bUneke BREVARD Magazine Issue 1 by bUnekeMagazine

b Uneke complimentary issue

Don’t discard me! Please, pass me along to another Amazing Human.

$6 value

BREV ARD M A G A Z I N E M A G A Z

Supporting the Space Coast.

Vol 1 • No. 1 • Issue 1 S p a c e C o a s t ’ s P re m i e r e M a g a z i n e

b i n s pi re d | b en l i g hten e d | b aut hbenti c Uneke.org M

Your donations to this educational, 501c3 organization help provide elevated content for distribution. EIN# 82-4794735

OUR WRITERS Mary A Krause, a seasoned journalist and entertainer, has served on the FLFPSP Board of Trustees and created the Once and Only line of jewelry.

Mary Brotherton, the founding president of bUneke.org, is editor-in-chief of bUneke Magazine, directs bUneke Radio, and is finalizing her first non-fiction book. Stephen Ernest, president of Space Coast Therapy Dogs, promotes interaction between teams of caring volunteers and certified therapy dogs with those needing comfort.

Tyrel Earnest, from Ohio, calls Florida home, while living in L.A. At home in front of the camera as he is offscreen, Tyrel acts, writes, and performs standup. Ariane Resnick, special-diet chef and certified nutritionist is also a best-selling author who shares her secrets with bUneke readers. arianeresnick.com

Dorothy L. Harris, a former FL State park ranger and selfprofessed nature nerd blogs at DorothyLHarris.com and posts @FlaNatureNerd. FB @DorothyLHarrisFreelance Writer. Anna East is a writer, filmmaker and environmentalist who performs in Hong Kong. Listen to her bUneke podcast, Here I Am. IG: @anna_eatz_bananas and anna-east.com

Keri Inge-Marshall is a creative writer who paints, journals, films, and runs a fashion journalism website. gonewiththeolives.wixsite.com/rhiannons Rosy Surdam, a recycled Floridian, married her high school sweetheart, Tom. Happily retired, they travel with dogs, Rocky and Jake.

Lynn Kinnison is a mom and young grandma who cofounded bUneke.org and assists with all aspects of managing the nonprofit.

Editor in Chief: Mary Brotherton • mary@buneke.org Creative Director: Jennifer East • jennifer@buneke.org Copy Editor: Marian Hazzard b Uneke.org M

bUneke Brevard provides elevated content and curates positive, uplifting stories about the Space Coast. Submit your ideas! Email: mary@bUneke.org. Read your free, digital copy TODAY, LISTEN to the audio version on-the-go and start making a difference! bUneke.org bUneke Magazines are quarterly publications. We are not responsible for the return, loss of, damage to, or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, and artwork, including drawings, photographs, or any other unsolicited material. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials for consideration should not send originals, unless specifically requested, in writing, to do so by bUneke.org. If you want your submitted materials returned, they must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope with adequate postage. bUneke.org is an educational resource, based on the personal experiences and opinions of contributing writers and special guest features. It is not offered as legal advice. It is up to the reader to thoroughly research all suggestions, opinions, and offerings presented in the articles. All information in this issue is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate. Address all editorial, business, and production correspondence to: bUneke Magazine 4520 Deanna Ct., Suite 111, Merritt Island, FL 32953. For permissions and reprint requests, please email: mary@bUneke.org. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Vol. 1 • No.1 • Issue 1

connect@bUneke.org

b Uneke

BREV ARD M A G A Z I N E

Supporting the Space Coast ••• TABLE OF CONTENTS •••

4 7 9 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 29 30

Teaching How, not What, to Think Space Coast Therapy Dogs Iron Rich foods Take a Risk Every Day Love & Support for Charities Making a Difference NatureNerd Florida Through the Ages Serene Harbor He Restores Antique Parasols The Call to Change Recycling with Rosy Start 2022 with a Manatee Passion for Nature Young Explorers Activity Page Connecting the Dots for Charities Cover photo by JMack Imagery. Be sure to read Issue 2 of bUneke Brevard to learn more about this fascinating photographer.

Hello Brevard County! I’m happy to introduce you to bUneke Brevard, the Space Coast magazine dedicated to local charities, their volunteers, and their benefactors. You’ll also find how-to articles and expert advice on self-care, the environment, and other topics. Our advertisers are your neighbors, friends, and businesses with big hearts. See you in April!

Mary, Editor In Chief This digital issue is interactive! Have fun exploring! Live links everywhere! Just try it! Click the play symbol to view the featured videos! Click the listen symbol to HEAR the stories!

b Uneke.org M

TEACHING HOW, NOT WHAT, TO THINK S tu d e n t s wh o Pa r t i c i pa te i n F P SPI a re Natural L eade r s By Mary Krause

Energy pulses during a Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) competition. The atmosphere is electric. Excited competitors execute the six-step process they have studied for months. Teamwork, brainstorming and the pressure of the ticking clock drives the vibrant aura as students strive to complete their steps before the two-hour deadline. Then, they prepare for the presentation of their action plan, culminating in a skit that allows them to compete in their second creative-thinking competition of the day. The Future Problem Solving Program was born; Dr. Torrance used the creative-problem solving process of Osborn and Parnes as the springboard for FPS.

Po si t ive Im pa c t

The process begins with exhaustive study of a topic and future trends, such as international travel, sleep patterns, gamification or living in poverty. A group of four students receives a one-page scenario, filled with possible problems relative to the topic. The team brainstorms a lengthy list of challenges from which they choose a significant underlying problem that, if solved, will most positively impact the bulk of stake-holders mentioned in the scenario. Immediately, the team brainstorms possible solutions, develops criteria and winnow out the most lucrative solution. They wrap-up by writing an action plan including all the implications that must be in place for success. Teams’ coaches have said this is the single, most important thing that can be taught to today’s youth. Many coaches remain with the program, for many years, to produce more thinkers and problem solvers so critical for society.

