Vero Beach Magazine February 2025

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The answer is in weathering the storm—Florida-style By Evelyn Wilde Mayerson

At Aerial Antics, youthful performers tumble, twirl, and twist while having the time of their lives By Ann Taylor

The ladies of Impact 100 provide an example of thriving together By Jeffrey R. Pickering

The ‘Classic Cars’ Awards By Patrick Merrell

Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta By Paul Rubio

In Florida, wicker and rattan are design constants By Valerie Cruice

Flowers are perennial symbols of love By Nickie Munroe

PALM BEACH

Pierre-Eugene Montezin (1874-1946) | Peniches a Saint-Mammes | oil on canvas | 23 5/8 x 28 3/4 in.

Monitoring your blood pressure can be as simple as a trip to the local library

By Renáe Tesauro

Put your face first with powerhouse cleansers By Abigail Duffy

Havoc by Christopher Bollen

By Elizabeth Leonard

Getting outdoors heals your dog’s body and mind By Amy Robinson 138

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Stay in the loop with businesses & nonprofits

LOCAL FLAVOR

THE DISH

At Vero Prime, dry-aged Angus beef meets an Italian gusto By Chris Fasolino

Penfolds is Australia’s red-letter wine

By Chris Fasolino

This floral cocktail is perfect for Valentine’s Day By Jules Aron 172

WEDDINGS

Sydney Dane Murphy & Alexander Ulrich Ernst

THE SCENE

Gathering for good causes is all the rage! 190

GALLERY GUIDE

Everyone is in on the artistic action this month 194

CALENDAR

February is filled to the brim with events 203

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Thank you for supporting our local businesses 208

ROOTS

The Lefflers were among the lesser-known pioneer families that helped establish Vero By Penny Chandler Norris

A colorful mural by Nicaraguan artist Luis Valle is a show stopper at this Windsor home. See the story on page 104. Photograph by Owen McGoldrick Photography

Architect: Moor, Baker & Associates Architects, P.A.

Photography:

Jessica Glynn

WDefining Style

hether it’s flamboyant, laid-back or eye-catching, classic, nurturing, or even adventurous, I can pull a word or two out of this list to help describe the style associated with any of our features in this month’s issue of Vero Beach Magazine. These words don’t just describe what we’re all wearing; they could include what environment we choose to surround ourselves with, or even what we do when we’re lucky enough to have some free time to take for ourselves or give to others.

In February, we celebrate our Vero Beach style with features on clothing, home and decor, even vacations and volunteering.

We’ll start off with the most stylish one of all—Christie Brinkley! She was nice enough to answer a few questions about her new line of clothing, which she’s labeled TWRHLL after her home, Tower Hill, in East Hampton. She’s bringing her classic and timeless look to the Vero Beach Museum of Art as the featured presenter at Fashion Meets Art February 19.

If dressing up is something you overthink and need help with (like me), then perhaps dressing a table for your next cocktail or dinner party can be a fun, new challenge. Everyday Elegance, a tablescape design company with Windsor resident Lisa McCarthy and her business partner, Alex Papachristidis, at the helm, gives us tabletop decor ideas for every occasion.

If you’d like to take your home renovation and design to a new level, the ideas Michael and Virginia Johnson brought to the table for their Windsor home started out small but then grew to include expanding into the lot next door. With an eye-catching, colorful mural in the courtyard overlooking the pool and fire pit, the Johnsons’ home exudes elegant but relaxing style and facilitates extended family visits.

What type of vacations do you enjoy? If staying at home isn’t your style, then maybe it’s time to be more adventurous. Like many, I love the idea of camping. Our RV camping feature can help those of us who enjoy the outdoors but long for a cool, soft place for our heads to land at night even more.

And finally, if you’d like to keep it closer to home and embrace a more nurturing style, Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast is doing great things with programs that serve many in our community. We met up with executive director Karen Johnson, who introduced us to children involved in one of SETC’s newest programs, called Horse-Powered Reading, which brings Dodgertown Elementary first graders to the barn to practice their reading skills with the horses.

We’ve got a little something for everyone this month. See you again in March!

Kelly Rogers editor@verobeachmagazine.com

Lots to Love W

ith spring right around the corner, we might get ahead of ourselves and forget the shortest month of the year. I know I will be looking forward to transitioning into spring. In addition to being a month of romantic celebrations, February is also our style issue, so you will see a variety of stories full of inspirations that touch on style in all its forms. In her Spaces column on page 74, Valerie Cruice highlights the enduring style of wicker and rattan furniture. Catherine Blüm of David Francis and Susan Schuyler Smith of Spectrum Interior Design offer some great insights on incorporating these quintessentially Florida design elements in your decor. Of course, the word “style” is often associated with fashion, and so, as I think about this month’s special events, Vero Beach Museum of Art’s Fashion Meets Art comes to mind. Those lucky enough to get tickets will learn firsthand about the style of the unforgettable Christie Brinkley.

But don’t be too disappointed if you can’t score a ticket to Fashion Meets Art, because there’s no shortage of wonderful events this month. On February 8, McKee Botanical Garden’s annual Motor Car Exhibition will be a “Red Car Show” you won’t want to miss.

United Against Poverty’s Valentine Ball promises to be a lovely evening, as does Vero Beach Opera’s Best of Broadway and Opera concert, “Love Is Timeless.” These events are just a few that are taking place February 8, which is shaping up to be one of the busiest days on this month’s calendar!

If you want to have some fun with your style while supporting local mental health care, mark February 22 for MHA Rocks! This year’s event has a Nashville theme, so you’ll have a chance to see if a cowboy hat and boots suit your style. See the Calendar, starting on page 194, for dozens more events to choose from.

There are plenty of romantic outings available for you and your Valentine; how about a stroll through one of our many art galleries? Starting on page 190, you’ll find some of the major exhibitions, such as “French Moderns” at VBMA and Derek Gores’ “Dream, Baby, Dream” at Gallery 14.

If you’re thinking of a romantic dinner, turn to The Dish on page 162, where Chris Fasolino highlights some great recipes from one of my favorite local restaurants, Vero Prime. The crème brûlée recipe will definitely win over the heart of your Valentine!

Here’s to a month of love and inspiration!

Teri Amey-Arnold, Publisher publisher@verobeachmagazine.com

BARBARA HEINRICH TRUNK SHOW AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

FEBRUARY 27 - 28

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

LEONOR ALVAREZ-MAZA Digital Imaging Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jules Aron, Valerie Cruice, Abigail Duffy, Chris Fasolino, Elizabeth Leonard, Linda Marx, Evelyn Wilde Mayerson, Patrick Merrell, Nickie Munroe, Penny Chandler Norris, Michelle Payer, Jeffrey R. Pickering, Amy Robinson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrew Egan, Audrey Wrisley Photography, Steven Martine, Owen McGoldrick Photography, Patrick Merrell, Ashley Meyer, Jerry Rabinowitz

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Production Coordinator megan@palmbeachmedia.com

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About Us

Vero 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 nearly all 50 states.

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.

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DAVID MOULTON | SCOTT LAYNE

OUR 2025 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. She has often been responsible for the implementation of global strategic communications and branding campaigns and has worked with prominent clients in a variety of fields. Sophie moved to the United States in 2008. In 2012, she became the director of marketing and communications at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, establishing the marketing and PR department, playing a major role in reenvisioning and shaping the VBMA’s strategic plan, and implementing a fully integrated marketing campaign for the museum. Today, Sophie serves as executive director of global marketing and sales strategies for Sebastian-based Triton Submarines.

PAUL RUSSELL is a retired entrepreneur who has lived in Vero Beach part-time since 2014 and full-time since 2019. Much of his local philanthropy focuses on our ecological future through support of the Indian River Land Trust and ORCA. Having visited 133 countries and all seven continents, Paul has written more than 25 extensive adventure blogs on subjects ranging from communing with mountain gorillas in Rwanda to swimming with humpback whales in the South Pacific. His journalistic pursuits include appearing as weekend television news anchor at KOAM-TV and then on PM Magazine at Kansas City’s KMBC-TV. As head of his own firm, he led training events for major corporations. His streaming video startup followed in 2003. During the pandemic, when distance learning exploded, Paul sold his learning company to retire, travel, and write.

TRUDIE RAINONE has lived in Vero Beach for 24 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, and Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. 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 New York and New Jersey. She is the proud grandmother of two boys, Chase and Drew. Trudie has a merchandising background in the fashion industry and was a business owner specializing in fine antiques.

JON R. MOSES is the executive producer and CEO of Riverside Theatre, where he has worked for 26 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 33 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.

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.

Gregory Allan Ness Principal Designer

Crystal Lemley Senior Designer

Vero Vibes

WILDE SIDE | NEIGHBORS | INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS | CLASSIC CARS | DESTINATIONS

50

NEIGHBORS

Under the direction of Angie Holshouser, Aerial Antics’ youthful performers tumble, twirl, and twist while having the time of their lives.

Blowing in the Wind

THE ANSWER IS IN WEATHERING THE STORM—FLORIDA-STYLE

BY EVELYN WILDE MAYERSON

tyle as a noun is defined as a manner of doing something, a particular way of comporting oneself.

Florida folk, most of whom have come from somewhere else with typically no common history to bind them, have shown themselves to be there for each other. A Florida style, like flip-flops.

This was driven home for me last October. Hurricane Helene had already come through Florida’s Gulf Coast, exiting the state to head north and devastate parts of North Carolina that are still in recovery. I returned to Vero Beach from Vermont in time for a tropical storm that was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico

and threatening to slam into Florida’s west coast. Predicted to reach a Category 5—157 miles mph or higher—the system was aimed at Florida’s midsection, somewhere in the region of Tampa Bay.

Since I lived in the storm’s path, directly across the state, I had my home battened down with a variety of hurricane

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protection: aluminum panels that slid across each other, plywood panels, storm shutters secured with iron bars, and Armor Screen, a sheetlike Kevlar product made of bulletproof mesh that shields plate glass.

A friend came to get me in a pickup truck, which I managed to hop up into. Ralph Wagner, director of food and beverage for our community, had called me the day before and invited me to ride out the storm with him and his wife, Sissy, whom I had gotten to know when she was assistant principal at Liberty Magnet School. Their home in Sebastian has a generator, meaning that in a power outage, which

there was sure to be, we would at least have a refrigerator and lights.

The Wagners also have three dogs, all of which I came to know intimately: Charlie, a half-blind, partially deaf, 17-year-old pugapoo; Bambi, a sweet sharpei that resembles a seal and curled up beside me on the couch in the family room, clearly responding to the dropping barometric pressure; and Coco Chanel, a little white chihuahua mix that kept nudging me to pet her. There was also a hamster that didn’t do much, the pet of the Wagners’ daughter Bella, who was on the road with her fiancé, on her way back to Vero from Chicago.

As a guest at the home of friends, you try to make yourself small, inconspicuous, almost invisible, careful to not occupy spaces that belong to family members, like an easy chair that I knew belonged to Ralph. You take in every-

thing. Sissy is an educator by profession, and her artistic fingerprints are everywhere— in wonderful paintings that hang on the wall, in artful, original furnishings that she hammered together, such as the coffee bar in the corner

Hurricane shutters come in many forms.

of the room, similar to one in a Holiday Inn, with coffee maker, coffee pods, and Sweet ’N Low ready to use any time of the day or night.

We settled in to watch television. There was nothing else to do but keep an eye on what was headed our way, at that moment a Category 4, destined to pick up speed over the gulf’s warm waters, its cone of uncertainty aimed somewhere between Sarasota and the more heavily populated Tampa a little farther north, at particular risk for a 12-to-15-foot storm surge in the vicinity of Tampa Bay.

Governor Ron DeSantis, together with county officials, FPL representatives, and FEMA employees, made frequent announcements, urging preparation and evacuation where needed and assuring viewers that the state had our back.

For those of us glued to the television set, and that I imagine was most of Florida, it was the calm before the storm; we were told by authorities that if the storm hit where it was likely to go, it would be the first major direct hit on Tampa in more than a century. Anyone who chose

not to evacuate was advised to ink his or her body in magic marker with the phone number of next of kin. We were also told that Florida had mobilized the largest National Guard callout in the state’s history. In case we didn’t get the picture, a weather forecaster with a model backdrop of rising water demonstrated various heights of storm surge against a human being, any one of them a losing proposition.

Then, when the hurricane, still in the gulf, was due to accelerate from a Category 4 to a 5, by anyone’s reckoning a

Central Beach neighbors were wading through shin-high water to help other neighbors.

catastrophic event, a tornado touched down in Broward County along Alligator Alley, the 80-mile stretch of I-75 that cuts through the Everglades. That’s when the television station suddenly switched to mapping scores of tornadoes outlined in little red rectangles, spawned by the advancing storm and prompting 126 tornado warnings. Several tornadoes spun in a space of 20 minutes spiraled over St. Lucie County.

The twisters were coming from the south, advancing from Palm Beach County, through Martin and St. Lucie, making their way to Indian River County. Meteorologists commented with surprise to see so many storms rotating at once. Ralph and Sissy told me that if one was headed our way, the plan was to take the dogs and shelter in the interior laundry room.

I grew up with hurricanes, not tornadoes. Florida’s 600-mile eastern Atlantic coast and 800 miles of exposure on the gulf side made us more vulnerable to hurricanes than any other state. My father would nail plywood over our windows, bring in the lawn furniture,

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and sandbag the doors. The house was already outfitted with Coleman lamps, a radio with batteries, gallon jugs of water, and canned goods that you didn’t have to cook. Our car was left to the elements, somewhat shielded by an open carport that probably acted as a wind tunnel.

It was the sounds of the storm heard in a darkened house that I remember, the howling winds, the banging of tree limbs and loose garbage cans flying about like missiles against the sides of the onestory concrete block building.

In the early days, storms were reported by telegraph from the Bahamas or ships at sea. Forecasts were determined by kites and sounding balloons carrying radio transmitters. Seminoles predicted storms by the boom on sawgrass. There was almost no warning for the hurricane of 1928, chronicled by Zora Neale Hurston in her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, when the winds of over 150 mph picked up the water from Lake Okeechobee and dumped it into surrounding communities, causing

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the popular Clearwater Beach, above, before causing devastating flooding in western North Carolina, left.

companies. What I remembered most were the thousands of volunteers.

the deaths of 2,500, mostly migrant workers, in the flooding that followed.

The Florida Keys suffered the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, also a Category 5, with winds estimated at close to 200 mph, that killed at least 400, mostly World War I veterans working the Overseas Highway that would connect Key West to the mainland.

I was in Miami during Hurricane Andrew in 1992, another Category 5, which inflicted $25 billion in property damage and caused the bankruptcy of 11 insurance

That was almost 35 years ago. Today, Florida’s burgeoning population, in addition to the escalating dangers presented by climate change, advance the threat that now seems to include tornadoes. The good news is the heightened preparedness of the state, including FPL and its assembly of 50,000 linemen, text messages alerts that go out to every phone, and NOAA’s forecasting advances, which give us more time to prepare.

Reduced to a tropical storm, Hurricane Milton veered NNE and exited the

August 1992

state north of Cape Canaveral. While there was the expected property damage caused mainly by the flooding that followed, more significant havoc was caused by the tornadoes, spawned by feeder bands while Milton was still hours away from landfall.

Multiple tornadoes touched down in Indian River County, the worst after first leveling the community of Spanish Lakes in St. Lucie County, traveling over 20 miles in total to cross the lagoon and raze a 2-mile stretch of the barrier island’s Central Beach, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees and telephone poles, and snapping 200-year-old oaks in half.

I returned home the next morning to learn that Central Beach neighbors were wading through shin-high water to help other neighbors, and that in addition to contractors, scores of volunteers had arrived from all over Indian River County to cart away debris, clear roadways, and take survivors into their own homes. Neighbors, most of whom had come to Florida from somewhere else, with no high school or grandfather in common, helping the guy next door. It’s a Florida thing—like driving barefoot.

This

photo shows temporary tent housing in the wake of Hurricane Andrew, one of the most destructive in U.S. history.

ACROBATICS

AT AERIAL ANTICS, YOUTHFUL PERFORMERS TUMBLE, TWIRL, AND TWIST WHILE HAVING THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES

BY ANN TAYLOR

A Angie Holshouser’s Flying Circus

ngie Holshouser was 3 years old when she was bitten by the Aerial Antics Circus bug. Her first forward roll on stage, and the applause that followed, sealed the deal, and she’s been a part of what makes the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department’s performing arts program, which got its start 50 years ago, such a success story.

If you’ve never been to an Aerial Antics Circus performance, held at Saint Edward’s Gonzalez-Lobo Activities Center the first week of August, and seen youthful aerialists enthusiastically perform, you’ve missed something special.

While Holshouser, the director of the city’s Centerstage Acrobatic Complex, is no longer on stage performing forward rolls, she and coworkers Patty Howard, Alex Thomas, and Liz Matthews are standing in the wings making sure all of the performers have their time to shine in the spotlight.

Holshouser will never forget how it feels: the excitement, the sense of accomplishment, and how it shaped her future.

“I was a Jiminy Cricket, a little baby in the program when it was held at the Heritage Center, and I loved it! That was 45 years ago! As I got older I stayed with it, became a junior staffer, a part-time employee, then full-time.

“I love Aerial Antics—we all love it! Patty, Alex, Liz, and I do it all from top to bottom. We’re a team. We get together in a room, write the script, and design the backdrops, costumes, and choreography. I don’t know how we do it, but somehow or another it works.

“We have almost 200 kids in the program, and we have to find a spot for every one of them; that’s why we have two per-

formances. It’s such fun and the kids are really great. In fact, some of the ones who were in the show years before are now back with their kids. It shows how much the program meant to them.”

“I get goose bumps just thinking about it,” says Holshouser, who would still be tumbling, twisting, and turning on the ropes and silks if her body would let her. Time takes a toll, but not on her enthusiasm for teaching acrobatics. “My favorite part of the job is being with the kids,” she says. “There’s nothing better than a child running up to you before a gymnastics class and saying, ‘Miss Angie, Miss Angie’ and giving me a hug. It’s the best!”

And that “best” begins at the Centerstage Acrobatic Complex at Leisure Square, where recreational and performing arts classes for boys and girls aged 3 to teenagers and beyond are held. Under the direction of USA Gymnastics, trained staff teach skills that promote self-esteem and a can-do attitude through positive encouragement.

The philosophy works. “Kids in our programs come from all demographics, from the homeless to beachside. For some we may be the one place they look forward to coming to,” says Holshouser. “We work on positivity, say ‘You’re doing a great job, keep it up.’

“Show times are the best. The moment the kids have been working so hard for is actually happening. The spotlight is on them, and their faces light up as they go through their routines.

“We high-five them off the stage, let them know we’re proud of them. And we are. I’ll always want teaching to be a part of my everyday routine. I truly have the best job ever.”

Angie Holshouser joined Vero Beach’s Aerial Antics program at age 3 and grew up to run the show.

Thriving Together

THE POWERFUL PHILANTHROPY OF IMPACT 100 SHOWS WHAT A GROUP OF DETERMINED WOMEN CAN ACCOMPLISH

BY JEFFREY R. PICKERING

Awoman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle. This well-known feminist slogan from Australian filmmaker and writer Irina Dunn was the first thought that popped into my head when Indian River Impact 100’s president, Suzi McCoy Shriner, asked me to deliver remarks at the organization’s Season

Kickoff last November. I was honored by the invitation; however, I was also certain that this formidable gathering of more than 400 women philanthropists who regularly award $100,000 grants was capable of launching its 16th season without an endorsement from some dude. There would be no “mansplaining” about the value of charitable giving or the

best way to practice effective philanthropy from me. Instead, I shared what I know about Indian River County’s nonprofit marketplace and the role of philanthropy in addressing community needs.

According to the Community Foundation’s nonprofit sector market report, these needs are numerous and are being addressed by a multitude of

PHILANTHROPY

CARLY LENHARDT

Sadie Collet (pictured with her son) is the assistant director at Childcare Resources, which promotes quality early childhood education.

