Viera family loves traveling, playing and watching sports
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
The Reddy family holds a shared passion for travel and sports.
Raj Reddy, an electrical engineer, met his wife, Prethi, in India before moving to Viera 12 years ago. The two of them have passed down their love of adventure to their daughters, 15-year-old Riya and 12-year-old Anika. The family has already traveled to Alaska, Paris, Greece and Peru as they eagerly plan their next trip.
“When we plan, we like to get the kids involved,” Prethi said. “So they’re aware of where we’re going, what we’re going to see.”
During the family’s trip to Greece, her daughters took the lead, motivated by Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson book series.
“They were our tour guides,” their mother said. “They love Greek mythology,
so everything we were looking at, they were just explaining to us.”
Raj added that food also plays a big part in their travels. The family is always ready to sample cuisine from different countries and cultures.
Back at home, Riya plays varsity tennis while her sister, Anika, is part of the Cape Coast Volleyball Club.
As a family, the Reddys play soccer together in their backyard and watch sports. Prethi recalls a thrilling feeling when the family watched the recent New York Knicks basketball championship game.
“The ending was like, ‘Oh my God, are they gonna win or not?’ That was amazing,” she said.
Raj said that the family are big fans of the Super Bowl, the Olympics and other global sporting events.
“Right now, World Cup soccer has started,” he said.
“So we’re going to be watching most of the games.”
The Reddys also play board games together, such as Pictionary, Scategories and Monopoly. The daughters exercise their teamwork skills by playing multiplayer games together on their Nintendo Switch.
showcasing their artwork.
Riya and Anika both share a talent for music and the arts. The two of them entered the Charlie Corbeil Youth Art Contest,
Anika enjoys playing the violin in her free time and played for her school orchestra during the school year. Meanwhile, Riya prefers to play the keys instead of strings and has played the piano for more than 10
years. She’s excited for her upcoming audition for an international recital that will take place at Carnegie Hall in New York.
“They have auditions where you have to record yourself,” she said. “They pick the best of the best.”
VV
VIERA VOICE Lillian Nguyen
The Reddy family — Prethi, left, Riya, Raj and Anika — likes to travel outside of the county. Many of the trips are educational experiences that the daughters research ahead of time.
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Viera Catholic church unveils mosaics at Silver Jubilee Mass
BY MIKE GAFFEY
Created from nearly a million pieces of colored glass, three altar mosaics depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ recently were unveiled during a Mass celebrating the 25th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera. Titled “Consummatum est in Golgotha” and inspired by John Chapter 19 in the Bible, the mosaics were first revealed and blessed on May 24 during the church’s Silver Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving, which also was the feast of Pentecost.
“Everyone was stunned, in awe, speechless,” said the Rev. John Britto Antony, who has served as pastor since 2018 at the parish at 5655 Stadium Parkway. “There were tears from some people when they saw that for the first time. And now a steady stream of people come and see it, as word is spreading.”
The 25-foot-tall center panel of the triptych mosaic depicts Mary, the mother of Jesus, and St. John standing at the foot of the Cross with Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas. Two 22-foot-tall
side panels portray Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and two Roman soldiers, including Longinus, a partially blind Centurion who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear and regained his sight when splashed with blood.
Created in Italy by noted artists Giancarlo Biagi and his daughter, Jill Burkee-Biagi, the mosaics required more than 900,000 pieces of glass in 800 colors, said Antony, who first discussed adding
artwork to the altar’s concave, blank walls with the artists in August 2024.
Mosaic segments were first flown to Orlando in crates, then brought to the church, assembled like a jigsaw puzzle and pasted on a flat, concrete wall that replaced the old altar wall, Antony said. The artists and Manrico Bertellotti and Nicola Catelli, two artisans who specialize in mosaic work, completed the project
in a month, just in time for the Jubilee.
For the grand unveiling, the church was assisted with two scissor lifts from Beyel Brothers Inc., and a large curtain from The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse to veil the mosaics, Antony said.
“Spiritually, this mosaic invites contemplation; we will not simply ‘look’ at it — we will pray with it .” — the Rev. John Britto Antony
The church also obtained special lighting to illuminate the artwork.
During the May 24 Jubilee, Biagi said, “What we intended most was that this mosaic speaks spiritually as well as visually, not only as a scene from this Crucifixion. It is also a meditation on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and the different way human beings stand before the Cross.”
Throughout history, the Catholic Church has used sacred art as a powerful means of evangelization, Antony said.
“Every sacred artwork preaches a silent yet profound homily, as in the words of Pope Benedict XVI from August 2002: 'The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments: the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb.' ” he said.
A mosaic, he said, “is not merely art; it is theology in
VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera unveiled the “Consummatum est in Golgotha,” three mosaics created from nearly a million pieces of colored glass, on May 24 during the church’s Silver Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving.
VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey
A closeup of the mosaic shows the intricate work that the artists put into creating it.
Prime Social Hour will make debut
BY JEFF NAVIN
Chef Ercan Ekinci of Urban Prime jokingly admits that he doesn’t dance that well. Yet, he loves the energy of dancing.
With that in mind, the popular chef has created the Prime Social Hour with a theme of Dance, Dine and Connect. There will be no cover charge.
The inaugural Prime Social Hour will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. July 1 at Urban Prime, which is located at 2435 Metfield Drive in Viera. Its theme will be America the Beautiful as a prelude to the 250th birthday of the United States. Line dance instructors will teach attendees to step, stomp, smile and repeat.
Glenn Roberts will be singing live, with Jose and Joanna of Fred Astaire Dance Studios available to teach the
intricacies of line dancing starting at 5 p.m.
“Whether you’re an experienced dancer or trying line dancing for the very first time, everyone is welcome,’’ Ekinci said. “Bring your friends, wear your red, white and blue, and let’s make it a night to remember.’’
Ekinci wanted to add something special during the work week.
Havana Night is planned for Wednesday, July 15. Cuban food will be on the menu, with dance instructors prepared to teach salsa and the bachata.
An Evening in Buenos Aires is planned for Wednesday, July 29. Tango lessons will be offered. “I don’t dance that well,’’ Ekinci said. “I have such a busy schedule with not a lot of extra time. Someday, I’d like to take a class.’’ VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Wednesday nights should be hopping at Urban Prime.
WrapUp SPORTS
Viera’s Wreggit motivated by helping Hawks succeed
BY CARL KOTALA
Being a 5-foot-9 middle blocker certainly has its challenges.
But for Viera High rising senior volleyball player Shaylee Wreggit, being in the middle is where she feels most comfortable.
It’s also where she excels.
“Height is the first thing,” Wreggit said when asked about the biggest tests of playing the position.
“A lot of the other middles are taller, so they’re able to get up above me sometimes when I’m blocking. That’s just an obvious disadvantage that I have.
“But that just ultimately makes me want to strive harder to put in more effort so I can eventually do as well as I can for the program.”
That effort has been paying off.
In her first year on varsity as a sophomore, Wreggit led the Hawks with 34 total blocks while tying for fourth on the team with 77 kills.
Last season, she was even better, posting a team-high 50 blocks along with 120 kills as Viera won its fifth straight district championship and advanced to the Class 6A regional quarterfinals.
“She leads by example and is a quiet and fierce competitor,” Viera coach Sarah Wayne said of Wreggit in an email.
“Shaylee led us in blocks last year and we will be looking at her to do the same in her senior campaign.”
While Wreggit would be only too happy to lead the Hawks in total blocks for a third straight season, she also made it clear she’s not a numbers person.
After all, numbers can’t measure hustle. They can’t measure leadership. And they surely don’t measure heart.
“I really just try to focus on doing the best I can on the court to help improve our team chemistry,” Wreggit said. “I think being
a middle is definitely one of the most challenging positions because … out of all the hitters on the front row, you have to step up and take charge of what’s
motivation comes from something else.