April Michele, director of FPSPI competitions, understands the importance of the program. She began as a coach and worked her way through various positions in the local, affiliate and international programs, with a conviction that our

b Uneke.org M

world’s youth needs a method of working together within a structured system to solve problems for the common good.

Vo l u nte e r s drive suc c e s s

FPSPI is a nonprofit organization that succeeds because of its volunteers. Thousands of volunteers coach, coordinate, organize, oversee, and evaluate the multitude of activities, combining their efforts, from all over the world, to create problem solvers. The pandemic affected the number of participants in the international conference , which lowered the numbers involved to 15, 418 worldwide entrants in virtual experience. Brevard County had 163 original student participants in their local competitions and 36 winners participated in the international conference. It was all done as virtual competitions and the organizers pulled off a miracle to keep the contests going. Deb Kelley, Florida FPSP affiliate director, retired, said, “I remember when I stepped into the room with all the Community Problem Solving (CmPS) displays, I knew this was what it was all about.” Deb started out as a parent volunteer. She became her daughter’s coach, a member of the board of trustees, and finally the affiliate director. The CmPS component enlists students to make a difference locally and provides far-reaching assistance to others. Some of the CmPS projects have included children assisting with differently-abled students, caring for and training animal-shelter dogs to encourage adaptability, building bat houses, antibullying campaigns, and a system where students worked with Russian officials to identify where land mines had been buried. The students who participate in this program are leaders already. The process shapes minds for tomorrow by, “teaching them how to think, not what to think.” Learn more! www.fpspi.org ,

b Uneke.org M

Thanks for Reading Our Magazine, Now Consider Supporting Us! Advertise in bUneke BREVARD Magazine! Quarterly Interactive Digital Magazine Display Ad Included with your ad: live link back to you with video link, affiliates listing on website, print version, audio versions, social media posts, and coveted podcast spotlights. Quarter Page Display Ad Half Page Display Ad Full Page Display Ad

$50 $100 $200

Target Market: 400,000+ reach every issue. All inclusive. Our readers are interested in learning about Brevard County, especially topics such as Space Coast happenings, environmentalism, sustainability, and self-improvement. They like food and the outdoors and family. They shop for products and services to enhance their health, make a deeper connection to this world and the Universe, and are mindful about living consciously.

Contact: mary@bUneke.org

For as little as $50 each issue (or $200 a year) you help support this magazine. You will receive a custom, interactive quarter page ad in each issue! Link to your online video!

SAMPLE $50 DISPLAY AD “What difference does one toothbrush make?” -Says 7.5 billion people. We harvest 100% Organically grown Moso bamboo, which grows upwards of 4 feet per/day, making our product one the most SUSTAINABLE purchases on this planet. Unlike plastic toothbrush competitors, whose handles can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, our bamboo handles will biodegrade back into the earth within 2 years.

b Uneke.org M

baboo.life Link to your website!

Space Coast Therapy Dogs

By Stephen Ernest

My name is Stephen Ernest and I’m the president of Space Coast Therapy Dogs. This has been a passion of mine for almost 10 years now, and I’m on my third dog, supporting this effort. My latest dog, Stella, is a four-year-old Golden Retriever. She is a social butterfly that loves people and other dogs. When we go on visits, her tail never stops wagging. She loves giving attention to those in need, and believe me, the folks we visit love seeing her. It is a therapeutic service we do for the folks living in an assisted living facility, those recuperating in rehabs and just the lonely at heart. They really perk up when we come to visit. There are currently about 30 teams in the organization, down from 50 before COVID.

Unfortunately, the virus put a sudden stop to our visits and that hurt both us and the people we were visiting. They felt extra lonely without visitors and we couldn’t perform what has become second nature to our dogs. Our companions love giving what is sorely needed to the lonely and destitute. I am happy to say that we are now back into visits, and little Stella couldn’t be happier.

Award winners Space Coast Therapy Dogs participated in the CocoaRockledge Christmas Parade with eight teams marching with our canine companions. The crowds loved seeing the dogs in their Christmas garb. We managed to capture the hearts of the judges and were awarded second place in the adult-civic category. Stella met hundreds of new friends along the walk on both sides of the highway. I gave out candy and she got plenty of petting. Stella and I do four regular monthly visits to assisted living facilities and a rehabilitation facility. They are happy to see us coming. The tail starts wagging and the friendly

petting seems endless. It is a way for me to share the love I have for my dog with others. They get to enjoy Stella for a time, and the loneliness they endure seems to disappear for a while. For example, Stella and I were walking by a room at Viera Health and Rehabilitation Center and I saw two men in the room. The first man in bed looked despondent and was lying crosswise in the bed, with both feet on the floor. I asked if he wanted to see Stella, and all he did was reach out his arm as if to touch my dog. That was a sign that he wanted to pet Stella. I went into the room and she went up to him. He slowly stroked her head but never said a word. I think that time was well worth the visit.

That’s why I do it. Giving enjoyment to those who need it most. Learn more! https://

spacecoasttherapydogs.com/ ,

b Uneke.org M

You Have Questions. Jeffery has answers. Don't miss your chance to see renowned Psychic Medium Jeffrey Wands LIVE on January 21, 2022, at 6:45pm! He will read the audience, hold a Q&A session, and book signing. Refreshments served. Win a FREE private reading!

