Viera Voice, Sept. 2021

HOMECOMING DANCE CANCELED, STUDENT COVID TESTS AVAILABLE IN VIERA

BREAKING NEWS

Newspaper of Viera & Suntree...........BLUEWATER CREATIVE GROUP September 2021

Vol. 15 Issue 8

SEE PAGE 6

LIFE-SAVING LEGISLATION

A new bill makes CPR training mandatory for all high school students. Page 12

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CHAMPS

Viera Voice Courtesy of Canine Companions

DogFest on Sept. 25 will support Canine Companions for Independence.

DogFest takes over Viera

BY KATIE SIVCO

Canine Companions is hosting a DogFest where you can have a paw-some day with your fur baby on Sept.

25.

The event will take place at The Avenue Viera from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities will include games for children, a fashion show for dressed-up dogs, live music and food. It’s free to enter, but you must register.

“We’re so excited to have an in-person event this year, as well as a virtual option,” said Martha Johnson, the public relations and marketing coordinator for the Southeast Region of Canine Companions.

“The Space Coast is a great place to rally for our cause. People in this area are already actively involved in the program, but we want to raise even more awareness.”

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Ninja, the hearing dog, will attend Sept. 25's DogFest.

DogFest Space Coast supports the mission of the nonprofit organization Canine Companions for Independence to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. These dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do such as opening doors,

DOGFEST

continued to page 5

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Damary Toledo

Space Coast United's Mallory Forgatch, left, and Taylor George take a ceremonial bite out of their national champion medals.

BY CARL KOTALA Taylor George has taken her share of penalty kicks throughout her soccer career … but never one like this.

After successful conversions by Space Coast United Soccer U16 teammates Piper Miller, Mackenzie Plemmons and Bree Ehmer — plus two incredible saves by PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #785 FT PIERCE, FL PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #785 FT PIERCE, FL

goalkeeper Stephanie Burke — George stepped up with a chance to clinch a victory in the 2021 National Cup XX Finals.

And clinch it she did.

“I was weirdly calm, like if winning nationals wasn’t at stake,” George, a junior at Viera High School, wrote in a Twitter message.

“I knew what I had to do

and I did exactly what I was asked. We’ve practiced PKs so many times in practice, so I knew there was no room for hesitation. Being that player to finish the game for everyone after Stephanie’s two amazing saves was such an indescribable feeling.”

SOCCER CHAMPS

continued to page 7

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Top art festival coming to Viera in October

BY WENDY SCHEURING One of the longest-running art festivals — billed as being among the top shows of its kind in the southeastern United States, is coming in October to The Avenue Viera.

The Space Coast Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17.

When the Space Coast Art Festival began in 1964, it was the first juried art show in Florida, according to Marilyn Grigsby, the president of the board of directors.

Eight years later, in 1972, the festival was incorporated and the qualifications for artists became more selective.

“These are exceptional

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Space Coast Art Festival

John Mascoll stands proudly in front of his winning display from 2019.

artists from all over the U.S. and (in the past) from other countries,” Grigsby said.

“We try to make it a topnotch show. It’s the best of the best.”

There are multiple categories of artwork: Oils and acrylics, watercolors,

drawings, graphics, collages, printmaking, paper, clay, sculpture, photography, glass, jewelry, leather, fiber, wood and mixed media will be on display and for sale.

Previous festivals have seen upward of 300 artists; this year’s show will be limited to 50, organizers said.

Michiel Bullock, the winner of the 2019 Merit Award for Oil and Acrylics, is returning this year. He paints landscapes and seascapes in oil on canvas.

Featured at his booth will be his original 36-inch by 60-inch painting, “Three Amigos,” which depicts three seagulls at sunrise just outside the reach of the surf.

In addition to his original paintings of various sizes, his booth also will feature small, matte prints, as well as ink prints of his original work.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Michiel Bullock

Michiel Bullock loves to paint pictures of Space Coast beaches.

Ninety-nine percent of his work is framed in floater frames. “The frame never touches the painting,” Bullock said. “The easiest way to describe it is like a shadow box but with a tighter fit.”

Bullock finds his inspiration on our Space Coast beaches. “In Cocoa Beach, you have the pier. In Indialantic, you have some beautiful sunrises. Satellite Beach, you have the worm rock. We are so surrounded by beauty here.”

In addition to the juried show, there also will be an open student art show for private, public and homeschooled students, kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Brevard Zoo will have a hands-on area for the

children, and there also will be various food vendors on site.

The Space Coast Art Festival is a nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board of directors.

“I would say that we love art, and we like to see it promoted and to bring that experience to the community and to help the artist showcase their capability,” Grigsby said.

“One of our biggest needs right now is additional volunteers to help with setup, layout, the beverage booths and booth seating (at the upcoming festival).”

For more information, go to spacecoastartfestival.com or call 321-784-3322. V V

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Rick Allen Photography

During the Space Coast Police K9 Competition, the K9s will compete in 12 obstacles and will be judged on such talents as apprehending suspects, scent detection, crawling and jumping through windows.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Louis Barr Photography

John Decossaux and his K9 make a great team.

Viera competition will test skills of police K9 teams

BY MIKE GAFFEY Who’s the top dog? Police K9 officers will find out Sunday, Oct. 17 in Viera.

About 20 police and military K9 teams from around Florida, the United States and the world currently are scheduled to test their skills in the third annual Space Coast Police K9 Competition at USSSA Space Coast Stadium at 5800 Stadium Parkway. And that number is expected to grow to around 30 teams by the day of the event, said Yvonne Martinez, the public information officer with the

AHA

Cocoa Police Department.

“We’ve done the event for two years,” Martinez said.

“We didn’t do it last year because of COVID. But for the 2019 competition we had about 20 teams and we’re looking to grow that a little bit.”

K9 officers will participate in a timed obstacle course meant to challenge police dogs and their handlers. The furry officers will face 12 obstacles and be judged on such talents as apprehending suspects, scent detection, crawling and jumping through windows.

Local K9 teams expected

to compete are from the Florida Highway Patrol, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Patrick Space Force Base and the Rockledge Police Department.

Event host Cocoa Police Department will not enter a team but will feature its police dogs in a halftime presentation, Martinez said.

Out-of-county challengers include teams from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office and the Butts County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office.

“We have a couple of competitors from Texas who are professional dog trainers not affiliated with

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for a $5 donation to attend the event benefiting the Space Coast Police K9 Foundation Inc. The new registered nonprofit assists police K9 programs for law enforcement agencies throughout Brevard County.

“Basically, training, resources, equipment — whatever we can do to help support law enforcement agencies and their K9 programs,” Martinez said.

For more information about the event, go to spacecoastpolicek9 competition.com V V

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a law enforcement agency but they train police dogs,” Martinez said. “And we have one competitor that was here with us in 2019 from the Royal Danish Air Force in Denmark.”

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and competition starts at 4 p.m. A public safety expo outside the stadium will feature displays from Brevard law enforcement agencies.

Cocoa police will follow CDC guidelines the day of the event regarding masks at the outdoor stadium, Martinez said.

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Volume 15, Issue 8 ©2021 Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. All rights reserved Bluewater Creative Group 321-242-1235 7350 Shoppes Dr. Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 media@bluewatercreativegroup.com

Publisher Bluewater Creative Group, Inc. Managing Editor Jill Blue Assignment Editor R. Norman Moody

Staff Reporter Katie Sivco Copy Editor Jeff Navin Sports Writer/SportsBlog Carl Kotala Writers/Reporters Ernest Arico Brenda Eggert Brader Charlotte A. Corbeil Mike Gaffey Linda Jump Fred Mays Jennifer H. Monaghan Flora Reigada VIERA MEANS Wendy Scheuring Maria N E T WSonnenberg ORKING GROUP Linda Wiggins

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.

VIERA MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP 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.

BUSINESS VIERA MEANS

BUSINESS

Mark and Kim Dickerson are happy with their decision to raise their children in Viera.

BY WENDY SCHEURING

children, Decklyn, now 7, and Beckham, now 4.

VIERA Newcomers wanting to MEANS The couple chose to BUSINESS know more about living in settle down in the Addison NETWORKING GROUP Viera are reaching out to Village community due Viera Mom as she and her to its family-friendly family build a life and home atmosphere. here.

“One of the things we Kim and Mark Dickerson love is the parks,” Kim met in Virginia while Dickerson said. “The attending Radford kids love going to the University. She majored in community pool here in the marketing, and he majored neighborhood,” she said of in finance and economics. the pool they can see from Sometime after their GROUP home.

VIERAgraduation, MEANS BUSINESS NETWORKING they moved to South Both Kim and Mark Florida but did not stay Dickerson work from long. Two years ago, they home, which enables them S N B learned about Viera and to spend more time with A U E S M fell in love with it, thinking each other as well as their it would be a much better children. fit for raising their two Kim Dickerson started

her own company, Viera Social Media. She helps local businesses with search engine optimization for their websites, and handles their social media.

