Merritt island Now May 2016

Merritt Island Now YOUR #1 COMMUNITY SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING MERRITT ISLAND

VOL. 2 • ISSUE 3 • MAY • 2016

Memorial Day

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 3

— Contents — May 2016 Volume 2 • Issue 3 Community

10 Crossing Over 12 Saving the Lagoons 14 Make a Difference 15 Hopes of Spring 16 Opinion: Manatees Proof School & Sports

18 MICS Music Awards 19 Divine Mercy: Robots!

20 Hug a Tuba Player Day

22

Feature

22 Knowing Early On Health & Wellness

26 Take Scary Out of Surgery 28 Honoring Mom 29 Eye Fatigue?

Lifestyle

30 Be Ready for Tarpon 32 Keep Boats in Top Shape 33 Don’t Wing It 34 Avoid Remodel Hangover 35 Recipe: Healthy Apple Pie Business & Real Estate

38 Road to Retirement 39 Selling Your Home 42 Plan Landscaping

12

10

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Pastor Steve Hart............ 15 Capt. Alex Gorichky........ 30 Danny Alonso................... 16 Kristopher MacDonald... 32 Ingrid Hall ......................... 18 Dr. Elizabeth Chosa........ 33 Elizabeth Chitko............... 19 Terri Pentz......................... 34

ON THE COVER

Wanda Luthman .............20 Terry Coapstick ............... 38 Jessica Stebbins.............. 28 Cheryl D’Cruz................... 39 Frank Venzara III.............. 29 Eric Marlowe .................... 42

Publisher: ILMIdeals, Inc. Magazine President: Lou Colombo Managing Editor: Diana Fasanella editor@merrittislandnow.com Art Director: Charlie Amrich charlieamrich@gmail.com Advertising Sales: Lou Colombo lou@merrittislandnow.com • 321.453.4121 Community Relations: Julie Colombo

4 |

Merritt Island resident Kathy Minute took this photo of an American bald eagle in flight at Mitchell Ellington Park. www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

Letter from Publisher..................4 Celebrations.................................6 Calendar of Events.....................8 Islander of the Month............... 12 Rising Stars................................. 21 Adopt a Pet................................ 33 Dining Guide........................ 36-37 Recent Home Sales................. 40 Reference Directory.......... 43-44

Merritt Island Now Merritt Island Now magazine is being published 11 issues per year and direct mailed free to more than 16,000 Merritt Island homes.

All rights reserved © Copyright 2016 www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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Letter from the Publisher Hi Islanders,

Lou and Julie Colombo founded the I Love My Island Merritt Island, FL Facebook page along with the MerrittIslandNow.com website.

As you may know, two years ago Julie and I started a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, I Love My Island, Inc., for the purpose of helping our Merritt Island community.

We’ve focused on supporting families in need, seniors, and veterans, as well as sponsoring children through sports, arts programs and summer camps.

Reselling your generous donations at our thrift store, My Island Thrift Store, generates all the funds for this support. The thrift store is the largest on the Island and employs up to 10 people. So we are happy to be a job provider in addition to the other outreach mentioned above.

Our all-volunteer Board of Directors strives to do as much as we can with what we receive to make a positive difference on the Island.

Unfortunately, the biggest challenge has been keeping our box truck running.

breaks down, we are not only facing repair bills, but also renting a truck in the interim. This ends up being a major financial setback, which directly takes away from our community outreach; and unfortunately, it’s happening way too frequently.

So, we have decided to hold our first fundraiser, a 50/50 drawing, and the proceeds will go toward the purchase of a newer, better box truck. The flyer with the details for the drawing is on the next page.

So 300 awesome people will have a chance to win a very nice prize, and in turn, we will get to do much more for our community!

As always, thank you for your continued support with our Merritt Island Now magazine, website, ILMI Facebook page, and our I Love My Island non-profit.

For more information about our I Love My Island, Inc., non-profit, please feel free to call me at 321-453-4121.

Lou Colombo

The truck is the lifeline of our business because it’s used to pick up donations and deliver larger customer purchases. When the truck

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Ladies Cut T-shirts Mens T-shirts ering Online Ord n! oo Coffee Mugs Coming S License Plates Mens Redfish Pocket T’s Stickers & more!

259 McLeod St. • Merritt Island (behind Dairy Queen) Store Hours – Mon-Fri 10am-3pm - 321-453-4121

DISCLAIMER *All content provided by contributing writers to Merritt Island Now is for informational use only. Merritt Island Now makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information submitted.

Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Merritt Island Now will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of any published information by contributing writers.

4 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

*The material in this magazine has been prepared and is copyrighted

by ILMIdeals, Inc. The material is for information purposes only.

The material is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-todate. Information provided by or cited by third parties does not necessarily reflect the opinions of endorsements of Merritt Island Now (ILMIdeals, Inc.).

My Island Thrift Store “Supporting Our Island Community”

Half to the Winner/Half to our Charity

We need a new truck!

Win up to

$15,000!!!

ONLY 300 Tickets Available – $100 Donation per ticket

Don’t Miss Out! Tickets are available at I Love My Island, 259 McLeod Street, Merritt Island and My Island Thrift Store, 245 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island

Drawing on August 20, 2016 at Noon (You don’t have to be present to win) Location: My Island Thrift Store, 245 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island

— R U L E S & I N F O R M AT I O N — I Love My Island, Inc., is having a 50/50 drawing as a fundraiser to help purchase a newer truck for its thrift store. There will be only 300 tickets available for this drawing; $100 donation per ticket. All ticket stubs will be placed in a bowl and one ticket will be randomly drawn on Aug. 20, 2016, at 12:00 noon at My Island Thrift Store located at 245 Crockett Blvd., Merritt Island, FL, 32953. The winning ticket holder will receive one half of all funds collected for the drawing. The winner does not need to be present to win and will be notified by I Love My Island, Inc.; 50% of all funds donated for tickets will be awarded to the winner.

I Love My Island, Inc. 259 McLeod Street, Merritt Island, FL 32953. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State. No purchase or contribution is necessary. I Love My Island, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation is registered (Registration # CH47739) Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

Celebrations

Stacy Laferriere May 1

Kevin Smith May 2

Sweet

Kayla Eusebio May 7

Kyri Emmons May 4

Evan Nagy May 4

Sage Emerson May 8

Ava Love Cadorin May 11

Kori Abell May 13

Gage Garcia May 1 9

Boston Nicole Donahue May 20

Lou Colombo, Sr. May 27

16

Ricky & Aimee Vance May 7

Preston K. May May 13

Dean Lightner May 14

Cathy Smith May 28

Bill Whaley May 30

6 |

Lillian Gaskins May 2

Judy Hutcherson May 31

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

Happy Anniversary

Sheri & Stefan Palo Patrick & Mindy Wiley May 20 May 4

Celebration Announcements are FREE! Please submit the full name of the person being celebrated, the celebration date and a photo to: admin@merrittislandnow.com

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May

—CALENDAR OF EVENTS—

APRIL 29TH-MAY 1ST:

Platinum Coast Orchid Society 53rd Annual Orchid Show at Kiwanis Island Park Gymnasium (9:00AM to 5:00PM) The show will include lectures, orchid exhibits by amateurs and commercial growers. Admission is $5 and parking is free.

Merritt Island Christian School Graduation at First Baptist Church Merritt Island (7:00PM)

MAY 19TH:

Merritt Island High School Graduation at MIHS (7:00PM)

MAY 21ST:

MAY 7TH:

2nd Annual AIDS Orphans Mud Run at Teen Missions on North Merritt Island (8:00AM to early afternoon) This is a 5K race with 30 challenging obstacles. There also is a two-mile race with 12 obstacles for juniors. Proceeds from this race will provide food, medicine, education and spiritual hope to the 10,000 children receiving care through their ministry. For more information please call (321)453-0350 Register by visiting www.mudrun.teenmissions.org

MAY 7TH:

Cocoa Beach Kidney Walk (check in at 8:30AM, race begins at 10:00AM) Kidney Walk is the nations largest walk to fight kidney disease. The event raises awareness and funds for lifesaving programs. For more information please contact spitard@kidneyfla.org

MAY 8TH:

MAY 13TH:

GRADUATIONS

Mothers Day

MAY 11TH-15TH:

Thunder on Cocoa Beach. Five days of fast boats and parties. For more information visit www.thunderoncocoabeach.com

MAY 14TH:

Annual Blessing of the Fleet in the water off Riverfront Park (10:30AM) This is a three-squadron blessing consisting of the Banana River, Cocoa Beach and Titusville’s Sail and Power Squadrons. All boaters may participate in this event. For more information please contact cdr@cbsps.org

Edgewood Junior/Senior High Graduation at King Center (4:00PM) robotic excavators to mine terrestrial soil in a race against the clock. For more information visit www.Kennedyspacecenter.com

MAY 19TH- 22ND:

1901 Merritt Island Pioneer Home Contents Sale at (8:00AM-2:00PM) This home was the site of a family owned guava jam factory. Contents include old jam presses, vintage music instruments, artwork, porcelain stoves, claw tub, furniture and so much more. Visit www.estatesalesbysoutherntradingcompany.com for the address.

MAY 21ST:

Brevard Rockets High School Ice Hockey Varsity A and B Homecoming Games at Space Coast Iceplex (4:30PM & 6:00PM) Come watch the “coolest” game in town while cheering on players from Merritt Island, Edgewood and other Brevard County High Schools. For more information please email brevardrockets@gmail.com or visit www.brevardrockets.org

MAY 21ST:

The Children’s Hunger Project Fundraiser at Island Lincoln on MI (9:00AM-Mid-afternoon) For every person who just test drives a Lincoln at this event, Lincoln will donate $20 to The Children’s Hunger Project. Must be 18 and one test-drive per household.

MAY 30TH:

MAY 14TH:

Touch a Truck at Wickham Park (10:00AM-2:00PM) Children of all ages can explore a variety of large trucks and heavy equipment up close. For more information please call (321) 255-4400.

MAY 14TH:

Cape Canaveral Public Library 50th Anniversary Celebration (11:00AM-!:00PM) Free event.

MAY 16TH-20TH:

NASA’s 7th Annual Robotic Mining Competition at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Fifty US university teams will compete by operating their

Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island (9:00AM-10:30AM) This ceremony will honor the fallen from all of America’s wars and those who have served. For more info please call (321) 453-1776.

MAY 30TH:

Memorial Day Tribute at Cocoa Village Waterfront Park (6:45PM to 8:00PM) Every year the City of Cocoa takes time to honor the fallen veterans of war with a guest speaker, special flag folding ceremony, 21-gun salute and much more.

Admission is free. For more information please call (321) 639-3500.

Please submit all events on our website: www.MerrittIslandNow.com 8 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

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Community

Great Wooden Bridge was a Concrete Solution to Big Dreams BY DIANA FASANELLA

T

here was gold on Merritt Island.

In the early 1900s, it was “citrus gold,” not mineral gold, that had growers and land developers dreaming about a way to bring progress and prosperity to this picturesque part of Florida known as Indian River country.

Photo: Florida Historical Society

According to the 1900 Florida census, less than 200 hardy souls resided in the Merritt Precinct 14 at the time, most of whom were orange, grapefruit and pineapple farmers. These homesteaders had for decades laboriously hacked out dense, tangled vines; chopped down scrub and cabbage palms; and fought off swarms of mosquitos and native wildlife to till the fertile soil that was perfect for growing their gold.

The Merritt Island-to-Cocoa bridge was officially dedicated July 4, 1917.

As the years passed, the population grew and the demand for Indian River fruit took off. It wasn’t long before growers knew – to easily and economically get their fruit to market – they had to find a better way to connect to the mainland.

