Vero Beach Magazine May 2024

Debbie Bell #5 Individual Statewide

Steve Borenz

Shearer

Mark Seeberg

Pamela Ratfield

Bob Faller Gretchen Hanson Peggy Hewett Chip Landers

Steve Owen

Bethany Burt

Melinda Pampallona

Cheryl Burge

Michelle Clarke #6 Individual Statewide

Beth Livers #8 Individual Statewide

Heather Delamarter #10

Sherry Goff

Amanda Martin Maria Fulchini

PRESENTED BY

Thanks to your support the Windsor Charity Polo Cup raised $400,000 to be divided equally between:

The Homeless Children’s Foundation of Indian River County Indian River Land Trust

Ballet Vero Beach

Manley & Mary Johnson  Tim & Mary Mullan France de Saint Phalle & Dana Hutton

Thank you to our signature sponsors!

James McNulty

Kolbe is known for their superior quality and innovative designs.

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

luxury estates : condominiums : homesites : townhouses : cottages : seaside suites

EDITOR’S DESK

Family Ties

As I’m sitting at my desk in late March preparing this magazine for publication and gazing wistfully outside at what could be the very last of our cooler weather in Vero Beach, I’m also mentally planning a family gathering we’re hosting at home this weekend. It’s a group of us who are not able to get together very often, but we always appreciate the times we’re able to enjoy together with cousins and siblings.

Our May cover story gets to the heart of what this issue is focused on: families. Earlier this year, I reached out to Sara Wilson, leader of the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation, regarding an idea I had for the magazine. She in turn asked members of the nonprofit’s teen writing group to pen letters to their moms for Mother’s Day. The gorgeous pair of Savannah Ray Brown and her mom, Frances, grace our cover, and Savannah’s letter, or in her case a poem, is on page 79.

Keeping it all in the family is what Jay Lundy Sr. is doing as the head of the Youth Employability Program at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. After retiring, he returned to Gifford to roll up his sleeves and get to work with local teens, helping guide them toward futures that include more education and career stability. His father, J. Ralph Lundy, was well known in the community for doing the exact same thing decades ago, lifting up his neighbors and helping secure a better future for his community. Like father, like son.

Ye Ole Davis Farm, a USDA-certified organic farm whose land has been in Davis family hands for four generations, is working hard toward keeping you and yours healthy with the food they grow. The small farm, tucked behind a shopping center in the heart of Sebastian, harks back to quieter times as you stroll through the farm store and see the healthful organic produce growing right in front of you.

If fresh air and quiet are two things you crave, we’re introducing you to a place that might surprise you: the West Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Wetlands. The big name might not be the most palatable, but the work this 169-acre wetland area is doing is huge for our environment. The side benefit of this fairly wild site? The walking trails through the property are open to the public for several hours most days, and it’s become a birder’s hotspot. If you visit, wear some sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. Perhaps you’d like to bring the family!

As always, thank you for reading and supporting Vero Beach Magazine

See you in June.

Kelly Rogers editor@verobeachmagazine.com

Making Memories

It’s May in Vero Beach—time to enjoy the warm weather and sunny days as we continue that sweet interval between the chill of winter and the vigilance of hurricane season. It’s a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities or simply relax in the shade. For those of you headed back north, you’ll have front-row seats as nature bursts into bloom with vibrant spring colors.

For those of us staying behind, May offers plenty of events here in Vero Beach. On May 5, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation will host May Pops, featuring vocalists Scarlett Strallen and Hugh Panaro, who will be joining the Brevard Symphony Orchestra onstage.

And you definitely do not want to miss the Vero Beach Air Show May 3–5. Not only will the Blue Angels be back in town, but the event will also be one of the last chances to see the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team, which is being deactivated at the end of this season.

May is also a great month for golf, something the VNA, Samaritan Center, and Indian River County Chamber of Commerce obviously know, since they’re all holding tournaments this month.

If you’re looking for a good summer camp experience for the kids, look into what the Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach Museum of Art, McKee Botanical Garden, Pelican Island Audubon Society, and Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation have to offer; they’re all planning some fun and educational summer experiences!

For more information on these and other May events, please refer to our Calendar section starting on page 149.

Lastly, we cannot forget the two most important days in May: Mother’s Day, a time to honor and appreciate our mothers, and Memorial Day, set aside to commemorate our fallen military service members.

Have a marvelous May!

Teri Amey-Arnold, Publisher publisher@verobeachmagazine.com

Mother’sHappyDay!

So proud to be growing my real estate business alongside raising my boys!

• #3 Sales Agent in Indian River County

• Licensed Realtor® for over 18 years

• DSRE Top Producer 2019-2023

• DSRE Chairman’s Council, 2022

• DSRE President’s Board, 2021

• Specializes in million dollar+ properties on the Barrier Island

• Extensive network in the Northeast including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

• BSBA in Marketing and Sales

• DSRE Social Media Superstar Award, 2018

• Winner “Best of Vero” in the Vero Beach Easter Parade, 2018

• DSRE Most Innovative Marketing Award, 2017

• Lives on the Barrier Island in Riomar

• Actively involved at Holy Cross Church

• 2 sons who attend Saint Edward’s School

• Founder of the Flamingo Fundraiser, raising money for the fight against breast cancer

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 almost every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Vero Beach Magazine’s staff is committed to using print media to make Indian River County a better place for all residents, mindful of environmental and historic preservation, while underscoring the best aspects of life in this charming oceanfront community.

Winner of numerous awards since its inception, starting with the Florida Magazine Association’s Best New Magazine Award in 1998, Vero Beach Magazine has made its greatest impact by providing meaningful information to readers about the needs of local nonprofit organizations in Indian River County, inspiring philanthropy and prompting nonprofit coverage by many other media companies.

Our office is located at 3375 20th Street, Suite 100, on the corner of 34th Avenue and State Road 60, in Vero Beach. Visitors are welcome by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for subscription, article, and advertising questions.

OUR 2024 ADVISORY BOARD

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. Recently, she accepted a position as executive director of global marketing and sales strategies for Sebastian-based Triton Submarines.

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

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

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

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

2024 Vero Beach Magazine

PHOTO CONTEST

Grab your cameras and put on your walking shoes! For this year’s photo contest, we want to see what you love about the little paradise we call home. Is it the beach? Water and nature views? Historical sites? Downtown? Ocean Drive? Whatever it is, take advantage of our beautiful weather and get out with your camera (even if it’s your phone!) and share your love of Vero Beach with us. Winners will be published in the September 2024 issue of Vero Beach Magazine

5 ENTRIES MAXIMUM PER PHOTOGRAPHER

1. High-resolution photos taken in Indian River County

2. Your name and phone number

3. Photo description, including location and date taken

Email entries to: photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com

Entry deadline: June 14

WHO MAY ENTER

The contest is open to photographers aged 18 years or older. Individuals affiliated with Vero Beach Magazine or Palm Beach Media Group, including employees and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and household members, are not eligible.

WHAT TO ENTER

Photographs must be taken in Indian River County and submitted by the photographer. The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the photograph.

HOW TO ENTER

Email photographs and required information to photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com.

QUESTIONS?

You must complete a separate email for each photo. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Winners will be notified by August 1. Failure to respond within 5 business days may result in disqualification. Decisions of Vero Beach Magazine are final.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

By submitting a photo, you are granting Vero Beach Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group the right to reproduce the work in our print publications, on our website, and in materials/ social media used to promote the magazine, the contest, and/or future related contests.

Contact Kelly Rogers, Editor in Chief, at kelly@verobeachmagazine.com

HALO founder Jacque Petrone has a heart for saving animals.

Sands of Time

FLORIDA’S SHORELINE IS A DYNAMIC ORGANISM WITH ITS OWN UNIQUE HISTORY

Ionce read that each day

Charles Darwin took what he called his “sand walk,” his thinking space, a vital part of his intellectual routine, executed on an oval path around a forest of hazel, privet, and dogwood that he planted himself. The surprising thing was that there was no sand on this path, nor had there ever been. It was surfaced with flints and

could actually be slippery. My guess is that Darwin called it a sand walk because sand is so elemental, its granular character the result of carbonate grit from crushed sea skeletons and thousands of years of eroding rocks

On a chilly, overcast day in early January, I went to take my own thinking walk on real sand, the quartz particles

found in Central Florida’s eastern beaches that were once part of the Appalachian Mountains—something I frequently did, sometimes with my dog. It was high tide. This morning I was stopped at the top of the wooden stairs by masking tape that blocked the access. Below, pounding surf battered the bottom step, where dunes at either side of the steps

COASTLINE BY EVELYN WILDE MAYERSON

stood sliced like cakes. The beach, the first line of defense against a hurricane storm surge, a place to contemplate or to search for sea glass half hidden among the shells, was underwater, like one of several epochal marine terraces, paleo-shorelines that ring our peninsula.

The next day I learned that Indian River County had already begun a $13 million beach nourishment plan to restore its coastline following a survey by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that had determined that half of the state’s 825 miles of coastline was seriously eroded. Crews were under the gun to complete restoration before the March 1 beginning of turtle nesting season.

Starting at Treasure Shores Beach Park north of Wabasso and extending 7 miles south, dump trucks had already begun bringing in 275,000 cubic yards of sand to rebuild the dunes, some of which had

suffered a 4-to-5-foot retreat. Meanwhile, beach crews were preparing to install salttolerant plants such as dune sunflower, railroad vine, and plugs of sea oats that, once established, would help the dunes endure pounding surf and heavy winds.

A few days later I passed a convoy of at least 20 dump trucks heading north on AIA. They were hauling sand, likely from the huge sand mine near Lake Okeechobee, but possibly brought on barges from the Bahamas, or, less likely, dredged up from the ocean floor.

According to the National Beach Nourishment Database, Florida has been engaged in beach restoration since 1935, dredging up over the years half a trillion tons of sand to maintain its beaches. Early on, hurricanes were to blame. They still are. Just look at the hits on both coasts during the 2022 hurricane season. Now it’s also rising

Florida has been engaged in beach restoration since 1935.

rivers and level forests, but it seems we are also making the planet our sandbox.

seas, and it’s not just Florida. Texas is also running out of sand and has dispatched coastal geophysicists to search for additional sources.

Actually, sand mining is occurring in coastal regions worldwide—a process mapped globally through a data program called Marine Sand Watch, which estimates that 6 million tons of sand are taken from marine environments every year. We not only reroute

There is plenty of sand on the continental shelf that rings Florida, but much of it is the wrong color—too brown—or the grain too coarse. I always thought that sand was just on loan, a currency that shifts between land and sea. In any case, it is always nearby. Sands that erode go no farther than the offshore bar.

Sand is not the only item being dumped along the beaches to shore up the coastline. Up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States, attempts are underway to restore the diminished barrier reefs that once blunted storm surges. Oysters are one solution. In addition to filtering the water, oyster beds act

Maintaining Florida’s hundreds of miles of shoreline (or thousands, depending on exactly how the measurement is taken) requires a sustained effort.

WILDE SIDE

as breakwaters, reducing the impact of wave action.

NOAA’s Restoration Center has funded more than 70 oyster restoration projects in 15 states, including Alabama and 1,200 acres in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. In an effort to replace the oyster reefs of New York Harbor that were once the largest source of oysters in the world, a landscape architect is promoting the establishment of an archipelago of rock, shells, and fuzzy rope to attract the settlement of oysters. Unwilling to wait years for oysters to replenish themselves, some states have used handier items such as stripped and sanitized junked cars, tanks, tires, refrigerators,

concrete modules, decommissioned subway train cars, and railway cars.

Florida is facing the serious loss of its own reefs, specifically its coral reef, which extends 360 miles from Dry Tortuga National Park north to St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. Suffering from an overheating ocean and coral disease, Florida’s coral reef is bleaching, drying, and dying. To fight the loss, a coalition of SeaWorld, Disney, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has funded a project based in an Orlando warehouse.

Functioning as a sort of coral Noah’s Ark, the warehouse is equipped with 300-gallon aquariums and a sophisticated

Sunken boats, decommissioned railway cars, and other manmade items can serve as artificial reefs, becoming home to many species of coral and other sea creatures.

LED lighting system that simulates the cycles of the moon and sun in order to encourage the hatching of baby corals.

Florida’s geology, with a shape that exposes it to the sea and contributes to its uniqueness, has also contributed to its challenges.

Despite the loss and gain of a few feet on any given day, the current geological character of Florida has been more or less the same for 2,500 years, although 10,000 years ago the peninsula was twice as wide, with the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico 100 miles west of where it is today.

Sutured to the bottom of Georgia, Florida’s position is the result of an abduction. Its underpinnings are alien to the rest of the continent; its bottom rock formation, layered with a porous plateau of karst limestone and known as the Florida Platform, comes from Africa. Paleomagnetic and geochemical studies of rock samples taken from 3,000 to 8,000 feet below the surface confirm this origin, as does the discovery of fossils closely resembling those from Africa.

The detachment is believed the result of plate tectonics when continents collided during the creation of the

supercontinent of Pangaea, when a section of northwest Africa buckled into a small block of crust that would become the southeast portion of the North American continent.

As it became permanently fixed, it formed the foundation for the present-day Florida Platform. Layers of sand and clay washed down from the mountains of Georgia and Alabama and covered the platform and its layer of limestone. Florida emerged, first as an island before it became a peninsula that extended to the bottom rim of Lake Okeechobee, while the land and islands below were building up as coral reefs.

Fossil remains found in Central Florida’s “bone valley” indicate that the region was

once inhabited by camels, hippopotamuses, elephants, mastodons, giant sloths, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, lions, wolves, and bison. Today, bone valley is raked by the excavation pits of phosphate mines, once the state’s third-largest industry behind citrus and cattle.

There are an estimated 27 phosphate mines in Florida, nine of which are currently active, with most mining occurring primarily in Manatee, Hillsborough, Hardee, and Polk Counties. Polk County is home to the town of Mulberry, which calls itself the Phosphate Mining Capital of the World. The town is home to the Mulberry Phosphate Museum—two boxcars filled with mining memorabilia. A time capsule to be

opened in 2076 lies buried under a mulberry bush near a steam shovel and bucket. Polk County also has the most gypsum stacks in Florida, a refuse that last year leaked toxic wastewater into Tampa Bay. Environmentalists are searching for a solution.

Is it a losing battle, or do we eventually save the day, like the Little Dutch Boy who plugs the dike with his finger? It helps to know that the universe recycles itself by itself. That, although it takes a lot more time than any of us has, our Earth has always moved under the banner of homeostasis, self-regulating processes of its own design with an aim to maintaining stability, a dynamic equilibrium that allows for continuous change.

Phosphate mining has been an important industry in Florida for over 140 years. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversees reclamation efforts for previously mined lands.

JONATHAN MCDOUGALL/WIRESTOCK CREATORS

Animal Instinct

JACQUE PETRONE HAS A HEART FOR SAVING HOMELESS ANIMALS

BY ANN TAYLOR

Mr. Wrinkles’ days were numbered. Behavior problems, combined with an aggressive attitude, had labeled him “unadoptable.” The dog no one wanted got lucky the day he met Jacque Petrone, who founded HALO (Helping Animals Live and Overcome), a nonprofit nokill shelter for abandoned and abused animals.

“Mr. Wrinkles was my first scary dog. Working with him took a lot of time and patience, and along the way I learned a lot. Six months later he was living at a farm in Georgia, where he’s doing well. If a dog like Mr. Wrinkles can be saved, they all can!” says a smiling Petrone.

The passionate animal advocate began her journey to save them all 18 years ago when she received a call asking her to help find a shelter that would take in a litter of orphaned newborn kittens.

“I couldn’t find a safe place to bring them to,” Petrone explains. “At the time our county’s euthanasia rate was 54 percent [a statistic that has since changed dramatically]. That’s when I realized there was a tremendous need for a no-kill shelter.”

Determined to make that happen, Petrone convinced her mother, who operated a boarding and grooming facility on U.S. 1 in Sebastian, to let her convert it to a shelter.

“I begged her to give me a year

to make a go of it,” says Petrone. “A lot of improvements needed to be made, and in order to raise money I panhandled in front of Walmart every weekend and made about $800, which was just enough to pay the electric bill. If I had known then how hard it was going to be, I don’t know if I would have done it, but I just kept waking up every day and kept on going.” Petrone credits her youthful energy and optimism with carrying her through that period.