“I would say my team motivates me the most. They’re relying on me so much,” she said. “Being a middle, you have a lot of pressure on you to perform well. Middle isn’t set as an outside, or a right side, so when you are set, you’re expected to do your job almost to perfection.
“I think my team motivates me a lot because I want to do my job well. I want to do the best I can and bring my team as far as we can go.”
This season, that could turn out to be pretty far.
Unlike last year, when the Hawks got off to a rough start before catching fire at the end on the way to a district title, this year’s team figures to be competitive right from the start, especially with the leadership of Wreggit and fellow seniors Brooke Pickel,
going on and understand when you get the ball, you have to take care of it.
“So, I don’t really look at the numbers at all. I feel like there’s just so much more out there besides just simple statistics.”
Making the most of her abilities has been Wreggit’s calling card for a long time.
She was actually a rightside hitter when she first started playing for Cape Coast Volleyball when she was 11, but was eventually moved to the middle by her coach — also a Viera High assistant — Lana Andrews. Wreggit also went from the fourth division to the first on her club team in just one season.
“I think I just had that determination. I immediately fell in love with the sport. I loved playing. I really found a lot of happiness just being on the court, being with my teammates,” Wreggit said.
“Coach Lana, she talked to me all the time. She was always one of my favorites. She always kept motivating me to keep pushing and to have that resilience. Then, eventually, I made it onto her team the next year. It was amazing.”
While the drive to prove herself will always be there, Wreggit said her main
“She leads by example and is a quiet and fierce competitor. Shaylee led us in blocks last year and we will be looking at her to do the same in her senior campaign.”
— Coach
Sarah Wayne
Allie Brown and Brooke Bordwine.
“I think our team is going to be really strong this year,” Wreggit said.
“Last year, we had a lot of new people joining our team, so I think last year — specifically — we had those growth moments where we were still trying to figure out who we are as a program and as a team.
“This year, we have an even stronger bond, even stronger on-court chemistry.
“... We’re all really motivated. We’re all really excited for our senior season. As a whole team, we’re excited to see where the season’s going to take us. We all have really high hopes and we know we all have those leadership qualities that can bring our team to the next level.
“We all believe our team has something special.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer/PlayOn Highlights
Shaylee Wreggit, a 5-foot-9 middle blocker, has led the Viera High School volleyball team in total blocks each of the past two seasons. The rising senior believes the Hawks have great team chemistry and a chance to do very well this season.
Shaylee Wreggit
Brevard youths take top spots in Florida State Fencing Championships
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
Arianna Choi took home a gold medal and Chase Yourek won silver at the recent Florida State Fencing Championships on the University of Miami campus
Two other talented fencers also claimed podium honors. Asher Mabry, 7, and Connor Mills, 9, both finished in third place in the Y8 and Y10 divisions.
The four young fencers were coached by Charlie Williams of Space Coast Olympic Fencing in Rockledge. Williams was taught by Maestro Daniel Bucur, the founder of Space Coast Olympic Fencing.
“Even Maestro Bucur was very impressed with him,” Williams said of Mabry. “He’s a very talented young kid.”
Mabry’s parents want to send him to bigger tournaments in the future.
Mills is similarly very talented.
“He’s a really smart kid. His parents told us that he’s tried so many different sports and didn’t like any of them,” Williams said. “Fencing was the first sport that he actually truly enjoyed.”
The sport has become a family activity, with Mills’
father having recently started fencing. Father and son are practicing together.
Ten-year-old Yourek won the silver medal in the Y10 division. Williams said Yourek comes from a hockey family but attends multiple fencing classes each week, does extra training at home and takes private lessons to sharpen his skills.
All three boys started fencing one year ago.
Twelve-year-old Choi is currently ranked No. 7 in the USA in the Y12 division.
“She’s definitely one of the biggest superstars in fencing,” Williams said. “Not just in Florida, but in the United States."
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Choi holds the title of seven-time state champion with less than five years of fencing, and has won five Junior Olympics. During the championship, she qualified for three events, including the Senior Open Division, which included both adult competitors and teenagers. Choi was the youngest competitor and remained undefeated during the group stage. She defeated No. 14 USA Cadet Adriana Ferreira De Melo and No. 29 in the USA (17 and under), Christina Martinez of Miami. Choi defeated Martinez 15-9. During the semifinals, Choi was paired against De Melo in a rematch.
“It was a really close back and forth,” Williams recalled. “Arianna had the lead after the first period, a tie at the second period and she was leading in the third period, the final period. Then, in the last minute Adriana took the lead.” Choi narrowly lost 12-10 against De Melo, but won the overall bronze.
After that, it was easy work for Choi to overtake her opponents in the Y14 and Y12 divisions, taking home gold in both.
Space Coast Olympic Fencing ultimately took second place in the state for overall medal count, proving itself to be the dominating Central and North Florida club.
“They’re the future of not just the club, but the future of Brevard County and the Space Coast in the sport of fencing,” Williams said. For additional information, visit SpaceCoastOlympicFencing. com or call 407-782-4978.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Space Coast Olympic Fencing
Chase Yourek, right, scores against a fencer from Miami during the Florida State Fencing Championships.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Space Coast Olympic Fencing
Chase Yourek, left, Head Coach Charlie Williams, Arianna Choi and Connor Mills share a moment following the championships in Miami.
Women’s yearly golf event takes off in full swing
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Nearly 100 women celebrated Women’s Golf Day with a day of golfing at Viera East Golf Club.
The event was held as one of the golf club’s Sassy Saturday events for women golfers that are held on the second Saturday of each month at the club.
The International Women’s Golf Day gathering at Viera East, which they celebrated June 13, included
Starting five years ago with 12
mostly local golfers.
“Ladies come out; (if) they’ve never done golf before, they can come out,” said Michelle Dale, the lifestyle coordinator at Viera East. “We pair them with people who have done golf before, so they kind of learn how to do it. It’s best shot, so you don’t have to worry about not being able
to drive it on the course. We just have fun.”
Prizes were awarded for those who finished in first, second and third place. Additionally, there were long drive and closest-tothe-pin competitions.
“Today, we have a floating island. It’s the first time we’ve ever done a floating island, so it’s a 30-foot
hit from the bank onto an island,” Dale said. “They have to stay on the island. We only had one lady keep it on the island.”
Christina Brink made the shot onto the island and won 10 rounds of golf at Viera East Golf Club valued at about $1,000.
The Women’s Golf Day event has grown.
“We started five years ago and did International Women’s Golf Day because there weren't a lot of women golfers here at the course,” Dale said. Twelve women showed up. It was a
little, small event and it was fun. The next year, I think we had like 22 and then the next year we had like 35. So, it’s been growing over the last five years.”
Among the participants was Cheryl McCord, who was playing on the course for the first time on June 13. “A lot of fun,” she said. “A little hot but it was a lot of fun.”
Tina Sinclair, another participant, was playing the event for the first time.
“We had a blast,” Sinclair said. “It was a great time.” VV
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue The golf event included long drive and closest-to-the-pin competitions.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Viera East Golf Club's Sassy Saturday was held under sunny skies.
Viera East Golf Club simulator to include other sports
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A new golf simulator will soon be operational at Viera East Golf Club that will be open to the general public.
“It seems to be a hot industry right now,” said Jim Moller, the general manager and director of agronomy at Viera East. “There’s indoor simulators popping up all over the state of Florida, if not the continental United States. Especially, where we’re at in Florida. We have afternoon thunderstorms. We have 90-plus degree heat with 80 percent humidity, and sometimes it’s nice just to go inside and have a couple of cocktails and play Pebble Beach (Golf Course) or Teeth of the Dog (Golf Course) or something like that.”
Moller is hoping the simulator, which will feature 100 different golf courses, will be open by the
end of September.
“It is a 180-degree screen,”
Moller said. “I know there is one in the county, and it’s
at a high-end apartment complex as an amenity for the residents. But, as far as the general public, we will
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have the only 180-degree immersive screen.”