She also started a blog called Viera Mom (vieramom.com), which has nearly 1,000 followers.

“A lot of people are moving here and asking me questions about schools, parks, etc. Viera Mom is a resource to new families moving into the community to capture what it is like to live here,” she said.

Mark Dickerson works remotely for the Richmond, Virginia branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. “My

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Kim Dickerson

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Viera Voice | September 2021

primary focus is looking at the safety and soundness of emerging risks specific to banking,” he said.

Of living in Viera, Mark Dickerson said, “There is not a lot of traffic. Things here are accessible, such as shopping.”

He enjoys surfing and finds the break at Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach much better than South Florida’s.

“I like to go on my tablet, watch TV and snuggle with my mom and read books,” Decklyn said. “I like to make cookies,” she said of her pumpkin sugar cookies.

“I want to be a chef when I grow up,” she said. “I like baking.”

Right now, younger brother Beckham wants to follow in his big sister’s footsteps. “I’m going to cook cookies, broccoli and pizza,” he said.

Decklyn enjoys ultimate dance, jazz and tap.

Beckham can be found doing karate or playing soccer.

“There are a lot of activities, neighbors and playdates,” said Kim Dickerson of the Viera area.

“It is easy to find family things to do.” V V

vieravoice.com

DOGFEST

continued from page 1

picking up dropped items and alerting to sounds.

While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support, each dog is provided to recipients free of charge, according to the Canine Companions website.

Canine Companions has placed more than 6,600 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.

On the Space Coast, there are currently 11 active graduate service dogs and four active puppy raisers.

Event chairperson Karen Londos is a Viera real estate agent who said she had her life changed by a Canine Companions service dog.

“I’m deaf and I have a hearing dog who alerts me to sounds I can’t hear on my own,” Londos said. “When I got my first service dog in 2012, it gave me a sense of security and allowed me to come out of my shell in public.”

Courtesy of Canine Companions

Service dogs have helped people overcome disabilities.

Londos said she and the other organizers hope to educate people on the importance of legitimate service dogs and how they help people with disabilities stay independent.

“It’s a family event and I would encourage everyone to stop by and participate — just have fun,” she said.

When registering, be sure to indicate you are bringing a dog to get your free DogFest dog bandana.

Then participate in fundraising to qualify for some fun DogFest swag.

There are sponsorship, volunteer and vendor opportunities, too. V V

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Viera Voice | September 2021

5

BPS tightens COVID-19 precautions

BY ERNEST ARICO

be suspended.

In addition, the district said attendance at other events would be limited.

According to a district news release, traditional homecoming dances will be suspended indefinitely.

Because of the increase in COVID-19 cases and quarantines, Brevard Public Schools announced Aug. 19 that homecoming dances and large field trips would

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However, schools will be allowed to conduct alternative activities, and Homecoming Court elections and spirit weeks can proceed.

“The leadership team at the district level has made this difficult decision, based on the increase in COVID cases in our community and our schools,” the news release said.

Large group field trips (such as trips including an entire school or grade level) have been suspended through at least Sept. 30, although travel for athletic events will be permitted with the “proper approvals.”

Spectators for indoor sporting events will be limited to 50 percent capacity, and auditoriums will be limited to 50 percent capacity with “maximum social distancing protocols.”

“As we have seen, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create an environment where change happens rapidly,” the news release said. “ Our core focus is educational continuity and keeping our students and staff in our schools.”

Here is the breakdown of the new changes: • Field trips: In-county, large group (grade-level, school-wide) field trips are suspended at least through Sept. 30. Incounty or out-of-county travel for athletic events is permitted with the proper approvals in place.

• Homecoming: A traditional Homecoming dance with DJ and dancing is suspended.

Administrators will work with teacher leaders and/ or sponsors to develop safe alternatives. Spirit weeks, homecoming court elections and other events still might be conducted.

• Indoor sporting events: Spectator capacity is limited to 50 percent.

• Auditorium use for performances, class meetings and other events: Auditorium usage is limited to no more than 50 percent with maximum social distancing protocols in place.

For a list of other mitigation strategies in place in BPS, along with

other helpful information, visit brevardschools.org/ COVID-19.

BPS also announced it is partnering with the Department of Health in offering COVID-19 tests to students who want to return to school from quarantined status.

The new testing option began Aug. 25.

According to the district news release, students who are asymptomatic can test on or after day 5 from their last day of exposure.

The last day of exposure is considered day 0 (zero), the day after is day 1 of the five-day count. If test results are identified as negative and the student remains asymptomatic, they can return to their classroom.

Testing appointments will take place at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera.

Appointment slots begin at 8:30 a.m. Parents must accompany minors to their appointment.

For more information, contact the Department of Health at 321-454-7141. V V

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p u p a r SPORTSW

SOCCER CHAMPS

continued from page 1

George’s winning PK gave Space Coast United a win against Arkansas FC after the two teams tied 1-1 in regulation during the National Cup XX Finals, which were held in Commerce, Colorado from July 16 to 21.

“I’ve coached lots of girls teams,” SCU coach Mike Lord said in a news release.

“They’ve gone and done many, many things — AllAmerican, special, that kind of stuff. This group is more competitive collectively than a lot of those were.”

Team members included George (Viera High); Bianca Fontanin (Holy Trinity); Andrea Toledo; Abigail Watson; Ehmer; JoHannah Peterson; Katie Glass; Plemmons; Madelyn Popilek; Makenzie Ellison (Viera); Mallory Forgatch (goalkeeper); Miles Jenkins; Natalya Espling; Nina Lopez; Miller; Sophie Boss (Viera) and Burke (goalkeeper).

“Most of our team members have played together for around five to

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Space Coast United Soccer

Members of the Space Coast United U16 ECNL-RL girls soccer team pose with the championship trophy after winning the National Cup XX Finals in Commerce City, Colorado.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Damary Toledo

Stephanie Burke was a standout in the goal for the Space Coast United U16 girls soccer team.

seven years, since we were young children,” George wrote. “So, after years of playing together and knowing

each other, that bond we created really showed on the field. We really trust each other on and off the field and

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Damary Toledo

Space Coast United celebrates its dream-come-true triumph.

we know how each of us play. “… Our team chemistry is unreal. I love these girls to death.”

The U16 team’s journey to the national title began with a pair of victories that put SCU in the final four of the Florida Cup, which was held at Viera Regional Park last May. After winning both games by shutout, the U16 team headed to Colorado where it won its first three games by shutout against teams from Texas, Arkansas and Minnesota to advance to the title game.

“It was kind of surreal, like they went in with high aspirations and they hold themselves to a higher level,” Lord said in the release.

“They want to be a team at Space Coast that’s remembered. They don’t just want to just play at Space Coast, they want to (raise) the bar.”

It was certainly a moment to remember for the players and their parents.

“Winning Nationals was just a dream come true for all of us,” George wrote. “I hope our national win inspires younger Space Coast teams to continue to work their hardest because it is possible to win nationals.

“It is possible to go this far.”

VV

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Viera Voice | September 2021

7

Smith’s return will help an already stacked Viera defense

BY CARL KOTALA It’s been a tumultuous 12 months for Viera High School's Austin Smith.

First, it was a broken arm that prematurely ended his football season. A few months later, he tore his ACL while playing lacrosse and suddenly it looked like his senior season of football was greatly in doubt.

Well, football is back. And so is Austin Smith.

“It feels great (to be back out here),” the linebacker said.

“It’s been a long, long journey.

The ACL just takes time. But I’ll be ready to go.”

Smith is expected to rejoin the Hawks for their Week 3 game Sept. 10 against Vero Beach. When he does, he’ll make an already strong Viera linebacking crew even better.

While Viera coach Derek Smith said there was still some competition going on at some spots prior to the Aug.

27 season opener against Rockledge, he had a good idea of who would be in the starting lineup.

That includes Johnny Eaton, Austin Smith, Andreas Foreman, Jack Hathaway and Conner Yancey at linebacker with A.J. Toney, A.J. Floyd and Cameron Mills — a transfer from Georgia — in the secondary. Caden Simpson and Terrance Latner will also see time at defensive back.

Up front, Viera has fourstar senior defensive tackle Jamari Lyons, who has received offers from some of the top college programs in the country. He’ll be joined

by Connor Nelson, Chase Lohman, Treveon Lyons and Cameron Wright.

“We have a lot more depth than last year,” Austin Smith said. “With our linebacker crew right now … safeties, corners and the D-line, we’re going to be great; probably better than last year.”

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Austin Smith, the senior linebacker, should make an already strong Viera defense even better in 2021.

Jared Perdomo will handle the kicking for Viera.

Offensively, quarterback C.J. Simms is back for his senior year. Sophomore Judah Knight will be the top running back with help from Ryan Buchanan.

