BY CARL KOTALA
The weather was perfect. The games were close. And the crowd wasn’t just large … it was loud. This was, quite possibly, the best
Pageantry
Schmalenbergers bring fun, funds to the community
BY NICHOLE YUAN
It’s no secret that Viera is growing. After all, there always seems to be something new in development. However, despite everything that’s here, there’s also room for improvement.
The Schmalenbergers, who have lived in Viera since 2007, have watched the community grow from its humble beginnings to the thriving hot spot it’s now become.
The neighborhoods and people certainly help to make Viera a very comfortable place to live, but the Schmalenbergers felt like they still had to drive out to bigger cities such as Orlando to find enjoyable entertainment. But when Jamie Schmalenberger convinced her brother, Sean Beck, to move to Viera, she had no idea what she had set in motion.
“When Sean and Sara moved up they said, like ‘what’s there to do around here?’ ” Jamie recalled.
Before long, Jake Schmalenberger and Sean Beck launched Battle Bros Events to bring more fun to Brevard. And since its inception in 2019, the events they orchestrate are always a family affair.
“Jude and Jemma started a little, like, bracelet making business,” Jamie
Featured family
Schmalenberger said of her children. “She had started that and then, since our events include a craft fair, we kind of let her set up just by the front gate.”
“I like going out there and volunteering,” Jude said. “I like selling tickets and helping the nonprofit(s).”
And truly, both the Schmalenbergers and
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the Becks place a high importance on helping the community not just by giving Brevard citizens more to do, but by helping local nonprofit organizations such as The Children’s Hunger Project. In fact, the Schmalenberger family has even donated their time by helping pack bags of food.
“We partner with (The
Children’s Hunger Project) for three out of four events we host,” Sean said.
“I think we’ve donated over $75,000,” Jake said, and confirmed that the amount is, in fact, accurate.
Their love of food and music shows even in their extracurricular activities.
Jude plays the French horn in his school’s band, and
Jemma, who will start middle school in August, has expressed interest in learning to play the flute. Additionally, the Schmalenbergers all agree that Jemma is the best when it comes to making desserts. Needless to say, the Schmalenbergers (and Becks) definitely know how to throw a party. VV
VIERA VOICE Nichole Yuan
The Schmalenbergers and Becks jokingly refer to themselves as the "Schmalenbecks" because of their close bond to one another.
Volume 17, Issue 5
©2025 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
Editor
R. Norman Moody
Office Manager Sylvia Montes
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Sports Writer/SportsBlog
Carl Kotala
Art/Design/Photography
Jorjann Blake Matt Clark
Writers/Reporters
Chris Bonanno
Sue DeWerff
Ernie Dorling
Mike Gaffey
Susan M. Houts
Elaine Moody
Betty Porter Nichole Yuan
Volunteers
as prop team for Theater on Ice
BY SUE DEWERFF
When the Rockledge Iceplex Theater on Ice Skating teams travel to the national competition in Texas this month, a group of fathers and grandfathers, referred to as The Prop Team, will accompany them. There are also two women on the Prop Team.
These dedicated and diverse skilled behind the scenes volunteers who create the props for the performances are as much an intricate part to the entire teams as the skaters and coaches.
Each has distinctive talents, and combined they bring their own magic to the ice.
The 10-member group, with professional backgrounds, including a pilot, an engineer, an air conditioning technician, a carpenter and a handyman, strive to execute head coach Katie Nyman’s visions and make them a reality.
A peek into the back of their storage trailer located behind the Rockledge rink reveals a conglomeration of tools — PVC tubes, hardware, wood, paint, spray foam and Styrofoam — all of which they use for multiple projects.
Each member is assigned to a team project to build the backdrops and gather the props to facilitate Nyman’s instructions.
“We practice, stage
“I am honored to be able to work with such incredibly talented coaches, and these dads and grandpas.”
— Gunar Moschner
and execute, but more importantly, we all have fun,” said Troy Conwell, a mechanical engineer whose daughter, Carrie Ann has been skating since she was 7 years old.
Jokingly, he said he has been told he resembles world champion skater Scott Hamilton.
“We are very competitive, and have learned how to
adapt,” he added, referring to the process of designing props they often are required to build to accommodate ways to be disassembled for travel.
Rob Oudejans, known as the Godfather of the group, was the first to join the props building team nearly 19 years ago when his daughters, who are now 21 and 28, began skating.
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“It’s all about coordination and much problem solving,” he said. “Safety and mechanics go hand-in-hand.”
Oudejans built the large scale Aladdin lamp, based on the 2019 Disney musical, that was used in the presentation that netted a gold medal win for the skaters at the 2023 National Theater on Ice Competition. The ear, base, lid and spout were constructed and designed to be put together on-site.
Gunar Moschner, who has been dubbed as the team’s quality inspector for his ability as gifted problem solver, built a detailed trophy display that now sits in the entrance of the Rockledge rink.
“We are obviously proud of all the teams, and I am honored to be able to work with such incredibly talented coaches, and these dads and grandpas.
"We see our appreciation in the smiles and love from both beginners and adult team members," Moschner said.
John Marqua, a retired veteran and expert woodworker, who is the grandfather of elementary age skaters, Lily and Ella, said he enjoys being part of what he refers to as a tight-knit community for the kids.
“Since the beginning of the Theater on Ice Program, which began in 2007, the amount of planning and details of coordinating and choreographing these presentations have grown exponentially. I have a great appreciation and respect for their tenancy,” Nyman said.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for these guys and a few gals, and all of those that contribute to my success as the director of this program.”
VV
VIERA VOICE Sue DeWerff
John Marqua, left, Tim Sindermann, Gunar Moschner, Troy Conwell, Rob Oudejans, Matt Walker and TOI Director Katie Nyman are members of the Dads of the Props Team for the Rockledge Iceplex Theater on Ice programs.
Prince of Peace Church pastor shares vision for new preschool
BY NICHOLE YUAN
With such rapid growth happening in Viera, it’s no surprise that more parents are seeking the perfect preschool for their little ones.
Some schools might focus more on education while some may lean more toward artistic expression, but a new preschool will be opening soon that takes a bit of a different approach.
At the Prince of Peace Church, Cameron Scalera, the senior pastor, is working to offer a preschool that not only focuses on faith and academic intelligence, but will also include guidance in emotional intelligence as well.
“Emotions are God’s gift to us,” Scalera said. And with that in mind, he wanted to tailor the curriculum in a way that acknowledges that gift
without overshadowing the academy’s other fundamentals.
“Four aspects really jumped out at me,” said Scalera of the school’s core
principles, which will focus on spiritual, academic, emotional and social aspects to nurture a wellrounded understanding of individual needs as well as
community needs.
The revelation to have a school came to Scalera
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VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Cameron Scalera, the senior pastor at Prince of Peace Church, currently plans to offer a school for 2 and 3 year olds with the intention to expand for more grades as soon as possible.
SPORTS
WrapUp
Adult flag football league kicks off new season in Viera
BY MIKE GAFFEY
An adult flag football league that plays regularly in Viera is attracting players from across Central Florida.
About 60 to 70 men and women ages 17 and older gather to play the sport they love as part of the five-yearold Brevard County Adult Flag Football League, which recently kicked off a new regular season.
“We try to make it all inclusive and fun and work on team-building skills,” said Collin Perry, a Viera cabinetmaker who’s played in the league for two years and serves as its promoter.
Currently, seven teams compete Sunday mornings in seven-on-seven games at Viera Regional Park at 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way. The league sometimes schedules games at Jack Mahon Park at 7550 Spyglass Hill Road or at Woodside Park at 1705 Crane Creek Blvd.
“In the past couple of years, we actually started the group playing down in Flutie Field in Melbourne Beach,” Perry said. “And then it kind of worked its way up to Viera, which seems to be a more central location, especially for the people who are in Orlando, Port St. John and Titusville. We get people from all over the place.”
A typical regular season consists of eight to 10 games, with five to seven players to a team, Perry said. Two games are played at the same time on two 80-by-40-yard fields, with two 20-minute halves and a running clock.
“It’s a fast-moving game,” said Joe Long, a 65-year-old engineer from Viera who rents the football fields and handles the league’s insurance.
The league follows Florida flag football rules, in which players wear two flags and are down once an opponent pulls off a flag. There’s no
blocking or tackling allowed. Two referees usually oversee each game, Henry said. Teams start from the
15-yard line and the offense needs 5 yards to gain a first down. After that, the offense gets four downs to go 20 yards for the next first down. Defenders 5 yards off the line
of scrimmage can rush the quarterback immediately after the ball is snapped, and can return a turnover for a touchdown.