Moller called the new simulator a “great tool” for professionals at the club, too.
“Our pros can give more precise lessons,” Moller said. “They can do swing
data, things like that, so they know clubhead speed, and launch angle and angle of attack.”
What’s more is that the simulator will be available for more than just golf.
“We’re trying to attract a more (diverse) crowd as far as families and kids,’’ Moller said. “So, there’s just like pirate parties. So it’s like dodgeball, where kids are throwing dodgeballs at the screen trying to sink a pirate ship. It’s more than just golf. There’s stickball and football and soccer.”
The simulator will be located in an airconditioned area with food and beverage service available.
“Usually, the model is, basically, you rent it by the hour,” Moller said, adding that club rentals would also be available. “Two people can get pretty close to playing 18 holes in an hour.” Moller added that the club is using one simulator right now, basically as a trial but that “there’s definitely potential for more.”
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Viera East Golf Club
This is a rendering of a new golf simulator that will be coming to Viera East Golf Club.
Loretta Fox, Ph.D. Founder
DINING OUT & EVENTS
CreateDesign
Florida History Lecture
History of military working and search/rescue dogs.
Cocoa Beach Public Library 550 N. Brevard Ave. Cocoa Beach, 321-868-1104
the Parker Foundation 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Free art clinic for children, teens and young adults with ASDs and special needs. Siblings are also welcome.
Kiwi Racquet and Fitness Club 30 Tradewinds Drive Indian Harbour Beach 321-409-4696
JULY 16
Flight Club: Drone Club for Adults 1 - 2 p.m.
Conquer obstacles, complete monthly challenges and learn about drones and real-world applications. Any experience level. Age 18 and up. Cocoa Beach Library 550 N. Brevard Ave.
“Speak Through Arts” with
JULY 22
Terracotta Pot Painting and Planting
2 - 3 p.m.
Paint a terracotta pot and select a succulent plant for it. Merritt Island Library
1195 N. Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, 321-455-1369
JULY 24
Adult Summer Escape Room
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
60-minute limit to escape a locked room by solving a series of hidden puzzles, riddles and clues.
Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
JULY 25
Grinchmas in July
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
75 holiday crafters and pictures with the Grinch. Wickham Park Community Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne 561-271-4771
JULY 26
Free Sunday Concert: Austin Church
3 - 4:30 p.m.
Local singer/songwriter and musician, Austin Church, with down-home musical and vocal stylings. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
SCHOOLNews
Students to explore the justice system through summer youth law program
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
Thirty Brevard County high school students will experience the judicial system during this year's 18th Judicial Circuit’s Summer Youth Law Program.
Students will meet daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13 through 17 at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center in Viera.
The high schoolers will have the unique opportunity to observe live court proceedings, followed by question and answer sessions with court judges and attorneys. The program will also conclude with a mock trial.
“For students interested in law school and the practice
of law, it gives them reallife court cases to watch and a chance to ask the presiding judges about the proceedings they observed,” said Michelle Kennedy, the Justice Center public information officer.
A committee made up of participating judges and support staff takes great care reviewing the docket to find age-appropriate cases that would be of interest to the students.
Students gain a better understanding of democracy and the role the court system plays in it, as well as improving their advocacy, leadership and public speaking skills.
Attorneys will meet with the students every
afternoon to coach them for the mock trial, where the students will take the roles of prosecutors, defense
attorneys, witnesses and defendants.
The students will work together to prepare opening statements, closing statements, and direct crossexaminations of witnesses — all while learning the rules of court and proper decorum. The exercise is highly interactive and gives the students a chance to network with attorneys from all sectors.
Kennedy reassures that the program benefits all students, not just those pursuing legal careers, “because we also have speakers and interactive exercises about the Constitution; it gives all students an opportunity to learn more about their inalienable rights as Americans,” she said. “Understanding our Constitution makes us all better citizens.”
Circuit Judge Samuel Bookhardt III has spearheaded the program, which started in 2023. Kennedy is amazed by how much support the program has received and believes
that the judges look forward to it just as much as the students do.
“Our judges have seen firsthand how much the students thrive,” she said. “At the beginning of the week, they are understandably a little shy and there is some nervousness with being in a cross-section of young people outside their normal orbit. But you witness the students growing in their comfort level and selfconfidence.”
For more information, email publicinformation@ flcourts18.org or pio@ flcourts18.org Applications for summer 2026 are now closed. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of 18th Judicial Circuit
Students will learn about the justice system during the 18th Judicial Circuit Summer Youth Law Program.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of 18th Judicial Circuit Students will have the opportunity to interact with judges and attorneys.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of 18th Judicial Circuit Circuit Judge Samuel Bookhardt III has spearheaded the Summer Youth Law Program, which started in 2023.
Melbourne, FL 32940
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Regina Schlitz is one of the more than 500 students in Viera High School’s Class of 2026 who graduated in May.
Her hard work earned the opportunity to study business on a scholarship at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) beginning in the fall.
Schlitz said that her ultimate goal is to own a coffee business because she loves coffee and small cafes.
“So my main goal in the end is to make my own coffee business,” she said. “That's what I want to do.”
Her participation in the Brevard Schools Foundation’s Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program will allow her to attend FAU with more scholarship money than she thought she would get.
The TSIC is a college scholarship program designed to identify and assist motivated, welldeserving students. It has assisted more than 1,000 students in Brevard County in its 29 years, according to Susan Knowles, a student services coordinator and college readiness coach with BSF.
“I’m just so tremendously proud of these students,” Knowles said. “We take them in as young as … usually seventh, eighth or ninth grade.’’
As part of the program, students enrolled in TSIC are paired with mentors while in high school.
Schlitz enrolled in the program in ninth grade at a teacher’s urging and was paired with a mentor. In her junior year, she began work with another mentor — Nan Gumke.
“I’m kind of a procrastinator and I like to delay things. But, Ms. Gumke has been such a motivator, and she’s helped me just act and open up opportunities and explained a lot of things to me,” Schlitz said.
Gumke got involved with the program as a mentor in February 2011 while working at Eastern Florida State College. She helps mentor one to three students at a time.
She described her mentorship of Schlitz as “more like a friendship.” She aimed to meet with Schlitz once a week.
“I do use some of the recommended activities with the kids from Take Stock in Children, but often I’ll come in and the young lady will just be ready to chat about her life,” Gumke said. “Could be school, could be friends,
could be boyfriends, a sport. Before I know it, the half hour’s gone and we didn’t do the activity.”
Gumke said that as a mentor she makes a lot of suggestions for the students
“An example would be they never want to sign up to take the ACTs or the SAT (tests).”
Gumke was pleased to see Schlitz graduate.
“It’s a good feeling to think I’ve played some part in it,” she said. “Of course, the parents are the biggest influence for them.”
Schlitz and other students who completed the program were set to receive two-year scholarships.
However, at BSF’s Mentor Appreciation Luau on June 4, mentors and students were surprised when it was announced that 41 graduates from the program this year would now receive four-year scholarships rather than those covering two years.
TSIC of Brevard has a 100 percent graduation rate and a 94 percent college entrance rate for students in the program.
“My main goal has been to grow the program, get over 200 students,’’ said Jim Clamons, a member of BSF’s board of directors. “It’s also a big goal to make sure that every student in the program graduates high school and has the opportunity to go to college." VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Regina Schlitz Regina Schlitz, a 2026 graduate of Viera High School, will study business at Florida Atlantic University after earning a scholarship through the Brevard Schools Foundation's Take Stock in Children program.
Hurricane Prep Rally offers advice to weather potential storms
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Don’t be caught unprepared for what could be a turbulent hurricane season this summer and fall.
Senior Life and the Viera Voice will conduct its second annual Hurricane Prep Rally and Senior Fair, a summer safety event on Friday, July 17. The Rally will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at
the Event Center at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community at 5855 Stadium Parkway in Viera.