But the Island was just that … an island. And, they had made their homes where boats and barges were the only means of egress to transport wares to Cocoa that bustled with hotels, shops, schools, banks, and more importantly, large fruit packing houses.

“It was arranged to immediately submit to the taxpayers of the Island and of the City of Cocoa the question of financing the project, which it is estimated will cost $65,000,” cited one unnamed newspaper article.

President of the Cocoa Board of Trade “Mr. Fiske has been working on the project for months,” the reporter continued.

“The advantages of such a highway connecting Cocoa with the fertile lands of Merritt Island are so many, it is believed there will be little opposition to the voting of the sum named.”

And little opposition there was. In fact, in a Feb. 21, 1916, letter from Brevard County State Bank Attorney Gus C. Edwards to Civil Engineer C.M. Rogers of Daytona, Edwards noted that there was “… a most glorious victory to the tune of 54 to 9. It was a land-slide for the bridge.”

Islanders wanted better access. They wanted a bridge.

Since Indian River country was becoming well-known as one of the most beautiful sections of semi-tropical Florida, visitors also awaited a bridge that would allow them to conveniently cross over to the Island (and eventually to the beach) to explore mysterious shores that beckoned with blue waters, balmy breezes, and stately palm trees.

Photo: Diana Fasanella

“They had to haul the citrus from Courtenay in wagons and carts to the small packing house on the Island (that eventually moved to Cocoa), and then ship it by barge to Jacksonville,” said Rockledge native George “Speedy” Harrell, 89, whose grandfather was a grove caretaker on the Island. “If there was a bridge to Cocoa, the upkeep on the barges would be less.”

George ‘Speedy’ Harrell holds an original water bucket that was hung on the sides of the bridge in case of fire.

So, at a 1913 meeting held at Cocoa Town Hall, the idea of building a Merritt Island-to-Cocoa bridge became a “serious consideration,” according to the Florida Historical Society’s historic newspaper accounts. By 1915, Islanders and the Cocoa Board of Trade held another meeting where it was decided to build the bridge and to “do it now.”

10 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

The plan was put in motion. Rogers was placed under contract and a construction timeline was set for the two-lane, 5,840-foot, “substantial structure.” It was to be built with yellow pine pilings encased in reinforced concrete, heart cypress stringers, and a steel, hand-cranked draw span, complete with a bridge tender’s house. The bridge’s retaining walls would be flanked with coquina rock set in concrete, and “fancy” electric lighting with underground wiring would light up the sidewalks on the Cocoa side.

Rogers scheduled the bridge’s opening for December 1916, but the first public crossing didn’t come to fruition until May the following year. It was officially dedicated July 4, 1917, much to the thrill of everyone on both sides of the Indian River.

“Three turnabouts jutted out along the sides,” Harrell recalled about the bridge that eventually costs taxpayers $75,000.

Community “There were so many fishermen casting lines that my dad made us sit on the side of the car with a window that closed so we wouldn’t get hooked while crossing the bridge.”

Vehicles were held to 15 mph and a sign at the bridge’s entrance advised horseback riders to walk their steeds for fear if they trotted, the movement would cause the bridge to sway.

The rattling of the bridge’s wooden planking as wagons and cars crossed may have seemed scary to some, but to others, it was said that the sound of a lone car crossing late at night was soothing. Unless, of course, local daredevils tested their driving skills, which they did, and raced across the bridge … in reverse.

Harrell said the new bridge brought about many stories, including one about a school of fish that for days would not travel around the bridge’s pilings. And then there was the crossing of some 1,500 panic-stricken cattle in the 1918 historic Merritt Island cattle roundup that resulted in at least one cow plowing through the railing and going overboard.

The cow was rescued, according to Mary Clare Moore’s condensed 1983 article that ran in an early Central Brevard Mosquito Beaters memory book, but the once the cowboys, who just happened to the be the county sheriff and his deputies, lost control of the beasts, they left Cocoa in shambles.

Photo: Florida Historical Society

“There were only about three cars on the Island at that time,” Harrell said about the few Model T’s owned by residents. “My dad knew everyone who had one.”

The morning after the drive was foggy, Harrell said, and one early fisherman, bringing his netted bounty in an open wagon across the bridge, unfortunately discovered that his wagon’s wheels flung the left-behind cattle dung onto his fish.

“I guess he didn’t make much money that day,” Harrell surmised.

The bridge served Islanders and mainland folk alike for a little more than 20 years before it was replaced in 1941 and then again in 1968. And today, nearly 100 years later, it’s safe to say the great 1917 wooden bridge truly did launch the Island’s dreams.

Diana Fasanella is a native Merritt Islander, Huffington Post blogger; and editor and columnist, formerly with Gannett/USA Today newspapers.

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

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Community

Islander of the Month Native Islander Continues Fight to Save Area Waters

BY DIANA FASANELLA

M

Isla n of thder Mo e nth GorAiclex hky

erritt Island resident Alex Gorichky is afraid.

The 36-year-old charter boat captain and owner of Local Line’s Guide Service does not fear losing his business or his friends. He does not fear losing his family, which, for four generations, has enjoyed all that the Island and its surrounding waters have to offer.

Instead, he fears that state and federal officials won’t take action soon enough to save the local lagoons that make Merritt Island, Merritt Island.

“There would be no Merritt Island without the lagoons,” Gorichky said about the natural and manmade contaminations threatening the vast ecosystem of the Indian River, Banana River and Mosquito lagoons. “These waterways are undeniably a major part of who we are. We have got to do something to save them before it’s too late.”

And so, this humble boater, fisherman and father – who tirelessly strives to make sure future generations will be able to experience the wonders of this “national treasure” – became a community activist.

“Being a community activist doesn’t have to be a bad word,” Gorichky said. “As a fishing guide, I have to be an advocate and a voice for our resource that’s at a point of decline.”

Gorichky said the recent fish kills, major loss of seagrass, mangrove trees, and the absence of oysters and clams, are just precursors if state and federal funding isn’t appropriated soon to educate the public and clean up the lagoons.

“We can’t sit by and watch our resource reach rock bottom,” said Gorichky who believes officials should deem the lagoons around Merritt Island a “disaster area” and declare a state of emergency.

“We’ve always known the waterways are pivotal to our economy. They affect our home prices, our recreational resources and our fisheries.”

According to the Florida Oceanographic Society, nearly 1 million people live and work in the Indian River Lagoon region.

It accounts for $300 million in fisheries revenues, which includes a $2.1 billion citrus industry, and generates more than $300 million in boat and marine sales annually.

Gorichky – a sitting board member of Anglers for Conservation whose mission is to create a new generation of coastal stewards through community based education and habitat restoration programs – began his public activism after realizing that most residents are unaware of the lagoon threats, such as the algae superblooms that wiped out thousands of acres of seagrass in 2011.

12 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

Capt. Alex Gorichky and his wife, Beth, work together to raise awareness to save the lagoons.

A brown tide bloom, like those seen this year, also fouled the northern lagoon in 2012, according to St. John’s River Water Management. Some scientists believe an internal shift in nutrients might be the primary mechanism that fuels the blooms.

These shifts are potentially related to excess nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff from fertilizer application; as well as septic tank failures; muck from construction, farming and erosion; and dead plants that find their way to the bottom of the lagoon, preventing growth and consuming vital oxygen essential to marine flora and fauna.

“Because I grew up fishing these waters, I’ve always been in tune with the lagoons,” said Gorichky who shepherds the “No Fill, No Kill” awareness campaign that originally targeted Port Canaveral’s plan to build a cargo train railway across the lagoons.

That plan includes the construction of earthen causeways that Gorichky says would restrict water flow, kill more seagrass, and thus, kill more sea life.

“I’ve always known the issues were there, even as a kid,” he said about the effects earthen causeways have had on the fragile lagoon ecosystem. “Filling those causeways for the bridges was one of the biggest mistakes made. But, with a comprehensive plan to fix the problem and an effective awareness campaign, we can make a difference.”

Contacting elected local and state officials to voice concerns about lack of appropriations for the cleanup is a start, Gorichky said. Restricting contaminated runoff, volunteering to replant mangroves or participating in oyster restoration programs also will help.

“The only way we can allow these bodies of water to heal is to stop the daily abuse of them,” Gorichky said. “Everyone talks about jobs, jobs, jobs, but jobs aren’t going to matter if the lagoons go.

“No one will want to live here.”

For more information, visit No Fill No Kill on Facebook or contact Gorichky at Local Line’s at 321-480-3255.

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 13

Community

Veterans Center Gears Up With ‘Make a Difference’ Campaign BY DIANA FASANELLA

I

Photo: Roger Scruggs www.tvphotog.com

Photo: Roger Scruggs www.tvphotog.com

t’s time to “Make a Difference.”

That’s what the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center’s members and volunteers are out to do with the help of county organizations, residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The center on Merritt Island has recently kicked off its ambitious Make a Difference campaign in hopes of raising $300,000 to supplement the $1.5 million state grant awarded to the non-profit organization last year for expansion of its facility and veteran programs.

While the grant has provided funding for nearly 6,000 square feet of additional space for the center’s military museum and library, and a three-story observation tower, finish items for the new building and memorial plaza, and upgrades to the old facility are still needed.

Expansion Chairman Donn Weaver said the additional funding to be raised with the campaign will go a long way to buy paint for the outside of the old building, new display cases for the museum, and more military artifacts for the memorial plaza, among other things.

“The outside plaza is still growing,” Weaver said about plans to acquire a military Humvee (HMMV M998) utility vehicle used in Iraq, and two more helicopters, one of which – upon approval – will be placed in the adjacent county park playground for children to explore inside. “That’s just one of our goals.”

The center is in partnership with Brevard County, which also has contributed nearly $1 million to the effort by constructing a new 80-acre Veterans Memorial Park complete with jogging/ walking paths, wildlife observation areas, an educational kiosk, a gazebo, a picnic pavilion, and small fishing pier with a canoe and kayak launching area off Sykes Creek.

Strategically placed along the paths will be memorials to military men and women in such groups as women in war, Air Force security personnel or those awarded a Purple Heart. A memorial for law enforcement officers and first responders also is planned.

“We are asking veteran organizations, the Cocoa Beach and

14 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

Melbourne Regional Chambers of Commerce, the Tourist Development Council, private corporations, small businesses, individual donors and others to reach that goal with funds or in-kind services,” Weaver said. “By doing that, we will greatly enhance the old facility and provide quality displays and interactive computer-supported programs, including oral histories of veterans, in our new museum and library.”

For more than 14 years, Weaver said Brevard Veterans Council Chairman Ray Norman of Merritt Island, himself, and other volunteers have looked at ways to expand and improve the dated center. Thanks to the State of Florida Appropriation grant, that dream is now a reality.

Many of Brevard’s 70,000 veterans will pitch in to do the finish work on the building, where thousands of veterans visit to meet and seek assistance through DAV Post 123’s volunteers, and where visitors come to see what veterans have done to make America the great country it is today, Weaver said.

“Now is the time for others who care about veterans and our missions to pitch in as they are able,” he said. “In the end, we will have a very special place for all to learn and, with the new park, to enjoy the outdoors in the company of America’s veterans.”

The center will host a special Memorial Day Ceremony May 30 from 9 until 10:30 a.m. to honor the fallen from all of America’s wars and those who have served, Weaver said. The Merritt Island High School Mustang Band and JROTC cadets also will join special speakers, WWII and other era veterans, Sea Cadets, Boy and Girl Scouts and many others. Chick-fil-A of Merritt Square Mall will provide a lunch as their way to honor veterans.