Grassroots efforts to spread the word began as donation cans with pictures of animals and information about HALO started popping up on counter tops at local businesses. Community partnerships with Petco and PetSmart were formed in an effort to increase exposure and generate adoptions.

Next, HALO established a Vero Beach Adoption Center in the Indian River Mall; opened Rescued Treasures, a thrift store in Sebastian; created the Angel Wings Adoption Program; and formed the Fresh Start Program, which rehabilitates pets with behavioral issues—and that’s just the short list.

In 2019 HALO received a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 to help fund the construction of a 5,000 square-foot Enrichment Center designed to expand services. Then came COVID and everything came to a screeching halt.

“Since the pandemic, the

price of everything has soared,” Petrone laments. “Building the Enrichment Center was estimated to cost $800,000; now it’s over $3 million. Also with inflation, things like pet food are so much more expensive, and some people can’t afford to keep their pets. I get probably 200 applications every week. It’s heartbreaking.”

“Right now we’re raising funds just to survive. What we need is a network of donors who will give us $5, $10, $25, or more every month, and I keep hoping to get that million-dollar check in the mail. There’s so much we want to do, need to do,” she says.

“I believe you have a choice how to live this life, and this is how I’ve chosen to live mine. I take many of the rescues home, usually those with severe medical issues and the babies, and at the end of the day, when they’re all fed and happy, their pure joy makes me smile.”

HALO

Petrone currently has well over 100 cats needing homes.

STEVEN MARTINE

EDUCATION

Making the Mark

FOR INDIAN RIVER SCHOOLS, THERE IS NO ‘I’ IN ‘TEAM,’ ONLY AN ‘A’

BY JEFFREY R. PICKERING

Unless you have been away on an aroundthe-world cruise or asleep under a sand dune, it is likely that you have heard this news: in December 2023, the Florida Department of Education announced that the School District of Indian River County earned an A grade for the 2022–23 school year.

I sent a congratulatory email to superintendent David Moore. His reply summed up what our community has come to appreciate about his leadership style in two words: “Team effort.”

Moore was hired in November 2019 by a unanimous vote from the SDIRC board, which at the time was comprised of

The Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Fellsmere provides early childhood education to migrant and rural low-income families.

Teri Barenborg, Tiffany Justice, Jackie Rosario, Mara Schiff, and Laura Zorc. When he began his tenure the following month, SDIRC had been carrying the same B grade since 2015, and it was ranked No. 38 out of Florida’s 67 school districts. Today, that ranking has improved to No. 13.

I was curious to know what

DID YOU KNOW?

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

“We are about inspiring and empowering all students to maximize their full potential.”

DAVID MOORE

some of the most signi cant areas of progress were, and here is what I found.

Overall, 65 percent of SDIRC’s schools are A or B schools, compared to 47 percent in 2018–19. While the number of elementary schools with A or B grades is a driving force behind this improvement, one of the county’s three middle schools improved a letter grade, as did one of the two public high schools.

As for content area improvement, signi cant progress was made in English language arts achievement for grade three, mathematics achievement for grades

three through eight, science achievement for grades ve and eight, and biology. In fact, SDIRC exceeded state averages in every category by a statistically signi cant amount.

And when playing for all the marbles is considered, SDIRC posted a 96 percent graduation rate in 2022–23, ranking No. 3 out of 67. My two eldest children recently earned high school diplomas from area high schools. As their college careers unfold, I can personally attest that their preparation for higher education was signi cantly in uenced by the quality experience they had attending Vero Beach schools.

Crossover Mission, a nonprofit that mentors children in life and academics, received a check from the Indian River Community Foundation in January.

When I ask Moore about some of the criticism he and his administration have received during his tenure, he is both modest and focused in his reply.

“That is not what we are about in the School District of Indian River County,” he says. “We are about inspiring and

empowering all students to maximize their full potential. This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication our students, teachers, staff, and community have contributed toward this mission. The only thing to do with these results is to celebrate!”

It is significant to note that these results were achieved amid the chaos brought on by a global pandemic. When the world shut down in spring 2020, Moore and his new administrative team were just a few months into their time working together when COVID-19 forced a change

The Gifford Youth Achievement Center helps to develop career paths for students in the Youth Employability Program.

in both strategy and energy. A little more than three years later, they are stronger than ever before and up for whatever challenges might be next. Unfortunately, there is a long list.

School safety; teacher shortages; curriculum changes; kindergarten readiness; literacy by third grade; eighth grade math proficiency; high school attendance and on-time graduation; the education of students with special needs ranging from severe learning disabilities to homelessness.

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

I could keep going, but I think my point is clear. Public education is an all-handson-deck endeavor that never really takes a day off.

At the individual school level, this approach is on full display, starting with the district’s principals. Take, for example, Beachland Elementary School principal Rachel Finnegan, recognized as SDIRC’s “Principal of the Year” for 2022–23.

Since beginning her tenure in 2019, Finnegan has inspired the Beachland Sharks community of students, teachers, parents, and staff to embrace the theme of riding the wave of success. Instead of “wiping out” when

“The only thing to do with these results is to celebrate!”

DAVID MOORE

the COVID-19 tsunami came ashore, Finnegan’s energy and enthusiasm inspired the Sharks to navigate the transition to school-at-home and the return to classrooms while maintaining the school’s A grade and its status as a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning academy. This success can be attributed in part to a faithful adherence to school values of being warmhearted, active and attentive, vigilant, and enthusiastic for learning. In surfing competitions we call this a “perfect 10,” and it is the kind of result that gets me stoked.

While SDIRC makes it a

priority to recognize individual principals, teachers, and employees with annual awards, sometimes a single school deserves an all-handson-deck approach from an entire community. Just eight years ago, Vero Beach Elementary’s grade was an F. It is a Title 1 school whose 500 students are some of the most economically challenged in the district. While the

school’s grade has improved to a C, according to the most recent school improvement plan, one out of three VBE students still has an attendance rate below 90 percent, and the same ratio applies for students who continue to have a substantial reading deficiency.

In response, at the start of the 2023–24 school year, SDIRC partnered with The

Redlands Christian Migrant Association is a nonprofit that supports kindergarten readiness and reading proficiency.

INDIAN RIVER INSIGHTS

Learning Alliance to open the “Moonshot School” at VBE.

The plan is to operate VBE as a demonstration school for best practices and as a hub for innovation, inviting educators from across the community and state to learn what it takes to ensure that all children can read proficiently by the third grade.

“We aspire to be the first elementary school in Indian River County to achieve the Moonshot goal of 90 percent literacy by third grade,”

principal Lyndsey Samberg announced enthusiastically.

The resources to make this possible are provided largely by philanthropy, either as charitable gifts from individuals or as grants from organizations like Indian River Community Foundation, which, together with its clients, has awarded more than $3 million to past literacy efforts. They will be used to support The Learning Alliance to apply lessons learned from its 15-year track record leading the community’s literacy initiative, the Moonshot Moment.

With progress, sometimes there are also disappointments that make working together toward a common goal more challenging.

Take the “Step into Kindergarten” program, for example, which is focused on increasing kindergarten readiness through a proven summer enrichment program for children aged 4 to 5 who have completed a

RCMA has been working with low-income families in Indian River County since 1988, providing free childcare and VPK to those in need.

disruptive, most commonsense thing to do would be a temporary arrangement between CSAC and SDIRC and a return to business as usual next year when the new Indian River Education Fund is established at SDIRC.

voluntary prekindergarten program. Historically, it has operated as a partnership between the nonprofit Education Foundation of IRC and the SDIRC.

With the recent dissolution of the Education Foundation, however, some of the public funding through the county’s Children’s Services Advisory Council for Step into Kindergarten is at risk of not being awarded—not for a lack of resources, however. Instead, the culprit is a poorly written section of a county ordinance (No. 2022-007) that prohibits the use of county CSAC funding to pay for or reimburse services provided by other governmental entities or their employees, such as SDIRC.

While the money could “funnel” through another local charity, as was suggested to me by a county administrator, it seems like an unnecessary burden to place on a good neighbor charity for such a small amount of money. In the spirit of collaboration, the least

I trust that Moore and Janet Knupp, the Education Fund’s newly recruited executive director, can solve the problem. In a small town like ours, however, with so many significant community challenges, we should be able to get on the same team and avoid these unnecessary disruptions for the sake of our children’s education.

Last year, approximately $10 million out of the $110 million awarded to local charities went for educational purposes. These dollars support programs that lead to higher levels of kindergarten readiness, reading and math proficiency, and high school graduation. An equal amount was donated to programs that serve children and youth, giving kids the support they need to achieve academically and steer clear of risky behaviors that can lead to the most adverse outcomes, such as teen suicide or death by overdose.

As a father of three children, I cannot think of a better way to show David Moore and the SDIRC community support than by giving to educational causes that align with district goals and get results. It is a team effort that we can all be proud of.

ONE-OF-A-KIND VEHICLES

Get Me to the Church on Time

FROM THE AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM IN MELBOURNE: THE 1953/2001 PORSCHE 356 LIMOUSINE

BY PATRICK MERRELL

Around about 1970, when John Dixon was a high school student in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, he had himself a pretty hot car: a first-generation Chevy Camaro with a 396-cubic-inch V-8 engine. While testing it out on the highway one day, however, a Porsche 911 passed right by him. Dixon gave chase, but it took all he had to try to keep up. The next year, he was driving his own Porsche, the beginning of a love affair with the German make that would last the rest of his life.

Over the next 40 years, Dixon amassed a collection of rare and unusual Porsches and Volkswagens, which he housed in a trio of converted Dayton warehouses he dubbed the Taj Ma Garaj. Among his prized possessions were a “FourCam” 1957 Porsche 356 A Carrera GT Speedster, a special-order 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe, and the custom-made 356 limousine you’re looking at. To be clear, the limo is not a real Porsche. The car was dreamed up by John Dixon and built in Dayton, Ohio.

Hilary Dixon Wagner says people often ask, “Are you sure that’s not a real Porsche?”

The 356 limousine used parts from 13 cars, with some of the leftover pieces being repurposed to create art for hanging on the walls of the Taj Ma Garaj in Dayton.

The limo was completed just in time for Hilary Dixon’s wedding in 2001. On the way from the church to the reception, however, it broke down and had to be pushed.

“Dad’s excuse for creating the limo, what he told us anyway, was for it to be used at my and my sister’s weddings,” Hilary Dixon Wagner says. As it turned out, the car was barely finished in time for her big day, which took place in 2001.

“It was quite a lengthy project, at least a year or two,” she says, and much of that time was spent tracking down parts. “The UPS man was my mom’s best friend, because stuff from eBay was coming to the house every day.”

The build involved many different people. “Originally, the car was built at the shop I worked at,” says Bob Bennett. “It was called Die Werkstatt (The Workshop), which was owned by Marvin Simes. All the fab and metal work and mechanical work was done there, then the car went to Carl’s Body Shop. They did the actual body work and paint on it.” The interior work

From the front, you’d never guess this 1953 Porsche 356 in Grand Prix White paint was 18 feet, 2 inches long. Mocha Brown upholstery was used inside, matched with a steering wheel and fabric sunroof, both in tan.

was mostly done in California but also at some other Dayton shops.

“We started with a really, really rotten Pre-A coupe, then we split the car in half, front and rear,” Bennett says. “Basically, we just used the clips off of it and built everything in between.” The process wasn’t without its hiccups, however.

“When it came back from Carl’s Body Shop, we started putting it together, and so much didn’t fit,” Bennett says. “We had to alter some things, then it went over to the Egyptian Body Shop, and I think Don Boeke resprayed the car and did some other work.”

The rush to have it ready for the wedding showed, as Wagner remembers: “When I had the processional from the wedding to the reception, the car actually died. There was a really funny scene of me sticking out of the sunroof in my wedding dress and four groomsmen pushing it.” A few years later, the limousine was used more successfully when her younger sister, Ashley, was married.

In 2019, six years after John Dixon passed away, the family decided to sell his entire collection. Sotheby’s ran a well-publicized auction, which was held inside the Taj Ma Garaj itself. Bidders from more than 20 countries took part, spending a total of $5,685,859 for Dixon’s

32 vehicles and more than 300 other lots of collectibles, “unobtainium” parts, and rare literature. The 1957 Four-Cam 356 A Carrera GT Speedster fetched the highest price, $1.38 million. Next was a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring for $412,000 and, a bit farther down the list, the 356 custom limo at $207,200.

The winning bidder for the limousine was Mark Pieloch, owner of the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, Florida. His impeccable collection, which isn’t generally accessible to the public, currently stands at 447 vehicles, includ-

ing more than 60 Porsches.

Before purchasing the limo, Pieloch says, “We knew we still had a major project to undertake. We observed at the auction that all four wheels were oversized and were rubbing against the inside fender wells, causing stress cracks. It took us about six months and one restoration technician to redo the entire suspension, then downsize the wheels, redo the brakes, and finally repair all the stress cracks and repaint the entire limo.”

And so, after 25 years, John Dixon’s project is finally complete.

The passenger space features a wooden shelf for wineglasses, a clock, a thermometer, and, below, a Blaupunkt radio blanking plate and hinged footrests.

A 356 engine didn’t provide enough power to push the limo’s estimated 6,000+ pounds, so a 912 engine with upgraded pistons and cams was used. Yuri Rojas did the engine and transmission work at Die Werkstatt.

Behind the back seat is a 356 bench seat, with two speakers installed below. A Pre-A louvered sunshade on the rear window completes the cramped space.

It’s time to get out of the blazing sun and see which plants can join us.

DESIGN

Your Turn!

GAME TABLES ARE A FORM OF DECOR THAT CAN BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER

BY VALERIE CRUICE

Roll the dice. Draw a card. Call. See. Ante. Bid.

Hit me. King me. Hold.... I win!

From mah-jongg to Mind the Gap, canasta to Exploding Kittens, board games are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Even before the pandemic, sales of games were surging. According to The Washington Post, the global market for cards and board games will reach $21.56 billion by 2025. Jaimi Pike, book buyer for the Vero Beach Book Center, noticed the game grab building in the years preceding COVID, especially mah-jongg. Customers were requesting the cards that are issued every year for play. “We didn’t know what that was,” she says. “Now we sell 800 to 1,000 cards annually, and 200 mah-jongg sets.” Responding to demand, the bookstore will also be offering mah-jongg tabletop mats.

Which brings us to the

wild card: the game table. My earliest memory of a game table is accompanying my mother to an S&H Green Stamps store, where she traded in her books for a new game table for our basement rec room. Before that, we played go fish, Candy Land, Monopoly, or checkers at the kitchen table or on the floor. Having a proper table drew us closer together, elevated the experience, and created a separate destination within our home for working on an ongoing jigsaw puzzle, playing hearts, arranging Scrabble tiles, or even vying for Ken while playing the Barbie Game (you didn’t want to draw Poindexter—eww).

While board games have been played for nearly 5,000 years, the game table as such first appeared in the 11th or 12th century, becoming more commonplace in the 18th century. The earliest versions did double duty, serving as end tables, consoles, dining, or tea tables.

A living room shows off a custom-made backgammon table by Oomph.

This room, designed by Sandra Morgan, includes a bright game table.

Thomas Jefferson owned 13 Federal tea and card tables. Other styles had tops that rotated to reveal a chessboard on one side and checkers on the other. Some incorporated a secret drawer, and others had a cavity for storage of game pieces. Tables dedicated solely to backgammon are more popular than ever.

Early in her interior design career, Sandra Morgan put the finishing touches on rooms by creating custom backgammon boards. She hand painted the boards, framed them, and supplied the cups, dice, and counters. When they weren’t in use on a card table, they could be hung on the wall. Morgan has used game tables in her designs on numerous occasions over the years, seeing a real opportunity when family and great rooms made living rooms passe. “I’ve been specifying 36-footsquare tables in living rooms to give them another purpose,” she says.

Morgan also notes that the options for tables themselves have become “stylish and colorful,” from companies such as Jonathan Adler, which makes a cool acrylic table with brushed brass corners, and Oomph, which offers both square and rectangular game tables in an endless array of custom colors, with an optional acrylic topper to convert to more games.