Teams can throw numerous forward passes behind the line of scrimmage. After a team scores a touchdown, that team can score 1 extra point by scoring from the 5-yard line or 2 points by scoring from the 10-yard line.
All teams make the playoffs and compete in a double-elimination tournament for trophies.
“It’s set up where everybody gets a shot,” Perry said.
The league hopes to eventually add an eighth team, Perry said. “That would make it a lot better, but we've just been struggling to get that eighth team,” he said.
Most players in the league participated in high school football and a few played college ball, Long said.
“For me, it’s entertainment. It’s a way to stay in shape,” said Long, whose 17-year-old son also plays in the league. “I’m 65 years old. I’m not going to be doing this much longer. It's a way for me to have camaraderie and go out with the guys.”
For more information, call 321-272-8304 or check out Brevard County Adult Flag Football on Facebook. VV
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Players from the Brevard County Adult Flag Football League compete in a pick-up game at Viera Regional Park.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
About 60 to 70 men and women play in the league.
Viera’s Elwell wins first state track title in school history
BY CARL KOTALA
One of the things Viera High School’s Addy Elwell loves most about running is that it gives her a chance to pull off something even she didn’t expect.
Well, she sure didn’t expect this.
Trailing Spruce Creek’s Mackenzie Roy in the closing moments of the 3,200-meter race at the Class 4A state championship last month, Elwell put on a final kick for the ages.
“The entire race, I was
“There is something about that girl, though, when her feet hit the track. A whole different side of her comes out.”
— Randi Liddle, Viera High girls track coach
right behind her. In the last 200, she started to pull away, but then I got her in the last 50,” the Viera junior said. “It was crazy.”
So crazy, in fact, the outcome of the race was determined by milliseconds.
The victory belonged to Elwell, who finished in 10:34.702 to Roy’s 10:34.704.
“I was so surprised, I was in shock,” said Elwell, who after a brief scream, ran over to embrace one of her coaches.
Not only was it the first state championship for Elwell, it was the first by a member of the Viera High track and field team in the program’s history. It also shattered her previous school record by nine seconds.
“I don’t know what got into Addy, but that last 100 meters was hers,” Viera girls track coach Randi Liddle said. “It was just a phenomenal run.”
Elwell has shown potential since her freshman year, but she never thought she would win a state title.
Her fourth-place finish in the 3,200 last year was her previous best in that event. In cross-country, she finished sixth as a sophomore to tie Isabella Babilonia for the best finish by a Viera girl at the state meet.
But if there is one thing Elwell is not afraid of, it’s working to get the best out of herself. It’s one of her biggest motivators … and she is definitely selfmotivated
“It’s so satisfying putting in the work, week after week, and then seeing results come. I love that,” she said. “I just love the hard work, putting the work in and knowing I can rely on my training when I get to a race.
“It’s such a good feeling. But (as far as) just motivating myself, it’s seeing how good I can get, how far I can go with high school running.”
Elwell does plan to run in college, but right now she’s got a senior season to start getting ready for. She plans to put in more miles to get ready for her cross-country season, where she has a chance to make history
once again.
Winning a state championship has certainly given her more confidence. It may have also put a target on her back, too. That’s OK. It could make her races even more fun.
Just don’t expect her personality to change.
Despite all of her success, Liddle describes Elwell as someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight.
“She’s such a good kid,” Liddle said. “She’s so humble and kind of goes under the radar. There is something about that girl, though, when her feet hit the track. A whole different side of her comes out.” Who knows what will happen next for Elwell, but it should be fun finding out.
“I love surprising myself,” Elwell said.
“Like, I didn’t think I was going to win state, but then I surprised myself, and it was the best feeling in the world.” VV
FACULTY SOFTBALL
Continued from page 1
The 19th version of the annual event saw Quest Elementary pull away late to defeat Viera Elementary 10-3 in the opening game.
In the nightcap, Manatee and Suntree played another close game, with Manatee scoring four runs in the final inning to eventually win 10-6 at the United States Specialty Sports Association’s Space Coast Complex.
“That’s part of the magic of this night,” Zgonc said. “You have so many people, so
many fans just killing it. That’s the advantage of having a close game. You really get the crowd into it. Give Suntree a lot of credit. They came out fighting.” Proceeds from the event, after expenses are paid, go into a discretionary fund for each of the four schools that participate.
Manatee, Suntree, Quest and Viera combined to sell more than 3,000 tickets to the event with another 500 to 600
in walkup sales. Zgonc, who has organized all 19 games, said the weather — overcast and cool — played a big role in what could be the biggest turnout for the event.
Having two close games made it even more fun.
“That’s all we want, a competitive game,” Zgonc said. “That’s what the fans got and they were into it. It was crazy. I just can’t get over how many people were there and how loud it was. VV
Holy Trinity boys win third state track title in school history
BY CARL KOTALA
Holy Trinity junior Evan Spreitzer initially went out for track and field to help himself train for soccer.
Now, he’s a state champ … three times over.
Jaedon McMillan is a three-sport star for the Tigers, and now he’s got two gold medals to add to his collection as well.
Holy Trinity’s 3,200-meter (4x800) relay, well, it will go down as one of the best Brevard County has ever seen.
Put all those performances together, along with some other strong individual showings, and you’ve got a day like no other for the Holy Trinity track program. The Tigers won their third team state
championship, their first since 2013. And they did it with only eight athletes.
It looks like eight really is enough.
“Everyone knew they had to run every event to try to get ourselves team points,” Spreitzer said. “If we were in seventh, we tried to get sixth. Everyone fought for every place to try to accumulate points so we could win. … It was pretty cool. All the hard work paid off.”
Spreitzer, McMillan, Camryn McRoy, Skyler Jensen, Luke Thomas, Zack Gunderson, Jude Ormsby and Jordan Osborne all brought home the gold for the Tigers at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville last month.
Spreitzer won the 3,200 meters and teamed
with Jensen, Thomas and Gunderson to win the 3,200 (4x800) relay for the second consecutive year. They’re only the second relay team in county history to go back-toback, joining the Rockledge 3,200 (4x800) relay, which won in 2000 and 2001. He also finished eighth in the 1,600 meters to get some points and capped his day by running in the 1,600 (4x400) relay.
McMillan, meanwhile, took third place on his final attempt in the long jump, then edged out his teammate, McRoy, to win the 110 hurdles. Those two then teamed with Ormsby and Osborne to place seventh in the 400 (4x100) relay.
McRoy took third in the 400 hurdles, Gunderson was fourth in the 800 and
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Thomas was eighth. All those points gave the Tigers enough to outpace the Benjamin School 59-53.
Spreitzer, who is now starting to lean toward track instead of soccer, set a new personal best by winning the 3,200 in 9 minutes, 9.49 seconds, dominating a talented field to start the day.
An hour later, he was back on the track with the rest of what coach Marc Bailey calls “the Big Four” to run the 4x800, which had set a school record at last year’s state meet with a time of 7:51.
“Our coach didn’t expect us to PR, to be honest, because we were all running different events,” Spreitzer said. “I just tried to get out there fast and open it up from the start. After our second or third leg, we realized we could PR, so we were just racing against time.”
They finished in 7:48.24, breaking their own record.
McMillan, a wide receiver/defensive back with 15 football scholarship offers from schools such as Florida
State, Penn State, Louisville, Duke and USF, surprised himself by winning the 110 hurdles.
“I went into it not expecting to win, of course. I think I was ranked fifth or sixth,” McMillan said. “One of my struggles was getting through the hurdles quicker, bringing my lead leg down quicker. I was working on that the week before, trying to perfect that.
“When it came to race time, I focused on it, tried getting through it as quick as I could. And when it came down to it, it was a nail-biter. It was a really good race. I just tried to lean forward and get my time as low as I could.”
McMillan’s time of 14.3 seconds beat his previous best time of 14.6 and also allowed him to beat out his friend and training partner, McRoy, who also had a big day.
They all did. That’s why they’re state champs.
“Everybody did their part. … I’m very proud of the kids,” Bailey said. “We accomplished our goal.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Cedric Gillette via Shannon Spreitzer Holy Trinity's Evan Spreitzer reacts after winning the Class 1A state championship in the 3,200 meters.
