StLucieWest 12-28-2012 by Your Voice News & Views

ST. LUCIE WEST • TRADITION

“It’s breaking my heart. I can’t imagine something like this happening here.” Principal Erika RAins

YourVoiceWeekly.com VOL. 1/ ISSUE 8

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ST. LUCIE WEST — St. Lucie Mets fans can expect a few substantial surprises at the first crack of the bat during the minor league team’s home opener against the Jupiter Hammerheads on April 4. The biggest change is new team uni-

Married business partners complement each other all the way Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Christopher Marr and Carly Ceglio performed with the Palm Pointe Educational Research School Symphonic Band during their first concert together under the direction of Jason Hatfield Tuesday, Dec. 18 at their school in Tradition.

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Officials: Schools still safe after Conn. shooting Mental health professionals, parents weigh in By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer ST. LUCIE COUNTY — As terror struck Newtown, Conn., and quickly swept the nation on Dec. 14, St. Lucie County school officials said they sprang into action to review its own crisis plan and ensure parents that local schools are still safe. “Each St. Lucie School District school and district facility has emergency and critical response plans developed in cooperation with local law enforcement and school staff are trained in the plan specific to their facility,” schools spokeswoman Janice Karst said in a prepared statement. “Superintendent

See SCHOOLS page 3

Council bids farewell to animation studio Special council meeting a chance for final group tour By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer TRADITION — It seemed motion picture-perfect. One of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies

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2 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

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Florida State Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist Joe Mutter, owner of Mutter’s Hearing Center states, “Our typical patient is a current client referral, or someone who bought a hearing aid elsewhere and that product did not fit their needs, or someone who has had a negative customer service experience elsewhere with an inexperienced or unskilled hearing aid provider. “People simply come here hoping to improve their quality of life by improving their hearing.” In many instances patients that need hearing aids have chased those nonexistent newspaper deals or specials and bought lower technology hearing aids. This gives them a negative first experience and they simply give up on hearing aids. The provider they chose at the time quite easily put was more interested in their checkbooks than the quality of their hearing. They did not explain fully the benefits of quality hearing aids; they went for the quick sale because they saw the patient expressed concerns about the cost of quality aids.

I used to have problems with the way they would sit inside of the ear and the hearing was not all that good either, Bill explains. They would fall out and the sound was usually not that great. I went to Mutters and got customized, Receiver in the Canal hearing aids, says Bill. “I got the top of the line and I’m not disappointed. It’s Starkey – made in the USA. Joe made custom fit receivers that fit comfortably in my ears, the aid itself sits behind the ears. When you have an appointment with Joe, he gives you his full attention, says Bill. He explains in detail and shows you on the monitor what is happening inside of your ear and where your hearing loss is occurring. He takes his time and is very informative. You never feel like you are being rushed. and I know a salesman when I see one and Joe is nothing like that. He really cares about people and about helping you. He is phenomenal! William Grant Port St. Lucie

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there for ‘blowout sales’ or Hearing Aids starting at $895.00 and the like…are fooling themselves, those deals simply do not exist,” Mr. Mutter explains. “I don’t want to be a drive-thru-style office. I want patients to leave here with a thorough understanding of the product they are buying and how it will help them to hear better because when you suffer from loss of hearing, it diminishes your quality of life and isolates you. I want to enhance quality of life.

Do You Need a No-Cost Hearing Evaluation? Those who suspect they suffer from hearing loss should obtain a thorough clinical hearing evaluation; Mutter’s Hearing Center provides those at no cost. This clinical evaluation will determine if your hearing and understanding of human speech can be corrected with hearing aids. You may have hearing loss if: • People say you are shouting when you talk to them • You need the TV or radio turned up louder than other people do • You often ask people to repeat themselves because you can’t hear or understand them, especially in groups or when there is noise • You can hear better out of one ear than the other • You have to strain to hear • If things just sound unclear and not as bright as they used to its time to get tested.

It is a joy to do business with Mutters Hearing because #1, everything is potienlly and fully explained and #2, Never once have I ever come away with the feeling I’ve been taken. Connie Kelly Port St. Lucie All my life I’ve had a severe form of hearing loss so you can well imagine how pleased I am that Mutters Hearing keeps up on the latest hearing technologies. I am now able to hear things I’ve never heard in my lifetime George Kelly Port St. Lucie

Dont Wait - Every Day Matters Mr. Mutter emphasizes that patients should not always look for the lowest cost hearing aid on the market. He says fit and performance are the two most important factors. Hearing aids are designed to help clarify muffled, distorted sound and allow you to hear through noise. Quality hearing aids will help with that. You have to remember that this is an important investment in their hearing “People who chase the deals they see advertised out

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 3

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SCHOOLS from page 1 Michael Lannon on Friday asked all principals to meet with their teams to review their school’s emergency plans this week, which is standard practice for administrators.” A lone gunman stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, taking the lives of 26 individuals, 20 of them children, making the act the second deadliest mass shooting in national history. The shooter killed his mother at home before entering the school grounds. In 2007, a gunman killed 32 people and injured 17 others at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. Spokesmen for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and Port St. Lucie Police Department said each law enforcement agency has 22 deputies and four full-time police officers as school resource officers. In an emailed response, Karst said resource officers include 24 Sheriff’s deputies and three Port St. Lucie Police officers. Karst said if parents are still struggling with breaking the delicate news to their children, counselors are staffed on campus. “Each public school in St. Lucie County has at least one counselor on hand, depending on the size of the student body, who are trained in how to appropriately talk with students who may have questions or concerns after a tragedy has occurred,” Karst said. “There are also crisis personnel in the district office that will go out to schools that express need of assistance.” Gail Higgins, a licensed clinical social worker and grief counselor at Treasure Coast Hospice, said parents should be as honest as possible, without scaring their children. “Tell them that the staff, teachers and faculty are there to keep them safe,” Higgins said. “Tell them you can’t promise that it’s not going to happen again, but assure them that we are doing everything to keep them safe.” Higgins also encourages parents to keep the news coverage to a minimum because children oftentimes believe the event is repeated during every newscast. “During Sept. 11, the kids thought the towers were falling over and over and over again” Higgins said. Although she’s been in the men-

