Viera Voice, August 2020

Newspaper of Viera & Suntree...........BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP AUGUST 2020

Neighborhood workouts PAGE 10

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 7

v ieravoic e.c om

Tradition survives during unique times Story, page 2

Viera High School students toss their caps to say farewell to conclude the graduation ceremony on July 18.

Talented family, page 4 New guidance, page 6

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Viera High's Class of 2020 receives diplomas in unusual graduation

BY CHRIS BONANNO The Class of 2020 at Viera High School, like many others, has been through a lot in the past several months. Graduates finally were able to celebrate their accomplishments properly during the span of two days in July.

The 531 graduates at Viera High School were able to finally pick up their diplomas in a drive-through line at the school on July 17 and participate the next evening in a graduation ceremony at the school’s stadium.

“When we think back to March when we first

dismissed from school, I don’t think any of us anticipated that we would never be coming back for the rest of that school year and so I’m just really proud of the way that everybody came together during this time,” said Viera High School principal Sarah Robinson at the diploma pick-up.

Class of 2020 sponsor and social studies teacher Jeff Draves noted that he will remember the Class of 2020 for “how selfless they are.”

“It’s a great day because I’ve planned probably along with Ms. (principal Sarah) Robinson about 30 different scenarios and this scenario’s

finally happening, so that’s kind of exciting,” said Draves, a social studies teacher and a Class of 2020 sponsor at the diploma pickup. “…. It’s just a relief that things are actually happening for us and for these kids so that we get to celebrate with them one more time and it’s almost like Christmas morning in that regard.”

“We really tried to make it move as quickly as possible, but also to keep the most important elements of graduation that are those things that we know our students and our parents are looking forward to.”

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Robinson said that there were many safety precautions taken at the event, including temperature checks for graduates at the front office when they arrived, and social distancing for parents and students.

Additionally, all attendees were required to wear masks, according to a post on the school's Facebook page.

“We really tried to make it move as quickly as possible, but also to keep the most important elements of graduation that are those things that we know our students and our parents are looking forward to,” Robinson said. “We wanted to make sure we really highlight each of our students with our student speeches, giving them an opportunity to walk across the stage, get that senior photo after they get across the stage and then obviously to throw their caps and get to process out at the end of the evening.” V V

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Photo essay by Adam Palumbo

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Viera Voice | August 2020

3

Featured Volume 14, Issue 7 ©2020 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved

Family

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 Assignment Editor R. Norman Moody Office Manager Sylvia Montes Art Director Adam Palumbo

VIERA MEANS

BUSINESS

Special Assignment Reporter Chris Bonanno

NETWORKING GROUP

VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno

VIERA MEANS

Jake and Jamie Schmalenberger are proud that their children Jude and Jemma raised money for the Brevard Schools Foundation.

NETWORKING GROUP

Children perform impromptu music to benefit school foundation

Sports Writer/SportsBlog Carl Kotala Writers/Reporters Ernest Arico Judy Berman Chloe Ho Charlotte A. Corbeil Maria Sonnenberg VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP George White

BUSINESS Viera Voice's Networking Group The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by VIERA VOICE with all rights reserved.

VIERA VOICE is not liable for errors or omissions in editorial, advertorial or advertising materials.

Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of products or services herein.

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

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feed, featured 9-year-old Jude Schmalenberger, a rising Two children did fourth grader at Manatee an impromptu musical Elementary School and his performance in their family’s sister, 7-year-old Jemma, who VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING Viera backyard that their is going into GROUP the second grade. parents said raised $240 “It was Facebook Live so for the Brevard Schools it was one take,” said Jake Foundation.

Schmalenberger, Jude and SB N The performance, father. “They just sort A Jemma’s U E S broadcast live on a familyM of improvised the whole thing pretty much.” member’s Facebook Live SS E IN

VIERA MEANS

BY CHRIS BONANNO

They included Jude playing the drums on a cardboard box while Jemma sang into a toy microphone. The pair also both played the drums together for a time, with Jemma using markers on a glass jar to make noise.

In front of them during the performances were signs that indicated that it was for charity.

The Brevard Schools Foundation says on its website that it “fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all of our 83 public schools for over 74,000 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging

sustained at a very young age. If left untreated, it could cause severe pain and arthritis as Brody matured.

The zoo veterinarian anesthetized Brody for an exam and discovered evidence of a condition similar to hip dysplasia in dogs.

The procedure,

called juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) was led by local veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions.

It involved the fusion of a pubic growth plate to encourage a widening of the hip sockets, leading to better coverage of the femoral heads.

Some of Brody’s fat was sent to a laboratory to extract stem cells to use in injections that promote healing.

For the first five days of recovery, animal care staff stayed overnight with Brody to keep him safe and comfortable.

“Young animals heal relatively quickly, so he should be running and climbing again fairly soon,”

FEATURED FAMILY continued to page 36

5-month-old Florida black bear cub recovers at Brevard Zoo N

E SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE TW

OR

Brody, a 5-month-old Florida black bear cub at the Brevard Zoo, is recovering from surgery under the close supervision of the L3Harris Animal Care Center, the zoo’s animal hospital.

Veterinarians at the

P

BUSINESS

VIE R A

Copy Editor Jeff Navin

U zoo believe that the July 9 O procedure is the first of its kind on a bear.

Brody was observed repeatedly licking the underside of his abdomen after it appeared to become sensitive to the touch.

It is unknown if the condition is congenital or the result of trauma

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Viera Voice | August 2020

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said Dr. Trevor Zachariah, the zoo’s director of veterinary programs. “The majority of the puppies that undergo JPS get a significant We have the ONLY reduction in arthritis and other long-term consequences of hip dysplasia. Obviously, bears FDA approved and dogs are different animals, but their hips Microneedling device are similar from a skeletal perspective.”

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Brody was brought to the zoo by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in February at an estimated three weeks of age. He was found abandoned in Ocala National Forest with severe respiratory issues and nursed back to health by zoo staff.

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Viera Voice | August 2020

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VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Churches have been challenged during the pandemic.

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

The Rev. Cynthia P. Brust is the new rector at Hope Episcopal Church.

New rector happy to be part of church during challenging times

BY GEORGE WHITE The Rev. Cynthia P. Brust was installed as rector of Hope Episcopal Church (190 Interlachen Road) at a special Celebration of New Ministry worship service held during the global pandemic.

Brust and her husband, the Rev. Canon Ellis E. Brust, also an Episcopal priest, relocated from Kansas City and will live in Indialantic. He serves as the rector of St. Andrew’s

Episcopal Church in Fort Pierce.

Hope Episcopal Church is Brust’s first church as rector. Her first day was July 1.

The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, was the preacher and celebrant for the Celebration of New Ministry on July 12. He was joined by the Venerable Kristen N. Alday, the bishop’s chaplain, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, the canon

for vocations.

The COVID-19 virus has affected every aspect of life, including religion.

Brust said the challenges of today make it a perfect time to turn to the church for guidance.

“The church remains the church, no matter what.

We at Hope Church, and all the other churches in the area, will continue to move forward in mission and ministry. And, we will not let the pandemic stop us. It’s been very unnerving. The

church is a beacon of hope, always. Hope is what keeps us going, I think,’’ she said.

Hope, Church already live streams its church services on Facebook. It will soon add Zoom for virtual Bible study, she said.

“These are things that are to nurture our congregation, but we will be inviting all people if they are interested. I think people are struggling right now’’ she said.

“In my first sermon, I told the congregation to

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expect us to more than survive together, more than perservere together. We’re going to triumph together through this,’’ she said.

“My goal is to get as involved, and the church involved, in the community as much as I can. We’re in the process of re-imaginging what Hope Church can be.

You have to nurture both the spiritual lives and a sense of community within the congregation,” she said.

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Viera Voice | August 2020

7

p u p SPORTSWra

Zachary Martin Act will help keep athletes safe in Florida heat

BY CARL KOTALA

A new law that will help protect high school athletes from the dangers of heatrelated illness went into effect last month.

The Zachary Martin Act requires heat-illness training and life-saving equipment for all Florida High School Athletic Association member schools.

The bill was named after Riverdale High School football player Zachary MartinPolsenberg, who died 11 days after collapsing during a summer football workout due to heat-related illness in 2017.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law in June.

“The Zachary Martin Act is another avenue for schools and the FHSAA to protect our student athletes, which is our No. 1 priority,” Viera High School athletic director Maggie Davis wrote in an email. “Florida humidity and heat index comes with many challenges for our athletes and coaches.

“With this act and all

8

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

As part of the Zachary Martin Act, which went into effect last month, teams are required to have an ice tub at all outdoor practices.

necessary equipment, such as a wet bulb thermometer and a cooling station at all practices, it will help ensure the safety of our athletes at all times.

“We have implemented cooling stations at all outside sports, including cross country, golf and football for the fall sports. This act will continue into winter sports such as soccer and spring sports such as lacrosse. We at VHS fully support FHSAA in the implementation of this act and intend to follow all necessary protocols in order to make our athletic programs

Viera Voice | August 2020

as safe as possible.”

Holy Trinity football coach Nate Hooks Jr. said he supported the law and added that with an average roster size of less than 30 players, he has always made sure his players get several water breaks during practice.

“With limited numbers, I’ve been doing that since I’ve been here,” said Hooks, who is entering his seventh season.

The Tigers are expected to get even more water breaks this season.

Viera coach Derek Smith is a big proponent of the act,

noting that Florida’s heat and humidity, combined with the insurgence of artificial turf fields can be a dangerous combination.

Smith pointed out the use of the wet bulb global thermometers, which determines whether conditions are safe for practice. The cold immersion tubs filled with ice have proven to be critical in treating athletes with a heat-related illness.

“I think we’ve been using common sense when it comes to heat illness and heat exhaustion when it comes to water breaks anyway as coaches,” Smith said. “But this wet bulb puts a little more math behind it, and it does show you how hot it gets.

“I don’t mind this act because it gives us the tools and the education to be held to an accountable standard that will keep kids in a safer atmosphere.”

Smith also praised the way Brevard Public Schools have reacted to the new law.

The district provided each high school with two ice tubs and two wet bulb global thermometers. Middle schools got one of each.

“Brevard County Public Schools has been proactive,” Smith said. “They’re giving us an opportunity to be prepared for this act that’s come in. As a high school program, we were already prepared. We already had four water tubs. You’ve got to use caution.”

Smith also had a blunt message for anyone who has a problem with the Zachary Martin Act. “If anybody doesn’t like this idea, shame on them,” the Viera football coach said. “Any of us that have been in Florida for more than six months understands how hot it gets over the summer. And you know what, football is played in August.

“August is one of the hottest months on the calendar and it’s nasty. We’ve got to be prepared to make sure a kid doesn’t die.” VV

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VIERA VOICE Ernest Arico

Jerry McAnulty, a retired Air Force chief and a committee member responsible for media relations and marketing for the Duran Men’s Golf Association, left, watches Duran Head PGA Professional Matt Morrison putt toward the 18th hole that holds the American flag.

Duran’s Big Cup event pays tribute to birth of nation

BY ERNEST ARICO

Travis and Richard Zygmont were the Flight A first net winners with a score of 55 at Duran Golf Club’s annual July 4 Big Cup event.