Viera believes it’s loaded at receiver with Donovan Giles, Cohen Graham-Johnson, Dominick Gentile, Jalen

Moreland, Jake Woodruff, Devin Giles and transfer Quincy Gillins.

“I came here for a reason, trying to go all the way to the 'ship,” Donovan Giles said. “Last season. Last ride.

I’m trying to make a good impression, put my name out there, too.”

Viera’s offensive line

features five new starters with those spots likely going to Maguire Pedrick at center, with Kaden Roscoe and Hayes Kingston at guard and Kyle Bortz and Logan Keith at the tackles.

“The offensive line is going to be the key to going deep in the playoffs,” Derek Smith said. “They’re much improved.

They’re good, but they’re not where they need to be yet.

They have a lot of growth potential.”

Viera will be going for its seventh consecutive district championship this season.

Austin Smith, who was a ball boy for Viera when he was in the sixth grade, is happy he’ll get to be a part of that title run.

“Time flies since the sixth grade,” he said. “It feels like yesterday I was doing all that stuff for the team. Now, I’m a senior, playing, starting … it’s crazy.” V V

we’re going to be a good team because we use a lot of teamwork and we’ve got a lot of good players at our school.”

This year’s team has 36 players, which will give the Tigers something they’ve never really had before — depth.

Senior transfer Ty Englehart is expected to get the start at quarterback, but Hooks said there also will be packages for another senior transfer, Thomas Nargi, and Farmer.

At running back, freshman Emmanuel Small is expected to start with James and seniors Jadon Gowins and Larry Edgecombe also set to see time there.

The receivers, both slot and outside spots, could see a combination of James, freshman Nicky Teeter, Farmer and Gowins.

“It doesn’t really matter where they start,” Hooks said. “All of those pieces are interchangeable throughout the game, which is going to make us a threat.”

The offensive line will

feature senior Campbell McNab, juniors Greyson Reynolds and Layden Brunger and freshmen Merrick Campbell and Jaquez Joiner, with Jennings and senior Mick McCarthy also getting playing time.

Defensively, Holy Trinity will feature eighth-grader Brogan McNab and Farmer at the corners and Gowins at free safety. Campbell, Jennings and freshman Brandon Brown will be on the line and the linebacking crew will feature James, Campbell McNab, Nargi, Edgecombe and senior Ryan Mel. Junior Jackson Fain will do the kicking.

“I really like how we’ve got really good athletes from all over,” Nargi said.

“Everything’s starting to mesh now and you can see it out on the field. Everything’s starting to look good. Coming into this season, we’re expecting big things. We want to make it all the way, take it further than we’ve been the last three years.” V V

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera High School linebacker Johnny Eaton had a team-high 118 tackles last season. This year, he wants to lead the state.

Hooks sets expectations high for Tigers despite their youth

BY CARL KOTALA

The Holy Trinity Tigers are blessed with perhaps the best young talent in Brevard County.

But just because they’re loaded with freshmen and sophomores doesn’t mean their expectations for the 2021 football season have been tempered. If anything, they’re even higher.

“It’s an interesting mix,” Tigers coach Nate Hooks Jr. said. “We’re literally going to have a JV-aged team. One of the best players in the country — our best player (Dayday Famer) — is in the 10th grade.

And we have all of these freshmen.

“Expectations … my expectations … are high.

We’ve been knocking on the door with three regional semis three years in a row.

And with this young, JV-aged team, I’m expecting regional finals this year.

“Now, is that a lot of pressure to put on young kids? No. They don’t know anything about it anyway. The

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Holy Trinity's Dayday Farmer had 49 receptions as a freshman last season. That led the state and was No. 3 in the nation among ninth graders. Head coach Nate Hooks Jr. has declared the rising sophomore is now the face of the Tigers program.

pressure is on me, not them.”

With two eighth graders, 13 freshmen and seven sophomores on the roster, there’s no question the Tigers have plenty of youth. But those players, many who came to Holy Trinity after highly successful seasons in

youth football, aren’t shying away from the expectations that they can be good and should not be overlooked.

“Everybody knows what we have here,” freshman Buddha James said.

Or as sophomore Nate Jennings put it: “I feel like

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Tigers building toward another strong volleyball finish

BY CARL KOTALA If any group understands the motto, “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” it would be the Holy Trinity volleyball team.

Last year’s Tigers had a number of new players and kept slowly building themselves up until they hit the postseason. They won their eighth straight district championship and advanced to their fifth regional final.

Well, this year’s Holy Trinity team has a number of new players, too, not to mention the largest roster size (15) coach Pete Klonowski has ever had.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Klonowski said. “It’s going to be a challenging year without a doubt. We’ve got to be able to figure out what we’re good at and make sure we put them in opportunities to be successful.

“We’ve got a pretty good core of kids.”

The Tigers return four starters — Sophia Panarese, Isabelle Clark, Bella Rogers and Maya Collins — but don’t have a lot of overall team height and will be looking for a replacement at setter. Seniors Sydney

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The Holy Trinity Tigers will be looking to win their ninth straight district volleyball title this season.

Brito and A.K. Harmon will be stepping into that role as the Tigers will look to run a quick-tempo offense.

“Without a lot of height, we’re able to run the offense we know how to run,” Harmon said. “We know how to run those faster plays.

Even without the height, it lets us win the offensive part of it.”

That is, of course, assuming the Tigers can control the first contact, an aspect of the game that will be even more vital this

season.

“I think our serve and serve-receive game is really what always wins us games, historically,” Brito said. “I think that’s how you win volleyball games in general.”

Other key members of this year’s team will include returners Kareena Mathews, Brianna Wakefield and Dailya Wydner. Lindsey Angermeir, a transfer from Edgewood, and eighthgrader Nicole Oswell could be impactful newcomers along with Marley Keller,

Sophia Hibner, Evelyn VanZwieten and Brynn Holland.

Having a larger roster, of course, means there will be more competition for playing time.

“The good news is I do have several players back and I think, because they were there last year, they understand that process and that it can take some time,” Klonowski said.

“We’ve got some talent here. It’s the game reps at this speed that we’re

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

lacking.”

If everything goes right for the Tigers, they’ll be playing their best volleyball

by October when they will have a chance to make it nine consecutive district titles. Will there be any extra pressure?

“There’s pressure in every game,” Brito said. “You always want to win. So, it’s somewhat pressure, but it’s just another game. If we play how we practice, we’re going to do good.” V V

Viera Voice | September 2021

9

Hawks ready to make another push for district title

BY CARL KOTALA Make no mistake about it, when it comes to the 2021 volleyball season, the Viera Hawks are all in.

“Every single one of my (players) played year-round, so the culture at Viera is becoming one where they are very serious about doing a lot of good things and making a statement,” Hawks coach Sarah Wayne said.

“They are putting in the work, not just from August to October. They really want it.”

After reaching last year’s district title game, this year’s Viera team, led by senior co-captains Hannah Bradford and Kelly Merz, is determined to put up a championship banner before their high school careers are over.

“We’re definitely motivated this year,” said Bradford, who along with Merz has been playing varsity volleyball since her freshman year.

“I think it’s very important,” Merz said.

“We’ve been super close to winning districts, but every year we fall short. I think it’s

VIERA VOICE Carl Kotala

Viera High School's volleyball team will contend for a district title this season and Kelly Merz, left, Mak Carter, Sydney Williams and Hannah Bradford are a big reason why.

weighing kind of heavier on us because we’ve been here the longest.

“We want to be the ones that can actually win districts and move on further than we’ve been before.”

With eight returners from last year’s team and the addition of four new

players, Viera’s captains said they will be confident in whomever is out on the floor at any given time.

“I would say we’re really deep, meaning we’re full of talent,” Merz said. “There’s not a player on our bench that couldn’t be put in and be given an opportunity and succeed at what they’re

trying to do.”

Bradford, a libero, will anchor the team’s defense while Kelly Merz and her sister, Mallory Merz, are back as the team’s setters.

The Hawks have a couple of big hitters in junior Sydney Williams on the outside and junior Mak Carter in the middle along with senior

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Other returners include defensive specialist Hannah Carpenter and setter/ defensive specialist Hailey Hubbard.

New to this year’s varsity roster are senior middle blocker Melissa Faber; junior defensive specialist Kendall McClenahan; sophomore outside hitter Kasey Morgan and freshman right-side hitter Hailey Beigh.

With 83 players going out for the Viera program this year, the Hawks certainly seem to be moving in the right direction as their talent pool continues to grow.

“I think with that we all push each other because there’s so much talent,” Bradford said. “We know anyone can go in for any position, so we have to work extremely hard in practice to keep our spots.”

It’s all that hard work and dedication that the Hawks believe will help push them over the top.

“We’re all extremely hard workers,” Kelly Merz said. “I definitely can see us reaching our goals. We’re all just going to push each other.” V V

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News

SCHOOL

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

For more than 15 years, Viera High School seniors have been painting their parking spaces.