tal health field for over 15 years, Higgins still can’t explain what would possess an individual to commit such a heinous crime. “It could be a variety of different reasons. We just don’t know,” Higgins said. “It could be mental illness, a lot of anger bottled up, unexpressed emotions or a family crisis.” Higgins said whatever the reason may be, the foundation for a sound future begins in the home. “We definitely need to work together as a community,” Higgins said. “What are these children doing in their free time? What kind of video games are we allowing children to play? What are they watching on television?” According to national reports, the gunman was considered a quiet young man and a “loner.” Higgins said compassion could make all the difference. “Some people have personalities like that,” Higgins said. “We need to always reach out. That’s why we are here, to support one another. Talk with them. Be inviting. Ask them, ‘What’s going on in your world?’” On Dec. 17, the Monday after the Sandy Hook tragedy, Karst said school attendance was higher than the day of the shooting. Port St. Lucie grandmother Donna Leininger, sent her granddaughter, Kailey, 11, to school. Kailey is a sixth-grade student at Manatee K-8. Leininger said she refuses to “live in a spirit of fear.” “There’s evil in our world. You could be anywhere, like in the mall, and be shot,” Leininger said. “I told her (Kailey) that bad things happen to good people and we don’t know why.” “I think she was sad. We all feel the grief,” Leininger said. “But I think she feels comfortable at school.” Port St. Lucie resident Clarsey Salomon also sent her child to school. Salomon’s daughter, Saurina, 7, is a second-grade student at Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition. Salomon said she is confident St. Lucie schools are safe. She has yet to share the details of the Connecticut shooting with her daughter, but is prepared for any questions, she said. “I didn’t think she would take it as easy,” Salomon said. “But if she asks, I’ll explain it in the most simple way. I tell her every day she has to pray and keep faith in God.”

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4 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

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For one couple, family, home and work a Tradition By Shelley Koppel Staff writer

government and with local developers. People don’t hire companies, they hire people. I had a network of contacts and great relations.” Nicole got involved in their Homeowners’ Association at Heritage Oaks in Tradition. “She became president and helped them through some tough times, “Shaun said. “She met other HOA managers and we started a niche for engineering services related to HOAs, everything from a clubhouse addition to physical planning and budgeting for the future.” The MacKenzies’ future includes three children: Brendan, 7, Jude, 7 and Lorelei, 2. Living and working in Tradition has worked out well, Shaun said. “We live in Heritage Oaks and work in downtown Tradition. Our oldest child goes to Palm Pointe and the younger two to preschool at Chesterbrook Academy, across from our neighborhood. Often, everyone bikes to school. Nicole and I enjoy road biking, the bike lanes and the wide sidewalks. We had lived in Abacoa in Jupiter, which is also a planned community and we liked that concept.”

TRADITION — Nicole Mart, who grew up in Palm City, met Shaun MacKenzie, an Orlando native, at the University of Florida. He was in a master’s program in engineering and she was getting her bachelor’s degree in biology. “We were introduced by mutual friends,” Shaun said. “It was the ‘opposites attract’ story.” Today, Shaun and Nicole MacKenzie are the partners in Mackenzie Engineering and Planning, with an office in Tradition Town Center. Shaun is a transportation engineer and Nicole an environmental scientist. They handle transportation engineering projects as well, managing and planning projects for homeowners associations throughout the area. “We were living in Orlando but ironically, got married at Sandpiper at Club Med,” Shaun said. “We moved to Tradition in 2006 and in 2010, decided it was the right time to open our business.” Over the years, the two had developed many contacts. “My first 10 years gave me experience in traffic and transportation,” Shaun said. “I had worked with people from state and local

Nicole and Shaun MacKenzie of Tradition pose in front of the Tradition Christmas tree. The two are partners in Mackenzie Engineering and Planning. The couple live in Tradition with their three children and have their offices in the Town Center.

Photo courtesy of Nicole and Shaun McKenzie

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 5

United Way collecting donations for Sandy Hook victims For Your Voice News & Views United Way of St. Lucie County extends our most sincere condolences and prayers to all those families affected by the devastating events in Newtown Sandy Hook, Connecticut. We are committed to stand with this community and everyone affected directly and indirectly by this senseless event as they face the days and weeks ahead. “The mission of United Way of St. Lucie County is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community”, said United Way of St. Lucie County president and CEO Karen Knapp. “We will work directly with the United Way of Newtown, Conn. to provide support and resources where and when they

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The two share an office and bounce ideas off each other. Having the two of them helps balance the workload so that neither is putting in 70-hour weeks. “She’s the boss,” Shaun said. “We win projects and essentially she manages them, sets and meets deadlines and does the billing. She manages the community association clients and how we expand into that sector more.” Nicole, who has worked as environmental scientist for governmental agencies, says her background brings a new perspective. “I’ve worked for the government and regulatory agencies,” she

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See UNITED WAY page 11 said. “I have an understanding of the regulatory process. A lot of what we do as consultants is paperwork and permits. I can guide them through it.” “We often joke that she hugs the tree and I pave right over them,” Shaun said. As the mother of three, Nicole is thrilled with all that Tradition offers her family. “Within a two-mile radius is our home, our office, and the schools,” she said. “We opened our office here on purpose. When the weather is nice, we ride our bikes. It’s a wonderful community and it’s nice for kids to grow up where they know people. We plan to stay here.”