The tournament drew a sellout crowd. The event featured 46 teams and was played as a two-person scramble utilizing the oversized 8-inch holes at the golf club in Viera.

“This event is always very popular as it adds a twist by using the oversized cups, however, it often looks much easier than it actually is,” said Duran Head PGA Professional Matt Morrison. “We were thrilled with this year’s event.

The weather was great and the event filled up one week prior to the event.”

The tournament also was part of Duran’s way of paying

tribute to the nation’s military veterans and the birth of the nation.

Jerry McAnulty, a retired Air Force chief and a committee member responsible for media relations and marketing for the Duran Men’s Golf Association, said it was the first time the golf club held the Big Cup designation with the American flag at the 18th hole on the Fourth of July.

“We usually do it on Memorial Day or Veterans Day but, because of the coronavirus pandemic, we decided to do it on the Fourth of July,” McAnulty said.

Duran made some modifications to the structure of the event to ensure safety for the participants. Instead of a shotgun start as usual, the event was played in tee times off of both the front and

the back nine to help avoid large gatherings of players both before the event and after. Scoring and prizes also were not issued after the event and results were posted electronically.

Other winners were: Flight A: Second net with a score of 56 were Anil Vadaparambil and Rob Kempinski; first gross with a score of 57, Richie Painter and Kyle Decenzo.

Flight B: First gross, 59, Drew and Steve Gilbert; first net, 50, Jack Matthews and Jeff Burrows; second net, 52, Jason Winebarger and Lee Arsenault.

Flight C: First gross, 60, Robert Vaughn and Weege Alexander; first net, 51, Mark and Cliff Merz.

Mixed Flight: First gross, 64, Sean and Nicole Gerlin.

VV

In addition to the pro shop duties, he supports the Viera East Men’s Golf Association with the weekly competitions.

VEMA has averaged 60 golfers for its events in June and July. The weather has been nice and the course has been excellent with consistent rain.

On July 2, VEMA conducted an individual flighted event.

Mike Piccininni, Tim Brown and Jim Kopliner were the top three in the A flight.

Harry Kaier, Bruce Schwanda, David Jensen and Simon Cole were the top golfers in the B flight.

Tony Hines, Freddie Baltizar and Ed Wierda were the top golfers in the C flight.

In the D flight, Frank Westwell, Ernie Para, Ed Raleigh and Gary Koch were the top contestants.

Bruce Ames recorded a hole-in-one July 9 during VEMA's two-man, best-ball event. The lowest score was used for the two flights.

Dale Zeigler and Bruce Schwanda teamed up to win the A flight. Robbie Rosenberger and Wilson Butler placed second. Randy Sweaney and Dennis Lamb were third.

In the B flight, Mike Pope and Frank Westwell teamed up to prevail. Wierda and Raleigh placed second. Rick Farinacci and Greg Humble finished third. VV

INSIDE THE ROPES Game joins Viera East, helps VEMA with weekly events

BY DAVID D. HORST Chris Game represents the next generation to begin a career in the golf industry.

Game is new to the Viera East Golf Course and pro shop with desires to go further. He started as a young kid from Connecticut hitting range balls with his dad.

One day, his dad challenged him to try out for the high school golf team.

After three rounds of golf, the golf coach told him to get rid of his outfit and dress like a golfer. He had made the team. Soon, he realized this could be his lifelong pursuit.

Game followed the PGA director of golf at Tashua Knolls Golf Course, learning about golf operations and other aspects of managing a course.

In 2018, he attended the Golf Academy of America. He then found himself working with the staff at Viera East Golf Course in 2019.

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9

MCC grad inspired by hosting workouts with neighborhood kids

BY CARL KOTALA Cameron Wicks never thought his summer workouts would draw such a crowd.

But oh, what a summer it’s been.

The Melbourne Central Catholic graduate has been hosting workouts twice a day for children at Kerry Park in his Capron Ridge neighborhood since the beginning of summer.

“I was just working out at the park one day and I saw a lot of the kids were really interested and wanted to get fit,” Wicks said. “I asked them if they wanted to join me in my workout. They enjoyed it. And it just started from there.”

Wicks, who turns 21 this month, is a wide receiver at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is scheduled to report Aug. 16.

In the meantime, his workouts have been drawing an average of 20 children a day with most of the participants in the 8 to 13 age range. Though he does accept

Cameron Wicks, a college football player, helps young athletes with summer workouts.

donations, the workouts are free.

Wicks, who at one time attended Holy Trinity before going to MCC, said his motivation for holding the workouts is simple.

“Honestly, (I’m) just helping out my community,” he said. “I was raised down here. This neighborhood … I used to come here all the time

and work out and train, or just play football and just have fun.

“Now, it’s just (about) giving the kids the same outlet and opportunity I had to get outside of the house.”

Wicks designed the morning and early evening workouts with the children to focus on three specific areas.

“We do different types

Duran is the second course in Brevard County to offer Footgolf, joining Mallard’s Landing.

“You can technically have a family come out here where the dad’s playing traditional golf, the kids are playing Footgolf and the mom’s playing Smash Golf at the same time,” Duran PGA Golf Pro Matt Morrison said.

“And it’s the same price as traditional golf. It all costs the same.”

Designed with help from Footgolf expert Mario Calderon of Cocoa Beach, the layout is set up so it will not interfere with golfers playing

the par-3 course.

Played with a soccer ball, the holes are anywhere from 60 to 120 yards long.

Like golf, it's usually played in groups of four and there are par scores for experts and novices. Each scorecard comes with a set of rules for the game with perhaps the most important one declaring no cleats are allowed.

It's estimated that a round of Footgolf will take 90 minutes to complete.

“You start, just like traditional golf, from a set of tee markers,” Morrison said.

“You’re trying to kick the ball into that cup in the least amount of kicks as possible.

“Since this is a short course, the holes are obviously shorter than the courses that have it on their big course. But when we were talking to the expert, he said it’s perfect for families and kids, but it’s also good for the experts because they can work on their short game, their strategic shots.”

Prices are $13 for adults, $8 for children and $5 for soccer ball rental, though you are allowed to bring your own ball. Reservations can be made on the club’s website at durangolf.com. It is booked just like a normal tee time.

Nicole Latner, Duran’s marketing and events coordinator, said the club will offer birthday party packages.

Because there are food and beverages available, it also might be a fun outing

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

of speed and agility and strength drills,” he said. “We have younger people, so our strength drills are usually rope drills. As far as agility, we have our little agility poles and cones and ladders.

“As far as speed drills, I have my different resistance bands and my track knowledge. I just go off of that.”

Wicks said he has found working out with the children inspiring as he prepares himself to return to Lawrence University for his junior season.

“It’s been helping me,” he said. “They motivate me. Like this morning, I had a training session and then I went to my gym at my little garage. I went in for two hours. After that, I went and trained at the field.

“I’m at the field all day.”

Wicks’ experience this summer could end up having a big impact on his overall future.

The economics and binary entrepreneurship major is considering altering his original career path.

“Honestly, before any of this happened, I was just looking at marketing, working at a marketing firm like maybe Adidas or Nike,” he said. “But now, this is showing me my other strengths.

I could go into personal training or coaching.” V V

Footgolf gives families another non-traditional golf option at Duran

BY CARL KOTALA

Already established as one of the top golfing destinations on the Space Coast, Duran Golf Club is adding another option to its menu for non-traditional golfers at its nine-hole, par-3 course: Footgolf.

A hybrid of soccer and golf, Duran’s Footgolf course made its debut late last month.

Combined with Smash Golf — a marriage of golf and tennis — which was introduced in 2015, there are more options for families looking for an entertaining outing.

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Viera Voice | August 2020

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Duran PGA Golf Pro Matt Morrison, left, and Marketing and Events Coordinator Nicole Latner stand at one of the nine new holes created to play Footgolf. A hybrid of soccer and golf, the game gives families another entertainment option.

for corporate events and fundraisers, or for teambuilding activities. There might even be Footgolf leagues offered in the future.

“Brevard has turned into such a touristic location that people are like, ‘What else can I do that’s not the beach or the pool?’ ” Latner said. “(Playing Footgolf) is keeping active, it involves the whole family and it’s about teaching people about something else that they’ve probably never done before.

“And there has to be some skill. You think, ‘Oh, I just have to kick the ball.’ But you’ve got to be able to make it into this hole within, on average, three kicks.”

While the list of options for people to do something other than traditional

golf has increased, that shouldn’t take away from the fact that Duran’s 18-hole Championship Course is one of the top-rated links on the Space Coast.

The club also boasts what is considered one of the best junior programs in the area with its Duran Academy of Golf.

“We’re still a traditional golf course,” Morrison said. “It’s not like this is overtaking traditional golf.

By design, we’ve always been traditional. It’s just another offering. We’ve designed it to stay out of the way. It’s not going to get in the way of anyone playing traditional golf.” V V

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VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

After missing his junior year with an injury, Holy Trinity wide receiver James BlackStrain is ready to show he's not only 100 percent, but a completely different player this season.

Holy Trinity’s BlackStrain ready to show he’s ‘a whole different player’

BY CARL KOTALA It’s been a little while since we’ve seen Holy Trinity wide receiver James BlackStrain on a football field.

Well, get ready, because the Georgia Tech commit is ready to show he’s 100 percent healthy, and a much tougher matchup than ever before. “I feel like I’m a whole different player,� BlackStrain said. “I got mentally and physically bigger and stronger.

I have a lot of new ways I play the game. “I move around about the same, but I’m smarter. I know how to find my ways in the soft spots (of defenses). I’m going to be on a whole new level this season. I really want to see how things turn out.�

BlackStrain, who had offers from Tennessee, Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State after his freshman season at Holy Trinity, missed his junior season after injuring his knee during basketball practice.

That didn’t stop the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver from getting more than 40 scholarship offers from some of the biggest names in the country. He ultimately decided on Georgia Tech because he said it was the “best fit for me and my family.�

Now that he’s back, BlackStrain is focused on working hard and improving “one percent� every day to get

better at his craft.

That was the same attitude he took while rehabbing from his injury. While he worked to strengthen his knee, BlackStrain also watched tape of wide receivers such as Jerry Jeudy, Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Thomas. He studied how they got off the ball and how they came out of their breaks.

He also spent time trying to learn defenses, the way an opponent might try to disguise its coverage and, of course, how to beat it.

After catching 27 passes for 555 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman, BlackStrain had 39 receptions for 715 yards and six TDs as a sophomore.

Holy Trinity coach Nate Hooks Jr. believes BlackStrain will be a matchup nightmare for any defense. “What BlackStrain brings to the table is he’s a big body,�

Hooks said. “He’s 6-2 and change with extra-long arms, so he’s always open, even when he’s covered. “You have a 5-10 to 6-2 DB ‌ he’s not as long as BlackStrain. He can still go up and catch the ball. That’s an unbelievable asset.â€?

Going up against a defender for a jump ball is actually one of BlackStrain’s favorite plays. “I like going up and getting

balls,� he said. ‘I love jump balls. I love running routes.

I love being a technician coming out of my routes and getting open and just making DBs look silly. “I just want to be the best. I want to run the route the best way coach sets it up.�

With a number of new faces on the roster, including quarterbacks Davin Wydner and Jonathan Bowden, the Tigers aren’t being shy about how good they think they will be this season. “We’re capable of many things people think we’re not,�

BlackStrain said.