“This day is set aside to pay honor to those who spent the full measure of devotion and those who risked it,” he said. “It’s a very fitting way to honor those who have fallen in total sacrifice.”

To help fund the effort or contribute with in-kind donations, please send checks to: VMC, Museum Expansion 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32952-3547 www.veteransmemorialcenter.org/ or call the center at 321-453-1776.

Community

The Hope of Spring on the Island

I

often read comments from people who say that Florida really only has one, or maybe two, seasons. While it is true that we can easily see Florida’s seasonal change as insignificant, it is also true that this time of year many changes are taking place that remind us of the new life of the spring season. Change is, of course, a constant in all of our lives. The seasons change, our children grow and change, and our relationships change.

In my personal journey, one of the most traumatic changes in my life was experiencing the sudden death of my father in January, 1997. Losing him so suddenly was very difficult for me, and I was particularly bothered by the fact that life just kept moving on for all the people around me. Life goes on for the living, and those who grieve must adjust and move forward.

As I was working through the grief of losing my father, the seasonal change of movement from winter to spring really helped me to find hope in spite of my loss. Each time I saw new leaves and plants, and blooming flowers, and even those aggravating layers of pollen, I was encouraged by the thought that the future held promise for my life and the life of my family.

I truly believe that these changes in the natural world were instrumental in my capacity to process grief.

As I look back almost 20 years later, I am amazed at what new and exciting chapters of life have opened for me and my wife. We did not have any children in 1997, and now we have two sons, ages 15 and 11, and we have experienced the joys and challenges of parenting. I did not imagine in 1997 that we

e m i t y ll An

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7

Photo: Diana Fasanella

BY STEVE HART

would move to Florida in 2003, and that I would change careers, and have the privilege of serving full time in ministry. I could not have imagined the turns and twists of our lives as I grieved the loss of my father.

I share all of this as an encouragement to you. If you are experiencing a difficult chapter in your life, please remember that life will keep moving, and none of us knows what surprises tomorrow holds. God may have many wonderful things in store for you and your family.

As a person of faith, I hold strongly to the simple principle that regardless of the circumstances I face, two things are always true; circumstances are always subject to change, and I am never alone. These truths keep me going one day at a time.

As we enjoy the subtle changes of spring on Merritt Island, may God bless you with encouragement, hope, and the love of friends and family.

Steve Hart is pastor of Grace United Methodist Church.

He is a second-career pastor, having practiced law for 15 years prior to entering full-time ministry in 2008

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| 15

OPINION Island Views Community

Manatees Bear the Proof of Boat Hazards on Their Backs

M

r. Atkins wrote a very intriguing article (Boaters vs. Manatees Debate Continues Despite Iffy Data – April 2016) about our lagoon waterways and the restrictions placed on our boaters regarding the effort to preserve the manatee.

Based on his research that he noted in the article, he is of the belief that manatee deaths are most likely a result of manatee over population than boat impacts … really? So the boat skags that are found on almost EVERY manatee I have ever seen is not the result of a boat striking a manatee?

This in itself is where Mr. Atkins non-biased/researchedbased opinion falls apart. He manages to not include that simple and obvious fact that manatees have actual proof on their backs that they are still being struck by boats.

It is in my opinion that perhaps the impact from these boats don’t kill the manatee right away, instead it becomes more of a slow death by which the wounds on the manatees inflicted from the boat impacts attempts to heal in our lagoon waters, which, as every Merritt Island resident should know by now, where we have an environmental epidemic taking place on our lagoon system regarding the poor water conditions, resulting in the algae bloom and the fish kill.

Quite the opinionated article.

I hope the next opinionated article published from the Merritt Island Now magazine isn’t about how lagoon system is part of the natural order of things and has nothing to do with man-made interference.

Danny Alonso, 37-year Merritt Island resident Editor’s Note: In the same April 2016 issue, Capt. Alex Gorichky wrote an article (Call to Action: Brown Algae Continues to Threaten Local Lagoons [page 30]) on the current condition of the Indian River, Banana River and Mosquito lagoons. This month, Merritt Island Now has chosen Capt. Gorichky as our Islander of the Month for his activism to raise awareness about the water quality and his efforts to promote cleaning up the lagoons.

For more information about the lagoons, visit itsyourlagoon.org or contact IRL Council Executive Director Dr. Duane De Freese at ddefreese@irlcouncil.org, (321) 313‑076.

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

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| 17

School & Sports

MICS Fine Arts Department Takes Awards at Universal Studios Music Festival BY INGRID HALL

I

t was a clean sweep for the Merritt Island Christian School Elementary Showstoppers and the High School Honors Ensemble as both groups took First Place and Grand Champion awards at the Music USA Festival at Universal Studios recently.

Junior Jacob Cribb also received a first-place trophy in the soloist competition at the event.

This wasn’t the only success of the MICS Fine Arts Program this year. Under the direction of husbandand-wife team Bob and Carolyn Barone, MICS students not only received numerous awards, but were active in several community events. This was the first year at MICS for the Barones, and they didn’t waste any time in putting their experience in the fine arts to work.

The first production of the year, Anchored Through the Arts, featured singing by the elementary students combined with drama performed by the high school Musical Theater class. Spring productions included Suessical Jr., presented by the Elementary Department. After that program, secondary choral students entertained guests with Broadway show tunes sung by the high school chorus, and the Annie Jr. musical was performed by middle school students.

the Suessical Celebration at McClarty Park, Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party, a fundraiser performance for the Walk on Water Ministries, Sister City Showcase, Light Up Merritt Island, and the First Baptist Church Merritt Island Senior Luncheon.

Assistant to the Superintendent Ingrid Hall is presently in her 20th year at Merritt Island Christian School.

The Barones share a lifelong love for the arts, each with more than 23 years of professional experience. At MICS, Bob serves as the MICS Secondary Chorus and Musical Theater teacher.

Carolyn’s responsibilities are directing the MICS elementary music classes and productions, and directing the Elementary Encore and Showstoppers.

Although each are technically assigned to specific departments, there is a lot of team teaching happening. MICS is unique in the fact that grade levels are from preschool through 12th grade. With this in mind, the Barones have brought with them the opportunity to create productions which feature elementary, middle school, and high school students. This approach has been quite effective.

“It has been a great way to teach our style of directing to a larger group, and each level can learn from the others,” Carolyn Barone said. “Elementary students are less inhibited by peer pressure when it comes to performing, and secondary students have more basic knowledge. They can inspire each other with their strengths.”

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Merritt Island Christian School

In addition to winning the top spots at the Music USA Festival, other accomplishments in this year include first place for Showstoppers and Encore in the Merritt Island Holiday Parade.

Superior Ratings at the county Solo and Ensemble competition were awarded to juniors Haley Fust and Nicole Kobobel for solo performances.

140 Magnolia Avenue • Merritt Island, FL

MICS Choral and Musical Theater students also were involved in performances around the community, including

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18 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

For more information contact the Admissions Office at 321-453-2710 ext. 401

School & Sports

DMCA Students Build Robots from Scratch BY ELIZABETH CHITKO

S

elf-driving cars recently made the front cover of Time magazine. A humanoid robot named Robonaut works on the space station’s orbiting laboratory, and Berkley robot specialists are creating crawling robots, based on cockroaches, to scour through debris and ducts of disaster sites.

With Oxford researchers predicting as many as 47 percent of U.S. jobs being automated in the next two decades, these hightech robots give us a vivid example of the road that automation is taking us.

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, as the recipient of 10 learning robots, has the tools and means to hit the ground floor of this rapidly evolving technology. Third graders are building their own robots thanks to the generosity of Dominic Lauretta and Jason Shye and the coordinating efforts of Bill Ross.

Eager to get their hands on their subjects, the third-graders easily assembled the robots under the direction of Don Stacy, the father of one of the students who is working with computer teacher, Sara Wamsley.

Next, students were introduced to Scratch, a graphic programming language and learning tool designed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Serving as a key component to understanding and assimilating the language are lesson plans created

by Code, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science.

Through the lessons, students acquire the working knowledge of architecture, structure and components of a program without getting bogged down in the syntax. By thinking in an orderly logical manner and working through a step-by-step process to create the robots, students gain skills not restricted just to engineering but skills transferrable to any academic or occupational pursuit.

Problem solving and ingenuity are called upon as Noah Lynch points out, “I love working with the robots… you get to race it, and if you don’t win, you can make modifications and fix it.”

For the students at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, it isn’t only about the skills they will need down the road. It is coming up with names for the robots like Jerry, Barry and Hulkbuster and the joy of saying they built a robot.

Elizabeth Chitko has been a librarian and research specialist at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy for 13 years.

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Weekend Masses: Confession, Saturday, 3:30p.m.

Saturday Vigil Mass, 4:30p.m.

Sunday, 8a.m., 9:30a.m., and 11:30a.m.

Weekday Masses: Monday – Friday, 8:30a.m.

Saturday, Communion Service, 8:30a.m.

Divine Mercy Catholic Church and Academy 1940 N. Courtenay Pkwy. • Merritt Island, FL 32953 321.452.5955 • www.DivineMercyChurch.org

MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 19

School & Sports

May 6th International Tuba Day: Hug a Tuba Player BY WANDA LUTHMAN

R

odney Dangerfield might have said, “They get no respect.”

Tubas are big and can hide the player from view. The players are stuck in the back of the band, which results in them sometime being easily overlooked. But, the big, deep Oompa sounds they provide for the band should not be overlooked.

Thus, International Tuba Day is celebrated on the first Friday in May. Founded in 1979 by a high school student and tuba player named Joel Day, Tuba Day is there to help tuba players receive recognition they deserve.

Vance Orr, a senior and tuba player at Merritt Island High School, says, “The tubas we play are in B flat, which is an octave down from trombones and baritones. It’s the tuba that provides the foundation of the band.”

Orr began playing the tuba in 7th grade at Jefferson Middle School. He thought it would be fun, he said. Now, as a senior, he has enjoyed playing the tuba in the MIHS Band so much so that his sights are now set on being part of the University of Florida Gator Band.

“Tubas are not an easy instrument to learn,” Orr said, “They take a lot of practice with your embouchure, or how you position your lips to blow the wind through the instrument.”

In addition, tubas are heavy and have to be carried in the marching band, Orr said.

An orchestra usually has a single tuba, though an additional tuba may be asked for. It serves as the bass of the orchestral brass section and it can reinforce the bass voices of the strings and woodwinds. It provides the bass of brass quintets and choirs (though many small brass ensembles will use the euphonium or bass trombone as the lowest voice). It is the principal bass instrument in concert bands and military bands, and those ensembles generally have two to four tubas. It is also a solo instrument.

Tubas are used in marching bands, drum and bugle corps and in many jazz bands. Wilhelm Friedrich Wieprecht and Johann Gottfried Moritz were granted the tuba patent in 1835.

The valves allow the instrument to play low while still having a complete selection of notes. Another instrument the modern day tuba is patterned from is the serpent, a bass instrument. The sound could be changed by “leaking” air and adjusting the valve length. The tuba can come in a variety of pitches from C or B flat to F or E flat. Typically, the U.S. uses B flat and Europe favors E flat.

“Our tubas are made of metal and weigh 30 to 35 pounds,” he said. “We practice every day for 2½ to 3 hours. You prop the top part of the instrument against your shoulder and carry it.

Many movements are fast when marching. You have to be able to breathe and blow into the tuba.”

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School & Sports

MERRITT ISLAND

Rising Stars

Bryan Fields – 1st Grade

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Audubon Elementary Bryan has gone above and beyond to help the other students in class. He was re-elected as class president and is in charge of planning the weekly agenda. He also is working on an animal and math Power Point presentation with his peers, is willing to help with all classroom jobs, and is respectful to all.