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Leen Abu-Ammour hand paints a custom design to her parking space at Viera High School.

Viera High seniors show artistic creations in parking spaces

BY R. NORMAN MOODY Rain dampened a high school senior tradition, but could not wash out the enthusiasm for creating a unique parking space.

Viera High School seniors spent Aug. 7 painting their parking spaces like other students before them have done for more than 15 years.

But when rain momentarily halted the artistic work two days earlier, the students completed the painting tradition Aug. 9.

Each year, seniors get to

paint their parking space stop blocks in the design of their choice — each a unique artistic creation.

“I like it because I always saw all the other seniors do it and now, I'm doing it, it's like a rite of passage,” Ryan Luciani said as he completed his painting.

Despite the August heat, the atmosphere was festive as many of the seniors listened to music as they painted.

Each parking stop block sports its own design. Some paintings included words, others painted objects or

geometric designs, but no design was like another.

The seniors were allowed to express their own creativity on the space they are assigned to use the rest of the school year.

“It's a good way to express yourself and show off your skills. We've been watching the other seniors do it through the years and it's our time now,” Leen Abu-Ammour said.

Students pay $20 to reserve a spot and another $20 allows them to paint the space. V V

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Ryan Luciani puts the final touches on his personalized Viera High School senior parking space.

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Viera Voice | September 2021

11

Near death experience sparks major change in legislation

BY ERNEST ARICO

knee injury at the time of the incident.

Shawn Sima is on a “If it wasn’t for CPR my mission. daughter would not be alive today,” said Sima, who works The retired U.S. Air at the orthopedic department Force major wants every at the Veterans Affairs Viera Florida high school student Outpatient Clinic. to take cardiopulmonary Sima’s daughter was resuscitation training. He’s saved when three men and getting his wish. a woman — Bill Sick, Jack A new law now will Rhodes, John Lynch and require ninth-grade and “If it wasn’t for CPR Amanda Miller — quickly 11th-grade students in Florida’s public school system my daughter would jumped into action by CPR and using to learn how to perform CPR. not be alive today.” administering the gym’s AED (Automated According to several External Defibrillator) to Brevard Public Schools — Shawn Sima shock her heart back to officials, the CPR training rhythm. will be part of the H.O.P.E The law, which went Lexi Sima, a 2018 graduate (Health Opportunities into effect July 1, requires of Viera High School, was through Physical Education) school districts — including then airlifted to a local curriculum.

Brevard Public Schools — to hospital where doctors “It’s a one-hour nationally provide CPR and basic first later implanted an internal recognized CPR course in aid training for students in defibrillator. The underlying the public health sector of ninth and 11th grades. cause of Sima’s cardiac arrest the school,” said Republican Sima’s mission began is unknown.

Rep. Fred Hawkins, who shortly after his then “A gentleman in the gym sponsored the bill and 16-year-old daughter, Lexi, had just taken CPR and knew represents District 42 that went into sudden cardiac what to do when my daughter is part of Osceola and Polk arrest and collapsed while basically collapsed and died,” counties. “So many people running on a treadmill at the said Sima, who now lives on are afraid to act, thinking Merritt Island and has been former Sunbay Fitness gym they’ll do something wrong. advocating for HB 157 to pass in Viera in February 2016.

And, Florida has laws to Florida’s Legislature. protect them, that’s the one Lexi was rehabilitating a According to the organization Parent Heart Watch, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and the No. 1 killer of student-athletes.

“When you hear people say, you know, we have the chance to save lives of people that we’ll never meet, this could be the most lifesaving bill ever passed by the Florida Legislature,” Hawkins said.

For Sima, it’s about saving lives through education.

“The statistics show that at least 20 kids a day in the United and Statesevents. die suddenly Check out the Q&L website for class schedule and unexpectedly from  We are an authorized, full line retailer for Baby Lock®, sudden cardiac arrest, which different than a heart Koala ®, Floriani ,® & Anita is Goodesign® Check ourBrother® websites for ,updates.

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Sima got his wish when the new bill was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that will require Florida high school students to take the CPR training before they can graduate from high school.

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Shawn Sima

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, congratulates Shawn Sima and his daughter, Lexi, for their efforts in getting a bill signed into law that will require Florida high school students to take CPR training before they can graduate from high school.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Shawn Sima

Joey Messina, left, and Shawn Sima helped get AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) for the Space Coast United Soccer Club.

The key is you have 3 to 5 minutes to do something like CPR to prevent irreversible brain damage or death for your loved one.”

Sima said 70 percent of people die from cardiac arrest in the home.

The course includes a 60-minute video about CPR and a kit with 10 blow-up dummies for students to practice and get hands-on experience.

“The high school teacher doesn’t need to be certified to teach the program,” Sima said.

Lexi Sima, now a pediatric

cardiac nursing assistant at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, doesn’t remember the incident but is grateful for the help she received.

In response, she is now an advocate for CPR training, heart screening of studentathletes and the widespread use of AEDs. “I think it’s super important for every kid to learn CPR,” she said. “I know some kids may not take it seriously, but it’s really easy to learn and you could save someone’s life if faced with that situation.” V V

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Viera Voice | September 2021

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NOW OPEN!

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Florida Tech

Florida Tech alumnus and former associate dean Isaac Silver stands in front of the Pipistrel Velis Electro electric airplane.

Florida Tech flies, owns first U.S. electric plane

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Florida Tech is the first American university to own and fly an electric plane, thanks to the generosity of the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro purchased via the Trust recently took its maiden flight.

The two-seater — the first electric powered airplane certified in Europe — had not been flown in the United States until now. It is awaiting U.S. certification, so Florida Tech is flying it under the experimental category.

Florida Tech alumnus and former associate dean Isaac Silver was the pilot. He flew for 22 minutes, using about a third of the aircraft’s battery capacity. Operating cost: $1.03. The Velis Electro has zero emissions and reduced noise.

Offering a look into the future of general and commercial aviation, the aircraft is also of interest to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The federal agency is in the process of awarding Florida Tech an $85,000 contract to provide data from the first 50 flight hours of the Velis Electro.

The Buehler Perpetual Trust has long been a generous supporter of Florida Tech aviation, giving $3.7 million toward the establishment of the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research and the Flight Test Engineering program.

"We are so grateful to donors like the Buehler Trust, who help us remain on the cutting edge of aviation education," said Gary Grant, the senior vice president for development. V V

Group works to promote art of watercolor in Brevard schools

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SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE As part of its Art in Education program, Brevard Watercolor Society has promoted watercolor painting by working with Brevard County School District art teachers.

For many years, it has conducted painting workshops and donated supplies for the classrooms.

On Aug. 5, Jolene Bruce coordinated BWS's participation in an in-service workshop held at Satellite High School for about 40 Brevard County teachers.

Barbara Rios taught a class, using values in portrait painting as a basis for creating portraits that could be used at any grade level.

Therese Ferguson taught a more advanced class, exploring a technique of painting referred to as “wet-in-wet.” The art teachers observed her demonstration of a koi fish and how to control a very wet project.

It is the mission of BWS to educate teachers about how to master the watercolor medium so that they will be able to pass that knowledge on to their students.

The classes were a big hit and everyone took away a little better

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VIERA VOICE photo

This teacher is pleased with her koi painting.

understanding of the medium.

Thanks to the generosity of Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies, which donated most of the paints along with brushes, goody bags with watercolor supplies were provided to the teachers. Paint dot sample cards were supplied by paint manufacturer QOR and the rest of the supplies were purchased by BWS. For more information, visit brevardwatercolorsociety.com. V V

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13

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Ashlee Hardy

How times have changed. Harrison Buck walks to school on his first day of kindergarten at Viera Charter School. Now, he's an eighth grader and begins his final year at the school.

Viera Charter School's 'first class' will always be remembered

BY CARL KOTALA Harrison Buck remembers walking into Viera Charter School as a 5-year-old kindergartener.

It wasn’t just his first day of school. It was the first day for the school, too, which opened its doors in August 2013.

“I remember walking into the classrooms, seeing all the kids, and thinking, ‘Wow, this is great,’” he said.

“I’m a very social person and all the kids, I could tell, were there to learn and also to have fun. They all were

very nice. We got to meet them. We played games. It was great.”

Buck, now an eighth grader, is part of the first class that will graduate from Viera Charter after having gone there for all nine years.

“It kind of feels like I get to complete something, and I get to grow up with the people I’ve known pretty much all of my life,” Buck said. “I also get to help other kids and teach them. It feels really good.”

Madison Stuker was there that first day, too.

In fact, when the school

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Viera Voice | September 2021

held a public lottery in March 2013 to determine who would be attending for the 2013-14 school year, Stuker said her name was the first one selected.

It also happened to be her birthday.

“It’s been great,” Stuker said of her time at VCS. “The teachers are awesome. You form really good bonds with the teachers, make great friends … it’s just a lot of fun.”