Viera Suntree Little League poised for exciting All-Star season
BY CARL KOTALA
The Viera Suntree Little League All-Stars are back, and it should be a fun summer.
“The 2025 VSLL (Viera Suntree Little League) AllStar season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory,” league president Rusty Stewart wrote in an email.
“The older divisions are packed with returning players who bring experience, leadership and playoff-tested grit to the field. One of the biggest strengths this year is the pitching staff — deep, composed and highly effective.
“Several returning arms are throwing with increased velocity and sharper control, giving VSLL a real edge in tight games. Many of last year's standouts — known for their clutch hitting and strong defense — are back and determined to make a deeper run through the district and regional levels.”
Junior and Senior All-Star teams were still in the process of being formed as many of the eligible players were still finishing up their other commitments.
“Meanwhile, the younger divisions are turning heads with a fresh wave of talent,” Stewart wrote. “This year’s 8-9 and 10-11 age groups feature a dynamic group of rising stars, showcasing impressive skills at the plate, defensive hustle and teamwork beyond their years. Coaches and fans alike are praising their strong fundamentals and fearless attitude — setting the stage for some thrilling games in the district tournament.
“With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, VSLL’s All-Star teams are poised for a competitive and inspiring summer.”
Tournament play begins June 6.
Here is a list of this year’s All-Stars:
BASEBALL
10U Green — Wyatt Huffman; Jake Campbell; Crew Schaefer; Ben Tillery; Henry Hughes; Adrian Scalia; Jacob Allen; Liam Morel; Garrett Zelinsky; Matthew Rogers; Romia Goff and George Reed VI.
Managed by Sherman Huffman with assistant coaches George Reed V and Nick Campbell.
10U Gold — Alexander Waycaster; Axton Yancey; Clark Sullivan; Enzo Assunto; Harrison Zink; Ibrahim
Al-Arashi; Knox Stanley; Maxwell Stewart; Isaac Roman; Maxwell Cheatham; Leonardo Jubran and Jennings Jones.
Managed by Tom Stanley with assistant coaches Rusty Stewart and Russell Cheatham.
11U — Beckham Jackson; Griffen Lee; Chaz Pounds; Easton Kuhns; Chase Fugleberg; Francisco Leach; Carter Reyes; Kam Davis; John Quinn; Ben Renes; Tyler Cunningham and Chayson Gilbert.
Managed by Steve Cunningham with assistant coaches Andrew Kuhns and Todd Gilbert.
12U — Cade Brewer; Gavin Brower; Drew DeVore; Crosby Lee; Blake Minarik; John Quinn Jr.; Liam Rosario; Carter Scheepsma; Grant Stanley; AJ Walz; Lochlan Williams and Henrik Sandford.
Managed by Mark Huffman with assistant coaches Rob DeVore and Chris Williams.
SOFTBALL
10U — Arya Haveman; Paislee Mocerino; Aleia Vega; Sabree Walker; Reagan Steffen; Isabelle Gapud; Julianna Abano; Hailey Pettit; Caroline Basile; Julianna Castro; Kassidy Burke and Annalise Bittner.
Managed by Dan Mocerino with assistant coaches Andrew Steffen and Steve Basile. VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of VSLL
The Viera Suntree Little League 10U Green All-Star baseball team.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of VSLL
The VSLL 10U Gold All-Star baseball team.
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of VSLL
The Viera Suntree Little League 11U Majors All-Star baseball team.
SCHOOL News
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Students from Suntree Elementary School took first place at the annual EnergyWhiz competition at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa for their work creating a Leaping Lizard Cottage.
The team was composed of three third-grade students — Lilly Bedway, Evie Conrad and Lillian Reeves — and fourth-grader Nina Castanha. Combined, the students created a small wooden cottage that has a jade succulent plant, an area for the lizards to rest and a set up to provide them with water.
“It is great to watch all their hard work kind of pay off.”
— Liz Reeves
Parent volunteer Liz Reeves said the students picked out building the cottage once they chose which of several EnergyWhiz categories in which they wanted to compete.
“Once they picked that, they decided they wanted to build a house for a lizard
just because there are lots of lizards around the campus and they all have them at their houses,” Reeves said.
Jill Friedel, a STEM teacher at the school, noted that the girls utilized teamwork throughout the process of putting together the cottage.
“These are girls that naturally work together very well,’’ Friedel said. “So, they’re already a close-knit
group. But, they all really took leadership roles and designated what their role was and worked together. Liz led them through the process.’’
The cottage was hung on a tree on May 2 at the newly named Jordan Blass Learning Lake, located within a short walking distance of the school and which is bordered by Pinehurst Avenue to the south and St. Andrews Boulevard to
the west.
“It is great to watch all their hard work kind of pay off,” Reeves said. “It’s fun to watch them get the opportunity to experience science and problem solving and everything outside of the classroom in more of a handson kind of way.”
Friedel also expressed optimism that more students would participate at Suntree
Elementary School in the competition moving forward.
“My goal is to make it something that a whole grade level can do,” she said. “We all can participate more as a school in EnergyWhiz.
The girls really have paved the way for future groups to go to EnergyWhiz. It’s just a learning experience for them to lead to science fairs, science research in the future. VV
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Lilly Bedway, Evie Conrad, Lillian Reeves and Nina Castanha of Suntree Elementary School created the Leaping Lizard Cottage to win the EnergyWhiz competition. The event was held at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa.
Viera students win Space Coast JA Innovation Challenge
BY CARL KOTALA
They had a good idea. They had the right presentation.
And when the situation called for it, they were also able to adjust on the fly.
Now, Viera High School seniors Isaiah Garrett and Zach Perez are your Space Coast Junior Achievement Social Innovation Challenge winners.
The two friends, who have now graduated, came up with a biodegradable trimmer line for weed whackers they call the EcoSlice.
“I mow the lawn every weekend, and when I mow the lawn, I always see these filaments from my old weed whacker feed all over my yard because it keeps on breaking when I get to the edge of my house,” Perez said.
“I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a perfect idea. What if I could create something that biodegrades in top soil?’ So, I came to Isaiah with the idea. We did a bunch of research, looked into the science and it worked out.”
Garrett and Perez were both members of Viera’s Business Academy … Garrett said he was the president and Perez was vice president … and they sat next to each other in class. Their pairing seemed only natural.
The concept of creating an environmentally friendly, biodegradable product took several weeks to produce with Garrett handling the bulk of the science and Perez focusing on the presentation for the competition.
“What we wanted to do was to leave no microplastics behind and (have it) break down in less than six months,” Garrett said. “That was our goal. And be environmentally friendly.
“… We went through a couple of different variations, and then each variation had a couple hundred tests. We landed on one that we liked at the end. We made it. It works as a weed whacker trimmer line. It breaks down in less than three months and it helps soil health.”
The duo finished their work on their project a few days before the
“What we wanted to do was to leave no microplastics behind and (have it) break down in less than
six months."
— Isaiah Garrett
first competition, which was to be held at Eastern Florida State College. That proved to be beneficial when it turned out they had been given the wrong date for the event and that it was actually that day, not the next one.
The presentation was done over a zoom call, and because they had been preparing, the duo did not have to read everything off their slides.
“We kind of had a moment of like, ‘that was really good,’ ” Perez said.
From there, Team EcoSlice moved on to the Space Coast JA competition at Florida Tech’s Gleason Performing Arts Center.
“We gave our presentation and we felt very good about it,” Garrett said. “We sat back down and I kind of looked at Zach and I said, ‘I think we did it.’
“They called our names and the relief of, ‘oh my gosh, we just won,’ was awesome.”
For their win, Garrett said he and Perez split a $3,500 cash prize and also received a $12,000 annual/ renewable scholarship to Florida Tech and a $6,000 scholarship to EFSC.
Garrett said he was hoping to attend Florida Tech in the fall where he plans to study accounting and eventually get an MBA, while Perez has a Navy ROTC scholarship to Embry-Riddle.
Both said the Viera Business Academy had a good influence on them during the past four years.
“All of this has been a really good experience for me and for my future,” Garrett said. “My career path … I see myself in a lot of meetings. The Business Academy has helped me with that. I’m getting a lot more comfortable at talking in front of crowds, or peers and communicating for meetings and stuff like that.” VV
VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Isaiah Garrett and Zach Perez
Viera High School's Isaiah Garrett, left, and Zach Perez came up with a biodegradable weed whacker trimmer line they named EcoSlice. The duo won the Space Coast Junior Achievement Social Innovation Challenge held at Florida Tech.