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Alana Bagwell – 4th Grade

Jaide Connor – 8th Grade

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Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School Jaide play trumpet in the school’s band, and is a member of the Drama Club, National Jr. Honor Society and the Cocoa Village Playhouse STARS Program.

Alana is kind, respectful, honest and a good role model to her fellow classmates.

She enjoys math, reading and science.

Outside of school, she like to play soccer, run track and spend time with her family and friends.

Bethany Smith – 5th Grade

Joshua Mack – 6th Grade

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Merritt Island Christian School

Bethany earns straight A’s in all of her classes. She is an avid reader, and also enjoys singing and dancing, and is even a member of a competition dance team.

She is well-liked by her classmates and faculty.

Joshua is a hard-working student. He recently won first place and a gold medal for scoring 85 percent or higher in the Association of Christian Schools International Math Olympics competition. He plays Little League baseball and is consistently on the Principal’s List.

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Feature

YOUNG ISLANDERS STAY TRUE

BY DIANA FASANELLA

What do you want to be when you grow up?

M

ost preadolescence children don’t know the real answer to that question, especially at a tender age of 5 or 6. While others, like Mylinh He, Lou Colombo, and triplets Caitlin, Lindsay and Janell Halbing, say they have always known.

Mylinh, an Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School senior set to graduate at the top of her class, said she has an early “written record” that shows she knew exactly what her lifelong career was going to be.

“I was in first grade (at Audubon Elementary) when I wrote in my diary that I wanted to be a doctor,” said Mylinh, who has gone through the educational system entirely on the Island. “I’ve always been interested in science because my teachers made it interesting.”

As soon as she could read, Mylinh also remembers translating labels on products at the grocery store or instructions on overthe-counter medicines for her parents who had immigrated from Vietnam and China and were not yet fluent in English.

“They let me tag along to interpret,” she said. “Since then, it stuck with me that I wanted to help people by going into medicine.”

“I just want to help people, and doctors have the power to do that.”

— Mylinh He Mylinh, who has been accepted into Yale University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the world, said she’s been preparing for her career by not only maintaining a high grade point average, but also by participating in medicalrelated activities after school.

“I am vice president of my school’s Health Organization Students of America (HOSA) club,” she said about the organization that runs two annual blood drives and participates in HOSA competitions where, at the district levels, Mylinh placed first in research and persuasive speaking for two years.

“Aside from competitions, we also have medical-related field trips like bringing HOSA members to the annual Space Coast Fair to boost emotional support for the elderly from assistance living facilities.”

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

While Mylinh is leaning toward becoming a pediatrician or anesthesiologist, she said she definitely would like to get her M.D. and Ph.D. because she’s undecided about which medical discipline she wants pursue. She also wants the option of combining research with medicine.

“Life is sporadic, it takes you places where you least expect to go sometimes,” she said.

This past summer, Mylinh participated in a seven-week University of Florida independent bio-chemistry research project (studying how salt concentration affects the motion of genes). She was one of 90 outstanding students chosen from 500 applicants nationwide.

“I really liked working in a bio-chemistry lab,” she said. “It really opened my eyes that I might want to go into research.

I’m sure I’ll narrow it down when I get into college.”

Mylinh’s other accomplishments include winning the opportunity last year to fly to Washington D.C. and meet students from all around the world after writing a research paper on her perspectives about global poverty.

“I got ninth place internationally with a paid three-day excursion to D.C. to be honored at the House of Representatives with other fellow students,” she said. “The experience was great! I got to listen to ideas from multiple perspectives and got to see from different cultural points of view.”

Mylinh added that her parents have been a big influence on her decision to go into medicine and have supported and encouraged her to be all that she can be.

“I never thought of myself as gifted,” said Mylinh whose GPA is well above 4.0. “I’m just a normal kid who liked science a lot. I just want to help people, and doctors have the power to do that.”

TO FIRST CAREER DREAMS

Aerial Target Interdiction Training

O

n another side of the career spectrum, Merritt Island High School junior Lou Colombo said he has dreamt about a career in the military since he was very young.

“I’ve studied WWII history since I was 6 years old and have a pretty extensive knowledge about everything WWII,” said Lou whose grandfathers served in the U.S. armed forces – one in the Air Force and other in the Army. “I have a tremendous passion and respect for our military and our country.”

Currently, Lou, 17, is a Petty Officer 2nd Class with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and trains with the Courageous Division two weekends each month. For the past five years with the division, he has undergone boot camp and numerous other trainings sessions such as Master at Arms, Sea Bees, and Coast Guard training. He also attended Petty Officer Leadership Academy, toured nuclear submarines and naval ships, and is certified in advanced scuba diving.

“I really like the Sea Cadets because, to a degree, the structure mirrors what real military life would be like,” Lou said. “Most of our leadership is retired military officers and they teach us a level of honor and integrity that I can’t find in any other youth sport or activity. We rank up based solely on achievement and not on popularity.”

“Everything I’m learning at BAT is preparing me for my dream career.”

While waiting until he can enlist in either the Navy or Coast Guard as a military police officer to serve with a special tactical unit, Lou currently trains and competes in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shooting matches and Steel Challenge shooting matches. IDPA is a handgun-centric shooting sport based on simulated self-defense scenarios.

“I’m looking forward to competing in 3-gun competitions,” Lou said about the multi-gun match designed to enable participants to compete with rifle, pistol and shotgun. “My training with Jeff at BAT Defense has helped so much in improving all my skills.”

Lou, whose sister is currently serving in the Coast Guard, said he loves learning as much as he can about the military and can’t wait to enlist. Until then, he enjoys fishing and hunting with his dad.

“My dream vacation is to backpack in the Rockies for two weeks and live off the land,” he said.

Continued on page 24

Because he is dedicated to training in military standards and procedures with the Sea Cadets, Lou has been recognized by the Military Officers Association of America and has received the Medal of Merit for Outstanding Leadership, and racking up other awards such as Selfless Service, Expert Marksman, Academic Achievement, Color Guard and Community Service.

In addition, Lou currently is a student of BAT Defense, a local tactical firearms training company owned and operated by Jeff Cotto, a former U.S. Special Operations professional.

“I never thought in a million years I’d get to shoot out of a helicopter,” said Lou who is now certified in Aerial Target Interdiction and has training in close quarter battles; tactical shotgun, carbine and handguns; and home defense.

MAY MAY 2016 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 23

Continued from page 23

T

riplets Caitlin, Janell and Lindsay Halbing have been volunteering with the Brevard Zoo Teen Mission since they were 13. Now seniors at Cocoa Beach High School, the Merritt Island residents and International Baccalaureate students are considering careers that all lead back to what they learned while working at the zoo for the past five years.

In seventh grade, Lindsay said she wanted to be a veterinarian, but since working at the zoo, she believes behavioral psychology will be a better way to help people understand the importance of conservation.

“It’s about wildlife conservation, education and participation,” said Janell who is looking forward to furthering her education with a double major in the field of biology and illustration. “I’d like to study botany or plant pathology, maybe something where I can help find a cure for a strange disease through plant bi-products.”

All three girls believe that the Zoo Teen Mission coordinator, Jennifer Lindsay, and their experience at the zoo has helped them to cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship.

At the zoo, Janell said she and her sisters have learned a lot about environmental science that is helpful for conservation.

All three girls are active in programs outside of school that are geared toward reviving the environmentally stressed lagoons that surround Merritt Island.

“Most people don’t see the big picture,” she said. “They only see what’s happening on a microscopic level.”

“The Zoo Teen Mission statement is, ‘Youth serving their community in pursuit of environmental awareness and career exploration,’” Jennifer Lindsay said. “Teen volunteers learn while helping their community, and in turn share the knowledge they’ve gained with others. It really comes full circle, and I hope they see the value in being Zoo Teens because we greatly value everything they do!” or contact CCVC at 321-

Caitlin, the eldest of the triplets, said she remembers seeing a documentary on endangered animals in the second grade.

It left a lasting impression on the young girl, who now has a passion for art and learning how to create emotionally charged ad campaigns that “send a message for conservation.”

“I’d like to be involved in making those public service ads like you see about the horrors of killing elephants for their ivory,” said Caitlin who wants to pursue working on documentaries or for Disney after she gets her masters in fine arts. “Things need to change, and we all have the power to do something about the endangered animals.”

Her sister, Lindsay, who wants to go into behavioral psychology, agrees.

“Most people treat animals better at a face level,” Lindsay said about how she finds it interesting to watch people interact with the animals at the zoo. “If they don’t see what’s happening in person with the endangered animals, though, they don’t seem to care.”

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

Lindsay Halbing educates Brevard Zoo visitors about one of the reptiles housed there.

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 25

Health & Wellness

A Family Affair: Surgical Group Takes the ‘Scary’ Out of Surgery BY DIANA FASANELLA

T

one of the only surgical centers that has all fees included. Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group also has a satellite office in Viera, but only minor surgeries such as skin cancer removals are performed there.

he exposed skin on her face around the mask she wore at her job working with industrial materials was embedded with microscopic, fiberglass-like particles. By the time Tina (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) went for help at Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group on Merritt Island, her chin and cheeks were pitted with non-healing skin ulcerations.

“One of the great benefits of our group is that we have had many of our nurses and staff members for years at the same facility,” Cheryl Venzara said about medical teams who have worked side by side since the facility’s opening in 1986. “Our patients see the same faces from their first appointment through surgery and recovery.”

She was depressed and afraid that the numerous surgeries it would take to free her of the Dr. Robert Bashore, Dr. Frank Venzara and Dan Daniels, P.A. foreign material would disfigure her forever. But luckily, she said she chose the right surgical Shroble added the Merritt Island facility also has a wonderful practice, and soon the group’s doctors and staff members waylaid recovery room that faces the water. her fears.

“It’s a warm, inviting room and a very tranquil setting for “Everyone there was just wonderful,” said Tina, who also had patients when they come out of anesthesia,” she said. “With her son’s protruding ears repositioned after he was being made amenities like this, our highly trained doctors and compassionate fun of at school. “Besides giving me the best treatment possible, staff, what more could you ask for? they listened, heard my concerns, and treated me like family.”

Today, more than 25 years later, the scars on Tina’s face are barely noticeable. She attributes her successful results to the positive energy from longtime staffers who took such good care of her, and of course, Dr. Frank Venzara’s outstanding surgical skills.

For all your cosmetic and reconstructive surgery needs or for more information, contact Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group at 321-452-3882 on Merritt Island or 321-622-8784 in Viera, or visit www.brevardcosmeticsurgerygroup.com on the web.

“I’m so very thankful for all of them,” Tina said.

“They were there for me, and still are.”

With more than 50 years of combined experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Venzara and his colleague, Dr. Robert Bashore, are board certified with the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the elite American Society of Aesthetic Surgeons. They have privileges at Cape Canaveral and Viera hospitals, as well as Wuesthoff Medical Center, said Morgan Shroble, the group’s cosmetic coordinator, who answers patients’ questions and walks them through the procedure’s process.

Frank Venzara M.D. Robert Bashore M.D. Dan Daniels P.A.

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“They are well-respected among their peers, extremely talented, down-to-earth, compassionate, and genuinely concerned for their patients’ well-being and results,” Shroble said about the Venzara and Bashore.

“Along with our highly skilled P.A., Dan Daniels, we’re able to provide full body cosmetic surgical procedures, from breast reconstruction, facelifts, and tummy tucks, to injectables, laser procedures and skin care.”