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6 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Greg Oravec, Port St. Lucie City Manager inspects the plate identifying the wing of an old C-119 airplane as part of the conference table in the now defunct Digital Domain studios during a tour with city council Thursday, Dec. 19 in Tradition.

COUNCIL from page 1 materialized in Port St. Lucie in 2009. Digital Domain, famous for its effects in “Titanic” and “Transformers,” promised a bright economic future and 500 additional jobs by 2014. In January, Digital Domain moved into its 115,000-square-foot studio in Tradition, constructed with the city’s incentives. The company was to develop and produce original, family-oriented animated features, city officials said. The vision was shattered on

Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Standing beside memorabilia of movies created in part by Digital Domain Studios, Nick Ruiseco, one of the last employees, gave a tour to the Port St. Lucie City Council members as several had never seen the facility first hand before.

Sept. 7 when the digital effects giant laid off over 300 employees and filed for bankruptcy four days later. The abrupt end to the fairytale left some homeless and almost all stunned. The resilient community of Tradition and the city of Port. St. Lucie were left to pick up the pieces. And although the wound is still fresh, the healing process has begun. Dec. 19 marked the end of an empire as the five-member City Council that helped build its facade, bid farewell to the $39.9 million animation fortress that

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still contained the scent of fresh carpets. “It’s sad. It’s very, very sad,” Mayor JoAnn Faiella said. “I’ve been here in the past. There were people behind their desks. Today it’s vacant. It’s very disheartening.” But amid the dark cloud, there is a silver lining, Faiella said. The city of Port St. Lucie is free to begin negotiations with possible tenants for its animation movie studio now that a federal bankruptcy court in Delaware has completed its settlement with Digital Domain Media Group on Dec. 4. “For every negative, there is a positive,” Faiella said. “I’d like to bring in a manufacturer. Whatever will help.” City manager Greg Oravec opened the special meeting. “As you’ve been working on Digital Domain for the last several months, one of the things that struck me is that the council had never toured the building,” Oravec said to council members. “This meeting — its purpose is quite simple. It’s to give you the opportunity as a body to tour the building, ask any questions and interact in the actual setting.” For Councilmembers Shannon Martin and Michelle Berger, the final tour was their first. “I expected when the building opened for its grand opening, Textor would have invited the council, seeing the city buck stopped the deal,” said Martin, referring to the company’s former CEO, John Textor. “I guess that could have been a sign at the time.”

The tour made a stop in Textor’s office, which included a private bathroom with a shower and glass walls that could fog at the touch of a button. “I never had a good relationship with John Textor. I told him he was full of it,” Berger said. “I would ask for more substance than show and he wasn’t able to give it.” After a while, Berger said the face-to-face meetings with Textor ended. The studio never had an official grand opening, a former event coordinator said, but rather an education fair where 400 pre-registered individuals were given tours of the facility. Textor said he never saw any cracks in the pair’s relationship. “I believed I had a perfectly fine relationship with Michele Berger. At no time when she attended our events - as she gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek - did she tell me we had a bad relationship.” “How people choose to see things in hindsight is always surprising.” Looking ahead, Berger said the facility is still a potential beacon of hope and wealth for the city. “As fascinated as we are when we walk through it today and we take a look at the magnificent theater and the opulent toilet in the executive suite and all the things that create that emotional kind of stir — it’s important to remember it (the building) is reusable, it is something we could market and it is a world-class facility that we should be proud of. In the end it is our asset.”

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 7

Digital Domain auction garners more than $1m

Community Music School of Tradition LLC.

Profits to be split between city and digital effects company

TRADITION — The first auction phase of Digital Domain Tradition Studios garnered over $1 million, according to Nick Dove, director of sales for San Diego-based Heritage Global Partners, who conducted the sale. “It ended up doing really good,” Dove said. Dove said bidders are given 48 to 72 hours to pay, adding all of the money should have been collected before Christmas. There were 950 registered online bidders and 350 bidders live in the room during the two-day auction, held on Dec. 12-14, Dove said. A second simultaneous online-only auction had 600 registered bidders, Dove said. A third auction scheduled for Dec. 20 and 21 was expected to boost the monetary numbers. Roughly 400 to 500 lots of items were up for auction, Dove said.

One lot could contain 20 office chairs or 100 personal computers, Dove said. Dove said timing is the reason for the third online auction. “The company (Digital Domain) had other items that they couldn’t get to the facility,” Dove said. A settlement approved by a federal bankruptcy court judge in Delaware on Dec. 4 transferred ownership of the 115,000-squarefoot Tradition Studios from Digital Domain to the city of Port St. Lucie. The settlement also calls for the auctioning of assets inside Tradition Studios, some belonging to the city and some to Digital Domain. The city will keep two-thirds of the proceeds from the auction of items it owns and pay one-third to Digital Domain to offset the cost of the auction. Digital Domain will keep 100 percent of the proceeds from its equipment to help pay off its bankruptcy debt, filed in September.

Clerk: Ignore fraudulent phone calls claiming class action victory By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer ST. LUCIE COUNTY — The county’s Clerk of Circuit Court is cautioning residents to ignore any phone calls indicating they are part of a class action lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase. The caller represents themselves as someone aiding individuals who have recently been awarded settlement money and have been making the telephone rounds for the last two weeks, officials said. Scammers are instructing citizens to go to Walgreens and purchase a prepaid card for $100 or

more. After making the purchase, citizens are told to call the “contact” back and that their “settlement money” will be put onto a prepaid card. A local resident alerted the Clerk’s Office two weeks ago about the phone call and said that they were also told that the Clerk’s Office has a special phone line just for this “class action suit,” officials said. “If you get one of these phone calls, please ignore it,” Clerk Smith said in a prepared statement. “If a legitimate lawsuit is filed and settlement money is to be given, we

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8 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