After reaching the second round of the playoffs the past two years — and winning the first playoff game in program history — the Tigers are aiming to go even further in 2020. “We’re going to be pretty good,â€? Hooks said. “There’s no hiding it or being clichĂŠ like coaches say and not talking about it. “I’m talking about it. We’re going to be good. But like I told them today, if you don’t expect it, it’s not happening.â€?

After missing so much time, and receiving so many offers, it would be easy to expect BlackStrain will come into this season feeling he has something to prove about just how good he is.

But to say that would also be missing an important point

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about the Holy Trinity senior — it’s not just about him. “This year is something to prove, but it’s more than that,� he said. “I’m just trying to be the best team player and the best team athlete I can be. I’m

trying to help everybody so we all can make it to the next level and be successful in life. “I just want to help everybody the best I can. This team is built for that. It’s like a brotherhood.� VV

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Viera’s Simms eager to step into starting QB role for Hawks

BY CARL KOTALA C.J. Simms has been waiting for this moment.

And when it comes, the Viera High School junior quarterback intends to take full advantage of it.

After playing in six games and making two starts for the Hawks last season, Simms is stepping into the role as the No. 1 starter for a Viera team that has won six consecutive district championships.

“I cannot wait,” Simms said. “I’ve been waiting for so long. I’m just ecstatic.

Everyone’s coming together.

“We lost a couple of guys that we really relied on but, at the end of the day, I think our team energy is just as high, maybe even higher.

We’re all just kicking at a different level now. I’m really excited to see how it turns out and how good we really are after all the work we’ve put in.”

Viera coach Derek Smith has been impressed with the way Simms has stepped up during the summer as he prepares to take on a bigger role.

“C.J., this entire summer, has shown a knack for learning, leadership, and a desire to want to be the best,” Smith said. ‘He hasn’t shied away from trying to lead by example. He has

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera High School junior C.J. Simms is excited about getting his chance to step into the starting quarterback role for the Hawks this season.

tried to study the game as much as possible.

“Especially now, when there’s no consistency and things are crazy, he’s trying to bring a consistency to his teammates and to himself, which is very exciting to see.”

Simms played in five games last season, throwing for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Though he is mostly known for his passing game, the Viera coach knows he’s getting much more than that from his new starting

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quarterback.

“He plays an intelligent football game,” Smith said of Simms. “I had the pleasure of coaching C.J. when he was in middle school. C.J. always had an intelligence to his game. He’s got a strong arm.”

To that point, Simms is trying to take what he learned last season — his first on varsity — to help him improve his game for the upcoming season.

“I learned that varsity kids are a lot faster than JV,” he said. “Especially against Centennial. They had a four-star D-end. I had gone against (Viera’s) Cooper (Davis) at practice, so I was used to him at practice speed. Game speed’s a whole new story.

“That kid really taught me that three seconds is three seconds. No longer or else you’re going to be in trouble.

I’ve just got to stay focused on my pocket awareness, make sure I’m getting the ball out on time.

“I’ve just got to play at a faster speed than what I was used to. But I don’t think it will be too much trouble adjusting.”

Though he would prefer to stay in the pocket and deliver the ball, Simms also has been working to improve his 40 time in case he does have to run more this season.

“I know if I need to run, I’m going to be able to,” he said. “I just want to make sure that if I’m going to have to run more … I want to at least be faster than I am now.

“I’d like to stay in the pocket. I’d prefer if I could just take a clean three-step drop, or a one-step drop back there and make a good throw. But I also know I’m going to have to move this year. There’s no other way around it. I just want to make sure I better myself before I go into that.’

Simms also has been spending time working with his receivers, particularly Caleb Osburn, Jake Houston, James Goffigan and Jake Woodruff so they can work on the nuances of the relationship between a quarterback and his receivers in regards to routes, timing and the location of throws.

“The communication between the five of us is really good and really strong,” Simms said. “We all try to keep it like that.

Every receiver contributes to that, from Caleb being a three-year starter to James, Houston and Woody being first-year starters.

“It’s impressed me that my receivers have been so open to communication and changing their style and helping me with my style so we can have the best team chemistry.” V V

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Outdoor classrooms give students options at Suntree Elementary

BY CHRIS BONANNO

Donors and volunteers are helping to make outdoor classrooms a reality at Suntree Elementary School.

The first two of these classrooms have been completed and will be ready for use whenever students begin in-person instruction for the 20202021 school year, according to school principal Shari Tressler. It features four picnic tables with umbrellas to provide students with ample amounts of shade along with trash receptacles and mulch.

“They can use the classroom from day one,” Tressler said. “We can get a whole class out here, a set of 18 kids for learning outside, just to have something different other than being inside the classroom. They can interact with nature, with

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Aran Hissam

A new outdoor classroom will be popular at Suntree Elementary School.

the environment. We have a beautiful campus.”

The first outdoor classroom was made possible thanks to donations from Tessa and Raoul Cleveland of Gen-X Motors in Melbourne and from Marta and Bill Griffith.

“I’m really excited, especially for my daughter to be able to have another resource, to learn and get fresh air. And, just

maybe get away from any stressors that school may be causing and see the butterflies and feel the breeze,” Tessa Cleveland said. “It’s just really important for us to get outside and interact. I mean, we live in a beautiful state where it’s always sunny and happy and fresh air. It’s just like, what could be better than that? I don’t know.”

Another parent, Aran

Hissam, who has had children at the school for nine years, echoed Cleveland’s excitement for the project.

“I think all children are always trying to find alternative ways of learning and this is just offering them another way,” Hissam said. “We know, especially in the elementary school level, the more children are up and about and changing environments that their learning is increased and enhanced and it offers different opportunities for them. So, the fact that they have this opportunity here at Suntree Elementary School just excites a lot of us.”

Though the classrooms have obvious benefits relative to the circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak, the outdoor plans had been in the works long before the pandemic.

“Ten years ago at Suntree, we starting learning gardens and different grade levels arranged an area to plant.

And, the children do the planning. Sometimes with volunteers or big and little buddies. We wanted to extend that to outdoors classrooms so instruction could take place also,” said Marta Griffith, a kindergarten teacher who has been at the school for 18 years.

Hissam said they hope to raise enough funds to build at least two more outdoor classrooms. It takes about five days for a good crew to build one.

Those interested in donating to the project can do so through the Suntree Elementary School Outdoor Classrooms GoFundMe page and those interested in donating supplies can contact Hissam at aranhissam@yahoo.com.

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Brevard schools delay start of opening schools to Aug. 24

BY ERNEST ARICO Brevard County will delay the opening start date of its public schools from Aug. 11 to Aug. 24 for students in grades 1 to 12 in order to give teachers and staff more time to prepare their schools for safety protocols and train on remote learning technology.

In addition to the new start date, the district announced other changes that include: • Teachers’ first day moves from Aug. 3 to Aug. 10 • First day of kindergarten is Aug. 27 and prekindergarten is Aug. 31 • Students’ last day of school moves from May 31 to June 3, 2021 • Moves non-student work days — Oct. 12, 2020, Feb. 15, 2021, March 3, 2021 and May 28, 2021 — to beginning of teacher calendar • Second semester will now end after Memorial Day on June 3, 2021 • Early release dates will remain the same, as will contracted holidays.

However, winter break will be reduced from 12 days to 10 days from Dec. 18, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2021, with staff and students returning on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

• The change also will affect the timing of first semester exams, which will now take place after winter break (Jan. 13 to 15, 2021).

In addition, the new calendar does not align with Eastern Florida State College’s schedule. However, BPS will work with college administrators to mitigate potential challenges for dual enrollment students.

BPS Superintendent Mark Mullins explained why the district needs to open schools Aug. 24, citing the July 6 Emergency Order issued by the Florida Department of Education.

The order stated that all Florida schools are to reopen in August. “If we do not commit to having full time in-person learning, five days a week, beginning in August, we will not be authorized to offer the eLearning and virtual options we have proposed as an alternative to your child attending school in-person,” Mullins said. “Additionally, our funding is directly tied to submitting a plan that meets all the Department of Education’s expectations for both in-person and alternative instruction.”

To view the district’s reopening plan, go to tinyurl. com/y2rt2hx3.

vieravoice.com

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Brevard Public Schools to delay the start of the school year.

Mullins also announced a new virtual option for middle and high school students that closely mirrored the previously unveiled eLearning model for elementary schools.

Under the eLearning option, students would take live daily instruction at home with teachers through Microsoft Zoom video conferencing.

Included in the returnto-school plan is a limited face mask policy that "strongly recommended" masks to students and staff but required them only in certain circumstances, including career and technical education labs and "other vulnerable activities or areas."

The plan also featured an extensive list of proposed safety protocols, including modified routes to reduce the number of children on school buses; regular hand-washing breaks for elementary students; modified classroom and cafeteria seating and hallway traffic patterns; and quarantine and cleaning guidelines in the event of a positive case, among others.

While Brevard schools will be physically open to students, in accordance with a state mandate last month by Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, the school district is offering three additional learning options.

Included are Brevard Virtual School and a lesserknown but existing blended option that combines Brevard Virtual School with some in-person coursework.

Qualified high school students will continue to have the option of dualenrolling at local colleges.

New this fall, however,

is a virtual option for elementary students designed to emulate the regular classroom experience in the home.

Under the eLearning plan, teachers will engage with students live each day from the classroom through the Microsoft Teams video conferencing, and the virtual school day will mirror regular in-person classes in both scheduling and pacing, said Jane Cline, assistant superintendent of elementary leading and learning.

"There will be a schedule in there for activity, for recess. The family will follow a very scheduled day as if the children were in a brick-and-mortar classroom, but they're going to be in their homes," Cline said.

Coursework will have the same level of detail and personal attention as faceto-face learning.

"It will not be the same that we offered when we had emergency distance learning," Cline said.

Families who decide eLearning is not the best fit for their children will have the option to switch them back to the regular

classroom.

Under the plan for middle and high school students, in-person classes will look much different. Rather than the typical course load of seven classes spread over the school year, students would take four, 90-minute courses that each last a single semester, similar to college.

District officials say the plan has several advantages.

For example, teachers would see fewer students each day.

It also would mean reduced exposure for students, extended class time for hands-on subjects such as music and career and technical courses, and room for an extra course during the year for remedial or accelerated learning.

The plan also calls for elementary school students to have regular breaks for hand-washing, and all students must use hand sanitizer when entering or leaving a classroom.

New sanitation protocols will increase cleaning of classroom surfaces, and hand sanitizer and other cleaning products will be available in each classroom.

Personal protective

equipment will be provided for designated students and staff.

Desks will be spaced to the extent feasible and tables seated so students are facing the same direction, per guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hallway traffic patterns will be modified to reduce face-to-face interaction between classes, while schedules and protocols for arrival and dismissal will be designed to prevent large groups from congregating.

Lunch lines and cafeterias will be modified for social distancing and meal service might be expanded into other school areas to reduce the number of students in one place.

The district also has ordered an additional 13,000 air conditioning filters to help ensure air in school buildings is scrubbed effectively throughout the day.

Parents are expected to check their children's temperature each day before school and students and staff exhibiting symptoms should stay home. The attendance policy will be flexible; students who are kept home for safety reasons will be granted an excused absence with minimal documentation required.

