Viera Voice, March 2024

Bird's-eye view of Viera's new build-to-rent community, page 25

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MARCH 2024

Vol. 16 Issue 2

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Talent, Vol. 17 Issue 2

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MARCH 2023

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Berry tempting toppings This tasty strawberry shortcake sheet cake is easy to make and sure to please guests and family members

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Ember Thomas, 8, is all smiles during the 24th annual recital for the Creative Music, Art and Learning Center in Suntree. She has been playing the harp for six months. Story, page 20.

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Three generations of family happy to make Suntree home

BY WENDY SCHEURING When Ambor and Tim Gibson decided to plant roots in Suntree, they did not realize that Ambor’s family would soon follow.

Her parents, Debbie and Paul Branch, moved to Viera last year, and Ambor’s sister, Brittany, followed in September 2023.

“We’re going on 2½ years here in Suntree,” said Ambor Gibson, who grew up in London Mills, Illinois, which has a population of 400. Tim Gibson hails from Detroit.

“I grew up with cows. Our school was in the middle of a cornfield,” Ambor Gibson said.

Ambor and Tim were both living in central Ill. when they met online in 2008. They talked for a couple of months before their first date in October.

By Thanksgiving, they were engaged, and were married on the Fourth of July 15 years ago.

They moved around the country, living in California and in Texas. Then Tim’s former supervisor called and offered him a job with Northrop Grumman in Melbourne.

“I enjoy it here,” said Tim Gibson, who describes himself as an off-road cyclist. “There are some fun places to ride, like the Wickham trails.”

Ambor recently started Refillery Distillery, a mobile zero waste business.

They homeschool their daughter Dahlia, 11, and son Dexter, 10.

“The homeschool community is great,” Ambor said. “There’s something to do for everyone.”

Dexter plays football in the Suntree/Viera Football League and Dahlia enjoys cheering. “We enjoy cheering them on,” Tim Gibson said.

“I enjoy it here.

There are some fun places to ride, like the Wickham trails.”

— Tim Gibson,

an off-road cyclist

With the Gibson’s extended family living in the area, it allows them to easily celebrate the holidays and spend family time together.

“This is something I’ve wanted a long time,” said Debbie Branch, a grandmother of five.

Both of the Branches grew up in small central Illinois towns but had lived in southern Missouri near the Mark Twain National Forest for the past 21 years.

“I love the weather (here) and I love being close to my kids and grandkids and sons-in-law.”

“It’s been cool getting to know my family again,” Ambor Gibson said.

During Thanksgiving

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Featured Family

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Suntree residents Ambor and Tim Gibson and their children Dexter and Dahlia are delighted to have Debbie and Paul Branch, Ambor's parents, nearby in Viera. The grandparents left southern Missouri to move to Viera.

The pugs — Prince, sitting with Dexter; Race, who is being held by Dahlia; and Daisy are loved by all.

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grandchildren — spent time together.

For Christmas, the Branches purchased surfing lessons for Dahlia, Dexter and Isaiah.

“There’s an endless supply of things to do for the kids,” Paul Branch said. “It’s awesome to have the family all together.” VV

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Viera Voice | March 2024

3

Volume 16, Issue 2 ©2023 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved Bluewater Creative Group 321-242-1235 7350 Shoppes Dr. Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

Publisher Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. Managing Editor Jill Blue VIERA VOICE photo

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Reproduction or use without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

been underway to remove vegetative muck and The Ritch Grissom overgrown cattails from Memorial Wetlands, four ponds on the site commonly referred to as adjacent to the South-Central the Viera Wetlands, will Water Reclamation VIERARegional MEANS partially reopen to theBUSINESS Facility in Viera. The main E T W O Rfocus K I N G Gof R Othe U P cleanup effort public on Monday, MarchN 4.

The wetlands, at 3658 was to reduce nitrogen and Charlie Corbeil Way in phosphorous levels from the Viera, have been off limits ponds that feed into Four to the public since June.

Mile Canal, which ultimately For the past seven months, leads into the St. Johns River. a $2.7 million project has The March 4 opening

Easter at

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ANS BU E S M

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is considered a partial reopening since some work remains in progress on the 200-acre site. The reopening originally was targeted for late February, but heavy rainfall totals in January and early February led to delays.

Access to the wetlands will be for pedestrians (including those on bicycles) only, but heavy equipmentrutted dirt access roads remain in use by contractor

SS E IN

The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by VIERA VOICE with all rights reserved.

Viera Wetlands will partially reopen March 4

P

Office Manager Sylvia Montes

VIE R A

Assignment Editor R. Norman Moody

After being closed to the public since June, the popular Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, commonly referred to as the Viera Wetlands, will partially reopen to the public on Monday, March 4.

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Viera Voice | March 2024

vehicles only. These roads will remain off limits to other motorized vehicles.

Likewise, an area adjacent to the wetlands and previously used for pedestrian vehicle parking remains in use as a staging area for the contractor. Brevard County Utility Services Director Edward Fontanin said visitors should park their vehicles away from the staging areas and avoid blocking access to contractor materials and equipment.

The wetlands project is funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Fontanin cautioned that the dirt access roads to the wetlands are rutted and can become quite muddy when it rains. Under no circumstances should the public go beyond the access areas because this remains an active work site, he said.

“We are happy to provide a limited access to allow the public to experience the wetlands, but what they will see on March 4 is not the finished product,” Fontanin said. “We ask for patience as the contractor is working on the completion.”

Fontanin said it is anticipated that vegetation plantings will occur in April and May, with completion of the overall project sometime in June.

“When people come back and walk and bike the wetlands that people are familiar with, they will see it has eventually received a haircut that improves visibility and water quality,” he said. VV

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF DOCTOR

A local doctor provides truly compassionate care and proven solutions for chronic pain and complicated conditions.

Care Rooted in Empathy and Experience Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV? In the case of Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc of Bodhi Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is a case of true empathy.

“I suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in my teens and 20s.”

In other words, GERD is chronic longterm acid reflux.

“I had severe acid reflux three to five days a week that were so intense I was often bedridden and would become physically sick.”

Being that GERD is one of those complicated conditions that is difficult to treat, Dr. Andrea’s options were prescription medications that often did not work and to make lifestyle changes to limit triggers that often cause acid reflux.

“It was no way to live,” she shares. “I was young and should’ve been living a bright, vibrant life. Instead I was monitoring my daily caffeine intake, sleeping with extra pillows under my head and doing my best to avoid foods that triggered the acid reflux. As you can imagine living with a burning roller coaster from the stomach to the throat was not easy. Managing meal times, triggers and food amounts was rough!”

It wasn’t until she tried acupuncture that she found real relief.

“This is why I often refer to my practice as ‘The Last Resort With The Best Results.’

You’ve been everywhere else and been given the same disheartening prognosis, prescribed the same medications and told 'this is just something you’re going to have to learn to live.” Soon after her incredible experience with the healing arts she made the life changing decision to abandon her Western Medicine studies and pursue her master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

“Acupuncture quite literally saved my life and I wanted to share that with the world.” she proclaims.

Your Golden Years Should Be Golden

her neuropathy treatments gave me my life back,” and “it’s a miracle she treated my fibromyalgia, I don't know how else to explain it.”

While in school she watched as her grandmother began to suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Andrea Izquierdo has a long personal history in complicated, difficult-to-understand conditions and understands how tragic it can all be if left untreated.

“Your golden years should be golden, not plagued with insufferable pain while doctors and specialists tell you there is nothing they can do.”

Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Dr. Izquierdo set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy induced) and now has a 90% success rate in treating the symptoms of this once difficult to manage condition.

“I was tired of seeing the older generation suffer unnecessarily,” shares Dr. Izquierdo. “Diagnosing them as just getting older and giving them a treatment plan of ‘you’re just going to have to get used to it’ has never sat well with me so I wanted to offer them a real option for treatment and care.”

The Magic of Compassionate Care And what do those in her care have to say?

“Dr. Andrea looked me in my eyes and wanted to know about me, not just my condition. I feel like a person, not just a patient,” Mary said. “In fact, I don’t think she ever used the word patient.”

“I have sat where my patients sit. I’ve experienced their pain and suffering in a very real way. I know the frustration of feeling hopeless on an intimate level. It’s why I practice the brand of medicine I do and why I’ve made it my life’s mission to treat the ‘untreatable.’

It brings me such incredible joy when.

I get to say ‘I can help you!’”

Furthermore, Dr. Andrea isn’t opposed to more modern medical solutions.

“It’s in blending the time-tested science of acupuncture with recent innovations in medicine that get me the best results.”

One of those advancements is ATP Resonance BioTherapy™, originally developed by NASA it aids nerves in regeneration by providing them the nutrients they need to repair and renew, “very similar to what water does for a plant!”

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Viera Voice | March 2024

5

Japanese art of flower arrangement grows in popularity

BY BETTY PORTER

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

Rena Foley of Melbourne used a coffee pot and natural materials from her garden for her Ikebana creation.

6

Viera Voice | March 2024

The Japanese art of flower arranging, called Ikebana, is blossoming in the Viera area.

It is a hands-on experience in which participants learn the beginning elements of the art. They meet from 5 to 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Viera East Resident’s Club at the corner of Clubhouse Drive and Golf Vista Boulevard. It is free of charge with a reservation.

The Suntree/Viera Library also hosts an Ikebana workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month for those with more experience in the art.

The groups do not meet in June, July and August. Both of the groups are led by certified Ikebana teachers.

In Ikebana, the arrangement of flowers not only creates a pleasing visual effect, but also expresses a sense of balance and harmony.

The focus is on the use of a few carefully chosen elements, which highlight the flower’s inherent beauty and natural qualities.

The most well-known types of the art of Ikebana are: Ikenobo, Ohara and Sugetsu.

Elaine Sigler of Vero Beach, who has been a part of the Suntree group for more than 10 years, served as the host of the Suntree workshop in February. There were 12 participants who created floral arrangements with the objective of using traditional kitchen items as containers or utensils as elements in the floral arrangements.

“We’re using everyday kitchen items to spark creativity and have some fun,” said Sigler, who emails the group in advance the theme for the upcoming monthly workshop. “We’re using everyday kitchen containers or utensils this time as elements in the floral arrangement.”