St. Lucie comforts Sandy Hook shooting survivors Students and community send cards and stuffed animals to the mourning By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer ST. LUCIE WEST — Several local businesses and a St. Lucie West school want the grief-stricken survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre to know good people still exist. Port St. Lucie business owner, Jodi Brown, 34, who operates Treasure Coast Balloons & Party Decorating out of her home said her devastated 8-year-old daughter, Logan, came up with a personal gesture to assure her grieving peers in Newtown, Conn., are not alone. “She had tears rolling down her face,” said Brown, a mother of five who picked up her children early from Bayshore Elementary on Dec. 14, the day of the shooting. “She asked me, ‘Can I send one of my teddy bears up there?’” said Brown, who said the simple question sparked a moment of sudden inspiration. Brown promptly partnered with several other businesses and the College Preparatory Academy of the Treasure Coast — a ninthgrade charter school in St. Lucie West — to collect teddy bears and homemade cards of encouragement from students and commu-

nity members. In just the first two days, Brown collected over 200 bears and will accept donations until Dec. 31. The bears and cards will be delivered to and distributed by the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown, Brown said. “At least they will know somebody is thinking about them,” Brown said. Somber students at the College Preparatory Academy filed in and out of the school’s administrative office on Dec. 17 with bears and handmade cards. Francesca Valdez, 14, said she will never understand the profoundly evil act committed that day. Her card was addressed to the students of Sandy Hook Elementary. It read, “There are people around the world that love you and care about you. So many people want to help and I just want you to know there are still good people in the world.” Brianna Zirger, 15, crafted a card and is collecting bears from her church. “I just want them to know everyone around the world is praying for them and looking after them,” Brianna said. “We can’t fill the

See DONATIONS page 10

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FRAUD from page 7 do not believe it would be in the form of a prepaid card. Furthermore, the Clerk’s Office does not have a phone line reserved for “class action suits.” Based on the information we received, our office believes this is a scam.” Kara Hilson Odom, Chief Administrative Officer at the clerk’s office said since the initial citizen complaint, she’s received an additional dozen calls questioning the validity of the fraudster’s calls. Hilson said one of the callers doesn’t even live in St. Lucie County, but was still instructed to call the county’s non-existent phone line for class action lawsuits. Thankfully, Hilson said none of the callers have fallen victim to the scam. Hilson added she’s not sure how the fraudsters are collecting money. Hilson reiterated that anyone involved in a lawsuit of any sort would be mailed official documentation. “If someone is named in a lawsuit, we have official paperwork with an official seal that we mail out,” said Hilson, who added the clerk’s office would never communicate through email or text. Hilson urged individuals who believe they may have fallen victim to the scam to contact the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office and then alert the authorities. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or a consumer scam like the one mentioned above, you are urged to contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office at (772) 4627300 and report the incident. For additional information about services provided by your St. Lucie County Clerk’s office, please visit www.stlucieclerk.com or call (772) 462-2345.

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 9

Text the Editor (772) 675-6330

manager for regional parks and stadiums, Guy Medor said. Tourist development tax dollars will fund the project, which the County Commission approved Dec. 11, Medor added. The new $124,000 store will be located on the first floor concourse, in addition to a renovated

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smaller fan shop already on the ground floor, said Paul Taglieri, the Mets’ director of Florida operations. “People can walk in and touch and feel the merchandise in the new shop,” Taglieri said. “We’re trying to freshen things up for the 25th anniversary.”

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Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Traer Van Allen, Assistant Director of Florida Operations for the St. Lucie Mets unveils the team’s new logo and uniforms for the upcoming 2013 season. The team’s new logo encompasses a beach theme and reads “St. Lucie Mets” in orange across a piece of driftwood.

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forms, unveiled by team executives last week. “We’ve been talking about doing this for a number of years,” assistant director of Florida Operations Traer Van Allen said. “It’s an exciting day for us to unveil a new logo and uniforms for the St. Lucie Mets.” The team’s new logo encompasses a beach theme and reads “St. Lucie Mets” in orange across a piece of driftwood. The former logo, which has been used since 2001, had the words “St. Lucie Mets” in blue with a baseball in the sun and a palm tree. The redesign also includes a Florida version of Mr. Met, who now dons a pair of orange surf shorts. A Mr. Met patch will appear on the left sleeve of the uniforms, but will not become the team’s mascot. Van Allen said that more changes are coming in January — including the possibility of a new mascot to replace Slider. The new uniforms are a venture away from the team’s traditional look, which closely mirrors the major league team’s image, Van Allen said. Home uniforms include orange sleeves against crisp, white shirts and pants. Away game uniforms are grey, with “St. Lucie” embroiled across the front and practice uniforms are blue and

white. The office briefly considered a total rebranding, but determined that St. Lucie County is Mets nation, said Van Allen, who added the new look is right on time for the team’s 25th anniversary coming up in 2013. “We could have rebranded as the St. Lucie Squid or the St. Lucie Salamanders,” Van Allen said during the unveiling, which took place at the team’s booster club meeting on Dec. 17. “But this community is the Mets.” Fans embraced the new look. St. Lucie West resident and booster club member Pam Laminsky, 65, said the new colors, which wipe out any remnants of the team’s long history with the color black, are refreshing. “I like it. It’s a change,” Laminsky said. “It distinguishes them from the players in New York, while still keeping with the colors.” Port St. Lucie resident Dora Licastri, 50, welcomes the changes and is happy to still be a Met. “It’s awesome. It’s been a while,” said Licastri, a New Jersey native who grew up watching the New York Mets with her grandfather. “I love the tropical theme.” Construction also started last week on a new 500-foot fan shop, which will be open for the New York Mets’ first spring training game against the Washington Nationals on Feb. 23, the county’s

