Vero Beach Magazine February 2024 by Palm Beach Media Group

AIRBOAT RIDES • KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION • FINER POINTS OF POLO • FLEET BEYOND THE SILVER & GOLD • INTERIOR DESIGN MURALS

VeroBeach THE FIRST THE ONLY

FEBRUARY

Magazine ®

HOW SWEDE IT IS!

Mikael & Kristina Pernfors blend Scandinavian minimalism with some bold design choices

SEPTEMBER

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THANK YOU! Thank you employees for giving DTF your best. Thank you Indian River County for your support. Thank you contractors and designers for allowing us to be a part of your team. It’s all about our day-to-day working relationships and loving what we do with great people like you.

Make 2024 a positive and successful year!

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CONTENTS

Features

112 92 HOW SWEDE IT IS! Kristina and Mikael Pernfors transformed a builder home into a ‘glam fam’ haven that takes Scandinavian style to the next level By Renáe Tesauro

98 SCALING NEW HEIGHTS The journey from sea level to the roof of Africa By Dylan Reingold

106 COLORFUL CARGO A deeper dive into the 1715 Spanish Fleet reveals the exotic origins of treasures beyond silver and gold By Chris Fasolino

112 MARSH ODYSSEY For nearly 20 years, ‘Captain Bob’ Montuoro has acquainted people with the beauty of the marshlands west of Vero Beach; now, the next generation of his family is following in his wake By Renáe Tesauro

120 Learn the polo strategies, rules, and fancy shots that we’ll see in action at Windsor this month By Amy Robinson

SAM WOLFE

SADDLE UP!

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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380 Indian Harbor Road : $3,900,000 Incredible Indoor/Outdoor Living : 4BR/5.5BA

Watercolor Skies. Cool Water. Warm Welcome. Life on John’s Island. A private, member-owned club located north of Vero Beach, this gem plays host to miles of unspoilt beaches, naturefilled river access, elegant residences, and watercolor sunsets. These serene offerings each combine luxury with traditional appeal. Replete with gorgeous architectural details, spacious living areas and lush grounds - all of our homes take advantage of prime location with access to an incredible array of amenities for by-invitation-only John’s Island Club members. We invite you to indulge in a life of bliss in John’s Island.

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townhouses

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7 7 2 . 2 31. 0 9 0 0 : V e r o B e a c h , F l o r i d a : w w w . J o h n s I s l a n d R e a l E s t a t e . c o m

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CONTENTS

Departments 24 OUR 2024 ADVISORY BOARD VERO VIBES

36 WILDE SIDE Numerous influences have contributed to Florida’s distinctive style By Evelyn Wilde Mayerson

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

FACES Through The Source’s Dignity Wellness program, Charlene Morris provides mental health care and instills hope By Ann Taylor

46 INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS Make the most of your giving with a periodic ‘tune-up’ By Jeffrey R. Pickering

58 CLASSIC CARS Americans love collecting, whether it’s coins, curios ... or cars By Patrick Merrell

COASTAL LIFE

66 SPACES The perimeter of a room can set a mood, tell a story, or create an immersive experience By Valerie Cruice

68 HOMEGROWN Chilly Peppers: late winter is a good time to tend vegetables and herbs By Nickie Munroe 10

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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F I N D L AY GA L L E R I E S

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CONTENTS

166

LOCAL FLAVOR

162 THE DISH Guests know what they want at The Lemon Tree By Chris Fasolino

166 OFF THE VINE A popular 1970s television episode calls to mind a real-life family vineyard feud By Chris Fasolino

172 WEDDINGS Amber Lynn Gaffney & Cory Raymond Clark

174 THE SCENE It’s been a winter whirlwind of nonprofit events

172

LIVING WELL Practitioners of sound bath meditation report deep relaxation and other healing benefits By Renáe Tesauro

80 BY THE BOOK Exiles by Jane Harper By Elizabeth Leonard

There’s a lot to love on the local art scene

195 CALENDAR We dare you to find an empty space in your datebook this month!

202 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

TRUE TAILS

208

NEW & NOTEWORTHY IRIS MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

GALLERY GUIDE

84 Head Over Paws: is there a perfect dog out there for you? By Amy Robinson

188

128 VALENTINE VARIETY February is filled with fantastic products and progress

Thank you for supporting our local businesses

ROOTS Pioneer Florida attracted a mixed bag of settlers By Ellen E. Stanley

ON THE COVER:

Mikael and Kristina Pernfors express their shared style in their colorful family home. See the story on page 92. Photograph by Jerry Rabinowitz

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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INTRODUCING

The latest chapter in the story of Windsor A private residential community in Vero Beach, Florida WindsorFlorida.com

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All information contained in this advertisement, including renderings and the configuration, elevation, and size of lots, lakes, common areas and roads, reflect preliminary plans only, are not to scale and are subject to change during the final design and permitting process, and should not be relied upon as representation, express or implied, of final detail. The developer expressly reserves the right to make modifications, revisions and changes which it deems desirable in its sole and absolute discretion.

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EDITOR’S DESK

Treasures Abound W

elcome to February! The shortest month of the calendar is also one of our biggest issues of the year, bursting at the seams with features and new experiences for our adventurous readers. You’re going to love

the treasure trove of stories we have for you this month!

Our cover story introduces you to the Swedish style of Vero Beach residents Mikael and Kristina Pernfors. The couple has transformed a typical Florida home into a Scandinavian oasis with bold style and surprises around each corner—including a Davis Cup and silver plate from Roland-Garros. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve learned the meaning behind “Treasure Coast.” Much of the silver and gold carried on ships from the 1715 Spanish Fleet still sits off our coast just waiting to be discovered by salvors and beachcombers. Our feature “Colorful Cargo” delves into some of the more exotic treasure and its origins. And speaking of color, all you equestrians out there should have February 17 circled in red. It’s the date of the biennial Windsor Charity Polo Cup that benefits three local charities this year: Homeless Children’s Foundation, Indian River Land Trust, and Ballet Vero Beach. It’s a great day of polo with a stylish specialty retail village, tailgating, and an elegant luncheon, all for a good cause. You’ll need to brush up on the strategies and fancy terms you’ll hear while you’re out divot stomping, and reading “Saddle Up” will take care of that for you. For some of us, getting into an airboat can be just as adventurous as getting on a horse. ‘Captain Bob’ Montuoro, retired firefighter turned airboat captain, acquaints locals and visitors with “the prettiest wetland you’ll ever see” while out guiding families through the waters of the Blue Cypress Recreation Area. Montuoro and his family, who together operate Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures, liken the trips to treasure hunts just west of Vero Beach. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone more adventurous and outdoors minded than Dylan Reingold. After a decade as our county attorney, he chose to step away in mid-2023 to begin pursuing his dream of summiting the highest point in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro. We experience the trip through his eyes each day as he climbs with his team, working through challenges and celebrating victory together. Next stop this spring: Mount Everest Base Camp. Be kind to your valentine, and we’ll see you in March!

Kelly Rogers editor@verobeachmagazine.com

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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Diamond

Blue Sapphire

Ruby

Yellow Diamond

Pink Sapphire

Emerald

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WELCOME

What’s Your Style? T

his month we ponder the concept of style in all its forms. Style is more than just clothing; it is the surroundings we choose for ourselves and

the things we create. It is a form of self-expression that can reveal one’s

identity, personality, and creativity. It can even play a role in boosting a person’s confidence and individuality. As Kristina Pernfors, featured on our cover along with her husband, Mikael,

says, “Personal and interior style are interrelated.” Locally, February is the month for Vero Beach Museum of Art’s Fashion Meets Art event, which is now in its seventh year. It seems like just yesterday that we welcomed the colorful Simon Doonan to town for the first FMA! On Feb. 21, Tim Gunn will teach us how to “make it work.” Fashion fans will also get a kick out of this month’s Wilde Side, in which Evelyn Wilde Mayerson takes a look at the many influences that have contributed to Florida’s distinctive style. Your particular style might come into play as you decide which nonprofit events to partake in this month. If automotive styling suits you, then McKee Botanical Garden is the place to be Feb. 10. With the theme of “Rods & Customs,” this year’s Motor Car Exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity to admire the personal styles expressed by the auto enthusiasts who are showing their masterpieces. Everyone will no doubt be in high style, particularly when it comes to hats, at the Windsor Charity Polo Cup on the 17th. As the sun sets that same day, supporters of the Mental Health Association will be digging back a bit farther into their closets for their favorite ’80s looks. You remember—harem pants, shoulder pads, leg warmers, denim jackets, and neon. It’s a great opportunity to relive a fun era and hear some familiar music while championing mental health efforts in our community. After that walk down memory lane, the Hope for Families Center gives us a chance to stroll down the yellow brick road at its Feb. 21 gala “There’s No Place Like Home.” Live characters from The Wizard of Oz will be on hand to help celebrate HFC’s mission of getting homeless families back on their feet. Express your own unique style this February. We at Vero Beach Magazine are delighted to share this issue with the community we love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Teri Amey-Arnold, Publisher publisher@verobeachmagazine.com

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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615 Beachland Boulevard | Vero Beach, FL 32963 | www.vbhome.us

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THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY | CELEBRATING

VeroBeach THE FIRST THE ONLY

Magazine ©

SINCE 1997

KELLY ROGERS

Editor in Chief OLGA M GUSTINE

Creative Director

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

Senior Editor RENÁE TESAURO

Editor at Large ANN TAYLOR

Senior Writer

JENNY FERNANDEZ-PRIETO

Art Director JANINE FISHER

Senior Graphic Designer LEONOR ALVAREZ-MAZA

Digital Imaging Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Valerie Cruice, Chris Fasolino, Elizabeth Leonard, Evelyn Wilde Mayerson, Patrick Merrell, Nickie Munroe, Jeffrey R. Pickering, Dylan Reingold, Amy Robinson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steven Martine, Patrick Merrell, Iris Moore Photography, Jerry Rabinowitz, Sam Wolfe

2910 CARDINAL DRIVE, VERO BEACH • 772.234.6711 THELAUGHINGDOGGALLERY.COM

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J. M. Stringer

Gallery of Fine Art

world-wide collections of fine original paintings objets d’art • sculptures • select antique furnishings

VeroBeach THE FIRST

THE ONLY

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E . J. Paprocki Harbor Sunset | 24 x 30 | Oil on Linen

SINCE 1997

Beguiling

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the recent paintings of E. J. Paprocki &

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Claudia Seymour High Cotton | 20 x 18 | Oil on Linen Panel

Founder Elizabeth Moulton

Group Publisher Terry Duffy National Sales Director Deidre Wade Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos

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Thursday - Saturday, February 15 - 17, 2024 Thursday 4-8PM | Friday & Saturday 11AM-6PM exhibition on view through

March 9 , 2024 TUE-SAT 11AM-6PM

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JMStringerGallery.com A Gallery of Quality and Tradition

CUSTOMER PARKING IN REAR OF GALLERY

HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo PUBLISHERS OF:

Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Vero Beach Magazine • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register • Florida Design • Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South • Palm Beach 100 Naples 100 • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation • Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Naples Chamber of Commerce • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura • Community Foundation of Collier County Community Report • Advances: Tampa General Hospital Published by Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-659-0210 • Fax: 561-659-1736 SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year $28; two years $45; three years $54. Subscribe online at www.verobeachmagazine.com or call 772-234-8871 weekdays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ET. American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa are accepted. Our subscription information is never shared, rented, or sold.

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INSIDE VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

About Us

HTIN

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MAS TE

L IG

ero Beach Magazine is the first magazine to be dedicated exclusively to Vero Beach and remains the only local magazine with verified circulation. A minimum of 10,000 magazines are distributed monthly, to at least 30,000 readers in almost every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Vero Beach Magazine’s staff is committed to using print media to make Indian River County a better place for all residents, mindful of environmental and historic preservation, while underscoring the best aspects of life in this charming oceanfront community. Winner of numerous awards since its inception, starting with the Florida Magazine Association’s Best New Magazine Award in 1998, Vero Beach Magazine has made its greatest impact by providing meaningful information to readers about the needs of local nonprofit organizations in Indian River County, inspiring philanthropy and prompting nonprofit coverage by many other media companies. Our office is located at 3375 20th Street, Suite 100, on the corner of 34th Avenue and State Road 60, in Vero Beach. Visitors are welcome by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for subscription, article, and advertising questions.

VeroBeach THE FIRST THE ONLY

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LIGHTING ~ CEILING FANS ~ FURNITURE ~ ACCESSORIES DELIVERY ~ ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL ATION ~ WARRANTY

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OUR 2024 ADVISORY BOARD

LEAD ADVISER

SOPHIE BENTHAM-WOOD is a native of London. At Sheffield University, she studied the history of art, design, and film, earning a bachelor’s degree. She then embarked on an illustrious career in marketing and public relations that now spans 25 years. Sophie moved to the United States in 2008, and, since 2012, she has been the director of marketing and communications at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. In this capacity, she oversees enterprise activities, including Visitor Services, the Museum Store, and the Museum Café. She is also part of the senior management team. In her tenure, she has managed the introduction of an admission charge, overseen a rebranding of the museum’s logo, and played a major role in reenvisioning and shaping the VBMA’s strategic plan. More recently, she has implemented a fully integrated marketing campaign for the museum.

KEVIN GIVEN hails from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, home of the worldfamous Greenbrier resort and hotel, where he was a fourth-generation team member. He earned a degree in hospitality and tourism management, with a minor in business administration, from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, and has now been in the resort/private club management field for over 40 years. He is a board member at the West Virginia University Foundation and a hospitality management advisory board member at WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics. In 2001, he was one of the founding partners at Quail Valley, and he was also on the executive team developing Windsor and Orchid Island. Kevin has served on the boards of the Indian River Community Foundation, the Environmental Learning Center, and Saint Edward’s School.

JON R. MOSES is the managing director and COO of Riverside Theatre, where he has worked for 25 seasons. A Treasure Coast native, he studied theater design technology at Florida State University’s School of Theatre, followed by graduate studies at Florida Atlantic University. He has been involved in every aspect of theater for over 32 years. He has even served as an adjunct faculty member at Indian River State College, where he taught and coordinated an associate of science technical theater program. Jon’s involvement in the community includes serving as treasurer on the board of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Exchange Club of Indian River. He was also a board member of the Oceanside Business Association and president of the Florida Professional Theatre Association.

TRUDIE RAINONE has lived in Vero Beach for 23 years and has served the community in leadership roles with a variety of Indian River County nonprofits. Her passion for outreach has her currently serving on the executive boards of Senior Resource Association, ORCA, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy, and Senior Collaborative. She is also a health care partner volunteer with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and vice chair of Quail Valley Charities, which funds 43 local children’s organizations. A native of New York City, Trudie reared her children with her husband of 50 years, Donald, in both New York and New Jersey. She is the proud grandmother of two boys, Chase and Drew. She has a merchandising background in the fashion industry and was a business owner specializing in fine antiques.

JESSICA LINUS WATFORD moved to Vero Beach as a 10th grader and attended Saint Edward’s school. A graduate of Auburn University (War Eagle!), she lived in Atlanta and Raleigh before returning to Vero Beach in 2015 and joining her father and grandfather in the family business, Linus Cadillac Buick GMC. In 2019, she graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy and is now a proud third-generation dealer-operator at Linus. Jessica resides in Okeechobee with her husband and two young daughters. She enjoys the best of both worlds, between boating days on the water and country life, rodeos, and ranching.

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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Join me and other business leaders in making a difference in our community, one nail at a time. - Bill Penney, President & CEO Marine Bank & Trust

Scan the QR Code or visit ircHabitat.org to register.

Questions? Contact Imani Craig at 772-562-9860 ext. 214 icraig@ircHabitat.org

VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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their organization’s public image is optimized for the greatest visibility and awareness. Here’s why I think this is so important. Last year’s contributions, earned income, government grants, and investment income for Indian River County charities, including health care organizations, equaled more than $380 million. During this same time, donors gave more than $110 million to local charities. Most of these donations went to the 175 local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations listed on IRCF’s online Nonprofit Search that earned more than $50,000 in income and filed an IRS Form 990 tax return. Indian River

County charities collected contributions at a rate more than twice the national average. While we are fortunate to live in such a generous community, today’s donors are looking for much more to justify the investments they are making in local Financial information on local nonprofits is readily available online. charities. Many turn to the online Nonprofit Search should maintain their Guidewith has had a tune-up, I to find information to help star profile at the “platinum” encourage you to make the them make more effective level, which demonstrates the time to get one soon. It will give giving decisions. Indian River highest standards for transyou peace of mind and confiCounty charities that want to parency and accountability. dence that valuable resources increase the likelihood that If it’s been a while since your are being used effectively and they won’t be skipped over, philanthropy or the charitable driving results that make our especially at the year’s end, organization you are involved community better for all.

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CLASSIC CARS

Where would museums be without collectors? This 1938 Talbot-Lago T-150C-SS Teardrop Coupe from the collection of J. Willard Marriott Jr. was part of the “Rolling Sculpture” exhibition at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in 2023.

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The Collecting Bug AMERICANS LOVE COLLECTING, WHETHER IT’S COINS, CURIOS ... OR CARS

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY PATRICK MERRELL 58

hy do we collect things? Surveys show that anywhere from 40 to 60 percent of Americans consider themselves to be collectors of something. The most popular items are coins, toys and dolls, trading cards, and jewelry. While only about 4 percent of Americans collect classic cars, Hagerty Inc. estimates there are 43 million such vehicles with a combined value of $1 trillion. The simple explanation for all this collecting is that people like the items they collect—but there’s a bit more to it than that.

“Our lives are inextricably entangled with things, and the earliest archaeological records show that ownership of objects is a universal phenomenon,” says Kiara Timpano, a psychology professor at the University of Miami. In 2021, archaeologists discovered a 105,000-year-old site in Southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert that included a collection of 22 crystals. The crystals were not native to the area and served no practical purpose. Scientists concluded that the objects were collected solely for their beauty and likely used for cultural or religious purposes.

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Scientific studies have been conducted to explain some of what’s going on. In an “oddball experiment,” participants are presented with a string of ordinary objects, occasionally interrupted with one that’s extraordinary. The unusual items light up the reward centers of our brains, triggering a feeling of pleasure. “This may also have an evolutionary benefit,” says neuroscientist Shirley Mueller, M.D. “We explore the new until we determine whether it is a benefit to us or not.” Collecting produces that pleasurable feeling with each new find. It also satisfies the hunter-gatherer instincts wired into our brains. The thrill of the hunt is a factor cited by many collectors, often with the anticipation bringing as much pleasure as the acquisition. Finding a bargain makes it all the sweeter. Delight in the unusual shows up at an early age. Children enjoy picking up seashells and rocks, and later, when they get an allowance or have perfected the art of hounding their parents, they’ll covet the latest hot collectible. Although fads

Starting in 1938, pit badges were issued for the Indianapolis 500, granting garage and pit access. A pin with a “back up card” (top right) was required on race day. Below is a 1951 race ticket. All these items were passed down to Jay Storch from his grandfather.

Gavin Ruotolo has four garages on his Vero Beach property to hold his 24-vehicle collection. Another 20 vehicles are housed at his summer retreat in Maine. FEBRUARY

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CLASSIC CARS

Jay Storch drove an 8-volt electric Thunderbird at age 6. Thirty years later, he bought the adult version, a 1955 convertible. He’s still got that childhood T-Bird and, displayed on the bottom shelf of a cabinet in his showroom, all the toy cars he used to play with.

like Beanie Babies and Squishmallows come and go, toy cars have been a favorite for decades. Mattel’s Hot Wheels lead the scale-car pack, with worldwide sales of $1.25 billion in 2022. Sometimes an interest can be inherited. “Both my grandfather and father were automobile dealers,” says Jay Storch, who owns Delray Motorcars in Vero Beach. That shared interest has

resulted in a three-generation collection of Indy 500 memorabilia, automobile artwork, toy cars, and more on display in his showroom. He also owns several collectible cars. However, given that the automobile bug hasn’t bit the younger members of his family, he plans to sell it all. Better to pass that history on to someone who can truly appreciate it—and to make a bit of money while he’s at it.

That brings up another reason for collecting: buying with the idea of reselling for a profit. Collectible cars and automobilia tend to be good investments, although nothing is guaranteed. Because of that uncertainty, the joy of owning and admiring a collection should be the primary goal. Connecting with others who share the same interest is another benefit that can’t be measured in dollars.

Owning a collectible car often leads to connecting with others with a similar interest. As an example, Volkswagen owners gather once a month at Walking Tree Brewery. The red-andwhite VW Bus shown here, owned by Michael Camp, is a gloriously unrestored 1957 model, with its original paint, upholstery, and bodywork. When it rains outside, it rains inside.

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Some collectors buy with the idea of reselling items for a profit later on. There’s typically a healthy market for most anything car- or motorcycle-related.

Pride in owning a significant collection can also be a motivating factor for some people. In olden times, “cabinets of curiosities”—encyclopedic collections of natural items, historical relics, art, or antiquities—reflected not only one’s interest in a subject but also one’s status in society. It’s not entirely different today, and museums are often the beneficiaries, providing spaces to display important

pieces from private collections. All of the psychological analysis aside, there’s a more poetic explanation for why we collect things. Our prized possessions are more than objects—they’re infused with meaning, symbolically capturing a moment in time or an event in one’s life. They remind us who we are, how things used to be, and of the natural and manmade beauty that exists in the world.