“He’s amazing!” - Marion A. Tickets make a GREAT Gift! Ticket sales are limited! Don’t Miss out!

Visit: bUneke.org Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-jeffrey-wands-psychic-medium-tickets-164764935357 Fraternal Order of Police: 1049 Julia Drive, Melbourne, FL 32935 All proceeds benefit 2 awesome charities!

b Uneke.org M

By Ariane Resnick, CNC

Your Guide to

Iron-Rich Food

This article is not meant to diagnose or provide medical advice. Originally published in OMDfortheplanet.com

Iron plays a vital role in how your body produces and deploys red blood cells. Without enough in your diet, you can become anemic, which causes weakness, fatigue and dizziness. Iron is often associated with red meat, but that doesn’t mean meat has more iron than plants! The iron in meat, called heme iron, is a little easier for our bodies to use than plant-based iron. Unfortunately, that same easy-to-absorb iron in meat may also contribute to coronary heart disease and colo-rectal cancer, so it’s safer to look for plant-based iron sources. Vitamin C has been shown to help your body increase the absorption of non-heme iron. Many plants, like bell peppers, citrus fruit, kale, melons, Brussels sprouts and parsley, are loaded with Vitamin C. You can get more goodness from ironrich foods by adding a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of parsley or a simple green veggie. Many plant foods contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that makes it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins and minerals from food. This can be reduced or eliminated through soaking or sprouting. Opt for food that has been prepped to reduce their anti-nutrients.

5 foods to boost your iron

of the list. Cooking spinach opens up new flavor combinations, and increases the availability of its iron. Although leafy greens are naturally high in vitamin C, some of that nutrient can be reduced by cooking, so if you’re steaming, boiling or sautéing your greens, add a squeeze of lemon. Whole Grains Many grains are more water-saving, easier to digest and less allergen-forming than wheat. These other whole grains have an excellent iron content! The quest for iron is a great reason to branch out and try amaranth or teff, both of which have about two milligrams of iron per serving. Brown rice is also an easier-to-find option. Potatoes Regular old Russet and red-skinned potatoes contain two milligrams of iron per serving. Since some of that is in the skin, we suggest not peeling

White Beans your potatoes prior to baking them. Topping the list at eight milligrams per serving, white beans can be eaten whole, or mashed to Now, you can become the base of a veggie burger or dip. They’re confidently walk the packed with protein, containing 15 grams per cup. Lentils have three milligrams of iron per serving, path of eating more and both chickpeas and kidney beans have two plant-based foods milligrams. without having Dark Chocolate to worry about At seven milligrams per three-ounce serving, dark getting enough chocolate is a delicious and decadent way to add iron to your diet. Add a strawberry to get some iron in your vitamin C in there! diet. Leafy Greens Leafy greens contain up to three milligrams of iron per serving, with spinach coming in at the top

b Uneke.org M

Take a Risk Every Day By Tyrel Earnest Photo by Jonathan Portillo

What truly is your meaning?

We go through life in such a monotonous state, constantly watching our chances pass us by. Why, as humans, do we do such things?

Daniel Ciuro,



Story Selected for Sponsorship

Look for this symbol on sponsored stories!

of Edward Jones, cares about community and has chosen to sponsor specially curated stories in bUneke Brevard Magazine.

Daniel Ciuro Financial Advisor

321.633.6558

daniel.ciuro@edwardjones.com

b Uneke.org M

This perception of time not being of the essence always puzzles me. Every day, I take a risk. Why? Taking risks keeps you from being complacent. Breaking out of your shell, and showing everyone what you’re capable of is phenomenal! It turns the daily life into someone worth it all. Challenge yourself to do something new, uncomfortable even. This will push you to change multiple elements of your life. Your kids, your significant other, your friends, they will all notice. Most important of all, you will notice.

You’ll see the change in your demeanor, change in your tempo, change in what you believe to be achievable! Be different, be tenacious, be completely you. Because hey, only shooting stars break the mold, right?

This backpack enhances your child’s

creativity, empathy, self esteem, Self Expression and social-emotional development.

Pl sup us it' s er F u Uni N And que ! a must for your gift-Giving list!

FUN for All Ages!

MEET THE TEEN INVENTOR, HIEN

watch this now!

When he was 11 years old, he had an idea about an erasable backpack. Seeing creative kids drawing on their canvas backpacks with Sharpies, Hien commented, “Dad, that’s really cool art. Too bad it’s permanent. Wouldn’t it be awesome if it were erasable?” What a great idea! So, we experimented and created ChalkWild, writable and erasable backpacks because there was nothing like it. Now, kids are free to customize them with their own art, anytime, anywhere, and as often as they wish.

- Christie Hendricks, Assistant Superintendent Early Education Department Merced County Office of Education: The Early Education Department is extremely impressed with the quality of the backpacks we purchased. The children enjoyed the write on/wipe off surface and having their own personal backpack to showcase their creativity, which builds their self-confidence!

ORDER NOW!

https://chalkwild.com b Uneke.org M

Bringing Love & Support to Charities

By Mary Brotherton • Photos by Jennifer East

We’ve all heard the expression, “Work smarter, not harder,” but have you heard about the nonprofit crowdfunding site called Donate Smarter? David Drake of Melbourne Beach, Florida, knows that most charitable organizations struggle to raise operating funds and their top officers wear many hats and work long hours, without compensation. He also knows about the many hours that are necessary when these same organizations start to apply for a grant. Many granters employ what David calls a “hug and release” philosophy. They award grants, expect the recipients to fill out complicated follow-up forms, then move on to the next grant cycle, with very little personal interaction between the granter and the grantee. “That’s not how we do things at DonateSmarter,” David said. “Here, we don’t believe in the hug-and-release tactic. It’s too impersonal. DonateSmarter encourages human interaction. We want our sponsors to embrace and empower the organizations receiving their grant money.”