Sigler used a cheese grater adorned with goldenrod flowers it that look very much like grated cheese with their yellow color.

There were floral arrangements made with items such as tea pots, coffee pots, a dog bowl, a bundt cake mold and a trivet.

Each creative piece seemed to have a special significance to the artist who created it.

Sandy Thomas of Melbourne said the Brown Betty teapot she used had

belonged to her mother and the Queen Anne’s Lace type of plant was a favorite of hers and her mother.

Inge Holland of Satellite Beach used a unique bundt cake mold with cut outs that allowed the cooled cake to take on a mountainous design.

“It was sent to me by a dear friend who shares a love for the Alps,” Holland said. “When I sprinkle powdered sugar on the cake, it appears to look like the Alps and it reminds me of her.”

The group critiqued each other's end design floral piece. They also made plans for the next couple of month’s gatherings, which will include a trip to the McKee Jungle Gardens in Vero Beach.

They will use bamboo to create their floral arrangements and have lunch in the Garden’s cafeteria.

For information about the Suntree Ikebana advanced group, contact Lyn Rehm at lynr@cfl.rr.com.

For more information about the Ikebana group that meets in Viera East, contact one of the instructor-presenters: Francoise Duffy at fcduffy@ gmail.com or Bia Ades at ades. bia@gmail.com. VV

vieravoice.com

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Young dancers entertain at Indiafest, which returns to Wickham Park on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10.

Indiafest celebrates its 27th annual gathering at Wickham Park

BY WENDY SCHEURING Last year’s Indiafest saw 10,000 people come through the gates.

It is expected to attract a festive record crowd again.

This year, it will be at Wickham Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 10. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12.

Children younger than 5 are admitted for free.

This year’s theme, Zero to Infinity, will celebrate India’s contributions to science and technology from the zero to India’s uncrewed moon landing in 2023.

Traditional Indian foods will be served.

“India is a melting pot of many cultures for many centuries,” festival chairperson Nina Gadodia said.

Samosa, a fried, triangular-shaped pastry filled with spices, potatoes, peas and meat, is a favorite.

Butter chicken and various types of lentil dishes are also popular.

“Indiafest was a great way to introduce my husband, who was born and brought up in the U.S., to Indian food and culture,” Shreyasi Pain wrote in a message.

“It’s one of the few events on the Space Coast that reminds me of home and that I look forward to every year.”

“I took my au pair group

there last year and loved it,” wrote Isabel Hendrix of Suntree. “We ate lots of food and watched different performances. It was the perfect place to meet as a group.”

Gadodia’s dream of creating Indiafest nearly 30 years ago is still alive and well.

“It started with giving a sense of pride to our American-born Indian children of their own heritage,” Gadodia said.

“It’s our duty to share our culture.

"The community really welcomed us with open arms and helped us. We started doing philanthropy thanks to all of our sponsors who believe in our causes.”

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This year’s charitable recipients are Aging Matters and The Children’s Hunger Project.

“It’s not only what we give them,’’ Gadodia said. “We try to make people understand

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Gifford takes over Viera baseball program as Hawks enter new era

BY CARL KOTALA

After challenging for a state baseball championship each of the past two seasons, it’s going to be a whole new ballgame for the Viera Hawks in 2024.

With 13 seniors having graduated from last year’s state runner-up team and the departure of head coach Brock Doty, the Hawks will rely on a number of younger players to step into key roles under new coach Matt Gifford.

“It’s basically a whole new crew,” Gifford said. “I would say we’re young for sure.

We’ve got a lot of gelling to do if we’re going to make a solid run into the postseason at this point.”

Viera may have a number of pieces to replace, but the good news for the Hawks is that they still have plenty of talent.

Senior pitcher Dylan Jordan, a Florida State commit, heads a talented pitching staff that also includes junior lefty Brennan Confreda and juniors Caden Jensen, David Mastrolonardo and Deaglan

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brad Strode

Brennan Confreda, a junior left-hander, will be one of Viera High School's top pitchers during the 2024 season.

Vogel — a future star for the Hawks — can play the infield or outfield.

Confreda said he likes the young talent the Hawks have assembled this season.

“We have a lot of upcoming juniors and sophomores, and even incoming freshmen this year,” he said. “I think the freshmen class is going to be really helpful for the future for Viera.”

The junior also believes anyone counting the Hawks out this season will be in for a rude awakening.

“Obviously, living up to a state runner-up title is definitely going to be hard,” Confreda said. “But I believe this young team has a lot of grit. A lot of people are looking at us like, ‘Oh, they lost so many people. They’re going to have a down year.’

“I don’t believe so. I truly don’t believe that. I look at it as other schools lost people, too. We have a lot of young, upcoming guys and I think once they get their feet wet, this team can be really good.” VV

McBride. Sophomore Blaine Werkheiser is expected to return this month as well.

“We’ve got the arms,” Gifford said. “What we need is to build around those arms. We need guys to be more aggressive at the plate and put the ball in play. That’s our big thing.

I know it’s early. We’ve got some growing pains (to go through).

“… It’s going to take a little bit of time. The big thing is, myself included, we just can’t get frustrated.”

Viera has produced some big-time catchers the past few years in Alan Espinal (Vanderbilt) and Alex Sosa (North Carolina State).

Junior Jay Fowler now steps into that role, backed up by freshman Brady Jensen.

Confreda will be at first

base when he’s not pitching, with senior Mikey Schmidt at second and senior transfer Alex Westfield at short.

Senior Cam Simpkins is back at third base. The outfield consists of junior Ezana Birru in left, junior Dominic Leoni in center and senior Evan Lipski in right.

Sophomore Kian Crockett will also see time at second base and freshman Brody

developing a splitter that could be devastating.

He also has the kind of poise, maturity and dedication that make him stand out.

“One thing I’ve learned about Dylan over the years is that he has a passion for this game,” Viera junior lefthander Brennan Confreda said. “I mean, that guy will go out and do whatever he possibly can to get better every single day.

“I’ve looked at him a few times, and I’ve worked with him in the offseason in our throwing program, and I’ve been like, ‘I want to be like this guy.’ This guy goes out and he performs on every basis. And he does it with a smile.

“He goes out and he’s just as happy as a butterfly. He’s just loving the game, every second of it.”

He’s also evolving. Jordan spent four to five days a week in the weight room in the offseason and added some extra mobility work to help him stay healthy for the season. He took his endurance and sprint work to another level, so he will be

able to go deeper into games without getting fatigued.

Having a set throwing program will also be a big help.

After struggling to locate his changeup consistently, Jordan recently shelved the pitch and decided to try throwing a splitter.

“I’ve been working on it for a little bit and I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the splitter,” he said. “I actually threw it in our first preseason game and it worked out pretty well. “… I think it will help me out a lot. I know I have a good fastball/slider mix and those are two pitches that go different ways. If I can get a pitch that can go another opposite way, I think it will make my arsenal even better.”

Jordan, who is ranked No. 132 in the country among college and high school prospects by Perfect Game, had himself quite a summer.

Not only did he attend showcases in Arizona and

Viera High's Dylan Jordan is a Florida State commit who has a chance to be selected in Major League Baseball's Draft in July.

Viera’s Jordan has a combination of talent, passion and poise

BY CARL KOTALA

Dylan Jordan loves playing baseball.

It’s really that simple for the Viera High senior righthander and Florida State commit, who has been rising up Major League Baseball Draft boards during the past year.

All the other stuff … where he’s ranked by the scouting services, whether he should go pro or go to college … all the kinds of things that could really stress out an 18 year old going into his final year of high school baseball, don’t seem to matter.

He just wants to play and get better every day.

“I don’t let it affect my mental health,” Jordan said.

“I’m just trying to have fun and I think all of this is fun to me. I love doing what I do.

I love playing baseball.”

There’s definitely a lot to love about Jordan’s game, too.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he’s got great size. His fastball usually runs between 91 and 94 mph and has hit 96. He’s also got an excellent slider and is

8

Viera Voice | March 2024

DYLAN JORDAN

Continued on page 9

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brad Strode

vieravoice.com

Tigers have chance to set school record for wins this season

BY CARL KOTALA With only one senior and nine players who are either freshmen or sophomores, the Holy Trinity Tigers will have a young baseball team once again this season.

But that hasn’t stopped head coach Tom Kelce from thinking this could be a record-breaking group.

And it’s easy to see why.

“I like the team,” Kelce said. “A lot of the kids started in eighth grade, so we have some sophomores and freshmen that can play. I think we have a lot of speed this year. We’ve got some pitching.

“This is one of the years I’m really excited about our team. I’m always excited, but you can see the potential.

“I’m looking forward to it. The hitting will be there.

The speed will definitely be there. And we’re definitely going to have some arms. I expect to do really well this year, barring any injuries, of course.”

Left-hander Canon Hopper is the only senior in this year’s group.

“It is a little weird. I’m not going to lie,” the pitcher said.

“It’s kind of hard getting used to it. It’s kind of the father-of-the-team role for me. … I kind of like it.”

Not only has Hopper gained a little speed on his fastball (it sits at 85 or 86 with a high of 88) but he’s also gotten tighter spins on his slider and gotten a better feel for his changeup.

DYLAN JORDAN

Continued from page 8

Alabama, he was named Most Valuable Pitcher in the WWBA national tournament last July and played in the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League with some of the top 100 players in the nation.

That led to Jordan being selected among the final 40 candidates for USA Baseball’s National U18 team.

Be it on the national stage, or helping Viera to a Class 6A state runner-up finish as a junior last season, Jordan knows what it’s like to pitch in the spotlight.

“Being in those situations and playing in those big games, you just become more and more confident,” he said. “You adapt to the situation, adapt to the environment, learn from your mistakes and build off the progress that you make.

“That’s how I got better — being put in those situations by the coaches and by the players and

vieravoice.com

and JV. “I think our best option is to play smart and play a lot of small ball,” Hopper said.

“I think that’s a way to win games, especially when you have a tight game.

“We’re not necessarily a power team, so we need to make smart plays, bunt the ball and defensively,

turn double plays. Just be efficient, be smooth and don’t be rushed.”