Gasoline pump handles have been refashioned as restroom door handles at Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station.

Local collectors have many options for displaying their prized possessions. This 1954 Cadillac, owned by Tom Lockwood, was part of the 2023 Antique Automobile Show held in Vero Beach’s Riverside Park. FEBRUARY

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68 HOMEGROWN

Late winter is a good time to tend vegetables and herbs.

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SPACES

The new Essentials Les Naturels wallpaper collection from Belgian company Arte includes the Reverie Tropicale (le ) and Verdure (right) styles. Below is a mural by Barbara Sharp.

DESIGN

Mural, Mural on the Wall THE PERIMETER OF A ROOM CAN SET A MOOD, TELL A STORY, OR CREATE AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE BY VALERIE CRUICE

ou are anchored on a clipper ship in Hong Kong Harbor. You sit astride a camel near a lush oasis. You stand with a patriot as he heroically fights for America’s freedom. You sip a cocktail next to two rabbit gentlemen. No, you haven’t had one too many. You have simply been drawn in by a mural. And murals, whether handpainted or applied as wallpaper panels, are having a very big moment. Why? Because they offer an exotic escape, a fantastic refuge. They remind us of more innocent, peaceful times as we move through our schools, town halls, and libraries, where, in the 1930s, WPA (Works Progress Administration) artists painted optimistic, heroic depictions of our nation’s history and future. They provide amusement while one enjoys cocktails in Bemelmans Bar, surrounded

by whimsical animals (rabbit gentlemen) frolicking in nearby Central Park, as painted by Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans in 1947. “Murals can really create space fantasies,” says interior designer Sandra Morgan, who has studios in Vero Beach and Greenwich, Connecticut. Since the 1700s, when wallpaper murals were first created in France, homeowners have lined or painted their walls with scenes that tell stories, that immerse one in narratives of beauty, exotica, Orientalism, nature, history, whimsy, and reverie. Sometimes there is a personal connection, such as an interpretation of the surrounding landscape. Sometimes it is total fantasy. And sometimes it is a fantastical solution to a design problem, such as a windowless room. A mural creates depth and dimension,

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Interiors of private homes are where you’ll find most of the murals created by artist Barbara Sharp, including a jungle scene that covers an entire wall and a tropical-themed ceiling.

bringing the outside in and taking us out of ourselves. “I’m so busy it’s unbelievable,” says Vero Beach muralist Barbara Sharp, whose work over the past 40 years has included yachts, corporate jets, and commercial establishments, but mostly private homes. “Each home is so different. I finished a mural in grisaille in Palm Beach—a big Renaissance design with giant shells, 6-foot-tall grotto fish, and a big dolphin,” she says. In Winter Park, Sharp says, “We just did a big house, walls navy blue, chairs emerald green; I did giant flowers—each flower 3 to 4 feet across—up the wall, across the ceiling, and part way down the wall.” A dining room in Orchid Island has “a very Charles Gracie look, with palms, orchids, and frangipani on a very soft aquavit ground.” “Many of my clients will see a wallpaper, but it’s not the scale or color that they want,” Sharp explains. “I’ll take elements from a fabric, get all the swatches of the room, and pull all those elements together. If there’s wallpaper that someone loves, I can paint on top of the wallpaper to make it whatever you want.” Sharp occasionally collaborates on projects with Elizabeth Read Pusser, co-owner of Oodles of Wallpaper in Vero Beach. Says Pusser, “Murals are very popular today. Every wallpaper company

has their own renditions of murals. Traditionally sold by the panel, they can range at the low end for $150 a panel all the way up to $2,500 a panel and even more.” Pusser advises that, when dealing with panoramic scenes, it is best to order sequential panels for continuity of design. Murals are in Pusser’s blood; her great-great uncle was the famous 1920s artist and muralist Claggett Wilson, who was admired by Matisse. Pusser’s uncle, the graphic artist Claggett Wilson Read, resides in John’s Island and Darien, Connecticut. While some may Walls aren’t regard the exquisite the only places murals by the great Sharp uses her houses of de Gournay, artistic talent. Gracie, and Zuber as being ultratraditional, integrating well-curated modern elements creates a fresh energy and a totally different, immersive experience. “I love that juxtaposition—a traditional mural in a dining room that rocks a really modern chandelier,” exclaims Gigi Bair of Hayes Kendall Design House in Vero Beach. “It’s powerful!”

“Murals can really create space fantasies.” – SANDRA MORGAN

FEBRUARY 2024

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HOMEGROWN Winter is a good time to begin planting vegetables and herbs in full sun for a steady harvest throughout the cooler Florida months.

HORTICULTURE

Chilly Peppers LATE WINTER IS A GOOD TIME TO TEND VEGETABLES AND HERBS BY NICKIE MUNROE ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE AGENT UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S IFAS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY EXTENSION

t is February, and I am over the cold weather. I play in my yard every day when the temperatures reach the high 70s. There is not a whole lot to do in the general landscape, so it is my vegetables and herbs that receive my care. I planted a new rotation in January that needs a little more coddling if I am to have bribes available for my friends—homegrown tomatoes are currency in my circle. Replanting vegetables in January sounds like a very bad idea until you remember that this is Florida. We can grow food year-round here in Central Florida. I am keeping it simple in my yard using five small growing spaces. Three raised beds and two large pots are enough to keep the three of us in salad ingredients and fresh herbs. It is not too late to set up your own edibles.

We can grow many things here in Florida. I look at the list and consider the great things I could do. Then I come back down to earth and realize it will not likely happen this season. I stuck with the tried-and-true herbs, tomatoes, hot peppers, broccoli, kale, lettuce mix, radish, and cucumbers. One slicing and two cherry tomato plants are keeping company with two hot peppers and several zinnia plants in the raised bed that had marigolds and sunflowers last season. The broccoli, kale, and radishes were all newly planted into the bed, replacing my previous batch of hot peppers. They are keeping company with oregano and thyme. Last season, my third bed had green leafy vegetables; now it has a new borage,

three cilantros, and three parsleys. I filled a large pot with rich soil, two cucumber plants, and three mints. The second pot has this season’s first and second rounds of lettuce plants. Here are the guidelines I use for the Florida-Friendly management of my edible gardens: • The plants have a lot of space: my beds are 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. They have a lot of airflow and room to grow. • I use soaker hoses in my raised beds and a watering wand for the pots. Water is placed at the roots of the plants. Overhead watering encourages disease and other issues. Of course, using the soaker

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Planting seeds every few weeks helps keep a rotating crop of mature leafy greens in the garden.

is also great because I can turn on the spigot and then run back inside to the warmth of my house. • To continually harvest my leafy greens, I start new seeds every two to three weeks to replace the plants in production. Since October, I have gathered most of our salad greens from the garden. • My beds are in full sun. This placement is essential in winter because it allows the soil to capture as much heat as possible before a severe drop in tempera-

ture occurs. A deep watering the morning before and a generous covering overnight is keeping my plants from the most severe damage. It is also helpful to mulch the beds once the plants start taking off. February is the worst of winter, and I will be glad to see the end of it. Flavorful tomato sandwiches and a nice salad bowl are wearing thin as a panacea for the lack of warm weather. Dearest March, you tiptoe in and leave the surprises at the door.

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LIVING WELL

Vero Beach resident Anthony Profeta is an internationally known meditation master.

Dr. Mark Rothenberg is an interventional cardiologist.

RELAX

Sound Effects PRACTITIONERS OF SOUND BATH MEDITATION REPORT DEEP RELAXATION AND OTHER HEALING BENEFITS

M BY RENÁE TESAURO

any of us can attest to the relaxing benefits of soaking in a tub. Practitioners of sound bath meditation get those benefits and more, without the water. They assume a comfortable position—usually sitting or reclining on their backs with pillows and blankets— while a trained meditation master creates soothing, overlapping vibrations using crystal and metallic singing

bowls of various sizes, gongs, tuning forks, and bells. While “bathed” in the sounds, participants can achieve a deep state of relaxation and reap other emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. “I love it!” says Robyn Berry, executive director of the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, where sound bath meditation events are held throughout the year. “I was so relaxed, I fell asleep. It was the

perfect end to my day.” On a recent evening, approximately 50 people gathered at the Heritage Center, armed with blankets, pillows, yoga mats, and assorted cushions to participate in a sound bath meditation experience led by internationally acclaimed meditation master Anthony Profeta. Profeta, who makes his home in Vero Beach, has spent more than two decades studying the field

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LIVING WELL

Left: Tools used during a sound bath meditation class include puja sticks, which are cloth-covered wooden mallets. Below left: Profeta guides students through a class with singing bowls.

of meditation under the mentorship of world-class masters Jack Kornfield, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Sharon Salzberg, and the Dalai Lama. Now, he conducts his popular “Good Vibrations: Sound Bath Meditation Experience” at venues in Vero Beach and throughout the country. “He’s a bright light in our community,” says Mariann Pancoe, an artist from Vero 74

Beach, who has been practicing sound meditation and attending Profeta’s sessions for several years. “I never thought I’d be doing this as a profession,” confesses Profeta. “In 2000, I began formally studying meditation for my own spiritual growth, not with the intention of teaching others. I always wanted to assist people on their journey to self-healing, which is why I

enrolled in medical school in New York City.” While in medical school, however, Profeta’s life took a holistic detour. “I learned that a wide body of research suggested nearly 80 percent of all illness and disease in this world was caused by stress. In 2021, a new study was published, indicating that nearly 90 percent of all doctor and hospital visits worldwide are stress related.” “The research is clear,” he says. “Chronic long-term stress will and does manifest itself as physical, mental, and emotional disease within our bodies. We need to do everything we can to mitigate that. Whether we sit on the beach and listen to the ocean, sit in a park and listen to the birds, play an instrument, take a walk, or cook, we need to find things that help us navigate through our stressful world.” For Profeta, this realization seemed at odds with his

medical school education. “I was being taught to treat peoples’ symptoms, not the underlying root cause. I felt as if we were just kicking the can down the road and not really helping them heal.” Knowing how much it was helping him manage stress in his own life, Profeta hung up his lab coat and took a deep dive into the formal practice of meditation, studying in monasteries, ashrams, and meditation centers in the United States, Nepal, India, and Italy. After practicing many different methods, he was particularly drawn to the deep and intense meditation experience evoked by the resonating sounds of singing bowls, used for centuries in Tibetan and Buddhist cultures to promote healing and relaxation. “The sound waves cut through my mental chatter, and I began to feel the vibrations in my body. It was a deep experiential moment,” says Profeta. He proceeded to go down a rabbit hole into the healing practice of sound bath meditation by studying with Tibetan monks and nuns who taught him to play crystal and metallic Himalayan singing bowls by rubbing or striking the bowls with a cloth-covered wooden mallet known as a puja stick. He also consulted seasoned practitioners and a New York–based sound

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LIVING WELL

Gongs are also used to create sound for meditation.

therapist. His experience and feedback from others propelled him to continue on that path. “I’ve done these all over the U.S. and people who’ve been to many sound baths before tell me it was far better than anything they had experienced. Recently, a gentleman from John’s Island, where I had conducted a session for more than 30 first-time and seasoned sound bath meditators, said, ‘You’re like the Mozart of sound bath meditation.’ That was the most beautiful compliment I’ve ever received!” Profeta is quick to point out that he is not playing songs. “That could be too distracting

and even inspire negative images in your mind, depending upon the song played. There is a distinct difference between sound healing and music therapy.” “Sound healing uses sound frequencies and tones to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being,” he explains. “It’s believed that they create balance and energy and induce states of relaxation. The monks and nuns taught me to play intuitively, feel the vibrations and energy, and work off that. I send out one vibration and gradually overlap them. Over time, there are certain bowls I come back to again and again, but the sequence of sounds is

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different during each session.” Research specifically examining the effects of singing bowl sound meditation indicates that it can have significant psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine examined the effects of Tibetan singing bowl meditation on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual contentment and showed that participants reported significantly less fatigue, anger, tension, and depression compared to their pre-meditative state. A 2018 study suggested that listening to Tibetan singing bowl sounds helped relieve

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LIVING WELL “The sound waves cut through my mental chatter.” – ANTHONY PROFETA

SOAK UP THE BENEFITS OF SOUND BATH MEDITATION

• Get into a relaxed, comfortable position. Many people prefer to lie down on a yoga mat, place their head on a pillow, and cover themselves with a blanket. Others like to sit in a chair or on the floor with their back against a wall. • Change positions, if necessary, to alleviate aches and pains that may arise. • Close your eyes. • Notice the weight of your body and allow

yourself to settle into the space beneath you.

• Take several deep breaths. • Free your mind of your cares and concerns

and gently focus on the sounds and vibrations of the bowls.

• When your mind wanders and you get distracted, return your focus to the sound (you may need to do this several times). • Try to remain in a peaceful awake state; but if you fall asleep, that’s okay. TRY SOUND BATH MEDITATION AT HOME Sound bath meditation soundtracks are available on many music streaming sites as well as the free app Insight Timer.

anxiety prior to surgery. Research published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that adding sound from a Himalayan singing bowl to a directed relaxation session produced greater reductions in heart rate and systolic blood pressure than directed meditation alone. A University of Toronto study showed that people suffering from fibromyalgia who received treatments twice a week for five weeks had improved sleep and decreased pain. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Mental Health found that Himalayan singing bowls used in short sessions—often under 20 minutes—facilitated a faster and deeper state of relaxation than simply lying down in silence. Although the reasons behind the benefits of sound bath meditation are somewhat unclear, practitioners and researchers point to multiple studies indicating that listening to singing bowls stimulates alpha and theta brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed, calm, and creative mental state. Further, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s “rest and recover” state. There are many types of meditation practices, some

more difficult than others to master. Meditation practitioners agree that, in many ways, sound bath meditation is easier to learn than other practices because all you need to do is listen. “When people try to focus on breathing during mindful meditation, they may get lost in thought for a few minutes before realizing it,” points out Profeta. “People often tell me that focusing on sounds cuts through their mental chatter and keeps their mind less distracted.” “Everyone thinks meditation is really hard, but meditating with sound is easy,” remarks Pancoe, who has collected hundreds of favorite sound bath soundtracks to play when creating her art as well as to help her sleep. “I’ve never found anything that acted so completely and instantaneously for me. It takes less than 10 minutes for me to get to a place of peace and surrender. I have horrible insomnia, but once I put this on in the background, I’m right out.” When practicing sound bath meditation, Profeta advises, “Try your best to remain alert and attentive to the sounds because a meditative state is different than a sleep state; but falling asleep is common and sometimes needed. As the Dalai Lama said, ‘Sleep is the best meditation.’”

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BY THE BOOK REVIEW

A Disappearance Down Under

S TA F F P I C K S

NOVELIST JANE HARPER IMMERSES READERS IN THE WILDS OF AUSTRALIA BY ELIZABETH LEONARD OF THE VERO BEACH BOOK CENTER

EXILES by Jane Harper January 2023 Flatiron Books

ustralian native Jane Harper is a writer with the ability to transport you to the vast wilderness of the Australian bush. Her vivid descriptions enable her readers to feel the heat of the sun, the breeze blowing through the eucalyptus, and the ominous fear of being one step away from the nothingness that can swallow those who may wander too far off the trails of the civilized world. In Exiles, her fifth novel, Harper takes us to the wine country in the south of Australia, where federal investigator Aaron Falk has been invited to attend the christening of a new member of the Raco family. However, this joyous occasion is overshadowed by the disappearance of family friend Kim Gillespie. Kim vanished from a popular community wine festival the prior year, leaving her newborn baby alone in a stroller parked under the Ferris wheel. According to investigators, Kim walked out of the festival’s back entrance and into the darkness of the Australian bush, never to be seen again. This is where the story begins, but Falk is soon to discover that this version of events is not exactly true. The case of the missing Kim Gillespie is just the beginning of the unraveling of secrets in this small town tucked deeply away in the wilds of Australia. Exiles is the third in Harper’s Aaron Falk trilogy but can be read as a stand-alone novel. It is preceded by The Dry and Force of Nature.

FORGOTTEN BASTARDS OF THE EASTERN FRONT Serhii Plokhy This well-researched nonfiction work gives a window into the unlikely World War II alliance between the United States and the USSR, which served as a prelude to the Cold War.

BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS Mandy Matney Investigative journalist Mandy Matney shares the experiences she’s had while covering the case of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, which turned into one of the biggest corruption and murder cases in the state’s history.

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12/29/23 8:50 AM

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TRUE TAILS

RELATIONSHIPS

Head over Paws IS THERE A PERFECT DOG OUT THERE FOR YOU?

BY AMY ROBINSON

y future husband walked into my office 29 years ago. I glanced up and distinctly remember sucking in a quick breath as if I had been startled. He was tall with sandy brown hair and wore a sport coat that was, in my mind, a sure sign of class. Within a week I told my parents that he was “the one.” The way we fall in love

varies from person to person. Some things remain constant, however, like the physical and chemical changes that take place as we lock eyes with someone we find attractive. Oxytocin and dopamine flood the brain’s reward centers and pull us toward the other person like a magnet. Meeting a new dog can feel much like falling in love.

Making that visual connection, seeing the dog’s tail wag, and feeling the thrill of having a dog trot up to you as if you are the most important person in the world all contribute to the sense that a certain dog is meant for you. We hear people say “It was meant to be” about human relationships. Owners of rescued dogs often refer to that phrase to describe how

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they fell in love at first sight with their dog. Whether a dog is coming home with you from an adoption event or you seek out a puppy from a breeder, getting the perfect dog for you will depend partly on how honest you are about your lifestyle, personality, and motivation— in short, what you bring to the relationship. People looking for a romantic partner may turn to online dating. Making a personal profile on these sites is the definition of putting yourself out there, so experts advise telling the truth when filling out the online questionnaires. Responses to questions about your work-life balance, the things you are looking for in a partner, what you are most passionate about, and how you spend your leisure time can also shed light on the type of dog that would be

compatible with you. And just as with dating apps, selecting a dog based on looks can lead to heartache. Growing up with Siberian huskies, as handsome as they are, doesn’t mean that breed will fit your lifestyle now, even if those icy blue eyes are irresistible. Dogs are known social facilitators, so it may not be a surprise to learn that including a dog in your online dating profile can get you more attention. A survey conducted by Honest Paws and veterinarians.org found that 70 percent of respondents think having a dog in their profile gets them more matches, and they are right: 63 percent said they are more likely to match with someone who has a dog in his or her photo, and half of those surveyed said they would not continue to date someone their dog didn’t like. This data hints at the power of the

Muffin inquires about pet friendly fabrics during her interior design consultation with

Oodles Home

The Village Shops, 6230 HWY A1A Vero Beach, FL 32963 in fo@ oo d l e s h o m e . co m 772-213-3923

Locally made custom furniture we sell WALLPAPER of course, as well as FABRIC • HOME FURNISHINGS • ACCESSORIES Dogs can be social facilitators when choosing a human mate. FEBRUARY

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TRUE TAILS

Ask Amy amy@verobeachmagazine.com

it too. She Juju, loves , g o t my d y m d prep, bu ing and ile I do foo h I love cook w it kes b a d m ti it s that lly gets a is. He insist occasiona th where o , d d I n n e la ates wh itchen is h k d r n u a o t sb a u t h sted, we ea inly intere r food, but uju is certa her beg fo J t. h n those ig o e s h just turn are bar e sh s; u w the chairs rsels e or pa ing her mo esn’t whin to stop giv but she do d e e n I e? o im alt eyes. D lone at me puppy dog leaves us a e sh so k o while I co

– Gail in Vero Beach You can have both Juju’s encouragement while you cook and dinner for two without her supervision. Teach Juju a command I call “Go to your place.” Use a freshly washed bath mat as the target and place it at least 6 feet from your kitchen island. When you are cooking, pick up a piece of food meant for her, then walk over to the target mat and say, “Go to your place.” Then drop the tasty tidbit on the mat. Do this repeatedly until you see the dog move a few feet toward the mat in anticipation. At dinnertime, make a food puzzle for her with a toy meant for that purpose, filling nooks with a smear of cream cheese or peanut butter and poking pieces of kibble or treats into the holes. Avoid chew bones, since the sound of Juju’s grinding teeth and doggie lips smacking will not improve your dinner ambience. The food puzzle should be placed on the mat just as you sit down to dinner, and not a moment before. Enjoy food as a family with everyone in their proper place.

d roomer, an from the g k c a b e il m a ta her y just c tangles on My dog Lil some bad d a h ng, but she e lo o sh to t it go they said le ly b e a b ro gs. I p int where sh and back le , to the po d e sh d e ru st b e gg being groomer su never likes growl. The d n sed to it. a u p r u e h se t will ten ily to ge a d en. it o d d ly an go less oft I’d love to I start slow so , p a e ? h c ry t g an is no t get her so Grooming her and no sh ru b I n How ca

– Bo in Vero Beach Her feelings may be less about anger and more about fear—not of you, but of the discomfort she feels when brushed. Start to change her mind about grooming. Purchase a wide-toothed stainless steel comb. Have delicious treats like cheese bits at the ready, and then show her the comb about 6 inches from her face. When she sniffs it, praise her and treat her. Repeat this a few times, and then touch her with the comb and put a few treats on the floor for her. Progress to very lightly combing just a 1-inch section in super-slow motion, like sloth speed, while she scoops up treats. Do this every day until she perks up when she sees the comb. Help your groomer by doing some upkeep between visits. I’m not sure you will be able to go less often, but the experience will be much more pleasant for Lily.