Visitors, including nonessential volunteers, are barred from campuses except for enrollment, required meetings and emergency situations.

Thelston and Brianna Robertson, residents of the Six Mile Creek development in Viera, approve of the district’s new re-opening plan.

“I think it’s important for them to go back to school rather than stay at home and do distance learning,” said Brianna Robertson, whose three children — Logan, 12, Addison, 8, and Reese, 5 — will attend the Viera Charter School. “I don’t want them to get behind.” V V

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Viera Voice | August 2020

15

Brevard Schools face challenges with student bus transportation

BY ERNEST ARICO Students riding school buses are expected to wear face masks when classes start Monday, Aug. 24, according to the Brevard Public Schools re-opening policy released last month.

The Brevard County School Board unanimously approved delaying the start of the 2020-21 school year to Aug. 24. Students originally were scheduled to return to school Aug. 11.

“Transportation provides unique challenges for social distancing — parents and staff will need to work together to ensure a safe environment for riding the

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

New rules for riding the school bus will be implemented this month.

bus,” the district report stated. “Parents must provide guidance to their children on appropriate social distancing at bus stops.”

Students with documented medical or sensory conditions that would be adversely

impacted by wearing a mask are exempted from wearing one on a bus.

Other transportation safety issues include: • Students will use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the bus.

BY CHRIS BONANNO

of an adjustment and a lot of things we’ve had to do on the fly,” he said.

Safety was paramount as each of the 45 campers are assigned to one of five counselors on staff (another three are on staff and serve as needed). Each group of campers and counselors has an assigned room and campers stay with their group.

Parents were asked to prove a need for their child to

• Students will be given an assigned seat. Students must sit in that assigned seat.

• Siblings and those sharing a household will be seated together.

• Students should allow appropriate distance between each other when entering and exiting the bus.

• Seats will be wiped down between routes.

• Windows will be open when the weather permits.

• Misconduct on the bus will result in disciplinary action that might include suspension from the bus.

Thelston and Brianna

Robertson, residents of the Six Mile Creek development off Murrell Road in Viera, approve of the district’s new busing policy. The couple’s three children — Logan, 12, Addison, 8, and Reese, 5 — will be bused to the Viera Charter School.

“I’m fine with the safety measures,” Brianna Robertson said. “They have the best interests of the kids.”

She said her children will have to learn how to use a mask while riding the bus, but that it was more important for them to go back to school, rather than stay at home and do distance learning.

“I don’t want them to get behind,” she said. V V

attend camp because of the limited spaces available.

Forty-five children, ranging in age from 6 to 11 years old, have taken part in the camp that began June 15 and runs through Aug. 7.

“Even though this is a trying time for us in the community, we at Brevard County Parks and Recreation have found a way to serve the community by giving the kids a version of summer camp where they can have fun,

learn new things and make new friends,” Parks said.

He said activities varied depending on the week’s theme. He cited one example, Winter in July, where campers made snowflakes out of rice in an arts and crafts class.

They also have had guest speakers visit and campers have been able to partake in interactive fitness programs.

They also have made shaved ice. V V

Summer campers enjoying varied activities while social distancing

VIERA VOICE Chris Bonanno

Summer camps are popular in Brevard County.

A summer camp program at the Viera Regional Park Community Center is helping area youths enjoy their summer even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Terry Parks, the recreation program coordinator at the Viera Regional Community Center, said social distancing is strictly enforced and all counselors wear a mask.

“Things have been sort

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March 12-21, 2021 Globus has brought us Egypt again, I feel it is safe to go now. Let’s go while the timing is good! From the Pyramids to the Valley of the Kings and Queens to the Temple of Horus and so much more! Jean is escorting this group only a few seats remain.

NORTHERN ITALY AND CINQUE TERRE AND GOURMET TUSCANY

May 21 June 6, 2021

Join Jean as we explore from Northern Italy to Tuscany. This is going to be a fabulous trip and the last week we spend in a villa and do day trips each day to different areas!

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AND THE CANADIAN ROCKIES July 17 - 25, 2021 We are traveling in North America for those of you who prefer to stay on this side! Join me to see some of the most beautiful places in North America. If it didn’t snow in Montana I would live there but since it does we will go in July and only see just snow capped mountains.

This group is filling up quickly!

HEAVENLY MASTERPIECES ROME/ CIVITAVECCHIA, IT TO ATHENS/ PIRAEUS, GR Sept. 28 Oct. 11, 2021 13 days on board of Crystal Symphony. Marvel at Rome’s heavenly cathedrals, and discover Pompeii, the Herculaneum and the birthplace of pizza in Naples. Two days in Ashdod lead to Old Testament discoveries, sacred Jerusalem sites and Tel Aviv’s chic urban shores.

Call today to take advantage of our great rates!

321-631-8080

allaboutyoutravelunlimited.com 1240 US Hwy 1, Suite 6, Rockledge, FL 32955

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Viera Voice | August 2020

vieravoice.com

Resident fights breast cancer with family’s help

BY NORMA BEST BOUCHER As I ask myself when this journey began, I must start with my mother in the 1960s. That’s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My mother had been an older mother when I was born. So, I had the advantages of having a mother who was secure with herself.

I remember vividly when she had her mastectomy and radiation.

I had never seen anyone display such courage and strength.

She couldn’t afford a breast prosthesis, so she stuffed a cotton curtain into her bra and asked me, “Norma, am I even?”

Before going to work as a presser at the Hathaway Shirt Company, my father had told her, “Just live, Lillian.”

For us, who loved her, she lived.

Through the years, I made sure to never take any medication that might add to my risk for breast cancer.

WINNER ESSAY CONTEST

Congratulations

Norma Best Boucher Official First Place Complementary Cancer Care "Write Your Cancer Story" Essay Contest Winner When doctors told me that I had breast cancer at the age of 62, it was a slap in the face. A lumpectomy revealed an additional lump. Now, I have two different kinds of breast cancer.

My son took the reins and made appointments at a Breast Cancer Center.

Within a week’s time, I was at the center. Further biopsies showed two additional growths. My breast was a cancer factory.

After the initial shock of the diagnosis, I realized that cancer was not necessarily a death sentence. Suddenly, I had options, decisions and hope.

My husband and I went home to Maine to visit.

Family members and friends who had survived cancer were the greatest inspiration.

People I hadn’t seen in years called to tell me their experiences and to offer encouragement. I left Maine after a visit with the decision to go through with the mastectomy and with the courage to fight for my life.

Learning from my mother’s experiences, my faith in God and the love of my husband and son helped me through the operation.

I was overjoyed to learn that the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes. In fact, I was told that I wouldn’t need chemotherapy. I went to the oncologist prepared to take a preventative medication for five years.

Further tests showed

that one of the cancers was an aggressive type. Chemo might be necessary.

This decision was more difficult than the mastectomy decision. This was a setback. I already had moved on with my life.

Suddenly, I was grabbed back into the world of cancer. The question was — am I more afraid of cancer or chemo?

With the guidance of doctors, I opted for the chemo. My husband and son took turns taking care of me. I exhausted them.

They put everything they had into saving me. Now, I needed them even more.

This chemo treatment was worse than the operation. It was an intense three months, but my family was there for me, again.

Each person’s experience with chemo is different. Suffice it to say, “I wouldn’t wish this on an enemy.”

I did the treatments.

My hair fell out in clumps after the second week. I wore bandanas most of the time because my wig was so loose that it slipped to

my nose when I tilted my head.

Some days I just wanted to heave it across the room.

The first time, I slept for days after a treatment.

I was scared. The next treatment, I prayed to sleep.

Every time I had a treatment, I swore I wouldn’t take another. But, then I felt better and tried again. Finally, they were over.

I survived. I am alive and cancer free.

When I look back on this experience, I laugh and I cry. God, everyone’s prayers, and my family’s love got me through this. I am truly blessed.

Sometimes, when I’m dressed and ready to leave for work, I take a long, hard look at myself in the mirror. In my mind’s eye, I see my mother, smiling at me. I whisper, “Thank you,” to her and to God. Then, I pull back my shoulders, smile right back at her, and ask, “Ma, am I even?” V V

Complementary Cancer Care

congratulates our “Write Your Cancer Story” essay contest winners: Norma Best Boucher (1st) Theresa Morrow (2nd) Jani Stone (3rd) Thank you to all the courageous cancer survivors who shared their story with us in recognition of National Cancer Survivor Month in June. Read their stories on our website.

www.compcancercare.org

All CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS, and CAREGIVERS

in Brevard County are invited to participate in Complementary Cancer Care’s free support programs and activities ~ currently hosted online via Zoom ~ check schedules and register for classes online

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Viera Voice | August 2020

17

ART &Culture

Baker creates awareness of nature through her silk art

BY JUDY BERMAN A vibrant flower that explodes onto a silk scarf is one of many scenes of nature and landscapes that silk artist Carol Baker captures.

“It’s like the wind hit a dandelion. It’s blown out. All different colors,” said Baker of her “Windflower” scarf.

Her other unique silk art creations: “Ferns and Feathers,” which can be worn as a scarf or displayed as a wall hanging, is draped tantalizingly next to her pillow, “Butterfly Psychedelic.” They can be found in the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue.

Baker, who was born

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Carol Baker

Carol Baker, who was born in Los Angeles, now lives in Ormond Beach.

in Los Angeles, said her fascination with dyes and what they can do to a

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material began with dyeing rag rugs on a loom in the 1980s in the Ozarks.

By the 1990s, she was “drawn to the luminescence and watercolor-quality of the transparent dyes on the shimmering silk.”

Since 2015, she has lived in Ormond Beach.

The multi-step process includes ironing the silk.

Then, she draws an image with a watercolor pen and uses a resist of Gutta to stop the flow of dye to make the boundaries for the colors in certain areas.

The silk is set to dry overnight. The outcome?

Think Peter Max’s vibrant colors.

Baker, a watercolorist, said when you apply paint on silk, it migrates differently than on paper.

“You have more shininess on the fabric. It translates

VIERA VOICE Judy Berman

Carol Baker’s “Ferns and Feathers” scarf and a “Butterfly Psychedelic” pillow are displayed in the Art Gallery of Viera.

into a lot of energy.”

When the colors spread on the silk, Baker said it’s magic.

“It’s incredible. You have

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to be fearless. You have to let the color flow,” Baker said.

Baker wished she’d had more of a business background when she first started out. But, her longtime friend and fellow artist, Jane Benight, admired Baker’s promotion of her work.

That’s something women need to do more of to achieve recognition for their work, said Benight who lives in Portland, Oregon.

When Baker lived in Little Rock, Arkansas in the 1980s, she was selected to create an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree.

“I want to take a page out of her book,” Benight said in admiration. “She’s a very committed artist, and her designs are inspired by her love of the outdoors.” V V

The Carter Hester Group at Morgan Stanley (Left Right: Faith Wheeler, Service Associate; Joe Carter; Tim Hester; Josh Hester; Terri Dingman, Registered Sales Associate) (Left toto Right: Faith Wheeler, *Joe Carter, Client *Tim Hester, Josh Hester, Terri Dingman)

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VIERA VOICE Edward Scott

Edward Scott’s “Life Struggle” hangs in the Art Gallery of Viera.