David has worked hard to create

b Uneke.org M

a new portal for nonprofits, with an emphasis on those headquartered in Brevard County, though he invites all public charities to join at no cost to the nonprofit. DonateSmarter’s website offers options for charities and donors to interact with one another, and with the sponsors David has personal relationships with.

Eugene Crockett, of Rocket Group EXP Realty, has lived in Brevard County 10 years and is eager to help change lives. He knows that by aligning with the right charities, he’s able to do that.

the community, as well. David personally takes time to review each charity’s website, social media, and public documents to help individuals and sponsors donate wisely. Most organizations can set up their accounts on DonateSmarter and create a project before taking a lunch break. The projects are key to receiving up to $1,000 in grants that are awarded quarterly. “Your grant application is your registration,” David said. “Your eligibility renews with activity on DonateSmarter.com at least every 25 days.” Sponsors review all the active projects before deciding which organizations will receive their grants. David said, “When dedicated donors and savvy business owners invest in local charities, communities change.”

Bill Stillwell has been roofing Brevard homes and businesses for years and sees the value in supporting charities that also work to improve the community. Every charity is vetted, so donors know their money is going to a tax-exempt organization in good standing, not only with the IRS and the state of Florida, but in

At first glance, you might think DonateSmarter is merely a gateway for charities and potential sponsors and donors to meet, but it’s much more. “When talking with charities, they often tell me what a headache it is to find reasonable prices for t-shirts or other merchandise to give their volunteers or sell as fundraisers. Buying in large

quantities, then there’s the issue of where to store everything, and how long will it take to sell it all?” David said, “Every charity has its own store on DonateSmarter with more than one choice.”

tumblers. Additional options may be available for different merchandise and designs. DonateSmarter has other benefits and David is eager to talk with nonprofit leaders about them all.

Standard selections include t-shirts, hoodies, and other clothing as well as mugs and wine

Learn more and register your nonprofit at donatesmarter.com, today. ,

13 b Uneke.org M

Making Difference in heraCommunity Story and Photos By Mary Brotherton

Cathy Bucklin has been making a difference in the lives of her community members for many years. For the past six years, she has donated her services as a barber to Central Brevard Stand Down in Florida, cutting the hair of hundreds of homeless veterans. She has visited Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8191, regularly, for more than 16 years and still gives haircuts to veterans at no charge. They sometimes tip her, which she said is often more generous than if she had charged them. For many years, Cathy managed her own barber shop. She soon discovered the wives of the men whose hair she cut also wanted her special touch, administered with heartfelt laughter and often ending with a hug. Since 2009, Cathy has been taking her skills to a local hospital and a rehab facility, providing styling, spa and barber services to men and women who were unable to come to her. As a certified nursing assistant, she said she’s seen it all.

“I should write a book. You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen,” she said.

b Uneke.org M

Three years ago, she added a nursing home and another rehabilitation and healthcare facility to her rounds of regular stops for her business. She said, “There are so many people who want to look their best. Why should they suffer because they can’t drive or come to a salon?” When her fiancé was suffering with cancer, Cathy turned to what she calls hair therapy, by volunteering her services at the hospital and the rehab center.

Looking good is part of feeling good Cathy provides manicures and pedicures in addition to haircuts, styles, coloring, perms and other services. “If you name it and it has to do with a salon service, I can probably do it,” she said. Cathy is an entrepreneur who knows the power of networking and paying it forward as well as giving back to her community. She’s known throughout her county for bringing other business owners together for her make-over days, where customers could pay one price to receive their choice of services from a variety of vendors. Recently, she was recognized by a local news television channel with the Getting Results Award, which stems from her active community outreach and volunteerism. Today, the former owner of Elmo’s Barber Shop owns a concierge salon service. In addition to the five facilities she visits, where her clients are recovering or bed-bound, she also visits hospice and homebound clients to provide routine cuts and salon services. She also offers spa and salon parties for special occasions. “You’d think this would give me more freedom and extra time for myself, but I probably work close to 80 hours every week,” she said. “But you know, if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” Learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/cathy.bucklin or call 321 265 2789.

N atureN erd By Dorothy L. Harris

The Lumbering Lubber

From humble beginnings, a small

black grasshopper marked with a yellow or orange stripe becomes a spectacular insect that demands attention. Lubber grasshoppers hatch from eggs and go through five to six molts, where their skin splits to allow a larger hopper to emerge; a yellow, black, and red giant, large enough to span the palm of an adult. Their pretty colors serve as a warning – don’t eat me! Lubber grasshoppers manufacture toxins internally as a chemical defense system.

to apply chemical agents, you should know lubbers are slow to die due to their hard exterior or exoskeleton. Chemical spraying could also impact birds, so just pick the grasshoppers off if they are bothersome, rather than risk injury to other forms of wildlife. If you have curious, insect-loving kids, lubbers can make great seasonal pets. The large lubbers are easily kept in a creature box. A wet sponge and daily, leafy garden greens is all they need to keep growing all summer long. Lubbers dine on all sorts of plants, but they are omnivorous. This means they also feed on dead insects, and even cannibalize their own species! Properly kept, lubbers will amaze you by their growth, molting, and spectacular colors.

Like a mixologist, they create a noxious blend which can be spit up to five inches away to ward off curious predators. These toxins are an important defense. Unlike most grasshoppers, this gangly lubber cannot fly.