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Take me home for 3, 6, or 12 months. Love me forever. Become a puppy raiser with Southeastern Guide Dogs and open a world of magic to those with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children who need a best friend. Your mission as a puppy raiser is simple. Take home a cuddly bundle of joy and bring back a happy, socialized, well-mannered dog. That’s the magic of making a difference.

✴ Choose your own adventure: The joys of puppy raising are endless, but the time commitment doesn’t have to be. Raise a puppy for 3, 6, or 12 months! You can even share the journey with family, friends, colleagues, and more. ✴ Take a paws: Have a getaway planned? Take the vacation or well-deserved break. Our puppy sitters jump in and take the leash. ✴ Just add love (+ food and water): We’ll take care of the rest. Puppy raisers receive a kit stocked with all the necessities to raise a happy, healthy pup. Plus, we cover all veterinary care and medical expenses.

Unleash the fun! We’ll support your puppy-raising adventure from start to finish—no matter where you live in the United States.

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TRUE TAILS

Your heart may rule over your head when you spot that adorable face at an adoption event.

Evaluating your lifestyle is important when looking for a new furry friend.

human-dog bond. We can’t control every aspect of our feelings, which is why people will sometimes make an impulsive decision to acquire a dog or puppy when they had no intention to do so. Your heart may rule over your head when you spot that adorable face at an adoption event. Because of the incredible adaptability of dogs, these instant connections, made without a plan in place, can work out just fine. Dogs will meet us more than halfway, adjusting their schedules to ours and waiting patiently for their turn at some quality time; but sometimes the distance between the dog’s needs and ours is just too great. Ask yourself the same types of questions you would see on a dating profile: what kind of companion do I want? Am I outdoorsy? Bookish? On my days off, do I like to walk, golf, go to the beach, or bingewatch my favorite show? Picture how you and the dog will spend your days. It makes sense that at different stages of our lives, we 88

will be attracted to different types of dogs. When we are young and fit, we can go ahead and get that long-legged, racy dog to run with. In our middle years, maybe a more secure, independent dog is a good match for our lifestyle of going to work and coming home tired. As we reach our senior years, a mellow pal might be the best companion. Human relationships have stages that can be paralleled in dog ownership. The blissful honeymoon phase can last a year or so, during which we eye our partner with unending affection while the feel-good hormones run amok in our

bodies. Quirks are cute rather than annoying. Snoring is adorable and leaving the toilet seat up just par for the course. Then the welcome-to-reality phase moves in. Responsibilities demand your attention. You get to know your spouse on a deeper level and euphoria gives way in favor of a steadier love. Later, adversity introduces itself and requires teamwork to overcome. Eventually, you settle into familiar patterns and your comfort level with each other increases. This may be the sweetest phase, as you now fit together like a pair of butterysoft shoes. A similar evolution will take place in your relationship with man’s best friend, only on a much faster time scale. Dogs are better than human companions at responding to us and even anticipating our movements and intentions. They always think their owner is the smartest person in the

room and will subjugate their own needs when we ignore them without too much complaint. Dogs adore us and ask little in return, which extends the honeymoon phase well past the first year. Those feelgood hormones kick in during soft eye contact and we fall in love all over again. As in a relationship with a romantic partner, it doesn’t matter whether you were first attracted to the dog’s youthful good looks and puppy antics. The passage of time makes us all a little rumpled and grumpy as we age. You will see this in the way your dog seeks the sunny spot on the rug to warm his creaky bones and gets up slowly after a nap. His fur may not be as shiny as it once was, his muzzle turns gray, and he may have a few lumps and bumps, but the bond is still as strong as ever. In the end, temperament is what matters. Love doesn’t just survive, it thrives.

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How Swede It Is! KRISTINA AND MIKAEL PERNFORS TRANSFORMED A BUILDER HOME INTO A ‘GLAM FAM’ HAVEN THAT TAKES SCANDINAVIAN STYLE TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY RENÁE TESAURO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ

isitors to Kristina and Mikael Pernfors’s home are always in for a treat—literally! The couple, both born and raised in Sweden, are sticklers about maintaining the custom of “fika,” the Swedish ritual of a coffee and cake break, much to the delight of their family and friends. “Swedes love their sweets,” says Kristina, a certified interior design and image consultant, personal style influencer, and fitness instructor who participated in last year’s Dancing with Vero’s Stars. “Fika is not just about having coffee and pastry,” she explains. “It’s about slowing down, sitting down, and having a connected conversation. It’s something we did growing up, and we’ve maintained it here, every day.” While the Pernforses remained true to the Swedish tradition of fika, they deviated from minimalist Scandinavian sensibilities when it came to designing their home in The Antilles, a gated community off U.S. Highway 1. Rather than 92

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From far left: Mikael and Kristina Pernfors embrace an eclectic style in their home; the Swedish tradition of “fika” is enjoyed each afternoon; the Pernfors family moved into their current Vero Beach home in 2018.

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Kristina and Mikael Pernfors mix high-end finishes with finds at IKEA and DIY projects to personalize the space. 94

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“Personal and interior style are interrelated.” — KRISTINA PERNFORS

simply move into their newly built five-bedroom, four-bath D.R. Horton home in 2018, the couple undertook significant renovations to customize the 3,350 square-foot space for their family of four and French bulldog, Georgia. “I think I was born with the ability to imagine the possibilities when I go into a space,” comments Kristina, who dishes out image and interior style tips on local and nationally syndicated television shows and assists clients through her design consultancy, Aesthetics & Style. “The house had good bones and we liked the layout and separation of space for our teenage kids.” Yet some major tweaks were necessary, and Mikael, a former top-10 world-ranked tennis player who reached the men’s singles final at the 1986 French Open and won the 1993 Canadian Open, was all in. “We have fairly similar styles,” he says, adding that they both gravitate toward fun, bold colors and whimsical lighting that may be considered very “unSwedish.” “We entertain a lot, and since people tend

to collect in the kitchen, we knocked down walls to open up this entire area,” Kristina says of the kitchen, dining, living, and office spaces on the first floor. The nearly 12-by6-foot quartz and butcher block island, illuminated by black and white brass-accented pendants, takes center stage and comfortably seats 10. Gray quartz countertops and beige, black, and white marble backsplash tiles add warmth to the clean lines of white IKEA cabinetry. “I love a good DIY project,” says Kristina, who stained the island’s butcher block center and painted the walls while Mikael assembled the cabinetry. A modern Italian chandelier adds a touch of glam to the bold, eclectic artwork surrounding the dining area. Walls of built-in bookshelves, subtly lit with arrangements of pillar candles, accent the comfortable family room and Kristina’s open-concept office. A laundry room off the garage was transformed into a butler’s pantry and coffee station, while a first-floor bedroom was converted into a generously sized laundry/ utility room with plenty of built-in storage.

Top: Using bold colors and artwork are two things both Kristina and Mikael agreed on when decorating their home. Above: Bulldogs and other keepsakes surround the 1986 Davis Cup runner-up trophy. FEBRUARY 2024

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“I knew my tennis career wasn’t going to last forever, so I’d like to do more locally with teaching and other projects.” — MIKAEL PERNFORS

Above: Artwork is displayed on nearly every wall, some reflective of the Pernforses’ Scandinavian heritage. Above right: Mikael restrings a racket in his secondfloor office amidst memorabilia that includes the 1986 French Open singles runner-up silver plate.

At the top of a brightly wallpapered staircase to the second floor is Mikael’s office, which is adorned with photos and memorabilia from victorious matches against Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, and other tennis greats. Mikael’s personal niche is complete with a workstation and racket-stringing equipment for the exhibition matches and corporate events in which he now plays after having retired from the professional tennis circuit in 1996. The home’s upstairs also features a dedicated hangout area for the couple’s 19-year-old son, Figge, their 14-yearold daughter, Bella, and their assorted friends. One of the most distinctive and surprising customizations happens to be the smallest: a hall closet turned into a studio where Kristina and her dear

friend Ingrid Hernandez record their weekly podcast, High Heels Happy Hour. “We can change around the background, so it looks a lot bigger when you see it on YouTube,” Kristina smiles proudly. The Pernforses’ interior customization, coupled with the sizable lanai that incorporates a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, and living area, suits their family’s active, multifaceted lifestyle perfectly. And now that it’s complete, it is understandable that they enjoy staying home and hosting friends and family, especially their many Swedish relatives. I’ve never been a seasonal person,” says Mikael, who came to the United States in 1981 to attend college. After a brief stint at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida, he was recruited to the University of Georgia, where he was the first tennis player in

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Above: The primary bedroom suite is a soothing and relaxing area with cool tones and soft fabrics. Right: Kristina’s office nook just inside the front door is bright and simply decorated.

two decades to win back-to-back NCAA singles titles. “I love the heat, and I love being outdoors. Here, you can go outside and do almost anything you want most of the time, whether it’s tennis, golf, the beach, or now pickleball.” “I knew my tennis career wasn’t going to last forever,” he reflects, “so I’d like to do more locally with teaching and other projects.” One of those projects includes teaming up with fellow Vero Beach resident and former rival Ivan Lendl, who defeated him in the men’s singles final of the 1986 French Open. “I started hanging out with Lendl and playing pickleball with him, so now we’re looking to play some events together in the coming years.” As for Kristina’s next project, she says, “I would love to develop the personal styling business a little further,” adding that she’d like to reach more people remotely through her three-hour online

digital course, Bring Your Style Bootcamp. “Personal and interior style are interrelated,” she points out. “We’re all objects of size, shape, and color, so many of the same rules apply. Usually, I’m asked to do something at a client’s house, and then it moves to the closet. It’s all about personal branding.” “My design philosophy is, ‘It doesn’t have to cost a fortune,’” she says. “You can do things on a budget. Even if it’s a big-builder house, you can personalize it. Sometimes it’s hard for people to see what the possibilities are, especially when they only see the model home. I’ve helped people design other builder homes after they’ve seen ours.” The Pernforses are the first to admit that theirs is not a typical Vero Beach residence. “It’s not blue and white, and there are no shells,” smiles Kristina. But, for them, it’s “Pernfors perfect”! FEBRUARY 2024

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limbing has been a passion of mine for years. Living without mountains requires weekly visits to a local rock-climbing gym to indulge my obsession. Climbing excursions have taken me to Washington and Wyoming, where I summited Mount Rainier and Devil’s Tower, respectively, and to the Peruvian Andes for a 10-day trek. Having dreams of even bigger mountains and approaching 50 years old, I realized it was now or never. Serving as the county attorney of Indian River County for a decade, I made a difficult decision. In June 2023, I decided to take a break from the coast and prepare myself for the mountains. My first objective was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, standing 19,341 feet tall. I knew I had to prepare myself physically and mentally, considering that going from sea level to a high altitude would require a lot of effort. My adventure began in Vero Beach with a new pair of hiking boots. I walked the Jungle Trail and its parks and climbed our local “mountains,” the bridges above the Indian River Lagoon. Wearing a backpack, I broke in my boots while enjoying the beauty of our local habitats. The next step of my journey was Santa Fe, New Mexico. I hiked to heights up to 12,600 feet in the forests of northern New Mexico while spending quality time with my parents, who reside there. I will always cherish this trip. Hiking without issues in the New Mexico altitude, I believed I was ready for Kilimanjaro. After a long day of flying, the plane arrived at a small Tanzanian airport. I walked directly onto the tarmac and gathered my two large duffel bags inside the sparse airport. My travel company, RMI Expeditions, and other team members soon greeted me.

Day one is in the books and, for the time being, my Florida clothing is still sufficient.

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The rugged journey from sea level to the roof of Africa

FEBRUARY

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DYLAN REINGOLD

The journey up Kilimanjaro begins at the Machame Gate (above right), which leads to a 7-mile hike through montane forest, a stratified ecosystem unique to mountainsides. Local crew members (below) prepare supper for the hungry climbers.

As we drove to the lodge, I talked with the other team members, who had varying mountaineering experiences. A few had summited some of the world’s highest mountains, while one had never slept in a tent. I wondered how my 50-year-old body would cope with sleeping on the ground, for it had been decades since I last camped. Based on the team’s experience, I realized I was in the middle. My highest trek had been in 2012, reaching an altitude of 15,200 feet in Peru. After a day of recovery from our long journey, our guide, Casey Grim, held a team meeting. I was confident in his mountaineering skills, since he had climbed Kilimanjaro more than 20 times and Mount Everest six times. During the meeting, we were briefed about the Machame Route we would take to the summit. The route would take us five and a half days to ascend and one and a half days to descend. A support crew consisting of 49 individuals, including Tanzanian guides, cooks, servers, and porters would accompany us. The crew would arrive before us at each camp to set up our campsite and prepare meals. As hikers, we would carry daily essentials in our backpacks, such as snacks, water, and the clothes we may need for that day. The porters would carry our remaining belongings in duffel bags. Just like airlines, the porters had a weight limit. For me, a notorious overpacker, this meant leaving many of my supplies behind at the lodge. After the meeting, Casey checked each individual to ensure we had the appropriate gear. I felt confident in the expedition’s safety due to his acute attention to detail.

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DYLAN REINGOLD

The end of day one offers a majestic view of the peak. Elephant trunk flowers (below) are found nowhere else in the world but the rainforests traversed at the beginning of the trek up Kilimanjaro.

The big day had finally arrived, and I was ready and dressed in my best Florida apparel: shorts and a polo shirt. After breakfast at the lodge, we drove to the Machame Gate, 5,900 feet in elevation, where our adventure began. I cannot accurately describe the sights and sounds I experienced walking 7 miles through the montane forest. At some points, I could see and hear monkeys moving in the trees as I admired the lush foliage. Casey pointed out the Impatiens kilimanjari, known as the elephant’s trunk flower, due to its unique shape and exclusivity to the region. As we exited the montane forest at 9,800 feet, I couldn’t help but notice the hard work of our crew. My sleeping tent was set up, neatly arranged, and contained my duffel bag. I had the luxury of a three-person tent that I shared with another solo male traveler. Nevertheless, I did not get a good night’s sleep.

Day two’s work is rewarded with a breathtaking sunset view from Shira Cave Camp (right). Heather shrubs give way to barren terrain as we enter the Arctic Desert zone (above).

Despite my limited sleep, I packed my gear and left my duffel bag outside the dining tent before a hot breakfast. Today’s goal was a 3.1-mile hike to Shira Cave Camp through the Moorland or Heather vegetation zone. Though a short hike, it was a rigorous climb to an elevation of 12,300 feet. After dinner, I was exhausted, and Casey suggested reading a book. I took his advice, which led to a better night’s sleep. FEBRUARY 2024

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Above: The Lava Tower serves as an imposing centerpiece at lunch. Below: I discuss the day’s progress with Tanzanian guide Gama Andrea Samwel.

Today we would reach an elevation of 15,000 feet during our 6.2-mile hike through the Alpine Desert climate zone. I was excited about our lunch stop at the base of the Lava Tower, which loomed over us, extending upward 300 feet; it was formed by volcanic activity over 150,000 years ago. After lunch, we descended the mountain to the Barranco Camp at 12,795 feet. The two-hour hike down from the tower was the most challenging stretch to date. After a long day on the trail, we arrived at our camp, which was cold and blanketed in fog. Once we reached this altitude, we began the acclimatization process, which involved climbing to a high altitude during the day and then sleeping at a lower altitude at night. This process allows climbers to acclimate to the difference in elevation and helps prevent altitude sickness.

Yesterday’s hike to the Lava Tower was exhilarating. And nothing could quell my excitement for today’s adventure, the Barranco Wall. This part of the hike would require the use of our hands and our full attention, since we were traversing a narrow, steep goat trail along a rock wall up the mountain. I was thrilled when Casey allowed me to climb a short wall section due to my climbing experience. Upon arriving at Karanga Camp at 13,100 feet, I was overwhelmed by the breathtaking mountain view above the clouds.

DYLAN REINGOLD

A communal breakfast with all the comforts of home (above) sets the stage for the tougher climbing ahead. A er day three, camp is established below the Barranco Wall.

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DYLAN REINGOLD

Karanga Camp (above) offers the surreal experience of being above the clouds, and day five takes the sense of transcendence to another level with a Mars-like landscape.

DYLAN REINGOLD

Today’s hike would be my highest elevation to date—15,300 feet. Reaching the Barafu Camp required a 2.5-mile hike through a rocky landscape resembling Mars. After lunch, Casey held a meeting to prepare us for tomorrow’s summit attempt, starting late in the evening. He warned that we would suffer different ailments at some point during the ascent due to the high altitude. However, we should not give up but push through. I was nervous with anticipation for the summit that was within our reach. Rest was essential for the energy required for the trek, so we were in bed by 6:30 p.m. Due to my nervousness, I could only grab a quick catnap. Breakfast was served at 11 p.m., and then we were off to the apex of our journey.

DYLAN REINGOLD

The Barranco Wall demands careful foot placement as well as use of the hands; it is more like rock climbing than the trekking required up to this point.

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The final push for the summit brings excitement and determination ... and altitude sickness. Stella Point (below) is considered a summit point, but it remains 456 vertical feet shy of the actual highest point in Africa.

I felt strong and healthy as I began the hike at 11:30 p.m., wearing a longsleeved shirt, fleece, and long pants. As we ascended, the temperature dropped, prompting me to add layers. Pitch black and cold … the only light source was tiny dots from our headlamps. As I gained elevation, I began to suffer nausea due to the change in altitude. Though this slowed me down, I was determined not to let anything stop me.

The Rebmann Glacier, visible from the Uhuru Peak, is all that remains of the ice cap that once topped Kilimanjaro.

After several hours, the sun began to rise, and at 18,885 feet, I reached Stella Point, a summit point on the mountain, but not the summit. I was determined to make it to the top. Although I had made it this far, I was concerned that Casey would not allow me to continue due to my altitude sickness. Once fast and energetic, I was now slow. Knowing I could do it, one of our Tanzanian guides gave me a warm cup of ginger tea instead of turning me around. Amazingly, the tea was all I needed to regain my strength. After an hour of trekking past glaciers, we arrived at Uhuru Peak, the summit at 19,341 feet. Our joy knew no bounds. Ecstatic to have reached the top together, we took numerous photos and immersed ourselves in the stunning panoramic views. As a reward for all of our efforts, Casey allowed us to make a call from Africa’s rooftop. My next journey is to Mount Everest Base Camp in the spring. This expedition involves hiking between Sherpa villages and staying in teahouses. I am excited about the cultural immersion and scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

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“I was nervous with anticipation for the summit that was within our reach.” — DYLAN REINGOLD

DYLAN REINGOLD

Above: The excitement builds in the final steps to the Uhuru Summit, and arrival at the “roof of Africa” is thrilling. Below: As we begin our descent, the Mawenzi Peak—a volcanic formation separate from the main crater cone of Kilimanjaro—is visible.

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Colorful Cargo A DEEPER DIVE INTO THE 1715 SPANISH FLEET REVEALS THE EXOTIC ORIGINS OF TREASURES BEYOND SILVER AND GOLD BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY ROGERS

ometimes the greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight. We know that well on the Treasure Coast, where salvage experts like Mel Fisher and his family are renowned for their amazing finds, and where there are still occasional stories of the glimmer of gold seen through the waters. Likewise, the origin stories of the treasure are hidden in plain sight. We all know about the 1715 hurricane and the shipwreck of the galleons. But what happened before the storm? The treasure of our coast had an intriguing journey even before it ended up on the Spanish ships that would prove bound for Tur reperume Davy Jones’ locker. verum es et When the Treasure Fleet set sail from the great ut qui aut port of Havana, Cuba, it was carrying goods that unt magnacame from South America and even from as far tur magni off as Asia. Did you know that Chinese porcelain was part of the cargo? Today, delicate blue-andwhite ware can be seen at the McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach and Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum in Sebastian. Park Services Specialist and archaeologist Corey Kerkela of the McLarty Treasure Museum explains that these exotic items were carried across the Pacific by a separate fleet before they ended up on the Spanish Main (the body of Spanish colonial territories in the mainland Americas). “Chinese goods were shipped across the Pacific to Acapulco and then taken by donkey to Veracruz,” says Kerkela. The ships of the Pacific fleet were known as Manila galleons because they sailed from Manila in the Philippines, which had been explored by Magellan; subsequent voyages

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A model of the Urca de Lima, one of the ships of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet, is on display at the McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach. Opposite page: Among the lesser-known cargo carried by the galleons is Chinese porcelain; Mel Fisher spent six years salvaging the wrecks off the Treasure Coast.