JUNE 7
Fifth annual Raider Pride Classic
8 a.m.
Duran Golf Club
7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776
56th annual Offshore Slam Offshore fishing tournament conducted by the Florida
Dining Out & Events
Sport Fishing Association.
Sunrise Marina Cape Canaveral offshoreslam.com
Campbell & Cross 2- 3 p.m.
Smooth music.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
JUNE 8
“Broadway Movies and Musicals”
3 p.m.
Community Band of Brevard. Merritt Island High School 100 Mustang Way Merritt Island, 321-338-6210
JUNE 10
Parkinson’s Support Group
11:15 - 12:15 p.m.
Parrish Health & Wellness Center
3065 Columbia Blvd., C-104 Titusville, 321-345-1031
JUNE 11Music of the Wild West 7 p.m.
Presented by the Melbourne Community Orchestra
Melbourne Auditorium 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-285-6724
JUNE 12
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group 11 a.m. - noon
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
JUNE 13
Thimble Girls in Friendship 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Quilting group.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Milton Shinny Hockey’s second annual Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Benefit for the Special Olympics.
Turtle Creek Golf Club 1278 Admiralty Blvd. Rockledge, 321-632-2520
Beachside Strummers
Ukulele Club 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Ukulele players of all levels and listeners are welcome. Satellite Beach Library 751 Jamaica Blvd. Satellite Beach, 321-779-4004
JUNE 14
Juneteenth Celebration 2 - 7 p.m.
Celebrating excellence, freedom and legacy with live entertainment, food trucks and arts and crafts.
Riveredge Park 401 River Edge Blvd. Cocoa 321-614-1286
Space
June
10 a.m. -
Wickham Park
Center 2815 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-608-7490
Father’s Day Weekend
Muscle, Vintage & Classic Car Show
Noon - 6 p.m.
Car show, food trucks and DJ.
Matthew’s Hope
825 Forrest Ave. Cocoa, 407-905-9500
BSO Summer Evenings Series 7 p.m.
Chamber music concert
Suntree United 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-345-5052
Before Juneteenth: Florida's Emancipations, A Mini Documentary Presentation 2 p.m.
Dr. Hobbs presents a documentary highlighting the contributions of individuals and communities in Florida who fought for freedom and equality. Moore Cultural Complex 2180 Freedom Ave. Mims, 321-264-6595
JUNE 18
Florida’s East Coast Sea Glass Club 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Discuss and compare pieces. Melbourne Beach Library 324 Ocean Ave. Melbourne Beach. 321-9535642
JUNE 25, 26
“Things with Wings” 7 p.m. A concert presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band. Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Melbourne, 321-724-0555
Luxury Cruises and Travel
Queen Elizabeth Jan. 20-29, 2026
Nine night Caribbean cruise sailing to Montego Bay, Belize, Cozumel and Costa Maya. I will have a bus going to Miami and back. Rates starting at $1144 pp based on double occupancy
Viking Vesta June 16-23, 2026
Small ship, adults only, no casino. Relax and see the world on this Viking Ocean cruise. Join Jean as we sail from Athens to Crete, Rhodes and then end several days in Turkey!
Sky Princess Total Solar Eclipse Voyage
Aug. 8 - 22, 2026
Rates starting at $2889 pp for interior and $4296 pp for balconies, based on double occupancy. Rates include a beverage package, wifi -(one device per person), pre paid gratuities, unlimited juice bar, premium desserts (two per day) and two fitness classes, plus onboard credit.
Explora Journeys Luxury Cruises
Jan 20-29, 2026
Experience unmatched elegance with an exclusive suite upgrade and up to 25% savings on your next ocean voyage. Discover the world in true luxury. Join Jean for a stunning group journey from the Amazon to San Juan — an unforgettable cruise you won’t want to miss!
JUNE 26
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Palm Bay Fire Rescue, which will present water safety and swim education. For all ages. Palm Bay Aquatic Center 420 Community College Parkway SE Palm Bay 321-952-3400
Almost 200 young people take military oath at Viera High School
BY ERNIE DORLING
Almost 200 young people from Brevard County and surrounding counties pledged to protect the Constitution of the United States as they took the oath of enlistment and entered the Armed Forces.
Every branch of the military was represented at the mass enlistment ceremony held May 25 at the Viera High School football field.
The Education & Citizenship Armed Forces Coalition of the Space Coast (ECAC) organized the event, said Donn Weaver, a former U.S. Army captain and president of the Good Deeds Foundation.
“I am on the ECAC planning committee and, while this is our third year, this is the first (soon-to-be) annual event of this kind.
We organized this ceremony when we realized the number of people taking the oath would be almost 200. We knew this would be a major enlistment occasion.”
Draven Tucker, who graduated from Cocoa Beach High School last month, is joining the Marine Corps
Redefining
“I’ve
— Harta Johnson
and will leave July 15 for Parris Island, South Carolina to begin military training.
“I like the way the Marines carry themselves,” he said.
“I’ll eventually go to college but, right now, I’m unsure what direction to go. I think the Marine Corps will help me find that direction.”
Marine Staff Sgt. Daniel Breton-Bourdeau has been on recruiting duty in Melbourne since November 2022.
“Many young people joining the Marines today seek new life challenges. The Marine Corps continues to provide strong leadership and mentors for young people seeking these challenges.”
Harta Johnson, who graduated from Satellite Beach High School in May, also took the oath of enlistment during this ceremony.
“I’ve always wanted to serve,” Johnson said. “My father was in the Army and I hope to follow in his footsteps,” said Johnson, who reports for active duty on July 28.
Army recruiter Jordan James, who is from Gilbert, Arizona, has been on recruiting duty in Melbourne
for a year.
“We’re seeing an influx of people joining the service, especially the Army,” James said. “The Army provides over 150 career opportunities. It’s a great way to start one’s career.”
Air Force Tech Sgt. Michelle Arce has been on recruiting duty for seven months.
“The Air Force offers lifelong benefits that can be passed on to one’s family,” Arce said.
Courtney Kazek, who Arce recruited, also took her oath of enlistment.
“My husband is in the Air Force,” Kazek said. “I don’t have an MOS (military occupation specialty) assigned yet, but I hope to work as a chaplain's assistant in religious affairs.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Bulson, the Deputy Commander at Patrick Space Force Base, administered the oath. In his remarks to the enlistees, Bulson complimented and thanked everyone taking the oath for their commitment to
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Nearly 200 students participated in a mass military enlistment ceremony, believed to be one of the largest held in Brevard County.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
New recruits meet George Rosenfield, a retired U.S. Army major. Rosenfield served in World War II and during the Korean War.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Dreska told the enlistees that they should treat everyone like family and help everyone be the best they can be.
Viera High School's new logo boasts both bold
BY CARL KOTALA
There’s more to a school logo than what meets the eye.
And that’s what makes Viera High School’s new logo look so cool.
“From the beginning, Viera High School’s 20th anniversary felt like the perfect milestone to reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead with a fresh new visual identity,” Viera digital media instructor, and the new logo’s designer, Amanda Perdue, wrote in an email.
“It wasn't just about updating a logo; it was about creating something that truly represents who we are now as a school community. We wanted a design that felt strong, unified and forward thinking, which honors our roots while setting the tone for the next chapter of VHS.”
The process took a couple of months and included invited input from staff,
PRESCHOOL
Continued from page 5 four years ago, not long after he became the church’s senior pastor. Eventually, he shared his vision with the congregation.
“God gave me a vision for an academy,” he recalled.
But, like most things, plans don’t simply come together overnight. And Scalera notes that his concept for an academy that accommodates kindergartners through high school seniors could take as long as 30 years to complete. So for now, the
in and ready to lead.
“It’s intense, but not in an over-the-top way. It looks sharp, determined and proud, exactly the energy we wanted to channel. The slight forward tilt gives it that feeling of movement and purpose, like it’s always pushing ahead.
timeless look
statement.”
Perdue added there will be additional variations of the logo that include the full school name and alternate designs for specific programs, athletics and other school activities.
The reaction has been very positive.
VV VIERA VOICE photo
Staff, students and
had input in the creation of the new bold and stylized Viera High School logo.
students and the community to help shape the final direction of the design.