Left Photo: The bright coloration of lubber grasshoppers warns predators of its bad taste due to internal toxins.

If you’re not fond of insects, and are tempted

Right Photo: The lubber grasshopper grows to nearly five inches in size. ,

15 b Uneke.org M

Learn About Florida’s Roles From the

Ice Age to the

Space Age

If you’re planning a visit to Orlando, Florida, remember this area has much to offer your family, in addition to theme parks, including some outstanding adventures into history and science that won’t cost more than the short drive to Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. This is the only location, other than the Department of Anthropology

By Mary Brotherton

at Florida State University, that has original artifacts from

While the Windover exhibit might be considered the crowning jewel at this museum, more treasures await. Vignettes that represent other area museums could be called teasers, as they whet the appetite to learn more about Brevard County’s history. Whether taking a docent- or self-guided tour, visitors are transported from Florida’s Ice Age, through the Space Age, and into our vast universe, which we’re just beginning to learn about.

the Windover Archeological

Until recently, this museum fell under the purview of the Florida Historical Society. Now, the museum, and its 22 acres, which include hiking trails through three distinctive environments, is being operated by the City of Cocoa. Dedicated volunteers continue to work at the museum and maintain the trails.

time as they learn about Paleolithic humans, Florida settlers, Cracker cowboys, and monumental strides Brevard residents made in the Civil Rights movement. They journey with courageous pioneering astronauts from Earth to the moon and beyond our galaxy through otherworldly photos taken by the Hubble telescope.

It’s an honor. Bob Mink, who has been a docent since 2016, said, “There’s such a rich history in this place. It’s my honor to show it to as many people as I can.” Gregg Stoll has been volunteering since early 2021 and does a variety of tasks at the museum. He said, “As we’re in the process of securing a lease agreement with the City of Cocoa, right now, we can’t take donations or charge admission. We don’t have a computer and can’t effectively communicate with our volunteer base, but those of us who are here feel committed to not only keeping the museum open, we want to revive it and make it a real asset to our community.”

Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science exhibits include a replica of the largest mastodon in North America and other Florida Ice Age mammals, like the Giant Ground Sloth. Visitors walk through

b Uneke.org M

site. Here, you can glimpse a community of hunter/gatherers that predates the use of pottery and later, the evolution of farming.

We’ve got a lead on some interesting things. “We’re hoping to add to the Aerospace section,” Bob said. “We’ve

got a lead on some interesting things that people want to donate to the museum.” Gregg said, “As soon as we can come to an agreement with the city, we plan to do more with the museum.”

This museum can enhance any homeschool curriculum and provide outdoor opportunities for learning, in addition to the historical displays inside. Learn more at CocoaFL.org



Story Selected for Sponsorship

Join bUneke at the Palm Bay Multicultural SponFestival! sored by This is a FREE, fun event all about culture, dance, music, and activities that showcase different countries around the world. Saturday, January 29, 2022 Fred Poppe Regional Park 1951 Malabar Road, Palm Bay 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact 321-951-9998 for details.

The Palm Bay Multicultural FeLook stivalFor is a the FREE fun event all about culture, bUneke dance, mubooth! sicb, and Uneke activities that showcase different countries from M

.org N



Story Selected for Sponsorship

Serene Harbor Awarded $50K By Lynn Kinnison

Talking Rain Beverage Company, the maker of Sparkling Ice® beverages, awarded Serene Harbor, a state-certified domestic violence center in Brevard County, $50,000 as part of its Cheers to Giving holiday campaign to celebrate difference-making nonprofits. Sparkling Ice fans nominated more than 6,000 nonprofits. Serene Harbor was one of three organizations to receive these generous donations. Nina Morrison, Sr. VP of Community Experience at Talking Rain said, “We’re honored to recognize and award nonprofits for their charitable efforts, and for the opportunity to empower them to continue making a difference within their communities. The Cheers to Giving initiative is a part of our year-round larger commitment to social responsibility, as we continue to find new and innovative ways to give back and to connect with a variety of meaningful organizations and causes.” Serene Harbor has been serving victims of domestic violence in Brevard County for 29 years. More than 32,000 women, men, and children have received life-saving services as Serene Harbor advocates to reduce the incidence of domestic violence on the Space Coast through intervention, prevention, social change, information, enlightenment, education, and by engaging with the community. Beverly DeMeyer, President & CEO of Serene Harbor, said, “We, here at Serene Harbor, are humbled and grateful for this very kind and generous gift to our organization and those we serve. I am

speechless at the tremendous efforts our community makes to support our survivors and their families and their willingness to assist in our mission to break the cycle of domestic violence. The support and partnership we receive from our community are paramount to the work we do.” Learn more! https://www.sereneharbor.org/

b Uneke.org M

9:00 - 9:45 a.m. - Creating Habitat for Winged Wildlife Brendan 'Skip' Healy, Change of Greenery 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. - 10 Things Being Done to Help the Lagoon that you Probably Haven't Heard About Kathy Hill, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Grow Your Own Delicious Food! (No Matter Where You Live) Sally Scalera, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in HOA's and Everywhere! Claire Lewis University of Florida - Florida Friendly Landscape Program Bring your dog's leash, get a poop bag holder!

RAFFLE PRIZES and Goody bags to the first 400 guests

For more information: www.eventbrite.com or call 321-633-1702 x52315

b Uneke.org M

With Study,

Determination, and Guidance, he Restores

Antique Parasols

By Mary Brotherton

Brandon McKinney stumbled upon two old parasols in an antique mall.

Brandon keeps his collection in a giant 1830s Biedermeier cabinet he calls parasol Narnia, until they come out for exhibits.