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had led to the discovery of a route called the North Pacific Gyre, which made use of powerful currents to shorten the time involved in traversing the world’s greatest ocean. This course supplanted the famous “Silk Road”—the overland route that had brought Chinese goods to the West since ancient times, and which had been made even more famous by the adventures of Marco Polo. “As ships got more efficient,” Kerkela explains, “there was no longer the need for the overland route. What’s the use of going up through Samarkand and all those places when you can sail home?” Camel caravans trekking across the desert gave way to mighty ships crossing the blue Pacific.

Corey Kerkela, park services specialist and archaeologist based at the McLarty Museum, is a wealth of information on the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet.

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Above: This gold cup on display at Mel Fisher’s Museum was recovered in 1997 from the Cannon Wreck, one of eight wreck sites confirmed to be associated with the 1715 fleet. Left: A gold, emerald, and diamond cross was found in pieces in 1996.

Today, experts identify the porcelain artifacts from the Treasure Fleet as Kangxi ware, named for the Qing Dynasty emperor during whose reign they were made. Kangxi porcelain is valued for its brilliant coloring, referred to as “underglaze sapphire blue,” and for beautiful imagery of bamboo, pines, flowers, and landscapes. The challenge, of course, was keeping these fragile works of art intact during the long voyages. Often they were packed in mud, which would then dry into a sturdy protective shield. If the Treasure Fleet had made it back to Spain, the humble dried mud would have been split open to reveal the precious and beautiful blue-andwhite porcelain within. Of course, that was not to be. Gold and silver are more familiar cargo items for Spanish galleons;

indeed, what would a Treasure Fleet be without them? Yet here, too, there are exotic stories behind the journeys of the artifacts. Gold and silver flooded into the Spanish Empire when the conquistadores, with their firearms, overran the Inca dominions; along with the differences in technology, the Inca were in the midst of a civil war at the time of the attack, distracting them from the impending threat. “After the conquest of the Inca, the Spanish found there was lots of gold in South America,” explains Kerkela. “There were walls of gold in Cuzco,” the Inca capital. “At first, the Spanish just melted down the walls.” Another account concerns a golden chain twice the length of Cuzco’s greatest public square. Furthermore, the Inca used gold and silver to fashion sculptures of llamas, alpacas, and other animals FEBRUARY 2024

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Le : This intricately carved silver plate may be of Inca origin. Above: A silver cruet salvaged from the Cannon Wreck in 1994 was probably used in the Catholic communion ritual. Both are on display at Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum.

that were important to them, as well as human figures. These sculptures were often found in temples and mountain shrines. Curiously, the Inca never used gold as currency. They valued precious metals— gold was “the sweat of the sun” and silver “the tears of the moon.” However, rather than trading gold, they viewed it as the personal property of the emperor, who was associated with their sun god. To Europeans, however, gold and silver were money, and the conquistadores considered themselves rich beyond the dreams of avarice. Many precious items were melted down. A surviving artifact at the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum, however, may reflect the Inca background of much of the galleons’ cargo: a silver plate with carvings of condors. The regal condor, an enormous bird of the high Andes, was revered by the Inca and other South American peoples. Nevertheless, the conquest was in the 1500s, and by the time of the 1715

fleet, the wealth of the cities had already been plundered. Thus, Kerkela says, the gold and silver of the Treasure Fleet was largely from mining. “There was a mountain of silver called Potosi, and the silver was brought by horses and mules to Lima and then sailed up to Panama.” Even centuries before the Panama Canal, he points out, “Panama was always the shortest and easiest way to get across.” Another treasure of the galleons was actually insectoid in origin. The cochineal, a relative of the mealybug, is the source of a bold crimson pigment. A related species had been used in the Middle East and Europe for centuries as a source of red pigment; however, the cochineal of Latin America provided a particularly flamboyant color that became highly prized when it was shipped back to the markets of the Old World. Before the conquest, the Inca had used cochineal for their valued textile arts; indeed, when the Inca surveyed the wealth of their empire, fine textiles were rated more highly than jewels, and the tradition of textile arts continues in Peru and Ecuador today. It may seem surprising to think of a crimson dye derived from insects being shipped back to Spain amid gold and silver, but

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Right: Muzo emeralds are found in a very remote location and known to be the richest in the world. Below: Treasured emeralds from mines in the area now known as Colombia were on the ships that sank off the Treasure Coast.

cochineal dye was indeed among the treasures of the fleet. Among the most beautiful treasures aboard the galleons were the deep green emeralds from the mines of Muzo, in what is today Colombia. “Muzo emeralds are the richest in the world,” Kerkela says. “Cartagena, Colombia is an amazing city— they have an emerald museum and a gold museum.” To this day, reaching the mines of Muzo is an adventure, as it calls for trekking across fogshrouded Andean paths and then descending to the lush jungles and tropical vales where the fabled emeralds can be found. Imagine making the journey by llama or donkey! As residents of the Treasure Coast, we know about the 1715 fleet and the quests of the famous salvagers. Yet the story behind the treasure adds to its allure and fascination. Tales of gold fever, war and intrigue, the wealth of empires, and perilous journeys across land and sea all lie behind the treasures of our coast.

Right: Inca artisans used cochineal to dye their textiles a deep red. Below: The crimson pigment gathered from the cochineal bug was a highly sought-a er dye for goods in Old World markets.

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ODYSSEY

FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, ‘CAPTAIN BOB’ MONTUORO HAS ACQUAINTED PEOPLE WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE MARSHLANDS WEST OF VERO BEACH; NOW, THE NEXT GENERATION OF HIS FAMILY IS FOLLOWING IN HIS WAKE BY RENÁE TESAURO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM WOLFE

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Far left: Capt. Bob Montuoro started his business as a way to fill free time with his love of the outdoors. Left: John Calhoun is Montuoro’s son-in-law and fellow captain.

Blue Cypress Recreation Area is a popular place for airboat tours. Above: A great egret glides just above the marsh. Below: Alligator sightings are plentiful on airboat trips.

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ost people come to Vero Beach for the beach. But those willing to venture away from sand and surf to the wild expanses west of Vero Beach will find what Bob Montuoro calls “the prettiest wetland you’ve ever seen.” He should know. For nearly two decades, Montuoro has operated Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures, introducing generations of families from Vero Beach and beyond to the sights and sounds of Florida’s freshwater marshland. Perched comfortably in cushioned

stadium-style seats aboard a custom 20-foot Diamondback airboat, up to 15 guests can don aviation talk-around headsets for a fully narrated tour of the pristine, state-owned Blue Cypress Recreation Area. Located just north of State Road 60 on County Road 512, the 2,800-acre recreation area is part of the 61,574-acre Blue Cypress Conservation Area, which comprises a large mosaic of open water systems and floodplain marsh at the headwaters of the 310-mile, northernflowing St. Johns River. “Each trip is a treasure hunt,” Montuoro

says of the 50-minute guided tour that is equal parts history lesson, biology class, and stand-up comedy routine. “You never know what you’re going to see because it changes every day. People enjoy our personalities, and we want to give them an educational and entertaining experience.” As the airboat glides effortlessly over miles of wetland, guests learn fun and interesting facts about the ecosystem and its natural inhabitants seen along the way. Alligators, fish, turtles, snowy egrets, white ibises, herons, ospreys, anhingas, cormorants, and

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Clockwise from top left: John Calhoun helps Reece into a life jacket before launching; an alligator, a purple gallinule, and an osprey; Capt. Bob’s airboat is full of eager tourists.

native flora such as bald cypress trees and lilies are just a few of the highlights. As is the area’s rich history. The property was once owned by the Garcia family, who fled Cuba and operated a cattle ranch, farm, and horse racing stables on land that had been dug with canals and drained of water. In 1982, the St. Johns River Water Management District purchased the property, built a levee around it, reestablished the marshland, and incorporated it into the 777,912 acres it currently manages to protect and preserve Florida’s water resources.

On a recent morning, we joined two families for an airboat tour led by Montuoro’s son-in-law, John Calhoun, heir apparent to Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures. As we gently traverse the open waterways, great blue herons alight from tall cattail reeds, displaying their impressive 6-foot wingspan. Sizable alligators skim gently through the water or rest on raised marsh beds. Anhingas crane their slender necks and dive for fish. “See the bumps on the alligator’s back?” asks Captain John, pointing to a 10-foot

male. “They’re called scutes and they help protect him from attack. That might help explain why alligators have been around for over 150 million years.” Gliding past a group of majestic cypress trees, affectionately named “Osprey Alley,” we spy pairs of ospreys and their enormous “penthouse nests.” Mesmerized, we watch resident couples Adam and Eve, Ricky and Lucy, Bonnie and Clyde, and Homer and Marge soar through the air and hunt for fish. “Ospreys are generally monogamous and remain together for life,” FEBRUARY 2024

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“You never know what you’re going to see because it changes every day.” — BOB MONTUORO

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Far left: An anhinga spreads its wings in flight. Above right: Montuoro with sonin-law John Calhoun on one of their tour boats. Above: Common gallinules are a frequent sight in the conservation area.

Calhoun points out. “They have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.” Rounding a corner, we encounter a rookery for great egrets. “Their numbers are coming back strong,” he comments, after decades of dwindling populations from the sale of their plume feathers for hats. “This is a slice of Florida people don’t get to see every day,” Calhoun remarks as he points out a section of old fence from the Garcia ranch. “There was a mile-long racetrack over there, sanctioned by the racing federation.” “People come here expecting to see alligators, but they learn so much more about the history and ecosystem,” acknowledges Montuoro. “We have many repeat customers who bring their friends and family to hear what they heard the first time. On each trip, you never know what will show up. That’s what keeps people so engaged, and we encourage them to ask questions.” Engaging people seems to come naturally to the jovial Montuoro, an outgoing outdoorsman who moved from his birth state of Oklahoma to Vero Beach as an 8-year-old in 1966. “All four of

my grandparents are from Italy, so I’m a secondgeneration Italian American. I tell everyone I’m the only Italian Okie Cracker you’ll ever meet. My dad was an aviator who built Brantley helicopters. After we moved to Vero, he became a vice president at Piper Aircraft. He described the Piper as the prettiest bird in Vero Beach.” Following his graduation from Vero Beach High School, Montuoro met his wife, Lisa, and joined the Indian River County Fire Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant during his 31-year career. “Working for the fire department means working 24 hours on and 48 hours off, which means you have time to do something else.” Initially, that something else was bass fishing. “I’ve always liked boats and I started a little bass club with my good friend Tim Ward. We traveled around the state doing bass fishing tournaments.” Those trips reinforced Montuoro’s love of the outdoors and the desire to introduce others to the beauty of Florida’s natural wetlands. Several years after the birth of their children, Emily and Todd, the Montuoros purchased a small airboat and launched Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures in 2004. In the beginning, it was a side gig during Bob’s days off from the fire department, with Lisa handling the bookings and FEBRUARY 2024

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administrative end of the business. Soon, they purchased talk-around headsets and developed a fully narrated tour with interesting facts about the ecosystem and history of the area. It set a new standard among airboat operators, who were using only basic ear protection and offering rides at the time. The Montuoros adopted the slogan “The difference is in the tour,” and it stuck. “Word of mouth about our airboat tours spread like a small wildfire,” jokes Montuoro. “The phone kept ringing and we got a bigger boat. Then, the phone rang some more, and we bought a second boat. Holiday weeks and Presidents’ Weekend through early May is our busiest time of the year. Thanks to our loyal customers, we have not

had to advertise in the last several years.” Since retiring from the fire department in 2012 and running tours full-time, Montuoro, 65, is reflecting upon his past and planning for the future of Captain Bob’s Airboat Adventures. “Next year will be our 20th year. Lisa and I are ready to work a little less and play a little more. We love hiking and walking, golf, and tennis.” Fortunately, Montuoro didn’t have to look far for his successors. For the past seven years, Emily and John have been gradually taking control of the business and the throttle. The pair knew each other when both attended Sebastian River High School, but they didn’t date until they reconnected one summer during their college years. Emily

attended Florida Atlantic University and Indian River State College, earning a bachelor of science in nursing. John, a 6-foot, 3-inch former fullback with the University of Miami Hurricanes, was planning to attend law school … until he began to think long and hard about his future career path. “I could see how Bob enjoyed life,” says Calhoun, a native Floridian who grew up surfing, fishing, playing football, and enjoying the outdoors. “I always wanted to be a firefighter and realized law wasn’t for me.” Instead of going to law school after college graduation, he enrolled in a local EMT training program, got hired by the St. Lucie County Fire Department in 2015—where he currently holds the rank of lieutenant, and

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“It’s a gift from above to be able to do what we do.” — JOHN CALHOUN

Clockwise from left: Rebecca Harris enjoys a trip in the marsh; one of many alligators; a former horse track is now submerged; a great blue heron takes off; John and Emily Calhoun with Bob Montuoro, Caroline, and Landon.

got his captain’s license in 2016 to pilot the airboat. “Bob gave me a lot of stick time. I learned all the facts and history about the area, and I’ve been here ever since.” “I couldn’t see my life any other way,” reflects Calhoun, now married to Emily eight years and a father of two. “It’s a gift from above to be able to do what we do.” Those who have joined him on an airboat tour would readily agree. FEBRUARY 2024

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Saddle UP! LEARN THE POLO STRATEGIES, RULES, AND FANCY SHOTS THAT WE’LL SEE IN ACTION AT WINDSOR THIS MONTH BY AMY ROBINSON

eautiful horses, stylish people, and popping corks bring to mind the sport of kings, but polo is accessible to all who wish to take part. Getting involved doesn’t mean you have to mount up, because just watching a match is a sport unto itself. Windsor Polo offers a perfect opportunity with the February 17 Charity Cup, a star-studded day of unsurpassed polo action benefiting three worthy local charities: the Homeless Children’s Foundation, Ballet Vero Beach, and the Indian River Land Trust. Getting to know the intricacies of the game makes for a richer viewing experience, so here are some of the basics. To start, four players on each team—let’s call them Team Blue and Team Red—line up opposite each other so the umpire can put the ball into play by bowling it into the space between the facing players. It’s an instant scrum from there, with each player pushing, angling, and reaching for the ball to declare his line. The line of the ball, once it is hit, is like the solid yellow line on the road—not to be crossed. A Team Red player gains control and hits the ball clear of the lineup, and is now entitled to that magic space in front of and behind the ball on that line. A teammate will advance, hoping to receive a pass and move the ball toward the other team’s goal. Team Blue will try some maneuvering to take it away by using a hook, in which a player rides next to the line of the ball and

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VITALIC PHOTO

Max Secunda is the director of polo at Windsor and is involved in the planning and execution of the Windsor Charity Polo Cup.

uses his mallet, always held in the right hand, to block the swing of the player on the line, like an NFL cornerback breaking up a pass to a receiver. The player attempting the hook must angle the mallet across his body and his horse’s body to the near side, which is his left, and then down to block the opposing player’s mallet from swinging through. The hooking player cannot touch the pony or the player with the mallet, and must stay in that slim allowed space, all while galloping at speed. If the hook is successful, the ball slows or stops as the horses continue forward, and another player will try to take control of the ball. The rideoff is another legal defensive move to push the player handling the ball off the line that has been established. The pushing player is on the left, or near side, of his opponent and will get his horse into position roughly shoulder to shoulder with the opponent’s horse, at no more than a 10-degree angle, and then try to ride him off the line so the ball can be claimed by a following player.

Swinging a cane mallet at a hard plastic ball while keeping your balance on a fast, 1,000-pound horse is demanding enough without someone trying to ride you off. There are several types of swings. The standard offside swing, on the right side of the horse, can send the ball forward or backward. The nearside swing is on the horse’s left side, but since the mallet is always held in the player’s right hand, this swing necessitates twisting in the saddle to angle the mallet across the horse to hit the ball. Tricky shots include the neck shot, in which a player angles his mallet under the horse’s neck out in front of the legs, and a tail shot, when a player leans back and tries to hit a ball that is behind the horse. “At the beginning level, polo can look a bit like an elementary school soccer match, with players bunching up at the ball and kicking at it until it gets loose, and then bunching up again,” says Max Secunda, director of polo at Windsor and 1995 British Open finalist. “At the Windsor Charity Polo Cup, patrons will see an exhibition of how

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Aside from world-class polo on display, there will be field-side tents and tailgating, a specialty retail village and luxury automobile concourse, as well as food, fun, and “divot stomping” at the 2024 Windsor Charity Polo Cup February 17.

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Rules allow for four players on each team on the field, multiple horses at the ready for each rider, and mallets to be held only in the right hand.

polo is ideally played with very good horses and skilled players.” Teams will comprise three professionals and one amateur. Each player on a team has a number—1, 2, 3, or 4—that identifies his or her position and role. “Number 1 is out in front of the action,” notes Secunda. Numbers 2 and 3 play in the middle, ready to receive a passed ball and get it to the 1. “Number 4 is the back position, where a lot of high-goal level pros

like to play. The number 4’s job is to defend, and then when his team has the ball, to help set up an attack,” Secunda explains. “It’s like the quarterback on a football team; you are surveying and directing the action from the back.” When the ball changes direction, the players on offense are now on defense. There are strategies to employ, such as marking an opposing player. “In polo, you each mark a player by getting in front of him

before he gets the ball, obstructing his view, and keeping him out of the center, all of which makes him a difficult target to pass the ball to.” Each period of play, called a “chukker,” from the Hindi word for “round” or “circle,” is seven and a half minutes long with a threeminute rest in between, when riders can change horses. Rules in place for the safety of both horse and rider are enforced by two mounted umpires and a third

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THE CHARITIES

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The Windsor Charity Polo Cup will benefit local nonprofits that make a real difference in our lives.

watching from the sidelines. “Umpiring has gotten really consistent in the last 10 years or so,” says Joe Henderson, assistant director of umpires for the U.S. Polo Association. “Umpires are rated depending on how good they are, which dictates what kind of matches they can officiate,” he adds. “We debrief after games to go over the calls to see where we made good calls and where we made a mistake.”

Various penalties are assigned based on the severity of the rule infraction and the field position where it occurred. Dangerous riding and dangerous use of the mallet penalties draw more punishment. “A Penalty 1 is an infringement in the area of the goal mouth that is deliberate or dangerous and impedes a goal about to happen,” says Henderson. The goal is awarded and the fouled team gets a free hit from center field. Penalty 2 is less severe but can still result in a goal. “If there was a strong likelihood that the team would have made the goal if not for the penalty, then the fouled team gets a free, undefended hit from 30 yards out.” Penalties 3 and 4 are free shots from 40 and 60 yards, respec-

tively. Penalty shots are either defended, with opponents standing in the goal mouth to block the shot, or undefended, with no one in that space. Penalty 5 addresses a minor offense and results in a stoppage of play until the ball is dropped midfield by the umpire to resume the action. Secunda goes to great lengths to bring to Windsor quality horses that are appropriate for advanced players and for those just getting started. “Learning to play polo starts slowly, definitely not at the speed you see in a tournament,” he says. “It feels fantastic when you hit the ball, even if you are still at a walk or trot. Just like learning to surf, catching a 1-foot wave is a phenomenal feeling. It’s a lot of fun.”

The Homeless Children’s Foundation of Indian River County was formed in 2015 to fund and coordinate programs, such as summer camps and after-school activities, for homeless children while helping their families gain self-sufficiency. All administrative costs are underwritten by the board of directors, so 100 percent of donations go to help homeless children. Ballet Vero Beach sees dance as a universal language that brings us together. In addition to beautiful onstage performances, BVB offers the groundbreaking Fellowship Initiative for Dancers, which combines performance experience with training in arts integration and arts literacy along with course work at IRSC toward a two-year associate or bachelor’s degree. The Indian River Land Trust has protected and preserved more than 12 miles of life-giving habitat adjacent to the Indian River. Connecting wildlife corridors and maintaining public trails allow all of us to enjoy native flora and fauna that would otherwise be destroyed or displaced by urban sprawl.

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When Your Family’s Care and Time Matter Dr. Latia Ilyadis, DO

Dual Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

• Caring for Babies to Baby Boomers • Taking an Individualized Proactive Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Conditions and Diseases • Providing Nutrition and Exercise Counseling that works for your lifestyle!

Become a Member Today (Limited Enrollment) 9301 Highway A1A, Ste 202 Vero Beach, FL 32963

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772-205-6361

www.IslandHealthVeroBeach.com

Now Accepting New Patients

12/29/23 1:18 PM

“They are quick to respond and the quality of work is outstanding. We never had any doubt that they had our best interests at heart. We would recommend them without hesitation.” – Windsor Resident • CUSTOM-TAILORED SERVICES FOR YOUR HOME • RESPONSIBLE & EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS • BACKED BY EXPERTS IN THE INDUSTRY

772.234.5722 | www.CaretakersVeroBeach.com | 1902 Wilbur Avenue | Vero Beach, FL 32960

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

Valentine Variety

February is filled with fantastic products and progress

BEAUTY IN BLUE

BAIR IS BACK

FEBRUARY 1: NEW EXHIBITION AT MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

FEBRUARY 8: ARTIST RETURNS TO M. MAISON

Blue Harmony by Linda Arnold, oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

Chutes and Ladders by Britt Bair, acrylic on canvas, 55 x 72 inches

Celebrated contemporary plein air painter Linda Arnold depicts scenes of Vero Beach through modern eyes. Her newest exhibit starts Feb. 1, so visit the gallery to see all of her paintings or explore the walk-through tour online.