Last year’s team tied a school record with 13 wins.

“I think we’re going to do better this year,” he said. “I think we’re going to set a school record for wins.

“I feel strongly about it.”

VV

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Holy Trinity pitcher Canon Hopper, shown here with coach Tom Kelce, is the only senior on this year's team and a big reason why the Tigers believe they can break the school record for most wins in a season.

That should pair well with junior Devin Jackameit, who is coming off a big sophomore season, to give the Tigers a solid one-two punch on the mound.

Junior Roman Carlson will be behind the plate with either freshman Ethan Nunes or sophomore Dominick Mormile at first base. Freshman Braedon Kite is at second with talented freshman Kayden Jaquez at short. Jackameit will play third base when having success and failure.

In the game of baseball, you’re going to fail a lot.

That’s where you learn.

“I’ve made a million mistakes playing baseball.

That’s kind of where this all comes from, where the confidence comes from; just trusting myself, trusting the work I put in and being able to go out there every time and do my best.”

Should Jordan be selected in this year’s MLB Draft, the Viera senior will have a decision to make. But that’s not his main focus at the moment.

“Right now, I’m just trying to enjoy my senior year,” he said. “When the time comes, if the pro route is for me, I’ll go pro. But I’m more than happy to go to FSU. “I chose FSU for a reason.

I love their coaching staff.

I love the campus. I love everything about it. FSU is definitely a place for me.”

Wherever the Viera High School ace ends up next season, one thing is clear.

He’s built for success. VV

he’s not pitching. The outfield will be led by junior Brody Delboccio in center.

The corner outfield positions are open with sophomore Noah Thatcher likely in one spot and either Nunez or Mormile in the other.

Sophomore Lucas Kapatoes is an outfielder and pitcher. Sophomores Chase Robertson (outfielder, first baseman and pitcher) and Jacob Allison (second baseman/outfielder) will split time between varsity

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Viera Voice | March 2024

9

Numbers say Hawks are built for success this season

BY CARL KOTALA No matter how you look at the numbers, they all add up to a very successful season for the Viera High School softball team.

Let’s start with the number 29, which is how many players came out for the team this season, allowing the Hawks to have a JV program for the first time in years while still carrying 16 on the varsity roster.

Then how about the number three, which is how many Viera seniors are committed to play softball at the Division I or II levels next season.

What about the number eight? That’s how many players in Viera’s starting lineup have hit home runs in practice. And yes, that’s already carried over into games.

“When you look at it, the team is in a good position to do good things this year,” first-year coach Mike Worden said.

Viera may have graduated two outstanding players and leaders in pitcher Skylar Waggoner and catcher Maddie Ford, but this year’s Hawks have done their best to fill those holes with both youth and experience.

confident in myself this year than last, especially knowing I’m a senior.”

Depending on who is catching, Tori Berry or Potts will be at first base with junior Cordelia Mileski backing them up. Senior McKenna Connelly will be at second base with sophomores Erin Lynch and Kodibeth Bates potentially getting playing time there as well.

Pitt is at short and junior Elaina Snyder is at third base with help from junior Kara Burwell.

Junior Brooke Samuels will be the ultimate utility player with the versatility to play second, short or left field, which will also be a spot for Addy Berry or Madi Ryder. Junior Kaitlyn Farinhas is in right field along VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Kit Mohr Photography with senior Mylie Barnes.

With solid pitching, good defense and a lineup with plenty of power, the Viera Hawks will be a team to watch Viera is hoping sophomore this season under first-year head coach Mike Worden.

Addy Maxwell can return “I feel like we really mesh confident going into this Senior transfer and from an injury in April. together very well,” Haley season.

University of North Florida “I think the key would Rider said of this year’s team.

“Since last year, I feel commit Addy Berry and definitely be our hitting, “… We’re definitely in sync like my bat has gotten way freshman Madi Rider will especially after (the and everyone gets along.” better,” Pitt said. “I feel more take over on the mound, preseason) when our bats Pitt, a shortstop who is confident in my swing. I trust were on fire,” Haley Rider while junior Tori Berry and committed to the University myself to make plays that are said. “Our hitting will freshman Kamryn Potts will of Pittsburgh, and Haley hard. If there’s a ball going to definitely help us a lot and handle the catching.

Rider, a center fielder who the left or right of me, I know take us very far this year. Our As for the leaders, seniors is heading to Florida Tech, I can get it.

Amaya Pitt and Haley Rider pitching, too, with Addy and have stepped into those roles. both said they’re more self“I’m just a lot more Madi combined.” VV

Holy Trinity embarks on exciting era with Bettermann at helm

BY CARL KOTALA

The Holy Trinity Tigers believe they have the talent.

It’s just a matter of putting it all together throughout the course of the season.

Featuring a roster that has only one senior (Cali Perillo) and one junior (Bebe Stockton) under new head softball coach Lexi Bettermann, the Tigers will certainly be a team to watch in 2024.

“It’s kind of a younger team, but we’re pretty solid,” Stockton said. “The younger girls are more slappers and they can get on base.

Cali’s a power hitter. I’m (a

line-drive) hitter, too. We’re looking pretty good.”

The Tigers showed that in their season opener, going on the road and defeating Space Coast 5-3.

It was the first win for Bettermann, a 27-year-old former Florida Tech standout who has taken over the program from John Clarson, who is still helping out with the program.

“It’s awesome,” Bettermann said of her coaching experience thus far.

“It definitely gives you another level of respect for the game. There’s a lot more that goes into it behind the

scenes than you would kind of think. I really enjoy it.”

Perillo, who signed to play at the University of Tampa, and Stockton give the Tigers the kind of veteran leadership they will need on a team stocked with younger talent.

Freshman Bella Kapatoes is back as Holy Trinity’s No. 1 pitcher.

Eighth-grader Emma Clark will be the Tigers catcher with freshman Kali McMillan at first base, eighthgrader Kialei Kite at second,

SOFTBALL

Continued on page 12

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Kim Stockton

Holy Trinity junior Bebe Stockton is moving from second base to shortstop this season. The Tigers have a young team and a new head coach in Lexi Bettermann, but should be ready to challenge for a district title.

10

Viera Voice | March 2024

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11

Kiwanis golf tournament to benefit children in Brevard County SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The Rockledge-Viera Kiwanis will have its 15th annual children’s charities golf tournament March 9 at Turtle Creek golf course in Rockledge.

This year’s tournament

sponsor is Greg M. Phelps of Edward Jones. Shell Harbor Retirement Community of Rockledge is this year’s corporate sponsor.

Proceeds will benefit the club’s Nestor Hebert shoe fund to facilitate scholarships, to sponsor

leadership clubs and other “If golfers and sponsors could see the joy child-related Kiwanis in the kids’ eyes when they receive their projects.

The shoe fund has new shoes, it would be clear they are supplied more than 105,000 making a difference.” pairs of shoes and socks to needy kindergarten through — Jeff Incorvia third graders in Brevard County.

The entry fee for the including in-kind tourney is $100 and includes contributions for door 18 holes of golf with carts, prizes, continental breakfast prizes, a continental items, and goody bags,” said breakfast and an awards Sharon Crockett, the club’s banquet luncheon following secretary and the Kiwanis the tournament where point of contact for this trophies will be awarded to year’s tournament. the top three teams.

“Our sponsors are the A golf cart is up for grabs lifeline of this effort; we for a hole-in-one and a couldn’t do this without putter will be at stake for them, they make all the winner of the putting the difference,” said contest. Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin champions Jeff Incorvia, the club’s president. “If golfers and will also be recognized and sponsors could see the joy rewarded.

“We appreciate donations in the kids’ eyes when they receive their new shoes of any denomination, it would be clear they are making a difference.”

For more information, contact Andy at 321-7947945; Johnny at 321987-8440 or check out Rockledgekiwanis.org. VV

Home Sweet Home

SOFTBALL

Continued from page 10

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Viera Voice | March 2024

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Stockton at shortstop and Perillo at third.

The outfield features eighth-grader Caleigh Schmoll in left, sophomore Grace Mooney in center and a large group of players who will rotate in right field. They include seventh-graders Jenna Robertson, Natahlie Ponton and Ava Allison along with eighth-grader Maddy McNabb and freshman Delaney Schmoll.

Sophomore Ana Calderin rotates between right and left field while sophomore Aubrey Mooney can play first base or the outfield.

Stockton, who moved from second base to shortstop this season, said she is enjoying the switch so far.

“I feel like my arm’s gotten stronger and I’ve got good range,” she said. “I like it more than second base now.”

Bettermann said she believes the Tigers are “capable of more than they give themselves credit for” and the way the players have been receptive to doing whatever it takes to help the team.

“I really think once we start getting the little things right and working on the little things more in practice now that we’ve had a couple of games under our belt, I think we’ll make it far into districts and hopefully in to states,” Bettermann said. “That’s my goal. “... I’m really excited to see what they can do. VV

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Viera Voice | March 2024

13

& Events

Dining Out Great Trips planned for 2023 Strawberry Festival Mar. 8, 2024 - $119 Includes roundtrip motorcoach, gate entry, reserved lower seating for The Commodores and strawberry shortcake. Sign up by Feb. 8.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Tues., March 26 - $119 Join us for a fun evening of food, drink and entertainment as we head back to Medieval times. 4 course meal and drinks while watching the Knights jousting as the 11th century comes alive while you explore the castle. Suits of armor stand guard as you walk thru Her Majesty’s halls. Sign up by March 31, need minimum of 40 for trip.

Viera East Golf Course Presents

Sassy Saturday PINTS & PUTTERS It's a good day to go green!

March 16th 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Tarpon Springs Wed., April 3 — $129

Join us for our annual trip to Tarpon Springs, come and enjoy some great food, shopping and dolphin and sheeling cruise. Sign up by March 26, max of 48 for this trip due to boat regualtions.

Chain of Lakes Boat Tour Wed., April 10 — $89 Enjoy a morning on the pristine Chain of Lakes in Winter Park, beautiful homes and wildlife. You will then have 3 hours on your own in Old Town to shop, take in lunch or go to the Morse Museum. Sign up by April 1, minimum of 40 needed for trip.