“We definitely had a few rounds of trial and error, but in the end, we landed on something that feels bold, timeless and very ‘Viera,’ Perdue wrote. “… The logo shows a bold, stylized hawk head set in front of a strong ‘V.’ The hawk has a fierce, focused expression — like it's locked
school will open for 2 and 3 year olds with plans to offer VPK as soon as Scalera and his team are able. And already, Scalera has received an “overwhelming response” from his congregation alone.
The preschool is expected to be able to enroll about 48 children in its first year until the church can expand its program. Space is limited. But, with so much enthusiasm for this project from both families as well as church leadership, perhaps this academy will grow faster than imagined. VV
“The overall design feels clean and modern, but still has that edge that makes a
“We’ve had great feedback from students, staff and the community,” Perdue wrote.
“People are excited to see Viera High embrace a fresh, modern look that matches our direction. There’s been a lot of positive energy around the change; it feels like a strong step into the future, and the updated design has definitely brought some fresh school pride and good vibes along with it."
— Michael Talley
CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE
June 7, 2025 – 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Proceeds to benefit New Life Mission
Youth Bake Sale to benefit July National Youth Gathering
community
Viera High School Class of 2025 enjoys perfect night
PHOTOS BY MATT CLARK
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Viera High School celebrated its Class of 2025 at a graduation ceremony held at the school’s football stadium on Friday, May 23.
“I am honored to address you one last time as your principal,” said Heather LeGate in remarks at the ceremony to graduates. “You entered high school coming out of the pandemic. We were done with distance learning and back to full-time school. It was a readjustment, but you did not let that hold you back. You forged ahead and made up ground.”
LeGate also stated in remarks to the packed stadium that there were 365 honor graduates being recognized.
“Tonight is a huge milestone for you and your parents, just like those first steps, first haircuts, first days of kindergarten, first date and the list goes on,” LeGate said. “Your parents have given unwavering support, time and money for all of those things.”
There were also 60 principal scholars, per VHS, who had 4.0 grade point averages for the entirety of their high school careers.
Among them was Matthew Dennin, who was the class valedictorian and Hans Hernandez, the class salutatorian. Both addressed the class as part of the ceremony.
“This graduation ceremony doesn’t transform us,” said Hernandez in a speech to the Class of 2025. “It’s an acknowledgement that we have already changed. The traditions of putting on a gown, walking across the stage, receiving the diploma on a handshake and placing the tassel from right to left are all powerful precisely because of what they represent. We’ve already done the hard part. We kept going with what we had even when it didn’t feel like enough. What comes next won’t necessarily be marked by a ceremony.”
Principals from feeder schools were also in attendance, including Cathy McNutt (Viera Middle School), Tina Susin (DeLaura Middle School) and Shannon Daly (Manatee Elementary).
Additionally, Russell Cheatham, assistant superintendent of educational technology/chief information officer for Brevard Public Schools, and school board member Matt Susin also were present at the ceremony. VV
Holy Trinity's Class of 2025 moves on to college
PHOTOS BY MATT CLARK
BY R. NORMAN MOODY
Every one of the graduates of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Class of 2025 have been accepted to at least one four-year college.
The 101 graduates received their diplomas during the 2025 commencement ceremony held May 17 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy's Kelly Stadium.
The graduation ceremony was held with the traditional procession of dignitaries, faculty and students and the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
The Salutatory address was by salutatorian Raha Patel, while Soham Shah gave the Valedictorian address. Dr. Anna Fusco, a 2015 graduate of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, gave the commencement address.
The Class of 2025 was offered $10 million in scholarships and grants and 73 percent of the class earned one of the Florida Bright Futures Awards.
Two of the U.S. military academies admitted Class of 2025 graduating students, while six of the eight Ivy League universities admitted at least one from the class. This year’s graduates are enrolling in 41 different colleges, locally in Central Florida and across the country. VV
BY BETTY PORTER
Women are making strides to keep fit and keep the faith through their church sponsored women’s walking group.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community of Viera has upward of 20 women who call themselves The Godly Girls who meet for early mass and then gather in the Church’s Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at 8 a.m. They pray and then begin their one- to four-mile walk each Tuesday and Thursday. For those who work, another opportunity is provided to walk every Wednesday evening. They also meet to pray and then take off walking at 7 p.m. from the church at 5655
Stadium Parkway in Viera.
“We track our steps, enjoy our conversations while walking and there’s no drama,” said Anjanette Wicks, who is the organizer of The Godly Girls.
Wicks has been a member of the church for 18 years and for 12 years taught religious school for second and third graders. She is involved in many of the ministries of the church.
“This is our third year of walking and we do it all outdoors all year round,” Wicks said. “In the heat of summer, we are blessed to have shade from nearby oak trees to keep us going along a portion of the way.”
Vickie Hall of Viera said, “I love this church and these women. Walking with them
WALKING
Continued to page 22
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
The Godly Girls of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community of Viera love their regular walks.
Legacy High School plans Viera campus for exceptional students
BY MIKE GAFFEY
An alternative private middle school and high school in Melbourne for neurodiverse and exceptional students plans to add a second campus in Viera.
Groundbreaking for Legacy High School is set for 2026 on property at Trafford Drive, across from Quest Elementary School. Officials hope for a 2027 opening, said Jon Delmater, Legacy’s chief information officer.
The boarding school focuses on serving students in grades 7 to 12 with
diverse learning needs, including children with autism, Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning differences.
“We are a school that specializes in having small classrooms and specialized education to help out kids who may struggle in other educational settings to make sure that they have the space they need to be able to move at the speed they need,” Delmater said. “Some kids need a little extra help, and we have academic tutoring on site for that. Other ones need to be able to move at their own pace
because they're a bit above their peers.”
The original Legacy High School opened in 2020 at 125 E. NASA Blvd. Legacy Chief Executive officer Pamela Furr co-founded the high school after opening Puzzle Box Academy in 2014, recognizing that young autistic children like her son needed early intervention in Brevard County. As her son grew older, Furr decided to open Legacy High for older students. The Melbourne campus has an enrollment capacity of 80 but still has available space.
Today, Puzzle Box Academy at 2180 Julian Ave. NE in Palm Bay, has expanded with Legacy High and an ABA therapy clinic and pre-K program at 5180 N. U.S. 1 in Rockledge.
“The Rockledge location has our early intervention center,” Delmater said. “That's where we tend to take our littles, the kids who are not quite ready for school yet, whether they're in pre-K or doing what we call school readiness, where it lets them learn the skills that they need to be able to foundationally be ready to go to school. And then some of those kids transfer
on to our Palm Bay school and other ones actually decide to go to a normal classroom, whichever suits best for them. But we want to make sure they have the foundational skills they need to be able to make that transition.”
Legacy offers a Standard Pathway of academic and life skills for students planning to attend a community college or trade school, joining the military or entering the workforce right after high school.
The school’s Honors Pathway provides a more rigorous curriculum for qualified students seeking a four-year college degree. And Legacy’s Dual Enrollment Pathway, made possible through a partnership with Liberty University, allows top students to earn college credits during their junior and senior years, Delmater said.
This fall, Legacy High will offer a work-study program to assist children leaving high school and having trouble finding work, Delmater said.
“A lot of our kids unfortunately have that failure-to-launch problem where it's hard to find a job, it's hard to get experience,” he said. “Through the work-study program, kids will be able to learn skills from candy making, to manufacturing and selling spices and things like that online. And all of that feeds into our charity, which helps children get scholarships as well.”
School officials anticipate a 180-student enrollment capacity for the Viera campus, Delmater said.
“We’re finalizing things right now,” he said. VV For more information about Legacy High, call 321-345-4232 or go to legacyhighschool.com. VV
WALKING
Continued from page 20 is so inspiring and gives such comfort.”
Sylvia Granger of Melbourne said, “I am a member of the church and participate in all three walking opportunities — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These women are like family to me.” Church member Maria Helene Gentile of Indialantic is a home loan officer at Bank of America’s Suntree branch. On Wednesday evenings, she makes a quick change at the office into her walking outfit to participate with The Godly Girls.
“The Blessed Mother and Jesus saved my life and I am here as a testament to the Lord. I hope to let other women know we are stronger than we think.”
Before the ladies set off on their walks, they gather as a group at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which offers a peaceful oasis. This is where they pray the Lord’s Prayer together. VV
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Legacy High School will be located on property at Trafford Drive, across from Quest Elementary School.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Jon Delmater is Legacy High School's chief information officer.