From Feb. 8 to 15, abstract expressionist Britt Bair is bringing her new artwork to M. Maison. Stop by on Feb. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. to sip, shop, and meet the artist.

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

6160 Hwy. A1A | Village Shops | 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com

M. MAISON

3403 Ocean Drive | 772-231-4300 | mmaisonvero.com

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SS.3475 VBM February 2024 QV Clubhouse Ad:Layout 1

12/14/23

5:44 PM

Page 1

Timeless 5099 NORTH A1A

VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32963

772-234-4427

ARCHITECT: PEACOCK & LEWIS

CONTRACTOR: PROCTOR CONSTRUCTION

SPECTRUM PROJECT MANAGER: SUSAN SCHUYLER SMITH

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LICENSE #IBF000165

www.spectrumvero.com PHOTOGRAPHER: © NICK SARGENT

12/15/23 10:27 AM

New & Noteworthy DOUBLE LOVE

FEBRUARY 9–10: GABRIEL OFIESH PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND TRUNK SHOW The Laughing Dog Gallery is delighted to showcase a collection of Gabriel Ofiesh’s work for a two-week show, allowing for leisurely shopping and private appointments. Ofiesh’s work is known for its curves, simple forms, and unexpected details. FEBRUARY 22–23: BARBARA HEINRICH PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND TRUNK SHOW Join the gallery in welcoming Barbara Heinrich on her third visit to Vero Beach and see her spectacular collection. Heinrich’s signature is tasteful, elegant works of infinitely wearable jewelry.

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY Gabriel Ofiesh

2910 Cardinal Drive 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com

INTRODUCING YOUR

Island Lifestyle Experts

E X T R AO R D I N A R Y O C E A N -TO - R I V E R P R O P E R T Y I N A M B E R S A N D B E AC H 1 2 8 3 0 H I G H WAY A 1 A | O F F E R E D AT $ 2 , 3 0 0,0 0 0

9 Both Top 1.5% of all Real Estate Professionals in the United States ranked by REALTrends 9 Both Top 1% of all Realtors® in Indian River County 9 $60M+ Total Dollar Volume Sold YTD 9 Extensive network in the local, regional, and global markets 9 Extensive digital marketing, world-wide property distribution and exposure and exclusive media partnerships 9 Local print advertising in VB 32963, TC Palm and Vero Beach Magazine

Sherry Brown 772.633.1472

SBROWNVERO@GMAIL.COM V E R O B E A C H I S L A N D R E A LT O R . C O M

Sherrie Coleman 772.633.0021

SCAN HERE TO ACCESS OUR LISTINGS & MORE

S C O L E M A N @ O N E S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C O M S H E R R I E C O L E M A N . O N E S O T H E B Y S R E A LT Y. C O M

B E A U T I F U L H O M E I N S O U G H T-A F T E R B E R M U DA B AY O N L A R G E LOT 1 1 1 R I V E R OA K D R I V E | O F F E R E D AT $ 1 ,6 9 2 ,0 0 0

© 2023 ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. The information contained herein is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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PARTNER CONTENT

TAKE THE LEAP

FEBRUARY 29: SALE EVENT FOR ONE DAY

Jump over to Trimmings for Leap Day savings! During this one-day sale on Thursday, Feb. 29, you’ll find items tagged with a cute frog indicating that you’ll save 29 percent.

TRIMMINGS HOME GARDEN AND GIFTS

3201 Cardinal Drive | 772-213-8069 | shoptrimmingsvb.com

SHOW SOME GRACE FEBRUARY 29: TRUNK SHOW AT LYRA

Lyra Home will hold a trunk show for the new Gracewear Always Collection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wendy Lupas, owner of Gracewear, will be presenting her new gold vermeil and sterling silver collection. Enter for a raffle prize with any purchase of Gracewear jewelry.

LYRA HOME

3355 Ocean Drive | 772-257-4777 | lyrahome.com

Camaraderie & Competition. Live the grand life with two championship golf courses, an active racquet sports complex, and a stunning beach club — all tailored to create cherished memories meant to be treasured for a lifetime.

Schedule a Membership Tour at GrandHarbor.com 772.299.6623 | Resident and NonResident Memberships Available.

FEBRUARY 2024

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The Visiting Nurse Association. Helping you enjoy what matters most.

New & Noteworthy RETREAT YOURSELF

MARCH 2–3: OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN

Home Health • Hospice • Private Care Whether it’s recovering from a hospital stay, learning to live with a life-limiting illness or you just need a little help at home with daily living activities, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is here for you. Call us today to find out how we can help you get back to enjoying what matters most to you.

Margo Montgomery is hosting a getaway retreat exclusively for like-minded women who want the opportunity to reconnect with themselves, uncover passions, strengths, and values, and gain a deeper understanding of their inner selves.

MARGO MONTGOMERY

847-226-5540 | margomontgomerycoaching.com

IT JUST COMES NATURAL NEW PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE

Choose local. Choose VNA. Call 772.202.8570 or visit www.vnatc.com

The Dandy Lion Gifts and Thrifts now sells Natural Life items. Stop in to shop this fabulous collection, which includes journals, water canisters, bags, and much more showcasing the brand’s bright and fun signature patterns.

THE DANDY LION GIFTS AND THRIFTS

1605 10th Ave. | 772-774-8449 | dandyliongiftsandthrifts.com License# HHA299991281/HHA21276095/HPC5038096 • Hospice License Issued in 1986

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PARTNER CONTENT

EXQUISITE BY DESIGN

NEW TILE COLLECTION AT CERAMIC MATRIX

The new Aphrodite Mosaic and Waterjet Mosaic Collection embodies classic design and understated elegance, where timeless beauty meets exquisite craftsmanship. With eight distinct patterns drawing inspiration from Grecian and Roman design, the collection seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary sensibilities.

CERAMIC MATRIX

1107 18th Place | 772-778-7784 | ceramicmatrix.com

LIVE IN COLOR

John’s Island

Clear Skies. Cool Water. Warm Welcome.

COLORFUL COLLECTION AT VERNON SCOTT

Welcome to this cherished haven enjoyed by generations of members who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea. Enjoy over 1,650 private pristine acres, miles of Vernon Scott Resort Wear showcases new pieces from Gretchen Scott, who is known for her fun and colorful prints. These solid separates are available in a multitude of colors. Visit the store to choose your favorites.

VERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR

818 Beachland Blvd. | 772-231-3733 | vernonscott32963.com

sandy beach, riverfront adventures, and legendary social engagements, all steps from

beautifully

designed

residences

nestled among lush landscaping that invite you home. Discover personal bliss by the shores of John’s Island.

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

FEBRUARY 2024

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New & Noteworthy WOOD YOU LIKE TO SHOP? FRESH DECOR AT DIGG GARDENS

PARTNER CONTENT

LIMITLESS LUMINATION DESIGNER PRESENTS LIGHTING OPTIONS

Digg Gardens invites you to discover unique items such as this beautiful piece made from reclaimed wood. Visit the shop to decide which ones speak to your heart.

Discover bespoke European statement lighting with diverse textures— fabrics, fringes, cane, and jute. From chandeliers to lampshades, explore limitless options in size and shape, ranging from modern to whimsical designs with Emily Rose Interiors.

DIGG GARDENS

7430 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-360-2131 | digggardens.com

EMILY ROSE INTERIORS

772-321-7868 | emilyroseinteriors.com

Our Clothing Suits Your Life

818 Beachland Blvd  772-231-3733  Mon–Sat 10 to 5  VernonScott32963.com 134 VERO BEACH MAGAZINE

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G R A N D H A R B O R H a r b o r V i l l age

OA K HA RBOR Hamilton Island

EQUESTR IA N ESTAT E

3 Bed / 3 Bath | 2,414SF | $1.1M | #273600 Diane DeFrancisci 772-538-1614 Brenda Montgomery 772-532-4170

3 Bed / 3 Bath | 2,927SF | $1.7M | #273450 Jim Knapp 772-913-0395 Stephanie Knapp 772-696-6302

4 Bed / 7 Bath | 32.34 Acres | $3.399M | #273468 T.P. Kennedy 772-473-2521 Shannon O’Leary 772-205-4412

OA K HAR BOR Caldicott House

G R A N D H A R B O R St . P h i l i p s

PI N EWO O D ESTAT ES

3 Bed / 2.5 Bath | 2,115SF | $698K | #273553 Jim Knapp 772-913-0395 Stephanie Knapp 772-696-6302

3 Bed / 3 Bath | 1,867SF | $795K | #273404 Diane DeFrancisci 772-538-1614 Martin Carder 772-696-0131

3 Bed / 2.5 Bath | $825K | #272876 Charlotte Terry 772-538-2388 Maria Caldarone 772-713-7139

T H E R E S E R V E a t Pe l i c a n I s l a n d

CE NTRA L B EACH

IND I AN R I VE R FARM S

0.29 Acre Homesite | $499K | #273473 Shannon O’Leary 772-205-4412 T.P. Kennedy 772-473-2521

2 Bed / 2 Bath | $530K | #273563 Rick Wykoff 772-321-6462 Jessica Mahoney 904-654-3456

9.79 Acre Homesite Zoned AG-1 | $649K | #272983 T.P. Kennedy 772-473-2521

A Global Mindset for a Community-Driven Brokerage alexmacwilliam . com

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OFFICE 772-231-6509

2901 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL 32963

12/27/23 10:45 AM

New & Noteworthy LET THAT SINK IN

PARTNER CONTENT

RIGHT THIS WAY

UNIQUE POSSIBILITIES AT EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

ARTIST TO APPEAR AT ART FESTIVAL

This Amara sink is lovingly handmade in Italy of fireclay and glazed with precious metals. It’s available in gold, platinum, and silver. Stop by the showroom to make your selection.

For the third consecutive year, Elise Geary of Ocean Drive Gallery will be at Under the Oaks. Visit her at the same location as last year; use the entrance closest to Riverside Theatre, then take the first path to the right.

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

4003 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-494-2694 | europeansink.com

PROJECTED FOR SUCCESS

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8, 2nd Floor | 772-579-7667 Elevator located in alcove behind Lyra Home oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com

TEA & TALENT

PROJECT MANAGER JOINS REILLY

INAUGURAL MEETUP A SUCCESS

Joanna Niznik has joined Reilly Construction & Development as a project manager. Niznik obtained her master’s from Carleton University in Canada, and after working many years with residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects in Canada, she migrated to Vero Beach.

The first Tea with Talented Students event took place Nov. 16. The afternoon was filled with tea and sandwiches, prayer, performance, and delightful conversation between students and GYAC board members. Attendees felt inspired and look forward to future occasions of this annual event.

REILLY CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

GIFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

1515 Indian River Blvd, Suite A220 | 772-794-9799 building2last.com

4875 43rd Ave. | 772-794-7005 | mygyac.org

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Life on purpose. Explore the natural beauty of this unique ocean-to-river private club where world-class facilities are brought to life by a remarkably engaged and welcoming community.

OrchidIslandFL.com Call Orchid Island Realty: 772.388.3888

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New & Noteworthy LIFE OF LAGGO

LAVISH LINE ADDED AT SASSY BOUTIQUE

ALL-AROUND CONNECTION REALTOR ATTENDS CONFERENCE

Cathy with her original broker, Rick Higgins, owner of The Higgins Group in Fairfield County, Connecticut Now at Sassy, Laggo is a luxury handbag collection based out of Los Angeles. Creators Mariana and Nicolas Goschin draw inspiration from saddle details and various handcrafted leather goods, embracing classic handmade luxury with a modern twist.

SASSY BOUTIQUE

3365 Ocean Drive | 772-234-3998

Fine Selection of Antique Majolica

Cathy Curley represented Dale Sorensen Real Estate at the “Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate” conference in Deer Valley, Utah. Curley enjoyed learning from other top agents, networking with referral partners, and reconnecting with her original broker, with whom she began her career at age 25.

CATHY CURLEY

772-559-1359 | cathycurleyrealestate.com

JESSYCA’S BEAUTY STUDIO

FUME FREE, HEALTHY & HOLISTIC BEAUTY TREATMENTS

W W W. J E S S YC A S B E A U T Y S T U D I O . C O M

Nineteenth C. Heron & Waterlily Vase by Joseph Holdcroft 1535 U.S. HWY 1 | VERO BEACH | BOOK ONLINE

11 am–5 pm Weekdays Open Saturdays 11 am–3 pm

3201 Cardinal Drive Vero Beach|772-213-8069 SHOPTRIMMINGSVB.COM

Triple sanitized BOUTIQUE NAIL SALON offering high grade treatments such as nails, pedicures, lash extensions, lash care/brow care, permanent makeup and makeup tutorials; using essential oils and organic ingredients.

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CERAMIC MATRIX

1107 18th Place | 772-778-7784 | ceramicmatrix.com

PARTNER CONTENT

KING & QUEEN

SUSAN ADAMS HONORED WITH RALPH T. KING AWARD

Susan Adams and Meredith Egan Congratulations to Susan Adams, recipient of the esteemed Ralph T. King award for exemplary community leadership and advocacy. This prestigious accolade recognizes Adams for her exceptional long-term dedication, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to the community.

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 1836 14th Ave. | 772-569-8900 | unitedwayirc.org

BUILDING PEACE OF MIND

COMPANY OFFERS VARIOUS PROPERTY SERVICES

T.H. Whitfield Construction Property Management aims to exceed client expectations. Providing individual attention and personalized, highquality service, the company offers year-round maintenance.

T.H. WHITFIELD CONSTRUCTION INC.

8980 U.S. Hwy. 1, Suite 3, Sebastian | 772-696-3736 thwhitfieldconstruction.com/propertymanagement

FEBRUARY 2024

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

MARK DOWN A VISIT

ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE

Vero Beach Clay Shooting announces the opening of its new clubhouse. Stop by for a quick bite at Marsh Bistro and enjoy shooting clays in paradise.

Iconic Dermatology presents Fotona 4D, an innovative laser treatment that uses a unique combination of laser wavelengths to treat distinct “dimensions” of the skin to rejuvenate and tighten from inside out. This nonsurgical, noninvasive facelift alternative delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results.

NEW CLUBHOUSE OPEN

VERO BEACH CLAY SHOOTING SPORTS

LASER TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

ICONIC DERMATOLOGY

5925 82nd Ave. | 772-978-0935 | verobeachclayshooting.com

4800 20th St. | 772-758-1310 | iconicderm.com

WHEN ONE DOOR OPENS

GOOD VIBES, GREAT STYLE

Vero Glass introduces the Millwork 360 collection to its product offerings. This line allows for custom molding and doors that reflect the highest degree of quality and can be tailored to each customer’s specific needs.

The Village Shops is pleased to announce that Faherty has opened. Inspired by surfing, beach life, and road trips, the brand is family led with a focus on providing the highest-quality items and spreading good vibes.

CUSTOM MILLWORK 360 DOORS AT VERO GLASS

VERO GLASS & MIRROR

1705 Old Dixie Hwy. | 772-567-3123 | veroglass.com

NEW SHOP OPEN

VILLAGE SHOPS

6140 Hwy. A1A | 772-231-1066 | villageshopsverobeach.com

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Make sure your heart is in the right place. The Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has been recognized for clinical excellence by the American College of Cardiology. Our heart experts provide a full suite of services right here in Vero Beach – from preventive care to the latest surgical techniques. For research-driven care. For compassionate specialists. For every care in the world. Expert heart care is close to home at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment.

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1/2/24 11:27 AM

New & Noteworthy JOIN THE CLUB

RISING STARS

NEWEST AR HOMES MODEL NOW OPEN AND AVAILABLE

OPERA EXPANDS PROGRAM

Step into the very finest of Florida living! The Eventide encompasses luxury and understated elegance. Complementing this stunning home is its waterfront location in the highly sought-after community of River Club, nestled in the heart of Indian River Shores.

Vero Beach Opera presents its Class Act: Opera in the Classroom program, which brings opera education into local elementary schools. The program is now in Fellsmere Elementary, Vero Beach Elementary, Vero Beach Academy, and Saint Edward’s School.

AR HOMES | BEACHLAND HOMES

VERO BEACH OPERA

772-492-4018 | arhomesverobeach.com

P.O. Box 6912 | 772-569-6993 | verobeachopera.org

Winter in Vero Beach!

SALES · · SERVICE · · SHIP’S STORE S e r v in g Ve r o Be a c h O n T h e Wate r fr o n t Fo r O ve r 6 5 Y E A RS! 7 7 2 - 5 6 2 -7 9 2 2

1 2 R O YA L P A L M P O I N T E

VERO BE ACH

W W W .V E R O M A R I N E . C O M

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PARTNER CONTENT

SWEETHEART SALE SALE AT SHOWROOM

PRETTY PAMPERING

RANGE OF SERVICES AT BEAUTY STUDIO

Jessyca’s Beauty Studio specializes in offering a natural, harmonious, and luxurious environment. Treat yourself to one of its bookable pampering services including makeup application, makeup tutorials, eyelash care, brow care, and more. Private events are also available.

HOL invites you to celebrate love and elegance and give your home the glow it deserves with exclusive deals on bath lighting and LED mirrors. Beautify your spaces with handpicked collections of accessories and artwork, all at irresistible prices.

THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS

1034 South Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne | 800-541-3048 thehouseoflights.com

3355 Ocean Drive

Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm

JESSYCA’S BEAUTY STUDIO

1535 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-882-8273 | jessycasbeautystudio.com

772.257.4777

LyraHome.com FEBRUARY 2024

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

SO MUCH TO SEE

EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF VENDORS OFFERED

LED Capstone invites you to view its array of lighting fixtures and fans on display from numerous manufacturers around the world. With collections and collaborations by artisans in the USA, the Philippines, and London, there is something for everyone.

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM 4005 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-205-2529 | ledcapstone.com

REALTOR®

“We were fortunate enough to get paired up with Cathy Curley when we were looking to buy a place in Vero Beach last Spring. Cathy was a DREAM to work with - we were out of state, and she made us feel comfortable with the buying process even though we were over 1,000 miles away! She was always available to answer our questions, either by text or phone call, even though she was working with multiple clients besides us. I can’t imagine better service from a realtor, Cathy is THE BEST!” -Kent and Cynthia

A COUPLE GIFT IDEAS

MASSAGE OPTIONS AT MIND AND BODY OF VERO

Thinking About Buying or Selling? I would love the opportunity to earn your business.

(772) 559.1359 • ccurley@dsreinc.com

Mind and Body of Vero suggests giving the gift of a couple’s massage in which both participants can relax and unwind. Together you can synchronize your breathing and heart rate, which fosters a sense of unity and harmony.

MIND AND BODY OF VERO

1040 37th Place, Suite 202 | 772-400-2020 mindandbodyofvero.com

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VERO BEACH | PALM BEACH | NANTUCKET

ALEXANDRA C. NUTTALL, ASID

772.231.3746 | WWW.ALEXANDRANUTTALL.COM

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

POWER IN NUMBERS REALTORS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Two powerhouse real estate agents, Sherry Brown and Sherrie Coleman, announce their strategic partnership. Annually ranked in the top 1 percent of One Sotheby’s International Realty, with over $60 million in sales year-to-date in 2023, these long-term locals bring an unwavering commitment to clients.

ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 1401 Hwy. A1A

SHERRY BROWN 772-633-1472 verobeachislandrealtor.com

Sherry Brown

Sherrie Coleman

MAKING MOVIES

FESTIVAL TO HIGHLIGHT STUDENT FILMS

SHERRIE COLEMAN 772-633-0021 sherriecoleman.onesothebysrealty.com

BRUNCH BUNCH

BRUNCH OFFERED AT DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT

Student filmmakers from 2023

As part of its community support, Vero Beach Film Festival will be showcasing local student films as part of the “Next Up” segment of the festival. Visit the festival’s website for additional details.

VERO BEACH FILM FESTIVAL vbfilmfest.org

Gather your group and head to Post & Vine for a fabulous brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a delicious menu featuring various Benedict options or fare such as bananas Foster French toast or a fried egg burger.

POST & VINE

1919 14th Ave. | 772-907-5159 | postandvinevb.com

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WE’VE GOT OPTIONS!

Visit our showroom when planning your next project. Dealer & Installer of

Kolbe is known for their superior quality and innovative designs.

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

WE HEART HEALTH CARE PRACTICE ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS

February is American Heart Month, and Premier Cardiology embraces this vital national focus on heart health by welcoming new members into its practice, both concierge and non-concierge. Join this community dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized cardiac care.

PREMIER CARDIOLOGY

787 37th St., Suite E250 | 772-494-0794 | premiercardiologyvb.com

ON SAIL NOW

ORIGINAL ARTWORK AT FANTASTIC FINDS

Our new clubhouse is THE place to experience clays in paradise!

New Memberships Available Now Bistro is open daily!

during clubhouse hours

Open to the Public Sun-Mon 8am - 5pm Wed-Sat 8am - 5pm Closed on Tuesday

772-978-0935 verobeachclayshooting.com 5925 82nd Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32966

This original oil painting, Dockside by popular artist James P. Kerr, is available now. Kerr, who maintains a studio in Boca Raton, creates seaside and mountain landscapes, figures, musicians, still lifes, and abstract works. The framed painting measures 38 by 48 inches.