As if being part of the school’s first class wasn’t enough, the eighth graders have done something else to cement their legacy.

A 300-pound, 4-foot bronze statue of a Florida Panther — the school’s mascot — has been installed on a 3-foot high foundation just outside the school’s gymnatorium. It’s official unveiling will take place this month.

The project has been in the works for more than a year, headed by Ashley Hardee (Buck’s mother) with Kevin Buck (Harrison’s father); Jen Allgood; Erin Coris; Amy Fost; Sheri Taylor; Lisa and Shane Martine and Stephanie Werkeiser.

“We wanted to do something to mark the occasion,” Hardee said.

“We felt like it had to be something kind of significant to mark that this was the first graduating class that was there when the school opened and has gone the first nine years.”

According to Hardee’s

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Jen Stuker

Madison Stuker has attended Viera Charter School since it opened in 2013.

numbers, there were 82 original kindergarten students in 2013-14 and more than 42 of them are now in the eighth grade as part of that first class. There are 201 eighth graders at VCS now.

In addition to the panther statue, the eighth-grade class is also giving sterling silver panther paw necklaces to the 16 teachers and administrators who have been at the school since it opened.

While the class has grown exponentially, Harrison Buck said it’s still a very tight group.

“Everyone has basically grown up with each other,” he said. “Even if you weren’t there since kindergarten, you’ve come to the school at some point. At our school, what’s so great is that

everyone is so kind and openhearted. They always accept you. It’s great. We’re very close.

“You’ll never ever find any bullying at our school, which is the greatest, because everyone is so nice and they care so much about each other.”

While there is certainly excitement for what the future holds for this year’s eighth-grade class, it isn’t lost on the students that this will be the last year they’re all together. For some, it’s the only school they’ve ever known.

“It makes me a little sad, but I’m just trying to soak up all the moments I can with them, just be positive,” Stuker said. V V

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Former Viera Voice videographer promotes events at venues in Orlando

BY WENDY SCHEURING A year of hands-on experience at the Viera Voice newspaper was just one step that helped to propel Alex Edwards on track for helping promote concerts at Orlando’s top venues.

The Viera High School graduate oversees digital media and strategic communications for entertainment venues, including the Amway Center, Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field.

Edwards, like many other Brevard County high school students, earned his associate degree from Eastern Florida State College while attending Viera High School.

After graduating from Viera High School in 2013, he moved to Chicago to pursue an acting degree.

Some of his scholarships fell through and he did not want to accrue a lot of debt. So, he moved back home and joined the Viera Voice newspaper parttime as a videographer and photographer. He also delivered newspapers and crafted for the annual Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll and Harvest Festival.

“I produced a 30-minute video short called "Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive" (to commemorate the 70th year anniversary of the ending of World War II) where we interviewed people in our area that were still living and showcased their memories,” Edwards said.

“I had taken a video editing course when I was doing dual enrollment, so I understood editing platforms before working at Viera Voice.”

Edwards said a graphic designer at the paper helped him learn how to use Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.

That one year of working at the Viera Voice quickly went by and Edwards was ready to go back to school.

He was accepted to the University of Central Florida's acting program but decided to pursue a marketing degree instead.

“I needed the degree

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Alex Edwards

Alex Edwards, who learned some of his graphic and video skills at the Viera Voice, oversees digital media and strategic communications at the Amway Center in Orlando.

to do marketing but did not need a degree to do acting,” Edwards said. “But I always wanted to stay in the entertainment (industry).”

After graduating from UCF in 2016, Edwards became an intern for Orlando Venues, which promotes events at the Amway Center. Since completing his internship, he has worked full-time promoting events at the

Amway Center.

“I do our social media, our website, digital advertising, maintaining our app, some graphic design, and email marketing. We have a very mean team: me, a colleague and a manager. We are responsible for marketing all of the concerts and the nonsporting events.”

Through his work, Edwards has met many

celebrities, including Garth Brooks, Adam Levine, Andrea Bocelli and Billy Joel. “Every time they come to the Amway

Center, we give them a jersey with their name on it. Then, we have a presentation and take a photo of them with the jersey to welcome them and wish them a great show.”

Tanya Bowley, the marketing manager for the City of Orlando/Venues, has nothing but good things to say about Edwards.

“Every so often, you’re incredibly fortunate to interview a high-caliber college intern and Alex was the epitome of that type of candidate. … Today, and with over 140 shows to his credit, he seamlessly navigated his role as an intern to ultimately carving a path overseeing digital media and strategic communications for our entertainment venues, including Amway Center, Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. It's been a rewarding journey working alongside him and I look forward to his muchcontinued success,” she wrote in an email. V V

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One strawberry left. Once it is gone, there will only be an empty clamshell in hand. The anxiety is real. Not accepted in our current curb recycling program, that clamshell container is destined for the trash.

The alarm went off. Changing the battery does not fix it.

Another smoke-detector dead and a dreadful phone call to make. Will the manufacturer offer any simple, safe disposal option?

How many times have you been in similar situations? How many times have you wished that strawberries — and many other products you bought — were delivered in more sustainable, recyclable or recycled packaging?

Or that manufacturers had a take-back program to collect the waste they created through the manufacturing and sale of their product?

Having manufacturers take responsibility for the whole product, from packaging to parts, and its life cycle, from selling to disposal, is what EPR is about.

According to OECD.org, EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, “a policy approach under which producers are given a significant responsibility — financial and physical — for the treatment or disposal of postconsumer products.” In other words, product producers are the ones who design their product and choose how to package it.

Through EPR, they will be the ones responsible for providing a solution to handling their product and the waste created.

As the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) explains, “one of the aims when introducing EPR schemes has often been to give producers an incentive to change product design in environmentally benign ways, for example by making it easier to reuse or recycle the products.”

Governments acknowledge the need for EPR and are stepping in.

BEYOND the CURB Marcia Booth

President & Founder, Recycle Brevard

That is the case in Maine, where an EPR bill was just signed into law this past July. Through this bill, there will be financial incentives for manufacturers to choose more sustainable materials for packaging their product.

According to greenbiz.com, “From glass to paper to plastics, each ton of material brought into the state will come with a fee. …

Through this system, materials such as black plastics, which are notoriously hard to recycle, might carry a higher cost per ton than, say, clear plastics.”

Oregon is in the process of signing its own bill and nine other states, as well as the federal government, are considering EPR bills.

Other businesses, understanding the waste issue, are stepping up.

Alternatives for packaging and returned/used products are being offered and new businesses launched.

Amazon created Amazon Second Chance (amazon. com/amsc?ref_=footer_asc).

IKEA offers to buy back their pre-owned furniture (ikea. com/ca/en/customer-service/ services/buy-back-resell). And TerraCycle, in partnership with the manufacturers of various products, founded Loop (loopstore.com), “a circular shopping platform that replaces single-use disposable packaging with durable, reusable packaging," according to environmentalleader.com.

There is a good trend here.

VV Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

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Clinic's spa treatments tackle aging

BY BRENDA EGGERT BRADER The innovative treatment of a therapy and wellness center coming to Viera will offer clients care of face, body and soul.

Revive Clinic offers each client specific treatment plans tailored to ensure results that enhance natural beauty and successful results.

“People are tired, gaining fat and exhausted and the sex drive is down,” said Kory Kapinos, the clinic co-owner with his wife and clinic manager Laura Kapinos.

“They can’t build muscle and do not have the energy they used to have.”

A white glove concierge service, the Revive Clinic is part of a growing spa trend that offers that extra shot of energy.

“Some services offered are hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), stem cell regenerative medicine and medical weight loss,” Kapinos said. “A medical director oversees the clinic and action plans, and we have an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), a registered nurse, paramedic and patient director as well.

“What we do is a blood work, 65-panel test that involves all internal organs and glucose stress levels, cholesterol and blood cell count, and tells an internal story on what goes on inside you,” explained Kapinos who holds a degree in exercise science.

Clients do a one-hour consultation explaining goals, how they feel and what they want to gain out of the process.

“The HRT is an anti-aging process that, if low or high, is not at the best,” Kapinos said.

“Esthetically, it puts you back in your 30s. It gives you lots of energy that is like back when you were young. Once they have the therapy, they can do things they love without interruptions.”

VIERA VOICE Katie Sivco

Laura and Kory Kapinos promise that Revive Clinic will offer its clients an extra shot of energy.

“When we take vitamins, we don’t absorb them 100 percent,” Kapinos added.

“A nurse or paramedic administers intravenously in the arm a mixed bag of vitamin therapy that the patient wants. Options include energy, glamour (hair, skin, nails), gut (digestion), brain (cognitive function) bag, athletic recovery and vitamin C and anti-aging.”

All intravenous treatments have a two-week lasting

effect. Other spa-like services include laser hair removal, full-service esthetics, Botox and more. Walk-ins are welcome.

“Clients are not rushed in and rushed out,” Laura Kapinos said. “We see they get the best care from us. That is the most important thing.”