Onceayear,aspiringfilmmakers,acclaimedstorytellers andaward-winningmoviemakerscometogetherto celebratethemagicofwhat’spossible.

Besurprisedbythebrilliant,clever,andfreshstoriesthat cometolifeonthebigscreen.Enjoyafront-rowseatto witnessthefutureoffilmatthisyear’s VeroBeachFilmFestival.

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organizations—almost 900 in Indian River County. Approximately 200 of these earn more than $50,000 per year in revenue and are required to file an IRS form 990 as a tax return. The greatest number of charities fall into the categories of human services (21 percent), education (14 percent), health (12 percent), and arts and culture (11 percent). The rest include animal welfare, the environment, and others.

Data from the latest filings show that all Indian River County charities earned a total of $384 million, with 73 percent earning less than $1

million annually. Investment income of $18 million made up 5 percent, government contributions of $58 million equaled 15 percent, earned income of $149 million was 39 percent, and contributions of $159 mil-

lion accounted for 41 percent of total revenue.

This last statistic on contributions makes Indian River County the eighth most generous of Florida’s 67 counties. Impact 100 certainly plays an

important part. As for expenses, it cost approximately $300 million to operate all Indian River County charities last year. This figure is almost equivalent to what it costs to run the

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

Hope For Families Center, left, helps families rise out of homelessness; Randee Ganser-Bok, below, is a prevention intervention specialist at The Learning Alliance.

school district and twice the amount it costs to run the sheriff’s office. About $100 million is paid in wages to approximately 2,100 employees. This is more jobs than Publix and Piper Aircraft—the two largest private-sector employers in the county—combined.

Philanthropy plays a key role in maintaining our county’s quality of life; however, there are some concerning statistics related to community needs that require more attention.

In the area of health, 11 percent of Indian River County’s population is uninsured— almost 50 percent higher than the national average. Last year this equaled approximately 18,000 of our friends and neighbors. Access to primary medical care, dental care, and behavioral health care is worse in Indian River County than in Florida overall, due to shortages in doctors, dentists, and licensed mental health care practitioners. In addition to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, nonprofits such as Treasure Coast Community Health, Whole Family Health, and the VNA are doing their best to meet this need.

Teen pregnancy rates are on the rise, higher than Florida’s average. So is the percentage of women who do not access prenatal care in the first trimester, currently 36 percent. Unfortunately, this correlates with higher rates of infant mortality, which, after a long decline, has been rising, and is still almost three-times higher

Philanthropy for the Frontline of Care

Tom and Claire Joyce recently became generous benefactors of the Emergency Department (ED) renovation project at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, a vital initiative that has received overwhelming support from the community. Originally from Washington, D.C., they now enjoy the winter season in Vero Beach, Florida.

For the Joyces, philanthropy is fundamentally about community. They are dedicated supporters of healthcare and educational institutions, making impactful contributions that address urgent needs and enhance the well-being of their community.

“It becomes very personal when a close friend or family member suddenly needs care urgently – you’re reliant on the healthcare system in your local community,” says Claire.

She recalls a critical medical situation involving their youngest son, in which a local hospital provided lifesaving care. The Joyces are profoundly grateful for the quality of care they received, which was made possible by the generosity of local benefactors.

“We understand how costly healthcare has become, and it’s essential for smaller communities to have access to top-notch healthcare,” Claire emphasizes. “The local community and winter visitors alike deserve outstanding healthcare options. We have friends who’ve faced both minor emergencies and serious health issues, and we want to contribute to ensuring the best healthcare is available in our area.”

The Joyces’ journey began when friends John and Liz Blanchard, who serve on the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation Board of Directors and co-chair the John’s Island Leadership Committee, invited them to an informational gathering about Indian River Hospital.

At the event, they met Dr. Eleni Tousimis, Director of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center, and Dr. C. Andrew Salzberg, a breast reconstruction surgeon, who shared insights about the hospital and its ED renovation campaign.

A year later, after attending another hospital event, the Joyces felt a clearer and more compelling case for supporting the ED initiative. “That ultimately led to our commitment,” Tom recalls.

Claire hopes their gift inspires others to contribute. “We feel fortunate to be able to invest in quality healthcare in our community,” she says. “We plan to be here for many years, and we hope our children and grandchildren will benefit.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY

Your support plays a vital role in our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve. To learn more or make a gift today, visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Giving.

in our school system who were homeless. You don’t need research to know that kids living doubled or tripled up in apartments, spending the night in cars, or sleeping outdoors are going to have medical, dental, and behavioral health problems, and will have trouble thriving at school. The Homeless Children’s Foundation, Hope for Families Center, Samaritan Center, and Indian River Habitat for Humanity are all working hard to help.

More information about community needs can be found at Indian River Indicators (irindicators.org). It is a tool developed by the Community Foundation to help our clients and other funders, such as Impact 100, practice more effective philanthropy.

Data is important. However, this data has a personal story.

In one of Impact 100’s many video testimonials on its website (impact100ir.com), Chuck Bradley, executive director of Camp Haven, shares Tim’s story and the positive changes he was able to make in his life because of the generosity of the women of Impact 100.

“Tim came to us from the woods. He literally had not eaten in 30 days. He suffered from a mental illness. With your support, over time Tim was able to learn how to cope with his mental illness and restore his credit. Soon, Tim will leave our program as a homeowner. We think this is one heck of a return on Impact 100’s investment.”

I’m just grateful to live in a place where, as Suzi McCoy Shriner enthusiastically likes to say, “we can thrive together.”

Thrive together. I can’t say it any better.

The Gifford Youth Achievement Center opened its doors in 1998 and serves the youth of Indian River County.

16th Annual Motor Car Exhibition RED CAR SHOW

AUTOMOTIVE DISTINCTION

The Most ...

THE “CLASSIC CARS” AWARDS

BY PATRICK MERRELL

ward season is upon us, and we’re proud to join in with the first “Classic Cars” awards. More than 140 cars have appeared in this column since 2019, some as the sole monthly star, while many others were mentioned and shown in passing. Add to that the many photographs I’ve taken at area car shows and of personal collections, and we’ve got a sizeable pool from which to pick.

Looking back through all of those files, 14 cars stood out for one reason or another. In lieu of any actual statuettes, ribbons, or certificates of honor, the winners are being immortalized here in ink.

MOST ELEGANT MASCOT: This leaping-greyhound hood ornament first appeared on Delage automobiles in 1928. It epitomizes style, grace, and speed—fitting for a French luxury brand. Although dogs are a rare theme, Ford’s Lincoln division also used a running greyhound in the late ’20s and early ’30s, and Mack Trucks created its iconic bulldog in 1932.

MOST EXPENSIVE: Since every collectible car is valuable in its own way, I don’t often mention prices. It just seems beside the point. Still, there are instances when the price is part of the story—or when the number is so big it’s hard to ignore. The funny thing is, a hefty price tag can change the way we look at things. Seeing this 1965 Ferrari 250 LM, some people might say, “What a beautiful car.” By contrast, if you told them it’s worth roughly $20 million, that reaction might change to: “Holy something-or-other! Let me take another look at this.”

MOST HISTORY: This Sears Motor Buggy was made and sold by the mailorder company in 1909, and it’s happily chugging along 116 years later.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED

MOST TRANSFORMER-LIKE:

This 2021 Corvette Stingray Z51 can’t convert into a walking, talking robot, but it does have a slew of exterior parts that open and close, pivot, slide, and retract. In addition to the trunk lid and hood, there’s a pair of Bokeyno Motorsports vertical doors and an electrically controlled deck lid that raises up to allow the two-piece convertible top to nestle in atop the 495-horsepower engine. Additionally, the car has a front lift system that can raise the front end 2 inches. Equipped with an eight-speed gearbox and capable of hitting 184 mph, this C8 Corvette would likely leave the evil Megatron in the dust.

MOST DISTINCTIVE RADIO:

No, this isn’t a built-in jukebox from a 1950s diner. The 20-rectangle grid on the dash of this 1948 Chrysler Town & Country is just a bit of decoration atop the speaker. To the left of the speaker is a vertically mounted Mopar 802 radio. It has five preset buttons and a small window at the bottom for displaying the tone setting: mellow, voice, or music. Five knobs along the bottom, with the look of a vintage vending machine, operate the headlights and several dashboard controls.

MOST BORING INTERIOR:

Building on an exterior that looks like a futuristic version of a World War II amphibious landing craft, the Tesla Cybertruck exudes blandness with its blank dashboard and nondescript cabin. The only dash of color in a sea of gray components comes from the red release button on the seatbelt buckle.

MOST MINIMALISTIC: You could argue that this honor should go to the Sears Motor Buggy on the previous page, but back then, every car was ridiculously simple. By contrast, this bare-bones, underpowered 1989 Citroën 2CV was built in an era when cars were infinitely more complex. When the original 1948 model debuted, not appreciably different from this one, people would jokingly ask if it came with a can opener. Looking at the rolled-back canvas top, you can see why.

CLASSIC CARS

MOST STYLISH TAILFINS:

ere were many tail ns in the 1950s, but none was more tastefully done than the pair on this 1957 DeSoto Adventurer. ey’re prominent, but in a way that adds personality instead of cartoonish excess. e combination of the taillights, taillight housing, and exhaust port is a piece of sculptural beauty that would feel right at home as a decorative top on a ’50s diner sign. e black paint does a great job of setting everything o , giving the car an aura that’s both digni ed and sporty.

MOST UNUSUAL FRONT END:

Take your pick. On the left you have what appears to be an industrial leaf-blowing machine. On the right is deep-sea sh with a set of razor-sharp teeth and wideset eyes. e car on the left is the one-o 1952 Studebaker Manta Ray concept car, which was pro led in last month’s column. e overwhelming size of its jet-inspired nose is hard to forget, but the front of the 1954 Kaiser Darrin on the right is every bit its equal in the strange looks department.

MOST TIMELESS: The design of this Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster hasn’t aged a day since it debuted in 1955.

MOST CLASSY LOOKING: We’ve covered some very stylish cars—a 1955 Jaguar XK140, a 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale, and the 1938 Phantom Corsair—but if you really wanted to impress someone, this regal 1932 Lincoln KB would be hard to beat. It’s large and long, with a partitioned passenger seat in the back that reeks of old-money prestige.

HANDSOMEST EMBLEM: The design of this ’50s Ford Thunderbird hood emblem has it all: a great, stylized bird; the brand’s signature light turquoise paint; that “Raceway” font; and the carmaker’s name in the tail feathers.

MOST SALES: Of all the cars made over all the years, the 1965 Chevy Impala stands as the champion for a single year, with 1,046,514 cars sold. (Sales figures weren’t kept for the Model T.) Shown here is a Satin Silver 1964 Impala Super Sport.

The Delage hood ornament shown on the first page adds a dashing touch to the front of this restored 1932 Lincoln KB.

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Okavango Dreamin’

AN UNLIKELY MOSAIC OF ISLAND-STUDDED FLOODPLAINS, DENSE WOODLANDS, AND SPRAWLING GRASSLANDS, BOTSWANA’S OKAVANGO DELTA HOLDS THE SECRET RECIPE FOR EXTREME WILDLIFE PROSPERITY; WITHIN THIS NATURAL SPLENDOR, DISCOVER TWO NEWER ULTRA-LUXE CAMPS AT THE TOP OF THE DELTA FOOD CHAIN

BY PAUL RUBIO

TAWANA

In May 2024, conservationdriven outfitter Natural Selection unveiled its most inspiring safari camp to date: Tawana. Nestled in an untouched part of the Okavango Delta along the wildlife-rich Gomoti River in the Moremi Game Reserve, Tawana represents untamed Africa at its purest—with robust populations of predators, prey, and rare species, and zero human presence. This extraordinary camp results from a

partnership with Chief Tawana Moremi, the paramount leader of the Batawana tribe, who granted Natural Selection exclusive rights to build and explore an extensive swathe of Moremi’s ancestral land, uninhabited since 1963.

Tawana’s eight mega-suites upend conventional notions of safari luxury. Each comprises a series of thatched huts that flow seamlessly into the separate bedroom, bathroom, and lounge areas. Spaciously

Explore uncharted corners of the Okavango Delta in high style at Tawana.

The alluring entrance of Xigera Safari Lodge

arranged for privacy, the suites feature contemporary African furnishings and are bathed in natural light through expansive screen windows. The wooden decks—complete with a plunge pool, daybed, and shower—are perfect for game viewing. Thoughtfully designed, multilevel communal areas weave through the landscape, with centuries-old ebony trees offering nooks from which to observe the wildlife action. Viewing plat-

forms tricked out with plush couches and swing chairs promise endless entertainment as Planet Earth episodes play in real time.

Throughout the year, the floodplain grasslands teem with wildlife, making the animal encounters nothing short of epic. During my recent visit, early morning game drives and evening safaris paid off, fulfilling a lifelong dream of spotting multiple aardwolves and aardvarks in one pan-

orama. I saturated my camera’s memory card with shots of playful lion cubs while witnessing both cheetah and lion hunts from start to finish, thanks to our knowledgeable and engaging guide, Rio. Back at camp, we shifted to observing hippos, baboons, and antelope navigating the shallow channels, as elephants communed nearby— often finding their way directly into camp.

Tawana’s exceptional design and location are matched

by its service and cuisine. We enjoyed meals in various settings—from the open-air dining area and the 16-meter lap pool to the private comfort of our suite—each one a feast of flavorful continental and African dishes. Attentive waitstaff ensured our wine glasses were never empty and guided us to sample an array of varietals from the sleek onsite wine cellar.

In total, Tawana is more than just a safari; it’s an

At Tawana, watch the drama unfold from your expansive outdoor terrace and look forward to lion cub sightings, a common occurrence in this region of the Moremi Game Reserve.

Tawana delivers untamed wilderness at its best. Indulge in the hyper-comfortable digs for rest between adventures.

DESTINATIONS

At Xigera, collectible art and one-ofa-kind furnishings abound behind the exteriors of an elegant safari setup.

unparalleled immersion into Africa’s wild heart, where every moment, from exhilarating encounters to serene pauses, rede nes both adventure and the privilege of true wilderness. (natural selection.travel)

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE

Everyone knows it, but few dare to admit it: back-toback game drives can start to feel repetitive—even a bit exhausting—especially for the more casual wildlife enthusiast. By the 10th drive, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is far from the tune on your

mind. But Africa’s top-tier lodges are reimagining the safari experience, adding new dimensions to enhance the wildlife focus. Nowhere is this more evident than at Xigera, an art-centered lodge in the western Moremi Game Reserve, where game drives share the spotlight with captivating art installations and creative touches that enliven each day’s adventures.

A legacy project by the Tollman family—the renowned South African hoteliers behind the Red Carnation Hotel Collection—Xigera unfolds as a living gallery

in the bush. Open since late 2020, the lodge is home to one of the largest private collections of Southern African art, including more than 30 bespoke pieces by emerging African artists such as Adam Birch, Madoda Fani, and Otto du Plessis.

Each of Xigera’s 12 eclectic suites is a masterpiece, featuring handmade furnishings and unique collectibles throughout. Curious about the artwork in neighboring suites? e co ee-table book on your one-of-a-kind credenza reveals the stories behind each piece and encourages guests to explore Xigera’s grounds in search of installations, such as Porky

Hefer’s human-size woven lounge nests at the property’s edge and Conrad Hicks’ boma-inspired re pit, a hand-beaten copper lily that symbolizes Xigera’s spirit.

Decadence in the details extends to the lodge’s amenities and cuisine, with rare safari comforts like a fullservice spa, a tness center, and globally in uenced dishes presented at a Michelin-star level. Each meal is a vibrant showcase of avors, setting a high standard even in Africa’s most exclusive safari circuit. With such excess, it’s almost easy to forget the primary reason for visiting Xigera: the wildlife. Situated in prime Okavango real

estate, the camp reveals sublime sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, and more without guests ever needing to leave the grounds.

On my safari, one day’s drive was nearly delayed by elephants determined to block the

walkway, while an entire pride of lions—cubs included—took refuge beneath one of the stilted suites. Set beside a permanent floodplain, Xigera also provides the best of the Delta’s waterbased beauty. Beyond traditional game drives, guests can

take to the water by motorboat or mokoro (canoe) and even savor sunset cocktails along the water’s edge.

To be sure, there are fabulous rewards for taking actual game drives. In addition to wildlife spotting and photo snapping, look forward to adrenaline-inducing rides around and through surrounding channels, following

herds of red lechwe while waiting for the cries and calls of African painted dogs (also known as African hunting dogs or wild dogs) on the prowl.

In the end, Xigera surfaces as a vivid blend of art, nature, and luxury, where every corner invites discovery and each experience presents a new perspective on the Okavango’s wild and creative spirit. (xigera.com)

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A handsome lair at Xigera, left, is underscored by a handcrafted dark wood bedpost. And don’t be surprised to see lions right outside your tent.

Woven furniture trends come and go, but in Florida wicker and rattan are constants.

SPACES

Wicker-pedia

WOVEN FURNITURE TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT IN FLORIDA WICKER AND RATTAN ARE CONSTANTS

BY VALERIE CRUICE

When I loaded up my green Audi Fox to go o to college in the 1970s, most of the back seat was occupied by a white wicker rocking chair, a white wicker headboard, and a white wicker lamp. Even though I was headed to frigid New England, these accents—acquired at Fran’s Basket House in New Jersey— made my dorm room homey, cozy, and bright. Wicker was light, inexpensive, and cool. Not only did the wicker rocker go to college and graduate school, it rocked three babies, was painted green, then restored to white, given new cushions, lost its rockers, and now reposes in my Vero Beach guest room. And it is right in fashion. Wicker is having a moment. Again. What is it about wicker? Is it the

rhythm of the weaving? Or the tactile quality? e texture? e taming of nature, bent to our creative will? Its shape-shifting from the practical (water hyacinth bench), to the whimsical (Torres’ rattan monkey chandelier)?

“For me, wicker has never left the front stage,” says interior designer Peter Dunham, principal of Los Angeles–based Hollywood at Home. “ e power of the handmade, artisanal material brings warmth to any room, whether modern or traditional.”

At the fall High Point Market, Catherine Blüm, co-owner of David Francis, a rattan furniture company based in Vero Beach, identi ed wicker/rattan as a strong trend: “In 2025, rattan and wicker are shaping up to be de ning materials in interior design, embodying

DESIGN

Clockwise from far le : ra an counter stools by David Francis Furniture; a Bunny Williams Home wicker daybed; wicker accents in a Susan Schuyler Smith–designed home

Hollywood étagère, right, and Madrid chair by David Francis Furniture

both sustainability and a connection to nature that resonates deeply with today’s homeowners and designers.”

Spaces feel grounded and inviting due to the organic warmth of the natural material. Blüm notes that there is a rising demand for deeper earth tones, rich browns, and terra-cottas. “These colors reflect the latest biophilic design trends, bringing a sense of the outdoors inside and creating rooms that feel harmonious with nature,” she notes. The company has recently launched a line of rounded shapes in chunkier designs—a modern nod to vintage pencil reed pieces.

Bunny Williams, the eponymous designer based in New York City, says wicker “mixes seamlessly with antiques or a variety of other finishes.” She says that the centuries-old technique of weaving rattan into fanciful shapes, patterns, textures, and designs imparts “a laidback feel.” Williams has recently introduced a new line of wicker furnishings, ranging from a side table with birdcage legs to a graceful daybed.

Of course, wicker was not new in the 1970s; it’s been around for thousands of years. The Egyptians wove furniture out of the reeds that grew along the Nile, the Romans used local willow, and rattan

dominated Southeast Asia and eventually China. In 1897, two American wicker/furniture manufacturers merged, becoming Heywood-Wakefield, based in Massachusetts. Their early designs are much sought after. Trends being what they are, wicker’s popularity waxed and waned, and the company closed in 1981.