“Oh, the days of finding parasols in the wild!” He bought them, researched, and discovered one was from the 1840s. “I was hooked,” he said. “I came across pieces that needed work and I started looking for ways to get them repaired.”

Details mattered. Brandon thought that with enough study, some determination, and guidance, he could do it himself. He started with a blank slate, a late 1850s English beech, folding parasol. “It took me two years to find the silk I felt gave it the right look, and I learned what stitches were used, though I had never sewn before.” Crediting Marta Vincent, his mentor and parasol godmother, Brandon said, “While we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, we shared a passion for the same thing, and I’ll forever be grateful for her guidance.”

20 b Uneke.org M

A Brevard County native, Brandon started exploring local history in 2004. He volunteers as a docent at Lawndale, the former home of Hiram Smith Williams, on the National Register of Historic Places. “I’ve also taken my umbrellas up into the attic of Lawndale for some fun photo shoots. I’ve loaned them to friends for events, but generally they live in their little cave.” Brandon has restored about 50 pieces, some taking more than a year to complete, due to the need to find the perfect components to bring them back to life.

Still refining his technique “You learn something new with each piece. I’m still refining my technique.” Included with the restored projects, Brandon owns almost 200 parasols, focused on two periods: 1845 to 1860, and 1868 to 1875. “Taking a broader look, my collection covers from roughly 1805 until 1935,

“Give yourself the space and permission to follow those passions where they take you, because they can allow you to do amazing things, meet amazing people, and make wonderful friends.”

but there’s only a handful of pieces that date after 1920.” Though he has sold a few, Brandon prefers not to. “The truth of the matter is, I have a really difficult time selling them, because once I’ve worked on them, they kind of become my children. The few I have sold have been to people I know will care for them.”

about Victorian architecture and

molluscs. The closest I’d ever

steamboats and art nouveau

come to that is mounting insects.

jewelry as Christmas gifts and

I’ve made paper flowers, and

is grateful to his parents for

embroidered with fish scales,

encouraging his interests.

called pearl embroidery. I have

“I also like going out to nature preserves, especially in the spring when wildflowers are blooming. If sandhill cranes or scrub jays are involved with those walks, I’m happy as a clam.”

Brandon’s current obsession with Lawndale has been figuring out the sequence of construction, as the house was built in three phases but he said this brings up more questions than answers and further research is needed. “It’s quite exciting. I frequently muse about how the interior of the house was finished and decorated.”

Grateful to his parents

He also reads the 1887 Ladies Manual of Art. “It’s filled with confusing instructions for techniques with names like vitremanie and diaphanie. The chapter on taxidermy is interesting for the fact that we have this perception of genteel women of this period sitting among doilies, taking callers, and reading sappy poetry, but here they were getting instructions on how to debone a

Brandon said he received books

pheasant for stuffing or desiccate

many skills, that while generally considered useless today, are at least aesthetically pleasing.”

Find your passion. Brandon encourages everyone to find something they’re passionate about, live it, breathe it, and learn about it. “Don’t be afraid of jumping in and messing things up, because that’s part of the process. Give yourself the space and permission to follow those passions where they take you, because they can allow you to do amazing things, meet amazing people, and make wonderful friends.”

21 ,

b Uneke.org M

The Call to Change By Anna East

Hi Friends, Someone recently told me that he feels guilty and sad every time he sees my environmental Facebook posts. Those feelings may happen if you have an experience that makes you feel like changing the way you live your life. I make environmental posts, not to condemn people, but to expose you to what is going on in the world, remind you of what is beautiful and essential, inspire you to change your habits, and challenge you to think creatively about how we can make both our own lives, and the lives of others more beautiful. When we take responsibility for what we are consuming, using,

and affecting each day, we can feel good about the choices we make, and we can experience change happening! It feels amazing to do good and to help others. It feels amazing to know that what I choose to do each day makes an impact. It feels amazing to converse and connect with others over what is good in the world. So, when you see or hear something that moves you to be a better version of your beautiful self, ask questions, listen, and don’t be afraid to get on board.

I have so much love for you all, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. ,

b Uneke.org M

Recycling

with

Rosy

When other people throw things away or donate them to thrift stores, I find Uneke ways to use them again.

If you’re like me, you don’t want to be weighed down with carrying an extra sweater or jacket, just in case you might get cold. I found a lightweight, inexpensive solution to that! Almost everyone has a t-shirt that may not fit around the hips, or was a souvenir and you can’t bring yourself to throw it away. It seems I’m always buying a sweatshirt from every city I go to, so being

cheap, but chilly, when I found myself needing a little extra cover-up, I went into a souvenir t-shirt shop and found a rack of irregular rejects for $1.99 and got the largest one. I borrowed scissors and cut the front straight down. I ended up with a vest-type overshirt that I could cover my shoulders with and take the chill off! You can also upcycle an old t-shirt from your collection and keep the cut shirt in your car for when you need a little cover-up. No sewing needed!