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Are you ready for a day filled with golf & giggles? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, this event is the perfect tee-off into a world of fun and camaraderie among women who share a love for the game. Starts with putting lessons then 9-holes of golf and green beer!

Register online at: www.vieragolf.com

MARCH 9 IRCC Community Garage Sale 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Indian River Colony Club 1936 Freedom Drive Park alongside Murrell Road Viera, 256-617-9887 March for Meals One-mile walk to raise awareness local seniors face with food insecurity.

Complimentary breakfast to follow.

9 a.m.

Benefits Meals on Wheels Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-639-8770

The Police K9: More than just a Dog 11 a.m, - 12:30 p.m.

Come and meet the highly trained and skilled law enforcement officers from Brevard County Sheriff's Office and Titusville Police Department! Enjoy K9 demonstrations and talking with K9 team members.

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Space Coast KidFest & Camp Fair 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Be the One River Walk or Run 8 a.m.

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East Coast Dog Surfing Festival 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Viera Voice | March 2024

15

s w e N

SCHOOL

Protesters gather before School Board votes to ban fantasy novel

BY MIKE GAFFEY

A student-led protest drew dozens of people Feb. 6 outside the Brevard County School District offices in Viera just hours before the Brevard County School Board voted to ban a book from county school libraries.

By a 4-1 vote, board members agreed to remove the 2015 fantasy novel “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

by Sarah J. Maas from Brevard school bookshelves.

The first of a series, the novel, which contains profanity and sexually explicit content, is among about 30 books under district review..

As some protesters held signs stating “Freadom” and “Ban Bigotry, Not Books,” about 10 people, including students, teachers and School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, spoke at the rally.

“We, right now, are about to walk into a room of adults making decisions about these students,” said Jenkins, who

“... They need to know that they have a right to use their voice and stand up and speak about what matters to them most and what is happening inside an education system that is supposed to be serving them.”

VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey

Protesters gather outside the Brevard County School District offices in Viera, just hours before the Brevard County School Board voted 4-1 to ban a book from school libraries. later cast the lone dissenting vote. “And they need to know that they have a right to use their voice and stand up and speak about what matters to them most and

what is happening inside an education system that is supposed to be serving them.”

Jenkins also praised West Shore Junior/Senior High

School senior Anjani Sharma, who organized the protest.

“I’m so proud of you not only for accomplishing this, but I’m proud of you for pushing something

— Jennifer Jenkins

that you genuinely were uncomfortable with and you thought would jeopardize your future,” Jenkins told Sharma.

More than a dozen other books have been removed from circulation pending the outcome of a formal review by the Brevard Public Schools Objectionable Book Committee. VV

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Viera Voice | March 2024

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Viera Voice | March 2024

Financial Planning and Advisory Services are offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors (“PCA”) an SEC registered investment adviser. The Chamberlin Group and PCA are separate, non-affiliated entities. PCA does not provide tax or legal advice.

Information and strategies from this presentation should not be viewed as investment advice. Content may have been created by a Third Party and was not written or created by a PCA affiliated advisor and does not represent the views and opinions of PCA or its subsidiaries.

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THE RETIREMENT DECEPTION

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Robert Grover

Viera High School's wind ensemble was scheduled to travel to Tennessee to perform on March 1 at the College Band Directors National Association/National Board Association Southern Division Conference at the University of Memphis.

Viera High’s wind ensemble selected to perform in Memphis

BY CARL KOTALA The last time the Viera High School wind ensemble had a chance to perform out of state, Nick Grey was an eighth grader and decided to attend their “send-off” concert.

“The performance was lifechanging,” Grey wrote in an email. “I had no idea a group of high school students could sound like a professional ensemble and move the audience’s emotions so deliberately, yet effortlessly.”

Four years later, the Viera wind ensemble was set to hit the road again and, this time, Grey was bringing his French horn as a senior.

The 55-member student group was scheduled to perform March 1 at the 2024 College Band Directors National Association/ National Band Association (CBDNA/NBA) Southern Division Conference at the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

“Being selected to perform for the members

of these esteemed musical organizations is one of the highest honors for our Instrumental Music Program I can think of,” Viera’s instrumental music director Nick Eggen wrote in an email.

“There are 10 states in the southern division of CBDNA and three high schools were selected to perform at this conference, with Viera High School being one of them.

I cannot overstate how proud I am of our students, families and community for supporting us in this

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Viera Voice | March 2024

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endeavor.”

The Viera ensemble, which was selected through a blind audition, performed in Tampa at the 2024 Professional Development Conference hosted by the Florida Music Educators Association in January.

Danielle Matthews, a senior who has been playing the euphonium since she was 9 years old, had never traveled out of state to perform.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of adrenaline and joy that I experience being on stage with my closest friends,” Matthews wrote in an email.

“On top of that, I love the concert program that the directors have chosen for us, and I have had so much fun playing these pieces during rehearsals, various concerts and FMEA, and it has all been leading up to this moment.”

Both Grey and Matthews described the wind ensemble as a very tight group.

“The group and I love the bonding experience that this has provided for us,” Matthews wrote. “We have definitely grown closer as

an ensemble through all of the hard work we have been putting towards this. … I know we will have lots of fun putting on an amazing performance.”

Grey recalled a time just a year ago when the band performed “an astonishing selection of music that high school students would not normally tackle” at the state level Music Performance Assessment event.

“I still remember this performance vividly because everyone in the wind ensemble had a core memory experience; it reminded each of us how powerful music can be,” Grey wrote.

“What made this experience especially profound for me was its impact on the audience. There were several other bands in the audience during our performance.

When it was over, I received messages from several students from different schools that I had never met before, expressing nothing but absolute praise for our ensemble.

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— K-12 STUDENT ARTISTS — A youth Art, Photography and Writing contest is being sponsored by the Viera Voice in an effort to raise awareness on how to protect our Florida wildlife and nature habitat.

Charlie Corbiel Youth Art Contest

Contest deadline: April 15 Entry form: vieravoice.com Age Groups: K-3, 4-7 and 8-12 Reception and Awards: TBA Exhibition: TBA

Categories

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Painting, drawing or digital art of Florida wildlife

PHOTOGRAPHY Florida wildlife

Prizes: ($800 in cash prizes) • $40 first place winner in each category and grade group

Publication of the winning entry in an upcoming issue of the Viera Voice

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vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | March 2024

19

Music students display their talents during Suntree recitals

BY BETTY PORTER The sound of music from students filled the Springs of Suntree clubhouse on Holiday Springs Road during the 24th annual Creative Music, Art and Learning Center Music Recital.

More than 140 recitals took place between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 — on piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, harp and voice. The event was set up in one-hour programs, each averaging 26 recitals with a half hour between the programs for transitioning to the next.

Proud parents, siblings and friends clapped enthusiastically at the end of each recital. For some participants, it was their very first recital. Each participant received a ribbon and a trophy at the end of their recital.

“We have all ages, all sizes, all ability levels and special needs students giving recitals at this annual music recital,” said Dr. Loretta Fox, the music teacher and director of the Creative Music, Art and Learning Center.

At the 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. program, Fox announced the first-time recital of the

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Laura Wisoker became a pianist to encourage her daughter Elena to both sing and play the piano. They both performed at the 24th annual Creative Music, Art and Learning Center Music Recital.

mother of a young student, who was also part of the recital.

Laura Wisoker, who has lived in Suntree for 22 years, played the piano in between

her daughter’s Elena’s piano and voice recitals. Elena sang “Castle on a Cloud.” For Elena, 10, a fourth grader at Suntree Elementary School, it was her second formal recital. Mother

and daughter hugged at the end of their recitals to the applause of the audience.

“My daughter Elena has been taking music lessons since she was 5 years old and I began taking lessons three years ago so that I could encourage her to keep studying music,” Wisoker said. “Elena takes piano lessons twice a week and voice lessons once a week.

I take piano lessons once a week. We both have Miss Loretta as our teacher and we both practice playing the piano at home. Elena practices every day and I practice almost every day.”

Parker Gonzalez, 8, a third grader at Suntree Elementary School, had played two football games in the morning before coming to the afternoon recital where he performed “500-Year-Old Melody” on the piano.

Gonzalez’s grandmother, Rose Chi of Suntree, saw his recital in person for the first time.

“I had always watched his recitals on video that my daughter would send, but today I am so glad to be here at the recital in person to see him play the piano. I am so very proud of him. He's

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very good.”

Music education for ages 4 and up is offered at the Creative Music, Art and Learning Center.

“Several of the teachers have started their music career at a young age here at the studio and are now in college,” Fox said.

Since the age of 4, Gabby Coppala, now a teacher of harp, grew up taking lessons in piano, harp and voice at the studio. She is now working there six days a week while attending Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne. After graduating from EFSC, Coppala plans to go to Florida State University and earn a degree in music.

She played the harp during the transition times at the music recital as well as accompanying some of her students who did their recital on the harp, including Ember Thomas, 8, a third grader at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. They played “Butterflies.”

Fox earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin

RECITAL

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Viera Voice | March 2024

vieravoice.com

RECITAL Continued from page 20

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

Amaiya Udeshi, 6, is an aspiring pianist.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

A love for gardening has been instilled in students at Hans Christian Andersen Elementary School in Rockledge.

Introducing

and a doctorate in Gifted Education from Columbia Pacific University in San Rafael, California. She taught in Wisconsin public schools for 30 years before retiring and moving to Melbourne. She taught kindergarten at Suntree United Methodist Church preschool for four years and was the music teacher there for six more years. She opened her music studio in February 2000 with 30 students. More than 200 students are enrolled now.

To learn more about the Creative Music, Art and Learning Center at 1299 Bedford Drive, Suite C, in Suntree/Viera go to creativemusicart.com. VV

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Aeroponic garden tower yields crop at Andersen Elementary

BY JILL BLUE Students from Michelle Paulick’s third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes at Hans Christian Andersen Elementary School in Rockledge recently harvested their first lettuce crop in their aeroponic garden tower for their first official feast. Mrs. Bronson, a teaching assistant, helped organize the project.