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Resistance units
5. Oaths
9. Magazine revenue source
12. Twofold
13. Fencing sword
14. Mad Hatter's drink
15. Committed
17. Dolt
18. Cohort
19. Enough
21. Lock of hair
24. Basketball defense
26. Speed (up)
27. Hike
29. Sticker
33. Laudatory lines
34. Rope fiber
36. That vessel
37. Sound
39. Eyelid problem
40. Relatives
41. Colored like a certain hound
43. Explorer da Gama
45. Upper leg
48. Short time
49. Lunch meat
50. Injudicious
56. Mont Blanc, e.g.
57. Blue shade
58. Wrapped up
59. Stipulations
60. SeaWorld creature
61. Mediocre
DOWN
1. Like some socks
2. Tint
3. Bonkers
4. Mooring spots
5. Wiener schnitzel meat
6. Choose
7. Minute
8. Four-door
9. On the peak of
10. "It's a !"
11. Hotel convenience
16. Flings
20. Got together
21. Gait between walk and canter
22. Fix
23. All square
24. Hot
25. Sanction
28. Ascent
30. Shows curiosity
31. Very smart
32. Gambling game
35. Carpenter's tool
38. Pudding ingredient
42. Safari sight
44. Litmus reddeners
45. Popular cuisine
46. Fair share, maybe
47. Rapscallions
48. Kind of bean
51. Vandalize
52. Vinyl material
53. Extremely
54. Seat holders
55. VIP at the top of a ladder
ScoopBUSINESS
Choose your own ingredients at SoFresh for unique meals
BY BETTY PORTER
The desire for their family and others on the Space Coast to have healthy, quality food that caters to dietary restrictions has led Paul and Sacha Whitmore to open SoFresh restaurant in Viera.
SoFresh is located at the Stadium Corners at Viera shopping plaza and is next door to the Publix Liquor store in Suite 103, which formerly housed an ice cream shop. They expect to have a grand opening by the second week in June.
The Whitmores have a 12-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter who have dietary restrictions around dairy and gluten, as does Sacha. They have lived in the area for five years and currently reside in Palm Bay.
“The aerospace industry brought us to the Space Coast and because we are big foodies, exploring the various eateries was at the top of our to-do list when we got here,” Paul Whitmore said. “However, we quickly noticed that we were choosing the same few places.”
What Paul Whitmore
describes as a divinely inspired trip to Tampa brought them to experience a SoFresh restaurant.
“After trying the food, we were sold and knew that we needed to bring this healthy eatery to the Space Coast. We wanted other families to have healthy restaurant quality food that also caters to dietary restrictions,” he said. They chose Viera for the
first SoFresh.
“We do spend a lot of time in Viera and thought it would be the perfect launch pad for our restaurant due to all the growth we have seen in the last few years,” Whitmore said.
Paul and Sacha Whitmore refer to themselves as managing partners in the new venture.
“We like to call ourselves
ADVENTUREAWAITS
Viera East Traveler’s Club
Wednesday, June 18 • 6 p.m. Refreshments served
Kim Foy with Collette Tours will share our 2025-2026 Trips
VIERA EAST GOLF
Residents Clubhouse 1964 Golf Vista Blvd., Viera
managing partners because Sacha and I are a team,” Whitmore said.
They describe SoFresh as a fast casual restaurant where you can dine in or do takeout. It also offers delivery and catering.
“Although not a new concept, the SoFresh franchise differentiates itself by offering delicious restaurant quality food in a quick food space,” Paul Whitmore said. “We serve chef-crafted bowls, wraps, salads and smoothies.”
At SoFresh you get to choose your ingredients and watch as they hit the grill ready for you within minutes — serving them in a lively welcoming environment.
“Our proteins are sustainably sourced to provide the best quality chicken, grass-fed beef, wild-caught tuna, salmon and shrimp, organic tofu
ENLISTMENT
Continued from page 16 our way of life.
“Life isn’t always fair,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Dreska said in his address. “But just because life isn’t fair, doesn’t mean you don’t have to be fair. Treat everyone like family and help everyone be the best they can be.”
Weaver sees a bright future for the selfless service of the enlistees.
“There is more positive spirit in the country about the future than in the past,”
and other vegan proteins. We also have brownies and chocolate chip cookies,” Whitmore said. “Catering is provided through our app or EZ Caterer, delivery through our app or any of the third-party delivery services including Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash.”
The Viera location is the first SoFresh on the Space Coast, but the Whitmore family has plans to open more.
“We hope that the support of Viera's residents will allow us to continue to bring quality food to even more taste buds throughout Brevard County, he said.
The restaurant hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For a more specific opening date, follow on Facebook and Instagram @SoFresh Viera VV
Weaver said. “We see this younger generation being more focused on service before self. And, recruiters are offering delayed entry for active duty and bonuses for certain positions, which translates to what a veteran can do for their entire life regarding skills and benefits.”
Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said: “We could not be prouder of the young men and women — our students, our graduates who have chosen a path of purpose, courage and commitment.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark Sacha Whitmore is excited to open a SoFresh restaurant at the Stadium Corners at Viera shopping plaza.
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Paul and Sacha Whitmore had a pleasant experience eating at a SoFresh restaurant in Tampa. That prompted them to open a SoFresh in Viera.
• Hurricane Preparedness Stations
• Speak with Emergency Responders
• Vendors • Educational Displays
•
USSSA names Latella its new CEO
SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE
John Latella has been named the new Chief Executive Officer for the United States Specialty Sports Association.
The USSSA is based in Viera. It serves as the largest-sanctioning body for sports, which include slowpitch and fastpitch softball, baseball, soccer, basketball and other sports.
“What initially drew me to the USSSA was its unique ability to impact lives through sports at every level, from grassroots to elite competitive,’’ said Latella, who was the former CEO and co-owner of Garden Fresh Gourmet.
“This organization doesn’t just organize games — it builds communities, creates lifelong memories and opens doors for athletes of all ages and backgrounds.’’
Latella hopes to prioritize building trust across the USSSA community as CEO. He wants to enhance the family and athlete experience, modernizing the USSSA’s operations through technology and strengthening its national brand recognition. He wants to expand access to youth sports, forge strategic partnerships and create aspirational pathways for athletes at all levels.
“In the short term, success is about listening, learning and quickly creating wins that benefit
SUDOKU
our athletes, coaches, directors and families,’’ said Latella, who earned a law degree from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in finance from Walsh College and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and pre-law from Wayne State University. He also completed the Key Executive Program at Harvard Business School.
“In the long term, it’s about ensuring the USSSA grows in a sustainable, missiondriven way — leading with integrity and measurable impact.’’
The USSSA sanctions more than 35,000 events and serves more than 4.5 million athletes in 47 states. Latella wants to amplify the USSSA’s digital presence, prioritize inclusion and access, and strengthen its community engagement efforts.
“Our best days are ahead of us,’’ Latella said. “We will honor the rich legacy of the USSSA while boldly shaping its future, building a vibrant culture that creates
opportunity, strengthens communities and ensures every athlete has a place to grow both on and off the field.’’
In 2024, Latella was inducted into the Entrepreneurship and Hall of Fame at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business.
During his tenure at Garden Fresh Gourmet, Latella led the company through a period of significant growth that culminated in its sale to Campbell Soup in 2015. He also has served on the Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board and chaired philanthropic initiatives that have raised millions for community development. VV
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
The Children’s Hunger Project of Brevard has named Sabra Zickuhr its new community outreach and volunteer coordinator.
Zickuhr, a native of Hillsborough County who lived in Osceola County for 20 years before moving to Melbourne five years ago, was a volunteer for the Children’s Hunger Project of Brevard before accepting her new role.
“We want to help the
children of the community, raise awareness for children’s hunger and get that message across,’’ said Zickuhr, who worked in human resources for Health First in the past.
“That’s my passion.”
The Children’s Hunger Project of Brevard packs an estimated 4,500 meals each Thursday and Friday so children can have food for the weekend. Zickuhr works with the groups and companies that make food donations, schedules the packing of food and helps coordinate the many volunteers who make it all possible.
Zickuhr also owns Pop & Pour, a champagne wall and mobile bar rental company. She is pursuing a degree in marketing at Eastern Florida State College after earning her associate degree at Valencia State College. VV
HOW TO SOLVE A SUDOKU PUZZLE:
Each row, each column and each 3 x 3 square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 in any order.
The solution is on page 34.
Sabra Zickuhr
John Latella
VIERA VOICE photo
USSSA CEO John Latella earned a law degree from Michigan State University.