“I have a love of the very old wicker from a hundred years ago, in the natural color,” says Susan Schuyler Smith of Spectrum Interior Design. “In the 1920s, everybody sprayed it all white or green. You rarely find them not painted white.” Smith notes that McGuire Furniture, which started in 1948 and patented a method of binding rattan with rawhide into its “California Casual” designs, elevated the medium. Its vintage pieces are very much in demand. In her home, Smith sits at a McGuire rattan-wood combination red desk that she’s had for 35 years.

For her interior design projects, Smith uses a lot of wicker, mostly for accents. “Almost every job we do has something in rattan and wicker. People love texture,” she says. “The trend in upholstery has been toward plain; it takes the hard edge off everything. You can’t do a home in Florida without using wicker!”

“You can’t do a home in Florida without using wicker!”

– SUSAN SCHUYLER SMITH

Clockwise from above: David Francis Furniture’s headboard, bench, and end table are all made from natural materials; Bunny Williams mixes rattan with other finishes when envisioning a room; wicker cabinet from Hollywood at Home adds warmth to the space.

HOMEGROWN

HORTICULTURE

Flower Power

BRIGHTEN YOUR GARDEN WITH THESE PERENNIAL SYMBOLS OF LOVE

BY NICKIE MUNROE

February keeps love on everyone’s brains. Floral bouquets are a favored symbol of love. Sometimes, I hear people discuss the preference or viability of allowing owers to remain on the mother plant in soil instead of in a vase. e good thing about our modern existence is that we can enjoy both. It is perfectly ne to indulge in the eeting beauty of cut ower arrangements featuring plants that may not thrive in Central Florida’s landscape, while equally cherishing perennial symbols of love in your garden.

Whether you choose classic red roses with white lilies and baby’s breath, or you go for a warm winter glow with tulips, alstroemeria, and wax owers in a vase, there are opportunities to let love grow year-round in your landscape.

Clockwise from le : Whether cut or rooted, fl owers bring joy to our lives; African iris does well in partial shade; canna fl owers bring vibrant color to any garden.

Here are a few combinations, anchored by perennials, that will be gorgeous in a pot or an ornamental bed:

“True Blue” – Combine African iris with blue sage and add a few cute little violas to round out your bed or pot. is combination works very well in the partial shade conditions under a live oak or other large, thinly canopied tree. Lonely orchids on tree branches will be grateful for the company. ese plants are generally drought tolerant after establishment. e result is a serene and harmonious arrangement that adds a touch of elegance to shaded spaces.

“Fireworks” – Firecracker plant is a sprawling burst of year-round color that will thrive in full sun conditions proxi-

mate to irrigated turfgrass. Moor this with some very low-maintenance red pentas and a few bright-colored Gerbera daisies to complete the starburst. Gerbera daisies will persist in our region, but it is important to make sure that the crown (the point where the stem and roots meet) remains at or slightly above the soil level. ey bene t from division in spring or summer. is combination needs a very large pot if containerized. Either way, you will have a dazzling, rework-like showcase of vibrant blooms that will light up your landscape throughout the year.

“Canna I Have is Dance?” – Cannas

are tropical bulbs with beautiful owers and interesting leaves. Most of them thrive in full sun and do not mind areas with extra moisture. Mix in a few Leavenworth’s coreopsis and snapdragons for good measure. Together, they create a vibrant, dancing display of color and texture that brightens any garden. ese are three examples of plant combinations that will remind you of love long beyond February. Remember to maintain a 2-to-3-inch layer of mulch in your beds.

is mulch helps moderate soil temperatures and aids moisture retention. Look out for signs of wilt before watering after establishment.

ough your heart is burning with love, February can be a very cold month in Central Florida. Monitor the weather forecast and engage in mitigation practices to support your landscape until the sunshine ful lls its promise of warmth. I cannot wait for spring; I have a bunch of containers that need replanting. For

now, the pots will remain sorted by size and material until I ll them with soil and plants. Mud is one of my love languages.

Nickie Munroe is an environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Indian River County Extension.

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Checking blood pressure twice daily is important for high-risk patients to ensure their numbers are in the correct range.

HYPERTENSION

The Lowdown on High Blood Pressure

MONITORING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CAN BE AS SIMPLE AS A TRIP TO THE LOCAL LIBRARY!

BY RENÁE TESAURO

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and chronic conditions such as kidney failure and vision loss. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of the U.S. population over the age of 20 has high blood pressure (also known as hypertension); yet many don’t

know they have it because symptoms are nonexistent or unnoticed.

Blood pressure should be checked routinely, ideally after age 40, recommends Dr. Scott Seibel, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon with HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. “Many people don’t realize the devastation

that high blood pressure can have on their overall health,” he says. “There is a full spectrum of illnesses that can be prevented simply by being more cognizant of your blood pressure.”

Blood pressure fluctuates during the day, Seibel points out. “If you’re on blood pressure medication or you’re at

high risk of developing high blood pressure, ideally you should be checking it twice a day to make sure you’re in the proper range.”

Blood pressure monitors are available for purchase online as well as in grocery stores and pharmacies. Now, they can also be checked out at local libraries, thanks to Libraries with Heart, an American Heart Association program sponsored locally by HCA Florida Healthcare and supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation.

In Indian River County, blood pressure kits may be checked out by patrons of the Main, Brackett, and North County Libraries.

“Anyone with a library card can go in and check out one of the five monitors at each of our three libraries,” says Elizabeth Stenger, director of library services for the Indian River County Library System. “The kits, which may be checked out for up to two weeks, include information on how to measure and manage blood pressure, along with a log to track your numbers. If you have an elevated reading, it includes guidance on when to seek immediate medical attention or consultation.” When patrons return the kit, librarians

can assist them in finding a local health care professional to help them manage their blood pressure. Libraries with Heart is a natural extension of our libraries’ commitment to health care literacy, observes Brittani Jean-Philippe, a Masters Certified Health Education Specialist and the community impact director for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast chapter of the American Heart Association. “Many seniors use the library system and may not own a blood pressure

monitor. They may be struggling with whether to buy groceries or buy a monitor, so we are making this available as a resource.

“Our circulation numbers show they are being checked out, particularly in areas where there are higher rates of hypertension and lower income. Local health care clinics are excited to tell their patients about it, too. Even younger library users are requesting the kits. A pregnant woman recently checked one out because she was

Elizabeth Stenger, library services director, encourages use of the blood pressure kits available for checkout at three local libraries.

Dr. Scott Seibel

Blood pressure kits available at our local libraries include instructions for use and information on blood pressure management.

concerned about developing pre-eclampsia.”

The blood pressure kits, adds Jean-Philippe, are a valuable way for people to take charge of their health.

“You don’t know you have high blood pressure unless you know your numbers. A key piece of what we do is connect people with elevated

numbers to local health care providers that offer affordable care.”

A blood pressure test measures the pressure of blood against the artery walls during the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the heart’s ventricles. The measurement is reflected by two numbers, representing

two distinct forces: systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure—the top number in the blood pressure reading—is created when the ventricles contract and force blood through arteries that flow to organs throughout the body. Diastolic pressure—the bottom number—measures

the pressure against arteries when the ventricles relax to refill with blood.

The American Heart Association defines a normal blood pressure as a systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and a diastolic pressure under 80 mm Hg.

You are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure if you smoke or drink alcohol excessively; are overweight or physically inactive; or have diabetes, high cholesterol, an unhealthy diet, or high stress. While many of these risk factors can be

“Everything we put into our body contributes to our overall health.”

— DR. SCOTT SEIBEL

controlled, others, such as family history, race/ethnicity, gender, and certain conditions—kidney disease or chronic obstructive sleep apnea, for example—are impossible or more difficult to modify.

The aging process alone is a contributor to high blood pressure, explains Seibel.

“Remember the old term ‘hardening of the arteries’? As you age, your arteries lose elasticity and stiffen

over time. This typically starts as early as the late teens, depending upon lifestyle. This can increase blood pressure, as your heart must pump harder to get blood where it needs to be. The harder it works, the bigger it gets, to the point where it gives up its gym membership and fails.”

Hypertension can cause microscopic damage to the inner lining of the muscular arteries, creating

Medication may be needed to combat high blood pressure.

WINDSOR,

Photography: A Attas Creative A Attas Creative

LIVING WELL

Ways to Control BLOOD PRESSURE

Eat a well-balanced diet, low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, cantaloupe, and potatoes.

Limit sodium intake (<1,500 mg of sodium per day).

Limit alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women).

Be physically active (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week).

Manage stress.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.

Take

a breeding ground for plaque buildup (caused when LDL or “bad cholesterol” teams up with fat and other substances). If not stopped in its tracks, plaque buildup can lead to blocked coronary arteries. The lack of oxygen-rich blood can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease.

While there are multiple classes of medications designed to treat high blood pressure, Seibel and other health experts emphasize that the best course of action is

prevention. “Remember the things we were taught growing up about the importance of diet, exercise, and controlling stress,” Seibel advises. “Everything we put into our body contributes to our overall health. One of the worst things people do as they age is become sedentary. You can literally run away from these diseases with proper diet and exercise. We have control over all that.”

Take your health to heart. Monitor your blood pressure regularly. It could be as easy as checking out the next bestseller!

INTERPRETING YOUR NUMBERS

Face First

Keep your face refreshed and renewed with powerhouse cleansers that remove makeup and impurities, pamper your skin barrier, and set you up for the next steps in your beauty regimen: Guerlain Abeille Royale Cleansing Care-in-Mousse, a gel-to-foam infusion with black bee honey from Ouessant Island, plus royal jelly and honeys from Corsica, Ikaria, and Åland ($70, guerlain.com); Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser, with water-soluble and oil-soluble cleansers to reap the benefits of double cleansing in one step ($98, vintnersdaughter.com); Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser, a purifying clay cleanser that smooths and revitalizes ($38, Dillard’s, Vero Beach); Halo42 CopaibaInfused Soothing Face Cleanser with green tea, hibiscus, and alfalfa to calm and protect the skin ($85, halo42.com); and Eve Lom Cleanser, a cult-favorite balm emulsion that hydrates, tones, and removes makeup, all while smelling like a spa ($85 for 3.4 fl. oz., evelom.com). —Abigail Duffy

BEAUTY

REVIEW

Meddling & Menace

THIS DARK PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER PITS AN ELDERLY WIDOW AGAINST AN 8-YEAR-OLD BOY

BY ELIZABETH LEONARD OF THE VERO BEACH BOOK CENTER

by Christopher Bollen Harper, December 2024

The banks of the Nile River are home to a crumbling luxury hotel that houses a woman on the run. Eightyyear-old Maggie has settled in at the Royal Karnak, where she can start anew after having had to make a hasty exit from her last hotel home in the Swiss Alps. Maggie has a knack for meddling in the affairs of the other guests, injected herself into the lives of those who have a real life, as hers is all but over after the death of her husband and daughter.

When a new family comes to stay, a woman and her 8-year-old child, Maggie cannot resist the urge to find out everything she can about the duo. The American woman seems forlorn and the boy, Otto, sickly and friendless. Maggie has a new family to take under her wing.

But Otto catches Maggie red-handed in her involvement in the affairs of another family at the Royal Karnak, resulting in the wife leaving the husband when another woman’s clothing is found in the man’s possession—planted by meddling Maggie—and Otto isn’t going to let this opportunity go. The once-budding friendship becomes a threatening game, and it’s unclear who is more conniving and ruthless.

Havoc, reminiscent of the old mysteries of Agatha Christie, Patricia Highsmith, and Alfred Hitchcock, is a book I was longing for but didn’t know it. Christopher Bollen delivers a mystery that will send chills up your spine.

STAFF PICKS

IN FIVE YEARS

by Rebecca Serle

If you were given the chance to experience one hour, five years in the future, would you? Dannie Kohan falls asleep after her boyfriend’s marriage proposal and does just that, and she finds that the love story she was expecting to unfold isn’t the one in her dream.

OVERBOARD!

by Michael J. Tougias

Since Tougias will be speaking locally next month, readers may want to immerse themselves in one of his true stories of adventure on the high seas. This book is a harrowing tale of disaster, survival, and ocean rescue.

HAVOC

József Rippl-Rónai (Hungarian, 1861–1927). Woman with Three Girls, (detail), circa.

(61.3 x 93.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 1994.68 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum).

Vitamin D production is one of the many benefits of taking your dog out into the sunshine.

Let’s Go Outside

BY AMY ROBINSON

Belle’s seal-brown eyes seek mine as she takes a position on the opposite side of the room. She turns to gaze out the window, largely indi erent to the treats I have brought. e adorably u y dog has owners who love her and bestow all the top-notch care and spoiling she can handle. Sometimes jokingly referred to as a “purse dog” at just 7 pounds, Belle lives in a luxury 10th- oor North Hutchinson Island

EXPOSURE TO SUNSHINE HEALS YOUR DOG’S BODY AND MIND

condominium with a view of the Intracoastal and beyond. Her concerned owners want to know why Belle sits in front of the window and just stares outside, uninterested in assuming the role of cuddly couch potato that would seem to suit her. She is reported to be aloof toward her people, a bit jumpy, and very defensive if picked up and held.

I took Belle for a day, planning several adventures that I thought would perk her up.

First, we went to the Jack Island trail along A1A. Looking at her tiny legs, I had no illusions that a mile-long hike was going to happen, so we stayed close to the trailhead, where she clamored over rocks, sni ed the air, scratched at the sandy trail with her dainty paw, and waded into the river up to her chest.

As if on cue, the sun came out from behind a cloud and she turned to look back over her shoulder, o ering me a

wide smile. We stayed like that for some time. I tried to coax her back to the trail but she leaned on the leash, her bottom half wet and sandy, and barked just once. I was beginning to understand the tiny dog’s motivation: Belle simply longed to be outside.

Sunlight and fresh air do more than perk up a dog’s mood. The very rhythm of life depends on it. “A dog’s circadian rhythm is a biological process that helps them sense time and adapt their behavior to their environment,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club. “This circadian rhythm, or ‘body clock,’ is regulated by the pineal gland in the brain, which produces melatonin. This helps dogs know when to be awake, sleep, and eat.”

Artificial light, which has a large amount of blue light, is the enemy of a normal circadian rhythm. It stays the same all the time, unlike the natural changes in the spectrum of

light from our sun over the course of a whole day. Too much blue light also suppresses melatonin production. “Sunlight and darkness play a key role in regulating the production of melatonin in dogs, which helps control their sleep-wake cycles and overall health,” adds Klein.

“When sunlight hits a dog’s retina, it signals the pineal gland to stop producing melatonin. After sunset, your dog’s pineal gland ramps up melatonin, which helps them feel drowsy and fall asleep.”

The sun’s rays in the morning, midday, and early evening affect the dog’s circadian rhythm in different ways. Early morning light contains blue, green, and red patterns, which get the dog’s systems up and ready for the day. Direct sun at midday contains the full spectrum of light, from infrared to ultraviolet, while at sunset, the angle of the mostly infrared light tells the body to start producing melatonin again, completing the normal

It’s important to expose pups to fresh air and exercise.

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Ask Amy

amy@verobeachmagazine.com

I knuckled under to my wife’s insistent lobbying for a tiny dog, even though I prefer something at least 15 pounds—a dog small enough to carry but not a purse dog. Instead, we got a nice 6-pound Chihuahua mix named Rico from a local rescue. I really like him because he has a cocky, friendly personality. The issue now is that my wife wants to put clothes on him, like little surf shorts, hats, or a court jester collar. This is just too embarrassing. How can I put my foot down without looking like an ogre?

I applaud your acceptance of this diminutive dog, and that is what he is, an actual dog, not a doll. In my experience, most dogs show some discomfort when wearing tiny outfits with their elastic bands, snaps, and flaps to keep the clothes on. You have already met your wife more than halfway, but perhaps a compromise can still be achieved. A small bandana can add flair and is changeable for different occasions. A rich, lightweight leather leash and matching collar would give him an aura of class and add a spring to his step. Any accoutrements should boost his confidence, not emasculate him. Your dog’s charm and personality negate the need for a cutesy outfit.

My wonderful German shepherd, Bear, lost his battle with cancer last summer. I really want another dog, but now that I’m older, my daughter is urging me to get a smaller dog that won’t pull on the leash. Problem is, I love the loyal nature of German shepherds. She found a breeder who says they have mini German shepherd puppies, but is there such a thing?

I’d rather not get a puppy anyway.

– Ned in Vero Beach – Wiley in West Palm Beach

How wise you are. Mini German shepherds are definitely not a real breed. No doubt your well-intentioned daughter found a breeder online who is probably breeding the runts of each litter together to get smaller and smaller dogs, plus outcrossing to a smaller breed of dog to get what may resemble a miniature German shepherd. In addition to the health implications of continually breeding runt-to-runt, this dog will not have the same steady traits of a German shepherd. I also appreciate that you recognize the amount of work that a puppy of any breed would be. German shepherds and shepherd mixes of various ages are sitting in local shelters right now just waiting for a qualified adopter like yourself. Try the American German Shepherd Rescue Association, too. A mature dog with all the qualities you seek is out there.

Take me home for 3, 6, or 12 months. Love me forever.

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day-to-night cycle. Artificial light in the evenings, such as LED light from flat-screen televisions and cell phones, disrupts that normal cycle. Another benefit of being outdoors is vitamin D, which is essential to a dog’s overall health. While our best friends can get it from food and supplements, direct sunlight in appropriate doses stimulates the natural process of vitamin D synthesis. “We have always heard that sunlight is important in the production of vitamin D,” says Klein. “Sunlight also helps the dog’s immune system by increasing white blood cell production and movement while directly activating immune cells.”

Spending time outdoors with your dog will put smiles on both of your faces.

Puppies, especially those raised in large commercial breeding facilities, can suffer from depressed immune systems without sufficient exposure to the outdoors. Older dogs certainly enjoy quality basking time, reaping the pain-reducing benefits of baking sore joints in the sun. “The sun’s rays can also enhance skin health while killing certain kinds of bacteria on the skin and fur,” notes Klein. The antibacterial effects speed healing for scrapes or after bandages are removed from surgical sites.

Consider dogs in the 1950s, spending long days in the fenced backyard or roaming the ranch at their leisure

when they weren’t doing a job for their owners. The immense changes in how our dogs live today stem from our increasingly online lives, busier schedules, and increased proximity to our neighbors, all of which has a cost for us and our dogs.

Aside from the physical benefits of enjoying a sunny day with your dog, think of the bonding opportunities. Ambling along the beach together or just sitting on a park bench fills the senses with all the pleasures of being outside. Walking is hugely beneficial, but for those of us hitting the sidewalk on creaky knees with arthritic dogs in tow understand the value of

Make time for young dogs to soak up some sunshine.

just being present while birdsong, squirrels, and a soft, salty breeze pour information into us about the environment. Watch your dog’s eyes droop and nose twitch while taking it all in.

Belle’s owners took action

to assure her happiness with weekly outings to a public trail and visits to a doggy daycare mini ranch that caters to tiny types. Belle now climbs onto puppy play equipment, rolls in the grass, and stands happily just blinking into the sun.

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A Welcoming

Wonderland

WHAT

STARTED AS A RENOVATION RESULTED IN A SPACIOUS FAMILY MECCA WITH A FANCIFUL MURAL

BY ANN TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY OWEN MCGOLDRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

When Michael and Virginia Johnson decided it was time to make a few changes to their home in Windsor, they contacted RCL Development, the firm that constructed the custom residence in 2007. Little did the couple know that the “few changes” they envisioned would end up doubling the square footage, reconfiguring spaces, and creating a courtyard where larger-thanlife lemons, hummingbirds, and flowers brighten formerly pale walls.

As the saying goes, one thing often leads to another, and the Johnsons found that to be true throughout the redesign and

rebuilding project that was prompted by the passing of years.

“We bought the house from the original owners back in 2011 when our kids were little,” Michael explains. “They’re now in their 20s and bring their significant others with them when they come. We’re anticipating grandchildren one day, so we were doing it for the next generation.”