Through a collaboration with a grant funded by the Viera Company through the Brevard Schools Foundation, the students were given the opportunity to grow a variety of lettuces. Some of the lettuces included Swiss chard, bibb and spicy arugula.

“They have cultivated this garden since right before Thanksgiving,” Paulick said.

“Today, we are having our first official feast so we can try everything out. It’s really been exciting. We are seeing scores come up and the enthusiasm for reading, writing and their math is at an all-time high. Everything is hands-on.

The teachers do not do the

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The aeroponic garden tower grew a lot of lettuce for students to enjoy. work for them. They do it all themselves. The learning has really been great to see.”

The cafeteria donated salad dressing for a healthy, organic snack.VV Cele bra ting our

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Happy Holidays and Music Lessons for all Ages Happy Holidays and Contactbest us forwishes Piano, Violin, forGuitar, best wishes for aaLessons.

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vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | March 2024

21

Bluewater Creative Group Ͳ Issue 25

March for Meals raises awareness to benefit Brevard seniors

BY WENDY SCHEURING A one-mile walk to raise awareness about challenges local seniors face with food insecurity and isolation will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Viera Regional Park.

A complimentary breakfast of bagels, fruit and coffee will follow the March for Meals.

The free event is hosted

by Aging Matters in Brevard, a 59-year-old, nonprofit corporation based in Cocoa, that prepares, serves and delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors. It also provides transportation for seniors.

“We want to bring people together and reintroduce ourselves to the community for a morning of friendship and giving back,” said Vimarie Monopoli, the senior director of development for Aging Matters in Brevard.

Along the one-mile loop course, walkers can get information and find out about services, such as Meals on Wheels and Seniors at Lunch.

They serve free hot meals at 13 sites throughout Brevard County.

Currently 1,300 hot meals are delivered daily to area seniors (60 and older) who are not ambulatory or unable

to prepare nutritious meals for themselves.

Some recipients also receive evening meals, a sandwich, fruit and a drink, or else they could go hungry without receiving the additional meal.

The hot meals are created by a former chef from Café Margaux in Cocoa Village.

The meals include a protein, vegetable and a carbohydrate.

“The people get excited, wondering what’s coming,” Monopoli said.

The need for more volunteers to deliver meals is great.

Four hundred seniors are currently waiting to receive meals through the Meals on Wheels program.

With the skyrocketing cost of food and gas, regular monetary donations are also encouraged.

“This makes the organization more sustainable when we know what is coming in every month,” Monopoli said.

Sponsors who would like to host a table to showcase their businesses are still being sought for the event.

Included is their company logo on the back of the T-shirt and social media exposure.

While the March for Meals event is free to participants,

the cost of the T-shirts is $30.

This is enough to provide one meal per day for a senior each month.

Meals on Wheels is not based upon income, but upon

need.

“It’s not just about nutritious food,” Monopoli said. “The volunteers check in on the person. You will hear many stories of our

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VIERA VOICE Wendy Scheuring

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volunteers saving someone’s life.”

For more information, check out agingmattersbrevard.org or call 321-639-8770. VV

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Solution on page 39

Volunteers working the kitchen line prepare more than 1,000 meals daily.

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Viera Voice | March 2024

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p o o c BUSINESSS

Long-awaited AJ’s Lager House brings local flair to Suntree

BY WENDY SCHEURING

The highly anticipated AJ’s Lager House is now open.

After a soft opening in mid-February to area residents, the restaurant and bar located at the former Uno’s Pizzeria site at 8260 N. Wickham Road is now open, serving casual fare and local beers and craft cocktails.

Former Uno’s aficionados, however, won’t recognize the interior of AJ’s Lager House.

The floors have been ripped out and replaced and the inside gutted and reconstructed to provide a clean, modern urban and industrial look and feel, using steel, brick, wood and plenty of greenery.

The restaurant is family and multi-generationally owned by Jason Pun, a 2006 graduate of Satellite Beach High School, his brother, and his parents, who do not wish to be named. Pun’s fiancée is also a part of the team.

The restaurant business is in the family’s DNA. Pun has spent the past 20 years of his life learning all aspects of the trade, including bartending.

“It’s been a collaborative effort,” Pun said. “A journey to get to where we are.”

He describes the restaurant’s scratch cooking as Mexican-Asian-Southern fusion.

“I tried to pull from my own culinary experience,” he said.

“Chefs Mike Mayberry

AJ's Lager House welcomed customers for the first time at a soft opening in mid-February.

and David Baez are some of the most disciplined and dedicated people I’ve seen in the kitchen,” he added.

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“It’s been a collaborative effort. A journey to get to where we are. I tried to pull from my own culinary experience.”

— Jason Pun

nachos with tuna, fried chicken and a tasty burger called the “Good Old Boy” are on the menu. So are fish and chips, shrimp entrees and a variety of steaks.

“I’m always looking for something new and close to home,” Suntree resident Laura Siemers said. “Good quality food, especially something that’s different from the ordinary, would always be welcomed.”

The bar has 24 taps, local beers from Melbourne’s Intracoastal Micro Brewery to Tampa’s Cigar City Brewery, as well as canned and bottled beers.

Live entertainment, both indoors and outdoors, will soon liven the atmosphere.

“I would love to have Hot Pink, Love Valley Band, or Harbor City Sound,” Pun said.

Pun looks forward to hosting art shows, car shows, beer and winetasting events, and an Oktoberfest-themed party in the near future. Giving back to the community by hosting fundraisers for sports leagues and organizations is also important to him.

For more information, go to ajslagerhouse.com/. VV

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Viera Voice | March 2024

vieravoice.com

The Landings, a built-to-rent community, coming to south Viera

BY WENDY SCHEURING

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of The Landings

The Landings will have a modern clubhouse for residents to enjoy.

It will have a pool cabana, a pool house with a gym, an outdoor kitchen, an air-conditioned gathering room in the clubhouse, a tot lot or playground and a dog park.

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With the rising cost of home ownership, builtto-rent communities are now becoming increasingly popular.

The Landings, undergoing construction, will be a coastal cottagethemed community located on the south side of the intersection of Pineda Boulevard and Stadium Parkway.

The community will have 207 rental homes — 154 two-story townhomes with garages (one or two) and 53 single-family detached homes with two-car garages, according to Chip Bryan, the managing director of Condev Communities of Winter Park.

Because of Viera’s exponential growth, according to Bryan, area residents may have a family member who wants to “test-drive” the area, rent a home for a year to decide which community or side of town they want to live in, and if they want to live in a townhome or a bigger home.

“Some are just renters by choice,” he said.

The homes will look similar to those of adjacent Del Webb, a 55-and-older community, coastal cottages with siding and metal or shingle roofs.

Lawn maintenance, exterior maintenance and amenities are included, such as a pool cabana, a

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of The Landings

The Landings will provide 207 rental homes in Viera, 154 two-story townhomes with garages (one or two) and 53 single-family detached homes with two-car garages.

pool house with a gym, an outdoor kitchen, an airconditioned gathering room in the clubhouse, a tot lot or playground and a dog park.

There will be plenty of green space to enjoy. Guest parking will be scattered throughout the community.

“The site has been cleared and has been under development,” Bryan said.

A man-made lake is the centerpiece of the community, comprising most of the 49-acre property.

“We created a lake where

the existing canal was that sits between Crossmolina and The Landings,” Bryan said. “It’s kind of like Bridgewater where canals were made into lakes. This is pretty consistent with how Viera is doing things these days.”

The process of renting a property is typical of what would be seen in the multi-family world or via professional management of homes, according to Bryan. The application process includes a credit and background review.

The Landings works with a well-known national management company that Bryan did not want to immediately disclose.

“It’s an excellent location,” he said. “You’re definitely in the middle of everything.

You’re just a zip down the Pineda and near the brandnew Publix that’s being built behind the hospital on Stadium and a new fire station under construction across from us.”

Applications will be taken in late 2024 and homes will be available to move into in early 2025.

VV

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• Gastroparesis • Heartburn • Memory Loss

Study participants may receive compensation for time and travel. No medical insurance is required. Call today or visit us online to find out if you qualify.

(407) 680-0534

ClinCloudResearch.com Viera Voice | March 2024

25

Gastropalooza IV brings out the best in area chefs SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

More than $10,000 was raised for the Brevard County Hospitality Life and the Giving Kitchen at the 28 North Gastropalooza IV. An enthusiastic crowd of 1,000 foodies and music lovers attended the event.

The charity combined gastronomy with mixology and a music fest with the local and well-known band Hot Pink. Chris Conneen, the founder-owner of Viera’s 28 North Gastropub and Pizza Gallery and Grill, was the host.

Conneen is the creator of the event.

“It’s like watching the Food Chef Adam Walkover, left, won the crown as the 2024 Gastropalooza champion against reigning champ Chef CJ Hughes.

Network live,” Conneen said.

“Watching and smelling was free, but sampling food and drinks required wristbands.”

Chef Adam Walkover won the crown as the 2024 Gastropalooza champ at the three-course cooking challenge at the popular annual event.

Walkover and reigning champ Chef CJ Hughes served appetizers, entrees and desserts to alternating judges throughout the evening.

The 501 (c)3 organizations provide help to service industry professionals in crisis with community resources, financial assistance, mental health and substance abuse, and physical health and wellness. VV

26

Viera Voice | March 2024

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27

Business Scoop

Sommelier ready to pour at Venezia Wine Veranda

BY JEFF NAVIN

back to Brevard County about three years ago. “We’re going Venezia Wine Veranda to give people something they plans to open in early April haven’t seen in Brevard.’’ at Borrows West in Viera.

Barnhart is striving to General manager and become a Level 3 sommelier sommelier (wine steward) after working hard through Allison Barnhart can’t wait. the first two levels.

“We’re excited about the “I was a kid when I went concept,’’ said Barnhart, a to Boston,’’ said Barnhart, 1994 Titusville High School who worked at Dunkin’ graduate. “It’s done well in Donuts for a year and at other markets. The folks in Dixie Crossroads for a couple Brevard County are going to of years before making the love this full-service wine bar.’’ courageous trek to Boston as The two-story rooftop a young woman. “I learned wine bar with both indoor everything in Boston about and outdoor seating will offer wine and culture in casual to more than 100 selections of fine dining restaurants. I was wine. The second floor will be a consultant in the business. surrounded almost completely I ran the gamut from eight by glass. Self-pour containers to 10 different restaurants, a will distribute wine in 1.5-, 3chocolate shop and bakeries. or 5-ounce servings.