The spa will open soon at 2338 Citadel Way, Suite 105.

For infromation call 443-4178399 or 321-507-4722. V V

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Viera Voice | September 2021

19

Family business gives homeowners a peace of mind

BY MIKE GAFFEY For years, Frank Freda had an eye on Brevard County as a place where his HydroShield home surfacesprotection business could thrive.

Freda, his wife, Michele, and their two children had vacationed in Brevard seven years ago. So when the Fredas’ children were nearly out of school, Freda, a general contractor for 28 years in New Jersey, sold his four-year-old HydroShield franchise up north, moved his family to Melbourne in July 2019 and opened another franchise.

Despite a rough start due to COVID-19, the husband-and-wife team at HydroShield Space Coast are seeing an increase in

business from homeowners eager to seal and protect high-maintenance surfaces such as windows, grout, countertops, flooring, toilets and shower glass.

“In the beginning of the pandemic it did slow down, but our business now is pretty good,” Frank Freda said. “We’re pretty much operating at what I would call normal.”

The Fredas thoroughly clean a surface, then apply an eco-friendly product that bonds with the surface and fills in microscopic pores, peaks and valleys in stone or glass, leaving a clear, thin, protective coating that keeps bacteria, stains, liquids and oils from penetrating the surface. A typical kitchen would take a little more than an hour

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After the surface is treated, “there’s a noticeable difference in the way the stone feels, the way liquids react on it and the way it cleans and shines,” Frank Freda said.

The home-based, mobile business works with builders to protect surfaces in new homes.

Or the Fredas can do the same for older residences, offering free estimates and letting homeowners choose what surfaces they want to protect. “Usually it’s grout, glass and stone surfaces that are our biggest sellers,” he said.

The family already owns the Brevard territory and is in talks with another licensee to obtain the Orange County region.

Frank Freda’s ultimate goal is for HydroShield Space Coast to become the standard surfaces-

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Frank Freda

Frank Freda of Melbourne is the owner of HydroShield Space Coast.

protection provider for all builders in the county, especially in the growing Viera area.

“We apply the long-term protection and the peace of mind that homeowners are looking for and that a lot of the builders don’t supply,” Frank Freda said, “and it’s not because they don’t want

to. It’s just that they only have what’s available. We offer total home protection, backed by a warranty.

It’s a great product from a company that’s been in business for 25 years.”

For more information, go to hydroshieldspacecoast. com or call 321-301-6007.

VV

to live in Suntree to join.

Membership dues are $25 annually. Membership forms can be downloaded from the website neighborsofsuntree.org.

Forms also will be available at the Fall Welcome Coffee.

For more information on membership, contact Judy Oyer at 321-254-6500.

Neighbors of Suntree is a 501c3 non-profit organization, founded in 1984. Its goal is to help newcomers, who live in Suntree and surrounding areas, meet their neighbors, make new friends and familiarize themselves with the community.

Neighbors of Suntree offers informative programs and promotes social and charitable projects.

Members can participate in a variety of monthly activities.

The organization is committed to becoming involved in the community by raising money for select charities. After operating expenses, money is donated to local charities chosen by the Neighbors of Suntree board of directors. Each year, the board selects different charities to which to contribute.

Last year, more than $10,000 was donated to four organizations. The charities selected this year are Vietnam and All Veterans of Brevard, Touch of Grey, North/Central Brevard Salvation Army Domestic Violence Program and New Life Mission. V V

Neighbors of Suntree ready to hold its Fall Welcome Coffee

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE Neighbors of Suntree will hold its annual Fall Welcome Coffee at 10 a.m.

Sept. 23 at the Suntree Country Club.

The country club is located at 1 Country Club Drive, which is just off north Wickham Road at St. Andrews Drive.

A Continental breakfast will be served. There is a $10 charge. Required reservations must be received by Sept. 8 by mail only. Reservation requests can be downloaded from the website neighborsofsuntree.org.

All Neighbors of Suntree members and adults who are interested in joining are invited to attend.

Participants do not have

20

Viera Voice | September 2021

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The Viera Company president sets standard for fighting cancer

BY R. NORMAN MOODY After five years as a top fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink — Todd Pokrywa, the president of The Viera Company, is poised to set a new fundraising record.

Pokrywa set a fundraising goal to help fight cancer.

“Breast cancer affects everyone — it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. This devastating disease impacts far too many individuals, friends, families and communities.

That's why I've stepped up to fight breast cancer through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign,” he said in an email. “Since I'm in a position to make a difference within my community, I believe I have an obligation to do so.

There are so many worthy causes and organizations within our community doing great work and I am fortunate

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Todd Pokrywa, the president of The Viera Company, is proud of his fundraising to fight cancer.

to be involved with several of them.”

It is Pokrywa’s sixth consecutive year participating in Real Men Wear Pink.

This year, campaigns from

Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Flagler, Brevard, Lake/Sumter/Marion (The Villages) and Polk counties have joined forces and become the Central Florida Real Men

Wear Pink campaign. The campaign’s presenting sponsor is AdventHealth and is chaired

by Timothy Clark, CEO of AdventHealth Apopka.

“This is the most successful fundraising year I have had personally since I started participating as a Real Men Wear Pink candidate in 2016,” Pokrywa said. “Last year, as the #1 Real Men Wear Pink fundraising candidate in Central Florida, I raised $20,028 — a total which I have already exceeded this year. The year before, I raised $10,641, which was more than any of the three prior years.”

Pokrywa has raised $76,000 during the past six years, including what he has brought in so far this year. This year, he set himself a goal of $20,000 and has surpassed that with weeks still to go in the campaign, which runs until the end of October.

He said donors are more

generous to contribute amid the pandemic and he is grateful for each who contributed.

Pokrywa said that in the United States this year, more than 287,500 of our daughters, wives, mothers, sisters and friends will be diagnosed with breast cancer, along with 2,600 men. In 2021, 44,100 women and men are expected to die from the disease nationwide.

“Representing a major stakeholder on the Space Coast, I am keenly interested in quality of life and the health and welfare of those living and working in our community,” he said. “Every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society save lives from breast cancer by funding innovative breast cancer research; providing education and guidance to help people reduce their risk; and offer comprehensive patient support to those who need it most, so that no one faces breast cancer alone.” V V

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VIERA VOICE Courtesy of North American Properties

A state-of-the-art green screen boardroom will be one of the amenities at The Luna apartment complex.

Upscale apartments recreate FSU’s green boardroom for residents

BY LINDA JUMP Developers of an upscale apartment complex under construction in Viera will offer an unusual amenity for its residents — a stateof-the-art green screen boardroom developed to mimic one where Florida State University students learn motion picture arts.

The Luna, a $100 million complex being developed by North American Properties, will have a space where residents can create professional TikTok videos, blogs, host virtual meetings or even make their own movies.

“Our market research showed that green rooms are very popular with teenagers to middle-agers. It’s what’s in now. There’s a lot of people out there creating videos to post on social media outlets,” said Lindsey Magura, the vice president of development with North American Properties.

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Rachelle McClure, the DAG Architect designer hired by NAP, contacted Ron Honn, an associate teaching professor at FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts in Tallahassee.

In January, interior designers from DAG visited the college to see its green screen stage area used by undergraduate students in animation and digital arts programs. The college received a stipend for its assistance.

“The cyclorama screen we will use is the same one used in major news stations and we plan industry-specific lighting,” McClure said.

Panoramic images can be projected onto the screen making a viewer imagine they are in the middle of the scene. She said the green screen room is in addition to a business lounge with a few more big screens and rolling tables with flip-top desks.

“A lot of people are working remotely from home and we

don’t see that changing soon,” she explained.

Magura said the collaborative design of the board room is just one example of how North American Property leaders use community resources.

“We seek opportunities to source local specialists in their field and to help those organizations that align with our values and expertise,” she said.

Other amenities planned for The Luna include a sky wine lounge with sunset view, a club pub with access to the pool and grills, a fitness studio, courtyard with lawn games and movie theater, a dog wash, bike repair area and a business lounge. “These apartments are a different product for Viera,” McClure said. The Luna is expected to open off Rodena Drive by fall 2022. V V

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21

Viera Voice Presents

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Shane Casell Accepting the position of club director at Addison Village Club in Viera was an easy decision for Shane Casell to make.

The married Palm Bay father had worked for Brevard County for a decade, first with Brevard Public Schools and later with Parks and Recreation, when he applied for the vacant position at the amenities center at 8150 Stadium Parkway.

“When I found this

position and interviewed, I really liked the people, I liked the location and everything,” Casell said. “So it was a no-brainer to come on board.”

On the job for three months now, Casell oversees operations at the 10.45-acre social and recreational facility that opened in January 2020. The multimillion-dollar center’s interior boasts a spacious club room, an indoor gym for half-court basketball,

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Viera Voice | September 2021

pickleball, badminton and volleyball, three multi-use rooms and a catering and prep kitchen.