He adds, “The house as it was really didn’t provide the living experience we wanted, so we started looking around, exclusively in Windsor. We wanted to be in the Village but we couldn’t find the balance of function,

the number of bedrooms, and indoor and outdoor living spaces we wanted.”

But then opportunity knocked: “As luck would have it, the vacant lot next door, which had changed hands a couple of times over the years, became available right before COVID hit. We bought it knowing we could build what we had been looking for. Between the architect, my wife, her designer, and RCL, we had the dream team.”

The team was spearheaded by RCL president Alex Wells, who credits Bob Lyles, the firm’s founder and honorary chairman, for getting the ball rolling.

“Between the architect, my wife, her designer, and RCL, we had the dream team.”

MICHAEL JOHNSON

“One of the things I was able to do when I came on board was take all the pieces Bob and the parties involved had put together,” says Wells. “At any given time there were five or six of us who were constantly collaborating. We also have some 50 to 60 local vendors who have been working for RCL for a long time who were part of the project. There were a lot of moving parts.” Architect Austin Dingwall can testify to that.

“When I first met with Michael and Virginia, it was clear that they really liked their original house; they just needed a little more space, so we started talking about options, did our exploration. A few months later I got a call from Michael saying that the vacant lot next door had just become available and he was going to buy it, so the project evolved,” Dingwall recalls.

Large gathering areas for family to visit and enjoy were important for the Johnsons to incorporate into their plans. Friend and designer Kendal Gaillard was called in to a be part of the visionary team.

“It was interesting—once we started designing, the Johnsons began to take a really good look at the house. They would say things like, ‘You know, I’m not actually thrilled with the space in the master suite, or the kitchen, or the living areas. I’d really like to see if maybe we could do this or that.’

The Johnsons had ideas but they were really open to new ones. Sometimes clients are set in what they want; they weren’t.”

“Basically, the addition turned into the main residence,” Dingwall says. “What I find exciting is that Michael and Virginia really enjoy their new house. There’s a great energy.”

Much of that energy can be credited to the couple, who were 100 percent engaged from conception to completion. When it came time to furnish and accessorize their new home, Virginia called on designer and friend Kendal Gaillard for her decorating expertise.

“I’m not a design person. Kendal has the vision; she did our first house 20 years

ago when our children were little, and I loved it. One of my happiest times is working with her. She’s like my righthand man,” Virginia enthuses.

“With the Windsor house, I told her how we wanted things to look and feel now that the kids are grown up and bring others with them. We wanted everyone to feel comfortable, have the privacy of their own room. We also wanted a large space where everyone could come together, watch football and basketball games, hang out, talk, laugh, and have fun.”

Mission accomplished. Throughout the residence, soft earth tones, varying

shades of blue, and subtle splashes of color mix and mingle, while textures and patterns enhance custom bedding, upholstery, walls, and floors. There’s a charming sophistication that extends an invitation to come in and spend time. You’ll be glad you did.

The same can be said about the courtyard, where an elevated pool and sunken seating area with fire pit are like a magnet, drawing family and friends of all ages. Again, the Johnsons had an idea.

“We didn’t want the ‘same Jane’ pool; we wanted one that was raised, that would stand out,” says Michael. “When

“Michael and Virginia really enjoy their new house. There’s a great energy.”

AUSTIN DINGWALL

The home expansion and renovation was done with a nod toward their growing generations of family; muted earth tones are used in living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

we told Alex, he thought we were crazy, but he went along with it, and it turned out great. Alex was great to work with. He met every challenge we threw at him. He’s one of the most loyal and honest people I know, and I would trust him with anything.”

Virginia feels much the same about the artist who brought the plain vanilla walls of the courtyard to life. It all began when she and two friends took a road trip to Miami, looking forward to seeing the sights and sounds of the Magic City.

“We went on a tour, and our guide was Luis Valle, an artist from Nicaragua. We loved him and his artwork, so when Michael and I started building the house, I knew I wanted Luis to paint a mural in the courtyard.

“I gave him a lot of range, and he came up with the idea of a lemon tree garden. We spend so much time in our outdoor living room, having breakfast and lunch, and when others are here that’s where you can find us,” Virginia says.

Michael nods in agreement. “I tell you, every person who comes into the house wants to see the mural. It’s so wonderful, so relaxing, so inspiring. We love how everything turned out. This is a welcoming house. It’s designed for people to get together, enjoy each other’s company, and make memories. We couldn’t be happier.”

A mural by Luis Valle of Nicaragua graces the walls of the courtyard; spacious outdoor living areas are used for meals, relaxation, and fun.

The Art OF LOVING LIFE

BEAUTY ICON CHRISTIE BRINKLEY WILL SHARE HER UPBEAT TAKE ON FASHION, ART, AND LIVING WELL AT VBMA’S FASHION MEETS ART

By AMY ROBINSON | Photography by ANDREW EGAN

Photography: Andrew Egan, andreweganphotography.com

Styling: Kristen Ingersoll, instagram.com/KristenIngersoll HMU: Bruce Dean, instagram.com/arrivebeautiful Ac Magazine: accessoriescouncil.org/ magazine creative director

“Christie’s sunny energy will be commensurate with the mood at the event, which is always upbeat.”

– GreGory AllAn ness

ome people light up a room when they enter. Christie Brinkley brings the sunshine in with her, beaming her famous smile so that it is impossible not to smile right back. Her endless optimism and gratitude shape how she looks at life, and she wants us all to feel that joy right along with her.

This year’s Fashion Meets Art event on Wednesday, February 19 features the timeless beauty as presenter. To call Brinkley a supermodel is to sell her short; yes, she has numerous magazine covers, including three consecutive covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, but Brinkley is much more than that. She represents a lifestyle, proving that a sunny attitude can make for a happy existence. The author and entrepreneur is one of a group of gorgeous women not satisfied with just being fashion plates. In the decades that have passed since her renowned magazine covers, she has marshaled her creativity, inspired by her windswept Hamptons estate, to reach new goals.

Brinkley’s home, Tower Hill, has a fascinating history. In 1639, English engineer Lion Gardiner was granted by royal decree a 5-square-mile island that today is part of the town of East Hampton. “Tower Hill was built nearby in 1891 by the Gardiner family to keep an eye on their private island,” Brinkley explains. “It has a staircase that winds its way to the tower and the most incredible 360degree views.” Her lush, free-form garden and grounds are her happy place, where she will often go out in a big, floppy sun hat just to cut a few flowers and end up spending several hours drinking in the sea breeze.

Brinkley has embarked on a clothing design project, a first for her, of affordable yet luxe-looking dresses, tops, and pants. She calls it TWRHLL, inspired by her historic home. “Hamptons style is pretty much anything goes these days; you see it all here, but I think the quintessential Hamptons look is relaxed and beachy, effortlessly casual and chic,” she notes. Her dresses are easy yet flattering, with classic colors, stripes, and fun details that pop. The button-down swingy shirt dress is mid-calf length, shown closed with a belt or without, or totally open as a duster over pants and a top.

“When I’m designing with my team, we try to give women a versatile wardrobe that she will really wear in her day-to-day so she feels and looks great,” says Brinkley. “A woman should be able to run through the many things that she juggles in a day, and maybe with just the change of a shoe and adding an earring, she looks ready to meet friends for an impromptu dinner.”

Brinkley has designed with a woman’s figure in mind and has some little secrets that give shape without being constricting. “We have some pieces that are your workhorses,” she explains. “These are wardrobe staples like simple T-shirts and sweaters constructed with figure finders, which are clever little seams that take out the excess fabric right under the bust to find your figure in the most flattering way.”

The Fashion Meets Art crowd at this year’s sold-out event will be treated to Brinkley’s tips for nonfussy dressing with style. “I love long dresses, especially when they

float comfortably around your body and feel light and feminine,” she says. “I have been loving highwaisted jeans, too. When they have a wider leg, I usually balance that with something that defines the waist, such as a shirt with a great belt or a cropped boxy sweater. With narrower jeans, I might do a chunkier sweater or blazer or add movement with a long cardigan.”

For event committee chair Gregory Allan Ness, securing Christie Brinkley for this year’s event was a coup. “She has been on our wish list from the beginning,” he says. “For our selection process, we look for someone in the fashion industry who has many accomplishments and stories to tell. Christie’s sunny energy will be commensurate with the mood at the event, which is always upbeat.”

“Almost as soon as the day after the event, we will start planning for the next year and selecting that presenter,” Ness adds. “Oftentimes the fashion celebrity will have a new project, like Christie’s new TWRHLL line inspired by her Tower Hill Hamptons estate.”

There will be two ongoing exhibitions at the Vero Beach Museum of Art that will coincide with the Fashion Meets Art event. One is called “Timeless” and will feature works by internationally recognized fashion photographer and artist Robert Farber, who now lives in Vero Beach. “Well-Dressed” will show a variety of paintings, sculpture, photography, and other pieces from VBMA’s permanent collection.

“Fashion and art have influenced each other from the inception of time,” says Ness. “Fashion designers

are artists; they are just painting on a different canvas.”

The funds raised from this event will help support important educational and outreach programs all year long. “That’s what keeps me coming back every year to do all the hard work that it takes to put on an event like this,” Ness says. “As the event grows each year and becomes more successful, it also grows our educational outreach, and the commitments from our sponsors and underwriters feed these popular programs.”

Of all Brinkley’s accomplishments, perhaps her most outstanding is the ability to inspire women to think differently about aging. “I think women over 50 today see themselves in a new way. We are the generation that embraced healthy diets and exercise. Olivia Newton-John sang, ‘Let’s Get Physical,’ and we did,” she laughs.

When Brinkley started modeling at age 19, she was told that she would be lucky to have 10 years in the business. “I think in the past there was the rare model who stays in the business past the industry shelf life, like the stunningly beautiful Carmen, who at 93 continues to work to this day,” she says. “Today, there’s a whole generation of models who are reshaping the numbers that used to set the expiration date on women. I was told I would be chewed up and spit out at 30, but I was doing a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated in a bikini at 63. Martha Stewart did it at 80 and she was a knockout.”

Brinkley’s contemporaries, such as models and style icons Paulina Porizkova, Kim Alexis, and Carol Alt, encourage women through social media posts and appearances. “I think women want to see other women their own age so we can all inspire each other to face the inevitable wrinkles and sagging—if we’re lucky, with gratitude and humor and joy and love.”

“When I’m designing with my team, we try to give women a versatile wardrobe that she will really wear in her day-today so she feels and looks great.”

– Christie Brinkley

Karen Johnson is the executive director of Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast.

SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS HARNESSES THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES

RIDING HIGH

By Ann Taylor | Photography by Steven Martine

It’s been said that being around horses can put a smile on your face and a skip in your step, and if you’ve ever spent time at the Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast (SETC) barn at 7065 37th Street, you will understand why. It’s a happy place where the sounds of whinnies, snickers, and snorts welcome those dealing with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. For a period of time they will be engaged in equine-assisted activities, leaving

worries and anxieties behind as their spirits soar. Somehow the world seems to look better from atop a horse.

“We see children and adults change as soon as they get in the saddle,” says Karen Johnson, who heads up the nonprofit organization. “For a little while at least, they’re in control of their lives. Our horses are exceptional therapy animals; they teach responsibility and build confidence.

“I FEEL THAT MY LOVE OF HORSES AND EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DONE HAS BROUGHT ME HERE.”

KAREN JOHNSON

At le , Karen Johnson helps Dontavius identify different parts of the horse; below, she introduces the children to the tools used in grooming.

“Most of them, like Squeeze, Mimi, and Crystal, are in their 20s. ey’re patient, sensitive, and incredibly perceptive beings that can sense our emotions and take them all in.

ey give such unconditional love and bring magic to what we do.”

Since being founded in 1992, SETC, a member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) has expanded its community outreach with additional programs. While the primary one remains Adaptive Riding, others include Horsemanship, Dementia Support, and Ride Beyond Diagnosis (for women cancer survivors).

e latest, Horse-Powered Reading, kicked

o last November and was an instant hit with rst graders at Dodgertown Elementary School, a Title 1 Community Partnership School.

Every Tuesday morning students from one of the ve rst-grade classes climbed aboard a yellow school bus, lunches tucked in backpacks, and counted the minutes and miles until they arrived at the SETC barn. For the next four hours the eager 6- and 7-year-olds were engrossed in a horse-themed reading program funded by a grant provided by the Grand Harbor Outreach Program.

As Johnson explains, “We started the morning with a safety talk and discussion

about horses and how they communicate to us without talking. Then we touched on basic anatomy words appropriate for their age level, doing it the old-fashioned way with ‘see it, spell it, say it,’ and we incorporated an anatomy game where students got to stick the spelling word on the correct place on the horse. They loved that,” Johnson smiles as she recalls the creative version of “pin the tail on the donkey.”

“After that, the students were divided into groups for activities. We complement Dodgertown’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) curriculum, so for science class we measured the horse’s height in hands. The technology part was tricky because we’re in a barn, but we talked about veterinary hospitals, what veterinarians do, and the types of equipment they use,” Johnson explains.

“For engineering we discussed the way horses move, their gait. The students worked together on a puzzle that highlighted the movement of the horse’s legs and skeleton. When it came time for mathematics, we measured feed and hay and used a weight tape to estimate the weight of the horse. Each student was given a workbook folder, a box of crayons, an informational horse coloring book, and a book to take home.

“We also did a grooming activity that was a favorite with the children. They learned the names and sequence of the grooming tools and they were able to have a hands-on experience of grooming a real-live horse. It was great. We’ve found that experiences like that, plus the stimulating environment of the barn, pretty much guarantee success and retention. Our hope is to instill children with the desire of lifelong learning by making what we do interesting and fun.”

Clockwise from top left: Channon Quinn is a volunteer with SETC; staff member Tami Featherston enjoys helping Abril; Johnson instructs Johquan on how to mount “Able” the Equicizer.

at fun included introducing the students to “Able” the Equicizer—a custom handcrafted mechanical horse whose spring-loaded movements mimic those of the horse, which teaches children mounting and dismounting techniques as well as riding basics. Donated by Indian River Club’s Head, Heart and Hands Foundation, Able is one popular fellow.

“ ere are so many other programs we’d like to be doing,” says Johnson, a note of hope in her voice. “We’ve been given land in Fellsmere, where we’ll be building a therapeutic riding center complete with a covered arena. It will not only keep us out of the rain and humidity, it will enhance the programs we’re able to o er to the community.

“Right now we’re working on nalizing the site plan and trying to raise money to make it all happen. Our goal is to be out there in three to ve years. at’s why the more the community knows about what we do and our desire to expand, the better.”

“And we always need more volunteers,” Johnson adds. “Most of our riders have to have two side walkers. If we don’t have enough volunteers we don’t ride. Safety is number one, so we train our volunteers.”

Johnson knows all about the training, as after moving back to Vero Beach, where she had spent her high school years, she found herself at loose ends.

“I felt compelled to do something with my time,” she says, recalling what her life was like nine years ago. “My life had changed; people I had known here before had moved on; my kids were grown and gone. I needed something to do, a purpose.

“ en I saw an ad in the paper about A hobbyhorse race in the arena, above, was a popular game for the children to engage in a er meeting the horses in the barn. Former educator Maggie Stewart, le , an SETC volunteer, helps Jaden with horse anatomy.

Special Equestrians needing volunteers. I’ve had a love of horses since the first time I saw one when I was 10 years old and my parents sent me to camp, so I decided to check it out. I started volunteering three or four times a week and found I really liked it. The more I liked it the more I wanted to teach, so I got certified, and the rest has been a natural progression. I feel that my love of horses and everything I’ve ever done has brought me here.”

She enjoys sharing that love of horses with others. “Horses bring the magic to what we do,” she says; “they’re truly our partners!”

Reflecting on her work with SETC, Johnson says, “To see the joy on a child or adult’s face as they accomplish a skill and their confidence and pride grows is amazing. What Special Equestrians does is so special, and I’m glad I found it. I hope others do, too.”

Abril and her classmates learn the importance of grooming horses.

If you’re looking for a departure from the hustle and bustle of air travel, consider a jaunt into nature with friends, family, or a significant other to help restore inner balance. Rent an RV and roam the open roads to one of Florida’s 191 state parks for a nostalgic return to childhood camping trips. We’ve selected our top six getaways that are accessible in roughly the same amount of time as an early airport arrival. For reservations and availability, consult floridastateparks.org or reserveamerica.com. Go forth and venture, happy campers!

BY MICHELLE PAYER

See the 1991 film City Slickers before visiting this state park, an 1876 cow camp where cowboy heritage remains alive and kicking. Perhaps the most entertaining aspect is the living history reenactment each weekend, which transports visitors to a time when a “cow hunter’s” life was spent herding cattle between Florida’s cow camps and downtime was spent on hard ground beside a campfire. Payment in Spanish gold doubloons was a decent enough incentive, say the actor cowboys, but probably few of us city slickers would last a day. Boat, canoe, fish, stargaze, or hike more than 13 miles of verdant pathways—keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer and bald eagles—or venture out on horseback through well-groomed trails.

(floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/lake-kissimmee-state-park)

Hundreds of manatees call this large St. Johns River spring home in cold weather. While humans are not permitted in the water in winter, people flock to watch them from the boardwalk and platform. At other times of year, it’s common to encounter these gentle sea cows while in the spring, as the cheeky fellas take delight in swimming alongside humans and partaking in aquatic adventure (just don’t touch them). Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, float on an inner tube (rentals available) down Blue Spring boil’s natural lazy river, or wander via kayak through lush woodlands surrounding the spring. Perhaps as famous as the manatees are the cavern- and cave-diving opportunities— restricted to certified cave divers—and scuba diving (allowed only with a buddy). Visitors say the hidden and mysterious underwater holes lead to otherworldly places and swear it is one of the best places in Florida to scuba dive. Pay a visit to the Thursby house, the well-preserved 19th-century home of settler Louis Thursby, who hoped to strike it rich with an orange grove and a steamship pier. (floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park)

The largest uninhabited piece of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key engulfs visitors in the pristine beauty of wild, undeveloped mangrove swamps, rockland hammocks, and seagrass beds. Get wild on a Saturday night and join the local astronomy group for some memorable stargazing, or strike out on your own and search for wildlife within the 1,000-acre sanctuary, which is a centuries-old migration route. Visitors can also kiteboard or paddleboard on the Atlantic, kayak through Curry Hammock’s picturesque waterways, hike through miles of nature trails, and fish for tarpon, snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper on the shoreline. A state fishing license is required but can be readily obtained online. (floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park)

A picturesque drive south toward Key West will yield what is arguably one of Florida’s most famous snorkel spots—John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Adjacent to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the country’s first undersea park, it’s considered an underwater Grand Canyon, offering a rare glimpse into colorful coral formations. The outside world is left behind when exploring delicate ecosystems via glass-bottom boat, kayak, canoe, or scuba diving here. Thick mangroves provide shelter for inexperienced snorkelers, and these quiet respites sometimes yield close encounters with curious manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins. A short hike through the park exposes an ancient artesian well hidden within mangrove swamps, while walking trails through tropical hammocks lead to picnicking, bird-watching, and fishing spots. Thirty-nine RV sites are available, all dog-friendly with electric hookups and a long list of amenities, from barbecue grills to interpretive programs and handicap accessibility. (floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park)

One of the country’s most famous national parks is at Florida’s southern end, where a million and a half acres of swamps, subtropical jungles, and sawgrass marshes beckon visitors to commune with nature. Fourteen endangered species reside here, meaning you’re immersed in untamed beauty. Yet the adventures are easily and comfortably navigable with plenty of modern conveniences. Choose relaxation or adventure with hiking and biking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, exotic wildlife and bird-watching perches, and world-class fishing. Camping options abound, yet the Flamingo Campground is quickly rising to visitor “favorite” status for its seemingly infinite Florida Bay views, refreshing year-round breeze, and camping options. The newest—and only “glamping” alternative on the list—is Flamingo’s safari-style Eco Tents. Slightly elevated off the ground, these fully furnished tents have electricity plus a dresser, bookshelf, queen or two full-size beds, sheets, removable bug-protection screen, and private outdoor patio seating area. Showers, a community grill, and a marina store are nearby for all the essentials. RV camping is just next door with 65 spots, many with electrical hookups. Don’t feel landlocked, though. Boat options are abundant, with single and double kayaks and canoes for rent as well as motorized skiffs and pontoons. For another adventurous overnight opportunity, a limited number of Flamingo Adventures Houseboats are available—complete with AC while docked. Outfitted with two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, galley, gas oven/range, and fully stocked kitchen, these floating homes sleep up to four adults and two children, making them the ideal family getaway or romantic retreat. (flamingoeverglades.com/camping)

FLAMINGO AT THE EVERGLADES/GUEST

With its charmingly restored buildings amidst resplendent Victorian gardens, Koreshan is named for a late-1800s pioneer who established his new religion, Koreshanity, on the banks of the Estero River. Step back in time into 11 homes and buildings preserved on the National Register of Historic Places. Every Sunday, a farmer’s market engulfs the historic settlement with fresh and locally produced goods, from vegetables and honey to soap and artisan breads. Embark on natural adventures throughout the 135-acre park, including hiking and bird-watching through a pine flatwoods habitat and along bamboo trails. Kayak and canoe rentals are available to paddle through Estero River’s brackish tidal waterway out to Estero Bay. Beyond the abundant redfish, snook, and mullet in its waters, the area is famed for freshwater bass fishing during hot summer months and saltwater fishing nearby. Return to childhood hide-and-seek with the park’s self-guided “geo-seeking” adventure to unearth hidden trinkets, treasures, and information hidden by geocachers. A special website (geocaching.com/play) provides clues. (floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park)

CRUISE AMERICA: This national chain, whose nearest location is in Fort Pierce, offers rental RVs ranging in size to accommodate up to seven people. Even the smallest motor home has all the comforts of home, from toilet and shower to refrigerator, AC, cooktop, and microwave. With optional kitchen and bath/sleep rental kits available, little is needed to hit the road. (cruiseamerica.com)

CITY RV RENTALS: If the rockstar tour bus always held secret appeal, then the class A motor home fulfills a fantasy. Sleeping two to six people, it has a proper bedroom, fold-out living room couches, two slide-outs for additional space, AC, a kitchen, a shower (often a tub, too), closets, and even an entertainment center. Yes, it has the worst fuel economy, but it’s less than the yacht, right? (cityrvs.com)

BY LINDA MARX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ

All Aflutter SETTING

Scene

Interior designer Alex Papachristidis sets tables that evoke warmth and intimacy, with a curatorial eye focused on custom elegance. “I don’t repeat or have a cookie-cutter approach,” he says. Five years ago, he launched Everyday Elegance—a tabletop design service and online shopping platform—with Lisa McCarthy, a Vero Beach resident and friend who runs the business end of the company. With Florida flair in mind, Papachristidis dressed this Windsor space just for us— inside the dining room and out. “I love variety,” he says. “I want my guests … to feel stimulated, comfortable, and at home.”

(everyday-elegance.com)

“My partner, Lisa, and I believe the color purple can be used as a neutral,” Papachristidis says. For this table, they’ve paired purple with white flowers and green glasses.

“It’s always interesting to balance your tables with a contrast color,” he adds. The butterflies on their custom Everyday Elegance plates look as if they have flown in from the garden.

The antique Georg Jensen silver is a beautiful collectible for the host. The white napkins with a purple picot edge further enhance the table’s layered look.

Alex Papachristidis and Lisa McCarthy are the cofounders of Everyday Elegance.

For this table, they accented a “neutral” purple with custom plates from their collection.

Casa Gusto’s blue and white marbleized dishes paired with Everyday Elegance pink linens evoke a masculine-meetsfeminine appeal. The floral display within the centerpiece basket—Papachristidis’ interpretation of his favorite Bunny Mellon basket—adds another pop of color. The William Yeoward Crystal Venetia glasses are also a favorite of both Papachristidis and McCarthy. The Christofle flatware lends a modern touch to a classic look. Purple crystal votives from the client’s house further personalize the table.

Green with Envy

Drawing on old-school sentiments reimagined, Papachristidis used two styles of dishes, with hand-painted green roses complemented by whimsical chinoiserie figures holding baskets of pink blooms. Pumpkin canisters borrowed from the kitchen translate a garden vibe and double as seasonal decor during the fall holidays. Delicate Murano candlesticks pick up the pink tones of the flowers.

Regal Flush

Cultivating Contrasts X

Papachristidis selected Mottahedeh Prosperity dishes, originally designed for George and Martha Washington, for this table in the entrance of a client’s home.

“This is a Palm Beach special for ‘ladies who lunch,’” says Papachristidis, pointing out the wonderful Meg Braff palm leaf skirted tablecloth that sets the tone. A Susan Lewis silver-plated epergne is filled with flowers and berries—a nod to the custom, red-trimmed napkins.

Secret Garden

Papachristidis knows about the unpredictable weather of Central and South Florida, so he believes covered areas are best for dining. For a courtyard dinner, he and McCarthy kept a fresh palette with a white table and chairs, adding a custom plate from Everyday Elegance in blue, yellow, and green. Florist Susan Lewis augmented the table with bouquets in green and yellow. The designer’s navy blue napkins with white fringe provide an unexpected pop. Custom gilded bamboo flatware and William Yeoward Crystal’s Fanny Amber tumblers echo the harvest colors of the pumpkin tableware. “I feel this table epitomizes old Palm Beach outdoor entertaining,” Papachristidis says. “It has a casual yet sophisticated mixture done with a fresh approach.”

Timeless Touch

“There has always been a classic elegance in Palm Beach, and this table reflects that in a unique and collected way,” Papachristidis says. The Everyday Elegance black bamboo dishes create drama while remaining true to Florida’s atmosphere. “Nineteenth-century Grecian vases from Casa Gusto play off the dishes,” says Papachristidis, who selected Buccellati Tahiti bamboo flatware and silver salt and pepper shakers for a touch of shine. The floral arrangement came from the garden.

A heritage of trust. A personal approach. A heritage of trust. A personal approach.

Wealth management extends far beyond the traditional services of helping clients plan, invest, and transfer wealth. At Wilmington Trust, we take a personal approach to working with our clients, creating deep connections that enable us to truly understand their needs.

Supporting the causes that are important to our clients and to our communities has been a long-standing tradition at Wilmington Trust. Team members embrace this core part of our heritage and devote significant time to volunteer programs right here in Vero Beach and throughout the country.

Kate Freeman Managing Director

Senior Wealth Advisor

700 Beachland Boulevard Vero Beach, FL 32963

772.925.3221

kfreeman2@wilmingtontrust.com

wilmingtontrust.com

EXQUISITE CUSTOM CRAFTSMANSHIP & DESIGN

/ 4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms

/ 5,900+ Square Feet

/ Den + Office + Gym

/ Guest Cabana with Kitchenette

/ Second Floor River Room with Kitchenette

/ Renovated in 2021, Roof 2018

/ Impact Glass Throughout

/ Outdoor Summer Kitchen, Fireplace, & Fountains

/ Heated Pool & Spa, Outdoor Shower

/ Boat Dock with 9,000# Lift

/ 3-Car Garage

Heart-y Happenings!

There’s fabulous fun to be had while supporting our local shops

SHOP & SIT AWHILE THROUGH MARCH 4: WINTER SALE EVENT

Sunshine Furniture invites you to shop 50 percent off all Tommy Bahama and Lexington items during its winter sale event taking place through early March. Don’t miss the new Key Biscayne collection, among other wonderful selections.

SUNSHINE FURNITURE

1295-2 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-569-0460 sunshinefurniturecasual.com

New & Noteworthy

BREATH OF FRESH PLEIN AIR

FEBRUARY 1–28: PAINTING EXHIBITION AT MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

Serenity by Linda Arnold oil on canvas x inches

Renowned contemporary plein air and abstract artist Linda Arnold’s highly anticipated exhibit is open to the public and features new paintings by this celebrated artist. For more information contact the gallery or visit the website for a virtual walk-through tour.

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

POP ON BY

FEBRUARY 7: VINTAGE TIFFANY JEWELRY POP-UP EVENT

Loggia is kicking o the season with a one-day pop-up event featuring vintage Ti any & Co. jewelry with special guest Annamarie Sandecki, former director of Ti any Archives. Meet new store owner Judy Baldissard, enjoy surprise promotions throughout the store, and sip on a glass of bubbly.

LOGGIA 2900 Ocean Drive | 772-231-2901 loggiahome.net/contact-us

SHOP & SIP

FEBRUARY 7–8: SHOPPING EVENT AT JEWELRY STORE

You’re invited to 6th Avenue Jewelers for a Valentine-themed shopping event showcasing the shop’s various beautiful jewelry sections. Clients can sip champagne and enjoy little desserts as they make gorgeous selections.

6TH AVENUE JEWELERS

2040 Treasure Coast Plaza | 772-217-8985 6thavenuejewelers.com

SHOW UP & SEE

FEBRUARY 13: LOCAL ARTIST AT M. MAISON

Local artist Jerry Smietanka’s new work will be shown at M. Maison Feb. 13–22. The artist will personally present the new collection at the opening cocktail reception Feb. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to sip, shop, and meet the artist!

M. MAISON

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

Wabasso Bridge by Jerry Smietanka oil on board x inches

JOHNNY WAS

Celebrate romance and natural beauty with the Dune chandelier by Fredrick Ramond. This sculptural masterpiece combines candelabrastyle lighting with a floating bowl shade of shimmering, curved sea glass, casting a warm, enchanting glow, making it ideal for tall ceilings and open spaces.

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

GIVING DAY

The Gifford Youth Achievement Center opened its doors Feb. 15, 1998. In 2024, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners presented GYAC with a proclamation declaring Feb. 15 GYAC Giving Day in honor of GYAC’s founding and continued dedication to academic excellence.

GIFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

4875 43rd Ave. | 772-794-1005 | mygyac.org

Winner of the Tony® Award for Best Play, Master Class tells the story of opera diva, Maria Callas, as she teaches a life-altering master class to students at an elite opera school. During the class, she encounters three students who are crushed, uplifted, and inspired by her artistry. Based on a series of real-life classes Callas delivered at Juilliard, Master Class is a window into the soul of one of the most complicated and celebrated artists of the 20th century.

The "Greatest Movie Musical of All Time" is faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, Singin' in the Rain is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

& MAR 7 at 10AM & 2PM

SEE EVERYTHING BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN

Get an entertaining, story-filled tour backstage and see the set designs and props up close. Meet some of the talented people that make it all happen. Learn more about how the shows are created and brought to life on stage. The tours last roughly one and a half hours.

& SATURDAYS

AT 5:30PM

Aria, Keiran, and Cameron

STYLED TO A TEE

NEW SHOE OPTIONS AT VERNON SCOTT CAN’T BE CONTAINED FRESH ITEMS AT TRIMMINGS

Vernon Scott Resort Wear is now carrying Peter Millar golf shoes, available in white and navy. Stop in for a pair before you head out to the course.

VERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR

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

Left Hand, Right Hand

ChristopherLeBrun &CharlotteVerity

January 27 - April 25, 2025

An expansive joint exhibition of recent works by Sir Christopher Le Brun and Charlotte Verity

By appointment | 772 388 4071 gallery@windsorflorida.com windsorflorida.com/gallery

New to Trimmings is Celadon, a contemporary fragrance in dressing table–ready glass and silver containers. These make exquisite gifts, so stop into Trimmings to select yours.

TRIMMINGS HOME GARDEN GIFTS 3201 Cardinal Drive | 772-213-8069 shoptrimmingsvb.com

Charlotte Verity, My Nest , 2017 oil on canvas, 88.5 x 110 cm, 34 ⅞ x 43 ¼ in

NOW SEATING

NEW DESIGNER PIECES AT FANTASTIC FINDS

This outdoor love seat is from the Amalfi collection of David Francis Furniture. Featuring a powder-coated aluminum frame and all-weather fabric, it measures 63 inches wide, 28 inches deep, and 31 inches high. There are two available at Fantastic Finds at a remarkable price.

FANTASTIC FINDS

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

WWW.LEAHMULLERINTERIORS.COM

NEW JEWELRY LINE AT SASSY

Sassy Boutique is excited to offer Nickho Rey’s demi-fine jewelry. From sexy night-out statements to casual glamour, each piece is a work of art that reflects the essence of the wearer.

SASSY BOUTIQUE

3365 Ocean Drive | 772-234-3998 MORE THAN FINE

John’s Island

Clear Skies. Cool Water. Warm Welcome.

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 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.

New & Noteworthy

NATURE OF THE ARTIST

UPDATED COLLECTION AT FINDLAY

Visit Findlay Galleries to view acclaimed contemporary artist Gustavo Novoa’s work. Exploring themes of nature and the human experience, Novoa’s pieces are characterized by bold colors and dynamic compositions, merging abstract and figurative elements, which draw inspiration from his diverse cultural background.

FINDLAY GALLERIES

165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach | 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

ROLLING OUT THE NEW CARPET

FRESH FLOORING LINE NOW AVAILABLE

Designer’s Touch Flooring recently brought on Prestige Mills. Prestige’s carpets are renowned for their unique textures and styles, attention to detail, and “old-world” weaving techniques. Designer’s Touch Flooring invites you to its showroom to select the perfect Prestige carpet or rug for your home.

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING 1715 Old Dixie Hwy. | 772-978-9111 designerstouchflooring.com

Piano Sonata by Gustavo Novoa, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

COMING TO A WEEKEND NEAR YOU FILM FESTIVAL RETURNING

Returning for its eighth season, the Vero Beach Film Festival celebrates independent cinema, o ering captivating films, engaging panels, and unforgettable experiences in our cultural haven. Don’t miss it April 10–13; book your passes online now.

VERO BEACH FILM FESTIVAL vbfi lmfest.org

NURSE PRACTITIONERS SHARE TREATMENT IDEAS

Kristen Gabbard and Olga Accardi

Nurse Practitioners Kristen Gabbard and Olga Accardi are sharing favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day. Gabbard proposes Radiant Eyes, a popular solution for dark circles and pu ness, while Accardi suggests a LipLase treatment, designed to enhance lip volume and shape without injections.

ICONIC DERMATOLOGY

4800 20th St. | 772-758-1310 iconicderm.com IT’S GLOWING GOOD

49 Royal Palm Pointe, Suite 202 Vero Beach, Florida 32960 772-766-3165 RoyalPalmJewel.com

READY FOR RUBIES

EXPANDED COLLECTION AT LEIGH JEWELERS

Rubies are considered a symbol of love, passion, and commitment, and are often given as a gift to celebrate a relationship. Visit Leigh Jewelers to view the expanded assortment of the highest-quality rubies.

LEIGH JEWELERS

3401 Ocean Drive | 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com

ARTIST BACK AT UNDER THE OAKS

While still enjoying the honor of having two pieces accepted into the Backus Museum’s show “Best of the Best” (second piece shown above), Elise Geary is thrilled to participate in Under the Oaks March 7–9 for the fourth consecutive year. Be sure to visit her booth.

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8 | Second fl oor Elevator located in alcove behind Lyra Home

Beyond Imagination by Elise Geary oil on canvas x inches

PARTNER CONTENT

HEARTS & KISSES

EXCITING ACCESSORY AT ROYAL PALM JEWEL

Enjoy this bold and beautiful signet ring from Royal Palm Jewel. Featured in 18-karat yellow gold, it is sprinkled with diamonds surrounding a heart-shaped pink sapphire. Visit the store for more details and to request the price.

ROYAL PALM JEWEL

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

CURLEY IN THE CITY

NETWORKING EVENT IN NYC

“Curley Christmas Cocktails” at The Yale Club in New York City was a huge success. With many Wall Street heavy hitters in attendance, Cathy Curley was thrilled to expand her already-extensive Northeast network and promote Vero Beach.

CATHY CURLEY

772-559-1359 | cathycurleyrealestate.com

THEY GROW UP SO FAST

BGCIRC TURNS 25

Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is celebrating 25 years of empowering local youth. The organization has provided safe spaces, mentorship, and life-changing programs across three clubhouses in Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere. Here’s to the next 25 years of building great futures!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 1729 17th Ave. | 772-299-7449 bgcirc.org

Coastal Van Lines was happy to sponsor the second annual Kids Triathlon hosted by Rotary of Vero Beach. Rotary’s vision is to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across town and around the globe.

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

SET YOUR SIGHTS

EYE CENTER OFFERS EYEBOB BRAND

A SMART NEW RIDE

THE NEW 2025 CADILLAC IQ HAS ARRIVED AT LINUS

Panacea Eye Center presents these stylish, customizable Eyebobs for every reading strength. You can choose from fashionable frames for both men and women, and blue-light protection is also an option. Elevate your look and protect your eyes! Visit Linus Cadillac to experience the new all-electric 2025 Cadillac IQ. A thrilling driving experience and a new standard for elegance and innovation await you.

PANACEA EYE CENTER

1000 37th Place, Suite 101 | 772-783-6051 panaceaeye.com

772-217-3952 hello@vbhome.us

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC 1401 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-562-1700 linusautomotive.com | linuscadillac.com

United Way of Indian River County extends its gratitude to Northern Trust for hosting its Powered by Purpose speaker series, and to expert panelists Dr. Kristy Crawford and Megan McFall. The event emphasized pressing health care challenges faced by women and children in our community.

UNITED WAY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 1836 14th Ave. | 772-567-8900 unitedwayirc.org

NEW CUSTOM PIECES AT PROVIDENT JEWELRY

Provident Jewelry presents another gorgeous bracelet! This yellow-gold bangle features turquoise and mother-of-pearl. Don’t wait to claim it; visit the store to ensure that it becomes yours.

PROVIDENT JEWELRY

828 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter | 561-747-4449 providentjewelry.com

PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

CUSTOMIZABLE ACCESSORIES AT EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

Customize the appearance of your appliances with elegant yet durable matching appliance pulls from European Kitchen & Bath. With a wide variety of styles and lengths, you’re limited only by your imagination.

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

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

SPECIAL SPECS

REILLY CONSTRUCTION COMPLETES

CONSTRUCTION AND SALE IN WINDSOR

Reilly Construction recently completed the construction of this high-end residence that was built as a speculative home. Sold before construction was completed, it offered buyers the opportunity to secure their dream home ahead of time, with every detail tailored to perfection.

REILLY CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

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

MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES

LATINES | March 14 & 15 at 7:30pm | March 15 at 2:00pm

CHOREOGRAPHER ’ S NOTEBOOK: PETER ANASTOS April 11 & 12 at 7:30pm, April 12 at 2:00pm

ACCESSIBLE/FAMILY FRIENDLY SERIES PERFORMANCES

FIREBIRD | March 16 at 2:00pm THE SLEEPING PRINCESS | April 13 at 2:00pm

Ballet Vero Beach Company Photographer: Joe Semkow

CONTINUING THANKS

ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE FEEDS FAMILIES

In its 25th year of providing food for families at Thanksgiving, the AMAC team delivered a total of 124 turkeys to the Children’s Home Society, Hope for Families Center, SafeSpace, The Salvation Army, The Source, Our Father’s Table, Samaritan Center, Economic Opportunity Council, Hibiscus Center, and Youth Guidance.

AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE 2901 Ocean Drive | 772-231-6509 alexmacwilliam.com

WELCOME ABOARD

VERO BEACH ROWING ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR

Vero Beach Rowing is excited to announce the recent hiring of its first executive director, Justin Beard. A Vero Beach native with more than 15 years of marketing, resource development, and management experience, Justin has been a valuable addition to a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of youth and adults through the sport of rowing.