I always did well in turning As a sommelier, Barnhart is around bottom lines. My ready to discuss wine with her first job there was at Legal future customers.

Seafoods.

That’s where I HAPPY “We’ll hold classes and discovered my passion for monthly wine dinners,’’ said wine. And at No. 9 Park, a Barnhart, who worked at Barbara Lynch restaurant.’’ various restaurants in BostonFROM COVID-19’s effect on the OUR FAMILY for 20 years before coming restaurant industry prompted

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Barnhart to return to Brevard County.

“I have four sisters who all live in the Titusville area or in Cape Canaveral,’’ Barnhart said. “My best friend from 30 years ago still lives here. It was time to come home. I lived the life I needed to live in my 20s and 30s.’’

A sommelier needs to know how wine is made and what wine goes with a particular dish. Blind tastes are part of the process.

“I want to get to the masters level,’’ Barnhart said.

“That’s the creme de la creme.

The culture of old world versus new world and all the different facets.’’

Venezia Wine Veranda is emphasizing the art of curating wines. The program hopes to cultivate the everyday wine drinkers palette. It wants to create a well-informed, wide offering which is driven by the passion of “great juice at a great value.” It wants to give a wine-tasting experience like none other.

“Our team (led by the owner Rich Abbruscato and I) went through an extensive research process,’’ Barnhart said. “(They) utilized tools

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

General manager and sommelier Allison Barnhart is excited about Venezia Wine Veranda.

of the trade made available by wine professionals of the world. Taking advantage of the rating system these pros have put into place, along with valued consumer reviews, we were able to determine, through a self-devised quality to price ratio point system, the best juice in a bottle at the best price to the consumer.’’

Venezia narrowed down 1,000 wines to the 104 it will

carry when it opens in April.

“A range of cultivated palettes allowed us to hear different points of view, leading to not only a well rounded and broadened approach to the tasting program, but also a delicious and thoroughly planned dining experience to reflect the concept being offered to the community,’’ Barnhart said. VV

Track dream comes true at Viera High School Congratulations to the Power of Pizza Charities, Mike Acosta and Brittany Streufert for the dedication of the new track at Viera High School on Feb. 23.

Through the Eat My Crust 5K Run/Walk fundraiser during the past 12 years, the nonprofit has donated $200,000 to various programs at Viera High School. The VHS track is now known as the AcostaStreufert Track. Viera High School principal Heather LeGate gave out plaques to both Streufert and Acosta.

Save the date for the next Eat My Crust 5K on May 5.

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VIERA VOICE Susie Parente

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Viera Voice | March 2024

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Brevard Humane Society moves closer to building new facility SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE Dogs and cats soon will have more comfortable places to sleep and eat while they wait for their forever homes as the Brevard Humane Society moves closer to rebuilding its facility.

At no cost to taxpayers, the Brevard Humane Society is close to raising enough money to begin the project.

The current building at 1020 Cox Road in Cocoa was constructed in the 1960s. It was designed to warehouse animals back in the days when euthanasia after a certain deadline was too prevalent. Now, the animals have more hope.

Soon, the animals will be more comfortable as corroding cast iron pipes used for sewage will be replaced with materials

adhering to the latest standards. The electrical system also will be updated to meet Florida’s current codes.

In the event of a fire, the new facility will be better able to avoid catastrophe.

The existing building does not meet current fire safety codes.

The new facility also will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making it easier for people to see the available cats and dogs for adoption.

“The Brevard Humane Society has served the Brevard community for the last 72 years and the building has gotten very worn down and it's time to refresh it,” said Theresa Clifton, the executive director of the Central Brevard Humane

Society. “We could use the community support to help make that happen.”

For information on adoption or to donate to the project, call 321-636-3343,

ext. 204 or contact them at BrevardHumaneSociety.org.

VV

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29

Treating coronary disease, restoring seagrass is complicated Uh-oh, he’s lost it. This should be about the Indian River Lagoon, not medicine!

Yes and no.

Treating a patient who has been smoking and eating mostly candy for the past 15 years has something in common with our IRL that has been fed pollution for the past 70 years and is ailing. It’s complicated and it takes time.

Our patient’s diagnosis may be clogged coronary arteries and he could suddenly stop smoking and improve his diet but that is unlikely to immediately clear up all his problems.

Likewise, for the past 10 years, declining seagrass has been a key symptom of our IRL’s issues. And while we have begun a bold program to reduce pollution, improvement of our seagrass fields is mixed so far (massive recovery last

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

year in the Mosquito Lagoon, not as much in the Indian and Banana Rivers).

The analogy holds true in other ways, too. Helping our cardiac patient requires that we do a lot of tests and a deep examination of the research to chart the best path for his recovery.

The same is true for our seagrass. Across Florida and around the world seagrass is in trouble. Scientists estimate that we are losing 7% of our seagrass globally every year. In 2022, the United Nations adopted a resolution proclaiming March 1 as World Seagrass Day. Numerous centers are doing research to

understand how we can best reverse this sad trend.

They are looking at every imaginable factor: water clarity and chemistry, temperature, salinity, the effects of algae and restoration planting.

Fortunately, we have outstanding research and restoration efforts going locally. The Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) is using dollars from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment Act to fund five centers across the IRL to do research and build growing capacity to jump start seagrass restoration.

This may be analogous to using stents to help our patient.

At the same time, he needs to stick to his improved health habits.

And, we need to stick to our commitment to reduce

Jeff Leonard, inanCialPlanner Planner Jeff Leonard,CCertified ertified ffinanCial ™™ Smart Thinking SmartPlanning, Planning, Forward Forward Thinking Financial Wealth Wealth Financial Wealth Wealth Protection Management Planning Protection Management Planning

pollution in our very special patient — the IRL. For more about our

efforts to heal the IRL, check out helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. V V

BY FLORA REIGADA

accordance with the Florida Statute, the candidate’s name must remain on the ballot.

Early voting for the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary will be March 9 through March 16. Voters may cast their ballot at one of 10 locations throughout Brevard County.

Voters can visit any of the four administrative offices or go to VoteBrevard.gov to register or update their voter registration.

For locations and hours, go to VoteBrevard.gov.

Voters have until 5 p.m.

March 7 to request a mail ballot for the March 19 election.

Requests can be made at VoteBrevard.gov, 321-290VOTE (8683) or at any of four administrative offices. VV

Some voters will have a choice to make in Primary voting

Registered Republicans have a choice to make in the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary, though some candidates appearing on the ballot have already suspended their presidential campaign.

“The Florida Democratic Party’s one nominee will not appear on the ballot,” Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic said.

Only registered Republicans have a choice to make.

Votes cast for any candidate will count, even if the candidate has suspended or ended his or her campaign.

If a candidate did not submit a formal withdrawal

by Dec. 12, 2023, in

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31

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Visit one of our branches, open online at ccuFlorida.org, or call us at 321.690.2328.

*Bonus Information: The promotional code MK-$300Checking must be mentioned at time of account opening or entered as a promo code in the online application when applying online. Checking offer is not available to existing CCU Florida checking account holders or those who have closed an account within the past 12 months. Savings offer is not available to existing CCU Florida savings account holders and requires a new checking account be established to receive the savings bonus. *To receive the checking bonus, you must: 1) Open a new CCU Florida checking account, which is subject to approval; 2) Establish a monthly direct deposit of $2,500 or more into your account within 60 days of account opening and continue the monthly direct deposit of $2,500 or more into your account for 90 days. Direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of a paycheck, pension, or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Transferring money from an outside account or using a person-to-person transfer through a service such as Zelle® are not considered a direct deposit; Incentive payout will be posted by the 5th of the month, following the 90 days after meeting the above requirements. *To receive the savings bonus, you must: 1) Open a new CCU Florida checking and savings account, which is subject to approval; 2) Deposit a total of $25,000 or more into the new CCU Florida savings within 30 days of account opening and maintain an average monthly balance of $25,000 for 90 days. Incentive payout will be posted by the 5th of the month, following the 90 days after meeting the above requirements. Limited time offer. Free Checking Plus: ¹APY-Annual Percentage Yield. Rates as of 05.15.23. Amount of dividend is based on your average daily balance for the month. If you do not use your debit card 20 times by 5pm ET on the last day of the calendar month and/or you are not enrolled in eStatements, no dividends will be earned. (ATM transactions do not count towards total).

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32

Viera Voice | March 2024

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For an invitation to the March 14 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

VMB Venue Sponsor: Chris Conneen of Pizza Gallery and Grill chats with Karen Wilson

Nicole Hosey, Teri Hirsch, Maxine Lauer, Jenny Lucas

In February, the Viera Means Business networking group met at Pizza Gallery and Grill in The Avenue Viera.

The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at member business locations.

Join business colleagues in Viera and the surrounding area to network.

VIERA MEANS

BUSINESS

Kristine Quattrone, Ramesh Annam

Cathy Brown, Kelly Cote

N Allison Gibson, Jill Blue, Anjanette Wicks, Jill Zebris

Sara Ward, Tonya Hudson

E

TW

P

BUSINESS

VIE R A

VIERA MEANS

S E IN

ANS BU E S M

OR

KIN G G

RO

Randa Israwi, Tessy Cabrera

Efrain Gonzlaes, Jeff Leonard

Leslie Setzer, Theresa Zide

Quality legal services with a Compassionate Touch for you and your family Christian Vargas, Kelly Cote, Jovi Ramos, Karem Sapp, Maxine Lauer

Carmen Vastola, Mike Acosta, Richard Abbruscato

William A. Johnson is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Lawyer for 19 years and has more than 32 years of experience serving Brevard County in the Suntree/Viera area.

We are here to help!

321-253-1667

Andrea Gomes, Kristine Quattrone, Leonardo Niemes, Promise DeLaPaz, Jeff Leonard, Laura Sayer

Varicose veins Leg heaviness Lower leg ulcers Aching or cramping Leg or ankle swelling Itching or burning Restless legs

Call for your free consultation 321-421-7525 vieravoice.com

William A. Johnson is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys. Two-time Member of the Year for Florida Bar Elder Law Section.