Cheryl Venzara, office manager, nurse, and Dr. Venzara’s wife since 1979, said that the group’s Merritt Island surgery center, in which all procedures are performed, is a certified, quad-A (American Association of Accreditation Ambulatory) surgical facility, and

26 |

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 27

Health & Wellness

Moms Should Honor Themselves All Year

BY JESSICA STEBBINS

M

otherhood is one of the hardest jobs a woman can accept. A mom is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, often with little sleep and no manual on how to handle the multitude of situations that may arise.

This is why Mother’s Day was established as a national holiday in 1914 to honor one’s mother and the influence she has on her family. Mothers are shown appreciation for all that they do on the second Sunday of May with flowers, breakfast in bed, relaxation, and gifts. Unfortunately the effects often wear off long before summer vacation is over.

For this reason it is important for moms to honor themselves and their needs throughout the year to thrive in their many roles. The following are some ways that moms can do just this.

1. Develop your own interests. I know it is difficult to find the time to do something for yourself when you often have kids in tow or are shuttling them between school and activities, but it is important to take time for yourself. Pick up an old hobby, start a new one, or just make time with friends and socializing. Remember who you were before you were a mom.

2. Stop comparing yourself. It is human nature to compare yourself to others, but do your best to stop doing it! That mom that looks like she has it all together likely has other areas of her life that are suffering because of it. Remember, we all tend

to put only the good out there so what you see on Facebook isn’t the only picture, it is just the one she wants you to see.

3. Stop judging yourself. So you handled a situation less than ideally. We constantly make mistakes, it is the way we grow.

Our children need to see this and know that it is OK. Learn from the mistake, ask for help if you need to, and accept yourself as you are, faults and all.

4. Know you are good enough. We often try to attain a level of perfection that is unrealistic. Knowing that we are falling short of our expectations causes feelings of failure, depression, and anxiety. Know that as long as you are doing your best and meeting the needs of your children, you are likely being a good enough mom, and that is all your kids need!

I wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day and a wonderful rest of your year!

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Jessica Stebbins is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Brevard Family Wellness Center in Merritt Island.

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Health & Wellness

Do you suffer from Eye Fatigue? BY DR. FRANK X. VENZARA III

A

Exposure to bright light or straining in dim light often can cause eye fatigue especially with computer screens, smart phones, and video games. These digital devices are linked to eye fatigue because of a tendency to blink less often when staring at a computer screen. People usually blink about 18 times a minute. This naturally refreshes the eyes. But studies suggest that people only blink about half as often while using a computer or other digital device.

The average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer either in the office or working from home. Eye fatigue or eye strain affects about 50 to 90 percent of computer workers.

Some estimates say computer-related eye symptoms may be responsible for up to 10 million primary care eye examinations each year.

Prevention of Eye Fatigue Eye fatigue is rarely a serious or permanent condition. It can usually be prevented or reduced by making changes in your work habits or your environment. Here are some prevention tips from organizations such as the National Eye Institute and the American Optometric Association:

• Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry.

• To help prevent dry eyes while working indoors, use an air cleaner to filter dust and a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Photo: Mish Sukharev CC flickr.jpg

fter extended and intense periods of driving, reading, writing, computer use or use of digital handheld devices, you can experience uncomfortable symptoms such as dry or watery eyes, blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, increased sensitivity to light, or sore, itchy, or irritated eyes.

If eye fatigue persists despite these simple interventions, make an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to ensure that your glasses or contact lens prescription is up to date and adequate for computer use.

Your eye fatigue may be related to an underlying condition such as an eye muscle imbalance, or it may be due to a need for glasses or a change in your present eyeglass prescription. Occupational glasses may be needed for some people. A single or bifocal lens, or tinted lens material, may help increase contrast perception and filter out glare and reflective light to reduce symptoms of eye strain.

Fortunately, eye strain doesn’t cause any permanent damage to your eyes and in many cases a few small adjustments in work habits and environment can greatly relieve symptoms.

Dr. Frank Venzara III is a Vitreoretinal surgeon and the founder of Florida Retina Specialists, in Merritt Island, a place he has called home his entire life.

We treat you like family

Make changes to your computer screen, such as: • Place the screen 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes and a little below eye level.

• Regularly clean off dust and fingerprints from the screen.

Smudges on the screen can reduce contrast and increase problems with glare and reflections.

• Choose screens that tilt and swivel.

• Consider using a glare filter over your screen.

Make changes to your work environment, such as: • Change lighting to reduce glare and harsh reflections.

• Use an adjustable chair.

• Place a document holder next to your computer screen.

Make changes to your work habits, such as: • Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

• Post a note that says “Blink” on the computer as a reminder or use artificial tears regularly.

• Take regular breaks from computer work.

Take care of your eyes with these steps: • Apply a washcloth soaked in warm water to tired, dry eyes (with eyes closed).

Dr. Frank X. Venzara III, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist

We specialize in treating: ◆ Retinal Tears & Detachments ◆ Macular Degeneration ◆ Floaters and Flashes ◆ Diabetic Retinopathy ◆ Macular Holes Read what patients have to say about Dr. Venzara at

FloridaRetinaSpecialists.com Main office in Merritt Island

321-735-8800

280 N Sykes Creek Pkwy, Suite B • Merritt Island, FL 32953 Also seeing patients in: Titusville, Sebastian, Viera (coming soon) MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 29

Lifestyle

Summer’s Creeping Up So Be Ready for Giant Beach Tarpon

BY CAPT. ALEX GORICHKY

S

ummer is right around the corner and spring is fading fast.

The end of this month will see an end to the school year for our young Islanders, so let’s get them out to enjoy this amazing area and its many diverse eco-systems. We are a lucky bunch.

One could start a morning hiking some amazing trails and be jumping a 100-pound tarpon hours later.

Or kick off your day tackling Mahi offshore and finish it catching a mess of bluegills or bass as the sun sets.

With fresh water, saltwater lagoons, the mighty Atlantic Ocean, swamps, springs, flowing fresh water rivers, and so much more are within hours of our homes. It’s truly a paradise.

Sadly, paradise can be lost, and we must become active. By taking the time to explore, understand, experience, and enjoy these amazing products of nature. We can finally appreciate them enough to save them!

With fingers crossed, we will have a banner May in the Atlantic. Shake off those brown lagoon blues and bend some rods. Nearshore and offshore waters should be teaming with hungry predators ready to crush baits or lures. May will typically see the yearly push of giant beach tarpon start off. Some (cooler) years it’s a bit late, but it’s been warm, so be ready.

May will typically see the yearly push of giant beach tarpon start off. Some (cooler) years it’s a bit late, but it’s been warm, so be ready.

Large plugs, live pogies, and large live mullet will get inhaled by the 80 to 150-pound fish. Find the tarpon by locating schools of Menhaden (pogies) or rolling fish. Slowly get within range and get offerings in front of your targets. Slow trolling live baits around bait pods with tarpon in the area will not only allow you

30 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

to hook said tarpon, but also get you a mixed bag of everything that swims and eats fish in our ocean. Great fun fishing! Be sure to always keep an eye out for cobia and tripletail, both can pop up without notice at any time. Cobia have a habit of siting right in or on top of bait dense bait pods so be sure to drop a cast or to around any and all nice sized pods.

Many people will head east in search of Mahi that swing by in the spring. Yes, trolled ballyhoo with colorful skirts can produce, and sure you’ll catch a ton on lures or plugs. I tend to enjoy a little different method utilizing the abundant pogie. Load the livewell and head east. Find your typical happy Mahi place like color changes, rips, weed lines, or debris and “live chum”.

Start by having some nice hefty spinning rods rigged for this angry and sometimes massive hard fighting fish. Free line out a few live ones then really get to work. Cut a few chunks and send them over the side at a super slow pace, add in a couple three live ones over the side every so often and get ready to do battle. After 20(ish) minutes if fish do not show, move on to fishier places.

Be sure to send at least one hooked bait down deep and rig it for teeth. Wahoo often lurk low under active “structure”.

Capt. Alex Gorichky is a lifelong Merritt Island resident and owner/operator of LocalLinesCharters.com

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| 31

Lifestyle

Keep Boats in Tip Top Shape with Scheduled Maintenance

BY KRISTOPHER MACDONALD

I

n the marine services business, corrosion stinks!

There are many ways to prevent saltwater from causing unnecessary expenses to boats and trailers. Flushing your motor after every use and running it about 30 minutes with fresh water monthly helps with fuel systems and keeps thing flowing. Also, spray your trailer with fresh water after use to keep things rolling.

Routine services on your motor every 100 hours or annually, whichever comes first, is a not only asked for by manufacturers, but a good maintenance rule. Non-ethanol fuel may be a little more per gallon, but using it consistently will be less costly to your motor in the long term. Routine service is not work done to a motor with an issue.

Standard services should be done every 100 hours or annually.

This includes lubrication of all lubrication points; changing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter; inspecting and cleaning spark plugs; applying a thin coat of anti-seize on the threads prior to installation; checking the low pressure fuel filter for contaminants and replacing as needed. Also replace the high pressure fuel filter as needed. Check the corrosion control anodes; drain and replace the gear-case lubricant; lubricate the driveshaft splines; check the power trim fluid; and check power steering fluid when applicable.

Premium services are done every 300 hours or every two to three years. This service includes lubricating all lubrication

points; changing the engine oil and replace the oil filter; inspecting and cleaning spark plugs and replace as necessary.

Apply a thin coat of anti-seize on the threads prior to installation; inspect the T-stat for corrosion or broken spring (T-stat should close completely at room temp); check the low pressure fuel filter for contaminants and replace as needed.

Replace the high pressure fuel filter as needed; check engine timing setup; check the corrosion control anodes; drain and replace the gear-case lubricant; lubricate the driveshaft splines; and replace the water pump impeller as requested or needed.

Also, check control cable adjustment where applicable; replace oil drain seals; inspect the timing belt; inspect the battery, cables and terminals (where applicable); check the power trim fluid; and check power steering fluid. Outlined services vary due to total hours of motors and may be limited to items due to motor and requests of owners.

Kristopher MacDonald is a certified master mechanic and owner of Marine One for 15 years. He has lived on Merritt Island for 25 years.

For more information or your boat’s manufacturer schedule maintenance, contact your local marine specialist.

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Lifestyle

Birds as Pets: There’s No Winging It BY DR. ELIZABETH CHOSA

Island Adopt a Pet

I

f you have ever interacted with a parrot, you know how captivating and beautiful exotic birds can be.

They are intelligent, sociable, and interesting companions.

They can, therefore, be a wonderful addition to a caring family.

The most important thing to know is that birds are complex creatures and each species has unique needs. Proper husbandry necessitates not only an adequate cage, but also a fresh food supply, plenty of family interaction, and environmental enrichment.

Good nutrition is essential to keeping a bird healthy and comfortable! Seeds should be viewed as a treat and not be the primary source of nutrients. Each species is different, but fresh foods like fruits, vegetables and grains must be offered in addition to high quality pelleted food.

A bird’s cage should be viewed more as a bedroom than its only habitat. It must be large enough to allow the bird to spread its wings and fan its tail feathers. It should also contain perches and toys to enable exercise and play. Birds need things to chew, shred, or preen, and interactive toys to provide intellectual stimulation.

Ricky #ID30838228 Photo: Diana Fasanella

Unfortunately, many people choose to bring birds home without realizing how much effort and commitment are required to live in harmony with them.

Bird rescue organizations are overflowing with beautiful birds in desperate need of good homes. Many bird species can live for decades; too often they are surrendered after a few months or years, when families tire of noisy, messy birds whose needs have been underestimated from the beginning.

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Birds also need plenty of time to interact with family members and explore their environment. Just like a bird in the wild needs to leave its nest or perch, a pet bird needs time out of its cage.