Good lighting, so you don’t mistake a “bam bird” for a “green dragon,” is essential, calling for an overhead chandelier, recessed light, or a floor lamp. Seating can run the gamut, ranging from lush wing chairs to simple cushioned side chairs. Card table covers can be monogrammed, as can decks of cards. A needlepoint backgammon board or bridge table cover imparts an element of custom luxury.

Popular culture has influenced game playing. Chess sets and books on chess spiked when Netflix

was showing The Queen’s Gambit, says the bookstore’s Pike. And the clattering tiles of the warp-speed mah-jongg games in Crazy Rich Asians spurred sales of game sets and books for players aspiring to that cacophonous sparrow chittering for which the game is named.

Designer Susan Schuyler Smith sums it up perfectly: “Playing a game of Rummikub with the kids, mahjongg on the tile-top table, or a competitive chess match— game on!”

An acrylic table designed by Jonathan Adler is a sleek addition. Sandra Morgan suggests tables with acrylic tops for more gaming options.

Tabletop gaming has become more popular at home in recent years with mah-jongg, card, and board games high on the list in popularity.

HORTICULTURE

Made in the Shade

Bromeliads, le , do well in partial shade during the summer. Other houseplants, above, should avoid the hot sun altogether.

IT’S TIME TO GET OUT OF THE BLAZING SUN AND SEE WHICH PLANTS CAN JOIN US

Po ing plants such as the fi ery orange Crossandra, above, during the summer months makes for easier care and maintenance.

May is here, and in Central Florida the heat is impressive and the humidity is oppressive. All the gardeners I know are screaming, “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” e one month of the year when gardening is great is gone. I prepared last month for the days like this, turning over vegetables and winter annu-

als growing in full sun. ose areas will mostly be on autopilot for the next few months, occupied with owers, herbs, and beans. Now, it is time for me to gure out shade spaces that will o er me sanctuary in my Florida yard the rest of spring and summer.

Honestly, I adore the heat. It does not love me back. Most of my plans must be executed by someone else. I have learned the hard way to stay in the shade. Whether you do it yourself or have assistance, here are some things that will make Florida shade more beautiful:

• Container gardening— containers add color and allow ease of planting. If the pot looks blinding in light, it will work just ne in shade.

• Manage dense tree roots by installing small plants. ey

need smaller holes, often cost less, and will establish quickly.

• In pots or on the ground, here are six plants that will thrive in shade/partial shade conditions:

• Begonia—buy the ones with bright, interesting leaves. Light-colored owers o er a twinkling glint in low light.

• Crossandra—provides magni cent orange or yellow clusters of owers over a very verdant compact plant.

• Caladium—grown for its large, beautiful, bright leaves. Select the whitest varieties.

• Bromeliads—so easy! Pineapples thrive under my live oak. ey will take up as much space as they are allowed, so select ones you really like.

• Beautyberry—these native shrubs take up a lot of

space with their bright lime green leaves and neon purple berries.

• Wild co ee—if deep, rich green is your thing, this is the shrub for you. Enjoy sipping your cup of co ee while watching as pollinators swarm the owers and then the birds eat the berries. Wild co ee plays well with beautyberry.

Whichever species or planting method you select, add other Florida-Friendly management techniques to care for the shade plantings. Keep in mind that water and fertilizer are not substitutes for sunlight. Both should be used judiciously to keep the plants healthy after they are established. Mulch plants in beds to manage moisture and soil temperature and to suppress weeds. is is the time of year when common plant pests

thrive in the landscape. Keep an eye out for evidence of slugs, snails, and aphids, which can thrive in shade environments. Treat them before they become a bigger issue.

May is the very last month in which moderate temperatures are possible. Whether you go outside or remain inside, enjoy the view. June will be here shortly, hu ng and pu ng with impertinence owing from the east. Blessedly, I am a Gator, born in June, so I do not run from hurricanes.

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

Clockwise from le : caladium, pineapple, and wild coffee plants all grow well in the Florida heat.

Drink Up!

BY RENÁE TESAURO

“W

ater, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous poem e Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the elderly sailor laments the irony of being surrounded by a vast body of water he cannot drink.

Luckily, in Vero Beach, we bene t from ocean views as well as a plentiful supply of

drinking water. Yet studies show that up to 30 percent of older adults are chronically dehydrated.

It’s a statistic Dr. Collin Kitchell, a family physician specializing in sports medicine at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital’s Primary Care of the Treasure Coast, hopes to change. “I regularly give my patients the ‘Florida speech,’” says Kitchell. “Increased tem-

AS TEMPERATURES RISE AND OUR BODIES AGE, IT’S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO STAY HYDRATED

peratures, direct sunlight, and exertional activity can cause signi cant problems, especially when exposed for prolonged periods of time. It’s important to stay hydrated at every age and activity level, especially in our heat index. Proper hydration allows us to perspire, pulling heat o our core.” Remember what you learned in science class? Evaporation is a cooling process!

HYDRATION

Dr. Collin Kitchell emphasizes the importance of hydration, not only when exercising but all the time, and even more so as we age.

PREMIER EXPERT IN SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

DR. MONIKA SRIVASTAVA has earned the distinction of being among the first in the nation to achieve certification in the new Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) Subspecialty. She is one of the few Mohs surgeons in the country to achieve this outstanding level of recognition, and this certification continues to solidify her expertise as one of the premier surgeons in this procedure. Dr. Monika specializes in Mohs surgery and advanced reconstructive techniques.

Monika Srivastava

MD, FAAD, FACMS

DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED

DERMATOLOGIST & MOHS SURGEON

FELLOWSHIP TRAINED MOHS

& RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

Specializing in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of Skin Cancer, as well as Cosmetic and General Dermatology

TRAINING

Harvard Medical School

NYU Department of Dermatology

Georgetown University

EDUCATION

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Brown University

PROFESSORSHIPS

SUPERFICIAL RADIATION THERAPY (SRT)

Trust your care to the experienced radiation experts on staff, having treated hundreds of patients. A proven, non-surgical method of treating some non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma PAINLESSLY.

Assistant Clinical Professor

Columbia Medical School

FELLOWSHIPS

Fellow of American College of Mohs Surgery

Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology

Fellow of Florida Society of Dermatology, Dermatological Surgery

Expert in Melanoma and Skin Cancer, with over 20 years of experience and has completed over 30,000 Mohs, dermatologic and laser surgeries

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Monika Srivastava MD, FAAD, FACMS

LIVING WELL

Dehydration occurs when water lost through the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys exceeds what is being replaced. “Even when not exercising, losing just 2 percent of your body weight through fluid loss can contribute to confusion, fatigue, loss of strength, reduced coordination, and decreased cognitive function,” Kitchell points out. “When someone experiences dehydration greater than 3 percent of their body weight, it can further disrupt physiological function.”

SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION

Headache

Fatigue

Confusion

Dizziness

Muscle cramps

Dark-colored urine

Infrequent urination

Rapid heart rate or breathing

Left unchecked, dehydration can lead to heatstroke—a life-threatening condition in which the body’s inability to perspire causes its core temperature to rise to dangerous levels. According to Kitchell, heatstroke can cause serious complications such as kidney damage, low blood pressure, confusion, and cellular death, ultimately leading to one’s demise.

While dehydration can affect anyone at any age,

certain groups are especially vulnerable. Infants and children lose a greater proportion of their fluids when they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. They are also dependent upon others for food and drink. Women who are breastfeeding, people who exercise or work outside, those on lowsodium diets, and those with certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or kidney disease, also lose additional fluids and electrolytes, which

need to be replenished.

A recent NIH-funded study examining the long-term effects of dehydration among middle-aged people found that they were at greater risk for developing heart failure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and dementia, which in turn made them more likely to age faster and die younger. Dehydration is a leading cause of hospitalization, especially among older adults. More than a third of men and women aged 65 and over who are admitted to emergency rooms show signs of dehydration, which tends to worsen their outcomes.

There are multiple reasons that people over 65 are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Not only does our thirst sensation decrease as we age, but our bodies also have less water than when we were younger. Aging kidneys lose some of their ability to conserve water. Muscle mass—a known water-storage center—

declines. Health issues and medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and laxatives, can also increase fluid loss.

Water accounts for more than half of the human body. It is a basic component of our blood, sweat, joint fluids, and saliva; and it’s essential for regulating body temperature, protecting our spinal cord, and eliminating waste products. That’s why it’s important to replace the water we lose every day (even by simply exhaling!).

“Many patients tell me they avoid drinking water toward the end of the day because they don’t want to make too many trips to the bathroom during the night,” comments Kitchell. “I advise them to hydrate as much as possible during the day so they can taper off at night.”

All this discussion begs the question: how much water should we be drinking every day? While individual fluid needs are influenced by several factors, including

Illness can bring on dehydration, so replacing those lost fluids with water and electrolytes is important.

• Try to drink half your body weight in ounces every day.

(For example, a 150-pound person should consume 75 ounces of water.) Drink more if you are physically active, sick, or outside in hot weather.

• Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, and celery.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine.

• Bring a water bottle with you and drink throughout the day.

• Drink water before, during, and after exercise, adding electrolytes as directed.

• Seek medical help if you experience confusion, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat or breathing, or inability to urinate.

overall health, medications, and ambient air temperature, physicians suggest that the average person should try to drink the equivalent of half his or her body weight in ounces every day. And, in case you’re wondering, that morning cup of co ee and afternoon martini don’t count; alcohol and ca eine are diuretics and only make you lose more uid.

“If you are playing sports or doing strenuous outdoor activity when the ambient air temperature is 80 degrees or more, you need to be extra hydrated,” says Kitchell, who has studied the relationship between hydration and performance in high school and college athletes. “For athletes,

there are simple equations that can be made and met. Serious athletes should consume 16 to 20 ounces of water two hours before an event and an additional 10 to 20 ounces of water 20 minutes before an event. During the event, they should consume 4 ounces of hydration uid every 15 minutes, and post workout, they need at least 24 ounces of uid per pound of weight lost through water.”

Experts agree that water alone is not the best choice for hydration. We also need to replace electrolytes lost through sweating. “I highly encourage electrolyte supplementation, especially during athletic events,” says Kitchell.

“Glucose, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for cell function and proper hydration. ere are plenty of over-the-counter hydration solutions in powder form that can be added to water to improve hydration status.”

What about pickle juice, which many health-conscious people advocate as an antidote to dehydration? “Pickle juice is loaded with sodium,” observes Kitchell. “ ere are better alternatives on the market.”

Carmen Rodriguez, who teaches HIIT and spin classes several days a week at Vero Fitness, in addition to doing heavy strength training and cardio

on her own, drinks a 40-ounce bottle of water, infused with electrolyte tablets, before, during, and after her workouts.

“If I don’t drink that amount, I

“If I don’t drink that amount, I can de nitely feel that I’m not properly hydrated,” she says.

Rodriguez goes on to point out that thirst is not an adequate indicator of uid needs. “By the time you are thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” she explains. Staying properly hydrated requires staying ahead of your thirst.

Making hydration a part of our daily routine is a simple yet crucial element of a healthy lifestyle.

Carmen Rodriguez, a Vero Fitness instructor, makes hydration part of her daily health routine.

A Maine Midwife

A WORK OF HISTORICAL FICTION BRINGS ATTENTION TO A FASCINATING REAL-LIFE FIGURE

BY ELIZABETH LEONARD OF THE VERO BEACH BOOK CENTER

THE FROZEN RIVER

by Ariel Lawhon STAFF

Inspired by the life and diaries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, this novel casts light on the lives, responsibilities, and stations of women in colonial America.

As a midwife, Martha is privy to the most personal details of the private lives of the citizens of Hallowell, Maine. Despite the shame of having a baby out of wedlock, it is a common occurrence in this postrevolutionary small town, and Martha treats every one of her patients with the kindness and dignity that society will deprive them of.

After one of these deliveries, Martha is notified that the body of a dead man has been found trapped under the ice of the Kennebunk River. Arriving at the local tavern, where the body was taken, she makes the astonishing discovery that the man has been murdered. When the Harvard-educated male doctor arrives and dismisses Martha’s observations, she takes it upon herself to do some investigating on her own.

Martha has an advantage: she can read and write, a rare ability for women in that time. As the town midwife, she is also the local medical professional and keeps detailed logs of all the births, deaths, and medical observations of every man, woman, and child she has aided over the years. These journal entries also include details about Martha’s own life and those around her, giving rich descriptions and insight into colonial life. One entry in particular will aid Martha in exposing the secrets and sins of the residents of Hallowell and bring justice to the vulnerable and unheard.

PICKS

VISUAL THINKING

by Temple Grandin

Are you a visual thinker? This author delves into the difference between verbal and visual thinkers, and how we can all collaborate to enhance collective innovation.

FLY A LITTLE HIGHER

by Laura Sobiech

This mother’s memoir recounts her son Zach’s four-year battle with osteosarcoma, the family’s touching journey, and the wider impact of Zach’s inspiring story after his song “Clouds” reached millions of people.

EXPERT NEUROLOGICAL CARE IN VERO BEACH

The neuroscience team at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital provides comprehensive care. From stroke recovery to brain tumor surgery and spine care, our experts are here for you.

Advanced neurological care is in your community.

Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment. ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Neuro

We love to shower attention on our dogs, but knowing how to control a potentially jealous pooch is also important.

Pet Peeve

SCIENCE OFFERS PROOF FOR WHAT DOG OWNERS ALREADY KNOW

BY AMY ROBINSON

The green-eyed monster is alive and well in this matched set of golden retrievers. The two dogs have lived together for the last five years and are great friends, right up until one dog suspects the other is receiving a millisecond more of loving attention. If I sit and pet them both, there is moderate pushing and body blocking, but if I place

one hand in my lap and just pet Sunny, the other dog, Lady, pokes my hand while adeptly hip checking Sunny to one side. Removing both hands turns the two into hockey players taking shots on goal, vigorously angling for position while trying to keep the other away.

It is only within the last decade or so that science has considered the more complex

emotions, like jealousy, to be within the purview of any animal other than humans. Dog owners could have cleared that up years ago. Charles Darwin opined on the subject, writing that “everyone has seen how jealous a dog is of his master’s affection, if lavished on any other creature.”

There are three hallmarks of jealous behavior: it is directed

at a social interloper, such as someone irting overtly with a spouse at a cocktail party; the jealous behavior is a direct result of that social interaction; and the social interaction causing the jealous emotions can be imagined even when the rival is unseen. Imagine the irting interloper steering the spouse around a corner, out of sight from the rest of the party.

In a 2021 study from the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, researchers sought to determine whether dogs would react to jealousy-inducing situations in a similar way to that of humans, based on a study of 6-month-old infants who showed negative reactions to their mothers interacting with a realistic baby doll.

A large range of reactions was expected from the dogs in the study, including physically interrupting the interaction between the subject dog’s owner and a rival dog, seeking attention from the owner insistently, and even snapping or growling at the rival

dog. What researchers really wanted to see was that third indicator of jealousy: the ability to imagine the interaction and react to that.

Eighteen dogs and their owners were recruited. Realistic plush dogs were obtained for use as rival dogs, and a plain, eece cylinder was also employed. e subject dogs were held on leash a distance away as they watched their owners petting and talking to the fake dogs. Pulling on the leash toward the owner and the rival was gauged.

As anticipated, the subject dogs were highly o ended, but the real test came when a barrier was erected so the subject dog could not see the interaction. Researchers saw the subject dogs pulling nearly just as hard to try to approach the unseen interaction. Some even vocalized more loudly than when they could actually see the fake dog receiving attention from their owners. When owners petted and talked to the plain eece cylinder, the subject dogs were only

COLOR MY WORLD COLLECTION!

This “Blue ice” aquamarine exhibits the finest color. The beautiful Crevoshay creation was honored with the JCK Jewelers’ Choice Award for best ring design in 2013. Impeccable provenance.

Ask Amy

amy@verobeachmagazine.com

My dog, Charlie, really likes his food, to the point that his whole face gets bits of food on it, including his whiskers. He always lifts his head out of his bowl with a big smile. I want to wipe his face, but I know whiskers can be sensitive. How should I clean them? Or should I just leave them alone?