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Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 AM-5 PM

Viera Voice | March 2024

33

U

National Women's History Month

Hello March

See you at Space Coast Boomerfest! March 29 SUNDAY SUNDAY

MONDAY MONDAY

TUESDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Just to be safe — please call each event location to confirm date and time BoomerFest!

Cocoa Beach Country Club page 39

3

4

Sea Turtle Obstacle Course 1 p.m.

Riverwalk Park 5355 U.S. 1 Rockledge, 321-633-2046

Ukulele Class 11 a.m.

Titusville Library 2121 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, 321-264-5026

Paint Therapy and Lunch 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Fundraiser for the AVET Project.

Genna Pizza Express 7954 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-462-4020

10

Daylight saving time

South Brevard Coin Show 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

AZAN Shriners Center 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.

Melbourne 321-805-1963

17

St. Patrick's Day

Eau Gallie St. Patrick's Day Street Festival 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Irish music, dancing, bagpipers, food trucks and vendors.

Eau Gallie Square 1454 Highland Ave. Melbourne 321-610-1935

24

National Hug a G.I. Day

Seaside Quilt Show Group 1 - 5 p.m.

Quilting group that meets once a month.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

34

Putting Your Slow Cooker to Work!

2 p.m.

In this hands-on class, participants will be able to taste multiple slow cooker recipes and prep their own ready-to-cook meal to take home.

UF/IFAS Extension 3695 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702

11

12

Brevard Investment Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Sit & Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549

Singers Campbell and Cross - Harmony by the Sea 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

18

National Working Moms Day Pizza Gallery Fundraiser 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Five Friends Animal Rescue.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397

19

6

Sit-n-Stitch Group 1 - 3 p.m.

Embroidery, knitting, crochet group.

Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

8

9

National International Women's Day Barbie Day Together: A Celebration Indiafest March 9 and 10 of Women 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

8 - 10 a.m.

Celebrate International Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Women’s Day with Melbourne a panel discussion, indiafestbrevard.com networking and head shots.

14th annual St. Baldrick's Proceeds benefit Big Shave Genesis House.

Noon - 4 p.m.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Fundraiser to conquer childhood cancer.

Viera, 321-634-5390 The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

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16

20

21

22

23

National Tamale Day

27

Viera Voice | March 2024

2

14

25

Easter

1

Employee National Day of Appreciation Commuy Service Day A Taste of Senior Living AARP Driver Safety Class 11 a.m.

9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Center for Collaboration Suntree Viera Library 1100 Rockledge Blvd.

902 Jordan Blass Drive Rockledge Suntree, 973-607-7996 321-751-6771 Melbourne Train Show Brevard Antiques and 9 a.m.

Collectibles 100-plus vendor tables.

10 a.m. - noon AZAN Shriners Center This month the topic is 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.

Weights and Measures. Melbourne Suntree Viera Library 321-805-1963 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

13

Free Liver Scans 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Offered by ClinCloud.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Sit & Get Fit 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen Senior Center 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549

Make a Light-Up Bookmarker 2 - 4 p.m.

Ages 9 to 13.

Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

SATURDAY SATURDAY

National Quilting Day

2nd annual Gala Dinner Belly Dance 5:30 p.m.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Martin Andersen St. John Catholic Church Senior Center 5655 Stadium Pkwy.

1025 S. Florida Ave. Viera, 321-757-7717 Rockledge, 321-631-7549

26

7

Line Dancing Sip & Smoke 10 - 11:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m. $5 28 North Gastropub Viera Community 2250 Town Center Ave. Center Viera, 321-241-1159 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891 Caregiver Appreciation Day AFTAC WiSE Stem Expo Movie Matinee: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

"Leap Year" Featuring STEM and 2 p.m. innovation exhibitors Sponsored by 1100 Rockledge Blvd.

Rhodes Law, PA Rockledge, 321-494-8646 One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771 Open House 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Shell Harbor Open Pickleball 2855 Murrell Road 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Rockledge Viera Community Center 321-252-1221 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-433-4891

National National Supreme Certified Nurses Day Sacrifice Day The Retirement Scottish Country Dancing Medicard Planning 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Seminar Deception Mondays 10 - 11 a.m.

March 19 and 20 Springs of Suntree William A. Johnson, P.A. 6:30 p.m.

Clubhouse One Senior Place AMC Viera 8300 Holiday Spring Road 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 2241 Town Center Ave. Suntree, 321-427-3587 Viera, 321-751-6771 Viera, 833-823-3330

National Medal of Honor Day Egg Hunt Multiple Myeloma 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Support Group Exciting activities, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. games, rides and treats. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive My Gym Viera 8530 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-255-4404 Viera, 321-610-4489

31

5

FRIDAY FRIDAY

Cigar & Bourbon Night 5 p.m.

Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188

Third Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m.

Enjoy live music, complimentary snacks and dancing.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

28

Fourth annual Designer Handbag Bingo Extravaganza 11 a.m.

Fundraiser for the Brevard Symphony Conversational Spanish Orchestra South Guild.

12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Heritage Isle Clubhouse Martin Andersen 6800 Legacy Blvd.

Senior Center Viera, 321-272-3616 1025 S. Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549

Stand up for Change! Space Coast Cars Comedy Night and Coffee 6 p.m.

3 - 6 p.m.

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Rockledge, 201-658-2004 Space Coast Association of Realtors Sassy Saturday, Pints 2950 Pineda Plaza Way and Putters Palm Shores 3 - 5 p.m.

321-242-2211 Perfect for beginner or seasoned golfers.

Viera East Golf Club 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-6500

Tae Kwon Do 5:30 p.m.

Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera 321-433-4891

29

Lacey on Stage 5- 9 p.m.

Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera hookandeagle.com Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. - noon Suntree United 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-242-2585

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Good Friday National Mom and Easter 2024 at Pop Business Church At Viera Owners Day 5 - 6 p.m.

Church at Viera 2024 Space Coast 9005 N. Wickham Road BoomerFest!

Viera, 321-259-3454 Epic Expo and Underwater Eggsplosion Classic Car Show 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Swim, hunt for eggs, Cocoa Beach games, goodie bag and Country Club Minuteman Causeway Bunny photos.

McLarty Park Cocoa Beach 790 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-302-1658

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International Festival captures hearts at St. John the Evangelist SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE The third annual International Festival on Feb. 4 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community was a wonderful celebration, drawing a crowd of approximately 1,500.

The festival started with a procession of multicultural banners, representing 34 countries within the St. John’s community followed

by a Mass.

The Mass celebrated by the Rev. John Britto Antony boasted a rich ethnic heritage and diversity with prayers of the faithful readings delivered in several languages, representing different countries. After Mass, parishioners, guests, friends and family participated in a vibrant and culturally diverse festival, including samples of

authentic delicious national dishes from 30 countries in the Holy Cross Hall.

The event was a joyous celebration of global cultures, bringing together people from various backgrounds to share their

traditions and cuisines. The afternoon concluded with captivating performances of traditional dances by parishioners and friends from 12 countries.

It was a phenomenal joyous event that was

enjoyed by all. The festival was a successfully collaborated effort by parishioners from different countries to showcase their heritage, which truly embraced St. John’s culture of diversity. VV

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra South Guild presents

er Design

nnual travaganza A h t 4 The ingo Ex March 28th, 2024 B g a b d Han Starts at 11:00 a.m.

Heritage Isle Clubhouse Melbourne, Fl $60 per person

Come join us for a special day of fun, lunch, complimentary glass of wine, and twelve rounds of bingo, with opportunities to win a beautiful new designer handbag! Peruse a large selection of new & gently used designer handbags in a fabulous silent auction.

Send payment to:

Janet Forrer 1691 Lago Mar Dr. Melbourne, FL 32940 or call: 321-272-3616

All proceeds benefit the

Brevard Symphony Orchestra

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Viera Voice | March 2024

35

Strawberry Season is the sweetest

Strawberry Charcuterie Board for two

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake

The Charcuterie Board frenzy is hot. Large to small boards boast a variety of basic finger foods like cut fruits, olives, nuts and dips. You can design it to your whim, make a meat and cheese board, breakfast or dessert board.

Place the ingredients you love on a board and serve it to your friends.

Local charcuterie classes are popping up around town.

This sheet cake is perfect to bake and take with you to your next backyard barbecue or family gathering. This shortcake is easy to slice and share.

INGREDIENTS: Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Dried apricots Manchego Cheese, Brie, Cranberry Goat Cheese Prosciutto, Salami or ham Bread, crackers of choice, chocolate-dipped biscotti

Gently rinse and pat dry all berries.Slice strawberries and set aside.

Cut your cheeses (we used manchego and a cranberry goat cheese) into slices and, if desired, use a cookie cutter to cut out a heart in your brie cheese wheel.

Fill with freshly mashed raspberries, but feel free to add a jelly or sauce.

Arrange all ingredients on a Charcuterie board or platter and enjoy.

Servings: 2, Prep time: 15 minutes. Source: Wish Farms

Pineberries— A Superfood

A pineberry is like a strawberry, but different. Some people call them white strawberries, but Wish Farms calls them Pink-A-Boo Pineberries, because they turn a pink blush when they get exposed to the sun and become fully ripe and ready to eat. Source: Wish Farms.

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INGREDIENTS:

Shortcake Topping 16 oz. cream cheese (two packages), 32 oz. whipped topping, thawed 1 cup sugar, 1 quart fresh Wish Farms strawberries, sliced Sheet Cake 3 eggs, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1¾ cups flour, 1½ teaspoon baking powder, ¾ cup milk, 8 tablespoons butter

Shortcake Topping In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese (best at room temperature) and sugar. Once well combined, fold in the whipped topping

Sheet Cake Using a hand mixer, beat the eggs until thick. Add granulated sugar and vanilla, then continue mixing at high speed until fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed eggs and sugar and mix until combined. Heat milk and butter (cubed) in a shallow pan over low to medium heat until the butter is melted. Pour over batter and beat until smooth. Pour completed cake batter into a greased pan (9×13). Cook at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Once removed from the oven, allow to cool.