Birds also need consistent mental stimulation and interaction with the people around them. They are highly intelligent and if not frequently challenged, can develop behavioral problems including self-destructive habits. They are usually easy to train but might also learn things you didn’t mean to teach them. Some birds never speak but others pick up seemingly random words and phrases; they may say things that surprise you!

As with all living creatures, the physical and behavioral needs of birds must be recognized and appreciated. For the person with enough time, energy and dedication, a bird can be a wonderfully fun, long-term companion!

Dr. Elizabeth Chosa is the owner of Courtenay Animal Hospital. She has been a practicing veterinarian since 2005, first on active duty in the U.S. Army and here on Merritt Island since 2010.

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 33

Lifestyle

How to Avoid the Remodel Hangovers

BY TERRI PENTZ

H

ome remodel shows have been steadily growing in popularity. In fact, HGTV was one of only three cable networks in the top 10 to experience a ratings growth in 2015.

However, the truth behind these shows is sometimes lost amidst the importance of selling “good TV”.

The truth is that a home renovation project approached with common sense and realistic expectations can bring absolute joy into the life of the homeowners. Here are some of the most important things to consider when planning that dream makeover of your own.

A REALISTIC BUDGET – WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU? There are very few people who can ignore the importance of staying within realistic budget constraints. One way to stay on budget during your renovation project is to decide what is truly most important to you. Of course you will want all aspects of the project to meet your expectations, but what are those specific details that absolutely must be met?

Are you a home-chef enthusiast? Maybe a tradeoff in flooring costs in exchange for high-end kitchen appliances makes sense.

Maybe environmentally friendly, or American Made products are a must. A simple, but effective, practice is to make an itemized list of each item. Make this list easily accessible and visible so as to keep it fresh in your mind. This will make the overall budget a real number vs. a perceived value.

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL – WHY IT IS IMPORTANT Everyone dreams of owning their own home so an emotional attachment is only natural. But it may be this attachment that is not allowing you to approach a renovation project with objectivity. Hiring a professional will help you with the important factors of layout, flow, and space planning. The personal attachment we have to our home may make tough decisions seem impossible. If it is between an emotional choice and the choice that is ultimately better for your living space; a professional will ease the stress.

34 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Although your professional designer will do all they can to mitigate the stress of a home renovation, it is best if you approach the project with the realization that things will happen outside of anyone’s control. You should expect your team of professionals to work hard for you but a true understanding of scheduling should be a priority before the project even begins.

ENJOY THE OUTCOME Studies vary on what makes us happy, but a consistent variable in any study on happiness is our reliance on social interactions.

Take the chance to show off your new living space with those closest to you. You will find that watching other people appreciate and enjoy this dream come true will be your ultimate reward.

Joe Flint, HGTV, Fox News Among Only Top Cable Networks to Boost Ratings This Year, http://www.wsj.com/articles/hgtv-fox-news-amongonly-top-cable-networks-to-boost-ratings-this-year-1450466006 (March 2, 2016) Terri Pentz is an interior designer at Island Paint & Decorating on Merritt Island. She has collaborated with many clients and professionals on all aspects of design projects.

Lifestyle

Guilt-Free Apple Pie Contributed by A-Live & Healthy Cafe This is a no-bake raw apple pie.

The recipe fills a 9 x 13 glass pan and serves 12.

Pie Crust 1 cup Brazil nuts 1 cup walnuts 2 cups sunflower seeds 12 dates (add more or less to your taste) Grind sunflower seeds in food processor until fine like rice. Repeat with Brazil nuts and walnuts, separately. Pulse ground sunflower seeds and dates, (six at a time) in food processor. Add Brazil nuts and walnuts to sunflower seed, date mixture and pulse together until sticky. Press pie crust into pie pan, including sides

Apple Pie Filling 10 apples (pulse chop in food processor until rice like, then process 1 cup into sauce at the end) 1/2 cup raisins or dried cherries 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (dry) 1 tsp lemon juice

Wash and core apples. Pulse chop in food processor to fine consistency, blend 1 cup into apple sauce. Squeeze in lemon, blend with apple sauce.

Mix in raisins and walnuts.

Fill pie crust and allow to set up for 30 minutes or more.

Pie topping/cashew cream 1 cup cashews 1/3 cup water (more if needed) 1 tbsp agave nectar Blend cashews and water in blender until smooth.

Add agave to sweeten to your taste. Blend and serve a dollop on top of your pie.

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 35

MERRITT ISLAND

Dining Guide RESTAURANT

Casual & Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS See Our A-Live and Healthy Cafe 321-338-2926 Vegan no yes Fri clsd Sun none AD on Page 35 85 E. Merritt Avenue (Next to Home Depot) and Mon Alfredo’s Paradiso 321-453-6119 Italian no yes yes no beer, wine 217 Crockett Blvd.

Applebee’s 321-455-9898 American no yes yes yes full bar 100 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy.

Bagel World Victoria Square 321-452-0737 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Bagel World & Deli 321-452-3007 Bagel/Sandwich Shop yes yes no yes none 137 N. Banana River Drive Basil Pizza & Pasta 321-338-4333 Italian no yes yes no beer, wine 727 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Beef ‘O’Brady’s 321-455-6665 Gamee American no yes yes yes full bar Tim 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Favorite See Our Bizzarro’s 321-453-2610 Italian no yes yes yes beer, wine AD on Pa ge 7 325 E. Merritt Island Causeway Seafood no Sat only yes yes full bar Bonefish Grill 321-453-3011 795 E. Merritt Island Causeway Bruno’s Pizzeria 321-453-7200 Italian no yes yes yes none 117 W. Merritt Ave. Carrabba’s Italian Grill 321-453-7045 Italian no yes yes yes full bar 60 Palmetto Ave. Causeway Diner 321-454-9898 Family Diner yes yes Thr/ Fri yes none 3712 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Chilli’s Grill & Bar 321-454-4738 American no yes yes yes full bar 530 E. Merritt Island Causeway Cozy Corner Café 321-452-0305 Family Diner yes yes no yes none 2425 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Debbie’s Diner 321-459-3209 Family Diner yes yes no no none 118 E. Merritt Island Cswy.

El Tucan 321-453-7501 Mexican no yes yes no full bar 225 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy. e Our Firehouse Subs 321-449-8818 Se Sandwiches no yes yes yes none AD on Page 37 125 Merritt Island Cswy.

Gina’s Café & Deli 321-452-8828 Café & Deli yes yes no no none 135 S. Courtenay Pkwy.

Hayes Meats & Gourmet Foods 321-453-3550 Café & Deli no yes yes until 6pm no beer, wine 285 Fortenberry Road Hokkaido Japanese Steakhouse 321-452-8288 Japanese no yes yes yes beer, wine 125 E. Merritt Island Causeway Hooter’s 321-449-0752 American no yes yes yes full bar 125 N. Sykes Creek Pkwy.

Ichiban Buffet 321-453-1117 Asian American Buffet no yes yes yes none 735 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

See Our AD on Island Gecko Grill 321-301-4479 American yes yes no yes none Page 17 773 N. Courtenay Pkwy. e Our Island Waterfront Bar & Grill 321-806-3661 Se Seafood no yes yes yes full bar AD on Page 37 1891 E. Merritt Island Cswy Kelsey’s Pizzeria 321-735-4810 Italian no yes yes yes beer, wine 1850 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

LongHorn’s Steakhouse 321-456-5559 American no yes yes yes full bar 770 E. Merritt Island Causeway e Our Mi Island Restaurant 321-301-44208 Se Fusion yes yes Thr/Fri/Sat no pending AD on Page 25 2137 N. Courtenay Pkwy.

Molly’s Seafood 321-453-1288 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 1580 East Merritt Island Causeway Mrs. Apples Crab Shack 321-459-3759 Seafood no yes yes clsd Sun none 580 West Merritt Island Causeway & Mon Nauticals Spirits 321-452-5090 Seafood no yes yes yes full bar 2700 Harbortown Drive

36 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

RESTAURANT

CUISINE

Olive Garden 321-459-0306 205 East Merritt Island Causeway Outback 321-454-4450 777 Merritt Island Causeway Pacific Rim 321-305-4902 300 North Courtenay Parkway Pizza Company 321-455-6515 868 North Banana River Drive Popz Redbones 321-877-2130 2137 North Courtenay Pkwy.

Red Lobster 321-453-3520 215 East Merritt Island Causeway Ruby Tuesdays 321-453-6340 777 East Merritt Causeway Shuttles 321-305-4143 6100 North Courtenay Parkway Sonny’s 321-449-9102 310 North Courtenay Parkway Sumo Monkey 321-453-3123 925 North Courtenay Parkway The Donut Shop 321-459-1074 480 North Courtenay Pkwy Tijuana Flats 321-453-1881 76 East Merritt Island Csway Umpa’s Diner 321-454-3422 1115 North Courtenay Pkway Victoria’s Family Restaurant 321-459-1656 370 North Courtenay Pkwy Wabi Sabi 321-452-0507 455 North Courtenay Pkwy

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS

Italian

no

yes

yes

yes

full bar

American

no

yes

yes

yes

full bar

Sushi

no

yes

yes

yes

beer, wine

Italian

no

yes

yes

yes

none

Barbecue/American

no

yes

yes

Seafood

no

yes

yes

yes

full bar

American

no

yes

yes

yes

full bar

American

no

yes

yes

no

beer, wine

BBQ

no

yes

yes

yes

beer, wine

Thai

no

yes

yes

no

wine

Breakfast

yes

yes

no

yes

none

Mexican

no

yes

yes

yes

beer, wine

Family Diner

yes

yes

no

yes

none

Greek/American Thr, Fri only Sushi

yes

yes

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Business & Real Estate

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A Guide on the Road to Retirement

BY TERRY COAPSTICK

T

on your overall objectives, a professional can provide education, identify strategies for taking control of many financial situations, and help you consider options that could have a substantial effect on your long-term financial situation.

he title of the Beatles’ song “The Long and Winding Road” could apply to the journey toward a comfortable retirement. For those who have the foresight to start preparing in their 20s, the journey could take 40 years or more. Even those who procrastinate might have 20 or 30 years to prepare.

No matter how long the road, there are sure to be plenty of winding turns along the way. A survey conducted after the 2008-09 recession found that nine out of 10 people aged 50 to 70 had experienced at least one “derailer” that knocked them off the track to retirement. Although the broader economy played a part, many challenges were more personal, such as starting late, balancing college and retirement savings, and experiencing a traumatic event.¹

WHERE DO YOU TURN FOR ADVICE? A recent industry study found that 17 percent of retirement plan participants did not seek any retirement advice at all. The most common source of advice — cited by 29 percent of plan participants — was the official information provided by their retirement plan providers.2 This may be a good place to start, but such information is typically broad and impersonal, aimed at the group rather than tailored to individual circumstances.

There also is a seemingly endless stream of information available online. Some of it can be useful, too, but you have to be careful when listening to self-appointed “experts” who may or may not have the appropriate experience for the opinions they express. And online information also is aimed at the crowd.

1) BusinessInsider.com, May 16, 2013 (most current data available) 2) ThinkAdvisor.com, July 23, 2015 3) Insured Retirement Institute, April 13, 2015

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security Copyright 2016 Emerald Connect, LLC.

Terry Coapstick is a 42-year Merritt Island resident and registered principal of Capital Choice Financial Group, as well as a Dave Ramsey ELP for Investing.

Financial Planning is for Everyone at ANY Income Level “I’ve Been Serving Merritt Island Families since 1990”

So where do people turn for more personal advice? The study revealed a clear generational divide. Younger Americans tend to ask family, friends, and colleagues, but older Americans who are closer to retirement or already retired are more likely to work with a financial professional (see chart).