Add fringe if you like. Roll it up and put in the trunk of your car, or if you carry a big tote, drop it in there. You’ll hardly notice the extra weight and you’ll have the perfect amount of coverage the next time you’re in a chilly restaurant or taking a moonlight stroll on the beach, wishing you had brought a jacket. Thanks to my daughter, Tiffany, for being my model. ,

bUneke Radio brings you 10 shows with topics and guests that matter. 10 hosts means 10 formats and more choices! Find our full lineup on https://buneke.org/radio-shows Follow us on blogtalkradio.com

Contact buneke.assists@gmail.com to learn how easy it is to sponsor or to be on the show yourself!

b Uneke.org M

Save the Manatees:

Adopt a New Friend By Keri Inge-Marshall Photos by Cora Berchem and Wayne Hartley

If you explore the rivers and coastal areas of Florida, it’s fairly common to come across an aggregation of manatees. You can spot them at Manatee Cove Park in Merritt Island, or Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in Titusville. They’ve been seen at DeSoto inSatellite Beach, Thousand Islands Conservation Area in Cocoa Beach, and Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Palm Bay. In fact, Brevard County Department of Natural Resources reports 29 sections of just the Indian River Lagoon where people can see manatees in the wild. They radiate a soft playfulness as they slowly swim between peaceful springs and nibble on aquatic plants. Manatees have no prey or predators, and they mostly spend their time relaxing on coastal floors, growing algae on their backs. However, as placid as they may be, manatees are not often treated like the gentle creatures they are. Based in Maitland Florida, Save the Manatee Club began planting its roots in 1989 with the assistance of former Florida governor Bob Graham and singersongwriter Jimmy Buffett. The organization was established to alleviate manatee abuse. Manatees face wide-scale treachery due to human harassment and boat collision. According to a spokesperson for the organization, “More than 41% of manatee deaths were caused by human activity, and nearly 34% due to watercraft.” The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service declared manatees close to endangered, and if no change is made, the manatee could face extinction.

With this in mind, Save the Manatee Club actively educates the local community how to safely interact with manatees. They offer volunteer- and specialisttaught online seminars, and they supply information on their website and brochures. The organization organizes outreach programs to get people involved and encourage them to reflect on their own actions in an effort to minimize the deep-rooted boating culture that brings harm to the manatees. Save the Manatee Club also has a wide array of assistance from volunteers from across the globe. People are steadily giving donations and hosting fundraisers such as the Save the Manatee 5K, and the Adopt A Manatee Program, where, starting at $25, people are able to symbolically adopt a manatee complete with certificate, location, and biography. The money goes directly to rehabilitation and rescue manatees. Assistance can also be given directly through the website, where you can sign petitions to restore the Great Florida Riverway or the Neverglades Declaration. Outside of community outreach, Save the Manatee Club partners with animal rehabilitation facilities and exhibitions, such as the Manatee Critical Care Center and Jacksonville Zoo, to ensure the safety of the manatees. Although the organization doesn’t work with the manatees directly, they provide a great deal of funding for these programs, and they link directly to Florida government representatives. Save the Manatee Club also sponsors research in West Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. The organization is growing each day and they need your help to continue keeping the manatees alive and well!

Learn more at savethemanatee.org/

b Uneke.org M

By Mary Brotherton

A Passion for Nature

Growing up in South

different environments, climates, and wildlife.”

Florida, Mitch Gubnitsky

Mitch’s art was influenced by everything he saw and experienced.

learned to appreciate all of the state’s natural beauty.

Spectacular creatures

He said, “I have been interested in art since childhood, occasionally taking classes in acrylic painting, drawing, and mixed-medium.

Mitch followed a path of nursing as an occupation and has cared for all ages in different fields of nursing. “My art allows me to balance the stresses of the nursing field with the energy and wonders found in nature, “Mitch said. “Fortunately, my wife shares my adventurous spirit and passion for the beauty of nature, which led us to travel nursing.”

b Uneke.org M

“ As a certified diver, I have been face-to-face with manatees, sea turtles, manta rays, and other spectacular creatures of the sea represented in my art.” Mitch said that diving in South Florida was the best. “The visibility is great. Once I Was in a school of barracuda so thick, I couldn’t see my dive mates. Another time, I was on a night dive, and saw this big shadow coming up behind me. It was a manatee and it was pretty startling.”

This diverse job experience allowed Mitch to explore a variety of cultures and art forms.

He constantly challenges his skills and creativity with new mediums in an effort to reflect the splendor of Mother Nature.

“These encounters expanded my artistic vision. We were fortunate to travel internationally,” he said. ”My travels exposed me to

Mitch said that he has worked in different galleries and the Sebastian River Art Club.

“I’m a member of the Brevard Cultural Alliance. That’s how I learned about bUneke. I checked out your website and wanted to see how I could be involved.”

studio is wherever I set up my easel. I’m pretty lucky. My job as a nurse at NASA allows me to paint between calls and I sell a lot of my artwork to employees at KSC.”

Mitch and his wife, Melissa, settled in Rockledge and have different ways to destress after a long day. For Melissa, it’s yoga, while Mitch turns to his painting.

Mitch applies his creativity to xeriscaping, too, with an award from the city of Rockledge to prove it, but painting is where his heart lives. He’s proud of the mural he painted on the side of Crane Point Hammock, a museum in Marathon on Key Vaca.

Art helps destress. “Art helps me destress. I use oils, acrylics, and sometimes I combine them. Art is therapeutic. My

“I am on the front of the wall’s exterior and Wyland is on the interior. He was doing demonstrations at Port Canaveral

when we first met. He liked my manatees. Melissa and I give to Save the Manatees and we even adopted one.” If you’re not familiar with the renowned muralist, Wyland, read bUneke Magazine Issue 14 or listen to our interview on bUneke Radio. Learn more about Mitch! https://www.mitchartdesign.com/

27 b Uneke.org M

urturing creativity, Nurturing CREATIVITY,

xploration, andEXPLORATION, and SELF EXPRESSION Self Expression Art Lessons In A Box • Ages: 5 to 105 • Semester and year-long subscriptions • Popular past lessons

moxieboxart.com Questions: info@moxieboxart.com

ART

LEARN about while having FUN! A game that brings the family together!

something b Uneke.org M

everyone can play!

moxieboxart.com/art2art/

Young Explorers

Activity Page

Riddles

1. How many months of the year have 28 days? 2. What has hands and a face, but can’t hold anything or smile? 3. It belongs to you, but your friends use it more. What is it? 4. Kate’s mother has three children: Snap, Crackle and http://www.supercoloring.com/dot-to-dots/iguana _______? 5. If you don’t keep me, I’ll break. What am I? 6. I have a tail and a head, but no body. What am I? 7. What 2 things can you never eat for breakfast? 8. Which word becomes shorter when you add 2 letters to it? 9. What’s the capital of France?

