I drove down the roads I did.“ He ended up turning into the Hammock Lakes subdivision and came upon their current home.

LIVING IN VIERA

“

THE PEOPLE ARE WHAT MAKE THIS PLACE SO SPECIAL.

THEY ARE KIND, OPEN & FRIENDLY.

”

“I saw the For Sale sign and decided to get out and knock on the door. I just loved the property.”

Turns out the home had gone up for sale that very morning. Nick made an offer, and he and Annie made Viera their home just four days later.

Only 6 years old at the time, the community of Viera looked much different when Nick and Annie moved here. “It was virtually empty. It was wonderful,” he recalls. Wide-open spaces of beautiful land permeated the area. And, with the type of planning that has guided the development of Viera and provided for lands and habitat to be preserved throughout the community, Nick and Annie are fortunate to still have a peace of untouched beauty right in their backyard.

He often spends time on his porch observing a variety of wildlife in the sanctuary just on the other side of his fence.

Viera has changed a lot since he first came here but that is no problem for him. “Man it has grown,” says Nick. The progress over the past several years, however, is welcome. “I have everything I need here,” he says. “Restaurants and shopping. Our church is just down the road, too.

Viera has it all.”

Nick has lived a very intriguing and expansive life. He was General MacArthur’s personal photographer during World War II at the young age of 17. He also served in the same capacity during the Korean War. His photographs are prized amongst collectors and can be seen in galleries across the world. He has perfected the art of film photography, refusing wholeheartedly to convert to the digital era.

Nicholas Orzio is a man with many stories from a lifetime of adventures. He counts living in Viera as one of those as well. The people, the location and the pristine beauty are what drew him here; and they are the reasons he stays.

46 V IE RA VI S I O N

All photographs © Nicholas Orzio

SC AS H K FO OL AB R AR OU BO SH T YS IP S

We offer different programs in ALL Dance Disciplines: Children,Teen, Recreational & Pre-Professional

SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Join US Today! now accepting registrations ~All Are Welcome~ ~Sunday Mass~

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Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.

~Daily Mass~

Mon- Fri. 8:00 a.m. in Chapel Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 3:00 - 4:00 pm or by apt.

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321-637-9650

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TheSoupShop.net VI E R A . c om 47

VIERA finalnote Imagine writing a paper in college about a community that you would one day help develop.

For Todd Pokrywa, that unlikely situation has come to pass.

While a student at the University of Waterloo in Canada, working towards his degree in urban and regional planning, Todd studied the master-planned community of Viera for his Senior Honors Essay titled “New Towns as an Alternative to Urban Sprawl Development: Viera, FL Case Study.” Today, Todd is the newest member of The Viera Company team, joining us as Senior Vice President of Land Use Planning and Development.

Along with his undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in administration and organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota, Todd brings a wealth of experience in community development. He most recently served as vice president of strategic affairs for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc., a land management and agribusiness company and developer of Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Florida, near Sarasota/Bradenton.

Todd will apply his knowledge and experience to current and future land use plans for Viera,

including the development of lots for both residential and commercial growth. This will include coordinating infrastructure needs for new neighborhoods and commercial tenants, as well as planning and implementing major community– wide infrastructure projects such as the expansion of Viera’s storm water system. Todd’s goal, he says, is to make sure that each new addition to the community creates additional value and contributes to the community’s long term sustainability. As plans for Viera continue to be implemented, Todd will serve as a primary liaison with governing bodies at the local, state, regional and federal levels.

Over and above our good fortune to have the benefit of his excellent professional credentials, Todd has expressed his desire to give back to the community with his personal time, building relationships within Viera and bringing the community together to “achieve great things.”

Please join all of us at The Viera Company as we welcome Todd, who appears to have been destined to join our Viera community.

STEPHEN JOHNSON IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE VIERA COMPANY.

VI E R A . c om 48

TINY TOES. TINY FINGERS. We’re here when you’re ready.

At Health First, we pride ourselves on accommodating our mothers with the most comprehensive care. We are there every step of the way, from when you first walk in, to when you set forth with your newest bundle of joy.

We are ready to be a part of your most shining moment!

Schedule a tour today at Cape Canaveral Hospital or Holmes Regional Medical Center.

www.HFbabies.com/tour