VERO BEACH ROWING 310 Acacia Road | 772-261-0747 verobeachrowing.org

FEATURING BELOVED QUINTETS

Setting

THURSDAY,

Local Flavor

Raising the Steaks

AT VERO PRIME, DRY-AGED ANGUS BEEF MEETS AN ITALIAN GUSTO

BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN MARTINE

Take a classic American steak house and add the flair of a beloved Italian restaurant. That’s the recipe Roger Lenzi has used at Vero Prime. As owner of the restaurant and driving culinary force behind it, Lenzi brings experience and enthusiasm to his work.

The Chicago native began his career working with a restaurant group that owned a wide variety of establishments—“everything from nouveau French to hamburger joints,” he says. Eventually, Lenzi and his wife moved to Tampa, opening a restaurant there and eventually selling it for their move to Vero Beach, where they made their mark with the Italian restaurant Avanzare.

Although Avanzare itself is no more, some of its most popular menu items have been incorporated into Vero Prime, bringing Italian flair (“classic Italian, not Italian-American,” Lenzi notes) to the steak house.

Lenzi’s enthusiastic style is illustrated by a story from the Avanzare days when he approached a table of regular customers who would never order anything except veal piccata. So eager was Lenzi to broaden their tastes, he told them that if they tried something else from the menu and didn’t like it, he would personally make them a reservation at a competitor’s restaurant and buy their first drinks. The pitch worked; they each tried something different and discovered a new favorite. After that, however, their new favorite became—that’s right—the only thing they would ever order. Lenzi laughs at the recollection.

Steak house secrets at Vero Prime include dry aging, along with the use of hickory wood for the grill. “Hickory has good flavor without too much smoke,

and it burns hot,” Lenzi explains. “Then we use chunk salt and pepper, and we keep it simple.”

Finding top-quality beef in the first place is key. “We’ve settled on certified Angus,” he says. If the beef does not meet with his approval, he will send it back to the distributor. “In a Cryovac, it’s hard to tell with the marbling. Sometimes a company lets us have a sample and asks, ‘How did you like it?’ and I tell them, ‘Well, we didn’t.’” The rigorous tasting process ensures the quality of Vero Prime’s steaks.

Lenzi enjoys fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere. “Our kitchen staff are not factory workers,” he says. He wants them to be involved and to offer recipe ideas. Besides, he says wryly of himself: “You hit your 70s and you slow down a little.” But there’s no sign of that in his energetic persona as he talks about his restaurant.

Vero Prime owner

Roger Lenzi incorporates Italian flair into his downtown Vero Beach American steak house.

Italian Tuna Tartare

This appetizer represents the Italian side of the Vero Prime menu—the legacy of Avanzare.

SERVES

2

7 oz. sushi-grade yellowfin tuna

3 tsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 tsp. capers

1/2 tsp. flake salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 tbsp. chives, finely chopped

4 slices sourdough baguette

Dice the tuna into half-inch pieces. Place in a glass bowl along with 2 tsp. of the olive

oil. Thoroughly coat the tuna with the olive oil.

In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, salt, pepper, and half of the chives. Mix well.

Combine with the tuna and mix well.

Place in a shallow serving bowl. Top with the remaining chives and the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Lightly toast the slices of sourdough baguette and serve them on the side.

ENTR ÉE

Tomahawk Steak

This recipe introduces you to the steak house secrets—at least some of them—of Vero Prime. It reflects Lenzi’s appreciation for well-marbleized steaks and simple yet flavorful preparation.

SERVES 2

1 tomahawk steak, 36–40 oz.

2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

4 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 tbsp. corn oil

4 sprigs thyme, chopped

1 sprig rosemary, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

Season the steak with salt and pepper and let rest for half an hour.

Heat the corn oil in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the steak and cook at high heat for approximately 5 minutes, until it is blackened on the bottom.

Turn the steak and add the butter. Add the garlic and herbs. Continue to cook 5–7 minutes longer, until the steak is medium rare.

Crème Brûlée

The classic French dessert can be made without using a kitchen torch. Roger Lenzi reveals how!

SERVES 4

2 cups heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

1/2 tsp. salt

5 egg yolks

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 cups water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place cream in a saucepan. Add vanilla bean and salt. Simmer over a low heat until slightly hot; then remove from heat and allow to sit for a few minutes. Remove and discard the vanilla bean.

Meanwhile, put the egg yolks in a bowl, add 1/2 cup of sugar and beat together. Stir in 1/4 of the vanilla cream. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the rest of the vanilla cream and stir together.

Pour the mixture into four 6-ounce ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish. Boil the water and pour into the

baking dish until it is halfway up the sides of the ramekins; discard any excess water.

Place in oven and bake 30–40 minutes; it should be settled but still jiggle slightly in the center. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for several hours.

Use the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to top each ramekin with a thin layer of sugar. Place the ramekins in a broiler with the rack placed 2–3 inches from the heat source. Cook until the sugar melts and browns (or even blackens), approximately 5 minutes. Serve within 2 hours of broiling.

DESSERT

GREAT WINES

A Bold Experiment

PENFOLDS IS AUSTRALIA’S RED-LETTER WINE

BY CHRIS FASOLINO

Ask a group of connoisseurs to name the greatest wine in Italy, France, or California, and you will spark a lively debate. Ask them to name the greatest wine in Australia and you will likely get a quick, unanimous answer: Penfolds Grange.

Fernando Morenctz of Portugal, a sommelier I interviewed aboard the Queen Mary 2, puts it this way: “Grange was special and is special.”

Penfolds was founded in 1844 by English physician Christopher Penfold and his wife, Mary, who emigrated to Australia and made

port-style wines. A century later, a Penfolds winemaker named Max Schubert, who had worked his way up from messenger boy, toured Europe and was inspired by the vineyards of Bordeaux. He decided that Australian Shiraz could be used as the basis for an age-worthy red wine.

In case that wasn’t daring enough, he would use new American oak instead of old French oak for the barrels. His employers were so skeptical that they ordered him to stop. He continued to make the wine in secret. Eventually, Penfolds was convinced, and so was the rest of the world. In 2020, a bottle of 1951 Penfolds Grange—the wine’s first vintage (named for Grange Cottage, Christopher and Mary Penfold’s first Australian home)— sold at auction for over U.S. $100,000.

If you’re interested in trying a Penfolds wine with dinner tonight instead of making it part of your investment port-

folio, I recommend Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz. Experts have noted that it reflects aspects of Grange style. It uses new American oak for the aging process, and it showcases Australian Shiraz (complemented here by Cabernet Sauvignon) as a wine that can have depth and not just flair. The 2021 vintage has notes familiar in Australian Shiraz— such as freshly ground black pepper and lush blackberry—yet

The rich history of Penfolds’ winery in Australia began in 1844 with Christopher and Mary Penfold and is documented in old photos.

with richness worthy of Bordeaux, including complex spice notes like cardamom and allspice. I ordered it from Varmax in New York State and it was delivered to my door. It would pair well with lamb or roast beef.

“I used to say my favorite wine is a full glass,” quips Morenctz. In his

life at sea, he loves visiting vineyards around the world and having great winemakers, including ones from Penfolds, come aboard the Queen Mary 2

His fellow sommelier Panneer Subramani, who hails from India, says that what he loves most about

wine is the way it brings people together from all nationalities. In a pleasant irony, that is evident with Morenctz and Subramani’s own sommelier team. It is also evident in the story of Penfolds, a distinctively Australian wine that achieved global acclaim.

Penfolds winery buildings, including the sales and tasting areas, are on the Magill Estate in the state of South Australia.

PICADDER

Amor et flores—the concept of associating flowers with love—can be traced back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration that honored fertility and the coming of spring. Held annually between February 13 and 15, the festival was dedicated to Faunus (the Roman god of agriculture) and centered around fertility rituals. In addition, young men and women participated in a “lottery of love,” a rudimentary matchmaking system wherein the women would place their names in an urn and the men would draw names at random.

This month, embrace the same serendipitous spirit and thirst for love with a cocktail that encapsulates nature in a glass. Crafted by Matthew Dress, lead mixologist at Evelyn’s at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, the Rose Garden features Absolut Elyx Vodka, Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato, rose water, lemon juice, G.H. Mumm Brut Rosé, and a frozen rose ice cube. As it melts, the ice cube infuses the drink with subtle floral notes, delighting the senses while evoking the beauty of a blooming garden. (fourseasons.com/ fortlauderdale)

THE ROSE GARDEN

Love Blooms

CHARM YOUR VALENTINE WITH A FLORAL-INSPIRED COCKTAIL

BY JULES ARON

The Rose Garden Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Absolut Elyx Vodka

1/2 oz. Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 drop rose water

G.H. Mumm Brut Rosé

Large rose ice cube

Add the first four ingredients to a tin and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe with a large floral ice cube.

Top with G.H. Mumm Brut Rosé.

– GREGORY ALLAN NESS, “The Art of Loving Life,” p. 112

VILLAGE SHOPS

Linda Arnold

www.meghancandlergallery.com

• Unique Gifts

• Home Furnishings

• Bed & Bath

@ The Village Shops of Vero Beach 6190 Hwy A1A Vero Beach, FL 32963

772-226-7808

sales@coastal-comforts.com www.coastal-comforts.com

• Custom Window Treatments

• In-Home Design Services

Approximately one in four Americans—50 million men and 30 million women—have androgenetic alopecia, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. More than 66 percent of men experience this hereditary form of pattern balding by age 60. Similarly, more than half of postmenopausal women exhibit some degree of female pattern hair loss.

This is highly treatable if caught early.

Capital Gains

SYDNEY DANE MURPHY & ALEXANDER ULRICH ERNST

On August 31, 2024, Sydney Dane Murphy and Alexander Ulrich Ernst were married at the historic Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C.

The bride is a third-generation Vero Beach native, the daughter of Pam and Wil Murphy, who, along with many other relatives, live in Vero Beach. She attended the University of Florida, where she obtained a bachelor of design in architecture. She went on to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where she earned a master of architecture. Today she is employed as an architectural designer with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

The groom is the son of Sandra and Ulrich Ernst of Pleasanton, California. With a bachelor of science in biological engineering and PhD in biomedical engineering from Cornell, he leads the life science division of Palantir Technologies.

The beautiful church in which the wedding was held dates back to 1895; it is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it received worldwide attention as the site of President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963.

For the reception, the wedding party and 150 guests returned to the Waldorf Astoria, where they were staying, and gathered in the Grand Ballroom to enjoy food, drinks, and dancing all night long.

The Waldorf’s spacious bridal suite provided the perfect place for Sydney to spend the night before the nuptials and then prepare for the ceremony. One of the special items she wore was a pair of pearl earrings from Japan—a nod to the couple’s honeymoon destination.

The newlyweds spent two weeks in the Land of the Rising Sun, visiting Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

The Ernsts reside in Washington, D.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Ernst

Clockwise from top left: Colin Whitten, Brian DeStefano, Wilson Murphy, the groom, Peter Ernst, Hans Ernst, and Henrik Ernst; the couple exchange vows; Wil Murphy walks his daughter down the aisle; Alexandra Marshall and Meredith Baker help the bride prepare; the bridesmaids wore Hermes twillies in matching styles but different colors. At left, the union is sealed with a kiss.

A Community That Cares

GATHERING FOR GOOD CAUSES IS ALL THE RAGE!

Fall Luncheon

RIVERSIDE THEATRE

Magician Michael Ammar took to the Stark Stage to entertain more than 375 supporters of Riverside Theatre November 14. Students of both Riverside Theatre and Gifford Youth Achievement Center also performed. As guests moved to the Orchid Lobby to enjoy a meal prepared by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co., the luncheon’s theme, the magic of theater, was continued: the table centerpieces consisted of colorful floral bouquets emerging from top hats.

Sponsors:

Barbara Baldwin; Debbie Berghorst and Wheatie Gibb; Eva Gurley; Sonia McGowan; Susan and Peter Solomon; Carolyn Stutt; Gail D. Williams; special thanks to Rock City Gardens and Artistic First Florist

Co-chairs Tina Di Scipio and Cindy Nicolaides

Rennie Gibb, Cindy Rounsavall, Carolyn Stutt

Tables featured centerpieces made with magicians’ hats.

Michael Ammar, Barbara Baldwin

Allen D. Cornell, Barbara Baldwin

Sandy McManus, Ginger DeSimone

Allison Garrott, Cynthia Greene

Nancy Forlines, Sue Post

Janet Tribus, Susan Kasten, Ba Stone

Baerbel O’Haire, Commissioner Laura Moss, Jenn Kite, Kay Kite

Steve Mazza, Cathy Padgett

Melissa England, Renee Gallagher, Jean Ueltschi

Season Kickoff

IMPACT 100

The ladies of Impact 100 launched their 17th season with a vibrant event at Quail Valley River Club November 18. New members were welcomed, and several speakers addressed the gathering. The group’s president, Suzi McCoy Shriner, presented Meredith Egan with a check for $36,275 for the United Way’s Disaster Recovery Fund for Hurricane Milton relief.

Sponsors:

The Hill Group; Law Offices of Jennifer D. Peshke P.A.; Joanne Liakos, Seacrest Wealth Management; Suzi Shriner; Joanne Quaile

Judy Peschio, Sherry Brown, Linda Kroll, Laura McDermott, Jane Coyle Marte Small, Mary Chappelle, Cricket Barlow

Peg Regan, Toni Hamner, Jeff Pickering, Suzi McCoy Shriner, Kiki Rohr

Suzi McCoy Shriner addresses the assembly.

Tuny Hill, Chris and Lyndal Hill

Gatekeepers Celebration

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Hall of Giants was filled with orchids November 13 as McKee’s new executive director, Rochelle Wolberg, and the board of directors welcomed the Gatekeepers of the Garden for a look at both the past and future of the historic visitor attraction. McKee’s own Garden Café served tropical hors d’oeuvres for the occasion. The Gatekeepers were also treated to a preview of December’s Jungle Lights event.

Rochelle Wolberg, Pete and Davis Benedict

Jean Ueltschi

Blake Hubbard, Gael Habernickel

The Gatekeepers enjoy cocktails in the Spanish Kitchen.

Bob and Tina Di Scipio

Wendy Carey

Debbi Peniston, Ben Bailey, Kate Freeman

Gael and Duke Habernickel

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Treasure Coast is the only local, non-profit, home care agency with the unique ability to provide care at various stages of your health care journey through coordination of services across our clinical teams for home health, hospice and private care services.

One source for all your home care needs providing:

• Customized long or short-term home care.

• Individualized services to enhance independent living.

• Quality and comfort for end-of-life care.

• Easy transition into a care program that accommodates changes in health status.

Call or visit us today to find out how you can benefit from our superior home care.

United Way Access to Justice Centers provide crucial legal assistance to those in need. Whether it’s navigating complex legal processes or accessing essential resources, our centers are here to ensure equal access to justice for all.

Fall Banquet

CARE NET PREGNANCY CENTER

The IG Center was transformed into an elegant banquet hall on October 29 for Care Net’s annual fall fundraiser, which doubled as a 40th anniversary party. More than 500 guests gathered to celebrate Care Net’s accomplishments and to enjoy guest speaker Rebecca St. James, who did more than just inspire the crowd with her words; she put on a mini-concert! In 2024, 474 clients walked through Care Net’s doors and were helped, and the nonprofit moved into a new facility on 37th Street.

Major sponsors:

Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center; Christ the King Presbyterian Church; DeCambra Wealth Management of Raymond James; the Douglas family; Marty Fite; the Kastensmidt family; Debbie and Don McCabe; Anne Martinelli; Victoria and Joel Molinari; Carol and Dave Pearson; Val and Mike Prado

RICHARD SILVA

RICHARD

SILVA

Rebecca St. James and her band perform.

Chris Stephenson, Dr. James Presley

Rebecca St. James with executive director Bonnie Martinelli (front, center) and the Care Net board

Guests enjoy refreshments as they gather.

Monica Milesic, Rebecca St. James, Janice and Steve Milesic

RICHARD SILVA

RICHARD SILVA

Golf Tournament FIREFIGHTERS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

It was delayed twice due to Hurricane Milton and the associated tornadoes, but the fourth annual Mental Health Awareness Golf Tournament took place at the end of October and was worth the wait. Vero Beach Country Club hosted 104 golfers, who raised $12,000 benefiting the Mental Health Association in Indian River County.

That makes a total of $48,000 donated by the Firefighters Benevolent Association to MHAIRC. Mental health is an issue close to the hearts of firefighters, as the many traumas they respond to can result in PTSD and other struggles.

Local sponsors:

Toyota/Kia of Vero Beach; Mills, Short & Associates; Macata Stone; Moulton Layne

P.L.; HBS Glass; Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital; Smith Services; AMAC Alex MacWilliam Real Estate; Block & Scarpa; Grall Law Group; Gould Cooksey Fennell; MBV Engineering; The Hill Group; Rossway Swan; ORC Services; 21st Amendment Distillery; Barker Air Conditioning & Heating; MacEvoy Real Estate; Calvetti & Co.; The Brandit Agency; MHAIRC; Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Taylor Dingle, Megan Padgett with the ball launcher, Lanse Padgett, George Streetman

Kerry Koehler, Richard Leffew, Roger Walker, Jason Chiasera

The flag flies over the putting green.

Rick Wykoff, Randy King, Commissioner Joe Earman, Michael Zito

Nick Bruce, Cole Ripple, Curtis Carpenter, Rob MacCallum

Brad Eskew, Brian Guanch, Jared Saunders, Will Willmot, Rob Rizzo, Adam Podsadowski, Carlo Marques, Christen Brewer

Chairman’s Club Dinner

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

Nearly 300 of VBMA’s most ardent supporters came together November 8 for the annual dinner recognizing Director’s Society and Chairman’s Club members. Guest speaker Rod Bigelow, executive director of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, addressed the assembly. After a cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a dinner catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co.

Sponsor: Croom Construction Company

Joe Kirby, Dave Lyons, Aaron Benson, Chris Lyons

Virginia and Warren Schwerin

Mary and Don Blair, Karen Drury

Ginger DeSimone, Roger and Nancy Lynch

Sandy McManus, Holly Adams, Connie McGlynn

Pat Thompson, Chase and Wendy Carey, Brady Roberts

Philippine and Hans Bosch, Peter Thompson

DENISE RITCHIE

Erg-A-Thon

VERO BEACH ROWING

Teams of youth and adult rowers raised more than $30,000 during the annual Erg-A-Thon November 16. Collectively, they rowed 42,195 meters— the equivalent of a 26.2-mile marathon—on erg machines. The proceeds will go toward Vero Beach Rowing’s scholarship program, introductory summer camps, Wellness on the Water initiatives, and necessary equipment updates.

Sponsors: Chick-fil-A Vero Beach; Einstein Bros. Bagels Vero Beach; Rio Coco Cafe

Shotsi LaJoie (foreground) and others cheer on Jimmy Michael.

Doreen Mandarino, Kate Whitman, Shyla Powers

Darrel Davidson Cammy Ioannides

Declan O’Neill takes his turn.

Tropical Night Luau

YOUTH GUIDANCE MENTORING ACADEMY

In an event delayed several weeks due to the tornado damage that accompanied Hurricane Milton, more than 200 guests gathered November 11 at Quail Valley River Club for the 47th annual Youth Guidance Tropical Night Luau. YG students greeted everyone with a hearty “Aloha” and adorned them with leis as they checked in. Guests then enjoyed a three-course dinner, steel drum music, and a stunning performance by Hiti Mahana Polynesia. They also learned about all of the programs that YG students participate in.

Major local sponsors: Trudie Rainone; Exchange Clubs of Sebastian and Vero Beach; Elke and George Fetterolf; Sandy and Jim Johnson; Mary Lewisy; Bill Antle; Dyer Chevrolet; Riverside Theatre

Jennifer Moore, Phil Barnes

Albert Rodney plays the steel drum. Sara Stiffler, Joe Harrington

Sue Curtis with YG students Isabella and Kavion

Trudie Rainone speaks to the guests.