– Angie in Vero Beach

Whiskers are thicker hairs that are more deeply rooted in their follicles than hair on the dog’s coat. These follicles are connected to sensitive nerves, so it is smart to treat them with care. To clean up after your enthusiastic eater, use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. Hold it out to Charlie and cup under his chin with it, and then wipe gently in one stroke back toward his ears. This keeps the whiskers from bending the wrong way or being irritated by back-and-forth rubbing. You might try a bowl with lower sides or even a plate, so he isn’t deep into it up to his eyebrows. Pull out a large place mat for spillover. As long as the food keeps coming, he won’t mind a little change in the place setting.

I finally got my kids what they have been begging for: a puppy. Mac is a sweet, friendly bully mix with a fairly mellow attitude. He sleeps a lot, which I think is normal for being just 10 weeks old, and when he wakes up, he does so slowly. The problem is, my kids descend on him the second he wakes up and sometimes even before. They want him to play with toys and chase them around, but Mac seems like he needs a coffee first. How do I convince the kids to let him be?

– Frank in Sebastian

Explain to your children how important sleep is for a young pup. Just like a human baby, he is growing fast and sometimes it actually hurts. Growing pains are the result of fast bone and joint development, and he is working hard to carry the weight his body is acquiring. If his sleep is interrupted, he can become sore and cranky, just like an overtired child. Mac may even try to avoid your kids if he gets overwhelmed. Suggest some quiet interaction such as reading to the dog. The children can take turns passing a book and reading a page or two at a time. Or have them do their homework next to the dog’s crate. Enlist their help to make a schedule for the puppy, indicating approximate times for breakfast, walks, playtime, and, most important, sleep.

It is with great pride that the members of Rossway Swan commemorate 25 years of providing comprehensive and high-quality legal services, on time and in a cost-effective manner. We reflect on this milestone with great pride and appreciation for our past successes and we look forward to our future endeavors. The core values, upon which Rossway Swan was founded, remain the same with each member of the Firm continuing to uphold the top professional, ethical and technical standards in the practice of law.

mildly interested.

At home, the green-eyed monster in your dog can be directed not just toward another dog but also toward a spouse. Many couples report that if they share a smooch, their dog will vocalize, jump up on them, or even nip at clothing. In these cases, the dog is trying to assert himself into the embrace, but more than that, he resents the intimacy that excludes him, even briefly. It may be that the dog thinks any amount of time not catering to his every need is time wasted. From the dog’s point of view, merely glancing down at him is a win, since he successfully regained attention.

Dogs that show jealous behavior on a daily basis are not relaxed, confident dogs. Providing needed leadership can turn a bossy dog into an easy keeper. A command like “Stay” helps the dog understand that every situation does not call for his participation. “Back up” is even better; stepping into your dog requires

him to move back to get what he wants. Praise happens only when he shifts into reverse, not when he climbs you as if you’re a tree. Reclaiming your personal space can lead to a more respectful dog.

When two dogs vie for your attention, their behavior will ramp up until they act like crazed tweens at a Taylor Swift concert trying to elbow their way to the stage. Give the dogs a task to perform that rewards their patience and gives you a little breathing room.

Try sitting on the sofa with treats in each pocket. As the dogs approach, hold a treat in each hand and then close your hands into fists. Now extend your arms out away from your body. Ask each dog to sit, then tell one dog to stay as you treat the other, and then switch the order. Because your arms are extended, the dogs will stay back at least the length of your arms in order to get their rewards. If your dogs are allowed on the sofa with you, consider making

Reclaiming your personal space can lead to a more respectful dog.

your lap a neutral zone, accessible to none. This does not mean you can’t pet your dogs, just that you can do so when you wish.

Humans have been both the cause and effect of canine domestication. The transformation of the dog from a wolf prototype getting a few scraps to the indulged pups snoring into our couch cushions is so dramatic that we need to ask how much of this jealous behavior stems from the way we treat our dogs now. They receive nearly unending attention from us as they share every aspect of our lives; but could jealousy really be territorialism, stemming from their ancestors’ primal need to defend the source of their food and shelter against an interloper? This would seem more plausible when

looking at the example of the wolf prototype; it is hard to imagine him welcoming another wolf into the fold to share the scraps, but today’s pampered pet dogs are not worried about where their next meal is coming from.

Two of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of the adjective “jealous” are “intolerant of rivalry” and “disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness.” According to the University of Auckland study findings, the difference between territorialism and jealousy is that dogs can actually imagine a rival getting attention from the owner when it is taking place behind a visual barrier. Think of the overly thorough sniffing you must submit to when arriving home after petting a friend’s dog. If dogs react to simply imagining a potential rival, what else can they imagine about the world around them?

Dogs can be jealous not only of other dogs, but humans too.

Wor from the Heart

LOCAL TEEN WRITERS HELP US CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

BY KELLY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC STRIFFLER

For many of us, it started with that grainy black-and-white image from an ultrasound, when our hearts burst with more love than we could ever imagine at the thought of growing our families.

When that first little chubbyfaced smile appears and lights

up your life, and later the painted handprints arrive home from preschool with “I LOVE YOU” written in big block letters honoring you for Mother’s Day, these small milestones—huge to us moms—represent our children’s expressions of their love for us.

But when those kids grow up and learn to express themselves to us with their own words, the pride and love they give us is priceless.

This year we partnered with Sara Wilson and the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation in honoring mothers, asking teen

participants in LRJF writing programs to pen letters to Mom. Some will make you tear up and some will make you laugh, but all of the heartfelt sentiments behind these beautifully written letters are sure to move you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear Mom,

Do you remember the rst time you sang to me of a rose, sweet but hard to nd? A ballad of a lonely winter I would never know while snuggled up in your arms. e warmth of your love, akin to the ocean on a summer’s day, has guided my drifting through childhood. You held my hand, teaching me the secrets of the water, both close and far away, so that any puddle would seem familiar and remind me of home. When you showed me the lake that had been your sanctuary amongst swaths of rolling hills, I too, found peace in its emerald-green waters. With each swim, I grew closer to you, reliving your childhood memories stroke by stroke. And when I would leave the lake and venture into Camp, my feet would walk the same dusty paths up Camp re Hill, my mouth would sing the same songs, learning word by word of the sweet roses, golden da odils, and blossoms still clinging to their vine. Melodies melted on my tongue, sweet as the fresh mulberries growing just behind my cabin.

growing

I savored the joy of the years spent amidst the happy nostalgia of your past, growing to know you from thousands of miles away. And still, I grow, through “wisdom, stature, God, and man,” the cornerstones of life at Camp, through laughter, song, and days spent in the glimmering lake. On Friday night, when all of Camp is asked to re ect through the golden ickers of candlelight, I always picture you. ank you for teaching me about all the love you have to give. And thank you for teaching me how to give love to you.

through “wisdom, stature, God, and man,” the cor-

Love, Sophia

Sophia Cetrulo, 10th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with mom Brenda Cetrulo

A Recipe f My Immigrant Mother

In the mess of my kitchen, guarded by endless piles of unopened envelopes and the occasional sandwich bag, lies my family’s greatest possession: my mother’s recipe book. e book itself is a hefty, unattractive thing, stu ed to the brim with odd bits of paper and yellowed pages jutting out in weird angles. My sister and I had saved up both our birthday and Christmas money to buy the old thing, back when we were much smaller and forcibly unemployed (we were 12). e book hadn’t meant much to us, who had bought it at the click of a button, but my mother had loved it. She covered every inch of paper with recipes that we would inevitably hand down to our own children, just as she handed this dusty, wooden book to us. With it, she passed down her banana bread, a recipe she perfected through trial and many errors (resulting in several inedible loaves living in our fridge for a while, hard as rock). ere was a recipe for ube cake and fresh lumpia, an homage to our Filipino heritage. But hidden amongst the pages, in between the lines of ingredients and instructions, was a recipe to make my mother. It read:

One woven palm for the church she frequented, taped to the dashboard of her car

A sprinkle of nostalgia in the kitchen, bay leaves and cheap butter simmering on the stove

e whole container of sarcasm (and maybe extra)

ree rushed kisses out the door on her way to work

One sacri ce, four plane tickets

And the love only a mother could give.

By Rachel

Rachel Estillore, 12th grader at Vero Beach High School, with mom Simone e Sambrio

Mothers Are Like Seasons

Mothers are like seasons, Warm, bright, sweet, like spring, A bright, blooming tulip in a eld of green, A careful touch, of a mother’s sweet love,

Blissful days, lying in the sun, A warm feeling, familiar feeling, at of a mother’s touch, Which could heal such sorrow and bring much fun,

Like summer, they are full of gleeful joy, Like a day at the pool, splashing and dashing, To ful ll summer’s days, with much joyful play A mother makes sure you’re happy, every day,

When playing outside, feels di erent than spring, You go inside, enjoy cool, crisp air, From sweat and heat to brisk days of play Mothers take that pain away,

A lovely walk through red-orange trees, Hearing the crunch of dead fallen leaves, A cold autumn breeze, blowing right by your face, Mothers warm you with a soft embrace,

Not wanting to rake the leaves in the yard, Pouting and crying, like when you were four, Doing your chores with a sorrowsome face, Discipline, an important trait,

Icy, bitter, days full of snow, Making snowman, the feeling that grows, As each tiny snow ake starts to fall, Winter is cold, but fun for all,

Her caring ways, Her loving smile, Mothers are like seasons, they can change, But her love for you stays for a while.

By Mia

Mia Perez, 8th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with mom May Sauri

Dear Mom,

You have always taught me to stay true to myself. Since I was little you would warn me not to change for others, because you will always nd your people, the people who love you for who you are. You are the most con dent woman I know, and your con dence has rubbed o on me, teaching me to stay true to myself. It was not only your con dence that allowed me to feel comfortable in my own skin but the environment you created around me. Recently, I have realized that it is not only our home that provides this safe feeling, but it is you. Every time I am near you I immediately feel calmer and accepted, and I hope to one day gain the same quality.

All of my favorite memories of us revolve around the television. In our most recent TV venture, Gilmore Girls, the main characters, Lorelai and Rory, are mother and daughter. Unlike most mothers and daughters, their relationship lies more on the side of sisters or best friends. ey can tell each other anything without judgment, and they always know they can depend on one another. We are Lorelai and Rory. You are the person I know I can go to with any problem, the person I can tell the same story to a hundred times and trust that you will never get bored, and the person who I am fortunate enough to call my mother.

Sincerely, Addison

Along with our obsession with Gilmore Girls, I have always admired your willingness for adventure. For small adventures such as Target runs or bigger ones such as skiing down a double black diamond to nd your daughter’s ski poles, you are always the rst to say “yes.” is quality, along with many lessons you have taught me over the years, is something I hope to bring with me through my life and hopefully teach my own children one day. You are the most amazing person, and I hope your Mother’s Day is as incredible as you. I love you so much!

Addison Logemann, 11th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with mom Sarah Logemann

Mom,

You stand out in my life as a role model—someone who teaches me a work ethic, someone who always demonstrates compassion, and someone who makes my life and many others’ better every day. Personally, I think that your best and most admirable quality is your sel essness. When you are at your worst, your rst concern is making sure that your family is at their best. Whether it is vacations in the Bahamas over the summer or Christmases in Vero Beach, every special event and holiday is always planned awlessly. at is all for the enjoyment of our family. e sacri ces that you and Dad make on a daily basis stand as motivation for me. Your emphasis on putting school rst has helped me become more successful in the classroom. It is really special to say that you are the person to whom I give both my best and worst news. Whatever the outcome of life is, you are always there to support me. At the end of Toy Story 3, Andy says this about Woody: “ e thing that makes Woody special is that he’ll never give up on you.” In my life, you have played the Woody gure. rough the best and the worst, you are my go-to person and you have not let me down. I know that you think of college in just a short year and a half and get tearyeyed, but trust me, you should enjoy the break. Your work as a mother has surpassed any and all expectations.

Love, Dylan

Dylan Orzechowski, 11th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with mom Vanessa Orzechowski

Dear Cami, Love, your bonus daughter, Charlie

Even though you are not my biological mother, you have always treated me as you would your biological children. I appreciate how you have raised me for over half my life, and I loved to watch you grow as a mother when you had Milly and Maverick. ank you for not giving me any advantages in lacrosse as your daughter during practices or games but pushing me to work hard outside of practice. Getting to experience having you as a coach who is not afraid to point out what needs work and how I can x that and as a mother who cheers me on and is there to listen to my post-practice rants is one of the things I love most. My favorite part of the day is the car ride home with you, listening to music and venting about my day. I’m so grateful that you listen to me, know when I’m not feeling great, and understand how to handle me in those situations. You do an excellent job of helping me de-stress by teaching me how to organize and balance my commitments, such as school and sports. Showing me how to make tough decisions is another skill we are still working on due to my indecisiveness, but you are incredibly patient with me, and we are getting there. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me in the past. And no matter what it looks like, I am excited to see what happens in our future.

Charlie Cappelen, 8th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with stepmom Cami Cappelen

Hey Mom

Hey mom, are you proud?

Proud of who I am or the person I’m becoming?

You say you are and I long to visualize

I see it in your smile lines and your clover green eyes ey sparkle with compassion even when I look my worst

You tell me that I am beautiful and that I make your world go round e street seems to always go both ways

I see a mirror when we converse

And a re when you wrap me with your arms like a wool blanket

Petri ed to see me go

I am nearing the age of you when you left home

I never let you know but it scares us both Me starting a life and you watching me in place

I will always long for your ery red hair

You tell me you’re afraid of me growing tall and branching away

But how could I ever when I love you so?

Mom, are you proud?

Are you proud even when I am ashamed?

When I know I've done wrong?

I see you grab a shovel to help me

Help me dig out of the holes I’ve created.

You have taught me to reach for the stars

To never settle for less than the moon

I touch the clouds, our ngers intertwined

I ask you fruitless questions and you answer softly

For the lessons I’ve learned have all been from you

By Savannah

Savannah Ray Brown, 11th grader at Saint Edward’s School, with mom Frances Brown

It takes me several passes to find the place. Once I locate the red barn mailbox and turn in, I get a nice surprise. Ye Ole Davis Farm is a real working farm, and it is USDAcerti ed organic, the result of a process that is lengthy and costly, but well worth it to those who value health and purity. ere is a party going on here this December day. Families sit at picnic tables and shop the vendors’ tents. Children climb on the mechanical bull, and farm owner Brian Davis serves hand-cranked homemade ice cream. The farm’s own Chef Jack Devine shows o his cooking skills, whipping up delicious crab cakes with remoulade sauce, fresh salsa, and a garnish of microgreens.

At just 5 acres, Ye Ole Davis Farm maximizes the land by planting the appropriate crops for each season. Farm manager Aubrey Temple shows me around. “We start planting for winter in October,” she says. “We’ll grow ve di erent lettuces, bell peppers, jalapeños, goddess peppers, serrano peppers, shishitos, and Nassau peppers, just to name a few. Two types of kale, curly and lacinato ( at-leaf kale), and I can’t even tell you the number of tomato varieties that we grow.”

I pick a richly red cherry tomato and pop it into my mouth. e avor

is like a delicious bomb going off. “Sungold tomatoes are our most popular; you can’t get them in stores,” adds Temple. “They don’t ship well for retail, but for farm to table, Sungolds are amazing. They taste like candy.”

Farm visitors can pick their own produce or take advantage of freshly packaged offerings in the on-site market. Little is wasted due to the chef’s penchant for

“Every day is a learning curve.”

— AUBREY TEMPLE

making sauces, jams, salsas, and canned items. “Our chef makes meals for breakfast and lunch and premade meals for purchase,” says Temple. “Anything left over that he can pickle and he has time for, he will pickle it,” she laughs. “Chef Devine has a broad background from small kitchens to five-star restaurants in South Florida. This is a good space for him to be really creative and have a free rein to pursue his visions as a chef.”

Growing healthful organics is not the farm’s only focus. This is a gathering place for families and in-the-know locals. The place has an old-timey atmosphere that invites nostalgic memories of drives in the country to

visit farm stands and pick fruit, but it is right here in Sebastian, across from Sebastian River High School. Every Wednesday through Saturday, Devine offers a variety of healthful fare until 2 in the afternoon. Picnic tables under the pavilion or a seat in the café, with its tin-lined walls, are both good hangout spots to eat without feeling pressured to give up your table for arriving patrons. There is plenty of room and plenty of time.