June
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Central Florida Winds Concert Americana
3 p.m.
All-American music by American composers.
Suntree United Methodist Church 7400 N. Wickham Rd. Suntree 321-405-2359
Dietician Series: Hot Topics
1 - 2 p.m.
Susie Bond, RDN, LDN, covers various topics on diet and nutrition. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd. Viera 321-751-6771
Florida Wildlife Hospital Summer Kids Workshops
Outdoor Explorers 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. For children 3 to 10. Each workshop will have a presentation, a craft, a story, snacks and an educational activity.
Florida Wildlife Hospital 4560 N. U.S. Highway 1 Palm Shores 321-254-8843
Straw Rockets Craft 4 - 5 p.m. Make rockets form paper and straws. Ages 7 to 12.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree 321-255-4404
Brevard Authors Critique Group
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Sip & Smoke 5:30 p.m. Locally hand rolled cigars and a spotlight spirit. 28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159
National Bartender Day
St. Mary's School Golf Tournament 8 a.m.
Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge 321-636-4208
Men’s Day 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chili cook-off, beer tasting, hot sauce tasting and car show. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Faith Viera Rummage Sale
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Sunset in the Hollows
6 - 8 p.m.
Hundred Acre Hollows 1170 Rock Spring Drive Suntree hundredacrehollows.org
Scottish Country Dancing
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Rd. Suntree, 321-427-3587
Brevard Investment Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Early Bird Trivia 4 - 6 p.m. Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera 321-633-0397
Owl Pellet Dissection 4 - 5 p.m. For ages 8 and older.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Wednesday Art Group 1:30 - 4 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Space Trivia 3 - 4 p.m. For children 7 to 12.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Movie Matinee: “A League of Their Own” 2 - 4 p.m. Presented by Rhodes Law, P.A. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Daddy Daughter Dance 7 - 9 p.m. A red carpet experience, food, dancing and live entertainment. Holiday Inn Viera 8298 N. Wickham Road Viera, 321-255-0077
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Lunch & Learn 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sonata East 4206 Breslay Drive Viera, 321-209-5474
Viera East Farmers Market 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd. Viera, Facbook.com
A Reason to Ride 9:30 a.m.
An exciting motorcycle run and raffle to support CITA Rescue Mission. Church at Viera 9005 N. Wickham Rd. Viera, 321-725-5160
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Chess Club
1 - 4 p.m.
Chess lessons and competition. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave.
Sunset in the Hollows 6 - 8 p.m.
Hundred Acre Hollows 1170 Rock Spring Drive Suntree hundredacrehollows.org
Books Are Always Better Book Club
6:30 - 8 p.m.
The book being discussed is “The Lions of Fifth Avenue” by Fiona Davis. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree 321-255-4404
Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m.
Presented by Attorney William A. Johnson. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Space Coast Poets
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Viera East Travelers Club 6 p.m. Viera East Residents Center 1964 Golf Vista Blvd. Rockledge
Backyard Chicken Class 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. UF/IFAS Extension 3695 Lake Drive Cocoa, 321-633-1702
Third Thursday 5 - 8 p.m. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Study and Smash Rocks 3 - 4 p.m.
Learn about rocks, crystals, and geodes. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404
Jacki Manna: Ventriloquist, Puppeteer and Magician 2 - 3 p.m.
Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree 321-255-4404
In the Mood: A Glenn Miller Celebration 7 p.m. Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Jazz Orchestra. Scott Center at Holy Trinity 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree 855-252-7276
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Space Coast Car and Motorcycles
8 - 11 a.m. Texas Roadhouse 1975 Viera Blvd. Viera, 201-658-2004
Groovy Summer Concert
3 p.m. Presented by the Melbourne Municipal Band 7400 N. Wickham Road Suntree, 321-830+9550
Viera Chess Club 7 - 9 p.m. Open to all ages and skill levels. Publix at Addison Center 7655 Stadium Parkway Viera 616-881-1094
Painting with Pearl 10 a.m. - noon A painting class. Cocoa Library 308 Forrest Ave. Cocoa 321-806-3760
Sunny Days: Splash Pad Beats 10 a.m. - noon Kids can cool off at the splash pad while dancing to the kidfriendly DJ. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390
Estate Planning Seminar 10 - 11 a.m. William A. Johnson discusses the principles of estate planning, wills and trusts. RSVP required. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771
Morning at the Museum 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Senior Life for a fun day. The Model T celebrates its 100th. Watch Highwaymen R.L. Lewis paint. Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science 201 Michigan Ave. Cocoa, 321-242-1235
An American Celebration 7 p.m. Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra. American and patriotic music. Scott Center at Holy Trinity 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Suntree, 855-252-7276 29
Suntree Stars & Stripes
4:30 p.m. — picnic
6:30 p.m. — concert Food, games
Suntree
Popular Chicken Salad Chick restaurant set to open
BY CHRIS BONANNO
A new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant, which serves more than a dozen flavors of chicken salads, will soon open at 1995 Viera Boulevard, Suite 1.
The eatery offers a variety of chicken salads, pimento cheese, other salads, sandwiches, sides, soups, desserts and beverages.
The 2,600-square-foot Viera location will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except for Sunday, when it will be closed.
“Viera should open in August-ish,” said owner Cathy Brown. “We’re still waiting on our permitting, but it should open in August.”
The Viera eatery will be the second in Brevard, with the first location at 1301 S. Babcock St. in Melbourne, which opened in May.
“They’re coming from all over Brevard County,” said Brown, who is the owner/ operator at the Melbourne establishment. “We’ve had so many Viera residents in here. We’ve had beachside residents, of course Melbourne. We have the working class here. We have the high school. We have the hospital.”
Chicken Salad Chick has
more than 300 franchises in the United States, according to chickensaladchick.com, with those franchises located as far north as Illinois and Iowa and as far west as Colorado and New Mexico. The majority are clustered in the southeastern United States.
“We have anything you can imagine here,” Brown said. “We have it (chicken salad) from fruity to savory to classic.”
Brown was inspired to want to get involved with Chicken Salad Chick. What did it?
“The food — 100 percent the food,” said Brown, who noted that there are other locations planned in the future in Brevard County. “I’ve been a huge chicken salad lover my entire life. If there’s chicken salad or tuna salad on the menu. I always order it, but I always gravitate toward chicken salad. We were in Gainesville, Florida and we went to a Chicken Salad Chick and I ate the food and it was amazing. We met with the owner there. He was there that day and he just went over how to get started, what it was all about and I literally picked up this phone (gesturing to a cell phone), sent an email four years ago and here we are today.”
Those first in line for
the grand opening at the Viera location will have the opportunity to receive free food much in the same way patrons who lined up for the grand opening in Melbourne did, Brown noted.
“The number one gets free chicken salad every week for a year,” Brown said. “The 99 after that get one free every month, so that’s the promotion, but that happens at every grand opening at Chicken Salad Chick.”
Brown added that the Viera location will have “probably 50, 60 employees.”
“We are currently hiring all positions in Viera, managers, shift leads, cashiers, sandwich line, prep,” she said. VV
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Cathy Brown is the owner/operator at the Chicken Salad Chick eatery in Melbourne and will also own the soon-to-be-opened Chicken Salad Chick at The Crossings in East Viera.
Middle School breaks a
its first production
Viera Middle School's production of 'Newsies' was performed on both Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. The production marked a significant milestone for the school since it was the inaugural theatrical production. It was directed and choreographed by Jaqueline Knappenberger. Isabelle Warren and Aralynn Stocky were the assistant choreographers. Viera
Viera Cookbook
Berry Good Banana Pudding
BY ELAINE MOODY
One of the things I remember about growing up were summertime family picnics and potluck dinners at church.
My mother would make a special dessert that was so delicious and refreshing for
Ingredients:
those occasions. She made the best banana pudding.
Next to homemade ice cream, it was a real treat.
Following in her footsteps, I also make banana pudding, but with a little twist, I add fresh strawberries.
Whether you make it for your own family, take it to a
One small package of vanilla pudding mix (sugar free can be substituted)
Two cups of cold 2% whole milk.
Two to three large bananas
One 8-oz,. container cool whip
One pint fresh strawberries
Approximately ½ cup orange juice
One box vanilla wafers
potluck dinner or to a special event, you will most likely find that it will be a real hit to everyone’s taste pallet.