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DONATIONS from page 8 hole for the children that are missing, but we can send our prayers and our sorrows.” Student Jack Cutts, 15, made a poster with the names of each of the 26 victims, whose ages range from 6 to 56. He donated a teddy bear and a candle to signify hope. “Everything is going to be all right,” Cutts said. “Even if they can’t have their loved ones here to hold, they’ll always be in their memories.” School administrators, including Principal Erika Rains, wept as they read the homemade well wishes and condolences. “It’s breaking my heart. I can’t imagine something like this happening here,” said Rains, who installed eight extra security cameras after the news broke. Areas where

students can mingle are now restricted to the back of the campus and administrative and classroom doors will be locked while class is in session, Rains said. Rains read Brianna’s card, which was addressed to the family and friends of Chase Kowalski, 7, who died in the attack. According to national news outlets, Chase recently lost his two front teeth and wanted them back from Santa Claus for Christmas. Brianna’s card read, “He is an angel shining in heaven. Remember him for the beautiful soul he was. To me and people around the world, he is a hero.” Donations will be accepted at the following locations: • Boomerang Consignments, 1724 S.W. Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie, from 11 a.m.-

www.YourVoiceWeekly.com 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Monday- Friday • Treasure Coast College Preparatory Academy, 501 N.W. University Blvd., Building SL, St. Lucie West, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- Friday. • Big Apple Pizza & Pasta, 1310 S.W. Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie during regular dining hours every day. Brown said she’s still in need of a truck and driver to make the delivery. She is asking the community for help securing one. Also, donors who can’t make it to a drop-off location can call (772) 672-0895 and arrange a pickup.

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10 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 11

Text the Editor (772) 675-6330

Movie starring ‘the greatest generation’ coming to area Southeast Honor Flight bringing the only Florida showing to St. Lucie West theater For Veteran Voice “Honor Flight” is coming to the Treasure Coast for three showings Jan. 9-10. The movie is about the greatest generation, our World War II veterans. Join Southeast Florida Honor Flight as we present this amazing Academy Award-nominated movie in Port St. Lucie at Carmike St. Lucie West 14. It’s the only place in the state of Florida that it is showing. “Honor Flight” is a heartwarming documentary about four living WWII veterans and a Midwest community coming together to give them the trip of a lifetime. Volunteers race against the clock to fly thousands of WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorial constructed for them in 2004, nearly 60 years after their epic struggle. The trips are called “Honor Flights” and for the veterans, who are in their late 80s and

early 90s, it’s often the first time they’ve been thanked and the last trip of their lives. The 24-hour journey is full of surprises that deeply move all who are involved. It’s uncommon for World War II veterans to talk about the war, but the Honor Flight experience brings their stories out. Many veterans say, with the exception of their wedding day and the birth of their children, the trip is the best day of their life. However, success is all but ensured -- 1,000 World War II veterans die every day and getting them on an Honor Flight in time is a constant battle. The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that has flown more than 100,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. It consists of 117 hubs across the country. At this time “Honor Flight -One Last Mission” has three viewing and it’s in our own backyard.

See HONOR page 14

Working Hard for the Injured!

UNITED WAY from page 5

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For more information on Volunteering or how you can live united please call (772) 464-5300 or visit our website www. unitedwayslc.org and Facebook page www.facebook.com/ unitedwayslc.

• Slip and Fall

• Social Security Disability

• Motorcycle Accidents

• Truck & Trailer Accidents

• Boating Accidents

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The Vienna Boy’s Choir Monday February 18, 2013 7:00 www.StBernadettesCatholicChurch.org

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12 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

www.YourVoiceWeekly.com

Community Calendar

Friday, Dec. 28

Winter Wonderland Light Show Port St. Lucie Community Center. 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Free. Drive or walk by to see the light and sound experience. Display takes place every night the Community Center is open, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., now through Jan. 2. 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 878-2277. Larry’s Silver’s ‘HypnoLarryous-Trance and Dance’ Comedy Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Join renowned comedian Larry Silver for a humorous look into the myths, mysteries and misconceptions surrounding the ancient art of hypnotism. General admission tickets cost $10 for students, $12 for adults in advance. Admission is $12 for students and $15 for adults on the day of the show. Preferred, up-front seating costs $15 per person (sold in advance only). For tickets, call (772) 8074488. Sunrise Safari at Adams Ranch 6 a.m.-11 a.m. Safari sightseeing tour for deer, birds and other wildlife. Expect bumpy terrain and low tree cover. Costs $30 per person, $50 per couple. Adults

and ages 12 and older. 26003 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 465-3337. Bird watching cruise Departs at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, from Rivergate Park, 2200 S.E. Midport Road, Port St. Lucie. Private charters are available, and reservations are required. For more information, call (772) 489-8344. Friday sunset cruise at Rivergate Park. Boat leaves at 4 p.m. from 2200 S.E. Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie. Cost: $18.78. Enjoy dining afterward at nearby restaurants. For more information, call (772) 489-8344. Feeding Frenzy tour at the St. Lucie County Aquarium featuring the Smithsonian Marine Exhibit. Watch underwater residents enjoy their morning meal. A volunteer or staff person will provide information on the Exhibit’s daily menu, as well as share stories and provide insight on the area’s constantly changing ecosystems. Feeding Frenzy tours are free with paid admission. 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 462-FISH.

ONE STOP DOES iT all!

Community Green Market at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, seafood, fresh baked goods and arts and crafts. Free admission and parking. 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 4655658. ERD Nature Program about Nocturnal Creatures at Teague Hammock Preserve. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hardwood Hammocks are home to the impressive Barred Owl, several species of bats, and some colorful moth species. Tour guides will call the owls, attract moths using a light cloth and a special recipe and detect bats using a simple bat detector. Limited to 15 people. 8550 Carlton Road, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call Patricia at (772) 453-4066. Winter Wonderland Light Show Port St. Lucie Community Center. 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Free. Drive or walk by to see the light and sound experience. Display takes place every night the Community Center is open, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., now through Jan. 2. 2195 S.E. Airoso

Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 878-2277.