Admission to the Hurricane Prep Rally is free. The event’s presenting sponsor is Health First.
“With the success of last year’s event, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better,” said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life and
the Viera Voice. “This year’s event will focus on bringing attendees valuable resources with a dash of fun.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with emergency responders, visit with vendors and find resources for a wide variety of hurricane-related issues, including those involving pets, evacuations, shelters, special needs and much more.
“It’s not just for Viera, but for the entire county,” Blue said. “These hurricanes can sneak up on us. It’s good to be prepared instead of rushing around at the last minute for essential supplies.”
The first 300 guests will receive a sturdy hurricane bucket from Slug-A-Bug. Additional hurricane kit items will be available from Alura Senior Living, Mederi Caretenders Hospice, Renewal by Andersen and St. Francis Hospice.
Attendees will also have the chance to hear from guest speakers, including Will Ulrich, the warning
coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
“My talk will focus on historical storms that have impacted Brevard County and how each brought a different combination of hazards,” Ulrich said. “Every hurricane is different, so residents need to think beyond the category and consider the full range of potential impacts.”
Ulrich said there are important things residents need to do to prepare.
‘Residents should better evaluate and understand their risks from the four primary hurricane hazards — wind, storm surge, flooding rain and tornados,” he said. “Now is the time to review your plan and make sure your hurricane kit reflects the risks where you live.”
A shred truck will be on site, where attendees can dispose of unwanted paperwork to be shredded. This is a chance to clear the clutter before a storm.
Guests will have a chance
to enjoy Hurricane Mocktails. Devoted will be the coffee sponsor. Wescon Construction is sponsoring the bottled water. A first aid station will be sponsored by Parrish Healthcare.
Volunteers from The Salvation Army of North Central Brevard will serve lunch from its canteen truck. The lunch will be sponsored by Eau Gallie Electric and American Shutter Works. Prizes will be awarded every 30 minutes and one lucky person in attendance will win the grand prize. Community organizations that will be in attendance include the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard County Fire Rescue, the National Weather Service, The Salvation Army of North Central Brevard, the Florida Department of Health and 211 Brevard. Exhibitor opportunities are still available.
For more information about the Rally, call 321-242-1235 or go to BoomerSeniorExpo.com VV
Guide
VIERA VOICE photos
will have information booths,
'Brain Bus' set to stop at 2026 Hurricane Prep Rally
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
The “Brain Bus” will be rolling into Viera this summer.
It will stop at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community on Friday, July 17 for the Viera Voice and Senior Life second annual Hurricane Prep Rally.
“The Brain Bus is a statewide outreach initiative consisting of two mobile units traveling throughout Florida to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementias,” said Evelyn Espinal, the bilingual Community Engagement Manager for the Alzheimer’s
CROSSWORD
Association in Florida.
Operated by the Alzheimer’s Association, the bus’ onboard staff offers
education and support to those at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The mobile unit brings resources to every Florida county, especially rural populations without easy access to care.
The Hurricane Prep Rally will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community at 5655 Stadium Parkway. The Brain Bus will be there to educate attendees on early detection
Solution, page 34
ACROSS
1. Tank 4. Not barefoot
8. Andes capital
12. Hotel amenity
and diagnosis, risk reduction, research advances and caregiving tips, as well as providing information on brain health and local resources.
Services are free of charge and no appointment is required.
To see a list of the Brain Bus’ other stops, visit alz. org/seflorida/educationprograms/brain-bus.
For more information on the Hurricane Prep Rally, check out BoomerSeniorExpo. com. VV
13. Jumper 14. Like some vaccines
15. Census datum
16. Chafes
17. Cried 18. Stellar 20. Buddy 22. Prohibits
23. Be that as it may 27. Jolt
29. Quirk
30. Circus gasp
31. “Peter Pan” character
32. Hide-hair link
33. Goggle
34. Forest bugler
35. Cornfield comment
36. Nag
37. Tyrant
39. Complaint
40. Be decisive
41. Opposed
44. Freezes up, as a copier
47. “Or !”
49. Photo v (media events)
50. They lack refinement
51. Bridle part
52. Easy mark
53. The “B” of N.B. 54. Pouches
55. Put to the test
MasterCard rival
Super-duper 3. Reference sources
Dwindled 5. Pulls along
Heavenly body
7. Despondency
8. Humble
9. Pique condition?
10. World view
11. Cockpit abbr.
19. 15-ball cluster
21. Mandela’s org.
24. Frozen dew
25. Gooey stuff
26. “That was close!”
27. Get rid of
28. Financial predicament
29. Breakdown remedy?
32. Chatters
33. Clarified butter
35. Filch
36. At sixes &
38. Chasers
39. Early computer language
42. Bandy words
43. Catch sight of
44. Old Testament book
45. It may follow you 46. Fraternity members
48. Grassy area
© Lovatts Puzzles
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Alzheimer's Association
The "Brain Bus" will be at the Viera Voice and Senior Life second annual Hurricane Prep Rally on July 17.
JULY 2026
Are you ready for the next hurricane? Don't worry, Pedro the Penguin is here to help!
Pedro’s Checklist
☐ Water
☐ Non-perishable food
☐ First aid kit
☐ Sleeping bag or warm blanket
☐ Clothes
☐ Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
☐ Batteries
☐ Flashlights
☐ Medicine
☐ Pet Supplies
HAZARDS are the events that may lead to emergencies and disasters. A hazard is a source of danger, like a flood.
EMERGENCY is a time when something serious happens and immediate help is needed.
DISASTER is an emergency that causes great harm to people or an area.
☐ Matches (Ask an adult for help!)
PREPARE means to get ready. You get ready for things all the time — like when you put on a jacket and grab an umbrella to get ready for a rainy day. There are lots of things you can do to “PREPARE” for emergencies and disasters, like learning what to do if one happens, making a plan with your family, or putting supplies in an emergency kit. Want to find more fun resources? Visit Ready.gov/kids !
BY KAYDENCE BATES
Visitors who approach the Viera Discovery Center at The Avenue Viera are welcomed by a new mural that takes them on a visual journey through the community's history.
The mural titled “History of Viera” was created by local mural artist Jesse Travis and serves as a timeline illustrating the success and evolution of the masterplanned community.
The mural begins with the Duda family, immigrants from Slovakia who came to the area to pursue the American Dream — own land and freely practice their faith. In Slovak, the word Viera means faith.
As visitors walk through the hallway, they experience the story, from right to left. After passing the iconic Central Park fountain at the center of the mural, they move through scenes of Viera Hospital, the traffic roundabout, Borrows West, Lakeside Social at Town Center and a glimpse into the future with a solar-powered community picnic scene.
The original master plan is depicted above the groundbreaking scene.
The mural's timeline
A "History of Viera" mural, painted
continues through some of Viera’s earliest landmarks, including the Brevard Zoo and the stadium now known as the USSSA Space Coast Complex.
The painting then progresses through the depiction of The Avenue Viera and Duran Golf Club. The mural scene then transitions into the modern community of today.
Travis is well known for painting vibrant and large murals throughout the county. He created the “History of Viera” mural
using a combination of Sherwin-Williams house paint and acrylic spray paint. He sketched everything beforehand and painted it section by section. The project took Travis approximately two weeks to complete.
While large-scale murals are his usual focus, Travis said this project required a different approach because of its intricate work.
“The most challenging aspect was the small details. I typically work on very large-scale murals,
so creating such detailed imagery on a smaller scale required a different approach. The part I’m most proud of is the fountain in the center of the composition. It brings energy and color to the entire mural.”
For Travis, the mural represents both a personal connection and a professional milestone to the community that shaped him and sparked his passion for his career. Being able to see his work displayed in Viera, where it all started
for him, made the project especially meaningful.
A few of his proud achievemenets are murals at his alma mater, Viera High School.