FANTASTIC FINDS

4300 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-794-7574 | fantastic-finds.com

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Oceanique #1205-B, North Hutchinson Island

$1,399,000

180 N. Highway A1A, #1205-B Endless ocean views from direct oceanfront condo. This 12th floor corner unit has breathtaking ocean views and wrap around balcony. Spacious and open floor plan affords amazing views from almost every room! 3 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den/office. Light and bright culinary kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances, breakfast nook, and beautiful ocean views! Resort-like amenities including pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, tennis, and pickle ball court. Two pets allowed up to 30 lbs. each. Schedule your tour 772-231-5131.

772.231.5131 www.TheMoorings.com Sales@TheMoorings.com 2125 Windward Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963

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New & Noteworthy HAVE KNOWLEDGE, WILL TRAVEL WRITER OFFERS INFORMATIVE PRESENTATIONS

Vero Beach Magazine’s own Renaissance man, Chris Fasolino, has launched a lecture service featuring a variety of topics, including history, art, travel, wine, and nature. Talks can be tailored for large or small groups and are also available via Zoom.

LEARNING ADVENTURES

christopherfasolino@gmail.com | 518-353-0585 learningadventures.info

PLAY BALL

COMPANY SUPPORTS LEAGUE

George Williams, operations director of the Vero Beach Little League Coastal Van Lines recently collaborated with Vero Beach Rotary to provide free cleats to more than 70 Vero Beach Little Leaguers. CVL supports numerous local organizations, and the company’s generosity and community involvements are much appreciated.

COASTAL VAN LINES

1622 91st Court | 772-569-6683 | coastalvanlines.com

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PARTNER CONTENT

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE DOCTOR WELCOMES NEW PATIENTS

Ocean Blue Medical is welcoming new patients. Services blend the expertise of Dr. Denise Tonner in both endocrinology and comprehensive primary care. If you desire a health experience that is as exclusive as it is effective, contact the office.

OCEAN BLUE MEDICAL

908 E. Causeway Blvd. | 772-360-4973 | oceanbluemed.com

TAKE A BOW

NEW EARRINGS AT ROYAL PALM JEWEL

HIGH VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONE AND WIND-BORNE DEBRIS ONE LIGHTS

(LOW-E, CLEAR, AND TURTLE)

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If you’re updating your interiors, let us help you in selecting new doors. Vero Millwork, Inc. is Indian River County’s oldest locally owned and operated door, trim and accessories company. Come visit our showroom and sit down with one of our experts. Royal Palm Jewel presents fresh bow earrings with an attached backing that allows for the perfect fit. This beautiful set is made of diamonds set in 18-karat white, yellow, or rose gold.

ROYAL PALM JEWEL

53 Royal Palm Pointe | 772-766-3165 | royalpalmjewel.com

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New & Noteworthy

PARTNER CONTENT

“There’s no place like

Home!” TO BENEFIT

COCKTAILS • DINNER SILENT AUCTION • LIVE AUCTION ENTERTAINMENT

FEBRUARY 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. OAK HARBOR CLUB TickeTs $250 per person

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

CALL THE HOPE FOR FAMILIES CENTER

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OR SIGN ON TO

www.hopeforfamiliescenTer.org and click on evenTs

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Become a volunteer puppy raiser for 3, 6, or 12 months. Open a world of magic to those with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children who need a friend.

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715 4th Place, Vero Beach,FL 32962

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The Hope for Families Center, a 501(c)3 organization, EIN #59-3129752.

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Offering a Legacy of Excellence 40 years as Vero Beach Residents

24 years in Commercial Banking & Mortgage Lending 20 years in Retail Sales, Merchandising, Interior Design, Staging & Photography

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New & Noteworthy

BESPOKE FOR CHICNESS SPECIALTY BAGS AT LOCAL BOUTIQUE

Vero Beach market bags are custom made for iLinen Coastal Boutique. The bags are handcrafted in Bangladesh by hundreds of mothers who receive Fair Trade–certified wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund. Oneof-a-kind customizations are then completed in California.

ILINEN COASTAL BOUTIQUE 1008 Beachland Blvd. 772-321-3262 ilinenlifestyle.com

Owner of A Shade Better for 38 years 1105 22nd Street | Vero Beach, FL 32960 772.569.5522 | www.elmoreinteriors.com

Lampshades | Lamps | Lamp Repair | Home Furnishings

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PARTNER CONTENT

Welcome

Tina Jensen joins the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County as the new resource development coordinator. With a background in growth marketing leadership in both health/tech start-up and the performing arts, Jensen is thrilled to marry these areas of expertise.

Following a comprehensive five-month nationwide search, McKee Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the appointment of Rochelle Ibañez-Wolberg as its new executive director. IbañezWolberg comes to McKee from Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, where she had served as curator and director since 2017.

BETHANY BURT & MELINDA PAMPALLONA

Realtors® and animal lovers

We are donating $500 per closing to the Humane Society of Vero Beach. 772.766.4926 | 772.696.0819 FEBRUARY 2024

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weddings events With awe-inspiring views that spread across 1,400 acres, the Crane Club at Tesoro is the crown jewel of Florida’s Treasure Coast. This exclusive private oasis offers the finest combination of lavish indoor and tropical outdoor settings. With more than 130 years of experience, Lessing’s Hospitality Group is proud to expand our mission of remarkable hospitality to Florida.

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Local Flavor THE DISH | OFF THE VINE

162 THE DISH

SAM WOLFE

Guests know what they want at this Ocean Drive mainstay.

FEBRUARY 2024

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THE DISH

ENTERTAINING

Breakfast Under the Lemon Tree GUESTS KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AT THIS OCEAN DRIVE MAINSTAY BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM WOLFE

ust to be clear, The Lemon Tree does serve lunch. However, it is breakfast that has made this restaurant a Vero Beach landmark, and head chef Alger “Pete” Gaston has no problem with that. After eight years at The Lemon Tree, he is used to the morning rush. “It can be a challenge during busy mornings,” he admits with a laugh, yet his laid-back manner makes it clear that he takes it all in stride. As is the case for many chefs, Gaston’s love of cooking began in childhood. “Growing up, I loved cooking. Being around Mom in the kitchen was great.” Southern homestyle food was his mother’s specialty. And there is Southern style in some menu items at The Lemon Tree, like the smoky cheese grits, the chicken and waffles, and the biscuits and gravy. Gaston is also a fan of a good hamburger, and “Pete’s Angus Burger” bears his name on the menu; it’s also an item that he’s quick to recommend to guests who can’t make up their minds. However, many guests at The Lemon Tree know exactly what they want. “We get regular customers every day,” he says, and they often have regular orders. “We’ll cook the same thing for some people every day,” Gaston adds with a smile. Although he might playfully try to talk them into trying something different, “it’s kind of hard to do,” and they usually stick with their favorites. Part of The Lemon Tree breakfast menu is a selection of Benedicts—“the Bennys,” as Gaston calls them. Although the Traditional Benedict and the Crab Cake Benedict have been around for a while, two new choices have been added in the past few months: Smoked Salmon Benedict and Southern Benedict. The latter ingeniously combines a “Benny” with biscuits and gravy.

Along with being a chef, Gaston is also a mentor. His protégé at The Lemon Tree is Sage Roberts. “He’s my right hand,” says Gaston of Roberts. “If I’m not here, what he says goes.” In turn, Roberts calls Gaston “a problem-solver. If something happens, it’s not a big deal—it’s getting fixed.” Just outside the restaurant stands the lemon tree that gives the place its name. Every morning, guests walk past it, step under the welcoming yellow awning, and enter the restaurant to enjoy breakfast. It’s a Vero Beach tradition—and Pete Gaston is making sure it stays that way.

The Lemon Tree’s head chef, Alger “Pete” Gaston, enjoys continuing the tradition of culinary delights at the Vero Beach landmark.

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BREAKFAST

Seafood Lover’s Quiche This is a staple among The Lemon Tree’s famous breakfasts. SERVES 4 eggs cup heavy cream 1/4 tsp. nutmeg Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded 1/2 cup cheddar, shredded 1/4 cup raw spinach, chopped

1/4 cup tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup onion, chopped and sautéed 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped and sautéed 1/2 cup uncooked Maine lobster meat 1/2 cup uncooked shrimp, deveined

Whisk the eggs, adding nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add cream and stir. Pour into a prebaked pie shell. Gradually incorporate all other ingredients. Bake at 245 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, making sure center is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 45 minutes. Then cut and serve. FEBRUARY

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THE DISH

LUNCH

Herb-Crusted Salmon The secret here is the combination of herbs and mustard, which forms a savory crust while the fish is being cooked. SERVES 8

2 (8-oz.) salmon fillets 4 tsp. fresh parsley 4 tsp. fresh basil 4 tsp. fresh chives 4 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. butter or olive oil A few drops of water

Mix the herbs together. Drizzle the Dijon on the salmon fillets, and then coat with the herb mixture. Heat butter/olive oil in a frying pan. Place salmon in the pan, herbed side down, and press down. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, then flip. Add a few drops of water and cover the pan with a lid to “steam” for approximately 2 minutes, until the fish is done cooking. Then serve. The salmon will be moist, and the Dijon-herb mixture will have formed a crust.

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DESSERT

Lemon Pie What better dessert to represent The Lemon Tree restaurant than this classic lemon pie? SERVES 6 Graham Cracker Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup granulated sugar 5 tbsp. unsalted butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Melt the butter and allow it to cool. Stir the butter into the sugared graham cracker crumbs until they are moist. Scoop the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate and press down firmly in an even layer on the bottom and up around the sides. Bake the pie plate with crust for 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust is a light golden brown. Remove from oven and set to cool for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the filling. Maintain an oven temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lemon Filling: 1 cup fresh lemon juice 2 (14-oz.) cans sweetened condensed milk 5 large egg yolks Whipped topping In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks. Pour the filling into the slightly cooled graham cracker crust and spread evenly. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until the top of the pie is set. The pie should still be jiggly. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill at least 5 hours (or overnight). Top with whipped cream and serve. FEBRUARY 2024

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OFF THE VINE

COLAIMAGES/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Actors Donald Pleasence and Peter Falk appear in a 1973 Columbo episode in which winemaking plays a central role.

THE ESTATES OAKVILLE

Just One More Cabernet … A POPULAR 1970s TELEVISION EPISODE CALLS TO MIND A REAL-LIFE FAMILY VINEYARD FEUD BY CHRIS FASOLINO

love the classic detective show Columbo, and since I’m a wine columnist, it should be no surprise that one of my favorite episodes is “Any Old Port in a Storm,” which features a battle of wits with a great winemaker. The winemaker is named Adrian Carsini, and he is played by Donald Pleasence. The dynamic between the disheveled and lovable detective and the polished, suave winemaker is fascinating, and it goes far beyond the obvious contrasts between

them. Columbo becomes interested in wine during the course of the episode, and while it’s partly a ploy to continue his investigation, his enthusiasm and growing knowledge end up impressing Carsini. In turn, though he cannot condone the murder, Columbo respects Carsini’s commitment to excellence in winemaking; and Peter Falk himself commented in interviews that the warm respect between the opponents makes the episode special. You have probably seen the

episode at some point, and if not, you should. But did you know that Adrian Carsini may have been based on a real-life winemaker? In the episode, Carsini is in conflict with his younger halfbrother, who has the rights to the vineyard lands and is trying to force him out. Since this is a Columbo episode, the conflict leads to murder. But if you leave out the murder and replace it with an acrimonious lawsuit, then you have an episode from the life of Robert Mondavi. Other aspects of

the characterization—such as Carsini’s passion for winemaking, his attention to detail, and his father having been a northern Italian immigrant to California—also line up with Mondavi as the inspiration. The comparison shows that crime doesn’t pay. Mondavi was forced out of the vineyard his family had acquired, but he was awarded compensation in the lawsuit; moreover, he went on to found his own vineyard, which became known as Mondavi Estates.

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WILDCAT DUNNY

Clockwise from above: The entrance to the Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, California; steak is a good choice for flavor pairing; Robert Mondavi at his winery.

He is remembered as a major figure in the history of California winemaking. To appreciate his legacy, avoid the value-priced offerings; they were added by his sons without his approval. Instead, try “The Estates Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon.” This wine is made from vines grown on Mondavi’s favorite plot of land,

which he called “To Kalon,” from an ancient Greek word for beauty and excellence. The 2019 vintage is fruitforward yet full-bodied, with a richness of black currant, red currant, raspberry, and vanilla notes. It pairs well with steak or roasted eggplant. And I recommend that you have a glass while watching an episode of Columbo. FEBRUARY 2024

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2023/2024 SEASON MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES BALANCHINE, GRAHAM, WHEELDON Februar y 23 | 7:30pm Februar y 24 2:00pm & 7:30pm NEW CLASSICS April 19 | 7:30pm April 20 2:00pm & 7:30pm

ACCESSIBLE/FAMILY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES FIREBIRD Februar y 25 | 2:00pm THE SLEEPING PRINCESS April 21 | 2:00pm

For tickets, and all things Ballet Vero Beach, please visit balletverobeach.org or scan this QR Code!

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 26, 2024 | 6:00PM

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WEDDINGS

Celebration by the Sea AMBER LYNN GAFFNEY & CORY RAYMOND CLARK

IRIS MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

mber Lynn Gaffney and Cory Raymond Clark celebrated an outdoor wedding at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa on January 15, 2022. The bride is the daughter of Marlene and Steve Gaffney of West Palm Beach. She earned a bachelor of science in economics from Florida Atlantic University and works as a business systems analyst at CHG Healthcare. The groom is the son of Beverly Clark of Palm Beach Gardens. He attended Nova Southeastern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in business leadership. He is employed as a national account manager with Shoes for Crews. Amber and Cory have a particular fondness for Vero Beach and often make the short coastal drive up here to celebrate milestones and special occasions. After their ceremony overlooking the sea, they stayed on-site for the reception, which was held at Heaton’s, the resort’s oceanfront bar and grill. The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii, where they visited the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. Among the highlights was a helicopter ride over the lush mountains of Kauai. The couple make their home in Jupiter. They welcomed a daughter, Callie Rae, in June 2023.

Mr. and Mrs. Cory Clark

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Beverly Stromberg, Alicia Vito, the bride, Samantha Gaffney, Lauren Cerrito, Ashley Sherman; friend Matthew Okell performs the ceremony; the cake shows the importance of the couple’s dog, Jetty, in their lives; the sunset provides the perfect backdrop; the newlyweds receive a sparkling send-off.

FEBRUARY 2024

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THE SCENE

Winter Whirlwind WITH SEASON IN FULL SWING, LOCAL NONPROFITS NEVER HAVE A DULL MOMENT

Michelle Julian, Meredith Egan, Chelsea Miller

Clerk of the Court Ryan Butler

Jeff Petersen, Dee Locke, Cathy De Schouwer, Triana Romero

Ribbon Cutting UNITED WAY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY In collaboration with the clerk of the circuit court, local judges, and Indian River County government, the United Way has opened the Jeffrey R. Smith Access to Justice Self Help Centers at the county courthouse and the United Against Poverty Center. At these facilities, local residents with legal issues such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and family law situations can access easy-to-use legal kiosks, low-cost Zoom consultations, and remote appearances for hearings. Major sponsors: John’s Island Community Service League; Truist; Indian River County; John’s Island Foundation

Ellen Kendall, Ryan Butler, and Jeff Smith wield the scissors.

Jack Murphy, Ellen Kendall, Theresa Kilman, Kathy Balderston

Mike Zito, Joe Flescher, Joe Earman

Ryan Butler, Lisa Kahle, Nancy Luna, Dawn Boulding, Jeff Smith, Judge Cynthia Cox, Meredith Egan

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THE SCENE

Christmas Parade

Master’s Academy’s 1950s diner–themed float

SUNRISE ROTARY VERO BEACH Vero Beach’s annual Christmas Parade, put on by the Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach club, went off without a hitch on Saturday, December 2. Thousands of residents of all ages lined Ocean Drive to enjoy the festivities and watch the 91 participating floats and troupes parade by. Winners were chosen in the classes of schools, businesses, and organizations, and the categories of design, workmanship, and public appeal. A three-judge panel made the decisions: Larry Reisman of TCPalm, Russ Lemmon of Lemmon Lines, and Kelly Rogers of Vero Beach Magazine. Sponsors: 97.1 Ocean FM; Vero Beach Marketing; ACT Computers; Runner’s Depot; Air Docs Heating & Cooling; Offutt Barton Schlitt; One Sotheby’s International Realty; Vero Vine; The Parisian Hostess; Classic Car Wash; Gator Building Supply; DuBose and Sons Jewelers; Seniors Helping Seniors

JIM WILSON

Crossover Mission’s Dribble Team

Indian River Distillery’s prize-winning float in the business category Vero Beach High School Band

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Called Higher stages a full-on naval battle, winning honors in several categories.

Florida Shutters

Bush Hog Mowing

JIM WILSON

Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

Gator Building Supply

Antique Automobile Club of America, Indian River Region

FEBRUARY 2024

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H O M E & GAR D EN

Quality Begins With Your Choice Of Contractor

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H O M E & GAR D EN

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H O M E & GAR D EN

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12/29/23 1:47 PM

THE SCENE

David and Lori Lyons Tara and Scott Layne, Charles and Jennifer Croom, Paul Goldberger, Molly and Luke Webb

Sandy and Randy Rolf

Guest speaker Paul Goldberger

Leadership Members Dinner VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART VBMA kicked off its 2023–24 season with its annual Director’s Society and Chairman’s Club Dinner in November. The event, catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co., honored the two clubs’ members, whose dues account for one-third of the museum’s annual operating income. Two hundred sixty guests heard a fascinating lecture by renowned architecture critic Paul Goldberger. Sponsor: Croom Construction Company

Betty MacMillan, Gloria Anderson, Marilyn McConnnell, Sue Dobbs FEBRUARY 2024

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THE SCENE

Joni Vinas, Suzi McCoy Shriner, Mary Ellen McCarthy, Kathleen LaCroix

Crystal Bujol, Kate Hoffmann, Jennifer Trapp

Season Kickoff IMPACT 100 The philanthropic ladies of Impact 100 gathered at the Vero Beach Museum of Art with guests and prospective members for their season kickoff in November. More than 150 attendees enjoyed a performance by a string quartet from the Gifford Youth Orchestra, which received a $100,000 grant last year. President Suzi McCoy Shriner announced several Impact 100 milestones, including the membership surpassing 500 for the first time. The group also received a record 26 grant applications for consideration this year. Six grant review panels are currently in the process of selecting the finalists. Major sponsors: The Hill Group; FPL; Cindy Galant

Jean Kjellman, Janay Hall

Stephanie MacWilliam, Deana Marchant, Nikki Bates, MargaretAnne Evans, Susan Perry Christine Hughes, Kathleen Ruppert

Lynn Byrnes, Linda Triolo

A string quartet from GYO plays for the guests.

Diane Field, Susan Willbanks, Marie McConnell

Robyn Berry, Stephanie Bunker

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THE SCENE

Ryan Isaacson, Bill Allard, Ryan Scarpa

Presenting sponsor and new BGCIRC board member Ryan Scarpa

BGCIRC Golf Tournaments BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY For the 21st year, the Boys & Girls Clubs held their fundraising golf tournaments: the Pro Am on November 6 at John’s Island Golf Club West, and both the Ladies’ Nine and Shine and the Club Open a week later at Bent Pine. More than 20 local businesses and individuals made the events possible, and the funds raised will support after-school and summer programs at BGCIRC’s three clubs: Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere. More than 1,000 young people are served by these programs, which are geared toward helping them become productive, responsible, and compassionate citizens. Major sponsors: Block and Scarpa; Genesis of Melbourne Bob Bauchman, Paul Hanson, Roger Lynch Sr.