Sunday, Dec. 30

Swan boat, paddle boat and kayak rentals at lake Tradition every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 10489 S.W. Meeting St., Port St. Lucie. For more information call (772) 323-7773 or visit upthecreekfl.blogspot.com or traditionfl.com

Monday, Dec. 31

See CALENDAR page 14

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 13

ARE YOU READY FOR LAORETTI?

PGA Learning Center offers several events open to public The PGA Learning & Performance Center announces a Youth Free Day of Play: Saturday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 6 p.m. Open to kids of all ages. We work in conjunction with I9 Sports, St, Lucie Mets, Super Play, Sports Authority. Kids come out and they play flag football, baseball, soccer, golf: we set up all sorts of golf stations for the kids to learn On Saturday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. the center will hold FORE the Love of Golf, free of charge. Bring your Valentine for a evening of golf, lessons, clinic, contests and surprises

WHAT HAPPENED TO IRON BYRON ?

Saturday, March 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Women’s Golf Day free of charge. It’s open to all, focused on women, free lessons, short game clinics, demonstrations and presentations, special sales and raffles and video analysis. A celebrity guest will be announced later. Saturday, March 30, form 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the center host Under the Lights Demo Night All the manufacturers will be on site to with the latest equipment. We will also offer Trackman, SamPutt, video analysis, clinics and presentations.

The machine was put to the test by the USGA at Far Hill N.J. headquarters. Iron Byron used laminated wood and steel shafts and would hit a ball every 30 seconds about 1-2000 per day. The machine was geared to swing about 109 mph – average tour speed in those days. It gave results such as ODS – Overall Distance Standard, Launch Angle 10 degree, Speed 250 feet per second. It was so accurate it wore out the turf in the landing area which the USGA had to replace every 2 years. So in the late 90’s Iron Byron was put to sleep. I guess if I hit that many balls I would be sleeping with Iron Byron.

CORRECT POSTURE

Addressing the ball your feet should be about shoulder width (Full Shots) with the knees ﬂexed, not bent, weight equally balanced between both feet with weight centered on balls of your feet. Slightly bend over with your back side out, stomach in, chin off your chest. The feeling should be like you are sitting on the edge of a bar stool and leaning with your arms on the edge of the bar. No drinking! From this position your eyes should be over your hands. You should be really relaxed with no tension in any part of your body – loose as a goose.

Merry Christmas to all.

For more information, call (772) 468-7686.

More tips to follow in coming weeks.

- Larry Laoretti

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14 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

Send us your comments, complaints, and compliments by texting to (772) 675-6330 and we’ll publish them in Your Voice News & Views. Phone numbers are not revealed, so you’d like a response from the editor, please include your contact info. All messages are anonymous -- your name will not be published, but statements of fact will be checked for accuracy. HONOR from page 11 Even though Christmas 2012 has passed, a movie ticket to this event would make a great gift for a veteran, family member or friend. Not only would a movie ticket make a great gift, viewing this movie is a great history lesson and a reminder of the sacrifices so many made for our freedom. Tickets are $12 can be purchased online only and will not be available at the

CrOSSwOrD CLUES ACROSS 1. Twos under par 7. Expresses surprise 10. Shows exceedingly great size 12. At this place 13. One who prints from a plate 14. ‘95 U.S. Open golf champ Corey 15. Stupefy with alcohol 16. Breezed through 17. A major division of geological time

movie window. For more information about the movie and to purchase tickets, go to tugg.com/venues/679. The movie is one hour and 57 minutes with show times at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9. The Jan. 10 showing is sold out. Carmike Cinema 14 is located at 1900 N.W. Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call Vanessa Smolen with Southeast Honor Flight, (772) 8349340.

18. Humble request for help 19. Part of a deck 21. Albanian monetary unit 22. Atomic #22 27. Atomic #18 28. Catholic holiday service 33. Canadian province 34. Capital of Alberta 36. Large African antelope 37. Mexican tortilla sandwich

38. Pigmented eye membrane 39. Baby’s food protector 40. Winglike structures 41. Sun-dried brick 44. Those dull in appearance 45. Basketlike baby’s bed 48. Purpose or intent 49. Difficult to carry 50. Cry made by sheep 51. More than one spouse

CALENDAR from page 12

call (772) 621-9636.

nuclear power and electricity. Admission is free; reservations required for groups of 10 or more. For information, call (772) 468-4111, or (877) FPL - 4FUN.

St. Lucie County Aquarium featuring the Smithsonian Marine Exhibit Everyone gets in free on the first Tuesday of each month. Regular Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children and $3 for seniors. 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 462-3474.

St. Lucie River Princess Eco-Historic Boat Tours 1:30 p.m.-3:10 p.m. Rivergate, 2200 S.E. Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie $14-$20. For reservations, call (772) 342-2450 or visit stlucierivercruise. com

Tuesday, Jan. 1

Buddy Run at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. 6 p.m. Runners and walkers have the option of doing 1.25 or 2.5 miles. This is not a competition, but a fun way to exercise and make new friends. 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 2047101. Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club Display features more than 750 feet of track arranged to replicate a busy railway. Variety of locomotives, freight and passenger cars operate on the layout. Open to the public every Tuesday from 7:15 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. 273 S.W. Becker Road, Port St Lucie. Admission is free. For more information,

CLUES DOWN 1. Incredible edibles 2. About aviation 3. Small biting flies 4. Bulgarian monetary unit 5. Point midway between E and SE 6. Old CCCP or U___ 7. Rubber tree genus 8. Waterless 9. Female chicken 10. Relating to the Hebrews 11. Dig up 12. Diacritic caron

Wednesday, Jan. 2

Gardening Advice at the Morningside Branch Library 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Professional advice from St. Lucie County Extension Services. 2410 Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 3375632.