Travis hopes the mural not only preserves the history of the community, but also inspires students and visitors to recognize the value of creativity and the possibilities to which it can lead.
The Discovery Center is located in The Avenue Viera at 2261 Town Center Avenue, Suite 113.VV
VIERA VOICE Kaydence Bates
by local artist Jesse Travis, greets visitors as they enter the hallway leading to the Viera Discovery Center.
Buen Cami no
Camino de Santiago
— the bucket list adventure you’d want to do again
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Buen Camino!
It is a phrase we heard and said repeatedly to sometimes-exhausted pilgrims as we walked the Camino de Santiago from Valença, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Our pilgrimage took us through villages and alleys of ancient stone buildings, through green moss-covered lush forests and along vineyards. The entire trek was 124 kilometers or 77.5 miles, which we did in sixand-a-half days.
There were five of us from Brevard County who made the trip together.
The group included two of us from the Viera Voice — publisher Jill Blue and me. Others included my wife, Elaine, Troy Stanley, the pastor of First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach, and his wife Valerie.
We flew to Lisbon and picked up our Camino Credentials, often referred to as Pilgrim Passport, at the Pilgrim Office at Igreja de Conceicao Velha, where we received our first stamp. A minimum of two stamps in the passport are required each day to receive the Compostela certificate at the end of the pilgrimage.
Two days later, we took
Buen Camino Bom dia Buenos dias
Greetings heard the most on the trail
the train that got us to our starting point, the Fortaleza de Valença, Portugal, across the border from Tui, Spain. We traveled on a lattice truss steel bridge across the Minho River, which separates the two countries. The walkway on both sides of the bridge gives pedestrians a safe passage away from vehicles.
As we walked at different paces, we stayed in touch through group text as the Cinco Peregrinos team.
In my college days, I did some hard manual labor. However, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage was one of the hardest physical things I have ever done.
We had prepared for the pilgrimage; we watched videos and followed advice. We all did some preparation such as walking 10-or12-mile hikes of flat-land Central Florida. What we encountered on the Camino
Portugues route often were steep hills. Climbing was at times a struggle, but going down was just as challenging as my feet slid forward, almost curling my toes into the front of my shoes.
One day, two of us missed a turn as it began to rain. Even with raincoats, we got soaked.
Blue, who on the sixth day was walking ahead of the group, went on to complete the walk the day before the rest of us. Four of us had stopped for the day, but she did not see the message and continued to Santiago as she walked with an enthusiastic and boisterous group from Colombia that she had met.
The rest of us arrived at noon the next day. We wanted to be there in time for the noon mass, but the cathedral was already full when we arrived about 10 minutes late.
Camino is a centuries-old pilgrimage that leads into Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain through several trails, including ancient paths. We took the Camino Portugues.
Jesus’ disciple James (Santiago) was said to have traveled to Galicia and was fond of the area. When he
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Continued on page 25
VIERA VOICE photo
The Cinco Peregrinos —Jill Blue, left, R. Norman Moody, Elaine Moody, Valerie Stanley and Troy Stanley — take a break high on a hill top during their Camino walk.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
At times, the camino splits and you can choose the shorter route through a city or a longer nature trail through lush green forest.
Continued from page 24
was martyred, his disciples are said to have later taken his remains and interred it in what is now the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Most walkers picked up the pace as they neared Santiago. Others, though exhausted but not wanting the pilgrimage to end, slowed down.
As we entered the Praza do Obradoiro, the cathedral square, there was a feeling of euphoria and melancholy all at the same time.
After the elation of standing in front of the massive cathedral with many other pilgrims, we made our way to the Pilgrim’s Reception Office for the final stamp on our credentials. Officials reviewed the credentials, and a traditional certificate with the pilgrim’s name written in Latin is given to those who complete at least 100 kilometers.
Pilgrims walk the Camino
de Santiago for many reasons — religious, spiritual, adventure, and even some, to prove they could do it.
It was difficult not to stop at little cafes in villages and towns along the way after sampling the food on the first day. Caldo Gallego (Galician soup) was a favorite of team members.
After heading out each morning before sunrise, we’d make quick stops for that first, second and even third cup of some of the best espresso coffee along the way. It was like fuel for the next three or four miles.
Despite the challenges of walking an average of 12 miles per day, the pilgrimage was a memorable and wonderful experience. As soon as we returned home, I started looking at other Camino routes to do, maybe next year.
We met people from around the world. We met a mother and daughter from Colombia, Vinay from Malta, and Carlos and Gloria from
Argentina. There were many others, from Louisiana, Mexico, Italy and elsewhere.
These are people we would see during different times of the day or on other days as we walked. We would walk along with someone for a while and chat.
The day after arriving at Santiago, I heard someone yell my name. I did not immediately turn to look because I did not think it referred to me. It was Carlos and Gloria Zarate. After chatting for a while at the Santiago de Compostela bus station, we exchanged phone numbers and agreed to stay in touch.
If you are considering walking the Camino de Santiago, let’s talk. We can give you some advice from our experience about things we would do differently. VV
Additional photos and videos can be found at vieravoice.com
CAMINO PORTUGUES
Valença, Portugal to Santiago, Spain 77-mile pilgrimage
VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody
Hiking poles are an integral part of completing the Camino walk, especially while navigating steep hills.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Valerie and Troy Stanley pause in front of a flower display in Valença.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
The Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela is said to be the resting place of the Apostle James.
VIERA VOICE R. Norman Moody
Elaine Moody navigates an ancient rocky road on the Camino de Santiago.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Valerie Stanley Elaine Moody, left, and Jill Blue enjoy a break next to ancient crosses along the trail.
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
From rocky paths to bridges, the Camino de Santiago offered a variety of terrain.
Valença Portugal
Santiago de Campostela, Spain Tui
BUSINESS Scoop
Tiki Docks Bar & Grill plans tropical-inspired restaurant for Viera
BY MIKE GAFFEY
Site work is underway for Tiki Docks Bar & Grill in Viera’s busy Borrows West dining and entertainment district. The Polynesianthemed restaurant reportedly is scheduled to open in early 2027.
First proposed in 2022 for the 115-acre commerce hub west of Interstate 95, the 9,300-square-foot lakefront restaurant will be built at Viera Boulevard and Lake Andrew Drive, said Yunus Rassoull, the director of construction for Tampabased hospitality company 23 Restaurant Services.
The company operates Tiki Docks and four other restaurant brands in Florida.
Tiki Docks is a tropical-
This is an artist’s depiction of Tiki Docks Bar & Grill, a Polynesian-themed
open in Viera’s Borrows West district during the first quarter of
inspired restaurant and bar featuring Florida-fresh food, rum-based cocktails and a waterfront atmosphere, according to the company’s website.
The Viera location is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027, Rassoull
said. With 7,100 square feet of indoor seating and a 2,200-square-foot covered outdoor patio, the location will seat up to 300 customers and employ up to 125 people.
Menu highlights include shucked-to-order oysters,
seafood baskets, gourmet burgers, lobster rolls, chicken wings and Floridathemed desserts such as Key lime pie.
“Our seafood dishes, such as crab cakes and grouper, are extremely popular,” Rassoull said. “And because it's a tropical-themed restaurant, it's also got a really big following for its tiki-inspired cocktail menu.”
Franklin Development Corp in Tampa is building the restaurant, which will be unlike any other Tiki Docks, Rassoull said.
“It was designed specifically for this site to match and fit in well with the design aesthetic of Viera, which is a very modern development, but also to take advantage of the lake that’s directly behind the restaurant,” he said. “It’s a completely different floor plan and a completely unique design build. It'll be the first one of this type.”
The closest Tiki Docks to Brevard County is in Port
Orange. Two other locations are in St. Petersburg and Riverview. A fifth location is planned in Hamlin Town Center, north of Walt Disney World.