Terry R. Coapstick

On one level, it makes sense that younger people might turn to those they already trust rather than establish a new relationship with a financial professional. But considering the long road ahead, it might be just as important to take advantage of professional insight earlier in one’s career. In a survey of baby boomers, 86 percent who worked with a financial advisor said they were better prepared for retirement because of the help they received.3 Even if retirement is still in the distance, why not take a tip from the boomers and establish a solid, well-considered foundation now, so that you can progress more confidently toward your long-term goals? If you’re closer to retirement or already there, you may have an even more immediate need for guidance.

www.CoapstickFinancial.com

Of course, there is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results. But by focusing

38 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

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Business & Real Estate

Selling Your Home; What Makes Sense for You

BY CHERYL D’CRUZ

S

elling a home and moving is considered to be one of the most stressful events some people face in a lifetime. For most Americans their home can be their biggest asset and the proceeds from this sale can have a direct bearing on their next home purchase.

Most people don’t have the time, knowledge and experience to sell their home themselves. So they list with a real estate company and leave it to the professionals.

Then there is the experienced seller who has been down this road several times and has the understanding and resources to handle the sale from beginning to end with minimal risk. They get to enjoy the saving of a real estate commission.

But what about the inexperienced seller who wants to take a try at selling “For Sale By Owner” to save the commission? How hard can it be, right? There are so many things to know when selling your own home. The list is extensive. Below are just a few of the questions you need to be able to answer to have a chance at a successful home sale.

• How do I correctly determine the current market value of my home?

• Where can I advertise my home and get serious buyers attention?

• How do I prepare my home to show?

• When is it safe to show my home?

• Where do I get a real estate contract and how do I fill it out so that I am protected?

• How much of a deposit do I ask for?

• Who pays what closing costs?

• How do I know if the buyer can really buy the house?

This list just scratches the surface. As you can see these are some very serious questions. If you are comfortable doing the research, learning the process and negotiating the transaction, selling your home yourself can save several thousand dollars in commission. If you feel the risk is too big or you just don’t want to deal with the details, list with a real estate agent. The point of this article is not to tell you how to sell your home; it’s to give sellers a small glimpse of the home selling process. No matter which way you go, have a safe and successful move!

Cheryl D’Cruz is a “Million Dollar” producer with ReMax. A mother of five, she has been in the customer service field for more than 15 years.

Thinking of selling your home “For Sale By Owner”?

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Helpful Tips Selling Your Home For More Mistakes to Avoid Home Selling Process

Call: Cheryl D’Cruz 321.338.7841 Stacy Matlock 321.544.5235

www.HappyHouseHunting.com MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 39

Business & Real Estate ADDRESS 1495 Newfound Harbor Drive 130 Barbados Drive 245 Bimini Drive 260 S Bel Aire Drive 520 Bella Capri Drive 830 Richland Avenue 185 Catalina Isle Drive 200 Catalina Isle Drive 300 Montego Bay Court 275 Montego Bay Court 300 Mikado Drive 395 Mauna Loa Court 1050 New Hampton Way 4575 Annette Court 400 Dove Trail Boulevard 4340 Horseshoe Bend 641 Heather Stone Drive 1465 Sykes Creek Drive 285 Diana Boulevard 1495 Mars Street 2130 Garnet Court 310 Duet Avenue 340 Mirandy Avenue 1735 N Merrimac Drive 1725 N Merrimac Drive 3960 Wild Pine Lane 1600 Glen Haven Drive 505 Needle Boulevard 1780 Harbor Oaks Place 520 Hidden Creek Drive 532 Hidden Hollow Drive 625 Parkside Avenue 320 Island Beach Boulevard 5595 Eagle Way 415 Oxford Avenue 510 Palm Avenue 1560 Island Drive 2084 S Courtenay Parkway 240 Meadowbrook Avenue 5965 S Tropical Trail 500 Lucas Place 315 Northgrove Drive 740 Carriage Lane 920 Maple Ridge Drive 2600 Raintree Lake Circle 2718 Trails At Hidden 2797 Trails At Hidden 3310 Horse Trail Court 270 Marlin Drive 1260 Shady Lane 1160 Shady Lane 1660 N Banana River Drive 1220 Robin Drive 3635 Savannahs Trail 1240 Tropical Cove Drive 248 Ovidio Court 1257 Lenora Drive 3241 Biscayne Drive 3732 Sunward Drive 615 Limerick Drive 950 Date Avenue 1315 Fiddler Avenue 1305 Mackeral Avenue 1560 Bream Street 1550 Monte Carlo Court 1135 Two Oaks Boulevard 1970 Sykes Creek Drive 1815 Sandbar Drive

40 |

Merritt Island Homes Sold In March SUBDIVISION Banana River Drive Belaire Belaire Belaire Bella Capri Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Catalina Isle Estates Citrus River Groves Citrus River Groves Citrus River Ranches Copperfield Diana Shores Diana Shores Diana Shores Fairfax Garden Park Garden Park Gateway Gateway Georgiana Woods Glen Haven Hampton Homes Harbor Oaks Hidden Creek Hidden Hollow Indian River Village Island Beach Kings Park Lucas Terrace Merritt Ridge Newfound Harbor None None None None North Grove Plantation Plantation Raintree-by-the-Lake River Grove on the Trail River Grove on the Trail River Oaks Plantation Rivers Edge Estates Riverside Landing Riverside Landing Riviera Isles Robin Lee Savannahs Phase Two South Tropical Cove Summers Creek Sunny Acres Sunset Groves Sunset Lakes Sunset Lakes Surfland Palms Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Surfside Estates Two Oaks Villa DePalmas Waterway Manor

BDRMS

BATHS

5 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 6 3 3 3 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 3 5 3 4 5 4 4 3 4 3 3 5 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 3

5.5 2 2 2 2 2.5 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 2.5 2 2.5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 2.5 2 2 1 1 3 2.5 3 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2.5 3 3

LVG SQ FT POOL 5176 1,393 1,393 1,768 2,208 1,376 2,028 1,210 1,568 1,704 1,188 1,844 1,759 2,469 2,009 1,659 1,926 2,145 1,704 1,659 1,316 1,813 1,431 1,610 1,297 2,508 1,673 1,351 2,182 2,856 2,694 1,391 2,511 1,764 1,436 861 980 2,515 1,127 3,367 2,885 2,267 2,745 3,024 1,440 2,883 3,530 3,430 1,917 2,756 2,141 2,032 814 2,306 1,958 4,026 1,576 2,838 2,712 1,654 1,204 1,120 1,538 1,668 1,800 2,228 2,444 1,687

Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes No Yes No No No No Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes

WTRFRNT newfound harbor no no no no no no no canal canal no canal sykes creek no no no no sykes creek canal no no no no no no no no canal no no no no no no no no no newfound harbor no banana river no no no no no no no lake/pond no no no canal no lake/pond no no no no lake/pond lake/pond no canal no canal canal indian river sykes creek no

YR BUILT SOLD PRICE 1990 1962 1963 1963 1982 1964 1963 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1973 1985 1978 1981 1994 1988 1967 1978 1967 1963 1963 1967 1977 1990 1961 1963 1987 1988 1988 1980 1964 1985 1968 1959 1961 1984 1975 1984 1979 1997 2003 2002 1984 2002 2002 1989 1964 2001 1984 1968 1952 1999 1992 2005 1955 1998 1999 2001 1963 1962 1964 1966 1969 1984 1998 1967

*Public records sales • data www.MerrittIslandNow.com MAYprovided 2016 by Cheryl D’Cruz of Matlock-D’Cruz (see ad on previous page)

$827,000.00 $179,900.00 $123,000.00 $162,450.00 $242,600.00 $107,500.00 $171,000.00 $149,000.00 $339,000.00 $255,000.00 $165,000.00 $314,000.00 $280,000.00 $224,000.00 $227,000.00 $218,250.00 $235,000.00 $475,000.00 $404,000.00 $219,000.00 $178,000.00 $162,900.00 $160,000.00 $195,000.00 $138,000.00 $375,000.00 $140,000.00 $253,000.00 $255,000.00 $287,000.00 $310,000.00 $101,098.00 $221,000.00 $129,879.00 $124,900.00 $63,000.00 $97,500.00 $388,000.00 $136,000.00 $735,000.00 $210,000.00 $308,000.00 $485,000.00 $489,900.00 $162,000.00 $425,000.00 $421,900.00 $387,500.00 $181,000.00 $319,000.00 $289,000.00 $329,900.00 $87,000.00 $317,500.00 $275,000.00 $375,000.00 $165,000.00 $340,000.00 $360,000.00 $236,000.00 $75,000.00 $180,000.00 $125,690.00 $175,000.00 $285,000.00 $275,000.00 $550,000.00 $174,000.00

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MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com

| 41

Business & Real Estate

Proper Planning a Must in Florida Landscape

BY ERIC MARLOWE

F

lorida landscapes can be tricky because it is imperative to know where the correct placement of plants is in a landscape. The combination of the majority of our population originally being from somewhere else, with the fact that the Florida weather allows us to grow many tropical and non-native species can lead to landscape problems simply by choosing a plant for the wrong area of a landscape.

Many factors must be considered. For example, live oak trees, or even several live oak trees found planted between sidewalks and roadways of many new neighborhoods. Palm trees planted under the soffit of new homes, or hardwood trees planted on top of, or near, septic system drain fields. Considerations for choosing plants and their location must always include the size requirements of a species once it reaches maturity, both above and below ground level.

You must also consider shade vs. full-sun areas. Different species of shrubs and even turf often have varying light requirements.

Also depending on what you are planting, you may consider amending the soil if your species would benefit from it. This is particularly true in new construction areas where the soil has poor drainage and little to no nutrient value.

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42 |

www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

VOL. 2 •

ISSUE 2

• APRIL •

2016

To avoid such landscaping problems, a homeowner must ask a few questions. What exactly is this species? What are the soil requirements? How big will it get, and can it be maintained in this location? A simple Google search can aid in much information about a species, however common names of plants can be confusing. Therefore, always try to identify the botanical name of a plant to find accurate information on it.

The goal should always be the longevity of a landscape to enjoy it as it matures in the years to come. If properly planned, renovating your landscape can be done once and will last many, many years. Take advantage of Florida’s long growing season, and when in doubt, always consult a landscape professional in your area.