Photographer Ed Scott focuses on art in nature

BY JUDY BERMAN Sometimes Ed Scott’s search for the perfect photo lay in the wilds. Others in his backyard or on a city’s park bench.

Getting to that spot in nature can be the biggest challenge. Not which gear to choose or which lens, but getting motivated to get out during the golden hours of photography.

“You have to get up early or stay out late. A lot of times, you have to get up before the sun rises and hike in the dark to get to a good location,” said Scott, a digital photographer who lives in Cocoa.

“Some of the best light is in some of the worst weather.”

Digital photographer Jerry Hanzl has high praise for Scott’s “amazing” bird photography.

“He’s really playing and working with light more than any photographer I know. He has a way of handling light like it looks like he’s working in a studio. But he’s really outside in his backyard,” Hanzl said.

Scott’s handling of light was influenced by studying Renaissance painters and by examining what some of the best photographers have done.

That attention to light is evident in his photograph, “Life Struggle,” that hangs in the Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue. The photograph was published online on 1X.com, which Scott says publishes only world-class fine-art photography.

Scott shot this photo of a great blue heron fishing at about 9 a.m. at the Viera Wetlands. The angle of the sun was perfect — there was zero wind and the water was like glass.

He drove up in his truck,

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acknowledges.

Some of his photo shoots are the results of annual trips he takes with his wife, Jane. Scott said his goal

is to return with at least “one photo that is worth putting in a gallery. I’m very particular about what I put out to the public.” VV

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VIERA VOICE Judy Berman

Edward Scott adjusts his photo of a female painted bunting, “Hard to Get,” that hangs in his family room.

saw the battle for life and death, stopped the truck and parked it at water’s edge.

“I wasn’t there for more than a couple of minutes.

I got lucky,” Scott said. “I knew the light was good.

I knew the wind was good and I knew which direction to shoot in.”

“So, it wasn’t all luck,” he

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Free COVID-19 kit to the first 200 attendees Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicle as they drive thru the expo.

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Helpful Articles & Resources

IMPORTANT CONTACTS: BREVARD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WEBSITE: brevardfl.gov/emergency-event/status-reports PHONE: 321-637-6670

FLORIDA HEALTH CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES WEBSITE: floridahealthcovid19.gov PHONE: 850-245-4111

BREVARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: brevard.floridahealth.gov PHONE: 321-454-7111

GOVERNMENT UPDATES WEBSITE: whitehouse.gov PHONE: 202-456 -1111

CDC CORONA VIRUS PAGE: cdc.gov/coronavirus

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800-799-7233

DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE: 800-985-5990

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: who.int

Virus concerns prompt restrictions for Brevard Zoo’s Treetop Trek

BY GEORGE WHITE Safety procedures at Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures at the Brevard Zoo now include COVID-19 measures meant to ensure social distancing, even while climbing in groups in the treetops.

“To ensure the safety of our staff, guests and animals, we’ve implemented changes to the Treetop Trek experience.

To ensure proper social distancing, we have limited the number of guests visiting Treetop Trek each day,’’ said zoo communications manager Elliot Zirulnik.

The new hours for Treetop

Trek are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the chutes and ladders course closed. The other temporary restrictions include: All adults and children 7 and older must have a mask or covering to enter Treetop Trek. Everyone will be required to wear it while going through training in the briefing area, However, the mask does not need to be worn on the course.

All Treetop Trek guests (except passholders) must purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance online. Passholders do not need a timed-entry ticket.

Only guests who arrive

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together will be trained together and put on the course together. Each party is expected to practice social distancing from another party while on the course.

All guests are expected to practice 6 feet of social distancing while waiting in line to check in.

“The guidelines listed below are temporary and will be lifted once it is safe to do so,” Zirulnik said. “Changes can occur at any time. Please understand these are set in place for the safety of everyone. Masks must be worn upon arrival, but they can be removed once on the course. As has always been the

case, equipment is sanitized between uses."

Keeping the courses running safely is the responsibility of a well-trained staff, some with several years under their belts, spokesman Scott McQueen said.

“We are looking for people who enjoy working outside with a sense of adventure,” he said. “We have a wide array of staff from all walks of life and job histories. From the novice, with little to no experience, to expert level climbers, hikers and thrill seekers,’’ he said.

For information, go to treetoptrek.com or Brevardzoo. org. VV

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Port Canaveral on Feb. 6. Itineraries out of Port Canaveral for departures from Nov. 14, 2020 to Jan. 30, 2021 have been canceled.

• Carnival Radiance’s $200 million dry dock at the Cadiz, Spain shipyard was suspended this spring when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a nationwide lockdown. Carnival is now evaluating shipyard options to complete the transformation, but the ship is likely not going to be completed until the spring.

• As a result of the delayed arrival of Carnival Radiance, Carnival Breeze will be redeployed from Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral and will assume

VIERA VOICE George White

Treetop Trek’s Dan Deusinger wears a mask to protect himself and others during the COVD-19 pandemic.

Carnival Cruise Line changes travel plans with delay of new ship

Carnival Cruise Line will notify guests and travel agents of revisions to the delivery of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, as well as the transformed Carnival Radiance — both resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic — and new itineraries for the Carnival Breeze and Carnival Magic.

It is part of an updated deployment plan from November 2020 to May 2021.

The key points of the changes: • Mardi Gras, the first LNGpowered ship to operate in the Western Hemisphere and featuring the first roller coaster at sea, will now enter into service from

the itineraries for Carnival Radiance from Nov. 8, 2020 to April 24, 2021.

Consequently, guests on 18 Carnival Breeze sailings from Fort Lauderdale scheduled to operate from Nov. 7, 2020 to March 7, 2021 are being notified that their cruises have been canceled.

• Carnival Magic’s transatlantic and European itineraries from March 13, 2021 to May 3, 2021 have been canceled.

Seven sailings previously scheduled for Carnival Breeze from Fort Lauderdale from March 13 to April 24, 2021 will move to Miami and those guests will sail on the same itinerary, but on Carnival Magic operating from Port Miami. VV

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Pineda Causeway overpass to be dedicated to military hero

BY CHRIS BONANNO A new overpass of the Pineda Causeway, located just west of U.S. 1 over railroad tracks near Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, will be dedicated in honor of the late Maj. Gen. John Cleland at a ceremony on Sept. 26.

What is called the Pineda Overpass project is tentatively scheduled to open in November. However, at the family’s request, there will be a dedication ceremony on September 26, Brevard County Government communications director Don Walker wrote in an email.

A plaque at the overpass that will be known as the Major General John Cleland Bridge will reference his 37 years of service in the U.S. Army. It also will note his contributions to Brevard

County and to the state by serving in leadership positions in Brevard and the state in many veterans and civic organizations following his retirement from service in 1980.

Cleland was born on July 5, 1925 in Washington D.C. and died Oct. 25, 2017.

As part of the plaque, Cleland’s incredible sacrifices and accomplishments will be listed, including his service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge in each.

Cleland also was inducted into the U.S. Army Infantry Hall of Fame and the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.

A sign also will indicate to drivers and pedestrians that the bridge is dedicated to Cleland. V V

VIERA VOICE Elaine Moody

Construction continues on an overpass of the Pineda Causeway that will be dedicated in honor of the late Maj. Gen. John Cleland.

Summer camp teaches about preserving Indian River Lagoon

BY JENNIFER H. MONAGHAN

The Marine Resources Council (MRC) held three sessions of Summer Camp 2020 in July for children 9 to 12 years old. Thirty-five children attended.

The groups were kept smaller this year to comply with CDC guidelines.

The camp was designed to inspire and educate children on the benefits of preserving and restoring the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). There were handson activities aimed to allow the kids to discover the connection between science and nature in the world around them.

“I really enjoy seeing the kids having a good time, coming out of their shells, learning about their environment and getting excited about science,” — Nicole Broquet The IRL is one of the most biodiverse shallow-water estuaries in the United States and it is highly significant both environmentally and economically. All

vieravoice.com

VIERA VOICE Jennifer H. Monaghan

A Grant-Valkaria resident picks up trash along the Indian River.

such waterways are environmentally fragile.

Therefore, preserving a healthy IRL — its water quality, fish and wildlife resources — is essential and challenging. This requires involvement and active engagement by the public at large, including children.

“It’s important to develop stewardship at a young age and get involved with the environment,” MRC’s Environmental Education Coordinator Nicole Broquet said.

Examples of active learning sessions for the campers were examining rocks to learn about the geology of Florida, building their own water bottle twisters to learn about the tornadoes Florida takes on each year, exploring native plants around the property and investigating butterflies, bugs and bees. On field trips, the students also

were introduced to some of the different animals in the lagoon.

“I really enjoy seeing the kids having a good time, coming out of their shells, learning about their environment and getting excited about science,” Broquet said. “It’s good to get kids out of the house to learn about nature in a safe way. Our goal is that they can teach their peers and spread the word about proper management and being respectful to the environment.”

Broquet emphasized that “overall, the MRC is dedicated to protecting the IRL. Everybody can do something to help by working to reduce their impact on storm water pollution. They can plant Florida native plants, not put grass clippings down the drain, clean up after their pets and by picking up garbage along the sea.”

Located in Palm Bay,

the MRC is a nonprofit organization formed in 1983 to determine ways to reverse the negative impacts that were

happening to the IRL. For information about the Marine Resource Council, go to savetheirl. org. V V

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Viera Voice | August 2020

23

Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination

BY GEORGE WHITE The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) as an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against vaccine preventable diseases is by immunization through vaccination,’’ said Anita Stremmel, the assistant director for the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County’s (DOH-Brevard County) health department. “If we continue to vaccinate against diseases, those diseases may be eradicated.

Considering the current pandemic, immunizations

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are more important than ever before. We know that people are more likely to get COVID-19 if they have underlying conditions.’’

Stremmel encourages parents to have their children immunized as the new school year quickly approaches. Students entering college also are encouraged to make sure their immunizations are up to date.

Local county health departments statewide provide free immunization services for eligible children who are entering school for the first time and for those who are returning to class in the upcoming school year.

The county facility has noticed a substantial drop in the number of immunizations provided to children prior to the

Robert Bashore M.D.

start of the school year as compared to previous years, according to DOHBrevard Health officer Maria Stahl.

“Now, more than ever, parents should ensure that their children receive all their vaccinations according to the recommended schedule,” Stahl said. “Vaccines help develop immunity to many serious infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccinepreventable diseases.”

The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool and grades kindergarten through 12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B. DOH-Brevard offers

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

The best way to protect yourself against certain diseases is through immunization.

immunizations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Viera, Melbourne and Titusville clinics on a walk-in basis.

No appointments are

necessary.

Go to ImmunizeFlorida. org to learn more about immunizations for children.

For information, go to brevard.floridahealth. V V

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24

Viera Voice | August 2020

When a Brevard County family falls into hard economic times, all suffer, even pets, who many consider to be family members.

But some find a rescuing angel at the SPCA of Brevard in Titusville through its Angel Fund and Community Pet Project.

These efforts help lowincome families keep pets, rather than endure the heartbreak of surrendering them to a shelter or see them go without care.

The funds are in addition to the low-cost veterinary care already provided by the SPCA Clinic.

The Angel Fund is

privately funded and in need of donations.