Thursday, Jan. 3

Genealogy Family Research at the Fort Pierce Library. 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers from the Treasure Coast Genealogical Society (TCGS) are available in the Genealogy Section on the second floor. They will work individually with Library patrons to find and document ancestors. They will answer questions on genealogy, show you how to access genealogy websites and use the genealogy reference books, and assist you in getting started in genealogy. 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 467-1246.

14. Capital of Sicily 17. Shock therapy 18. Cyto_____: surrounds the nucleus 20. Daughters of the Am. Revolution 23. Nincompoops 24. Great battle of 333 BC 25. Salt Lake state 26. Woman (French) 29. A public promotion 30. Social insect 31. Knifed 32. Formal association of people

35. Toff 36. Snaps up 38. Annona diversifolia 40. Opera vocal solo 41. Largest continent 42. Day (Latin) 43. Sole 44. Hit lightly 45. Guy (slang) 46. Black tropical Am. cuckoo 47. Screen Writers Guild

SuDOKu

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Text the Editor (772) 675-6330

YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 15

Group salutes life, music of John Lennon

See NUTOPIANS page 16

Photo courtesy of the Sunrise Theatre The Nutopians, an ensemble that celebrates the life and music of John Lennon, performs at the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box Theatre on Jan. 6.

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FORT PIERCE — When Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare wanted to form a group to celebrate John Lennon, they faced a challenge. “The dilemma was to convey that we are paying tribute, but we are not a tribute band,” Fowler said. “We don’t want people to think we are a Beatles costume band.” Fowler comes out of the folk rock genre, but a musical career was not always in his plans. “Dylan inspired me to pick up a guitar,” he said. “I was in high school, working at a resort in rural Maine. I had brought up some early Bob Dylan records. It hit me like a lightning bolt. I was well on my way to becoming a physical education major. I never thought of the arts.” Fowler taught himself the guitar. “I wanted to write songs like Dylan,” he said. “I was not a particularly good guitar player. I focused more on the song writing. First there was Dylan, then Donovan, then John Lennon.” Fowler fell in love with Beatles as so many did, seeing them on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” “It never occurred to me that it was something I could do,” Fowler said. “Everyone had a favorite Beatle. Mine was John. It was the same aura he had when he stood on stage and sang. He was The Guy. As I got older and more sophisticated, I could discern who wrote which song. He was unquestionable the leader of the band. It was John’s band.” The ensemble, made up of eight musicians, originally called itself The John Lennon Song Project. “We were asked nicely by the

Lennon estate to change the name,” Fowler said. “We said, ‘now what?’ We called ourselves the Nu-Utopians. Nutopia was a fictitious country John and Yoko Ono founded to help fight the Vietnam War. We ran the name Nu-Utopia (by Yoko Ono’s representatives) and Yoko Ono

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By Shelley Koppel Staff writer

16 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

www.YourVoiceWeekly.com

Clubbin’ Thursdays

Good Times (West) Thirsty Thursdays 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 2096 N.W. Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 878-8844. Rinelli’s Yellow Tail Restaurant Bike night every Thursday, weather permitting. 101 N. Second St., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 466-5474. City Limits Sports Bar Karaoke 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 900 S.W. Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 336-8201.

Celebrate in Style

Mickey Finns Ladies Night 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 269 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 873-5522.

Reservations Recommended

ALSO OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS EVE.

Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub Acoustic Vibes by Jason Montero 9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 785-6202. CharDognay

SERVING NEW YEAR’S DAY!

NUTOPIANS from page 15

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suggested through her lawyer that we call ourselves the Nutopians. Yoko technically gave us our name.” The ensemble is made up of an eclectic group of musicians who play six- and 12-string guitars, mandolin, violin, cello, percussion, piano, accordion and chromatic harp. Four of the performers: Fowler and Dean, as well as Maggie Coffin and Alana MacDonald, are also vocalists. “Alana and Tom are the principal singers,” Fowler said. “We’ve woven many songs together as a complete song. It’s not a medley. I’m the front guy. I introduce many of the songs with anecdotal highlights about them.” The group plays songs both from Lennon’s days with the Beatles and from solo recordings. Some of the songs are well-known and others are less familiar. The group began in 2009 with Rex Fowler and Tom Dean. “We did a lot of shows together,” Fowler said. “I knew he was the right fit. I approached him and asked him if he wanted to make an acoustic-oriented vision of many of Lennon’s songs. He was skeptical, but we sat knee-to-knee in New Hampshire, sketching out arrangements for ‘I’ll Get You’ and ‘Imagine.’ “The next week, when we got together, we had arrangements

Bike night and live music 7 p.m. 224 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 324WINE. Rebar Karaoke 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m. 8283 S. Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 340-7777. La Zen Nightclub Ladies Night 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 807-9992. 60 Proof Live music every night. Open Mic Night on Thursday. 338 Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 3443213.

Fridays

Bogey’s and Stogeys Karaoke 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 1032 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 337-7778.

See CLUBBIN’ page 18 for other songs. We said, ‘Let’s give it a shot.’ Little, by little, we brought in the musicians.” In 2010, the Nutopians won an Independent Music Award for their CD, “Imagined” for its interpretations of Lennon’s Beatles and solo compositions. For Rex Fowler, it is all about celebrating the work of a man he admired. “To me, he was the most important artist of our generation,” he said. “He was the most honest. That’s what separated him from everyone else who wrote songs. He laid it out. There was no beating around the bush. I always felt it would be an honorable thing to honor to his legacy. “It was such a tragedy that a man of peace and artistry was so brutally murdered. I think about him every day, he would have contributed to the dialoguer to doing better than we’ve done ourselves. He was more than a great songwriter.” The Nutopians perform the music of John Lennon on Jan. 6 at the Sunrise Theatre’s Black Box Theatre, 117 S. Second St. Fort Pierce. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call the box office at (772) 461-4775 or order online at www.sunrisetheatre.com. For more information about the Nutopians, visit the website, www. nutopians.com.