Scott Miller, the senior vice president of sales and community development with The Viera Company, welcomed Tiki Docks to Viera, noting in a statement that the restaurant "perfectly aligns with our vision of creating an exceptional, vibrant waterfront destination in Borrows West.”
“By pairing their immersive, energetic Polynesian concept with Viera's outdoor lifestyle, Tiki Docks fulfills the vision of a lakefront anchor for Borrows West and the central Space Coast,” Miller added. “Tiki Docks will deliver a unique, seafoodforward culinary experience and a social gathering space that elevates the everyday quality of life for our residents and visitors from across the region."
It’s the second themed restaurant brand in Borrows West for 23 Restaurant Services, which also operates Ford’s Garage, a casual dining chain with an antique Ford vehicle theme.
Ford's Garage opened at 5480 Lake Andrew Drive in July 2024. “We’re excited to build a second restaurant there,” Rassoull said. “It'll be really awesome.”
For more information, go to TikiDocks.com VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of 23 Restaurant Services
restaurant, which is scheduled to
2027.
Membership-based pediatric practice coming to Viera
BY LILLIAN NGUYEN
Dr. Lizabeth Saint-Hilaire is bringing family-first pediatric care to Viera. OneStep Pediatrics is scheduled to open in September at 8795 Ivanhoe Drive, in the still-under-construction Addison Professional Center.
Once completed, the 10,000 square-foot office building will sit adjacent to the new two-story Publix on Stadium Parkway.
After practicing pediatrics since 2015, Saint-Hilaire has decided to open her own private practice with her husband, Wilmer SaintHilaire. He will join her as OneStep Pediatric’s office manager.
The family-owned and familyoriented practice hopes to meet Viera’s burgeoning needs.
“Viera is a growing community,” Dr. Saint-Hilaire said. “And, right now, there’s a need for pediatrics that’s been unmet, especially in the Viera West area where there’s a lot of growth in the population, but there’s no pediatrician there right now.”
Saint-Hilaire feels that typical, insurance-driven care is totally different from what OneStep
Pediatrics has to offer.
OneStep Pediatrics will offer direct primary care, which will give patients more time during visits, availability for same-day and nextday appointments, and access to the doctor after hours.
“Patients are becoming so frustrated with the insurance model,” she said. “There’s so much limitation to access. It can be a very high cost of care — like, I’ve had families here that I see their kids just for well visits and maybe a couple of sick visits per year, and they have bills for $600, $700, in addition to what they’re paying for insurance.”
Direct primary care is a membership-based model, meaning insurance won’t be billed for offered services. Patients will instead pay a monthly fee to OneStep Pediatrics that covers all of their visits, testings and procedures done in the office. Vaccines will be billed separately to insurance.
“This is meant to be transparent, straight forward,” she explained. “Like, this is what you pay for the month, per month; there’s no co-pays, no deductibles, no out-ofpocket maximum.” VV
Escapology Viera aiming for October opening
BY JEFF NAVIN
Escapology Viera promises to have something for everyone in its escape rooms as it plans for a late October opening next to The Avenue Viera.
The planned 4,815-square-foot complex will have a steampunk theme dating back to the Victorian age of steam-powered machinery, old clocks and vintage leather. It eventually will have nine escape rooms.
“We saw Viera as a growing area with a lot of new businesses,’’ said Ruth Dean of Deansscapology, who operates a similar escape room in Gainesville. “As a demographic, we go from the age of 8 to 80. Three generations can come out and play together. Everyone is equal. That’s the fun of it. Nothing makes me more happy than to see three generations having a good time.’’
Those planning corporate events, birthday parties or other fun outings will have a choice of A Pirate’s Curse; Antidote: Chemical Warfare; Lost City; Mansion Murder; Agatha’s Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express; Scooby Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure; and Haunted House.
The rooms challenge people to find clues, decipher codes and solve puzzles before time runs out. Team building is part of the fun.
“One of the coolest things is the total immersion,’’ Dean said. “The sounds, the lights. Everyone works together. It’s interesting to see how people change and adapt.’’
Dean plans to spend a lot of time in Viera in September, October and November to make the escape room perfect.
“I get passionate about these escape rooms,’’ Dean said. “They’re so much fun.’’ VV
VIERA VOICE Lillian Nguyen
Dr. Lizabeth Saint-Hilaire and her husband, Wilmer Saint-Hilaire, are forming a direct primary care pediatric practice in Viera.
Rey, left, the Senior Vice President of Community Management and Communications, and Todd Pokrywa, the President of The Viera Company
Cheryl Clark, Lisa Lansing
Daniel Todd of Rogue Wave Hospitality Group
Gretchen Keppler, Bri Conway Randa Yordi, left, Tessy Cabrera, right Anthony and Quinisha Bredwood
Parent, Stella Tobin
Todd Pokrywa, Chris Simms, Kelly Riese
Lesli Smith, Anabella Gantacaterina, Anna Terry
Anjanette Wicks, Ashley Houlihan
Sally Kramer, Joanne Post Suzanne Wittenhaver, Jen Quartz, Ellen Duerr
Dana Vinci, Brian Vinci and Anna Almirall
Hello July
SATURDAY
SHRED TRUCK
1 2
Summer Art Classes Youth and Teens
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Galleria of Art & Photography 7720 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-720-9435
Prime Social Hour
6 p.m.
America the Beautiful Line Dancing Night Music with Glenn Roberts
Instructors, Jose & Joanna. Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera 321-499-1188
Bricks and Minifigs: Teen Thursday 3 - 6 p.m.
Beat the heat and build something epic. No registration required. Bricks and Minifigs 7640 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-241-6406
July 3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Chess Club
1 - 4 p.m.
Chess lessons and competition. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 321-633-1792
AMC Summer Movie Camp July 6 & 8: "How to Train Your Dragon"
A portion of the proceeds will support the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.
AMC Avenue 16 2241 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-775-1210
12
National Pecan Pie
Summer Sundays — Brick Lab
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Activities, live entertainment, animal encounters and themed experiences. Build, race and create at the Brick Lab. For all ages. Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-254-9453
Florida Wildlife Hospital Kids Summer Workshop 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Bird Nerds. Learn about the birds that are native or migrate to Florida. For kids ages 3 to 10 years old. The workshop includes a presentation, craft story, snack time and educational activity.
Florida Wildlife Hospital 4560 U. S. Highway 1 Palm Shores 321-254-8843
Line Dancing with Larry 10 a.m.
Martin Andersen
Senior Center 1025 Florida Ave. Rockledge 321-631-7549
Coffee & Conversation 10 - 11 a.m.
Speakers will be Eva Rey with The Viera Company and Joseph Downs with the BCSO. Lucky Goat Coffee 2105 Viera Blvd. Viera, 321-208-7225
Underwater Volcano in a Bottle 3 - 4 p.m. Make a volcano. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Karaoke 6 - 11 p.m.
Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487
Flick-n-Float 7 - 10 p.m.
Free movie. $4 to watch from pool. McClarty Park 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge 321-633-1874
National 7-11 Day
Viera East Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, Facebook/ VEfarmersmarket
“Storm and Song” 7 p.m.
Space Coast Symphony Advent Lutheran Church 7550 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 855-252-7276
Brevard Home and Garden Expo
July 18 & 19
The area's best home products and services.
Melbourne Auditorium
625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.
Melbourne Brevardexpos.com
of National Kitten Day National Fried Chicken Day National Grand Marnier Day
Media Giving Day
National Hot Dog Day
13 14 15 16 17 18
AMC Summer Movie Camp July 13 & 15: "The Lego Movie" July 20 and July 22: "Sonic The Hedgehog 3" A portion of the proceeds will support the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.
AMC Avenue 16 2241 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-775-1210
Mini Movers 10 - 11 a.m.
Children explore rhythm, sound and movement.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Toddler Thursday 2 - 5 p.m. Beat the heat and build something epic.