“People donate pet food and we appreciate it,” said Susan Naylor, an SPCA media specialist. “But finances are harder to come by.”

Still, the SPCA helps whenever it can.

“A local family with three dogs — Dog, Bear and Rowdy — is currently experiencing homelessness.

We keep the dogs up to date with vaccines and provide food for them,” Naylor said.

“When Coco Chanel, a small mixed dog in a homeless family, needed spaying, that was funded, as is her food.”

Seniors struggling on limited incomes also

receive help for their pets.

Feral cats have not been forgotten. A Community Cat Redemption Fund is used for their spaying and neutering.

Although greater numbers of pets have been adopted during the coronavirus pandemic, many wait at the SPCA to make an addition to a family. The pets can be viewed online or visited at the shelter.

The SPCA of Brevard is at 6035 Sisson Road in Titusville.

For information about pet assistance, donating or adoption, call 321-5673415 or go to spcabrevard. com. V V

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Viera Voice | August 2020

25

© 2020 UFS, Dist. by Andrews McMeel Syndication for UFS

Crossword Puzzle

Brevity Comic

After much thoughtful reflection, we’re changing our name.

ACROSS 1 Sham locks 4 Talks fondly 8 Neptune's kingdom 11 Uproars 13 Provo's place 14 Kind of humor 15 Kennel noise 16 Be, to Henri 17 Bronze or Iron 18 Game hunter's trek 20 Vast chasm 22 Aykroyd or Rather 23 Uris hero 24 Unearthly 27 Revises 30 Lobster traps 31 Lose traction 32 Crater edge 34 Bravo, in Barcelona 35 Helm position 36 German import 37 Astonished 39 Show backer 40 Heel 41 Howard or Reagan 42 Use a prayer rug 45 Avoids a big wedding 49 Youth 50 Poached edibles 53 Jedi knight trainer 54 Flight dir.

55 Dr.'s visit 56 Walkman brand 57 Time period 58 Back talk 59 Musical notes

DOWN 1 Methods 2 Toon lightbulb 3 Els' game 4 Make aware (2 wds.)

5 Baseball great Mel - 6 Paddle 7 Harvested wool 8 Influence 9 Work units 10 Votes in favor 12 Card suit 19 Tried for office 21 Hopper 23 Girlfriend, in Cannes 24 GI address 25 Falana or Montez 26 List part 27 Was very thrifty 28 Pharmacy buy 29 Half a beef 31 Travel on snow 33 $1,000,000, slangily 35 Flowering shrubs 36 Irritates 38 King beater 39 Internet service 41 Sleeps 42 "Fish Magic" artist 43 Billionth, in combos 44 Early garden?

46 Wading spot 47 Ms. Ferber 48 Utters 51 Student stat 52 Rte. finder Crossword Solution, page 34

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Kids' Mini Page Hurricane Season According to the National Hurricane Center, the season for these sometimes dangerous storms runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Founded by Betty Debnam

Mini Fact: In the western Pacific Ocean, hurricanes are called typhoons.

Hurricane stages

Weather experts carefully watch the development of storms over the ocean. They have given each stage a name, depending on the strength of the winds.

1. Tropical depression: Clouds and thunderstorms swirl in a circle with winds of up to 38 mph.

2. Tropical storm: Swirling winds reach 39 to 73 mph.

3. Hurricane: Winds reach at least 74 mph.

Hurricane safety

warm ocean waters (at least 80 degrees).

• If you live near an ocean, make a hurricane plan with your family members.

• A hurricane watch means that one is possible within 36 hours. A hurricane warning means that one is expected within 24 hours.

• Evacuate immediately if you are told to leave. Have plenty of gas in the car.

• Bring in lawn furniture, garbage cans and loose objects.

moisture from the evaporating warm waters.

Hurricane names

Making a hurricane

warm rising air.

winds meeting at the surface of the ocean.

winds blowing mostly from the same direction at the same speed and height.

a wind that blows so it makes the air go in circles and spiral inward.

photo courtesy NIH

These storms need the following elements to form:

higher than normal atmospheric pressure above the forming storm. (Atmospheric pressure is the pounds of air per square inch.)

A hurricane brings: • Storm surges, huge domes of water that might stretch as wide as 100 miles and be as high as 25 feet when they reach land. This is the most dangerous part of a hurricane.

• High winds destroy mobile homes and can damage buildings. As a hurricane moves inland, the winds can keep blowing and cause damage hundreds of miles from shore.

• Heavy rain and floods along the shore and inland.

• Tornadoes that add to the wind and rain damage.

The Mini Page® © 2020 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

Hurricanes are given names so that we can keep track of them. When a hurricane forms, weather experts call it by a name from a special list. The names go in ABC order. There is one name for each letter except Q, U, X, Y and Z.

This year’s names are: Arthur Laura Bertha Marco Cristobal Nana Dolly Omar Edouard Paulette Fay Rene Gonzalo Sally Hanna Teddy Isaias Vicky Josephine Wilfred Kyle

Words that remind us of hurricanes are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ATMOSPHERE, DEPRESSION, EVACUATE, FLOOD, HURRICANE, NAMES, OCEAN, PLAN, PRESSURE, RAIN, SEASON, STORM, SURFACE, SURGE, TORNADO, TROPICAL, WARM, WARNING, WATCH, WIND.

N V O S U R F A C E

A J F Q J F L O O D

E R W P C S O W W M

C D A R N N D A I E

O E R E O E A R N G

I P M S A V N N D R

U R A S T A R I H U

T E T U M C O N U S

S S R R O U T G R T

S S O E S A W U R O

S I P A P T A N I R

E O I P H E T I C M

M N C D E D C A A V

A D A H R A H R N A

N A L P E G Q W E U

Mini Jokes Harry: What did one hurricane say to the other?

Heather: “I have my eye on you!”

Eco Note Why do most hurricanes take place in the summer or autumn?

It’s because all the necessary ingredients are present to create such a storm: warm ocean waters, a warm lower atmosphere, and spin in the ocean waves. While the sun is hottest in late June in the Northern Hemisphere, it takes ocean water several more weeks to reach its warmest temperatures. That’s why hurricane season continues through November.

vieravoice.com

Viera Voice | August 2020

27

p o o c BUSINESSS

Walk-On’s expanding with new sports bar coming to Viera

BY CHRIS BONANNO

A new Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux will soon be constructed at 8550 Napolo Drive in Viera.

According to Courtney Fowler, who will co-own the establishment along with her husband Nate, the hope is to have the restaurant open by early 2021.

Fowler stressed the Louisiana flair of Walk-On’s, also adding that the food is made from scratch and that “there’s something for everybody.”

"When you walk in, you're going to get an awesome time, an upscale sports bar type of area," Fowler said. “…. It's a super nice restaurant, perfect for a girls' night out, perfect for a family dinner.”

The restaurant will be 7,500 square feet and feature 70 televisions, Fowler added.

There also will be a game area for children and a cornhole set up in the back of the establishment.

Fowler said that she and her husband felt Viera was a natural fit for the restaurant.

“Viera is our community,” Courtney Fowler said. “We consider it our community.”

Fowler added that the co-owners hope to have 180 to 200 employees when the restaurant opens. They “are currently in the process of hiring” management teams.

The restaurant chain appears to be expanding in Florida. Four other locations are scheduled to be built in Tallahassee, Orlando, Kissimmee and Kendall,

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux will offer food with a Louisianna flair. It will be located directly behind the Outback Steakhouse in Viera.

according to the company’s website. There currently are two locations open in the state in Fort Lauderdale and Wesley Chapel.

The chain is named Walk-

On’s after its founders, who were both walk-ons for the Louisiana State University basketball team.

Its establishments are spread out through eight

states in the southern and southeastern United States.

There are plans to expand to Tennessee, which would be the ninth state to have a franchise.

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Viera Voice | August 2020

”

VIERA VOICE

A Costco store will be built in the future near an intersection of the Pineda Causeway and Lake Andrew Drive.

Costco store planned for near future extension of Pineda Causeway

N

W

NOTES

1.

2.

BY CHRIS BONANNO A Costco wholesale store is proposed to be built in an area yet to be developed near a future intersection with the Pineda Causeway and Lake Andrew Drive.

The proposed site plans were obtained from the Brevard County Planning and Development. The site plan has been filed for the store, but still was in the approval process by Planning and Development.

Costco is a membership warehouse club store.

Its website shows that

FOR ADDITIONAL SURVEY INFORMATION, REFER TO THE "ALTA/NSPS LAND TITLE BOUNDARY, TOPOGRAPHIC & TREE SURVEY FOR COSTCO WHOLESALE," PREPARED BY MASER CONSULTING P.A., DATED MARCH 7, 2019.

VERTICAL DATUM IS NGVD29.

customers, or club members, can find goods that include furniture, electronics and traditional supermarket items.

There currently are no Costco stores in Brevard County according to the website. There are three locations in and around the Orlando area.

The store would be bordered to the south by Cobalt Street and to the east

by Akarad Drive. It will be in an area west of Interstate 95 to where Pineda Causeway will be extended. That area has not yet been developed.

VV

vieravoice.com

80

S

More growth set for Viera with easier connection to I-95

BY CHRIS BONANNO There’s a host of new growth coming to an area already seeing tremendous amounts of it as future plans show for construction west of Interstate-95 in Viera.

According to Eva Rey, director of community management, amenities and communications with The Viera Company, a new ingress/egress with Interstate 95 will be built that will help lead to development.

“We are currently constructing the Lake Andrew (Drive) connection to Pineda,” Rey said. “If you’ve been down that way, you’ve seen the dirt moving and that is what is happening. We do expect that to be completed around June of 2021, but that is in progress.”

The development process does not sound too dissimilar to the growth track seen in the area of Viera Boulevard, with the recent addition of an interchange with I-95 there.

“So, like I said, if you build it, they will come. So, if you look at this entire area, that’s going to be another commercial, retail, restaurant, multi-family, you can have parks there,” Rey said. “This is a real dense multi-use area that you’re going to see sprout up at that interchange.”

Rey also discussed how the new roads will help make traveling more convenient and reduce traffic, particularly for interests in areas where construction has or will take place, referred to in planning (as shown on a planning map) as Villages 1, 2 and 3.

“It’s going to help in a lot of different ways,” Rey said. “It’s going to be another ingress and egress point out of Viera.

It’ll be able to serve all of those residents in Village 1 and eventually in Village 2 and 3 to help them to get to the interstate, which as you know, it’s a straight (drive) to the beaches and Patrick (Air Force Base).”

The build-up in the area is the continuation of a population build that Rey

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of The Viera Company

says has “been around 2.5 to 3.5 percent annually, even on the higher end most recently.

Viera’s population currently stands at just over 27,000, she added, but continuous growth will lead to a projected population of 30,000 by 2025

and an astounding 70,000 by 2050.

“We’re in this for the long game — this is the long term,” Rey said. “We broke ground in 1989, which was 31 years ago and we’re not even halfway there yet.” V V

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The Viera East Community Development District (VECDD) Board of Supervisors announced that it has closed the Special Revenue Assessment Bonds, Series 2020 issued to finance improvements to VECDD’s recreational facilities.

The VECDD was established in 1991 as a local unit of special purpose government for the planning, construction, acquisition, operation and maintenance of community-wide improvements. The Special Revenue Assessment Bonds for recreational facilities and improvements were initially validated and issued to construct Woodside Park and the Viera East Golf Course.