To become certified organic, farms must adopt the national organic standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This process starts with the land, before any planting begins. Soil must be free of contaminants that

The 5-acre organic farm is tucked away along County Road 510 between a strip mall, a grocery store, and a subdivision.

In addition to growing dozens of varieties of organic fruits and vegetables, the farm has a café that serves healthy breakfast and lunch options.

may remain from a prior land usage. The soil must not have had any synthetic materials applied to it for three years, and it must be fertilized only by organically sourced products. This step is just the beginning of a meticulous, time-consuming process that includes record-keeping procedures that most accountants would envy.

“We have to track all our plants from seed to harvest to point of sale,” says Temple. “Any amendments we put in the ground, our compost, and the potting soils we use have to be on the USDA-approved list for organic.” Even the flats that hold the seedlings must be approved for organic farms. The origin and number of seeds purchased and used are tracked, along with the number of plants resulting from those seeds and the amount of each product that was ultimately sold. “So,” Temple explains, “we can’t say we planted 10

Below: Employee Nancy Wallace, Knoxx, and mom/farm manager Aubrey Temple inspect some of the 47 varieties of plantings at the farm.

Grow organic at Home

The right soil, sun, and food for your organic vegetables will have you enjoying farm-to-table fare in just a few weeks.

Location, location, location: place your garden where plants will get six hours of sun per day, preferably before midafternoon. Lettuces, kale, and herbs can make do with about three hours and grow very quickly in our climate.

Contain it: raised beds can be purchased online, or do it yourself with plastic kiddie pools. Just drill some holes in the bottom and fill with organic soil before planting.

Protect your plants: screen enclosures keep hungry critters away from tomato and other fruityielding plants.

Start small: pots on wheels are a good option if space is limited, and they can be moved to ideal areas.

Food for thought: instead of standard liquid or granular fertilizers, look to worm castings, kelp meal, or fish emulsion to give your plants what they need to thrive.

bell pepper plants and sold 500 pounds of peppers; that doesn’t add up.”

Once all the standards have been met, the farm selects a USDA-accredited certifying agent and pays the fees to be inspected. The completed application for USDA organic certification is submitted along with additional fees. Recertification happens every year, so costs of soil testing and inspections are ongoing. For small farms like Ye Ole Davis, buying everything from the USDA organic–approved list adds to price pressure.

Even with higher production costs

Grass-fed Fort McCoy beef slices are topped with chives from the farm. Nearly everything served includes something grown at the farm or is otherwise sourced locally.

“Davis Farm is special. It has a very homey feel.”

— CHEF JOE FARIA

reaching the consumer at the register, the demand is robust. Nutrition Business Journal published a report in 2022 showing that sales of organic food products in the United States had doubled since 2010, reaching $52 billion in 2021. Fresh fruits and vegetables hold the biggest organic market share across a wide demographic of consumers.

At Quail Valley, Chef Joe Faria seeks to buy organic locally for the club’s three locations serving all four on-site restaurants. “Diners are interested in eating organic; they are asking for it,” he says. “Everyone wants to eat healthy and watch their chemical intake. We’ll take whatever we can get our hands on from the organic farmers here and incorporate that into our menus.”

Faria appreciates the variety that comes

from Ye Ole Davis Farm. “Davis Farm is special. It has a very homey feel, where the farmers are also the salespeople. We featured them at our market, and they brought beautiful lettuces, root vegetables, and tomatoes. Our members were impressed.”

Growing food from seed seems far removed from the end product found in stores. Farmers want us to remember where it all came from. Aubrey Temple likes to show the elementary school students bused in on field trips that the food on their plates has an origin story. “We get them planting and give them a tour,” she says. “I like showing them that their food doesn’t just come from a bag.”

Temple’s long-term goal is to grow enough to wholesale the farm’s crops. “We are trying to get a better variety of crops all through the summer as well,” she says. “We are only in our third year here. Every day is a learning curve, and we try to better ourselves and our products as we go.”

One thing that won’t change is the relaxed atmosphere. “Our vision is to make this a peaceful, happy, healthy place offering good food, good produce, good coffee, and good vibes.”

Mianna Baker and Romaine Frey greet café visitors at the farm. Healthy options are available in the café as well as the market, where breads, sauces, fruits and vegetables, and meat are offered for purchase.

Working WONDERS

GYAC’S JAY LUNDY SR. IS HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE

PREPARE FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS

BY ANN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN MARTINE

For as long as she can remember, Lenore Carter has wanted to be a doctor. Wanting is one thing, but how was she to know if it was the profession she should pursue?

Thanks to the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s Youth Employability Program (YEP), the Vero Beach High School junior has spent the last two summers working at local health care clinics. Her experiences have shown her that the medical field is indeed where she belongs.

“I’ve always loved helping people, and thanks to the program I’ve had the opportunity to work behind the scenes, observe procedures, and ask a lot of questions. I’ve learned so much and I’m looking forward to learning even more this summer,” Lenore enthuses.

Landen Chaney, who has been working on projects and programs at Piper Aircraft, feels the same way. “When I was young and flew on a plane for the first time, I was fascinated with the idea of knowing how to fly,” says the Indian River Charter High School sophomore. “This past summer I spent about six hours a day during the week at Piper, where I improved my problem-solving skills and got better at talking with people.

My confidence increased. I even got paid!”

That’s music to the ears of Jay Lundy Sr., the director of the program, which GYAC’s board of directors developed as part of the nonprofit’s 2021 strategic plan.

Lundy structured the program to equip students for the real world of work through job training, matching their skill sets to local businesses, allowing them to gain exposure and experience in their fields of choice. YEP not only prepares young people for the workforce, it gives them a leg up when it comes to developing and navigating a successful career path.

“We want to teach these students the value of work, along with the expectations—things like showing up on time and the importance of teamwork and problem solving,” says Lundy, whose 30-year career as an employment counselor for services such as Job Corps and One-Stop Career Centers, makes him the perfect person to head up YEP. “When you engage students at an early age who have been coming to GYAC and getting the guidance we offer, they have all the tools in their tool box to succeed.”

He didn’t plan it; he just happened to be at the right place at the right time. The place was Walmart, it

Jay Lundy Sr. is the leader of the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s Youth Employability Program.

“I think every business would benefit from being involved.”

— KEVIN GIVEN

was August 2021, and GYAC executive director Angelia Perry had just turned down the aisle where Lundy was pondering a purchase.

“Angelia told me about GYAC’s strategic plan and the Youth Employability Program, then asked if I would be interested in being involved. Well, it was right up my alley, so I drafted a

plan based on what the board wanted and my experience,” says Lundy, smiling as he recalls the board’s enthusiastic support.

Having been given the green light, Lundy wasted no time. In the weeks that followed, he contacted local schools and employers, and a list of interested participants grew.

The following April, GYAC received a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 to fund the program for two years. Included were salaries and wages for students (yes, they do get paid) and, partially, for the director; youth-level OSHA training and certification; transportation to and from work; and, if needed, appropriate business attire.

YEP was on its way; it had structure

and funding, and business partnerships had been formed.

Masteller, Moler & Taylor, a professional surveying and mapping firm, was one of the first to sign up, and president David Taylor, who also serves on GYAC’s board of directors, can’t say enough about Lundy and the progress the program has made in just two years.

“Jay has been a godsend,” Taylor says. “He’s definitely made the program jell and expanded it like crazy. Last year he had about 20 kids involved; this year he’s got like 40 or more.”

“We’ve had a young man, Justin Woulard, with us for the last two years, and we put him right to work out in the field testing water lines,” Taylor

Above: Richard Butler leads the discussion in the engineering program; left: Lenore with Dr. Elizabeth Kolawole; Alexa with Quail Valley chef Joe Faria.

Steve Moler of Masteller, Moler & Taylor has worked with Justin Woulard at the surveying and mapping firm for the last two years.

A chance meeting in 2021 between Jay Lundy and GYAC executive director Angelia Perry was the start of Lundy’s involvement with the Youth Employability Program.

reports. “It’s not shadowing. It’s real work. Justin is very bright, very productive, and we’re hoping to get him back again this summer. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re helping kids by giving them a chance to check things out.”

Quail Valley managing partner Kevin Given couldn’t agree more. “We’ve been very blessed,” he says. “Our club is now 23 years old, and some of my team leaders have been with me for years. They’ve really embraced the program.

“When Jay approached me about getting involved, I said, ‘Look, we’ll pay these kids, treat it like a paid internship.’ Some of them have never been

over on the island. It gives us a chance to impact young people we would never have come into contact with.”

“Two of the first three students are still with us,” Given adds. “There’s a student who works at our golf facility. It’s an area he probably never thought he’d be in, and he’s been phenomenal. I think every business would benefit from being involved.”

Attorney Jacqueline Grady, founder of Grady Legal, feels the same way: “High school students don’t always have an opportunity to work in the profession they aspire to, and this program helps make it possible. We had the same high school student two years in a row. The first year she was very shy, very quiet; the second year she was more confident, asked a lot of questions, and learned what makes a law firm run. We do things like Zoom Court—it’s not at all like what you see on TV. There’s a lot of maintenance that’s involved; what we do takes a lot of work.”

And that’s the point. There is a multitude of day-to-day details that need to be taken care of in order for a business to succeed, and tending to them takes knowledgeable and committed employees. No one knows that better than Lundy.

The VBHS alumnus, who served in

A lively after-school engineering class that is part of YEP is led by Richard Butler, the facilitator of the program. Right: Perry and Lundy sit in on the discussion created for teens interested in pursuing engineering as a career.

the U.S. Army and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and communications from the University of North Florida, tried his hand writing for publications before entering the employment assistance field. After retiring, he returned to his hometown—the town where his father, J. Ralph Lundy, had made it his mission to improve the Gifford community.

The senior Lundy started shortly after arriving in 1961 by helping found the Gifford Progressive Civic League and serving as its president until the early ’90s. Through his and other civicminded residents’ advocacy efforts, much-needed infrastructure, such as paved streets, lights, and clean-water improvements were made.

“My father was instrumental in Gifford youngsters having little league baseball teams and other forms of recreation,” Lundy says, “but the biggest thing most folks remember my

father for was starting Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen. He believed in doing for people, helping others whenever he could. He touched the community.” A note of quiet pride is discernible as Lundy speaks of his father.

“As a youth, I didn’t fully understand the impact my father’s achievements had on the civic level,” he continues.

“It wasn’t until I got older that I did. One thing I admire about my father and a lot of the other leaders who were around during the ’60s and early ’70s is that they did it independently, without pay. They would just roll up their sleeves and do what needed to be done because there was a need.”

In a way, Lundy is doing the same thing. He didn’t have to say yes to Perry that day in Walmart, he didn’t have to structure a youth employability plan, and he doesn’t have to spend his days teaching, guiding, and

encouraging young people to be the best they can be. But he does.

When asked what makes him happy at the end of a busy day, Lundy doesn’t hesitate: “Witnessing the success of another human being. I love to see individuals overcome barriers; that’s my passion, and I want to do whatever I can to make that happen.”

Top: VBHS junior Lenore Carter has dreams of becoming a doctor; above: J. Ralph Lundy was a pillar in the community, championing civic causes in Gifford throughout his lifetime.

Ripple Effect

COOPERATING WITH NATURE GETS THE JOB DONE AND THEN SOME

BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM WOLFE

The Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci loved to observe “the beautiful spectacles of rippling water,” which he believed had an infinite variety of motions. This fascination led him to design a variety of hydroengineering projects; though most of them never came to fruition, the idea that flowing water could be put to a vast array of purposes intrigued the enigmatic genius throughout his life.

Here in Vero Beach, the principles of flowing water are used to benefit the local environment and beautify the landscape—all through the imitation of nature. It is a combination that might have fascinated Leonardo. And it can be observed at the West Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Wetlands. A catchy name? Probably not. An ingenious design and a lovely place to explore? Yes, indeed.

A flock of blue-winged teal, a small, migratory duck species, fly across the wetlands while a little blue heron, below right, forages for its next meal.

This man-made wetland site was designed in 1993 when the county acquired the property, which had previously been a sod farm. “It was designed to be a final polishing for the wastewater,” explains Richard Meckes, operations manager for the Indian River County Department of Utility Services. Every day, 6 million gallons of water move through the 169 acres of land next to the wastewater treatment facility, where the water has already undergone initial processing.

In the wetlands, the water is funneled through a series of drainage areas in which the vegetation absorbs certain nutrients that are good for marsh plants but would be harmful to the lagoon if discharged

into the canals. Although this specific marsh is designed by humans, its purification of water is a natural process. “That’s what wetlands do,” Meckes says. “This is designed around nature.”

Further scientific detail is provided by Sean Lieske, director of the county’s Department of Utility Services. “The water runs through the wetlands’ plants, like cattails, which need nitrogen and phosphorous. So the plants uptake that, and it enables them to grow and proliferate. The water percolates through and comes out cleaner.”

As a result, Meckes explains, “the water discharged into the canal is better quality than the water already in the canal.” He sums up both the

method and the philosophy: “It’s a man-made wetland that does what natural wetlands do.”

By enhancing the water quality of the canals, the facility’s wetlands help protect the lagoon. It is noteworthy that this wetland site was designed 20 years ago, long before the presentday emphasis on lagoon health. “This was very cutting edge at the time,” Meckes says. “There was the forethought to look at this before the lagoon became an issue.”

Another benefit of wetlands is that they make great habitats for birds. In turn, this makes them great places for birdwatching. The West Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Wetlands are open to the public Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30

p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 8405 8th St. The site formerly featured a boardwalk, but it is no longer usable and has been blocked off. Nevertheless, the wetlands are still very attractive to birdwatchers, even being listed as a hotspot on eBird, the popular online resource from Cornell University.

Lieske and Meckes are quick to state, however, that they see these aspects as side benefits. “We look at this as a treatment process first and an amenity second,” Lieske explains. “It creates a site for birds to nest, and it’s a great site for the community. However, we maintain it with the main purpose of treating the water and protecting the lagoon.” Call it a win-win.

Clockwise from far left: Various cells of water and wetlands are separated by small berms; insects, otters, lizards, and raccoons can be seen making the property home.

The wetlands are a rich environment. In the early morning, the pale predawn light awakens a joyful chorus of birds, and by the time the orange and coral hues of sunlight are reflecting on the waters, it is fully evident that the marsh teems with abundant life. Black-bellied whistling ducks and fulvous whistling ducks have been sighted there; and yes, they really do whistle, especially when taking off or coming in for a water landing.

Little blue herons are numerous; a distinct species from the great blue heron, they have a color pattern of deep blue with hints of purple, along with a blue-gray bill. A juvenile little blue heron is actually white; as it matures, it molts, losing the white feathers and growing the blue ones.

The presence of a number of juveniles, flying along with mature ones— perhaps their parents—suggests that these birds are nesting nearby.

Harder to spot yet nevertheless fascinating is the marsh wren. A reclusive creature that loves the concealment offered by marshy habitats, it is more likely to be heard than seen; however, it is the sounds of the marsh wren that are unforgettable. Marsh wrens communicate with a complex range of vocalizations, including trills, chirps, and sounds reminiscent of clicks. Although they may hold each note for little more than a single second, they can continue for 20 minutes and barely repeat a note. That could mean 1,000 notes from just one tiny bird!

The painted bunting, one of our

The little blue heron’s hunting technique pays off. Above left: A blue-winged teal displays the pale blue and teal feathers from which its name derives.

most colorful birds, has also been seen at the wetlands. The male painted bunting has vibrant hues of cobalt blue, red, yellow, and green; the female’s plumage is a range of greens and yellows, making her camouflaged yet still beautiful.

A rare sighting that has been reported at the wetlands is the cave swallow. This bird has plumage of gray, black, and ochre, and it is notable for its ingenious ability to sculpt a nest out of mud. Cave swallows are more likely to be seen in South Florida or the Caribbean rather than our area, so sightings in Vero Beach are

of considerable interest.

All told, more than 170 different species of birds have been reported at the West Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Wetlands. That number represents extraordinary abundance for a man-made habitat that was not even intended primarily as a bird sanctuary.

The wetlands were designed to purify water in imitation of nature. By virtue of imitating nature, they are inevitably beautiful, and they serve as a rich and life-sustaining environment. And they offer us a fascinating place to explore.