Bricks and Minifigs 7640 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-241-6406
Story Time and Crafts
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Books-A-Million 2251 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-504-6236
Bricks and Minifigs: Kid Wednesday 3 - 6 p.m. Beat the heat and build something epic. No registration required. Bricks and Minifigs 7640 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-241-6406
Prehistoric Plant Printing 3 - 4 p.m.
Create a plant printing. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Third Thursday at The Avenue Viera 5 - 8 p.m. Live music in Central Park. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Lottery Day
Hurricane Prep Rally and Senior Fair
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Make a hurricane kit, visit vendors and hear the latest preparation information from local speakers. A free lunch will be served.
Event Center St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community 5655 Stadium Pkwy. Viera. 321-242-1235
Tropical Fruit Day
Music on the Patio
6 p.m.
Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487
“Lights Up On Broadway” concert 7 p.m.
Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue & Broadway Greats" Scott Center 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 855-252-7276
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Moon Day
Summer Art Classes Youth and Teens
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Artists will work with students to create unique artwork using watercolor, acrylic paint, mixed media and various crafts. The Galleria of Art & Photography 7720 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-720-9435
Space Coast Poets
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Suntree, 321-255-4404
Medicaid Planning
10 a.m.
Presented by elder law attorney William A. Johnson. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Mango Day
DJ Dance Party
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Dance along to upbeat music from the splash pad and enjoy games and activities on the green. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Grandma Day
Summer Purse Bingo 6 - 8 p.m.
Bingo with purse prizes from designers such as Kate Spade, Michael Kors and more. $35 in advance $40 at the door.
Arc of Space Coast 1694 Cedar Street Rockledge 321-690-3464
Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa 321-633-1792
Adult Summer Escape Room 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You have 60 minutes to escape a locked room by solving a series of hidden puzzles, riddles and clues.
Grilling for Heroes 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebration for first responders, nurses and educators. Sponsored by Rhodes Law P.A.
One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera 321-751-6771
Amelia Earhart Day National Aunt & Uncle's Day
Soldiers Day
26 27 28 29 30 31 Aug. 1
Chicken Wing Day
Fireworks, events celebrate nation’s 250th birthday
BY FLORA REIGADA
It’s a milestone like no other — America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that will be celebrated across the nation.
There will be many events throughout Brevard County.
Viera —
Saturday, July 4
9 to 10 p.m.
The Great American Celebration in Viera. Fireworks at 9 p.m. east of USSSA Space Coast Complex.
ROCKLEDGE —
Saturday, July 4
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hot dog or hamburger with chips and a drink for $1 at the 39th annual Rockledge Independence Day Picnic. Activities, water slides and music at McLarty Park, 790 Barton Blvd in Rockledge.
Melbourne —
Saturday, July 4
3 to 9:30 p.m.
City of Melbourne’s MelBOOM, an annual 4th of July fireworks celebration at Front Street Park, 2210 Front Street. Food trucks, vendors, performances and singing of the National Anthem before fireworks at 9 p.m. Free shuttle service between Melbourne Auditorium and Front Street Park.
Palm Bay — Saturday, July 4 5 to 9 p.m.
City of Palm Bay’s annual Independence Day celebration at Eastern Florida State College’s Palm Bay campus. Bring chairs and blankets. Free admission and parking. Live performances, food trucks, various vendors and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Cocoa — Saturday, July 4 8 to 10 p.m.
Brevard Symphony
Orchestra’s free annual Symphony Under the Stars concert at Cocoa Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Merritt Island
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Independence Day Parade and America 250 Celebration starts at Merritt Island High School at 10 a.m. and continues to Edgewood Junior/Senior High School and the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Plaza.
Cocoa Beach — Friday, July 3
5 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at City Hall in Downtown Cocoa Beach with carnival games, live music, a photo booth and kid’s zone. Choreographed drone show at 9 p.m.
Port St. John — Saturday, July 4
4 p.m.
Thunder Over the Indian River will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence with Red, Hot & BBQ, food, craft vendors, raffles and bounce houses. Gates open at 4 p.m. at OUC Indian River Power Plant on Kings Highway and the corner of Capron Road. The fireworks display will start at 9:15 p.m. VV
Parishioners
ALTAR MOSAIC
Continued from page 4
color and stone.”
“There is something profoundly transcendent about this work,” he said. “Each tiny piece so carefully placed reflects how God gathers the broken fragments of humanity and forms them into a unified story of redemption. In this Crucifixion scene, suffering, sacrifice, forgiveness and hope are held together in one powerful image. The Cross is no longer distant history; it becomes visible, present
and almost tangible before us. Spiritually, this mosaic invites contemplation; we will not simply ‘look’ at it — we will pray with it.”
The complex, two-year project led to “a lot of sleepless nights,” Antony said. “It was a journey, a lot of learning, a lot of patience, a lot of trusting.” he said. “I finally left it to God. Some days, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be possible at all. That’s why I’m so grateful everything worked out far better than I had expected.
“This will stand forever. Ultimately, everything is a gift and grace from God.”
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Independence Day celebrations are scheduled throughout Brevard County.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community got their first look at the mosaic during the unveiling on May 24.
NONPROFITNews
Harmony Farms founder Rogan to turn over reins after 35 years
BY LINDA JUMP
After 35 years running a therapeutic horse farm serving more than 2,000 riders with certain disabilities, Harmony Farms founder Pam Rogan said it is time to put herself out to pasture.
“I have eight grandchildren all with children, and I want to make more trips to see them, and to cruise,” the 79-year-old Rogan said.
She’s come a long way from the Brooklyn apartment where she was raised.
“I asked for a horse
for every birthday and Christmas,” she said. “The closest I came was to go to Coney Island and ride on the beach.”
When she and her husband, Bob, retired in 1990, they moved to Florida.
“I’d never volunteered but I saw an ad to help an equine-assisted therapy program in Grant. I was always horse crazy and loved it,” she said.
A year later, that program transitioned into the nonprofit Harmony Farms in a backyard in Grant. It later moved to a boarding barn in the Lake Washington area until fall of 1999.
Then, the Duda Ranch offered a lease-free site on Stadium Parkway for the next decade.
“They were fantastic,” Rogan said.
In 2014, the current 14 acres with three large barns and an 80- by 100-foot covered arena in Cocoa was purchased.
“We even have a veterinarian across the driveway,” she said.
The therapy session is done with volunteer walkers and a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship-certified instructor such as Rogan leading. It assists those
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of all ages with physical, cognitive and emotional conditions ranging from depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and trauma. Riders improve movement, muscle tone and strength, flexibility and balance, as well as verbalization and attention span.
Currently, Harmony Farms has nine horses and two ponies that serve 60 clients ages 4 to 87 years old. A 30-minute session costs $60. Rogan said the program requires many volunteers. It needs funding from donations, grants, fundraising events and rider fees.
Rogan cherishes memories of clients and their achievements. She cited an autistic child who had never spoken, but giggled after being placed on a horse, and another who
spoke for the first time — to the horse. A rider who uses a wheelchair told her, “Miss Pam, my horse gives me legs and takes me where I can’t go on my own.”
Rhonda Suchyna of Cocoa is one of many parents who will miss Miss Pam.
“My daughter with Down syndrome was one of her youngest. She started when she was 3 in 2001. At that point, her little legs just stuck straight out from the horse. She absolutely loved it, and finally started to speak. I’m thrilled with her progress. Pam and the volunteers are family. I had tears when I learned she was leaving.” VV
For more information about Harmony Farms programs, donating or volunteering, call 321-6319433.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Pam Rogan is retiring from Harmony Farms after 35 years. Rogan has a special relationship with all the horses, including Snickers.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Harmony Farms
For 35 years, Harmony Farms has provided equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with certain disabilities.
Allen will assume a new role as Harmony Farms’ executive director
BY LINDA JUMP
Jeanine Allen volunteered at Cocoa’s Harmony Farms as a teenager, then became a horse therapy client after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Later, she saw improvement with her daughter, in the program after she had been diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder.