Most of my recipes make four to six servings, so if you need more, simply double or triple the measured ingredients. VV
Start by pouring the pudding mix into a mixing bowl, add two cups of cold milk and whisk the mixture until the pudding becomes thick. Then gently fold in the cool whip until thoroughly blended. Set mixture in refrigerator until ready to use.
Slice or dice the strawberries and set aside.
Slice the bananas, place them in a bowl and cover with orange juice. Let sit for five minutes then drain the juice. (the juice keeps the bananas from turning brown)
Using a deep bowl or casserole dish, begin by lining the bottom of the dish with a layer of vanilla wafers. Next, spread a layer of pudding on top of the wafers, then a layer of sliced bananas and a layer of strawberries. Continue making additional layers in the same order (cookies, fruit, pudding). Save enough pudding to finish the top layer.
VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody
Berry Good Banana Pudding is even better with fresh strawberries added to the delicious dessert.
In May, the Viera Means Business Networking group met at Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation in Rockledge.
The VMB meets at 8 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at various locations. Business representatives from Viera and the surrounding areas meet for breakfast.
Jill Blue discusses the latest issue of Viera Voice. For an invitation to the June VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.
VIERA MEANS BUSINESS
VIERA MEANS BUSINESS VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP
BY CHRIS BONANNO
Orlando Health donated a historic plaque from its recently closed Rockledge Hospital to the Lawndale Museum in Rockledge on Friday, May 9. The plaque, which had been located on the second floor of the hospital, was made in honor of Myra Gray Williams, whom the floor was dedicated to and named after, per a release from Orlando Health. The Williams family donated land toward what was then called Wuesthoff Hospital. According to Orlando Health, the plaque was likely donated in the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Williams had a bedroom in the house, which is now the museum, according to Carole Pope, the president of the Lawndale Museum’s Board of Directors.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Pope of the plaque donation. “We really appreciate the trouble that Orlando Health has taken to get us this plaque 'cause it wasn’t easy from what I understand. We really appreciate that they appreciate the local community and what history means to us.”
“It helps us tell the story of how much this family contributed to the community,” Pope said. VV
Jeremy Taylor, Brian Boorujy, Anjanette Wicks, Jenee Kryzston, Suzanne Witenhafer and Marieva Ramirez.
The Viera Means Business May gathering was held at Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation in Rockledge. The mother and son team of Wendy and Jeremy Taylor were the hosts.
Altara Warren, Kelly Riese, Andrea Wheeler, Cartama Ramos Crafton, Karem Sapp, Jessica Lynn Silva, KyAlea Monma, April Norris and Jill Blue.
Photo Matt Clark
VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno
Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital president Ron Gicca holds a plaque in the Lawndale Museum on Friday, May 9. The Lawndale Museum is located at 1219 Rockledge Drive.
SENIOR News
Model T Ford, Aaoogha horn sound off at museum event
Morning At The Museum event for seniors also features Highwaymen R.L. Lewis
BY JEFF NAVIN
The 100th birthday celebration will continue for Cindy and Ernie Austin’s Model T Ford at Morning At The Museum with Senior Life And Friends on Friday, June 27. The Senior Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science at 2201 Michigan Avenue in Cocoa.
The Senior Day will be the first of three summer events sponsored by Senior Life. The second event, which will focus on hurricane preparedness, will be held July 18. A third event will be held in August with the theme yet to be announced.
Presenting sponsors for the Senior Day will include Humana, CarePlus and Rhodes Law. Other sponsors will include The Brennity at Melbourne
and ClinCloud.
The South Brevard Coin Club and the Missile Stamp Club will answer questions for collectors. The Pine Island Preservation Society will bring items from Sams House, the oldeststanding home in Brevard County.
The Austin family inherited the iconic four-door vehicle with the Aaoogha horn six years ago after the death of Cindy Austin’s father, Fred Moody. Transporting it from Nome, Alaska, where Moody lived, to the Lower 48 took some ingenuity.
“There are no roads to Nome,’’ said Ernie Austin, who began the move with his wife from Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Heritage Isle in Viera six years ago. “You can only get there by boat around the Aleutian Islands or by air. In the winter, you’ll need an icebreaker.’’
The original plan was to transport it via Northern Air Cargo. Those plans were nixed when the Model T didn’t fit. Lyndon Air Freight and its Hercules C130 were nearby and they were able to get it to Anchorage. From there, the trek to Tennessee was a lot cheaper.
“Her dad really kept it running well,’’ Austin said. “He drove it every year in the Fourth of July parade to celebrate the midnight sun. He was a contract electrician for all the small villages nearby.’’
Not much is known about the car, which Moody owned for more than 35 years before his death. He bought it from a man in Wales, Minnesota and eventually had it shipped to Anchorage. The Austins later tracked down the man’s daughters, but they were too elderly to provide much information.
Getting it registered in Tennessee
was simple. The same couldn’t be said for Florida.
“Florida wanted a VIN number,’’ Austin said. “The DMV told us to take it to the sheriff’s office. Fortunately, it’s easy to take the parts out. Six deputies were working the car over and they could not find the VIN number. ‘Someone said, ‘Call the FBI, they’ll know.’ The FBI said we’re out of luck. There were no VINs in the early models. There were no VINs until (later in the 1920s). They ended up using the motor number.’’
The car gathers a crowd whenever Austin takes it for a spin. Its top comfortable speed is about 30 mph.
“It’s my wife’s car, but she lets me drive it,’’ Austin said. “We know that the engine was manufactured in early March (of 1925) and the car came out in either March or April. It was the car that put America
on the road. There are probably about a dozen Model Ts around the Melbourne area.”
R.L. Lewis, one of the original Highwaymen, will paint scenes of old Florida landscapes in vivid and bright colors June 27 at Senior Day. The Florida Highwaymen traveled and sold their paintings to hotels, offices, business and individuals from the early 1950s through the 1980s and beyond.
“Everyone loves R.L.,’’ said Jill Blue, the publisher of Senior Life. “People like to see him paint live and break out their phones and hit that record button. He’ll paint from start to finish during the whole event. You can even buy a painting.’’
For information about Senior Life’s Morning at the Museum, call 321242-1235 or go to myseniorlife.com. VV
VIERA VOICE Matt Clark
Cindy and Ernie Austin’s Model T Ford will be on display Friday, June 27 at Morning At The Museum with Senior Life from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science at 2201 Michigan Avenue in Cocoa.
VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Highwaymen artist R.L. Lewis will demonstrate his painting techniques Friday, June 27 during Morning At The Museum.
How does rain pollute the Indian River Lagoon
Rain is essential for our lawns, forests and gardens to grow. It becomes a problem when we get too much rain in a short period of time — and the land surface that it hits can't absorb it, running off our yards into street drains, canals and ponds and eventually ending up in the Indian River Lagoon.
If it was purely rainwater when it entered the Indian River Lagoon, it wouldn't be a problem.
Unfortunately, it absorbs pollutants along the way: dirt from your roof, fertilizer from your lawn, oil from the
Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition
streets, decaying vegetation, lawn clippings, leaves and soil. It is these pollutants that stormwater picks up along the way that causes the problem. So how big a problem can stormwater be for the Indian River Lagoon?
As you can see from the chart, stormwater is one
of the major sources of pollution to the Indian River Lagoon — even a bigger problem than sewage spills. So what is being done to fix the problem?
We pay a stormwater utility fee to the county and city utilities to maintain our stormwater systems, but that is primarily used for installing and maintaining pipes and canals. Your Save Our Indian River Lagoon sales tax dollars are being invested in projects that remove unwanted pollutants from the stormwater before they enter the Indian River Lagoon. Baffle boxes are
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installed in the stormwater lines to filter out the solids while allowing clear rainwater to flow to the Indian River Lagoon. What can you do to reduce the impact of Stormwater pollution on the Indian River Lagoon?
Here are some things you can do in your yard to reduce polluted rainwater runoff:
1. Direct your roof downspouts to nonhardened surfaces like rain gardens, turfgrass, rain barrels, swales or French drains.
2. Keep grass clippings
out of the storm drains by blowing them back onto your grass, off the street, driveway and walks.
3. Replace asphalt or concrete driveways and walkways with pervious pavers or other surfaces that absorb rainwater.
4. Clean up pet waste.
5. Reduce fertilization:
Follow Brevard County fertilizer restrictions.
Use organic nitrogen fertilizer.
Use Florida Native plants that don’t require fertilizer.
6. Don’t water your lawn during rainstorms and install an automatic shutoff. VV
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