Trent Leyda, Elizabeth Thomason

George Davala, Michael Moriarty, Mark Plummer, Michael Hauser, Steve Hanlon

Bill Scully, Sherm Hotchkiss

John Phillips, Bill Driscoll, Scott Bayman, Chad Morrison, Don Meadows

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Tropical Night Luau YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY Quail Valley River Club hosted the 46th annual Youth Guidance Luau at the end of October. More than 200 guests donned their best tropical garb and gathered to meet Youth Guidance students and learn about the programs they take part in. They also enjoyed a three-course tropical-themed meal, an exciting live auction, music by steel drum player Albert Rodney, and a thrilling performance by Hiti Mahana Polynesia, culminating in the siva afi—a Samoan fire knife– spinning dance. The event raised $182,000 for Youth Guidance, which is planning a muchneeded building renovation. Major sponsors: Trudie Rainone; Exchange Club of Sebastian; Elke and George Fetterolf; Mary Lewisy; Kate and Bill Antle; the Herman F. Becker family; CBH Advisory Group; Exchange Club of Vero Beach; Dede Ashby

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FEBRUARY 2024

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GALLERY GUIDE

Near to Your Art THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE IN THE LOCAL ART SCENE THIS MONTH

‘MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’ FEBRUARY 1–23

For the eighth season, Gallery 14 welcomes renowned collage artist Derek Gores with a collection of his latest creations. This new body of work “takes a deeper exploration into his dreamlike surrealism with an array of text-based pieces.” Each collage presents the viewer with a narrative to decipher. Stop by the gallery for receptions on Thursday, Feb. 1 and Friday, Feb. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery 14 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

John Lunar Richey with his 40-by-40-inch mixed media work Predictions

‘POETIC ABSTRACTS’ FEBRUARY 1–29

Stouthouse presents “Poetic Abstracts by John Lunar Richey,” with an opening reception February 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The artist will also be on-site every Thursday through Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Strangers When We Meet by Derek Gores, collage, 26 x 24 inches

Stouthouse 13700 Ruffner Lane, Sebastian 772-589-8826 stouthousewhereartistscreate.org

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Prologue to Spring by Belynda Henry, mixed media on canvas, 30 x 26 inches

MORE TO SEE ‘ANCIENT EGYPT’

Through April 28 VBMA’s Holmes and Titelman Galleries are currently home to the exhibition “Ancient Egypt & the Napoleonic Era: Masterworks from the Dahesh Museum of Art.” Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

‘FORM + FIRE’

March 1–22 For the second year, Indian River Clay presents “Form + Fire,” a juried exhibition of varied ceramic works by Florida artists.

BELYNDA HENRY STARTING FEBRUARY 5

Findlay Galleries is proud to introduce its newest contemporary artist, Belynda Henry, with an exhibition of her striking landscape paintings. Henry lives and works in New South Wales, Australia, where she draws constant inspiration from the natural beauty around her, distilling the essential elements of each scene into her own simplified yet compelling interpretation. Findlay Galleries 165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

Indian River Clay at Raw Space 1795 Old Dixie Hwy. 772-202-8598 indianriverclay.org

ORCHID ISLAND ARTISTS

March 7–May 31 The ELC wraps up its art season with the Orchid Island Art Club Member Show, which will include a meet and greet Wednesday, March 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

‘BEGUILING COMPOSITIONS’ FEBRUARY 15–MARCH 9

Above: Cocktails at The Carlyle by E.J. Paprocki, oil on linen, 14 x 20 inches Above right: Hearts and Flowers by Claudia Seymour, oil on linen panel, 8 x 10 inches

J.M. Stringer Gallery presents an exhibition of recent paintings by E.J. Paprocki and Claudia Seymour. Working in oil, Paprocki uses his distinctive brushstrokes to impart the bold color and light that animate his landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, still lifes, and figures. He has been painting since childhood, and his works are widely collected. Seymour specializes in still lifes

and has this to say about her work: “My goal as a realist painter is to portray the limitless beauty of color in every object, as well as in the interaction between objects, their shadows, and the surrounding space.” J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

FEBRUARY 2024

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GALLERY GUIDE Moonlight on the Lagoon by Linda Arnold, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 inches, at Meghan Candler Gallery

ART AT THE EMERSON The Emerson Center’s gallery shows works by local artists in six themed exhibitions per year. 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 artattheemerson.com ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY This cooperative-owned fine art gallery offers works in diverse styles and media by its ownerartists as well as associate and consignor artists. 1974 14th Ave. 772-299-1234 artistsguildgalleryofvero beach.com ART WORKS Various U.S. artists are featured, representing a range of styles. Classes, art parties, and other events are available. 2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 772-559-5230 artworksofvero.com ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER The Lagoon and Tidal Rooms are dedicated to nature-related art. 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org FINDLAY GALLERIES Renowned globally for its distinguished roster of contemporary and abstract artists, the gallery specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Impressionism, European Modernism, l’Ecole de Rouen, l’Ecole de Paris, and 20thcentury American art. 165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

GALLERY 14 The gallery features a diverse array of works in a variety of media by its eight owner-artists, along with eight represented artists and rotating monthly guests. 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

GALLERY VERITAS This gallery has periodic exhibitions and adjoins a working studio housing seven artists and an art library. 1422 20th St. 323-547-1188 thegalleryveritas.com

THE GALLERIES AT FIRST PRES This venue displays the works of local artists in quarterly threeartist installments.

THE GALLERY AT WINDSOR This independent art space annually invites curators of museum-quality shows of contemporary art.

J.M. STRINGER GALLERY OF FINE ART The gallery offers worldwide collections of original paintings, objets d’art, sculptures, and select antique furnishings.

520 Royal Palm Blvd. 772-562-9088 firstpresvero.org

3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-4071 windsorflorida.com/the-gallery

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THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY The vast showroom offers works from more than 350 contemporary American craftsmen who create art glass, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, and fine art jewelry. 2910 Cardinal Drive 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com MAIN STREET VERO BEACH STUDIOS AND GALLERY The handcrafted jewelry of Clair Brunetti, who creates custom works and repairs and updates older pieces, is showcased. 2036 14th Ave. 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

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MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY This friendly upli ing gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by more than contemporary artists of the abstract Impressionist and realistic styles Hwy A A Village Shops - - meghancandlergallery com OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY The oil abstracts of Elise Geary and representational narrative paintings by Jill Kerwick are featured along with acrylic rural and outdoor scenes and seascapes by two additional artists Ocean Drive Suite - - eliseartist com oceandrivegalleryverobeach com

PALM HOUSE STUDIO & GALLERY The work of several awardwinning artists is featured and commissions are welcome Ocean Drive nd floor - - palmhousegallery com RAW SPACE This innovative alternative cultural venue promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines Old Dixie Hwy - - artconceptalternative org SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB The club offers classes demonstrations workshops and art shows Main St Sebastian - - sebastianriverartclub com

SEVENTH AVENUE STUDIO The gallery features the abstract art paintings of Rita Barone and the varied works of Janet Kipp Tribus th Ave Barone - - Tribus - -

Intertwined Love by Sco Hartley, handblown glass, 8 x 13 inches, at The Laughing Dog Gallery

VERO BEACH ART CLUB This independent nonprofit serves members and the community through education exhibitions social events and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artists

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART The largest accredited art facility on the Treasure Coast VBMA presents international exhibitions from lenders and from its permanent collection also offering classes lectures film studies concerts children’s programs and interactive Art Zone sculpture parks and museum store

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FEBRUARY

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CALENDAR

Fascinated with February

LEE ORRE

WE DARE YOU TO FIND ANY EMPTY SPACE IN YOUR DATEBOOK THIS MONTH!

Patriots for Puppies

This military-themed dance and show benefiting Dogs for Life, which trains service dogs for veterans, will take place February 3 at Pointe West Country Club (7500 14th Lane) from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Tickets are $125, and military dress is encouraged. To connect with Dogs for Life, call 772-567-8969 or visit dogsforlifevb.org.

MHA Rocks!

Do your hair up big, find some shoulder pads, and grab your neon harem pants—it’s time for the ’80s-themed MHA Rocks! event benefiting the Mental Health Association in Indian River County. From 6 to 10 p.m. February 17, guests will gather at Oak Harbor Clubhouse (4755 South Harbor Drive) for dinner, dancing to live ’80s music, a premium open bar, photo booth, wine pull, silent auction, raffles, and a costume contest. Tickets are $225. For more information, call 772-569-9788, ext. 122 or go to mhairc.org.

Motor Car Exhibition McKee Botanical Garden is proud to present its 15th annual Motor Car Exhibition February 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, it’s “Rods & Customs.” Each vehicle has its own story, which you can hear from the owners themselves as they show off the distinctive body styling, paint work, engines, and interiors they have put into their dream cars. Custom motorcycles will also be on display. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, contact McKee at 772-794-0601 or mckeegarden.org.

GYO Gala

On Monday, February 12, the Gifford Youth Orchestra will hold its 21st annual fundraising gala at Quail Valley (2345 Hwy. A1A) from 6 to 9 p.m. During cocktail hour, guests will be treated to a performance by GYO vocal instructor Muffy Charles, and GYO students will play during dinner. A guest speaker will also inspire the audience. Tickets are $250. GYO can be reached at 772-519-2710 and gyotigers.org. FEBRUARY

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Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org ‘LET’S FIESTA’ This year’s Wine & Dine benefiting the youth of Hibiscus Children’s Village is themed “Let’s Fiesta,” and guests will sample expertly paired foods—appetizer through dessert—and wines from the cuisine of several countries. 6:30 p.m., $125

Vero Beach Art Club’s Art Trail, February 3–4

FEBRUARY 1 TOP OF THE WORLD The eight-piece Carpenters tribute band Top of the World will perform the memorable music of the brother-sister duo. 7 p.m., $45–$95 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com RHINOCEROS The performing arts students of IRSC present the absurdist play Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco. Through Feb. 4; Thursday–Friday 7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 2 p.m.; $20 IRSC McAlpin Center 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce 772-462-4750 irsc.edu

FEBRUARY 2 STARFEST Musician, children’s author, and early childhood education advocate Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band will appear at Childcare Resources’ 13th annual Starfest, which will include both a luncheon (11:30 a.m., $200) and evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (6 p.m., $275). Childcare Resources of Indian River at Riomar Country Club 2106 Club Drive 772-567-3202 childcareresourcesir.org A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Four performances of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s

Dream are scheduled at the Theatre Guild. Through Feb. 4; Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.; $30–$35 Vero Beach Theatre Guild 2020 San Juan Ave. 772-562-8300 verobeachtheatreguild.com

FEBRUARY 3 HALO SPAYGHETTI EVENT The inaugural SpayGhetti festival will include live music, an assortment of pastas and beverages, entertainment by The Canine Stars stunt dogs, and activities for children and dogs. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free HALO No-Kill Rescue at the Old School Grounds S. Orange St., Fellsmere 772-589-7297 halorescuefl.org BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM The talented youngsters of the GYO will present a concert in honor of Black History Month. 2 p.m., free Gifford Youth Orchestra at Gifford Community Center 4855 43rd Ave. 772-213-3007 gyotigers.org MANGROVES, MOONLIGHT & MAMBO The ELC’s signature fundraiser will be a lively outdoor event with an open bar, catered dinner, and live music by a Miami-based Cuban band. 6–9 p.m., $250

Hibiscus Children’s Center at Grand Harbor Club 4985 Club Terrace 772-299-6011, ext. 313 hibiscuschildrenscenter.org BEST OF BROADWAY & OPERA Australian opera singer, director, broadcaster, and lecturer Ian Campbell will narrate a program featuring four vocalists accompanied by a pianist as they perform favorites from the worlds of opera and Broadway. 7 p.m., $30–$50 Vero Beach Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-564-5537 verobeachopera.org GARDENFEST! Vendors will be on hand with a stunning variety of plants and garden appurtenances for the Garden Club’s 22nd annual Gardenfest! This rain-or-shine event is also a great opportunity to consult with botanical experts. Feb. 3–4; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free Garden Club of Indian River County at Riverside Park 772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org ART TRAIL The Art Club will hold a multisite, self-guided open house featuring the studios and homes of local artists. A map is available on the club’s website. Feb. 3–4, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., free Vero Beach Art Club 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

FEBRUARY 4 BREVARD SYMPHONY POPS Pianist Jeffrey Biegel will join the Brevard Symphony Orchestra in paying tribute to George Gershwin

in honor of the 100th anniversary of his composition Rhapsody in Blue. 7:30 p.m., $85–$90 Indian River Symphonic Association at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 770-778-1070 irsymphonic.org ‘COME SPY WITH US’ Soundtracks of spy movies provide the selections for this concert: The Pink Panther, Mission: Impossible, the James Bond corpus, and more. 3 p.m., flexible pricing Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at AMC Indian River 24 6200 20th St., Suite 600 855-252-7276 spacecoastsymphony.org

FEBRUARY 5 JON HUNTSMAN The Distinguished Lecturer Series presents Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr., who has served under six presidents and governed the state of Utah. He will discuss China and Russia. 4 and 6 p.m.; $102 Stark Main Stage, $87 Waxlax Theatre simulcast Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

FEBRUARY 6 NIGHT OF HOPE Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, subject of the 1993 movie Rudy, will be the keynote speaker at this cocktail reception, and guests will enjoy food from Dignity Catering. Night of Hope is an invitation-only event, but those wishing to attend can request an invitation by calling The Source. 6–8:30 p.m. The Source at Magnolia Manor 7290 4th St. 772-234-4412 iamthesource.org THE DICKINSON PARTY George Blythe will discuss the trials of merchant Jonathan Dickinson and his family and companions after their 1696 shipwreck off the coast of what is now Hobe Sound. 7 p.m., free

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FEBRUARY ‘MAN IN THE MIRROR’ This electrifying tribute to Michael Jackson focuses on his Thriller and Bad period. 7:30 p.m., $38–$58 Sunrise Theatre 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com

FEBRUARY THE COWSILLS Live! from Vero Beach presents The Cowsills, the band that inspired The Partridge Family. 7 p.m., $50–$100

and George Gershwin. 7:30 p.m., $30–$65 Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-460-0851 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

FEBRUARY FAMILY FUN FEST The Substance Awareness Center invites everyone to a fun and educational day focused on keeping Indian River County free of substance abuse. There will be bounce houses, vendors, food trucks, raffles, and valuable information and resources. 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., free

MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

Substance Awareness Center/ SAFIR Coalition at IG Center Recreational Field 900 19th Ave. SW 772-770-4811 safirc.org

‘PARIS JAZZ’ The ACO presents the season’s second Masterworks concert, featuring works by Darius Mihaud, Maurice Ravel, Bohuslav Martinu,

PLAYTIME IN THE PARK The theater portion of this month’s offering is “Valentine’s Treats,” and the dance segment on Feb. 17 will be “Leaping into Literacy.” 11 a.m., free

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CALENDAR

SCOTT MCDERMOTT

Fashion Meets Art

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com ASBURY SHORTS USA VBMA will host a touring “concert” of notable short films. 1:30 and 7 p.m., $25 Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org SUNSET SATURDAY Johnny and the Blaze will play at this month’s event. 5–8 p.m., free Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce at Ocean Drive by Humiston Park 772-226-5459 verochamber.com VALENTINE BALL UP’s popular annual fundraiser will include dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a restaurant raffle. 5:50 p.m., $250 United Against Poverty at Oak Harbor Club 4755 S. Harbor Drive 772-770-0740, ext. 203 thevalentineballvero.org

On February 21, Vero Beach Museum of Art will welcome Tim Gunn for the 7th annual Fashion Meets Art event. FMA consists of a 4 p.m. presentation and a 5 p.m. cocktail reception; tickets are $200. Gunn is best known for mentoring contestants on the long-running television series Project Runway. His signature advice, “Make it work,” originated during his long career on the faculty of Parsons School of Design. For more information on the event, see vbmuseum.org or call 772-231-0707, ext. 111.

FEBRUARY 13 ‘THE PLASTICS PROBLEM’ Jim Masterson of FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Sue Flak, Indian River County’s recycling coordinator, will give an informative talk. 7 p.m., free The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 theemersoncenter.com

FEBRUARY 14 FLAMENCO & TAPAS BY THE SEA Flamenco guitarist Greg Geiter and dancer Clarita Filgueiras will entertain guests as they enjoy Spanish delicacies at this fundraiser for children’s music lessons. Reservations are required, and Spanish or cocktail attire is recommended. 5 p.m., $100 Music Angels Education Fund at Villa Eda 540 Reef Road 484-885-7492 musicangelsusa.org

FEBRUARY 15 JEFFERSON STARSHIP Live! from Vero Beach welcomes Jefferson Starship, holders of eight

gold records. 7 p.m., $55–$120 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

FEBRUARY 16 EKPHRASTIC POETRY EVENT Words and imagery collide as the Laura (Riding) Jackson foundation joins its neighbor Gallery 14 for an evening of ekphrasis, the use of language to interpret works of art. The poets’ subjects will be the collages of Derek Gores. 5:30– 7:30 p.m. Gallery 14 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

FEBRUARY 17 CRAFT BREW & WINGFEST More than 250 craft beers and a huge selection of imaginative wings will be available, along with four bands on two stages. 11:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.; free to attend, $50 beer bracelet for unlimited tasting Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach at Royal Palm Pointe 772-494-6306 floridacraftbrewandwingfest.com WINDSOR CHARITY POLO CUP The biennial Polo Cup will benefit three local nonprofits: the Homeless Children’s Foundation, Ballet Vero Beach, and the Indian River Land Trust. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., tailgate space $600 Windsor Charitable Foundation 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-8377 windsorcharitypolocup.com FLOYD NATION Pink Floyd tribute band Floyd Nation will perform. 8 p.m., $49.50–$69.50 Sunrise Theatre 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com

FEBRUARY 18 ART IN THE PARK Members of the Art Club will be displaying their creations, which will be available for purchase. Also Feb. 25; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free

Vero Beach Art Club at Humiston Park 3000 Ocean Drive 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

FEBRUARY 19 ‘ART CRIME & THE FBI’ Founder of the FBI’s National Art Crime Team Robert Wittman will deliver a talk titled “Art Crime and the FBI: How Masterpieces Are Stolen and Recovered.” 4:30 p.m.; $130 members/$158 nonmembers; streaming or Leonhardt Auditorium simulcast $80 members/$95 nonmembers Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

FEBRUARY 20 DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Under the baton of Jader Bignamini, the DSO will perform works by Michael Abels, Edward Elgar, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Alisa Weilerstein will be the featured cellist. 7:30 p.m., $95–$125 Indian River Symphonic Association at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-778-1070 irsymphonic.org KINKY BOOTS This show features music by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the 2005 British film written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. Feb. 20–March 17, times vary, $45–$105 Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

FEBRUARY 22 BROKEN ARROW & LAUREL CANYON This concert will feature the music of Neil Young—both his solo work and his collaborations with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. 7 p.m., $45–$95 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

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‘BALANCHINE, GRAHAM, WHEELDON’ This performance highlights several new artistic relationships forged by BVB. Feb. 23–24; Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 and 7:30 p.m.; $10–$75 Ballet Vero Beach at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-269-1065 balletverobeach.org

FEBRUARY 24 WRITING RETREAT This full-day event is open to writers of all genres. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., $95 Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation at Garden Club of IRC 2526 17th Ave. 772-569-6718 lauraridingjackson.org

NIGHT SOUNDS The park welcomes the Penny Creek Band for a concert at the pavilions. Food trucks will be on-site. 7–9 p.m., regular park admission fees apply Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park 14251 Hwy. A1A 772-589-2147 friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org

FEBRUARY 26 BENEFIT GALA The theater will hold its sold-out annual gala, featuring Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis; it may be too late for this year’s event, but be sure to inquire well ahead for 2025! 5 p.m., $750–$1,000 Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

ONGOING EVENTS THROUGH FEBRUARY 18 MORNING AFTER GRACE This comedic play by Carey Crim is set in a Florida retirement community. Times vary, $65 Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

Indian River Symphonic Association welcomes soloist Alisa Weilerstein with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, February 20.

EXPLORER’S EXPERIENCE Supporters of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association will gather among the cutting-edge submersibles for dinner, drinks, live music, and a silent auction for exploration-themed packages. A one-of-a-kind paddleboard from Dragonfly Boatworks will be raffled off. 6 p.m., $250

ORCA at Triton Submarines 10055 102nd Terrace, Sebastian 772-562-9052 teamorca.org

MARCO BORGGREVE

FEBRUARY 23

Hope for Families Gala

Follow the yellow brick road to the Hope for Families Center’s annual gala at 6 p.m. on February 21. Guests will meet at Oak Harbor Club (4755 S. Harbor Drive) for an evening of cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and inventive entertainment. In keeping with the theme of “There’s No Place Like Home,” live characters from The Wizard of Oz will be on hand. Stations will also be set up with local artists in action. Tickets are $250. To purchase tickets or learn more, call 772-567-5537 or visit hopeforfamiliescenter.org. FEBRUARY 2024

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Karl Rove

On March 4, Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series welcomes Karl Rove, who served under President George W. Bush as senior advisor and deputy chief of staff. Rove is the author of two books: The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1896 Still Matters and Courage and Consequences: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight. As always, lectures take place at 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets to hear the talk directly from the Stark Main Stage are $102; guests can view a simulcast in the Waxlax Theatre for $87. More information can be obtained from the box office (772-231-6990) or website (riversidetheatre.com).

FEBRUARY 27 MARINE MAMMALS Marine biologist Shanen Cox will discuss “Enchanting Encounters with Marine Mammals.” 7 p.m., free The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 theemersoncenter.com

FEBRUARY 29 CONCERT IN THE PARK VBMA welcomes flamenco guitarist Don Soledad for a rain-or-shine outdoor concert. Bring a chair. Off the Hook food truck will be present. 5–7 p.m., $10 members/$12 nonmembers Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER Ted Vigil will perform many John Denver favorites, such as “Annie’s Song,” “Country Roads,” and “Rocky Mountain High.” 7 p.m., $45–$95

MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com iLUMINATE Dancers in multiple genres take the stage in high-tech glow-in-the-dark costumes to provide an entertaining show for all ages. 7:30 p.m., $25–$45 Sunrise Theatre 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com ‘INSTRUMENTAL INSPIRATIONS’ Pianist Wu Qian will be joined by a string quartet in performing compositions by Franz Schubert, Erno von Dohnányi, and more. 7:30–9:30 p.m., $65 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Ave. 772-567-1146 chambermusicsociety.org

RECURRING EVENTS EVERY SATURDAY

EVERY LAST FRIDAY

FARMERS MARKET Browse the wares of more than two dozen vendors at the Vero Beach Farmers Market, at the corner of Ocean Drive and Dahlia Lane. 8 a.m.–noon

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY Enjoy a community street party with live music, street vendors, and food trucks. Feb. 23, 6–9 p.m., free

Business Inspiring Kindness 2901 Ocean Drive verobeachfarmersmarket.com

Main Street Vero Beach Downtown along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

EVERY LAST SATURDAY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY STROLL Pop into some art galleries and then enjoy a beverage and a bite at a restaurant or café. Feb. 2 and March 1, 5–8 p.m.