The ladies of Hiti Mahana Polynesia perform a dance.

The siva afi fire knife dance

JOSEPH GOTAY KERRY FIRTH

Flamboyant February

‘LEFT HAND, RIGHT HAND’

THROUGH APRIL 25

The Gallery at Windsor has launched an exhibition of recent works by Sir Christopher Le Brun and Charlotte Verity, a married couple with very different artistic styles. Guided by his imagination, Le Brun is committed to “the essential pleasure of painting for its own sake, its processes and physicality,” while Verity engages in close study of her subjects, rendering them

‘FRENCH MODERNS’

FEBRUARY 1–MAY 25

precisely without “fixing” them. “Left Hand, Right Hand” features some of the artists’ largest-scale works to date.

The Gallery at Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-388-4071

windsorflorida.com/community/ the-gallery

VBMA presents the much-anticipated exhibition “French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950,” with 60 works from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection of European art. Many artistic movements emerged during the period covered by this exhibition: Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. The artists represented are not all French by birth; some merely studied and exhibited in France. Included are Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Monet, Morisot, Renoir, Rodin, and others.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926), Rising Tide at Pourville, 1882, oil on canvas, 26 x 32 inches, Brooklyn Museum, gift of Mrs. Horace O. Havemeyer, 41.1260

30 1⁄8 x 58 1⁄2

Anemones

12 1⁄8

‘DREAM, BABY, DREAM’

FEBRUARY 4–28

Collage artist Derek Gores returns to Gallery 14 with his exhibition “Dream, Baby, Dream,” a collection of new works inspired by the seaside life. The Melbourne resident’s work is exhibited widely throughout the United States and abroad. He uses clippings from magazines, maps, and other sources to create layers of meaning and perception. Stop by for the opening reception Feb. 6 and another Feb. 7 during the Gallery Stroll, both 5–8 p.m.

Gallery 14 1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525

gallery14verobeach.com

Strawberry Delight by Derek Gores, collage, 12 x 12 inches

BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Far left: Small Seasons, Summer by Christopher Le Brun, oil on canvas,

inches

Left:

by Charlotte Verity, oil on canvas, 10 x

inches

‘TIMELESS’ ‘WELL-DRESSED’

FEBRUARY 10–AUGUST 31

VBMA’s Stark Gallery will house “Timeless: Robert Farber’s Fashion Photography” for the next few months. The collection consists of works from two sources: Farber’s Vintage Fashion series, with images from his commercial shoots, and his Deterioration series, with prints from his earlier fashion photography that today show the natural effects of heat, humidity, and other elements on the film over the years.

Bateaux a quai sur le Loing by Pierre-Eugene Montezin, oil on canvas, 21 1/4 x 25 9/16 inches

FEBRUARY 10–SEPTEMBER 14

TArtworks from VBMA’s permanent collection will fill the Schumann and Titelman Galleries for a themed exhibition that “explores the intersection of fashion, identity, performance, and self-expression.”

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

GROUP EXHIBITION

FEBRUARY 11–MARCH 25

Findlay Galleries presents “Montezin and the Circle of Impressionists,” an exhibition dedicated to the significant works of Pierre-Eugene Montezin and his Post-Impressionist contemporaries.

Far left: Robert Farber, Deterioration #155 , 1982/2017, sublimated photograph on ChromaLuxe aluminum, 48 x 72 inches

Left: Raúl Eduardo Stolkiner (known as RES) and Constanza Piaggio, Punzante from the Conatus series, 2006, chromogenic print, 75 x 49 inches, museum purchase, 2007.002

Hydrangeas and a Purple Dahlia by Joy Jackson, oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches

COLOR PERSPECTIVES

FEBRUARY 13–MARCH 8

J.M. Stringer Gallery presents “Color Perspectives Near & Far: The Recent Paintings of Jim Rodgers, Edward Noott, and Joy Jackson.” All three artists depict a variety of subjects, drawing in and inspiring the viewer.

Findlay Galleries 165 Worth Ave., Palm Beach 561-655-2090 findlaygalleries.com

J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art 3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

GALLERY GUIDE

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

Art instructor Betsy Nelson offers a variety of classes and one-onone lessons. The gallery also shows an eclectic collection of works by U.S. artists.

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

THE GALLERIES AT FIRST PRES

This venue displays the works of local artists in quarterly threeartist installments.

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

GALLERY 14

The gallery features a diverse array of works in a variety of media by its eight owner-artists, along with represented artists and rotating monthly guests.

1911 14th Ave. 772-562-5525 gallery14verobeach.com

THE GALLERY AT WINDSOR

This independent art space annually invites curators of museum-quality shows of contemporary art.

Luminous Sunset by Linda Arnold, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches, at Meghan Candler Gallery

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

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

J.M. STRINGER

GALLERY OF FINE ART

The gallery offers worldwide collections of original paintings, objets d’art, sculptures, and select antique furnishings.

3465 Ocean Drive

772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

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

LOPRESTI ART GALLERY

This gallery and studio features the work of versatile husbandand-wife artists David LoPresti and Leah Blythe. 927 7th Ave. 772-538-1454 loprestiartgallery.com

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

This friendly, uplifting gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by more than 40 contemporary artists of the abstract, Impressionist, and realistic styles.

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

MONIQUE CARR FINE ART

At her vibrant studio/gallery, Monique Carr creates and displays her abstract seascapes, florals, and pure abstract works.

1905 14th Ave. 423-956-3249 moniquecarr.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.

3349 Ocean Drive, Suite 8 772-579-7667 eliseartist.com oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com

PALM HOUSE STUDIO & GALLERY

The work of several awardwinning artists is featured, and commissions are welcome.

3227 Ocean Drive, 2nd floor 772-231-6816 palmhousegallery.com

RAW SPACE

This innovative alternative cultural venue promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines.

1795 Old Dixie Hwy. 305-213-9411

SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB

The club offers classes, demonstrations, workshops, and art shows.

1245 Main St., Sebastian 772-321-9333 sebastianriverartclub.com

SEVENTH AVENUE STUDIO

The gallery features the abstract art paintings of Rita Barone and the varied works of Janet Kipp Tribus.

2304 7th Ave. 772-359-6283, ritabarone.com 772-766-0636, jkipptribus.com

VERO BEACH ART CLUB

This independent nonprofit serves more than 600 members and the community through education, exhibitions, social events, and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artists.

1903 14th Ave. 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

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.

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

FEBRUARY IS FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH EVENTS FOR EVERYONE CALENDAR

Summit of the Season

TMichael Gallagher

On February 10, Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series will present Michael Gallagher, a distinguished fellow at Hudson Institute, with a talk on the subject of China. Gallagher holds a PhD in international relations from Georgetown, and he served as a counterintelligence/human intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also served four terms in Congress as a representative from Wisconsin. Lectures will take place at 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets are $130 to view the event in person on the Stark Main Stage and $88 for the Waxlax Theatre simulcast. Contact Riverside at 772-231-6990 or riversidetheatre.com

Singin’ in the Rain

Riverside Theatre presents a stage version of the classic 1952 MGM film starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds as Hollywood performers navigating the transition from silent films to talkies. The screenplay was written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and the songs are by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. The show will run February 25 through March 23, and tickets are $42 and up. For additional details, see riversidetheatre.com or call the box office at 772-231-6990.

Mardi Gras

TCelebrate Mardi Gras while helping neighbors in need to receive specialty medical attention. The We Care Foundation of Indian River will have beads and masks (the fun kind, not the medical kind) for everyone at its annual fundraiser February 26 Celebration Grove (3515 66th Ave.). Howl at the Moon’s popular traveling dueling piano show will provide the entertainment, and guests will also enjoy Cajun cuisine, an open bar, raffles, and a live auction. The party goes from 6 to 10 p.m., and tickets are $200. For more information, see wecaremardigras.org or call 772-257-3146. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

RECURRING EVENTS

EVERY SATURDAY

FARMERS MARKET

Browse produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, and much more at the Vero Beach Farmers Market, at the corner of Ocean Drive and Dahlia Lane. 8 a.m.–noon

Business Inspiring Kindness 2901 Ocean Drive verobeachfarmersmarket.com

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY STROLL

A cool winter evening is a great time to enjoy a stroll that includes plenty of art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. Feb. 7 and March 7, 5–8 p.m.

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

EVERY SECOND SATURDAY

VBMA FREE ADMISSION

On the second Saturday of each month, the museum offers free admission. Feb. 8, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 1

SPAYGHETTI FESTIVAL

This family- and dog-friendly event benefits HALO’s spay/neuter fund. It includes lots of activities, live music, an assortment of pastas, local vendors, food trucks, and a beer-and-wine tent. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., free admission

HALO No-Kill Rescue at Old School Grounds

22 S. Orange St., Fellsmere 772-589-7297 halorescuefl.org

GARDENFEST!

Eighty vendors of plants and garden-related items will take part in Gardenfest! Food, children’s crafts, and raffle prizes will also be available. Through Feb. 2; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; free admission

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

EVERY THIRD FRIDAY

ART ALLEY WALK

Several galleries in the 900 Building behind Chili’s, representing multiple artists, host a monthly art walk with food, drink, and live music. Feb. 21, 5–8 p.m.

LoPresti Art Gallery 900 Building 900 7th Ave. loprestiartgallery.com

EVERY LAST FRIDAY

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY

Enjoy a community street party with live music, street vendors, and food trucks. Feb. 28, 6–9 p.m., free

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

Garden Club of Indian River County at Riverside Park 3280 Riverside Park Drive 772-567-4602 gardenclubofirc.org

FEBRUARY 2

ART IN THE PARK

Join members of the Art Club as they display and sell their works in various media. Also Feb. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free Vero Beach Art Club at Humiston Park 772-217-3345 verobeachartclub.org

‘BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE’

The SCSO will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto in C Major, Op. 56 , along with works by Kenneth Fuchs, R. Michael Daugherty, and Jean Sibelius. 3 p.m.; $35 in advance, $40 at door, 18 and under free

CALENDAR

Celebration Grove

TEvening of Hope

St. Francis Manor is celebrating 50 years of providing affordable, independent, dignified housing to local seniors on limited incomes. The inaugural Evening of Hope, to be held February 27 at the beautiful Celebration Grove (3515 66th Ave.), is themed “Transforming Lives Together.” Guests will enjoy an amazing dining experience from Wild Thyme Catering, with specially selected wine and tea pairings. Tickets are $200. The cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6. For more information about the event or the work of St. Francis Manor, call 772-562-8575 or see stfrancismanor.org.

FEBRUARY 6

‘ENTIRELY MOZART’

The ACO presents its second Masterworks concert of the season, and it’s all about Mozart! The audience will hear “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” Horn Concerto No. 4 in E flat Major, and Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter.” 4 p.m., $40–$75

Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-460-0851 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

NIGHT OF HOPE

The Source will welcome homerestoration expert Tamara Day, host of the HGTV/Magnolia Network program Bargain Mansions, as the keynote speaker, in keeping with this year’s theme of “A Night of Restoration.” Guests will also enjoy a dinner prepared by Dignity Catering. To request an invitation, contact Jonathan Orozco (orozco@ iamthesource.org). 6–8:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 7

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

Based on a 1988 MGM film, this farcical play brings together two con men, a beautiful woman, and the elite of the French Riviera. Through Feb. 23; Fridays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.; $17.50–$40

Vero Beach Theatre Guild 2020 San Juan Ave. 772-562-8300 verobeachtheatreguild.com

FEBRUARY 8

FAMILY FUNFEST

The Thrive Coalition, a nonprofit engaged in substance abuse prevention, offers a fun and informative event with music, free drawings for prize baskets, free face painting, children’s activities, a bounce house, vendors, nonprofit booths, and food trucks. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., free admission

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 855-252-7276 spacecoastsymphony.org

CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA

Stéphane Denève and the Cleveland Orchestra will perform Georges Bizet’s Suite from L’Arlésienne; Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Op. 21 ; and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 . Maria Dueñas will be the featured soloist. 5 p.m., $125 Indian River Symphonic Association at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd Ave. 772-778-1070 irsymphonic.org

FEBRUARY 3

STARFEST

Childcare Resources will hold its 14th annual Starfest, which consists of two events: a luncheon and an evening event with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Guests will hear from writer and early childhood policy expert Dan Wuori. 11:30 a.m., $200; 6 p.m., $275 Childcare Resources of Indian River at Quail Valley River Club (Luncheon)

2345 Hwy. A1A and Quail Valley at The Pointe (Evening)

1 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-3202 childcareresourcesir.org

FEBRUARY 4

FLORIDA’S INVASIVE SPECIES

Danielle Montesdeoca of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will speak on Florida’s strategies for managing invasive species and protecting our delicate ecosystems. 4 p.m., $10 suggested donation

The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5249 theemersoncenter.com

MASTER CLASS

Terrence McNally’s Tony Award–winning play, to be performed on Riverside’s Waxlax Stage, is based on a series of master classes that opera star Maria Callas delivered at Juilliard in 1971–72. Through Feb. 23, times vary, $65

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

The Source at Holy Cross Parish Hall 500 Iris Lane 386-290-4396 iamthesource.org

PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

The Ohio band Pure Prairie League, which attained fame in the 1970s, particularly with the hit “Amie,” will bring its country-rock/softrock sound to Vero Beach. 7 p.m., $45–$105

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

Thrive Coalition at IG Center 1590 9th St. SW (Oslo Road) 772-770-4811 safirc.org

MOTOR CAR EXHIBITION

“Red Car Show” is the theme of McKee Botanical Garden’s 16th annual Motor Car Exhibition. Guests will be wowed by 40 extraordinary red cars of many makes and models, as well as a selection of motorcycles. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., regular admission fees apply

McKee Botanical Garden 350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org

JOIE

DE VIVRE

BVB and VBMA team up to present an interpretation in dance of the

Eduardo Salles and Maria Aleida, Best of Broadway and Opera, Feb. 8

“French Moderns” exhibition. Tickets include admission to the exhibition; preregistration is required. 3 p.m.; $30 BVB/VBMA members, $36 nonmembers

Ballet Vero Beach at Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-269-1065 balletverobeach.org

SUNSET SATURDAY

Glory Days, a local band specializing in vocal classics from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, will play for this event benefiting Treasure Coast Community Health. 5–8 p.m., free

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce at Ocean Drive across from Humiston Park 772-226-5459 verochamber.com

VALENTINE BALL

Guests at UP’s Valentine Ball will be treated to a cocktail reception, dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the music of Street Talk Band. 6 p.m., $250

United Against Poverty at Oak Harbor Club

4755 S. Harbor Drive 772-770-0740, ext. 204 thevalentineballvero.org

‘JAZZ IT UP’

This year’s Wine & Dine fundraiser will explore U.S. cities with deep jazz roots, offering guests a progressive tasting, from appetizer to dessert, of city-specific delights with expertly paired wines. 6:30 p.m., $125

Hibiscus Children’s Center at Grand Harbor Club 4985 Club Terrace 772-299-6011, ext. 134 hibiscuschildrenscenter.org

‘LOVE IS TIMELESS’

Coloratura soprano Maria Aleida and tenor Eduardo Salles will entertain at the Best of Broadway and Opera Concert. 7 p.m., $32–$102

Vero Beach Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 772-569-6993 verobeachopera.org

NIGHT SOUNDS

Local rock band Sleepin’ Dogz will take the stage at the park’s pavilions, and a food truck will be on hand. 7–9 p.m., free with park admission

Friends of Sebastian Inlet State Park 14251 Hwy. A1A 772-589-2147 friendsofsebastianinletstatepark.org

TCause for Paws

Windsor will host the 41st annual Cause for Paws, an important fundraiser for the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, on March 5. A fabulous evening of cocktails, gourmet cuisine, and live entertainment will celebrate the thousands of furry lives saved by HSVB’s work. The live auction is always a big hit, and guests will also hear some heartwarming rescue stories. Tickets are $250, and the festivities begin at 6 p.m. To learn more, reach out to HSVB at hsvb.org or 772-388-3331, ext. 116.

FEBRUARY 11

‘ CHANCE ENCOUNTERS’

In this five-week Film Studies course, instructor Diane Thelen will discuss cinematic meetings and the unexpected chains of events they triggered. Through March 11; Tuesdays 1:30 p.m.; $80 members, $96 nonmembers

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

FEBRUARY 13

‘LOVE IS IN YOUR HEART’

The Silver Tones will perform two concerts for Valentine’s Day. 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., free

Senior Resource Association at First Presbyterian Church 520 Royal Palm Blvd. 772-569-0760 seniorresourceassociation.org

NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE

Jay White will perform his highly regarded Neil Diamond Legacy Concert. 7 p.m., $45–$95 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

IMPRESSIONISM LIGHT

This five-week introduction to French Impressionism will be taught by Chris Fasolino. Through March 13; Thursdays 1:30–3:30 p.m.; $175 members, $205 nonmembers

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

FEBRUARY 15

DAVE BENNETT

The Jazz Society’s next lunch concert welcomes popular clarinetist and guitarist Dave Bennett, who has been a featured soloist with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. 11:30 a.m., $65 (includes lunch)

Treasure Coast Jazz Society at Oak Harbor Club 4755 S. Harbor Drive 772-234-4600 tcjazz.org

ASBURY SHORTS

This two-hour showcase, hosted by Asbury Shorts USA founder and director Doug LeClaire, includes an entertaining lineup of short-film comedy, drama, documentary, and animation. Preregistration is required. 1:30 or 7 p.m., $25

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

FEBRUARY 16

CHAMBER CONCERT

Maestro Page Howell will lead the VBCO in performing selections from Verdi, Bruch, and Haydn. 2 p.m., donations accepted Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra at VBHS Performing Arts Center 1707 16th St. 908-528-3954 verobeachchamberorchestra.org

‘FOLLOW THE LIEDER’

This performance by the Atlantic Classical Orchestra String Quartet will focus on Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” quartet. 3 p.m.; $35 VBMA/ACO members, $50 nonmembers, $5 students and children Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org

GOLF BALL DROP

Master’s Academy will hold its annual fundraiser, which includes the raffle of more than 1,000 golf balls to be dropped from a helicopter. If your number is first into the hole, you win the grand prize!

ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 4

LEGO EXHIBITION

Sean Kenney’s “Nature Pop!” Lego exhibition consists of more than 40 sculptures assembled from 800,000 of the colorful toy bricks. Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m.; regular admission fees apply

McKee Botanical Garden

350 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-0601 mckeegarden.org

CALENDAR

TUnder the Oaks

For the 74th year, the Vero Beach Art Club will hold its prestigious Under the Oaks fine arts and crafts show, a juried event attended by some 50,000 people each year. More than 200 artists and craftsmen from far and wide will descend upon Riverside Park to participate. The three-day event— March 7, 8, and 9—will be a great opportunity to browse and purchase art, meet a variety of artists, and sample the wares of the many food trucks that will be in the park. Friday and Saturday, the event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The Art Club can be reached at 772-217-3345, and there’s lots of information at verobeachartclub.org.

6–9 p.m., $10 per ball with discounts for 3, 7, and 15 balls.

Master’s Academy at BigShots Golf 3456 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-794-4655 mastersvb.org

FEBRUARY 19

FASHION MEETS ART

VBMA welcomes Christie Brinkley for the sold-out eighth annual FMA event. 4 p.m., $350

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

GALA

Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and live and silent auctions while

supporting families on the path from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

6 p.m., $250

Hope for Families Center at Oak Harbor Clubhouse 4755 S. Harbor Drive 772-567-5537 hopeforfamiliescenter.org

TICKET TO THE MOON MusicWorks presents an ELO tribute band named for Jeff Lynne’s 1981 song “Ticket to the Moon.”