Allen serves on its board of directors of Harmony Farms and will take the reins as the executive director this month from its founder, Pam Rogan.
A horse rider since age 7, Allen said she has firsthand knowledge of the benefits of the program, and also knows many others who have been helped.
“This is an amazing legacy that Pam has left. There are so many people who rely on this program,” she said. ‘I’m not planning to change anything, but looking for more donors and sponsors.”
Allen said that beginning in 1996, she earned high school-required volunteer hours at the farm, cleaning stalls and doing a variety of other jobs. She continued through her years at the University of Central Florida
and Barry University College of Law.
“I had an accident in 2006 and never recovered. By 2011, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I lost vision in my left eye and couldn’t walk, so I became a rider in the program. It felt like coming home to my family,” she said. Her stamina and body improved. Five years ago, her daughter, now 12, began therapy at Harmony Farms.
“She wouldn’t even get on the horse at first. Finally, she sat for three seconds. Now, she is participating and responding,” Allen said, recalling the day she spoke her first word “orange” in the arena. “Her eye contact has improved, and she greets everyone now.”
Allen said, through those experiences, she is ready to become director. Rogan agrees.
“She’s a lifetime equestrian,” Rogan said. “My goal is to keep Harmony Farms successful and I’ll always be back to visit or help my babies.” VV
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VIERA VOICE Linda Jump
Jeanine Allen will be the new executive director at Harmony Farms.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Jeanine Allen
Jeanine Allen has been a horse rider since the age of 7.
VIERA COOKBOOK
Watermelon Pizza alla Italia
These mini watermelon pizzas are delicious served alone or as a dessert. Kids will love them! Why these fruits? Several fruits are popular in the area of Italy called Liguria, home of
INGREDIENTS:
the Italian Riviera. This watermelon pizza celebrates those fruits, including oranges, pears, kiwi (yes kiwi!) and cherries. The strawberries are there to honor the Strawberry Tree, which is considered one of the national symbols of Italy. Of course, you are welcome to choose your own favorite fruits, too. Try a taste of an Italian summer.
2 slices (1/2 inch thick) miniature watermelon
1/4 cup fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup orange-flavored low-fat Greek yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bon appétit! VV
4 teaspoons minced orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 kiwi peeled and sliced thin
1/2 pear peeled and diced
5 strawberries sliced
2 tablespoons dried tart cherries
In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese, yogurt, 2 teaspoons of the orange peel, and vanilla. Refrigerate to allow mixture to thicken.
Either top each pizza slice with the cream cheese mixture, followed by the fruit, then sprinkle the remaining orange peel over the top. Or, cut the watermelon into slices first, then continue with the cream cheese spread, fruit and orange peel.
Habitat for Humanity completes first 3D house in Melbourne
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Construction has been completed on the first 3D-printed affordable house in Brevard County.
The residence on Lipscomb Street in Melbourne is a product of a partnership between Space Coast Habitat for Humanity and Melbournebased Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.
Though built at a cost that was a little under budget, it was not significantly less than a traditionally built house.
“We budget a little less than $300,000 for every home and this one came in a little under budget
but it was pretty close to the typical budget that we set for any home that we build,” said Lesli Smith, the vice president of resource development with Habitat for Humanity Families selected for a Habitat for Humanity must participate in building the home with volunteers in what the organization calls "sweat equity." Typically, a monthly payment is no more than 30% of a recipient’s gross monthly income.
“The City of Melbourne really prioritizes affordable housing really high,” said Abby Johnson, the housing and urban improvement manager with the City of Melbourne.
“We have an incredible need in the area for new affordable housing units. There’s an incredible need. We’re excited when we have any local nonprofit organizations step up
and meet the challenge to create new units, or forprofit developers for that matter. We simply need affordable units in the City of Melbourne.”
Construction on the two-
bedroom, two-bathroom single family residence took about 14 months to build, though Habitat normally budgets 12 months for construction, according to Smith.
The house has impact windows and is built to withstand hurricane-force winds.
“Ultimately, the 3D-printed homes will be a quicker build once we get the technology nailed down and, no pun intended, figured out,” Smith said. Beyond the technological marvel of the home is the fact that it will serve as a welcome home for a single mom and her daughter, Smith noted. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Watermelon.org
Topped with fresh fruit, watermelon pizza offers a fun twist on a classic summer treat.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue
Lesli Smith, the vice president of resource development with Habitat for Humanity, talks about the first 3D-printed house in Brevard County.
Breaking free — commit to the transition to less use
“The Plastic Detox” is a NetFlix documentary that explores the impact of everyday exposure to plastics and chemicals in plastic on health and fertility.
Environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D. helps six couples identify plastic products and how to reduce plastic in their lives, measuring the impact that the change has on their health.
Plastic is everywhere. We breathe, eat, drink and wear plastic — sometimes not even knowing we are doing so. Chemicals from plastic, such as phthalates and bisphenols, which are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), might silently make their way into our bodies and affect normal functions.
According to NIEHS, “People may be exposed to endocrine disruptors through food and beverages consumed, pesticides applied and cosmetics used.”
The EPA says, EDCs may cause “developmental malformations; interference with reproduction; increased cancer risk; and disturbances in the immune and nervous
BEYOND the CURB
Booth President & Founder, Recycle Brevard
system function.”
In the documentary, Swan and other scientists mention that “EDCs have been linked to a variety of health problems, from early heart attacks and strokes to subtle shifts in thyroid hormone that can affect developing brains” and are also “considered obesogens — substances that can promote weight gain and accumulation of body fat,” according to Tudum What to do?
The documentary highlights five key areas of focus beyond removing obvious plastics from the home:
1. Food and beverage packaging
Exposed to high temperatures, chemicals can leach into food; swap to glass, ceramic or stainless steel for storage and reheating.
2. Fragrance products/ perfume
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“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.”
— Barbara Ward, Only One Earth, 1972
Includes scented candles and air fresheners — these products contain phthalates, which help scents last longer; avoid those and look for safe substitutes.
3. Personal care products
Shampoos, lotions, makeup, nail polish and other personal care items often contain phthalates; avoid those and look for safe substitutes.
4. Synthetic textiles and petrochemical dyes
Polyester and nylon, for example, contain PFAS (forever chemicals) added to increase stain resistance and make them water-repellent. This could interfere with our immune function; replace with natural fibers such as cotton, linen or bamboo.
5. Thermal paper receipts
Receipts are coated with bisphenols; get electronic copies instead.
Besides the negative
impact on our health, plastics greatly contribute to environmental pollution and wildlife endangerment. On average, only 9% of plastics in the world are recycled; the rest must be buried, incinerated or they make their way out into the environment.
According to Cottom et al in 2024, high-income countries tend to generate much more plastic waste per person than other countries. However, countries that often produce much less plastic waste per person generate the most plastic pollution, indicating that volume transferred and poor waste management systems bear great responsibility for the plastic pollution crisis.
That is where groups such as #BreakFreeFromPlastic (BFFP) come into play to organize the fight against plastic pollution and focus on reducing the amount of plastic produced, used
plastic
and discarded. BFFP members around the world work to reduce single-use plastics, which currently make up 40% of all plastics manufactured; promote systemic change; and advocate for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. Anyone can become a member to help promote and join the effort at breakfreefromplastic.org
If you are looking to transition to a lifestyle with less plastic, join Recycle Brevard’s team in the Beyond Plastic Ecochallenge (Ecochallenge.org) to reevaluate current habits and start new ones with less plastic.
Check out RecycleBrevard. org for more information and to sign up.
This summer, ease into a new mode and reduce the amount of plastic in your life. It may be a bit hard at first, but as the documentary proved, it will be worth the investment. VV
Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org
Recycle Brevard is an independent, nonprofit organization promoting sustainable living.
Marcia
PANTRIES, LAUNDRY ROOMS, WALL BEDS AND