The Series 2020 Bonds have been issued with the goal of improving and maintaining the VECDD’s recreational facilities. It also is trying to ensure that certain safety improvements have been

made in the best interest of the health and welfare of the people and businesses residing in the VECDD. In 2019, the VECDD originally authorized the issuance of bonds to fund recreational capital improvements of more than $9 million. The proposed improvements were associated with the Viera East Golf Course and Woodside Park.

At two public hearings held in 2019, the VECDD Board of Supervisors heard from many members of the public, including representatives of commercial properties.

Based on that feedback, and in conjunction with the resolution of legal proceedings brought against the VECDD, the VECDD Board of Supervisors reduced the capital project list by $3 million.

The major projects removed from the proposed project list were the enlargement of the restaurant and kitchen,

! y a d o T y l p Ap

expansion of the golf pro shop and the addition of a conference room within the CDD offices.

The elimination of these improvements, and others, comprised the $3 million reduction.

Major projects that are approved as part of the project list financed by the Series 202 Bonds are the addition of a dog park and picnic pavilion at Woodside Park, the renovation of the clubhouse restrooms, the replacement of seawall bulkheads on the golf course, the installation of a new irrigation system and the renovation of 66 large bunkers on the golf course.

A more favorable credit rating also was secured as the result of the VECDD’s ability to secure bond insurance resulting in lower interest rates on the Series 2020 Bonds.

The lower interest rates generated additional savings not originally anticipated.

For more information, go to vieraeastcdd.com. V V

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Viera Voice | August 2020

vieravoice.com

AUGUST Sunday

Monday

Sunday

2

54th AAU Junior Olympic Games Space Coast

Aug. 1 - 2 7 vs.7, Football youth boys and girls, Viera Regional July 28 - Aug. 2 Beach Volleyball Lori Wilson Park

9

Tuesday

Monday

3

4

1

Tuesday

5

23

19 8 a.m.

Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

26

Complimentary Yoga

NASA Astronaut Robert Behnken

31 Love Works Art Show Aug. 1-31

The Avenue Viera artgalleryofviera.com 321-745-3710

NASA Astronaut Douglas Hurley

UNDOCK Aug. 1 Splash Down Aug. 2

Friday

1st Friday 4 - 8 p.m.

Viera Regional Park 321-759-3713

3 p.m.

Wickham Park Pavilion 2500 Parkway Drive 321-633-1702

1

8

Saturday

54th AAU Junior Olympic Games Space Coast

Aug. 8 - 9 Lacrosse, Viera Regional 7 vs.7, adults, Viera Regional aaujrogames.org.

15 Drive-in Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

This will honor all those who have worn the nation’s uniform as well as the Space Coast defense workers. $10 per person/$25 per car The Avenue Viera, 855-252-7276

Facilitated by VITAS Healthcare.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Limited seating, must RSVP to 321-751-6771.

One Senior Place, Viera

20

8 a.m.

Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

30

7

14

Complimentary Yoga

25

Thursday

13

aaujrogames.org.

18

6

Loss, Grief & Bereavement Support Group

8 a.m.

Wednesdays, Saturdays Central Park The Avenue Viera

24

Saturday Love Works Art Show Aug. 1-31

12

11

Lunch & Learn seminar and Zoom meeting 12 p.m. VITAS Healthcare and Dr. Frederick Peterson 15 attendees, reserve a seat One Senior Place, 321-831-2187

Friday

Complimentary Yoga

10

Medical Testing in Chronic Disease States

3

Viera Park Market

Wednesdays, Saturdays Tuesday, 12 p.m.

Central Park Art Gallery of Viera The Avenue Viera The Avenue, Viera Kits available for purchase online artgalleryofviera.com 321-745-3710

NASA/Joel Kowsky

7 a.m.

Tailgate Party after the race catered by Pizza Gallery and Grill and 28 North. Benefits Sharing Center.

The Avenue, Viera 321-751-8890

Thursday

OG Elderberry & BC Farmers Market

Ask the keepers questions about the animals.

Call for times.

Brevard Zoo 8225 N. Wickham Road 321-254-9483

17

Tailgate 2 Miler

Wednesday

Keeper Chats, Brevard Zoo AGOV Art Kit Bento Complimentary Yoga 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

New art kit announcement 8 a.m.

Aug. 8 - 9 Lacrosse, Viera Regional 7 vs.7 Football, adults Viera Regional Park aaujrogames.org.

2

The Avenue Viera artgalleryofviera.com 321-745-3710

54th AAU Junior Olympic Games Space Coast

16

Wednesday

21

22

Brevard County Farmers Market

Free Drive-In Movie Wickham Park

Complimentary Yoga

27

28

29

Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, P.A. will present a helpful seminar.

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-253-1667

Join us for a free movie Wednesdays, Saturdays Houston, Texas 77058 Dolittle (2020).

Central Park May 2020 McLarty Park The Avenue Viera Rockledge 321-633-1870

Thursdays, 3 - 6 p.m.

Variety of locally-grown produce, eggs, dairy, grassfed meats, salsas and more.

Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Dr., 321-633-1702

8 a.m.

Wednesdays, Saturdays 8:30 - 11 p.m.

Central Park Movie hit “Toy Story.” No The Avenue Viera food trucks attending.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-255-4400

National Aeronautics and Space Movie in the ParkAdministration Complimentary Yoga Medicaid Planning Seminar Free 8 p.m.

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Douglas G. Hurley

(Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.) NASA Astronaut

Summary:DATE: Aug. 2, 2020 — Mission: NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Test Flight Splashdown TARGET Douglas G. Hurley was selected as an astronaut in 2000. A veteran of two spaceflights, he was the pilot on STS‐127 and SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, with NASAfrom astronauts RobertBefore Behnken STS‐135. Hurley holds Endeavour a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Tulane University. joiningand NASA,Douglas he was a Hurley aboard, will unfighterfrom pilot and pilot in the U.S. MarineStation Corps. Hurley is currently as Spacecraft first of Florida. The Demo-2 dock thetest International Space on Aug. 1 andserving splash down onCommander Aug. 2 offonthethecoast crewed flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, the Demo‐2 mission, which launched May 30, 2020. The SpaceX Crew Dragon, mission is the first test flight with NASA astronauts for SpaceX and the final major test prior to certification of the along with Boeing’s CST‐100 Starliner, will provide roundtrip crew transportation services to the International Space system byreturn NASA’s Commercial Crew Program toNASA’s the International Space Station.

Station and the ability to launch humans into space for fromoperational United States missions soil as part of Commercial Crew Program. After docking with the International Space Station on the second day of the mission, he also joined Expedition 63 as a flight engineer.

Personal Data: Born on October 21, 1966, in Endicott, New York, but considers Apalachin, New York, his hometown. He is married with one child. Recreational interests include hunting and spending time with family in the Texas Hill Country.

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Education: Graduated from Owego Free Academy, in Owego, New York, 1984. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Tulane University, Louisiana, 1988.

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Experience: Hurley received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1988. After graduation, he attended The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia, and later, the Infantry Officers Course. Following Aviation Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida, he entered flight training in Texas in 1989 and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1991. He then reported to Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 101 at the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California, for initial F/A‐18 training. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to Marine All Weather Fighter/Attack Squadron 225, where he made three overseas deployments to the Western Pacific. While assigned to VMFA (AW)‐225, he attended the United States Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course, the Marine Division Tactics Course (MDTC) and the Aviation Safety Officers Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. Over his 4 1/2 years with the “Vikings,” he served as the Aviation Safety Officer and the Pilot Training Officer. Hurley was then selected to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, and began the course in January 1997. After graduation in December 1997, he was assigned to the Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron (VX‐23) as an F/A‐18 Project Officer and Test Pilot. At “Strike,” he participated in a variety of flight testing, including flying qualities, ordnance separation and systems testing and became the first Marine pilot to fly the F/A‐18 E/F Super Hornet.

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31

SENIORNews

Personal force field would solve frustrating social distancing issue

Gynecology

This new lifestyle they call “social distancing” isn’t really new at all.

In the 1960s, there was a show called “Star Trek” where they used force fields to keep unwanted ships away.

I could have used a force field in church last year when I was at a service. There were thousands of people there, but the one guy who was sick and had a nonstop cough decided to sit, guess where?

Yep, right behind me. I could have used a force field then.

Ever wish you had a force field around you in the grocery store? Not just for the coughers or sneezers, but for so many whose internal collision avoidance senses aren’t working and they walk right at you despite the extra-wide aisles.

Same thing at the theme parks. How many times are you walking so far to the right of the walkways and here

You

When you’re there for everyone else,

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Funny thing is...

Sammy Haddad

comes someone who decides to walk diagonal and is headed straight for you? You almost have to dive out of the way.

Sometimes I want to say “Hey Buddy, in America we walk on the right side of the road.”

If I just had a belt clip force field, I’d flip that baby on and watch him bounce away.

There’s 30,535,560 square feet of land at the Magic Kingdom, but this guy has got to have my one square foot of land at that exact moment.

Force field on then, watch the fun. Now, that’s social distancing.

What about when you’re in a theater watching the most

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dramatic part of the movie and the people behind you decide to talk about wallpaper? Force field on and let’s add a silencer.

Social distancing.

And what about when you go to the beach. There’s hundreds of miles of empty sand. So, how come someone always has to park in so close and then light up and blow smoke your way, or even worse turn on a boombox with dirty rap playing.

Time for some more force field social distancing. Of course, since they haven’t invented the force field yet, you could always fake a sneeze and watch them run.

So, if you’re tired of people invading your personal space, you’re probably liking this social distancing, and hopefully someday soon somebody will invent a personal force field app.

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vieravoice.com

Popular photographer will be missed

VIERA VOICE photo

Darrell Woehler, a photographer for the Viera Voice and Senior Life, was a retired lieutenant colonel.

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE Whenever Darrell Woehler walked through the door, the office became a happier place.

That’s how Jill Blue will remember her favorite photographer for the Viera Voice and Senior Life.

Woehler, who died July 16 just three months shy of what would have been his 77th birthday, had worked for the two local publications since January

2009. He was a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army.

“I remember when he walked into our office, asking if we needed another photographer,’’ said Blue, the publisher and owner of both the Viera Voice and Senior Life. “He would go anywhere at any time. He would accept any assignment. He loved to go to veterans’ events and capture every detail.

You could see his passion through his photography. He

didn’t just take one photo.

He would take several to capture different angles and views.’’

Woehler is survived by his wife, Monserrate (Monsie). They were married 52 years. He had two sons, Tony and Rich, who both live in Indianapolis. Woehler, who lived in Indiana until moving to Melbourne in February 2003, had four grandchildren — Reilly, Abigail, Max and Ben. He also is survived by his sister, Sister Harriet Woehler of Our Lady of Grace in Beech Grove, Indiana, and his brother, Jerry Woehler of Haubstadt, Indiana.

“Darrell was a quiet, gentle giant,’’ Blue said.

“He was very active in the community, including the Photography Club (Indian Harbour Beach). He made the community a better place to live. His death is just so sad.’’

Woehler joined the Army in 1966, serving a year in Vietnam. He also lived in what was then the U.S. Canal Zone in Panama with his wife and two children.