Shortcake Assembly Once sheet cake is well cooled, add large dollops the 25 prepared topping to the Bluewater Creative Group -of Issue cake and spread evenly. Decorate with fresh, sliced Wish Farms strawberries.* Slice and serve. *We skipped the sugar on these sweet berries, but to create a more traditional strawberry sauce, toss your sliced strawberries in ¼ cup of sugar and the juice of a lemon.

Servings: 12, Prep time: 1 hour, Source: Wish Farms

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

6 5 8

6 7 4 3

4 1 7

1 2 6

HOW TO SOLVE:

9 7

4 Each row must contain the numbers 8 1 to 9; each column

8 1 2

7 6 9

must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue) Solution, page 39

3 2

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL 2001299

Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

36

Viera Voice | March 2024

vieravoice.com

Looking back and moving forward to help environment With another anniversary this March to celebrate 13 years, reflecting on Recycle Brevard’s beginnings and where we are today is almost impossible to avoid.

In the beginning, there was only one — no formal entity, no facility, just a desire to make a difference.

The years that followed were dedicated to volunteering in the community and participating in events.

Recycle Brevard then got an ID, a bank account and later a place in Rockledge that housed a Reuse Room, a drop-off location for unwanted materials and a site for meetings, discussion courses and in-person programs.

The work continued through outreach programs, hard-to-recycle material collections and various other initiatives.

After six years, we outgrew our Reuse Room, which shows that solutions to avoid and address waste are still a current need. At the same time, the building we occupied was sold and we had to move out. We donated and recycled thousands of pounds of materials accumulated throughout the years and,

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

on April 30 2023, we were no longer in Rockledge.

It was time to restructure and reinvent Recycle Brevard.

Our office and Recraft Bazaar, a place where, for a donation, you can get gifts and arts & crafts materials, are now located in Cocoa Village at 270 Brevard Ave. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Unwanted and hard-to-recycle materials can be dropped off during the hours we are open.

Besides that, we partnered with local businesses to open two drop-off locations: the first at Mrs. Mango & Company at 3500 S. U.S. 1 in Rockledge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and the second at Salty Bean at 4555 N. Courtenay Pkwy. on Merritt Island from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Boxes for hardto-recycle and unwanted materials have been placed at both locations.

We are now working to

get a third box in the south of the county and, with the help of our volunteers and other partners, started to organize small events and educational programs. If you would like to support our organization by participating in those programs, check out our social media and Eventbrite.

Despite still having a lot to do, we are finding this transition period refreshing. It’s a chance to review programs and adjust our focus.

Since we started, the main goal has been to help others to find ways to reduce waste and recycle more. That remains the driving force of the organization.

Our website, social media channels and phone line are open and we receive all sorts of questions from people looking to replace broken bins and report missed collections. We direct those calls to the county or respective city, to people trying to recycle or find the best way to dispose of something they have but no longer need. That is the daily bit that makes us reaffirm our commitment to what we do.

Recycle Brevard stays

true to its mission “to empower people, schools and organizations to help preserve the environment and build, together, a healthy, harmonious and sustainable community where there is no room for waste” and does not shy from the challenge.

If you want to be part of the effort and what lies ahead, join us, donate, participate! It would be nice during the next year

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Viera Voice | March 2024

37

The most anticipated event of the year!

News & Senior Expo Leader

Boomer Fest!

SPACE COAST

Formerly the BOOMER GUIDE Expo

Epic Expo & Classic Car Show

Presenting Sponsors

Friday, March 29 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

COCOA BEACH COUNTRY CLUB 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd., Cocoa Beach

Seminars, Demonstrations, Activities and Music

Classic Car Show with Bill Antonetz 100 to 200 cars

Exhibitors • Live Music • Coffee • Lunch • Giveaways CELEBRATING 17

YEARS RESOURCE MAGAZ

INE

2023 EDITION • NO.

17

The Boomer Guide comes to life at this Expo

Fun &

Leisure ISSUE

ROBUST

RESOURCE LISTINGS

L WHO WIL BE THE C2oo 0l24 Paddles Up VER CO SUPPORT GROUP S SENIOR LIVING TOUR SPORTS & ACTIVI TIES VETERANS RESOURCES CLUBS & GROUP S VOLUNTEERIN G

PLACES

MODEL?

Dragon Boat Racin g

Celebrating 25 Years

Pick up your new Boomer Guide at this EXPO!

Special guest — R.L. Lewis Highwaymen artist’s live demo, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Volunteers bring

and light.

Enter for a chance tolove WIN the Grand Prizes

Free Admission • Free Parking

Coffee Bar Sponsor

GOLD Sponsors

Exhibitors St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care is Brevard County’s only independent nonprofit hospice provider.

Consider volunteering with us to help serve our community. From shopping help or card writing to simply taking time to sit and talk, volunteers provide the love and light our neighbors need.

Visit reflectionslsc.org/volunteering or call 321-269-4240 today.

BOOMERSENIOREXPO.COM Call 321-242-1235 or email media@bluewatercreativegroup.com Event updates at boomerseniorexpo.com and Facebook Senior Life.

14 SENIOR LIFE • MARCH 2024

38

Viera Voice | March 2024

myseniorlife.com vieravoice.com

SENIOR News

Space Coast BoomerFest! Expo is back and betterBluewater than Creative everGroup

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Medium

6 prised to see your neighbor or someone you know as a model in our premier guide.

Looking for a place to play racquetball, pickleball, softball or basketball? Check out the guide for places close to home.

Wondering where to join a veterans’ group? Find a lot of options in the guide.

What needs to be done before hurricane season? The guide has the answers. Need a support group? The guide has options for all sorts of ills and people to talk to for guidance.

Want to volunteer for a good cause? The guide has plenty of places that need help. Into collecting? There are choices for coins, antiques and more.

And, if taking care of a house becomes too burdensome,

Vision Care wishes you a l Vision Care wishes you a derful holiday season!

nderful holiday season!

CONCERNS Fine Lines and wrinkles

TIFUL

BEAUTIFULLY

KIN Simple

are 5500 Stadium Pkwy wy.

Rockledge e, FL 32955

321-631-2811

5500 Stadium Pkwy., Suite 102, Rockledge vieravoice.com

there’s plenty of choices to downsize to Senior Living facilities, villas and apartments.

Hotlines and helplines are easy to find with the flip of a page.

Find information about veterans’ resources, organizations and groups on the Space Coast.

There’s also the Blue Pages of Government Listings, whether it be to write a letter to a representative or contact

5

8

VIERA VOICE Susie Parente

6 7 4 3

the property appraiser for a tax dispute.

Like the water? There are clubs for boats of different sizes and styles, as well as the occasional fishing clinic to learn what’s out there to catch at the Indian River Lagoon or while casting from the beach.

“Don’t miss this Expo,” Blue said. “It’s the most anticipated event of the year!” V V

9 7

4 8

8

4 Solution to Crossword: 1 7 6 M O I R E P A P A B A I T 1 7 2 9 A G E D U N D O A R M O R D A M O N C O R R E C T L Y 3 2 C O O K I E S E L I T I S T Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

G L E E S E I N E P A R E E R U P T Y M C A H E A R D A B A T E M E N T A S T R I D E R E D G U N A S T I R R I V E R S I D E N E S T B A S E S W O O D A L I C E K H A N A N A L Y S T U S E L E S S A L T H O V A R I E T I E S R O M P T O T E R E P I C O N U S S W E D E S E A S

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1-2811

1 2 6

The Space Coast BoomerFest! Expo will feature a classic car show with up to 150 vehicles.

Solution, Puzzle page 22

The Space Coast BoomerFest!, formerly known as the Boomer Guide Expo, will be held at the Cocoa Beach Country Club for the first time as the 2024 Boomer Guide, hot off the presses, will be distributed Friday, March 29.

The annual Expo, presented

by ClinCloud, Rhodes Law and elder law attorney William Johnson, will introduce the newest version of the popular resource guide. The Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cocoa Beach CC located at 5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard.

The Expo will feature a Classic Car Show organized by Bill Antonetz with anywhere from 100 to 150 cars, bringing back memories from the 1940s and 1950s.

“These cars are so stunning,” said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life, Viera Voice and the Boomer Guide. “The colors, the size and how well built they were. They bring back wonderful memories of driving to family events, school dates in high school, our very first cars and learning how to drive.”

The free, award-winning magazine is the premier information source for Brevard County residents. It’s a go-to magazine to find clubs, organizations, resources, sup-

port groups, meetings, senior centers, hurricane emergency information, sports clubs, veterans resources and much more.

“People adore the magazine,” Blue said. “We hear nothing but nice things about it. It helps people to get out, meet people and try new sports and activities. This is what keeps us young and vibrant. This Expo brings the Boomer Guide to life.”

CarePlus, Victory Casino Cruises, Devoted, Assisted Living Locators and Buena Vida will be gold sponsors. Wellcare will be the coffee sponsor.

Presenting sponsors include ClinCloud, Rhodes Law and Attorney William Johnson. Other exhibitors will include Space Coast Orthopedics, RISE, One Senior Place, St. Francis Reflections, Join the Fun, Yepes & Associates and Habitat for Humanity.

The festive and free event will have music, demonstrations, food and other activities.

About the new Boomer Guide The Boomer Guide magazine is essential for all residents and newcomers to Brevard County. It provides the background for new residents to resume the interests they had in their home states.

Check out our Boomer Guide models. You might be sur-

Solution, Puzzle page 36

BY JEFF NAVIN

Solution to Sudoku:

6 2 4 1 9 8 3 5 7 7 8 9 2 3 5 1 6 4 3 5 1 6 4 7 9 2 8 8 9 6 5 1 2 7 4 3 5 1 7 3 8 4 6 9 2 2 4 3 7 6 9 5 8 1 4 3 2 9 5 1 8 7 6 1 7 5 8 2 6 4 3 9 9 6 8 4 7 3 2 1 5 Viera Voice | March 2024

39

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2023 Location in Suntree 40 Viera Voice | September New 40 Viera Voice | March 2024

( S u n t r e e )

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