7 p.m., $45–$95 MusicWorks at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 800-595-4849 musicworksconcerts.com

FEBRUARY 20

MOZART & MENDELSSOHN

A five-piece chamber ensemble will perform two works by Mozart and one by Felix Mendelssohn. 7:30–9:30 p.m., $65

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at Trinity Episcopal Church 2365 Pine Ave. 772-567-1146 trinityvero.org chambermusicsociety.org

A CHORUS LINE

IRSC performing arts students present the musical A Chorus Line, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Through Feb. 23; Thursday–Friday 7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 2 p.m.; $10–$20

IRSC McAlpin Fine Arts Center 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce 772-462-4750 irsc.edu

FEBRUARY 21

ABSTRACT PAINTING WORKSHOP

Open to all levels, this class, taught by Vickie Marsango, will guide participants to explore their creativity, individuality, and spontaneity on the canvas. Through Feb. 23; Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $430 members, $510 nonmembers

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

FEBRUARY 22

CRAFT BREW & WINGFEST

It’s time for the 18th Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest, which will gather 50 craft brewers and a huge variety of wings, along with live music on two stages. 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; free admission, beer-tasting bracelet $45–$55

Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach at Royal Palm Pointe 772-494-6306 floridacraftbrewandwingfest.com

EXPLORER’S EXPERIENCE

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association’s annual fundraiser will include dinner, drinks, live music, light painting, an exploration-themed silent auction, custom paddleboard raffle, and a truly “immersive” experience. 6–9 p.m., $250

The Senior Resource Association Silver Tones, Feb. 13

ORCA at Triton Submarines

10055 102nd Terrace, Sebastian 772-562-9052 teamorca.org

MHA ROCKS! NASHVILLE

MHA Rocks! has a Nashville theme this year, so grab your cowboy garb! You’ll enjoy dinner, dessert, an open bar, live music, dancing, a photo booth, a wine pull, a silent auction, raffles, a costume contest, and games with prizes. 6:30–10:30 p.m., $225

Mental Health Association in Indian River County at Oak Harbor Clubhouse 4755 S. Harbor Drive 772-569-9788, ext. 122 mhairc.org

FEBRUARY 23

POLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The IRSA welcomes conductor and violin soloist Daniel Hope and the Polish Chamber Orchestra of Sinfonia Varsovia with a program called “Journey to Mozart.” 7:30 p.m., $90

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

FEBRUARY 24

WINE LECTURE

VBMA’s International Lecture Series welcomes Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson for a discussion of the shocking 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, in which California wines triumphed over the French in a blind tasting. 4:30 p.m.; Holmes Great Hall is sold out; streaming or Leonhardt Auditorium simulcast $90 members, $110 nonmembers

Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707, ext. 116 vbmuseum.org

FEBRUARY 27

CONCERT IN THE PARK

A performance by jazz pianist and singer Mike Telesmanick will be accompanied by the Off the Hook food truck and a wine and beer bar. 5–7 p.m.; $10 members, $12 nonmembers

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

CELEBRATE LIFE

At the annual Celebrate Life gala, guests will be treated to gourmet appetizers, a three-course meal, a silent auction, and a talk by Sister Dede Byrne, a Catholic religious sister who is also a surgeon and a retired U.S. Army colonel. 6 p.m., $150

A Caring Center for Women at Holy Cross Parish Hall

500 Iris Lane 772-257-5390 772foryou.org

BRUCE IN THE USA

Matt Ryan leads this Bruce Springsteen tribute band. 7 p.m., $45–$95

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

FEBRUARY 28

PAINTING WORKSHOP

Douglas David will cover basic oil painting principles and teach participants how to depict people in various environments and activities. Through March 2; Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $430 members, $510 nonmembers

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

MARCH 1

MANGROVES, MOONLIGHT & MYKONOS

This year’s ELC fundraiser will transport guests to the Greek islands. 6–9 p.m., $300

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive

772-589-5050 discoverelc.org/mangrovesand moonlight

GRANT SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

If you love seafood, live entertainment, and supporting a small community, hop over the county line to this 58th annual celebration. Through March 2; Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., free admission

Grant Seafood Festival 4580 1st St., Grant 321-327-8720 grantseafoodfestival.com

MARCH 2

OPERA TALK

Ian Campbell will give a talk entitled “La Bohème and Puccini—The Search for a Libretto.” 2:30 p.m.; $20 VBMA/VBO members, $25 nonmembers

Vero Beach Opera at Vero Beach Museum of Art 3001 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-0707 verobeachopera.org

‘AARON & FRIENDS’

This concert features chamber music composed by SCSO conductor Aaron Collins and several of his young students. 3–5 p.m.; $35 in advance, $40 at door, 18 and under free

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 855-252-7276 spacecoastsymphony.org

MARCH 4

BLUE ANGELS HISTORY

Mat Garretson, the Blue Angels’ print historian, will discuss the early years of the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron. 7 p.m., $10 suggested donation

Daniel Hope, Polish Chamber Orchestra, Feb. 23

The Emerson Center 1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5249 theemersoncenter.com

MARCH 6

ART IN BLOOM

VBMA welcomes Sybil Brooke Sylvester—floral designer, author, and founder of the Wildflower School and Wildflower Designs in Birmingham, Alabama. 11 a.m., $325

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

‘CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY’

The ACO’s third Masterworks concert of the season offers subscribers the chance to vote on one of the selections to be played alongside Mendelssohn’s overture

The Hebrides and Henri Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 5 . Will it be Beethoven, Brahms, or Tchaikovsky? 7:30 p.m., $40–$75

Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Community Church of Vero Beach 1901 23rd St. 772-460-0851 atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The Directory

ARCHITECTS

MOULTON LAYNE PL

772-234-0445

moultonlayne.com 2 9

ART GALLERIES & FINE ART

BARDOT NYC ART GALLERY AND GLASS STUDIO

732-673-3384 15 6

FINDLAY GALLERIES

561-655-2090

findlaygalleries.com 17

GALLERY 14

772-562-5525

gallery14verobeach.com 193

J.M. STRINGER GALLERY OF FINE ART

772-231-3900

jmstringergallery.com 26

T HE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

772-234-6711

thelaughingdoggallery.com 24

M EGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

772-234-8811

meghancandlergallery.com 17 1

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

772-579-7667

oceandrivegalleryverobeach.com 178

PROVIDENT FINE ART

561-833-0550 providentfineart.com 36

V ERO BEACH ART CLUB 772-231-0303

verobeachartclub.org 1 89

VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

772-231-0707 vbmuseum.org 94

ATTORNEYS

GOULD COOKSEY FENNELL

772-231-1100 gouldcooksey.com 14 0

LULICH & ATTORNEYS

772-589-5500 lulich.com 8 , 9

ROSSWAY SWAN

772-231-4440

rosswayswan.com 15 8

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICES

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC

772-562-1700

linuscadillac.com 1 51

MOTOR CITY CLASSIC CARS SERVICE 772-252-3590

motorcityclassiccars.com 60

AVIATION SERVICES

CORPORATE AIR

772-562-1199 corporate-air.com ........................ 71

BANKING, INVESTMENTS & FINANCIAL PLANNING

PRISM CAPITAL

772-200-3973 55

UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. 203-705-4222 advisors.ubs.com/shantzmantione ........ 33

W ILMINGTON TRUST

772-234-1700 wilmingtontrust.com 13 6

BEAUTY, HAIR & SPA SERVICES

SALON DEL MAR 772-234-1499 17 1

BOATING & MARINE SERVICES

DECKMASTERS LLC

772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com 201

GRADY-WHITE BOATS 252-752-2111 gradywhite.com 6 , 7

VERO MARINE CENTER

772-562-7922 veromarine.com 1 02

CATERING, GOURMET MARKETS, WINE & SPIRITS

ELIZABETH D. KENNEDY & COMPANY INC. 772-563-0646 elizabethkennedycatering.com 170

COMPUTERS & AUDIOVISUAL CONSULTING

AUTOBAHN

CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING SERVICES AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP. 772-492-4018 arhomes.com 15 5

CROOM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 772-562-7474 croomconstruction.com

DECKMASTERS LLC 772-559-8629 deckmastersmarine.com ................ 201

HBS GLASS 772-567-7461 hbsglass.com 201 THE HILL GROUP 772-567-9154 thehillgroup.biz .......................... 72

H URYN CONSTRUCTION 772-234-4130 hurynconstruction.com 11

R CL DEVELOPMENT 772-234-0140 rcldev.com ............................... 78

R EILLY CONSTRUCTION 772-794-9799 building2last.com 19

T.H. WHITFIELD CONSTRUCTION INC. 772-696-3736 thwhitfieldconstruction.com 10 0

VERO BEACH ROOFING INC. 772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com 202

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

VERO GLASS

772-567-3123 veroglass.com 37

V ERO MILLWORK INC.

772-569-7155 veromillwork.com 1 02

COUNTY SERVICES

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT

772-226-3212 indianriver.gov 195

EDUCATION & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE 772-462-4772 irsc.edu 1 59

FASHION & ACCESSORIES

COOPER & CO.

772-231-9889 .......................... 178

G. MATHEOS EYEWEAR

772-492-6400 17 1

ILINEN

772-321-3262 ilinenlifestyle.com 12

K EMP’S SHOE SALON AND BOUTIQUE

772-231-2771 kempsshoesalon.com 17 7

LOGGIA

772-231-2901 loggiahome.net 15 0

M. MAISON

772-231-4300 mmaisonvero.com 67

M ONKEE’S OF VERO BEACH 772-492-8188 monkeesofverobeach.com 89

MU SE

772-321-5535 museverobeach.com 17 7

PALM BEACH SANDALS

772-226-5998 palmbeachsandals.com 179

SASSY BOUTIQUE 772-234-3998 95

V ERNON SCOTT RESORT WEAR MEN & WOMEN

772-231-3733 vernonscott32963.com 179

VILLAGE SHOPS

772-231-1066

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

FLORIDA FLOOR FASHIONS 772-589-4994

GRIDLEY

SUNSHINE FURNITURE

772-569-0460

sunshinefurniturecasual.com 25

V B HOME

772-492-9348

vbhome.us 15 3

GIFTS, STATIONERY & KEEPSAKES

COASTAL COMFORTS

772-226-7808

coastal-comforts.com 17 1

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

772-234-6711

thelaughingdoggallery.com 24

M . MAISON

772-231-4300

mmaisonvero.com 67

T RIMMINGS HOME GARDEN & GIFTS

772-213-8069

shoptrimmingsvb.com 15 4

VERANDA

772-234-3404

verandajewelry.com 1

V ILLAGE SHOPS

772-231-1066

villageshopsverobeach.com 14 3

GOLF CLUBS

INDIAN RIVER CLUB

772-770-0757

indianriverclub.com 38

H OME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

BARKER AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

772-562-2103

barkerac.com 20 0

BATES AIR AND HEAT

772-946-1590 batesairandheat.com 200

DAN’S FAN CITY

772-569-8917

dansfancity.com 201

DECKMASTERS LLC

772-559-8629

deckmastersmarine.com 201

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

772-770-9970

europeansink.com 18 5

FERGUSON BATH, KITCHEN & LIGHTING GALLERY

321-837-5411

fergusonshowrooms.com 13

F LORIDA SHUTTERS

772-569-2200

floridashuttersinc.com 202

HBS GLASS

772-567-7461 hbsglass.com 201

THE HOUSE OF LIGHTS & HOME ACCENTS

800-541-3048 thehouseoflights.com 28

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM 772-205-2529 ledcapstone.com 4

M EEKS PLUMBING 772-569-2285 meeksplumbing.com 14 4

ROTH INTERIORS

772-567-1210 rothinteriorswindowfashions.net 202

VERO BEACH ROOFING INC.

772-770-3782 verobeachroofing.com

VERO GLASS 772-567-3123 veroglass.com

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

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES COASTAL COMFORTS 772-226-7808 coastal-comforts.com

COASTAL INTERIORS 772-492-6881 coastal.net 31

I SLAND INTERIORS AT OCEAN REEF 772-770-6007 islandinteriors.net

LEAH MULLER INTERIORS 772-234-6411 leahmullerinteriors.com

L.K. DEFRANCES & ASSOCIATES INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-0078 lkdefrancesandassociates.com ...........

PAGE 2 DESIGN 772-492-9220 page2design.net

S PECTRUM INTERIOR DESIGN 772-234-4427 spectrumvero.com

V B HOME 772-492-9348 vbhome.us

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

JEWELRY

6TH AVENUE JEWELERS

772-217-8985

6thavenuejewelers.com 139

THE LAUGHING DOG GALLERY

772-234-6711 thelaughingdoggallery.com 24

L EIGH JEWELERS

772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com 21, 93, 177

M. MAISON

772-231-4300

mmaisonvero.com 67

P ROVIDENT JEWELRY 561-833-7755 providentjewelry.com 43

R OYAL PALM JEWEL 772-766-3165 royalpalmjewel.com 149

VERANDA 772-234-3404 verandajewelry.com 1

YAFA SIGNED JEWELS 561-331-8611 yafasignedjewels.com 27

L ANDSCAPING & NURSERIES

ROCK CITY GARDENS

772-589-5835 rockcitygardens.com 94

M EDICAL SERVICES: DENTISTRY

ALTITUDE DENTAL

772-567-7889 altitudedentalfl.com 35

OCEAN OAKS DENTAL

772-569-4424 oceanoaksdental.com 195

VERO ELITE DENTISTRY

772-569-9700 veroelitedentistry.com 141

MEDICAL SERVICES: DERMATOLOGY

ICONIC DERMATOLOGY AND COSMETIC SURGERY 772-758-1310 iconicderm.com 81

S ELECT SKIN MD

772-567-1164 selectskinmd.com 66

M EDICAL SERVICES: EYE CARE

PANACEA EYE CENTER 772-783-6051 panaceaeye.com 15 4

MEDICAL SERVICES: HOSPITALS

CLEVELAND CLINIC INDIAN RIVER HOSPITAL 772-567-4311 ccirh.org 83

M EDICAL SERVICES: WHOLE HEALTH CARE

ISLAND HEALTH CONCIERGE MEDICINE 772-205-6361 islandhealthverobeach.com 85

M OVING, STORAGE & SHIPPING

COASTAL VAN LINES 772-569-6683 coastalvanlines.com 202

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 772-299-7449 bgcirc.com 58

C LEVELAND CLINIC IN FLORIDA 877-463-2010 clevelandclinicflorida.org

G IFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER 772-794-1005

HOP E FOR FAMILIES CENTER 772-567-5537

INDIAN RIVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 772-257-0222

I NDIAN RIVER LAND TRUST 772-794-0701 irlt.org

MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN 772-794-0601

S OUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS

T REASURE COAST FOOD BANK 772-446-1759

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 772-567-8900

V ISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION 772-202-8570

PERFORMANCE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA

BALLET VERO BEACH 772-269-1065

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER 212-875-5788

RIVERSIDE THEATRE 772-231-6990

KELLY ROGERS

REAL ESTATE

AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE

772-231-6509

alexmacwilliam.com 79, 137

-CHARLOTTE TERRY GROUP

772-234-8500

charlotteterry.com ........... 7 7, back cover

-JIM KNAPP

772-913-0395

jimknapp.alexmacwilliam.com 1 03

AR HOMES/BEACHLAND HOMES CORP.

772-492-4018

arhomes.com ........................... 15 5

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

FLORIDA REALTY

772-231-1270

bhhsfloridarealty.com inside front cover

BETHANY BURT

772-766-4926

MELINDA PAMPALLONA

772-696-0819 AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

FLORIDA REALTY

bhhsfloridarealty.com 1 52

BROWN TALLEY GROUP AT PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES

772-234-5148

browntalleygroup.info 32

C HRISTINE R. MCLAUGHLIN AT SHAMROCK REAL ESTATE

772-538-0683

propertyinvero.com ..................... 178

DALE SORENSEN REAL ESTATE

-CATHY CURLEY

772-559-1359

cathycurleyrealestate.com 97

- MICHELLE CLARKE

772-263-0386

michelleclarkerealtor.com ................. 91

G RAND HARBOR

772-299-6623

grandharbor.com 84

J OHN’S ISLAND REAL ESTATE COMPANY 772-231-0900

johnsislandrealestate.com ........... 1 5, 148

THE MOORINGS REALTY SALES CO.

772-231-5131 themoorings.com 49, inside back cover

ORCHID ISLAND GOLF AND BEACH CLUB 772-388-3888 orchidislandfl.com 45

ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

-DANETTE DIEFFENBACH

772-226-7722

danetted.onesothebysrealty.com 86

- SHERRIE COLEMAN

772-633-0021

-SHERRY BROWN 772-633-1472

verobeachislandrealtor.com 1 01

WINDSOR 772-388-8400 windsorflorida.com 41, 146

RESTAURANTS

FISHACK 772-770-0977 fishackverobeach.com 169

PIZZOODLES

772-567-4160 pizzoodles.com 169

TUOHY’S DOWNTOWN 772-213-3842 tuohysdowntown.com 169

VERO PRIME

772-226-7870 veroprime.com 169

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

HERON POINT INDEPENDENT LIVING AND HERON COVE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY 772-732-7215

heronpointindependentliving.com . . . . . . . .34

SPORTS, ACTIVITIES & FITNESS

VERO BEACH CLAY SHOOTING SPORTS 772-978-0935 verobeachclayshooting.com 1 57

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

LESSING’S HOSPITALITY GROUP 561-693-5352 lessingsweddings.com 1 83

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

B. DIGITAL CONSULTING

Bridgette A. Daley

561-628-7079, bdigital.social

Full-service boutique marketing agency, crafting bespoke digital marketing strategies that amplify your brand’s presence

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 © 2025 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 © 2025 Palm Beach Media Group. Vol. XXVIII, No. 2, February 2025

FAMILIES

Unsung Trailblazers

THE LEFFLERS

WERE AMONG THE LESSER-KNOWN PIONEER FAMILIES THAT HELPED ESTABLISH VERO

BY PENNY CHANDLER NORRIS

Many of us can easily name several local pioneer families. Other families who braved Vero in its early years of development are not as well known. Such is the case of Peter and Elizabeth Leffler. Well known or not, all of these pioneers shaped our county.

Peter Leffler, the youngest of four boys, was born in 1878 in Illinois. The 1900 census shows the brothers living with their widowed mother on a farm in Glen Carbon in Madison County, Illinois. Records reveal that Peter was a brickyard laborer.

Elizabeth M. Franek was born in 1887. Her family lived in Peters, Illinois, also in Madison County.

Peter and Elizabeth were married in 1904. Their wedding photo was taken at a studio in St. Louis, Missouri, not far from their hometowns in Illinois. By 1910 they were living in Edwardsville Township, Illinois with their daughters, Florence and Mary, called “Mamie.” By that time, Peter was working as a washer in a coal mine.

Peter and his brother William came to Vero in 1914. A few years earlier,

Henry Flagler had built the railroad, and the final plat for the town of Vero had been adopted only one year earlier. The photo collection of the Indian River County Historical Society indicates that Elizabeth and the two young girls remained in Illinois for a period of time while, as shown in other photos, Peter and William cleared land. The Leffler homestead was built in 1914 on 8th Street and, somewhat miraculously, the house remains standing today. They first planted pineapples and later citrus.

In 1924, Elizabeth died of tuberculosis at the age of 37. The 1930 census says widower Peter lived in Vero Beach with unmarried daughter Florence and brother William. It shows Peter’s occupation as “citrus farmer.”

William died in Vero Beach in 1952 and Peter followed in 1962. Mamie Leffler Eckhoff died in 1980. Her older sister, Florence, who remained single, lived until 1998.

The wedding photo with the name of the photography studio was our first clue about the story of this pioneer family. With the help of the Madison

COURTESY OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

County Historical Museum and Archival Library in Edwardsville, Illinois; the Archive Center of Indian River County Main Library; the Indian River County property appraiser’s website; and Google Maps, we

were able to piece together a wonderful history of this early Vero family.

Penny Chandler Norris is a volunteer with the Indian River County Historical Society.

Illinoisans Peter Leffler and Elizabeth Franek wed in 1904 and moved to Vero 10 years later.

Stunning

West Passage #302

904 Spyglass Ln South

2105 Windward Way