12/20/21, 1:02 PM

1. All of them! Every month has *at least* 28 days. 2. A clock. 3. Your name. 4. Kate! It’s Kate’s mother, after all. 5. A promise. 6. A coin. 7. Lunch and dinner. 8. The word “short.” 9. The letter “F.” It’s the only capital letter in France.

Iguana dot to dot | Free Printable Coloring Pages

Page 1 of 1

b Uneke.org M

Connecting the Dots

bUneke Productions has worked on some remarkable projects as a result of dots connected from one event to another, attracting more volunteers along the way.

One of the first events bUneke sponsored was the 2019 b The Change Awards, where hundreds of separate nonprofits nominated one volunteer for their work. Of the 10 winners, one was from Newfoundland, Canada and nine were from Florida. In addition to creating them, bUneke covers events for others, such as Nubability’s spring training in Fort Meyers and Authors for Authors Writers Conference in Melbourne, bUneke Productions covered St. Augustine Film Festival (SAFF) and Jacksonville’s Southeast Regional Film Festival (SERFF). The team has attended many festivals and gatherings in the Orlando area, including several indoor and outdoor events. bUneke filmed Florida Steppers International Extravaganza, Women of Worth Conference, two fashion events and the Global Peace Film Festival, where we met Elizabeth Fullington, who had this to say: “I bumped into a film maker named Jennifer East at the premiere of a short documentary called MyGration Story that told how I migrated from Guyana to the USA. This was sponsored by the City of Orlando FusionFest and featured at the Peace Film Festival. Jennifer introduced me to Mary Brotherton who arranged for an interview on bUneke Radio. These events all led to the creation of the Ruby

30 b Uneke.org M

FOR CHARITIES

Holland Foundation’s first documentary. I never realized the depth and scope and all that it takes in the production of a film like this. Jennifer’s gentle prods made me pause and reflect on the journey. I am grateful for the support, love, and care of her amazing production team. Lynn Dilks, Donnie Crawford, Franklin Prather and Trilby Saldana are true professionals and I’m so grateful for the work they put into the creation of this film. This isn’t the first time bUneke was in the right place at the right time. Invited to speak with Seeta Begui on Viewpoint with Seeta and Friends, recorded in the studio in Cocoa, our founders, Jennifer and Mary, met Marion Ambrose from Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village. The dots connected quickly when we realized bUneke Productions needed an extraordinary plan to help. The result was Forgotten Enchantress, a documentary that takes viewers inside the historic home of William and Nora Wells for a glimpse into the past, and provides a vision into future capabilities of the property. The film was used to help generate awareness and matching funds for Green Gables’ grant application, which will help purchase the property and preserve it for generations to come. More than a dozen bUneke volunteers drove from all over the state to participate in the creation and promotion of this film.

While filming Forgotten Enchantress, bUneke connected with Joe McNeil and Charles Jackson, who had volunteered to be in the film. Joe and Charles also volunteer with The Greater Allen Development Corporation, and Joe asked us to create a documentary about the relocation of the first house of worship, built by freedmen in the area that would later become Melbourne, Florida. The documentary of the Melbourne Founders’ Museum will cover moving the historic building to its new location and will include memories from some of the area’s older residents. If you know about an organization that could benefit from a bUneke Productions documentary, reach out through our website, bUneke. org or email mary@buneke.org ,

Looking for a forward-thinking charity to work with and earn volunteer hours or Intern credits? Join enthusiastic volunteers who work with bUneke Brevard from their homes! Contact us today to learn how much fun it can be to work with bUneke.org . No degree or experience necessary. U only need to be passionate about learning. mary@bUneke.org

Let bUneke help U be more Unique. • Commercial Promos • Documentaries • Social Media Spots • Short Films Contact lynn@buneke.org today to set up an appointment to discuss your vision with our team of professional film makers and storytellers.

Hippo Roofing cares



Story Selected for Sponsorship

Look for this symbol on sponsored stories!

about community and has chosen to sponsor specially curated stories in bUneke Brevard Magazine.

https://hipporoof.com License #CCC1331992

The Little Green Oasis Aromatherapy

Kathleen Price, Owner

for Personal, Household, Medicinal & Pets

The Little Green Oasis.com

The Little Green Oasis

Thanks for caring and sharing!

Thank you! bUneke Brevard is possible because Eugene Crocket and Rocket Group EXP Realty believe in bUneke.org ‘s mission.

Don’t discard me! Please, pass me along to another AMAZING human. b Uneke .org M

Uneke

bUneke.org is a 501c3 tax-exempt educational organization

bUneke BREVARD Magazine Issue 1

Articles inside

Connecting the Dots for Charities

Young Explorers Activity Page

Passion for Nature

Start 2022 with a Manatee

NatureNerd

Space Coast Therapy Dogs

Making a Difference

Take a Risk Every Day

Florida Through the Ages

Recycling with Rosy

Iron Rich foods

He Restores Antique Parasols