Text the Editor (772) 675-6330

YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 17

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S ta rt o f f t h e N e w Ye a r w i t h G r e at E n t e rta i n m e n t

* F o r a c o m p l e t e l i s t i n g o f a l l s h ow s c o n f i r m e d t o dat e , o r f o r m e m b e r s h i p i n f o r m at i o n , v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e . 2012/13 Sunrise Theatre Presenting Sponsors

18 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

CLUBBIN’ from page 16 Rinelli’s Yellow Tail Restaurant Classic car show last Friday of every month, weather permitting. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 101 N. Second St., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 466-5474. Good Times (West) Live music 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. 2096 N.W. Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 878-8844. City Limits Sports Bar Live music or DJ 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. 900 S.W. Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 336-8201. CharDognay Live music 7 p.m. 224 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 324-WINE. Neely’s Grog House Karaoke 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 802 S.W. Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 2494195.

8283 S. Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 340-7777.

La Zen Nightclub Live music and DJ 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 807-9992.

La Zen Nightclub DJ 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 8079992.

Saturdays

Sundays

Good Times (West) Live music 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. 2096 N.W. Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 878-8844.

Bogey’s and Stogeys Karaoke 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 1032 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 337-7778.

City Limits Sports Bar Live music or DJ 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 900 S.W. Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 336-8201.

Mickey Finns Karaoke 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 269 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 873-5522.

Shindig Irish Restaurant & Pub Live music 9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 785-6202.

The Original Tiki Bar Live music after 4 p.m. 2 Avenue A, Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 461-0880.

CharDognay Live music 7 p.m. 224 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 324-WINE.

Saturday Dec. 29 Sweet Release live at Neely’s Grog House 9 p.m. 802 S.W. Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 2494195.

Mickey Finns Live music 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 269 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 873-5522.

The Original Tiki Bar Live music after 5 p.m. 2 Avenue A, Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 461-0880.

Rebar DJ 10:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Events:

VIP Saturdays at Paradise Lounge 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Everyone in free all night. Hip hop, Reggae, Soca and R&B. 1334 Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For

Nominate Your Favorite Charity

Sunday, Dec. 30 Finally Famous Sundays at Flavors Restaurant and Lounge. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. No cover all night. Music by DJ TK and DJ Just Chill. 529 N.W. Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 807-1585. Monday, Dec. 31 Winter Wonderland White New Year’s Eve Celebration at Good Times (West) 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Free admission, party favors, lazer lights, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. All white attire. Music by DJ Denver B and a special guest. 2096 N.W. Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 8788844. New Year’s Eve party at The Vine and Barley. 9 p.m. No cover. Acoustic rock, hip hop and easy listening music Chris Springer. Complimentary hors d’oeurves and midnight champagne toast. 1680 S.W. St. Lucie West Blvd, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 446-7550. Tuesday, Jan. 1 Gravel Kings with Hats for Rain live at Boozgeois Saloon. 9 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. 720 South

See CLUBBIN’ page 19

Send us your feedback! We’d like to hear from you! Send us your comments, compliments or complaints.

Starting in January Your Voice News and Views will Donate 5% of our Profits each quarter to a local Charity, One each quarter of the year. Nominations will be accepted until the end of December. Email us or send a letter and tell us why your Charity is so deserving.

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772-204-2409

more information, call (772) 3448050.

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YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • 19

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Ladies Night at Tropical Martini Everyone in free before 11 p.m. Ladies drink free before 11 p.m. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 8589 South U.S. 1, Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 340-1177.

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Bust it Wide Open Wednesdays at the Elks Lodge. 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ladies in free until 11 p.m. Ladies 18 and up to party. Guys 21 and up. 2408 Avenue M, Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 461-0617.

Live Country Music at Flavors Restaurant and Lounge. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. No cover all night. Music by DJ TK and DJ Just Chill. 529 N.W. Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 8071585.

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The St. Lucie County Aquarium, featuring the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, will now be open seven days a week through the winter season. A few months ago, the Aquarium added Sundays from noon – 4 p.m. back to its year-round hours of operation and will begin being open on Mondays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Jan. 7 through March. Located at 420 Seaway Drive on South Hutchinson Island, the St. Lucie County Aquarium offers an up-close look at the fish, corals, crabs, sponges and other underwater creatures that can be found on the Treasure Coast. The Aquarium’s six exhibits and touch tank accurately reflect the habitats typically found in the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding coastal waters. This 5,000-sqaure-foot facility has operated in partnership between the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County’s Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department for more than decade. Scheduled

programs such as Snack Time, Behind-the-Scene Tours and Feeding Frenzy Tours give visitors a chance to learn more about the thousands of marine animals that are featured in the more than 8,000 gallons of displays. Since the St. Lucie County Aquarium will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day; the monthly free admission day has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Jan. 8. additionally, the Aquarium will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Admission into the St. Lucie County Aquarium is $4 for adults, $3 seniors and children (ages 4-17). Group rates and memberships are available. The first Tuesday of each month is free admission day. Seasonal (January – March) hours of operation are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 4 p.m. For more information about the Aquarium call 772-462-FISH (3474) or for school/group bookings call 772-465-3271 or visit: http://www.sms.si.edu/SMEE.

Wednesday, Jan. 2 Live Reggae at Flavors Restaurant and Lounge. No cover. 529 Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 807-1585.

Call for an appointment

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For Your Voice News & Views

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Live music and DJ 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Ladies in free all night and open bar until 11 p.m. 464 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 807-9992.

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CLUBBIN’ from page 18

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Text the Editor (772) 675-6330

20 • DECEMBER 28, 2012 • ST. LUCIE WEST/TRADITION • YOUR VOICE NEWS & VIEWS

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