VBMA FREE ADMISSION Admission is free for everyone on the last Saturday of each month. Feb. 24, 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Main Street Vero Beach Downtown along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

MARCH 2 MOTOWN & MINGLE Groove to the sounds of Muffy Charles Music and take part in an exciting raffle at the EOC’s fundraiser in support of its Head Start programs and other efforts on behalf of low-income individuals and families. 6–10 p.m., $50 Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery 4200 Johnston Road, Fort Pierce 772-562-4177 eocofirc.net

MARCH 3 CHAMBER CONCERT The orchestra will perform Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances in memory of Betsy Dubiel, as well as Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat Major, KV 447 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian.” 2 p.m., free

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 908-528-3954 verobeachchamberorchestra.org ‘AIDA, VERDI, AND EGYPT’ In support of its “Ancient Egypt” exhibition, VBMA teams up with Vero Beach Opera to present Ian Campbell, who will sort through history’s complexities with his talk “Aida, Verdi, and Egypt.” 2:30 p.m., $20–$25 Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS In addition to Saint Saëns’s whimsical 1886 work, the SCSO will perform several other animalthemed selections. 3 p.m., flexible pricing Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Ave. 855-252-7276 spacecoastsymphony.org

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Ballet Vero Beach’s “Balanchine, Graham, Wheeldon,” February 23

Indian River Symphonic Association at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-778-1070 irsymphonic.org

MARCH 5 LAGOON TALK Heather Stapleton of One Lagoon will speak on “Restoring the Balance of the Indian River Lagoon.” 7 p.m., free The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 theemersoncenter.com

MARCH 7 ART IN BLOOM Gardener and floral designer Jennifer Figge will be the presenter at VBMA’s Art in Bloom luncheon, which will have two seatings: the Gardenia group and the Azalea group. 11 a.m. and noon, $250 Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org THE ROCKET MAN SHOW Scotsman Rus Anderson will once again be in town with his extravagant Elton John tribute. 7 p.m., $45–$100 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

JOE SEMKOW

PALM BEACH SYMPHONY Gerard Schwarz and the Palm Beach Symphony will perform selections by Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss, and William Grant Still. 7:30 p.m., $85–$90

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The Directory THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES ARCHITECTS

ATTORNEYS

BRIDAL & GIFT REGISTRIES

MOULTON LAYNE PL 772-234-0445 moultonlayne.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

GOULD COOKSEY FENNELL 772-231-1100 gouldcooksey.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

6TH AVENUE JEWELERS 772-217-8985 6thavenuejewelers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

ART GALLERIES & FINE ART

ROSSWAY SWAN 772-231-4440 rosswayswan.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

LEIGH JEWELERS 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 81, 187

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICES

M. MAISON 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY 772-299-1234 artistsguildgalleryofverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 FINDLAY GALLERIES 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 GALLERY 14 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 J.M. STRINGER GALLERY OF FINE ART 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC 772-562-1700 linuscadillac.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 MOTOR CITY CLASSIC CARS SERVICE 772-252-3590 motorcityclassiccars.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 AVIATION SERVICES

VERANDA 772-234-3404 verandajewelry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

BANKING, INVESTMENTS, & FINANCIAL PLANNING

CATERING & GOURMET MARKETS

WILMINGTON TRUST 772-234-1700 wilmingtontrust.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY 772-579-7667 oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com . . . . . . . . 186

BEAUTY, HAIR, & SPA SERVICES JESSYCA’S BEAUTY STUDIO jessycasbeautystudio.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 MIND AND BODY OF VERO 772-400-2020 mindandbodyofvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

PROVIDENT FINE ART 561-833-0550 providentfineart.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

SALON DEL MAR 772-234-1499 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

SEVENTH AVENUE STUDIO 772-359-6283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

BOATING & MARINE SERVICES

VERO BEACH ART CLUB 772-231-0303 verobeachartclub.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 169

TRIMMINGS 772-213-8069 shoptrimmingsvb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

CORPORATE AIR 772-562-1199 corporate-air.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY 772-234-8811 meghancandlergallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

PALM BEACH JEWELRY, ART & ANTIQUE SHOW INC. 561-822-5440 palmbeachshow.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33

ROYAL PALM JEWEL 772-766-3165 royalpalmjewel.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

DECKMASTERS LLC 772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 VERO MARINE CENTER 772-562-7922 veromarine.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

ALIMENTARI GOURMET MARKET 772-999-5483 alimentarigm.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 ELIZABETH D. KENNEDY & COMPANY INC. 772-563-0646 elizabethkennedycatering.com . . . . . . . . . . 192 COMPUTERS & AUDIOVISUAL CONSULTING AUTOBAHN COMMUNICATIONS INC. 772-234-1555 autobahnco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING SERVICES AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP. 772-492-4018 arhomes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 CAL BUILDERS 772-562-3715 calbuildersinc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 CROOM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 772-562-7474 croomconstruction.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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KELLY ROGERS

DECKMASTERS LLC 772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

REILLY CONSTRUCTION 772-794-9799 building2last.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

ILINEN 772-321-3262 ilinenlifestyle.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING 772-978-9111 designerstouchflooring.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5

T.H. WHITFIELD CONSTRUCTION INC. 772-696-3736 thwhitfieldconstruction.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

KEMP’S SHOE SALON AND BOUTIQUE 772-231-2771 kempsshoesalon.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

EMILY ROSE INTERIORS, DESIGN + BUILD 772-321-7868 emilyroseinteriors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

VERO BEACH ROOFING INC. 772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

M. MAISON 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

HBS GLASS 772-567-7461 hbsglass.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

VERO GLASS 772-567-3123 veroglass.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

MUSE 772-321-5535 museverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

THE HILL GROUP 772-567-9154 thehillgroup.biz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

VERO MILLWORK INC. 772-569-7155 veromillwork.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

PALM BEACH SANDALS 772-226-5998 palmbeachsandals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

HURYN CONSTRUCTION 772-234-4130 hurynconstruction.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

COUNTY SERVICES

ROYAL PALM JEWEL 772-766-3165 royalpalmjewel.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

KMK BUILDERS 772-643-1353 kmkbuildersllc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 RCL DEVELOPMENT 772-234-0140 rcldev.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT 772-226-3212 indianriver.gov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 FASHION & ACCESSORIES COOPER & CO. 772-231-9889 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 G. MATHEOS EYEWEAR 772-492-6400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

SASSY BOUTIQUE 772-234-3998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 VERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR MEN & WOMEN 772-231-3733 vernonscott32963.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 VILLAGE SHOPS 772-231-1066 villageshopsverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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GIFTS, STATIONERY, & KEEPSAKES COASTAL COMFORTS 772-226-7808 coastal-comforts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 THE DANDY LION GIFTS & THRIFTS 772-774-8449 dandyliongiftsandthrifts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 DIGG GARDENS PLANT SHOP 772-360-2131 digggardens.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

GRIDLEY + GRAVES

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 M. MAISON 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 NOTEWORTHY BY DESIGN 772-231-0085 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 FLOORING DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING 772-978-9111 designerstouchflooring.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5 FLORIDA FLOOR FASHIONS 772-589-4994 floridafloorfashions.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 TILE MARKET & DESIGN CENTER OF VERO BEACH 772-978-1212 tilemarketverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES COASTAL COMFORTS 772-226-7808 coastal-comforts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 CONSIGNMENT GALLERY 772-778-8919 consignmentgalleryverobeach.com . . . . . . 192 DAN’S FAN CITY 772-569-8917 dansfancity.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH 772-770-9970 europeansink.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 FALASIRI ORIENTAL RUGS 772-562-0150 falasiriorientalrugs.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 FANTASTIC FINDS 772-794-7574 fantastic-finds.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM 772-205-2529 ledcapstone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 L.K. DEFRANCES & ASSOCIATES INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-0078 lkdefrancesandassociates.com . . . . . . . . . . 43 M. MAISON 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 OODLES OF WALLPAPER 772-213-3923 oodlesofwallpaper.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

TRIMMINGS 772-213-8069 shoptrimmingsvb.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 VERANDA 772-234-3404 verandajewelry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 VILLAGE SHOPS 772-231-1066 villageshopsverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 HEALTH & WELLNESS M&M LIFE COACHING 847-226-5540 margomontgomerycoaching.com . . . . . . . . 191 HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

PAGE 2 DESIGN 772-492-9220 page2design.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

BARKER AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING 772-562-2103 barkerac.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

SUNSHINE FURNITURE 772-569-0460 sunshinefurniturecasual.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CERAMIC MATRIX 772-778-7784 ceramicmatrix.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

TRIMMINGS 772-213-8069 shoptrimmingsvb.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

DECKMASTERS LLC 772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

VB HOME 772-492-9348 vbhome.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH 772-770-9970 europeansink.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 FLORIDA SHUTTERS 772-569-2200 floridashuttersinc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

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HBS GLASS 772-567-7461 hbsglass.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

COASTAL COMFORTS 772-226-7808 coastal-comforts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS & HOME ACCENTS 800-541-3048 thehouseoflights.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

COASTAL INTERIORS 772-492-6881 coastal.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

LEAH MULLER INTERIORS 772-234-6411 leahmullerinteriors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

DAWN WALLACE DESIGNS 772-999-2691 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM 772-205-2529 ledcapstone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LYRA HOME 772-257-4777 lyrahome.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 MEEKS PLUMBING 772-569-2285 meeksplumbing.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 ROTH INTERIORS 772-567-1210 rothinteriorswindowfashions.net . . . . . . . . . 178 SUNSHADES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 407-935-9115 sunshadesofcentralflorida.com . . . . . . . . . . . 76 TILE MARKET & DESIGN CENTER OF VERO BEACH 772-978-1212 tilemarketverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 VERO BEACH ROOFING INC. 772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 VERO GLASS 772-567-3123 veroglass.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 VERO MILLWORK INC. 772-569-7155 veromillwork.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 HOTELS STAYBRIDGE SUITES OF VERO BEACH 772-562-6000 staybridge.com/verobeachfl . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES ALEXANDRA NUTTALL DESIGN 772-231-3746 alexandranuttall.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 CERAMIC MATRIX 772-778-7784 ceramicmatrix.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

EMILY ROSE INTERIORS, DESIGN + BUILD 772-321-7868 emilyroseinteriors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 HAYES KENDALL DESIGN HOUSE hayeskendall.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 ISLAND INTERIORS AT OCEAN REEF 772-770-6007 islandinteriors.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 JENNIFER ELMORE INTERIOR DESIGN 772-569-5522 elmoreinteriors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 LEAH MULLER INTERIORS 772-234-6411 leahmullerinteriors.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 L.K. DEFRANCES & ASSOCIATES INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-0078 lkdefrancesandassociates.com . . . . . . . . . . 43 LYRA HOME 772-257-4777 lyrahome.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 OODLES OF WALLPAPER 772-213-3923 oodlesofwallpaper.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 PAGE 2 DESIGN 772-492-9220 page2design.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 PALM BEACH DESIGNERS INTERIORS 772-257-6036 palmbeachdesignerfabrics.net . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 SPECTRUM INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-4427 spectrumvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 TILE MARKET & DESIGN CENTER OF VERO BEACH 772-978-1212 tilemarketverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 VB HOME 772-492-9348 vbhome.us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

JEWELRY 6TH AVENUE JEWELERS 772-217-8985 6thavenuejewelers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY 772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 LEIGH JEWELERS 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 81, 187 M. MAISON 772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 PALM BEACH JEWELRY, ART & ANTIQUE SHOW INC. 561-822-5440 palmbeachshow.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 PROVIDENT JEWELRY 561-833-7755 providentjewelry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 ROYAL PALM JEWEL 772-766-3165 royalpalmjewel.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 VERANDA 772-234-3404 verandajewelry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 LANDSCAPING & NURSERIES DIGG GARDENS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING 772-360-2131 digggardens.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 ROCK CITY GARDENS 772-589-5835 rockcitygardens.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY MEDICAL SERVICES: DENTISTRY DELLA PORTA COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY 772-567-1025 drdellaporta.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 VERO ELITE DENTISTRY 772-569-9700 veroelitedentistry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 MEDICAL SERVICES: DERMATOLOGY

SELECT SKIN MD 772-567-1164 selectskinmd.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

KELLY ROGERS

ICONIC DERMATOLOGY AND COSMETIC SURGERY 772-758-1310 iconicderm.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

MEDICAL SERVICES: HOSPITALS

HUMANE SOCIETY OF VERO BEACH & INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 772-388-3331 hsvb.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

CLEVELAND CLINIC INDIAN RIVER HOSPITAL 772-567-4311 ccirh.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

INDIAN RIVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 772-257-0222 irchabitat.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

MEDICAL SERVICES: WHOLE HEALTH CARE

INDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST 772-794-0701 irlt.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE 772-234-8500 alexmacwilliam.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP 772-492-4018 arhomes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 772-729-5665 guidedogs.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA REALTY 772-231-1270 bhhsfloridarealty.com . . . . . inside front cover

ISLAND HEALTH CONCIERGE MEDICINE 772-205-6361 islandhealthverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 MODERN STRENGTH AND BALANCE 239-777-1683 modernstrengthandbalance.com . . . . . . . . 197 OCEAN BLUE MEDICAL 772-360-4973 oceanbluemed.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 PREMIER CARDIOLOGY 772-494-0794 premiercardiologyvb.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK 772-446-1759 stophunger.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

MOVING, STORAGE, & SHIPPING

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 772-567-8900 unitedwayirc.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

COASTAL VAN LINES 772-569-6683 coastalvanlines.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION 772-202-8570 vnatc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

PERFORMANCE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, & MEDIA

GIFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER 772-794-1005 mygyac.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 GIFFORD YOUTH ORCHESTRA 772-213-3007 gyotigers.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 HOPE FOR FAMILIES CENTER 772-567-5537 hopeforfamiliescenter.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

ATLANTIC CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA 772-460-0850 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BALLET VERO BEACH 772-269-1065 balletverobeach.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

VERO BEACH FILM FESTIVAL vbfilmfest.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 VERO BEACH OPERA 772-569-6993 verobeachopera.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 REAL ESTATE

BETHANY BURT 772-766-4926 MELINDA PAMPALLONA 772-696-0819 AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA REALTY bhhsfloridarealty.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 BRENDA MONTGOMERY 772-532-4170 DIANE DEFRANCISCI 772-538-1614 MARTIN CARDER 772-696-0131 WITH AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE grandharborproperties.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

RIVERSIDE THEATRE 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

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CATHY CURLEY AT DALE SORENSEN REAL ESTATE 772-559-1359 cathycurleyrealestate.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 CHARLOTTE TERRY GROUP OF ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE 772-234-8500 charlotteterry.com . . . . . . . . . . . 77, back cover CHRISTINE R. MCLAUGHLIN AT SHAMROCK REAL ESTATE 772-538-0683 propertyinvero.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 GRAND HARBOR 772-299-6623 grandharbor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 J. KNAPP WITH AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE 772-913-0395 jimknapp.alexmacwilliam.com . . . . . . . . . . . 153 JOHN’S ISLAND REAL ESTATE COMPANY 772-231-0900 johnsislandrealestate.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 133 MICHELLE CLARKE AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES FLORIDA REALTY 772-263-0386 michelleclarkerealtor@yahoo.com . . . . . . . 135 THE MOORINGS REALTY SALES CO. 772-231-5131 themoorings.com . . . . . . 149, inside back cover

ORCHID ISLAND GOLF AND BEACH CLUB 772-388-3888 orchidislandfl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

SUNSHADES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 407-935-9115 sunshadesofcentralflorida.com . . . . . . . . . . . 76

RYAN HOMES NVR INC. 561-359-0506 ryanhomes.com/lost-tree-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

SPORTS, ACTIVITIES, & FITNESS

SHERRY BROWN AT ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 772-633-1472 verobeachislandrealtor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 WINDSOR 772-388-8400 windsorflorida.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 53 RESTAURANTS POST & VINE 772-907-5159 postandvinevb.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

ORCHID ISLAND GOLF AND BEACH CLUB 772-388-3888 orchidislandfl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 VERO BEACH CLAY SHOOTING SPORTS 772-978-0935 verobeachclayshooting.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 TILE & STONE MACATA STONE 772-778-3210 macatastone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 TILE MARKET & DESIGN CENTER OF VERO BEACH 772-978-1212 tilemarketverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES SAGORA SENIOR LIVING 772-837-5851 brennityverobeach.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

WEDDINGS & EVENTS LESSING’S HOSPITALITY GROUP 561-693-5352 lessingsweddings.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

SHUTTERS & AWNINGS FLORIDA SHUTTERS INC. 772-569-2200 floridashuttersinc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

WINE & SPIRITS ALIMENTARI GOURMET MARKET 772-999-5483 alimentarigm.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Contributing Advertising THE AD AGENCY E. Fred Augenstein 772-538-3923, augy@comcast.net Ad design and production, all media, full service NICOLACE MARKETING Maureen Nicolace 772-299-4889, maureen@nicolacemarketing.com Public relations, marketing plans, media placement, graphic design, marketing, and staff development SQUARED STUDIOS Amanda Robinson 772-713-6884, squared-studios.com Marketing, advertising, and graphic design from concept through production

SKY ADVERTISING 321-777-0140, skyadinc.com Full-service marketing, including brand creation; photography and videography; digital, print, and broadcast advertising; and website creation VERO MARKETING Lindsay Candler 772-473-0654, veromarketing.com Creative graphic design, print marketing, and website design

Vero Beach Magazine (ISSN 1097-2013) is published monthly by Palm Beach Media Group, 3375 20th St., Suite 100, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; 772-234-8871. Entire contents copyright © 2024 by Palm Beach Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not liable for errors or omissions. Periodical postage is paid in Vero Beach, Florida, and additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year $28; two years $45; three years $54. Subscribe online at verobeachmagazine.com or call 772-234-8871 weekdays from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Our subscription information is not shared, rented, or sold. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Vero Beach Magazine, 3375 20th St., Suite 100, Vero Beach, FL 32960. SUBMISSIONS: Publisher assumes no liability for the care and return of unsolicited materials, including manuscripts and photographs. Postal authorization #018722. Copyright © 2024 Palm Beach Media Group. Vol. XXVII, No. 2, February 2024

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ROOTS The Gibson house was built in the late 1800s on what is now Indian River Drive, just south of Roseland Road.

COURTESY OF SEBASTIAN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY KROEGEL COLLECTION

SEBASTIAN SCENE

A Peripatetic Pioneer 19TH-CENTURY FLORIDA ATTRACTED A MIXED BAG OF SETTLERS BY ELLEN E. STANLEY, AUTHOR, HISTORIAN, AND MEMBER OF SEBASTIAN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

his large, two-story wood frame house was built by David Peter Gibson, possibly around 1889. It measured 33 by 24 feet, with clapboard siding of unpainted cypress. Originally, it had wide verandas across the front on both floors. Its milled wood most likely arrived by steamboat. A six-sided cypress building, referred to as the “block house,” sat on the substantial dock that ran to the river. As roads were formed, the location of the Gibson house became the west side of Indian River Drive, south of Roseland Road. Rodney Kroegel, an enthusiastic chronicler of local history, among his other interests, photographed the house in 1986, by which time it was in a state of dereliction. Gibson had disappeared from the area in

1901, and there were subsequent owners. Today, the house is gone. Gibson was one of those pioneers who had left behind a questionable past to start over in the remote, empty wilderness of Florida. He was, by all accounts, a volatile individual. Suspected of committing a racially charged murder in Lowndes County, Georgia, he fled south, leaving behind extensive vineyards. For a fresh start, he brought family, two other people, purebred hogs, and his renowned hunting horse, Nimrod, to Florida. Eventually, he settled along the Indian River, near its confluence with the St. Sebastian River. When Nimrod died in 1906, he was famous enough to rate his own obituary in the Vero Press.

In 1886, Gibson led an early, unsuccessful attempt to dig an opening in the strip of land between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean; hence, what would become the Sebastian Inlet decades later began nearby as “Gibson’s Cut.” As others from Lowndes County began to settle in the area, Gibson’s past came to light. Lurid stories swirled around regarding his explosive temper and the block house, with its presumed unsavory use as a tavern and as a house for his supposed other wives. Gibson’s 1901 disappearance may have been due to debts. His abrupt departure from the Sebastian area caused much speculation that this gun-toting pioneer had been arrested by U.S. Marshals.

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