“This is designed around nature.”

RICHARD MECKES

Clockwise from left: A palm warbler, a redbellied woodpecker, an adult sandhill crane, and a group of glossy ibis are just a few of the birds that can be found in the wetlands.

Yay—It’s May!

Local businesses and organizations share their latest developments

LOVE BLOOMS

MAY 10–11: BONUS GIFT OPPORTUNITY

Shop at Trimmings May 10 or 11 and receive a bonus gift for Mom for Mother’s Day. With each purchase (value $200 or more), you will receive a free Heirloom Bouquet.

TRIMMINGS HOME GARDEN AND GIFTS

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

MEDITERRANEAN MASTERPIECE

REALTOR SELLING HISTORY

Cathy Curley is thrilled to work on the sale of the last slice of oceanfront property in coveted Old Riomar. Plans and permits are in place for this stunning one-of-a-kind home designed by a dream team of an Architectural Digest –featured interior designer and a South Florida architect.

CATHY CURLEY

772-559-1359 | cathycurleyrealestate.com

JOHNNY

TOMMY BAHAMA

BELLE COSE

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

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation announces an important $1 million grant to FAU Harbor Branch for a large-scale seagrass restoration project in the Indian River Lagoon. Work on this project is scheduled to commence this month.

HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

3545 Ocean Drive, Suite 201 | 772-466-9876 | hboifoundation.org

BOOKING IT

COASTAL VAN LINES SUPPORTS COMMUNITY

In February, Coastal Van Lines facilitated the delivery of more than 1,000 assorted books to the library at Crossover Mission’s Center for Excellence. This initiative enriches the next generation of readers by providing an array of educational resources.

COASTAL VAN LINES

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

JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

Leigh Jewelers has a large selection of the highest-quality emerald jewelry for those lucky enough to be born in May. A symbol of rebirth, emeralds are associated with foresight and good fortune. View the extensive in-store collection.

LEIGH JEWELERS

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

CRAFTING CURATIONS

NOURISON HOME COLLECTION AT DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING

Designer’s Touch Flooring proudly offers handmade Craftworks carpet and area rugs from Nourison Home. From tailored handtufted wool rugs to coastal-inspired flat weaves, this collection has something for every decor style.

DESIGNER’S TOUCH FLOORING

1715 Old Dixie Hwy. | 772-978-9111 | designerstouchflooring.com

New & Noteworthy

CARRYING ON NEW WORK AT FINDLAY

La plage a Saint-Jean-de-Luz by Gilles Gorriti, oil on canvas, 39 3/8 x 39 3/8 inches

Findlay Galleries is pleased to showcase Gilles Gorriti, son of artist Paul Aïzpiri. Gorriti, a virtuoso of color, equipped with his educated palette, painted Mediterranean landscapes, the streets of Paris, intimate still lifes and interiors, and flowers.

FINDLAY GALLERIES

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

COAST IN FOR CLASSICS

EXCITING FURNITURE AT FANTASTIC FINDS

This Ralph Lauren Atlantic Coast trestle table with four side chairs and two armchairs is an unbeatable value and is currently available at Fantastic Finds. The table measures 8 by 4 feet and features a thick, beveled glass top.

FANTASTIC FINDS

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

Vernon Scott invites you to welcome back a classic women’s wear look but make it 2024. Women’s blazers are making a comeback, so stop in and grab yours to showcase this fabulous style all over again. Salon

New & Noteworthy

GO FOR THE GOLD

NEW PIECES AT VERANDA

Veranda Jewelry showcases new designs from Elizabeth Locke, whose accessories include antique jewelry with luminescent stones using century-old goldsmith techniques. Each of the handpicked stones is placed in a nonclassical 19-karat gold setting. View this sought-after designer’s jewelry at Veranda.

VERANDA

3325 Ocean Drive | 772-234-3404 | verandajewelry.com

WHAT’S POPPING UP

FRESH INVENTORY AT DIGG

New seasonal essentials have arrived at Digg Gardens. Visit to select from home decor to personal accessories such as the bag shown here. You’ll have fun digging around to see which items make perfect additions in several areas of your life.

DIGG GARDENS

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

CLEAN THINKING

PORTABLE HYGIENE ITEMS AVAILABLE

European Kitchen & Bath presents this portable, compact, handheld Washlet, complete with a carry case and batteries. It offers a convenient push-button design as well as warm-water washing capability.

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

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

LOVE & LOYALTY

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC THANKS CUSTOMERS

S&P Global Mobility announced the winners of its 28th annual Automotive Loyalty Awards, recognizing General Motors as the winner of its Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer award for the ninth consecutive year. Linus thanks the community for its loyal business.

LINUS CADILLAC BUICK GMC

1401 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-562-1700

linusautomotive.com | linuscadillac.com

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY WIDE SELECTION AT DEEP SIX

A complete selection of Maui Jim sunglasses is in stock at Deep Six. With more than 160 distinct styles, there is a frame for everyone’s preference and face shape.

DEEP SIX

416 21st St. | 772-562-2883 | deepsix.com

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE

SPEAKER SERIES HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH PREPAREDNESS

United Way’s recent Powered by Purpose Series spotlighted youth career readiness initiatives. The United Way expresses its gratitude to speakers Jay Lundy, Christi Shields, and Phil Barnes for championing youth development through collaborations and local partnerships to help prepare a skilled future workforce.

UNITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

1836 14th Ave. | 772-569-8900 | unitedwayirc.org

FURNITURE

ACCESSORIES

ORIGINAL ARTWORK

LIGHTING

INTERIORS

LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE

3403 Ocean Drive

Across from Bobby’s 772.231.4300

mmaisonvero.com

mmaisonvero

Christi Shields, Phil Barnes, Jay Lundy

New & Noteworthy

WHY WAIT?

NEW COLLECTION AT M. MAISON

Whyci garments, 100 percent made in Italy since 1940, are found in Milano, Portofino, and now in Vero Beach at M. Maison! You can shop locally and enjoy choosing fabulous additions for spring/summer 2024.

M. MAISON

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

CORRAL AROUND THIS BEAUTY

BOLD JEWELRY AVAILABLE

Provident Jewelry presents another fabulous, eye-catching piece with this coral and diamond ring in yellow gold. Stop into the store to see it for yourself.

PROVIDENT JEWELRY

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

providentjewelry.com

VISIT THE VNA

STORE EXPANSION COMPLETE

The VNA Hidden Treasures thrift store has been expanded and remodeled. Located in the Miracle Mile plaza, the refreshed space features high-quality merchandise at low prices. The store is also accepting gently used donations of clothing, furniture, jewelry, and housewares.

VNA HIDDEN TREASURES

445 24th St., Suite 300 | 772-202-8570 | vnatc.com

LUNCH & LEARN

LED CAPSTONE PRESENTS AT EVENT

Designer Deborah Timmermann invited LED Capstone Lighting & Fans to speak at Sea Oaks Design Club’s inaugural luncheon. Florence Howe of LED Capstone and John Howard of Agency 51 led a lighting class in which guests learned about various LED lighting options.

LED CAPSTONE LIGHTING & FAN SHOWROOM

4005 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-205-2529 | ledcapstone.com

John Howard, Florence Howe, Susan England, Deborah Timmermann

NEW INSPIRATIONS

FRESH COLOR OPTION AVAILABLE

Inspired Closets is spotlighting one of its most recently added finish colors—charcoal. It’s become a popular color choice among Vero Beach residents and truly adds a pop to any space.

INSPIRED CLOSETS

3950 U.S. Hwy. 1 | 772-492-9226 | inspiredclosets.com

THE SOURCE’S MO WINGS TAKE FIRST PLACE

At Sunrise Rotary’s February Craft Brew and Wingfest, the crew from The Source’s Dignity Foods won first place in the restaurant category with their “Mo Wings” recipe, named in honor of late Source assistant executive director Maureen Archer.

THE SOURCE

1015 Commerce Ave. | 772-564-0202 | iamthesource.org

ALL-DAY COMFORT

Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, the anatomically contoured footbeds deliver instant comfort and lasting support. Footbeds are removable & washable. FIN-NOR SUNGLASSES

The best in modern lens technology! Optimize your vision so you can bring your A-game to the water!

416 21st Street

Vero Beach, FL 32960

772-288-3999 VERO BEACH

2525 NW Federal Hwy

Stuart, FL 34994

772-562-2883

New & Noteworthy

A DOZEN REASONS

RENOWNED ARTIST AT MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

The Island House by James Kerr, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches

Twelve

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

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

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

NEW TISSUE BOX COVERS PRESENTED

VB HOME

VB Home is pleased to showcase its newest collection of Jacaranda Living embroidered tissue boxes. There are many new designs to choose from, so pop in to pick your simple and elegant favorites.

615 Beachland Blvd. | 772-492-9348 | vbhome.us

new paintings by well-known and highly collected artist James Kerr are now on exhibit. Visit the gallery or view these artworks online.

Rossway Swan Tierney Barry & Oliver P.L. is pleased to announce that Kevin M. Barry has officially assumed the role as the firm’s managing member. This transition marks an exciting new chapter at Rossway Swan as it celebrates 25 years of legal excellence.

SWAN 2101 Indian River Blvd., Suite 200 | 772-231-4440 | rosswayswan.com

These divine 18-karat yellow gold desert butterfly and diamond earrings are ready to take flight into your life. With elegance and distinction, you will look great wearing them and stand out beautifully.

New & Noteworthy

Welcome

The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County welcomes Liz Smokowski as its new CEO. The Colorado native has degrees in animal health, biology, and business administration. In addition to hands-on experience as a veterinary technician, she has a rich background in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors.

The Vero Beach Museum of Art welcomes a new chief curator, Caitlin Swindell , who was previously the curator of collections and exhibitions at the Lowe Art Museum in Coral Gables. She holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Congratulations

The IRSC Foundation is proud to bestow the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award upon Bill Marine of Vero Beach. This award recognizes Marine’s professional accomplishments and role in the community, particularly his demonstration of leadership.

116 THE DISH

Vero Beach Yacht Club’s Chef Rodney Smith prepares meals fit for a commodore.

Right Up His Galley

YACHT CLUB CHEF RODNEY SMITH PREPARES MEALS FIT FOR A COMMODORE

BY CHRIS FASOLINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM BOTTALICO

In the Commodore’s Room at the Vero Beach Yacht Club, a suitably nautical atmosphere prevails, with a ship’s wheel on the wall and windows overlooking the marina. It is a fitting environment in which to sit down for a chat with the club’s head chef, Rodney Smith.

A Florida native, Smith grew up in Fort Lauderdale, and he eventually went on to work as a chef in Key Largo. In between, however, he had a job far from the sea, at a Wyoming resort nestled in the Grand Tetons. The alpine experience was instrumental because while he was there, he worked hard and began to advance in the restaurant profession. After he returned to his home state, he attended the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach.

Why does Smith love his work? “Number one—I love the food,” he says enthusiastically. “I’m a foodie at heart.” Even when he is on vacation, finding interesting restaurants to visit is at the top of his list.

Smith even enjoys the infamously demanding pace of the profession. “I love being busy, and I love the camaraderie in the kitchen,” he says. “You help people with their problems, and when you have problems, they help you. It’s like a big family.” Not surprisingly, then, he is quick to credit the rest of the kitchen staff for the success of meals at the Yacht Club. “I don’t do any of this by myself; they need to know they’re part of it all.”

The Yacht Club’s main menu changes every six weeks, and there is also a bar menu that changes every month. This diversity poses some distinctive challenges for a chef, but Smith strives for ongoing variety. “I try not to repeat things, though sometimes it’s unavoidable.”

How does he develop the menus? “I guess I just start with what I like to eat. There are a lot of crazy flavor combinations out there,” he says with a wry smile, “but I keep it clean and simple.” His style is exemplified in his Oxtail Bourguignon dish, which takes a rustic cut of meat and pairs it with a classic French sauce, combining variety and tradition.

Smith’s cuisine seems fitting indeed for the classic yet adventurous spirit of the Yacht Club; no wonder he has found an anchorage there.

Chef Rodney Smith is a self-professed foodie who loves working in the kitchen.

CHICKEN LIVER MOUSSE

8 oz. chicken liver

2 tbsp. canola oil

1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp. pink salt

APPETIZER

Chef’s Chicken and Waffles

This is a gourmet version of an old Southern favorite.

SERVES 6

1/2 cup minced shallots

1/8 cup minced garlic

1/2 cup sherry or port

Ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup heavy cream

8 oz. butter, cubed

Season chicken livers with salt and black pepper. Sear livers on both sides in the canola oil, until medium. Remove from pan and put directly into blender. Add Dijon, nutmeg, and pink salt to blender.

Sauté the shallots and garlic until softened. Deglaze with wine, reduce by half, and add the cream. Cook until thickened, remove from heat, and add the butter, beurre blanc style, whisking until butter is fully incorporated and warm to the touch.

Add to ingredients already in the blender, spin until smooth, and pass through a strainer.

Cool completely and transfer to a piping bag with tip. Refrigerate.

ROSEMARY WAFFLE

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup dry buttermilk powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. minced rosemary

1/2 cup sour cream

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup canola oil

1 1/4 cups unflavored seltzer water

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, vanilla, oil, and seltzer. Fold gently and reserve.

CANDIED BACON

8 oz. slab bacon, 1/2 inch thick and cut into 1/2 inch matchsticks

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

2 cups sugar

Cook bacon until crispy golden brown.

In a saucepan, boil maple syrup; add bacon and simmer until thickened. Strain and toss with sugar to coat.

Pull piping bag with mousse out of refrigerator and allow to soften about 10 minutes.

Make 6 waffles according to your machine’s instructions and cut desired shapes.

Pipe mousse into waffle divots and garnish with candied bacon and chives. *Shown with optional pickled apple ball garnish.

ENTR ÉE

Braised Oxtail Bourguignon

This recipe pairs a great rustic dish with a French gourmet sauce—and exemplifies Smith’s traditional yet creative style.

SERVES 4

4 lbs. oxtails

1/4 cup canola oil

1 medium onion

2 medium carrots

5 stalks celery

5 cloves garlic

4 tbsp. tomato paste

3 cups red wine

6 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig rosemary

2 fresh bay leaves

2 quarts veal stock

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Season oxtails generously with salt and pepper.

In a 12-inch braising pan, sear oxtails in oil on all sides until crusty golden brown. Remove oxtails and add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan and sauté until starting to caramelize.

Strain excess oil and put vegetable mixture back into pan with tomato paste. When the paste begins to brown, add wine and reduce by half.

Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and veal stock. Return oxtails to the pan. Bring to a boil and cover with lid or aluminum foil.

Place in 300-degree-Fahrenheit oven and roast 2–3 hours or until fork tender. Pull oxtails from liquid and keep warm.

Strain the juice into a clean saucepan. Reduce liquid until desired braising jus consistency and reserve.

12 baby carrots, peeled and blanched

12 cherry tomatoes, peeled

12 morel mushrooms

12 fingerling potatoes, blanched in salt water

7 tbsp. butter

Reserved braising jus

1 tbsp. fresh thyme

4 foie gras pieces (2 oz. each), pan seared until medium rare

In a large pan, sauté the carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, and fingerlings in 3 tbsp. butter until warmed through.

Deglaze with 1/2 cup braising jus and simmer until almost dry. Swirl in butter and fresh thyme.

Serve oxtails in your favorite bowl and garnish with the vegetables and foie gras.

2 slices pecan pie, each slice cut into 3 bite-size pieces (can be premade or storebought)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup potato starch

1 egg

1/4 cup vodka

3/4 cup plain carbonated water

Tempura Pecan Pie

This innovative dessert is a favorite at the Yacht Club.

SERVES 2

2 cups Rice Krispies

Maple brown butter gelato or your favorite ice cream

Powdered sugar as needed

Bourbon Caramel Sauce (see below)

Combine flour and starch in a mixing bowl.

Combine egg, vodka, and carbonated water in another bowl.

Fold wet and dry together. Dredge pie pieces in flour, dip them into the batter, then dredge them in the Rice Krispies. Fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until batter is golden brown and crispy.