After six years, he joined the Army National Guard and completed 30 years of service. He served several tours of duty in Germany, Holland and other locales.

Woehler graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Journalism.

He then went on to work at Haubstadt State Bank,

Citizens Bank and Fifth Third Bank in Evansville, Indiana.

Woehler was a volunteer at Ascension Catholic Church, welcoming new members at a newcomers’ breakfast where he took pictures of each family. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus chapter in Haubstadt, Indiana. He

also loved to play poker, and he appreciated the beauty of nature.

A private service was held at Beach Funeral Home in Melbourne. In lieu of flowers, the family requested any donation be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project or WomenAgainstAbuse.org.

VV

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Viera Voice | August 2020

33

Kill nothing but time on trips to the outdoors When I was a child, my dad took us fishing one evening. I never caught anything and joined him sleeping in the car while my sister and cousin fished at the lake.

They caught some fish, which later they released in the pool — yes, in my aunt’s chlorinated pool — to try to catch again. Needless to say, the two of them were not successful and all the fish died. That was the only time and my only fishing experience growing up.

When my daughter was younger, a couple of times I took her to the Hook Kids on Fishing program organized by Anglers for Conservation. She showed some interest in learning about it — techniques, hooks, lure and casting.

But, that was it. She never caught anything either. I think the skill runs in the family.

Besides not being cut out for it, would that be the type of activity that I would enjoy? After reading about hunting season in Florida, which starts this month, that got me thinking.

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

I never hunted and do not understand how the activity can be considered a sport. Killing is not a sport in my view. It is hard for me to understand the fun in shooting at defenseless animals, especially when it is not out of necessity or for survival.

Words surrounding the activity, like game (who’s playing?), which “Britannica” defines as “the flesh of any wild animal or bird,” and harvesting and crop (they are living sentient beings, not a bushel of corn!), serve to probably make the activity easier by objectifying animals to feel that it is OK to take their life.

Hunting has a devastating effect on animal populations — and

Solution, Puzzle page 33

Solution, Puzzle page 26

34

Viera Voice | August 2020

the impact could worsen as development spreads in the future, according to research done in developing countries.

Researchers found that hunting on average leads to an 83 percent reduction in mammal populations within 25 miles of hunter access points such as roads and towns. The findings, published in the journal Science, come as researchers in the developing world expect hunters to gain access to new areas. According to Time magazine, this will be true thanks to millions of miles of roads expected to open in the coming decades.

In the study, researchers call for expanded legal protection for animal habitats and increased law enforcement focus on illegal hunting.’’

Overhunting and overfishing, right behind habitat loss, are some of the main reasons species are going extinct.

According to the WVCA, season and bag limits are set at either the state or federal level to “provide

balance between the biological needs of the resource and the public desire to use the resource.”

So, how can anyone tell if those activities are being overdone or not?

According to The Scientist, “Government agencies tasked with the guardianship of natural resources often claim to use scientific data in their policy decisions, such as determining how many game animals may be killed in a season, said biologist Kyle Artelle of the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.”

However, the article “Science Behind Hunting Quotas Unavailable” said the study reveals that, from the 11 criteria selected by the authors of the study, which included “measurable objectives, an estimation of the number of killed animals, techniques for determining hunting quotas, and information about any form of independent review, […] a little more than 10 percent (of 667 management programs analyzed)

contained eight or more of the criteria, while most (60 percent) had fewer than five.”

Based on that, could one be confident that the way to determine bag limits and quotas is solid? Also, how are bag limits and quotas enforced?

Well, this will be another fall season with no hunting for me. My idea of fun follows the Baltimore Grotto’s motto: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.’’

Learning about different species and finding out curious and peculiar facts about them helps me understand and appreciate what they are as well as their importance for the ecosystem.

In that process, soon we realize that every species has a role to play in this world and other species have as much right to be on this planet as we do. V V Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org.

Hurricanes a threat to both residents, Indian River Lagoon

Hurricanes are a problem in Brevard County, destroying houses, uprooting trees, causing flooding and even killing people.

There are numerous guides to tell us how to prepare for and react to hurricanes. One of the best is the National Weather Service site (weather.gov/ hurricane). There, the latest forecasts can be found, as well as a series of planning tools, including: Determine Your Risk, Evacuation Plan, Disaster Supplies, Insurance Checkup, Strengthen Your Home, Help Your Neighbor, and Complete Your Plan.

So, prepare and stay safe!

It’s not just people that are affected by hurricanes. The Indian River Lagoon also can be severely impacted, due both to the winds and the accompanying rain.

While the strong winds can damage trees and other vegetation along the shores, it can help or hurt the IRL water quality depending on its direction.

Winds from the north can help move resting water south and out the Sebastian Inlet, while

VIERA VOICE Shutterstock

The Indian River Lagoon can be severely impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

winds from the south can push organic matter and pollution up into the northern part of the lagoon. This leads to algal blooms.

Additionally, sustained winds from either direction can lead to waves and turbulence that uproots seagrasses.

The huge amounts of rain also create problems.

It washes all the fertilizer, pet feces, silt, organic

matter and other material that has accumulated on land right into the lagoon.

Flooding can force overflows of sewage and the failure of septic systems adds more nutrients and bacteria to the water. And, because it is fresh water, the rain actually can reduce the salinity of the lagoon. This endangers or kills various fauna and flora.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September being the most active month.

Again, be careful and make preparations now. V V To learn more about how to help the Indian River Lagoon, go to HelpTheLagoon.org.

vieravoice.com

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FEATURED FAMILY continued from page 4

communities, and changing lives. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising and endowments.”

The idea was Jemma’s, according to her mother, Jamie.

“I wanted to sing and I wanted money to go to any type of charity,” Jemma said.

“Jemma asked me to help, and I said yes ‘cause it sounded fun,” Jude said. “.... It makes me feel really good.”

Family members seemed surprised at how popular the

36

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video became.

“We sort of figured some of our friends and family, but it seemed to get a bit wider than that, so we were pretty impressed,” Jake Schmalenberger said.

“I was surprised that a lot of people liked it and donated a lot of money,” added Jude.

Jamie Schmalenberger said that the foundation confirmed that it received the donation and was thankful for it.

“They were thrilled. They thought it was great, what the kids did. They watched the video as well,” she added.

“They thanked us and they actually invited me the next day to a virtual event that

Viera Voice | August 2020

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Jake and Jamie also like to give back through Battle Bros, a company, that according to its Facebook page, “intends to bring the best of the best in food festivals, friendly food competitions, and other large county events to bring the community together and experience all that Brevard has to offer.”

Jake, who works at L3Harris, started Battle Bros,

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along with Jamie’s brother Sean while Jamie does graphic design and social media work for the company. The company’s last big event, February’s Space Coast Wing Battle, which featured “15 food trucks and restaurants competing for best wings on the Space Coast” had a charitable component to it.

“We raised money for the Children’s Hunger Project,” said Jamie.

An event called the “321 Food Fest,” had been scheduled for Oct. 3 but was recently canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jamie Schmalenberger noted that the event would be

rescheduled and that it would benefit Bridges BTC, Inc. and “hopefully be a COVID-relief drive for so many of those eateries.”

That the family has gone out of its way to help the community seems to be born out of how much they love Viera.

"My husband and I have lived here now for 13 years and we moved here straight out of college and as soon as we decided it was time to start a family, we knew we didn't want to leave," Jamie Schmalenberger said. V V

vieravoice.com

Brevard County hosts Junior Olympics at several venues SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

protocol also will be in effect.

Satellite High School will host the track and field competition from Aug. 5 to 8. Swimming began July 30 and will end Aug. 1 at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center.

Karate will be held Aug. 1 at the Cocoa Beach Recreation Center. Taekwondo will be held Aug. 8 at the Big House.

The 54th annual AAU Junior Olympic Games began July 28 and will continue through Aug. 8 at several locations in Brevard County.

Cloth-faced coverings will be required at all locations for safety reasons.

A six-foot social distance

Basketball will be conducted at Heritage High School, Palm Bay High, West Shore Junior/Senior High, Rockledge High and Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High from July 31 to Aug. 2.

Viera Regional Park will be the site for 7 vs. 7 football for both children and adults. The children will play Aug. 1 and 2, while

the adults will take the field Aug. 8 and 9.

Beach Volleyball at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach began July 28 and will conclude Aug. 2.

The Presidents’ Youth Fitness Program is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High.

Soccer is slated for Aug.

8 and 9 at Mitchell Ellington Park on Merritt Island.

Lacrosse will be played Aug. 8 and 9 at Viera Regional Park.

Footgolf will be held Aug. 1 at Mallards Landing Golf Course.

For information, call Keri Burns at 407-280-5110 or go to aaujrogames.org. V V

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Killdeer adapt to difficult life around humans

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eggshells were removed, as is the habit. I did not witness the newborns, but another sentinel confirmed three active hatchlings.

In southern locations, the killdeer might reproduce more than once. Usually, around four eggs are laid, camouflaged by their speckled buff shells. Since incubation begins at the same time, the eggs hatch simultaneously in about 24 to 28 days.

Newborns resemble the adults — fluffy replicas on stilts. The chicks are precocial nest fugitives: relatively mature and mobile. After birth, as soon as they are dry, they scurry with their attentive parents searching for their own food. In roughly 25 days, they have the capability to fly (fledge). In comparison, altricial chicks are nest dwellers: underdeveloped and need to be fed.

Similar to the killdeer, many birds have altered their behaviors. For example, nests have been built in car shock absorbers or inside potted plants. Furthermore, experts claim that more species sing at night in order to communicate before the onset of daytime noise pollution, as from motor vehicles.

Creatures that have not adjusted to change, often remain in hiding. Yet, during the recent pandemic, with less human activity due to self-quarantine, animals emerged from remote shelters.

Therefore, experts suggest the restriction of tourists from certain ecosystems in order to give imperiled animals more space. VV

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Spinning tales about the killdeer, which is an attractive shore bird. Both male and female are similar: brown and white coloration with distinctive black bands on the breast and head. Yet, the piercing call, after which it is named, frequently confirms its identity.

Essentially, the killdeer is moderately tolerant of people. Uprooted by human encroachment, it has adapted.

It might nest on bare soil, a gravel rooftop or in vegetation not taller than an inch. It might select a golf course, athletic field or airport grounds.

In May, on my evening walk, shrill bird chatter startled me while crossing a parking lot. A bird hovered above, shrieking incessantly. It was a killdeer.

The commotion alerted me to scrutinize the area. Nearby, another killdeer, was settled on a nest which was basically a slight depression in the gravel. The bird blended well.

The pair most likely favored the parking lot because of the availability of insects and worms on the shore of the adjacent pond — the adults are proficient swimmers. Surely, the night lights facilitated the nocturnal activities of calling, socializing and foraging.

On my subsequent strolls, I kept my distance and the brooding bird seemed undisturbed. (The killdeer pair share incubation.)

Brooding persisted even during a rainstorm.

Only once did I witness an unoccupied nest. At that time, one bird was eagerly feeding a few yards away. It walked erratically on its long legs.

Intermittently, it stopped with a jolt. The other killdeer was performing the broken-wing display, dragging both wings and feigning injury to draw attention away from the nest.

A few weeks later, the nest was deserted. The

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