Outside, the club features a family pavilion with picnic tables, wet bar and refrigerators, a leisure pavilion with lounge furniture, a flat-screen TV and a large countertop for events. Guests have access to six tennis courts with stadium seating, two pickleball courts with shaded benches, a family pool with splash zone and bucket drop, a lap and leisure pool with four 25-meter lap lanes, two bocce ball courts, a croquet area and a lawn area for special events.

Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with outdoor amenities open from 8 a.m. to sunset, the club is for use by all eligible residents of the Addison Village communities of Trasona, Kerrington, Loren Cove, Reeling Park, Seville, Valencia, Sierra Cove and Stonecrest. Approved license holders also will have club access, Casell said.

“Residents love it,” he said. “We are averaging on weekends anywhere from 200 to 300 individuals coming through the club throughout the day, and then during the weekdays we average about 100 to 200.

Currently, we have just over 1,500 members.”

When completed, Addison Village will have more than 3,000 homes.

The community is about 40 percent to 50 percent developed, Casell noted.

“Basically it’s to give them an amenity that has a resort-style feel but it’s for family fun,” he said.

For more information go to addisonvllageclub.com or call 321-237-2377.

Mary Thorne

Penny L. Di Giovanna

Mary Thorne recently joined the real estate sales team at Dale Sorensen Real Estate Brevard.

Thorne, a native of Niagara Falls, New York, had a successful career at Kennedy Space Center before obtaining her real estate license. While there, she earned a degree in business management from Barry University.

During a remodeling of her home, she developed a passion for interior design, home construction and real estate.

Chris Tice

Penny L. Di Giovanna has joined the Financial Cornerstone Group (FCG) team as a financial advisor and certified financial planner, focused on serving widowed and divorced women.

Di Giovanna recently worked at Fidelity Investments and has been in the financial and real estate industries for more than 20 years. She will work out of FCG’s Rockledge office location at 190 McIver Lane.

Misty Zulli

Sonata Viera has named Chris Tice its new community relations director. Tice is an accomplished sales leader with nearly 40 years of experience.

Tice joins Sonata Senior Living after 14 years as the sales director for Kisco Senior Living. Prior to that, she was the sales director for Home Interiors Inc. She is a graduate of Liberty University.

Sonata Viera is at 3325 Breslay Drive, adjacent to Viera VA Outpatient Clinic.

Misty Zulli has been named executive director of The Blake at Viera, a luxury 100-apartment Assisted Living and Memory Care facility.

Zulli will oversee the day-to-day operations of the new community. She was a nurse for 13 years before transitioning to executive director. Zulli is married, the mother of two and a dog mom.

The Blake at Viera is located at 5700 Lake Andrew Drive.

Come out and Join us • Local Produce • Local Produce made from local ingredients • Gardening products • Local eggs & honey • Canned goods

• Homemade crafts • Homemade pet snacks and pet items • Local art • food trucks • more

vieravoice.com

VIE R A

VIERA MEANS

The August Viera Means Business networking group meeting was held Aug. 12 and hosted by Celo's Shawarma Factory. The Viera Means Business networking group meets at 8:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month at member business locations.

BUSINESS

Carmen Vastola, left, Thomas Hanrahan, Cheryl Clark

For an invitation to the Sept. 9 VMB meeting, call 321-242-1235.

N Immon Ibrahim, left, Jill Blue and presenter David Schillhammer.

E U TW O OR R KIN G G

P

BUSINESS VIERA MEANS

SS E IN

ANS BU E S M

Photos by Adam Palumbo

Penny Di Giovanna and Cathy Greene

Annjanette Wicks and Sandy Michelson Tasty food was provided by Celo's Shawarma Factory at the Viera Means Business networking meeting.

Coffee and conversation are always present at Viera Means Business.

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23

Job and Career

Opportunities

Find a new job in these listings

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vieravoice.com

SENIORNews

Many senior athletes slow the aging process by staying fit

BY FRED MAYS

They say age is just a number.

As Rocky Balboa said in "Rocky", “The only undefeated athlete is Father Time. As we get older everyone, to some degree, has physical limitations. But you can slow the aging process by keeping yourself fit and healthy into your senior years. It takes commitment, dedication and willingness to compromise with your body, but it can be done.

More and more seniors are doing it.

Jim Wright of Viera is 72 years old. His goal is to bike from coast-tocoast across America next year. A retired engineer in the aerospace industry, Wright works out three days a week at Performax in Suntree. He plays golf, and regularly does 50-mile bike rides.

Wright’s personal trainer at Performax, Rod Stewart, said he caters to the older athletes.

Sandy Tristano Godfrey likes walking with her guide dog, Dahlia.

Sandy Tristano Godfrey of Palm Bay is 70 and blind, but that doesn’t keep her from working out. She walks several days a week with her guide dog, Dahlia. She goes to the gym on the days she doesn’t walk. “I’ve done 50 floors on the Stairmaster,” she proudly points out.

With the help of a sighted guide, she also runs in the “Sprint For Sight” 5K every year.

Running has been a big part of Tom O’Bryan’s life for years. The Melbourne resident ran his first

marathon in 1994, and went on to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2000 and 2008. A high school English teacher, O’Bryan also coaches cross country. He’s 68 years old and can be found running the Melbourne Causeway bridge on weekends with his wife, Lisa.

Running might not be for everyone. But if you have a good sense of balance, cycling is good exercise into your 70s and even 80s. There is a group of riders, the Mathers

The Mathers Maulers meet each Saturday for long bike rides.

“The older we get we lose flexibility and mobility, so we start out extremely slow.” In some cases, when balance is an issue, they do chair exercises.

“Every exercise session offers mobility training.”

Bending and stretching are important for older athletes. Yoga and Pilates are popular classes for the retirement crowd.

The booming popularity of pickleball is because of seniors who used to play tennis and now want a slower game and less court to cover.

VIERA VOICE Fred Mays

VIERA VOICE Fred Mays

Maulers, who meet every Saturday morning before dawn at the Starbucks in Indian Harbor Beach.

Their rides are usually about 50 miles. Most riders are in their 70s, and do more than ride their bikes. One member of the group is a powerlifter and state champion in his class. Another is a competitive swimmer.

If you are looking for something a little more sedate, many medicare supplement insurance plans offer Silver Sneakers. Seniors get free gym memberships and exercise classes specifically designed for older people. The classes also offer the opportunity to social network with other seniors.

Stewart said “exercise is different than training.”

Jim Wright is training for his bike trip, but most seniors are just exercising for better fitness and health. Set goals, make a commitment and enjoy the health and social benefits that add to your life. V V

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Viera Voice | September 2021

25

Restoration of Indian River Lagoon will take time

EXPECT

manatee deaths. The Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Plan is made up of 313 projects that combined will reduce the TN by 1.3 million pounds per year.

That’s a lot — almost 50%.

So, what are those 313 projects and what’s

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happening? The projects vary a lot. Examples run from adding new advanced treatment to the Titusville Osprey Wastewater Treatment Facility ($8.8 million to reduce TN by 8,660 pounds a year, under construction) and dredging muck (the black goo that coats the lagoon bottom) from the Grand Canal ($15.5 million reducing TN by 89,025 pounds a year, under construction) to building an Oyster Reef at the Riverview Senior Resort in Melbourne ($30,300 reducing TN by 77 pounds a year, completed).

Each project is first proposed with a funding partner, reviewed and approved by County staff and the County Commission, designed, licensed, contracted and

waste carried off lawns and streets. Stormwater accounts for 26% of the TN entering the lagoon. Currently, seven baffle boxes have been completed, reducing TN by 16,100 pounds a year. Two are currently in design and construction and six more are in planning, which will reduce TN by an additional 11,383 pounds a year.

Restoration of the lagoon is not a simple task. The pollution comes from many sources (stormwater, septic systems, sewage line leaks and muck flux), requiring hundreds of projects to achieve the needed nutrient reductions. Those who care about the issue should understand that “restoration takes time!”

For more information, go to HelpTheLagoon.org V V

Lagoon Straight Talk From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

then executed. The County Commission approved the 2021 Revision in February with all its projects. The contracted amount is 112, with 100 in design. Fifty have been completed; those 50 projects have reduced the TN in the lagoon by about 100,000 pounds a year.

There are many similar projects being constructed at different locations in Brevard County. Baffle boxes, for example, are large in-ground structures that slow the movement of stormwater and partially clean it of the

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Viera Voice | September 2021

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27

Just to be safe — please call each event location to confirm date and time.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Viera Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Stroll

Oct. 16 • 10 - 2

Viera Regional Park Soccer Fields 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Harvest Festival vieracommunityinstitute.com/harvest-fest/

WEDNESDAY

5

Game On! Riverfront Tri @ Cocoa 6:45 a.m. - Noon Swim, bike and run at Cocoa Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd.