Remove from oil and drain on a clean paper towel. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Place in a bowl, top with gelato or ice cream, and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE

4 oz. butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup bourbon

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

Melt butter and sugar together and whisk until simmering and homogeneous. Deglaze with bourbon; be careful, as it will bubble vigorously. Bring back to a simmer. Add vanilla and salt. Serve warm.

e Clay’s the ing

SOME WINEMAKERS ARE REVISITING ANCIENT AGING METHODS

BY CHRIS FASOLINO

Can you imagine an ancient Roman banquet without wine? I can’t, and neither could the ancient Romans. Latin proverbs like “In vino veritas” (In wine there is truth) re ect the centrality of wine to the culture. Wherever the Romans went, they brought wine with them.

How did they shape our own views of wine? Well, think of the Romans the next time you check a vintage year

or talk about a wine having been aged. Perhaps the most ancient example of a speci c vintage year being viewed as special is 121 B.C. To the Romans, that was indeed a very good year. A century later, wine from 121 B.C. was still being stored and treasured. What was Roman wine really like? I’d love to travel back in time and sample some. But until I can nd Mr. Peabody and his Wayback Machine, the wine

I’m recommending this month is a pretty good start. at’s partly because it is an Aglianico—a southern Italian variety that certainly goes back to Roman times. More than that, however, this wine is aged in clay amphorae— earthenware vessels like the ancient Romans used. ink about that. We still value the idea of aging wine, but where are we aging it today? Either in barrels or in bottles. However, in a revival

Aging wine can be accomplished successfully in barrels, bo les, or in this case, clay amphorae.

of ancient methods, some southern Italian winemakers are experimenting with clay amphorae. Appropriately, they are using grape varieties with ancient pedigrees for this endeavor. I recommend Titolo Aglianico del Vulture 2019 by winemaker Elena Fucci. Aglianico is one of my favorite varieties, and this is a ne example of it; signi cantly, the decision to use traditional clay amphorae brings it to another level of greatness.

Alas, the wine is bottled before being shipped—so don’t look for an amphora at the liquor store, although that would have been fun. And as you can imagine, this wine is rather obscure; I ordered it online from Varmax in Westchester County, New York. It was worth the search. This is a robust and full-bodied wine that would pair well with lamb, beef, or roasted eggplant. The color of the wine is deep ruby with a hint of translucence at the edges; the flavor profile features

aromatic dark chocolate, a touch of fig, and the most powerful notes of freshly ground espresso that I have ever tasted in a wine. As befits the ancient Romans, this is a wine of power and elegance, with an exotic flair.

Elena Fucci, an Italian winemaker whose vineyards are in the Basilicata region of the country, ages her wines in clay amphorae.

Scrumptious chocolate

Pots de Crème, $10

ELIZABETH D. KENNEDY & CO.

486 21st St. 772-563-0646

elizabethkennedycatering.com

Young Mariner by Nette Hoyt, framed pastel, 30 x 24 ½ inches, price upon request

FANTASTIC FINDS

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

Barton Perreira sunglasses, handmade in Japan, $590

G. MATHEOS EYEWEAR

6200 Hwy. A1A Village Shops 772-492-6400

LED magnification mirror, price upon request

EUROPEAN KITCHEN & BATH

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

Custom boutique closet, price upon request

INSPIRED CLOSETS

3950 U.S. Hwy. 1 772-492-9226 inspiredclosets.com

Sunflowers on Blue by local artist Lida Stifel, oil on canvas, 20 x 20 inches, price upon request

Lightweight, breathable Olukai Pehuea Lī, $100

DEEP SIX 416 21st St. 772-562-2883 deepsix.com

RPJ exclusive one-of-a-kind Italian handbag, price upon request

ROYAL PALM JEWEL

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

Sapphire and diamond flower earrings, price upon request

LEIGH JEWELERS

3401 Ocean Drive 772-234-8522 leighjewelers.com

Little Girl in a Field of Flowers by E.J. Paprocki, oil on linen, 24 x 18 inches, $6,500

J.M. STRINGER GALLERY OF FINE ART 3465 Ocean Drive 772-231-3900 jmstringergallery.com

Honfleur Memories by Alice Williams, oil on canvas, 16 x 16 x 2 ¼ inches, $2,550

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

Antique (circa 1890) English cachepot, $185

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

WEDDINGS

The newlyweds walk into their future together.

Gator Glee

Vero Beach native

Kaley Ann Fennell

wed Garrett Paul Hudson October 22, 2022 at the historic Epping Forest Yacht Club in Jacksonville.

The bride is the daughter of Kathleen and Todd Fennell Sr. of Vero Beach. She earned a B.S. in business management with a minor in communication studies from the University of Florida, and she is now

a coach and director of operations at Legacy Capitals.

The groom, who hails from Jacksonville, is the son of Teresa and Joey Hudson of nearby Callahan, Florida. Like his future bride, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in accounting there, he earned a master’s in accounting from the University of

North Florida. He works as a financial planning and analysis manager with Drew Estate.

The wedding weekend festivities commenced Thursday evening with a low country boil hosted by the Cooksey family. “This is a tradition between the two families that has been going on for two generations now,” the bride explains.

In a touching tribute to their respective hometowns,

Kaley and Garrett held a unity ceremony in which they combined sand from Vero Beach and Jacksonville in a single vessel.

Their honeymoon took them to the Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica, where they did everything from taking cooking classes to rappelling down waterfalls.

The Hudsons now reside in Miami.

KALEY ANN FENNELL & GARRETT PAUL HUDSON

Right: Todd and Kathleen Fennell Sr., the bride and groom, Emily and Todd Fennell Jr., Hudson Fennell

• Eyeglass and Sunglass Boutique

• Prescription and Non-Prescription Eyewear

new prescriptions filled existing prescriptions duplicated contact lens prescriptions filled

• Licensed Optician

• Full Lab on Premises

Village Shops | 6200 Highway A1A | 772.492.6400

@ The Village Shops of Vero Beach

6190 Hwy A1A

Vero Beach, FL 32963

772-226-7808

sales@coastal-comforts.com

www.coastal-comforts.com

• Unique Gifts

• Home Furnishings

• Bed & Bath

• Custom Window Treatments

• In-Home Design Services

PHOTO CONTEST

Grab your cameras and put on your walking shoes! For this year’s photo contest, we want to see what you love about the little paradise we call home. Is it the beach?

Water and nature views? Historical sites? Downtown?

Ocean Drive? Whatever it is, take advantage of our beautiful weather and get out with your camera (even if it’s your phone!) and share your love of Vero Beach with us.

Winners will be published in the September 2024 issue of Vero Beach Magazine

5 ENTRIES MAXIMUM PER PHOTOGRAPHER

1. High-resolution photos taken in Indian River County

2. Your name and phone number

3. Photo description, including location and date taken

Email entries to: photocontest@verobeachmagazine.com

WHO MAY ENTER

The contest is open to photographers aged 18 years or older. Individuals affiliated with Vero Beach Magazine or Palm Beach Media Group, including employees and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and household members, are not eligible.

WHAT TO ENTER

Photographs must be taken in Indian River County and submitted by the photographer. The contestant certifies that he/she is the sole creator and copyright owner of the photograph.

HOW TO ENTER

Email photographs and required information to photocontest@ verobeachmagazine.com. You must complete a separate email for each photo. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Winners will be notified by August 1. Failure to respond within 5 business days may result in disqualification. Decisions of Vero Beach Magazine are final.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

By submitting a photo, you are granting Vero Beach Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group the right to reproduce the work in our print publications, on our website, and in materials/social media used to promote the magazine, the contest, and/or future related contests.

Entry deadline: June 14 QUESTIONS? Contact Kelly Rogers, Editor

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.

Treatments are so effective we guarantee results!

HANDCRAFTED FOR SELF EXPRESSION

It’s not just what you say. It’s how you say it. Set the tone for handwritten notes that feel just right. All it needs is your finishing touch.

Action Packed

‘Spayghetti’ Event

HALO NO-KILL RESCUE

The inaugural Spayghetti festival, held at the historic Old School Grounds in Fellsmere, was a success, raising enough money to fund more than 106 spay/neuter procedures for pets in our community. The Canine Stars performed stunts, children enjoyed lots of fun activities, and adults browsed the wares of local vendors and artisans. Guests were also treated to delicious pasta and live music from two bands.

Sponsors:

Ryan A. Jones & Associates; Reliable Septic; Smith Services; Friends of Freddy; MN Worldwide; Backwoods Farm; Probity Sales & Service; Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center; Macata Stone; Liberty Cabinets; Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival

Kristin Jean with Dior

Dogs enjoy the festival with their humans.

Bill Johnson, Gary Johnson, Sue Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Greg and Maureen Pringle, Diane Sorrentino

The Canine Stars defy gravity.

Jeanne Wright, Amanda Cuffe

Keri Caraher and Bumble Bee show off a jump.

Reggae Vibes plays for the crowd.

Lauri Tagliaferro sketches a furry friend.

• GM Ranks Top Automotive Corp

• GMC: #1 Sales Experience among truck shoppers

• Sierra #1 Light Duty Full Size Pickup Truck

• Buick #1 Overall Brand for New Vehicle Quality

• Buick: Best sales experience among mass market brands, two years in a row

CADILLAC

THE SCENE

Art Opening

THE GALLERY AT WINDSOR

Hilary Weston, creative director of The Gallery at Windsor, welcomed a group of distinguished guests for a private viewing of a new exhibition at the end of January. “A Piece of Waterfall in the Sound of Crickets” consists of recent paintings and monotypes by Federico Herrero. The show’s intriguing title comes from a poem by Alfonso Chase, a fellow son of Costa Rica. The evening also included a panel discussion between the artist and the exhibition’s curator, Elena Ketelsen Gonzalez, who is the assistant curator of MoMA PS1 in the Queens borough of New York City. Finally, the assembly enjoyed a dinner party on the clubhouse veranda.

Hilary Weston, James Cohan

Galen G. Weston, Graydon Weston

Nicole Eaton, Stephanie Ingrassia

Bill Morneau, Nancy McCain, Megan and Brian Porter

James Cohan, Brady Roberts, Elena Ketelsen Gonzalez, Bonnie Brooks, Stephanie Ingrassia

JULIE SKARRATT PHOTOGRAPHY

Federico Herrero speaks with Elena Ketelsen Gonzalez.

Dick and Betsy DeVos, Karen Richardson, Jon Rubinstein

Lisa McCarthy, Stephanie Ingrassia

Mike and Betsy Hanley

Hilary Weston, Federico Herrero

Jon Rubinstein, Karen Richardson

Brett Sherlock, Nikolaus Szapary

JULIE SKARRATT PHOTOGRAPHY

Jane and James Cohan

Paula Naughton, Elena Ketelsen Gonzalez, Federico Herrero, Bernardo Mosqueira

International Tennis Open

GRAND HARBOR GOLF & BEACH CLUB

Grand Harbor hosted an unforgettable week of women’s tennis in January; the Vero Beach International Tennis Open drew more than 100 professional players and 4,600 spectators. The festivities also included a fashion show, an art show and wine social, a kids’ day, a dinner dance, and a car show. María Lourdes Carlé of Argentina won the singles title, with California twins Allura and Maribella Zamarripa coming out on top in doubles play.

Sponsors:

Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne; Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital; GHO Homes; USTA; Boston Retail Solutions; Novak & Barhorst CPAs

Chartered; Vero Orthopaedics; Rita Curry Team of Dale Sorensen Real Estate; Proctor Construction; Coastal Connections; Cheney Brothers; ITF; Treasure Coast Sports Commission; Peacock + Lewis

Audrey Dunham sings the national anthem.

Gabriela Lee

Singles champion María Lourdes Carlé of Argentina

Gabriela Lee, María Lourdes Carlé

Carolina Quevedo, Maria Soler

Singles runner-up Gabriela Lee of Romania

Gabriela Lee, Renee MacLees, María Lourdes Carlé

Hailey Baptiste, Kristin Casalino, Kendra Cope Bergman, Whitney Osuigwe

Liz Audet, Diana Zissu

The festivities included an art show.

Sofia; Allura and Maribella Zamarripa; Jeanine Nestor; Luz Molina Lopez

Janet Gribko, Georgene Grennan, Debbie Lindsey

Riptide performs at the dinner dance.

JOHN PEARSE

BOB JOY

IAN THOMPSON

IAN THOMPSON

JOHN PEARSE

JOHN PEARSE

JOHN PEARSE

THE SCENE

Burns Night

SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST

On January 25, the 265th anniversary of the birth of the great Romantic poet Robert Burns, the Scottish Society held its annual Burns Night at Pointe West Country Club. Entertainment was provided by Vero Beach Pipes & Drums and Highland dancers from the Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts in Oakland, Florida. Traditional elements of the evening included the “piping in of the haggis,” in which the national dish of Scotland is ceremonially brought in by the chef, accompanied by a bagpiper. Proceeds from the event benefit the Scottish Society’s scholarship fund.

Mason Russell, Susanne Nadeau, Sean Flanigan

Michelle Wagner, Suzanne Hodgdon

Tom and Sylvia Gregory

James Auld, David Owens

Steve Hicks, David Owens

Shelagh Ancil, Charles and Donna Sherrard

Jacob Craig, center, with the Vero Beach Pipes & Drums band

Highland dancers from the Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts in Oakland, Florida

DIANE STILLMAN

Impact Day

IMPACT 100 INDIAN RIVER

In January, United Against Poverty’s Vero Beach headquarters served as the gathering place for members, guests, and friends of Impact 100 to honor the group’s 2023 grant recipients. After a careful selection process beginning last spring, five local nonprofits—Gifford Youth Orchestra, The Source, The Learning Alliance, Senior Resource Association, and Whole Family Health Center—received $100,000 each from Impact 100. Representatives of those organizations were on hand to talk about the projects made possible by the grants.

Casey Lunceford, Jennifer Trapp, and Crystal Bujol of the Gifford Youth Orchestra

Liz Bahl, Debbi Arseneaux, and Liz Remington of The Learning Alliance

Attendees hear about the good work accomplished with Impact 100 grant money.

Liz Bruner of Senior Resource Association gives an update. Corrine Tarcelli

Colette Heid, Kristina Roberts

To Brighten Our May

ARTISTS FROM NEAR AND FAR OPEN WINDOWS TO THE WORLD AROUND US

A Perfect Lazy

PEACEFUL MOMENTS

MAY 1–31

The mesmerizing oil paintings of André Lucero are featured this month at J.M. Stringer Gallery. “Peaceful Moments: Through the Artist’s Eye” showcases Lucero’s Impressionistic landscapes, seascapes, and figurative paintings, most of which exude serenity and colorful beauty. Some convey the dynamic, yet still peaceful, energy of the ocean or ballet dancers. Based in Virginia, Lucero had a career as an illustrator before committing himself full-time to his first love, painting. He often works en plein air.

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

jmstringergallery.com

Grouper Blues by Mitch Gubnitsky, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 36 inches

COASTAL COLORS

MAY 3–24

Gallery 14 presents “Coastal Colors: Vibrant Worlds of Mitch Gubnitsky,” an exhibition of bright, imaginative paintings depicting sea life. A childhood in South Florida helped prepare Gubnitsky to become a marine artist, and a career as a travel nurse has exposed him to a variety of art forms and wildlife in many locations. He is also a certified diver, so he enjoys opportunities to find inspiration in face-to-face encounters with marine creatures. The gallery will hold an opening reception for Gubnitsky during the May 3 First Friday Gallery Stroll.

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

Afternoon by André Lucero, oil on linen, 36 x 36 inches

LANDSCAPE EXHIBITION

MAY 11–JUNE 22

Findlay Galleries presents a joint exhibition of works from American painters Mary Sipp Green and Ronnie Landfield. Both artists draw inspiration from the landscape and have developed a deep connection with nature during their careers. From Sipp Green’s enchanting luminous canvases to Landfield’s bold and expressive use of color, this exhibition provides for viewers a collection of paintings that explore the landscape through two distinctive lenses.

Findlay Galleries

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

MORE TO SEE

ORCHID ISLAND ARTISTS

Through May 31

The ELC wraps up its art season with the Orchid Island Art Club Member Show.

Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive

772-589-5050

discoverelc.org

Salt Meadow, Menemsha by Mary Sipp Green, oil on linen, 38 x 46 inches

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BILLBOARDS

MAY 18–SEPTEMBER 1

This summer, VBMA’s Holmes and Titelman Galleries will hold a collection that serves as a window into popular culture of a roughly 15-year period from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. During this time frame, hand-painted wood-panel rock ‘n’ roll billboards, often derived from album cover art and measuring 14 by 48 feet, adorned L.A.’s Sunset Strip, and teenage photographer Robert Landau captured many of them. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip: Photographs by Robert Landau” has been organized by Los Angeles–based Photographic Traveling Exhibitions.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive

772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

Beatles, Abbey Road , 1969. Image copyright Robert Landau ROBERT LANDAU

GALLERY GUIDE

ART AT THE EMERSON

The Emerson Center’s gallery shows works by local artists in six themed exhibitions per year.

1590 27th Ave. 772-778-5880 artattheemerson.com

ARTISTS GUILD GALLERY

This cooperative-owned fine art gallery offers works in diverse styles and media by its ownerartists as well as associate and consignor artists.

1974 14th Ave. 772-299-1234

artistsguildgalleryofvero beach.com

ART WORKS

Various U.S. artists are featured, representing a range of styles. Classes, art parties, and other events are available.

2036 14th Ave., Suite 106 772-559-5230

artworksofvero.com

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

The Lagoon and Tidal Rooms are dedicated to nature-related art.

255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

FINDLAY GALLERIES

Renowned globally for its distinguished roster of contemporary and abstract artists, the gallery specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Impressionism, European Modernism, l’Ecole de Rouen, l’Ecole de Paris, and 20thcentury American art.

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

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 eight 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.

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

MAIN STREET VERO BEACH STUDIOS AND GALLERY

The handcrafted jewelry of Clair Brunetti, who creates custom works and repairs and updates older pieces, is showcased.

2036 14th Ave. 772-643-6782

mainstreetverobeach.org

Cascade Diptych by Zuzka Vaclavik, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 60 x 1.5 inches, at Meghan Candler Gallery

MEGHAN CANDLER GALLERY

This friendly upli ing gallery has a beautifully curated collection of paintings by more than contemporary artists of the abstract Impressionist and realistic styles

Hwy A A Village Shops

meghancandlergallery com

OCEAN DRIVE GALLERY

The oil abstracts of Elise Geary and representational narrative paintings by Jill Kerwick are featured along with acrylic rural

Thorn Bowl Trio by Andrew Madvin, glass, at The Laughing Dog Gallery

and outdoor scenes and seascapes by two additional artists

Ocean Drive Suite

eliseartist com oceandrivegalleryverobeach com

PALM HOUSE STUDIO & GALLERY

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

Ocean Drive nd floor

palmhousegallery com

COASTAL COLORS

VIBRANT WORLDS of Mitch Gubnitsky

RAW SPACE

This innovative alternative cultural venue promotes a spectrum of artistic disciplines

Old Dixie Hwy -artconceptalternative org

SEBASTIAN RIVER ART CLUB

The club offers classes demonstrations workshops and art shows

Main St Sebastian

sebastianriverartclub com

SEVENTH AVENUE STUDIO

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

th Ave Barone -Tribus - -

VERO BEACH ART CLUB

This independent nonprofit serves more than members and the community through education exhibitions social events and monthly meetings with special programs and guest artists th Ave -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 fi lm studies concerts children’s programs and interactive Art Zone sculpture parks and museum store

Riverside Park Drive

vbmuseum org

Make the Most of May

TBirthday Concert

Treasure Coast Chorale presents the last of this season’s four concerts May 19 at First Baptist Church, 2206 16th Ave. No ticket price is set; donations are accepted. The 4 p.m. performance will highlight some favorite numbers of TCC’s musical director, Michael Carter, in honor of his birthday. Selections will include “The Phantom of the Opera” (theme song), “The Impossible Dream,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “The Prayer.” All concertgoers are welcome to stay for refreshments afterward. TCC’s website can be found at treasurecoastchorale.org.

TAnniversary Concert

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, led by Aaron Collins, will celebrate its 15th anniversary May 26 with a 3 p.m. performance at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center (1707 16th St.).

Selections will include the world premiere of Imagined Adventures: March at the West River by guest composer Kevin Wilt; Aue! by guest composer Christopher Marshall (commissioned by SCSO for its 10th anniversary); Conga del Fuego Nuevo by Arturo Márquez; and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. SCSO employs flexible pricing. For more information, call 855-252-7276 or see spacecoastsymphony.org.

TMemorial Day

The Veterans Council of Indian River County invites the community to join the many veterans and local dignitaries who will gather Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary (100 Dahlia Lane) to honor and remember the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The solemn ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and will include the presentation of colors, an invocation, the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic music, a 21-gun salute, and a keynote address. Lawn chairs are welcome. The Veterans Council can be reached at 772-410-5820 or veteransirc.com

TERESA LEE RUSHWORTH

Aaron Collins

Michael Carter

CALENDAR

MAY 1

MASTER GARDENERS

The UF/IFAS Master Gardeners bring their knowledge of vegetables, ornamentals, lawn care, and more to the North County Library. Also May 8, 15, 22, and 29; 10 a.m.–noon; free

North IRC Library

1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian 772-400-6360

indianriver.gov/services/library

OCEAN SCIENCE LECTURE

Researcher Aaron Adams presents “Fishers Know More Than You.”

Preregistration is required. 4 p.m., free

ONGOING EVENTS

THROUGH MAY 5

ON YOUR FEET!

This musical celebrates Gloria and Emilio Estefan and the life and music they have created together. Times vary, $45 and up

Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990

riversidetheatre.com

FAU Harbor Branch

Oceanographic Institute

5600 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Fort Pierce 772-242-2293 fau.edu/hboi

MAY 3

BACKSTAGE TOUR

Take a peek behind Riverside Theatre’s red curtain and meet some of the people who make the stage magic happen. Also other select Fridays throughout the year; 10–11 a.m. or 2–3 p.m.; $5

Riverside Theatre

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

SPANISH CONVERSATION CLUB

Our public library system is a wealth of free classes and clubs! Hone your Spanish skills at the Brackett branch on the first Friday of each month. 10–11 a.m., free

Brackett Library

IRSC Mueller Campus

6155 College Lane 772-400-6366

indianriver.gov/services/library

SPICE CLUB

If you’re looking to spice up your life, stop by the reference desk at the Main Library on the first Friday of each month to pick up a spice kit containing 2 tablespoons of the spice of the month along with recipes and additional information. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free

TCharity Golf Tournament

On Friday, May 31, Indian River Club (800 Carolina Circle SW) will host the 18th annual Bernard & Betty Egan Memorial Golf Classic benefiting Samaritan Center. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and the shotgun start will take place at 1 p.m. The cost of $200 per golfer covers all golfing fees, two mulligans, lunch, a door prize ticket, and participation in all course games, including the golf ball launcher. Samaritan Center, an outreach of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, helps change the lives of homeless families in Indian River County. For more information, call or email Renee Bireley: 772770-3039/rbireley@ccdpb.org.

Riverside Theatre Backstage Tours, May 3 and other select Fridays

IRC Main Library

1600 21st St. 772-400-6310

indianriver.gov/services/library

AIR SHOW

The biennial Vero Beach Air Show will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, numerous other aerobatics performers, and static aircraft displays. May 3–5; Friday 6–8:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; multiple ticket packages available

Vero Beach Air Show at Vero Beach Regional Airport 3400 Cherokee Drive veroairshow.com

CHARLIE BROWN

The Theatre Guild will stage You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown: The

Musical, a show that originated in 1967 based on Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters. Through May 19; Fridays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.; $35–$40

Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Ave. 772-562-8300

verobeachtheatreguild.com

MAY 5

MAY POPS

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra will be joined by vocalists Scarlett Strallen and Hugh Panaro for the annual May Pops concert. Proceeds will help fund improvements to the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital emergency department. 3 p.m. VIP reception, 4:30 p.m. concert; $500 VIP seating/$30 lawn general admission

KELLY ROGERS

EVERY SATURDAY

FARMERS MARKET

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

Business Inspiring Kindness 2901 Ocean Drive verobeachfarmersmarket.com

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY STROLL

Pop into some art galleries and then enjoy a beverage and a bite at a restaurant or café. May 3 and June 7, 5–8 p.m.

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

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation at Windsor 3125 Windsor Blvd. 772-226-4955

MAY

VNA GOLF-A-THON

Golf pros from 13 local clubs will a empt to play 135 holes in one day, with donations in support of each pro benefiting the VNA. 7 a.m.

VNA & Hospice Foundation at Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club 4985 Club Terrace 772-978-5580 vnatc.org

MAY

PLAYTIME IN THE PARK

This month’s theater presentation is called “Summer’s Coming,” and the dance portion, to be held May 18, will be “Dance Along with Mia.” Tickets are not required. 11 a.m., free Riverside Theatre 3250 Riverside Park Drive 772-231-6990 riversidetheatre.com

SPRING CONCERT

The Gifford Youth Orchestra presents its annual Spring Concert and Graduation Benefit Recital. 1 p.m., free

EVERY LAST FRIDAY

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY

Enjoy a community street party with live music, street vendors, and food trucks. May 31, 6–9 p.m., free

Main Street

Vero Beach

Downtown along 14th Avenue 772-643-6782 mainstreetverobeach.org

EVERY LAST SATURDAY

VBMA FREE ADMISSION

Admission is free for everyone on the last Saturday of each month. May 25, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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

Giff ord Youth Orchestra at Gifford Community Center 4855 43rd Ave. 772-213-3007 gyotigers.org

MAY

GOLF TOURNAMENT

This event, originally scheduled for Dec. 15, 2023, was rescheduled for May and is now right around the corner! The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce will hold its golf tournament, followed by lunch and awards. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. shotgun start; $125 (includes a round of golf for one, plus a $25 credit for the beverage cart)

IRC Chamber of Commerce at Sandridge Golf Club 5300 73rd St. 772-567-3491 indianriverchamber.com

MAY

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

Gary Mullen & the Works take the Sunrise stage once again in a tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. 7 p.m., $49–$64

Sunrise Theatre

117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce 772-461-4775 sunrisetheatre.com

TVBMA Art Camp

June 3 through July 26, Vero Beach Museum of Art will hold eight weeks of art camp experiences for youngsters aged 5 through 16, who will be grouped by age. Professional art educators will introduce the students to various art movements, materials, and techniques. Except for June 19 and July 4, sessions will take place Monday through Friday mornings (9 a.m.–noon) and afternoons (1–4 p.m.). All supplies are included. Each week of either morning or afternoon sessions is $115 for members and $135 for nonmembers. At the end of every week, campers’ artwork will be displayed in the Eggert Children’s Gallery and the Patricia M. Patten Community Gallery. For more information, call the museum (772-231-0707) or see vbmuseum.org

MAY

FISHING TOURNAMENT

Wounded Waters, a local nonprofit for veterans, will hold its second annual “Offshore War” fishing tournament. 6 a.m.–4 p.m., $250–$300 per boat

Wounded Waters at Causeway Cove Marina 601 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce 772-321-9366 woundedwaters.org

JUNE

ELC SUMMER CAMP

The ELC is offering a series of fiveday lagoon-exploration camps for students entering the first through eighth grades. June 3–Aug. 9, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., $290–$325

Environmental Learning Center 255 Live Oak Drive 772-589-5050 discoverelc.org

Wounded Waters’ Off shore War fi shing tournament, May 25

GRIDLEY + GRAVES

KELLY ROGERS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

MEDICAL SERVICES: DENTISTRY

DELLA PORTA COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY

772-567-1025

drdellaporta.com ....................... 10 5

VERO ELITE DENTISTRY

M EDICAL SERVICES: DERMATOLOGY SELECT SKIN MD

772-567-1164

M EDICAL SERVICES: HOSPITALS CLEVELAND CLINIC INDIAN RIVER HOSPITAL

772-567-4311

M EDICAL SERVICES: WHOLE HEALTH CARE

HEALTH CONCIERGE MEDICINE

772-205-6361

M OVING, STORAGE & SHIPPING COASTAL VAN LINES

772-569-6683

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

GIFFORD YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

772-794-1005 mygyac.org

UN ITED WAY FOUNDATION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

772-567-8900 unitedwayirc.org

V ISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION 772-202-8570

REAL ESTATE

AMAC | ALEX MACWILLIAM REAL ESTATE

772-231-6509

alexmacwilliam.com

- CHARLOTTE TERRY GROUP 772-234-8500

charlotteterry.com ............ 61, back cover

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

B ERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

FLORIDA REALTY 772-231-1270

bhhsfloridarealty.com inside front cover

CHRISTINE R. MCLAUGHLIN AT SHAMROCK REAL ESTATE 772-538-0683

propertyinvero.com 13 6

DALE SORENSEN REAL ESTATE

-CATHY CURLEY 772-559-1359

cathycurleyrealestate.com 22

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

johnsislandrealestate.com 9, 102

THE MOORINGS REALTY SALES CO. 772-231-5131

themoorings.com inside back cover

O’DARE BOGA DOBSON GROUP AT ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 772-713-5899

odareboga.com 27

ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

-SHERRIE COLEMAN 772-633-0021

-SHERRY BROWN 772-633-1472

verobeachislandrealtor.com 62

P ULTE GROUP 772-238-5799

divosta.com 6

W INDSOR 772-388-8400

windsorflorida.com

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.

KELLY ROGERS

100 YEARS

An Oak Marks the Spot

A CENTURY-OLD TREE SERVES AS A REMINDER OF HISTORIC SEBASTIAN BUILDINGS

BY ELLEN E. STANLEY

The 1920s saw tremendous growth in Sebastian as a community, and 1924 was a particularly busy year. Sebastian became a town, the Bank of Sebastian opened, and the Dixie Highway was completed through Sebastian. The creation of the Chamber of Commerce came soon thereafter, paving the way for more development.

The Bank of Sebastian was part of the Witham banking system. Included among the stockholders and directors of the bank were prominent local residents F.L. Beugnot, E.W. Vickers, W.W. Holtzclaw, and A.G. Roberts, who was also a member of the city council. The bank was located on the north side of Main Street, next to the Hardee Mansion, as seen in this picture.

Unfortunately, the Bank of Sebastian could not withstand the effects of the Great Depression and was sold off to Farmer’s Bank of Vero Beach after just six years, in 1930.

As well, the lovely Hardee Mansion no longer exists.

The Hardee family had been

successful plantation owners in Lowndes County, Georgia. They suffered great loss due to the Civil War and determined to start anew. The family moved to Florida after the war, founding the town of Hardeeville south of Titusville in the 1880s. Captain Robert Augustus Hardee, who had served in the 9th Georgia Infantry, and his family moved farther south and settled in Sebastian in 1889, prospering with groves, a fishing business, a store and gas station, and a dock.

Son Robert G.

Hardee built this stately twostory colonial-style mansion with columns around 1924. At the time, it was the grandest home in Sebastian, with 14 rooms and four fireplaces. It burned in 1936 and was not rebuilt. The Hardee Oak Tree, today accompanied by a historical marker, was planted by the family and still stands where the Hardee Service Station operated, on the north side of Main Street, east of U.S. 1, across from the Chamber of Commerce building.

Ellen E. Stanley is an author, historian, and member of the Sebastian Area Historical Society.

COURTESY OF SEBASTIAN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY KROEGEL COLLECTION

The Hardee Oak stands near the east end of Main Street in Sebastian.

LUXURY WATERFRONT HOMES • CONDOMINIUMS • HOMESITES

772.231.5131 | TheMoorings.com

2105 Windward Way • $7,250,000 • LUXURY RIVER ESTATE & BOATER'S PARADISE!

With 184' of protected deep water bulkhead, 98' IPE dock, 24,000lb lift & quick access to the intracoastal, this residence is a yachtsman's dream. This 5000+SF, exquisitely renovated home offers the fusion of luxurious contemporary living with the allure of a tropical boating paradise. 4 BR/5.5 BA main house with separate guest 1BR/1BA quarters. Visit 2105WindwardWay.com for full details

Spinnaker Point, #320 Waterfront 3BR/3BA Condo with 2 Docks, Harbor Views $925,000

Porpoise Bay, #205C Exquisitely Renovated 2BR/2.5BA, Luxury Details $725,000

Southwinds, #104 Ocean Views, Coastal Luxury 3BR/3BA $1,475,000