Eric Marlowe is a long-time Merritt Island resident, award-winning landscape contractor and owner of Marlowe Landscaping for the past 17 years. He is an active member in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

MERRITT ISLAND AREA CONTACTS — STATE GOVERNMENT — Governor Rick Scott..............................................................(850) 488-7146 Senator Thad Altman............................................................ (321) 868-2132 Representative Steve Crisafulli..............................................(321) 449-5111

BREVARD COUNTY GOV’T ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS Commissioner Robin Fisher - District 1..................................(321) 264-6750 Commissioner Jim Barfield - District 2 (MI)........................... (321) 454-6601 Commissioner Trudie Infanini - District 3............................. (321) 952-6300 Commissioner Curt Smith - District 4....................................(321) 633-2040 Commissioner Andy Anerson - District 5................................(321) 253-6611

— SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS — Dr. Desmond Blackburn........................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 402 School Board Ms. Misty Belford - District 1..................................................(321) 591-9387 Mr. John Craig (MI) - District 2...............................................(321) 271-9705 Ms. Amy Kneessy - District 3................................................ (321) 779-5034 Ms. Karen Henderson - District 4.......................................... (321) 631-5905 Mr. Andy Ziegler - District 5...................................................(321) 821-0510

— BREVARD COUNTY GOVERNMENT RESOURCES — Animal Control......................................................................(321) 633-2024 Building, Permits, Business Licenses....................................(321) 633-2072 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals)...................................... (321) 637-5437 Environmental Health........................................................... (321) 633-2100 Jury Phone............................................................................(321) 637-6559 Justice Center.......................................................................(321) 637-2000 Planning & Zoning................................................................(321) 633-2070 Housing & Human Services...................................................(321) 633-2007 Sheriffs Office (non emergency)............................................(321) 633-7162 Voter Registration................................................................. (321) 633-2124 Code Enforcement................................................................(321) 633-2086 Occupational Licensing........................................................(321) 264-6935 Tax Collector - www.brevardtaxcollector.com.....................(321) 264-6930 Merritt Island Post Office.......................................................(321) 453-1479 Public Library on Merritt Island............................................ (321) 455-1369 Department of Health.............................................................(321) 454-7111

— CHILDREN AND FAMILY RESOURCES — FL Department of Children and Family Central Region........(321) 634-3600 Brevard CARES (prevent child abuse)................................... (321) 632-2737 Brevard CARES Crisis Hotline.............................................. (888) 227-3709 Brevard County Boys and Girls............................................. (321) 301-4484 Florida Domestic Violence Hotline........................................(800) 500-1119 Family Counseling Center....................................................(321) 632-5792 Circles of Care......................................................................(321) 722-5200 Women’s Center....................................................................(321) 242-3110 Alcoholic’s Anonymous........................................................ (321) 724-2247 Help Line 24 hour.................................................................(321) 632-6688 Rape Hotline......................................................................... (321) 784-4357 Sharing Center...................................................................... (321) 631-0306 Alternative Pregnancy Center..............................................(321) 454-9853 Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Center............................(321) 726-8282 Crisis Hotline....................................................................... (800) 962-2873 Sundance Ranch Christian Counseling.................................(321) 305-5946 Poison Control..................................................................... (800) 222-1222 Emergency Veterinary Clinic................................................(321) 725-5365

— SUPPORT GROUPS — The Sunflower House.............................................................(321) 452-4341 Senior and Caregiver Resource Center inside the Merritt Square Mall Bipolar and Al-anon and Al-ateen Support Groups...............(321) 452-4080 280 E Merritt Avenue (Faith Lutheran Church)

Reference

— HOSPITALS — Cape Canaveral Hospital........................................................ (321) 799-7111 701 West Cocoa Beach Causeway • Cocoa Beach, FL Wuesthoff Medical Center.....................................................(321) 636-2211 110 Longwood Avenue • Rockledge, FL

— KID ACTIVITIES — Parks and Recreation............................................................(321) 633-1874 www.brevardcounty.us/ParksRecreation/Home Hockey - The Space Coast Iceplex........................................(321) 504-7500 YMCA.................................................................................... (321) 433-7770 Lacrosse - www.merrittislandlax.com..................................(321) 454-4943 Football - Pop Warner........................................................... (321) 591-6282 www.eteamz.com/merrittislandpopwarner Football - MIYFCA - www.merrittislandmustangs.net............ (321)446-1170 Soccer - Central Brevard Soccer...........................................(321) 394-5083 www.centralbrevardsoccer.org Volleyball - Cape Coast Volleyball......................................(321) 639-3800 www.capecoastvolleyball.com Walk on Water Horses.......................................................... (321) 412-8057 Equine Therapy • www.walkonwaterhorses.com Cheerleading - MIYFCA.........................................................(321) 960-3443 Cheerleading - Competition Coastal Elite............................. (321) 505-1002 Softball - Merritt Island Lassie League.................................(321) 626-8040 www.milassieleague.com Baseball - North Merritt Island Little League........................ (321) 543-6215 www.misllbaseball@yahoo.com Flag Football - Brevard......................................................... (321) 452-3105 www.brevardflagfootball.com Calema Windsurfing and Watersports..................................(321) 453-3223 www.calema.com Merritt Island Swim School ISR Master Instructor Infant and Up......................................(321) 698-5840 Upward Basketball............................................................... (321) 453-2146 US Naval Sea Cadets - The Courageous Division................. (321) 951-0432 ......................................................................................... or (321) 631-0440 Y-Indian Guides...................................................www.canaveralnation.net Girl Scouts of Citrus Council................................................ (407) 896-4475 Boy Scouts........................................................................... (407) 889-4403 Paintball, Skate, DMX - Brevard Extreme Sports ..................(321) 454-7777 Unlimited Kickboxing............................................................(321) 368-9307 Marta’s Legacy Dance Studio............................................... (321) 453-6277 Dussich Dance Studio...........................................................(321) 452-2046 Brevard Shotokan Karate.....................................................(321) 323-9480 Ross Karate.......................................................................... (321) 698-7957 M.Y. Martial Arts Studio.........................................................(321) 452-7229 Shorin-Ryu Karate............................................................... (321) 459-3000 Lauts Music...........................................................................(321) 453-6424 Classes in keyboard, home organ, acoustic piano, acoustic and electric guitar, and voice.

— UTILITIES — Florida Power and Light......................... (800) 226-3545 or (321) 723-7795 Brighthouse..............................................................(866) 309-EASY (3279) Waste Management..............................................................(321) 636-6894 AT&T.................................................................................... (888) 757-6500 Florida City Gas Company................................................... (888) 352 5325 City Of Cocoa Water Dept.....................................................(321) 433-8400 Call Before You Dig ................................................................................ 811

— PUBLIC SCHOOLS — Brevard County Public Schools Main Office............ (321) 633-1000 ext 500 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way • Viera, Florida 32940 Ethics Hotline .......................................................... (321) 633-1000 ext 170

MAY 2016 • www.MerrittIslandNow.com | 43

Reference Tropical Elementary............................................................. (321) 454-1080 885 South Courtenay Parkway Stevenson Elementary School..............................................(321) 454-3550 1450 Martin Blvd Mila Elementary School........................................................ (321) 454-1070 288 W Merritt Avenue Lewis Carroll Elementary School.......................................... (321) 452-1234 1 Skyline Blvd Jefferson Middle School....................................................... (321) 453-5154 1275 South Courtenay Parkway Edgewood Junior Senior High School................................... (321) 454-1030 180 East Merritt Avenue Merritt Island High School.................................................... (321) 454-1000 100 East Mustang Way Florida Virtual School ......................................................... (407) 513-3587 Brevard Virtual ....................................................................(321) 633-3660

— PRIVATE SCHOOLS — Merritt Island Christian School .............................................(321) 453-2710 140 Magnolia Avenue Divine Mercy Catholic Academy...........................................(321) 452-0263 1940 North Courtenay Parkway Ambassador Christian Academy........................................... (321) 305-6931 175 Cone Road Brevard Private Academy.....................................................(321) 459-3466 508 South Plumosa Alpha Learning..................................................................... (321) 453-7077 3700 North Courtenay Parkway Suite 102 Faith Lutheran Pre-School and Day Care ..............................(321) 452-4143 280 East Merritt Avenue

— BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS — Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce................... (321) 459-2200 Merritt Island Rotary Club....................................................(321) 223-4362 BNI Beeliners........................................................................(321) 690-2328 BNI Profiteers.......................................................................(321) 536-5973

— MI CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS & FOOD BANKS — My Island Thrift Store............................................... (321) 473-3355 (I Love My Island, Inc. non-profit) (Proceeds support the MI Community, Free Donation pick up available) 245 Crockett Blvd Molly Mutt—Thrift Store........................................................ (321) 459-1525 (supports Central Brevard Humane Society Adoption Center located at 155 Pioneer Road (321) 636-3343 ext 214) 2525 North Courtenay Parkway SPCA-Thrift Store..................................................................(321) 704-8480 (supports the adoption center(321) 453-5323 at the Merritt Square Mall) A+ Thrift Shop ......................................................................(321) 453-4338 95 South Plumosa Street Pet Priorities Exotic Bird Rescue............................................(321) 289-1738 House of Hope Ministry........................................................ (321) 453-0318 (Food Bank, Clothing, Bicycles, Showers) Every Monday including Holidays beginning at 6:30am-10:30am 330 Magnolia Avenue Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry.......................(321) 452-2420 Merritt Island Residents only. Thursdays 9:00am to 1:00pm 65 Needle Boulevard Quarterly Country Store and Clothes Closet East Coast Christian Center Food Pantry.............................. (321) 452-1060 670 North Courtenay Parkway Open Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. 10am-1pm • Open Thurs. Evenings 6pm-8pm Brevard Veterans Center and Museum....................................321-453-1776 400 S. Sykes Creek Blvd

*Please e-mail lou@merrittislandnow.com if any information needs to be updated or to add a resource. Information believed to be accurate but not warranted.

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www.MerrittIslandNow.com • MAY 2016

— LOCAL CLUBS — The Moose Lodge.................................................................(321) 452-8383 3150 North Courtenay Parkway The Elks Lodge.....................................................................(321) 452-2650 1520 Sykes Creek Parkway Fraternal Order of Eagles.....................................................(321) 452-4258 1050 North Courtenay Parkway ABATE of Florida Brevard County Chapter...........................(321) 636-9720 241 Peachtree Street Cocoa Space Coast Mothers of Multiples......................................... (321) 795-1381 115 N. Indian River Drive Kiwanis Club of Merritt Island...............................................(321) 430-6630 P.O. Box 540142 Space Coast Square Dance Club.......................................... (321) 427-7950 155 Cone Road Merritt Island Masonic Lodge No.353....................................(321) 338-7391 247 S. Tropical Trail Platinum Coast Orchid Society.............................................(321) 525-7540 Doyle Carlton Pavilion – 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road

— COMMUNITY OF FAITH — East Coast Christian Center.................................................. (321) 452-1060 680 North Courtenay Parkway First Baptist Church of Merritt Island.....................................(321) 453-2144 140 Magnolia Avenue Calvary Chapel Merritt Island............................................... (321) 453-6779 3500 North Courtenay Parkway Grace United Methodist Church............................................(321) 452-2420 65 Needle Boulevard Georgiana United Methodist Church....................................(321) 452-7523 3925 South Tropical Trail Lighthouse Christian Church..................................................(321) 452-1012 1250 North Banana River Drive Island Community Church....................................................(321) 453-4656 1000 North Banana River Drive Merritt Assembly of God.......................................................(321) 454-4263 165 N. Grove Street Mi Church............................................................................. (321) 747-0658 170 North Courtenay Parkway North Courtenay Church of Christ.........................................(321) 452-8822 2455 North Courtenay Parkway Divine Mercy Catholic Church...............................................(321) 452-5955 1940 North Courtenay Parkway River of Life Assembly of God...............................................(321) 452-6990 1890 North Courtenay Parkway St Luke Episcopal Church.....................................................(321) 452-5260 5555 North Tropical Trail North Merritt Island United Methodist Church...................... (321) 452-7180 6355 North Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island Presbyterian Church.......................................(321) 452-5689 600 South Tropical Trail Grace Lutheran Church.........................................................(321) 986-9689 5455 North Courtenay Parkway Unity of Merritt Island...........................................................(321) 452-2625 4725 North Courtenay Parkway Orsino Baptist Church...........................................................(321) 452-0373 4505 North Courtenay Pkwy Faith Lutheran Church..........................................................(321) 452-4080 280 East Merritt Avenue Redeemer Lutheran Church (WELS)...................................... (321) 453-1000 560 South Tropical Trail Redemption Bible Fellowship...............................................(321) 208-7959 890 N. Banana River Drive Faith Presbyterian Church, ARP............................................. (321) 452-1715 1900 South Tropical Trail Islander Alliance Church...................................................... (321) 453-0770 2450 N. Courtenay Parkway

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