Cocoa, 321-433-8700

6

Labor Day

Labor Day Scramble Golf Tournament 8 a.m. shotgun start Two-person scramble Duran Golf Club 7032 Stadium Parkway Viera, 321-504-7776

Brevard Caribbean Fest 2021

7

National Beer Labor Day Lovers' Day

Trivia Tuesday

6 - 9 p.m.

Show off your trivia skills and win prizes.Call ahead to reserve a table for your team.

2 Angry Wives Pub 3826 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-848-0227

9 - 10 a.m.

Refreshments and coffee will be served. The club meets on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 15.

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

The event is free for all temple members. Nonmembers are welcome.

Suggested donation of $18 per family.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. Stations with games, crafts and how a shofar works.

Temple Israel of Brevard 7300 Lake Andrew Dive Viera, 321-631-9494

Sept. 3 - 6 The Pro-Am Surfing Festival honors the life of Richard K. Salick.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, 407-984-7325

Vendor booths and food and drinks inside.

Blood drive outside.

Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-674-5700 RepitDay 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Live animals from around the world.

Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Melbourne, 321-608-7400

8

9

10

11

Sept. 8 & 9 7:30 p.m.

Concert by the Melbourne Community Orchestra Melbourne Auditorium 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Melbourne, 321-285-6724

7 - 9 p.m.

VECDD Board meeting.

Faith Viera Luthern Chuch 5550 Faith Blvd.

Viera, 321-636-5505

It’s Showtime!

National Fruitcake National Newspaper Toss Day Carrier Day 36th annual National Indoor/Outdoor Car Show Apples, Honey and Fun Rosh Hashanah Celebration Kidney Foundation Surf 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Presented by Florida’s Finest 2 Festival 2021 5 p.m.

National V-J Day

VECDD Board Workshop

12

Ron Teixeira Trio

2 p.m.

Space Coast Jazz Society Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-636-6022

13

National National Tell a National Pecan French Joke Fry DayDay Pie Day

Open Pickleball

1 p.m. Mondays $2 per person Viera Regional Community Center 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-633-2046

14

Pizza with a Purpose Fundraiser

5 - 8 p.m.

Pizza Gallery & Grill 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-433-7055

GFWC Melbourne Ice Cream Social

19

1 - 3 p.m.

Second annual bowling fundraiser to raise money for the Haven for Children.

Silent auction and 50/50 will be available. $400 per team of six members (Ticket price includes bowling and shoe rental). Proceeds will go to the Haven for Children.

Bowlero 1099 N. Wickham Road Melbourne, 321-537-4279

26

National Pancake Day

Warrior Women Expo

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

American Police Hall of Fame & Museum 6350 Horizon Drive Titusville, 321-264-0911

20

21

Brevard Symphony Orchestra

Single tickets for opening night go on sale today.

Call 321-345-5052 for more information.

27

National Family Day

China Painting

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-254-0254

Jazzercise Lo

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 321-698-0445

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

10 a.m. - Noon, Third Wednesday Sunflower House inside Merritt Square Mall 777 E. Merritt Island Causeway, 321-452-4341 1 p.m. – First and third Wednesdays Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Dr. Suntree, 321-255-4404

World Alzheimer’s Day

Medicaid Planning Seminar 10 a.m.

Seminar presented by Elder Law Attorney William A. Johnson, P.A. Limited seating must RSVP. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

28

Trivia Tuesday

6 - 9 p.m.

Show off your trivia skills and win prizes. Call ahead to reserve a table for your team.

2 Angry Wives Pub 3826 Murrell Road Rockledge, 321-848-0227

22

National Banana Split Day

Yoga in Central Park

8 - 9 a.m.

Complimentary yoga classes designed for all levels. Classes are modified to meet the needs of everybody. Bring a mat and yoga blocks.

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

29

16

National Working Parent Day

Sit-n-Stich

1 p.m.

Monthly meeting — Adopt a Manatee Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-258-9229

National Wife Caviar Day Appreciation Day National Ice Day Bowling forCream the Haven

15

National Coffee Day

Yoga

Social Ballroom Class

6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

We Dance Academies 7640 N. Wickham Road Unit 114, Suntree 321-334-9136

Thirsty 3rd Thursday

5 - 8 p.m.

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

23

Silver Sneakers

11 a.m. - Noon Members $6, non-members $8 Wickham Park Senior Center 2785 Leisure Way Melbourne, 469-662-4176

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera 321-323-4928

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Woodside Park 1705 Crane Creek Blvd.

Viera facebook.com/ VEfarmersmarket/

17

18

Constitution Day

4 - 5:30 p.m.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 400 Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776

A Walk in the Park Under Maxwell James Oskam the Stars Wedding Expo Foundation Golf 5 - 10 p.m.

Tournament The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-373-1002

11:30 a.m.

Suntree Country Club 1 Country Club Way Tinnitus and Hearing Loss, Suntree, 321-242-6230

Lunch and Learn Seminar 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presented by Personal Hearing Solutions and a Clinical Education Specialist. Boxed lunch provided. Must RSVP. Viera, 321-751-6771

Sixth annual SCMO Police Motorcycle Challenge

24

25

Cars Under the Stars

9 a.m.

Space Coast Harley Davidson 1440 Sportsman Lane NE Palm Bay, 321-259-1311

National Beautician’s Day

DogFest

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

5 - 9 p.m.

The Avenue Viera Wickham Park Pavilion Melbourne, 321-633-2046 Viera, 407-522-3308

Bras for a Cause – Stop Human Sex Trafficking

BSO's 2021-2022 Oct. 1 Season "Where Will

National Chewing Gum Day

Viera East Farmers Market

9/11 20th Anniversary Brevard County Memorial Tribute

6 - 9:30 p.m.

Cocoa Beach Hilton 10 a.m. – Noon 1550 N. Atlantic Ave. Create a ribbon wreath Cocoa Beach Free event. Space is limited, 321-720-5473 masks are required. Must Cocoa Reggae & Rum RSVP. One Senior Place Festival 8085 Spyglass Hill Road 1 - 10 p.m.

Viera, 321-751-6771 Cocoa Riverfront Park

30

Patriot Day

7 - 9 p.m.

“Grease” McLarty Park 790 Barton Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-633-1874

Wreath Workshop

8 - 9 a.m.

Complimentary yoga class Central Park 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-634-5390

Line Dancing with Larry

Be Healthy, Be Happy Health Fair

Free Movie in the Park

Noon - 9 p.m.

Live Caribbean entertainment and food.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne, 321-600-1234

National Grandparents Day

4

SATURDAY

2

Open House— The Club for Active Seniors

3

FRIDAY

1

Build a scarecrow, call 321-242-1235 or go to and vieravoice.com National Cheese Independence Pizza Day Day

THURSDAY

the Music Take You?" begins on October 16 with "Around the World in 80 Minutes."

Subscriptions are available now.

Opening night on sale September 20.

Call 321-345-5052 for more information.

Tumbleweeds Golf Tournament

8 a.m.

Baytree National Golf Links 8207 National Drive Suntree, 321-253-5570

Kimberell Day at the Fair Quilts and Lace 7720 N. Wicham Road Suntree, 321-622-8602

National Oct. 2Mutt Day 3rd annual Brevard Children's Business Fair

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Brevard Children's Business Fair is a unique opportunity for Brevard County’s savvy future business leaders to showcase their talents and compete for prizes.

The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera Visit brevardcbf.org

Harvest Festival, Scarecrow Stroll are back — this time at Viera Regional Park

BY MARIA SONNENBERG A local rite of fall for a decade, the Viera Harvest Festival and the Scarecrow Stroll are back after a COVID-created hiatus.

The Viera Voice and its parent company, Bluewater Creative Group, launched the celebration of autumn’s arrival in 2011. But for the 2021 iteration, the Viera Community Institute is stepping in to orchestrate the festival, while the Viera Voice continues to organize the popular Scarecrow Stroll.

“Viera’s Harvest Festival and Viera Voice’s Scarecrow Stroll bring unique opportunities for attendees to make memories with family and friends and celebrate our community,” said Laurie Widzgowski, the marketing and event coordinator for The Viera Company and the Viera Community Institute.

Additional changes are in store as the Oct. 16 event moves from its original location at The Avenue Viera to its new home at Viera Regional Park at 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way. “I’m envisioning a bit of a different look and feel,”

VIERA VOICE Adam Palumbo

Pumpkins and scarecrows are a true part of the Viera Harvest Festival and Scarecrow Stroll.

Widzgowski said.

The location at The Avenue could not accommodate food trucks, which will have a significant presence at this year’s Festival, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Vendors and crafters will be there, too.

No self-respecting Harvest Festival would fail to include a Pumpkin

Patch, and Viera’s is no exception. In addition to this perfect photo opportunity for the season, the Festival will host several other pumpkin-intensive events, including a pumpkin carving competition and even the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Contest, sure to be a favorite with younger throwers.

“We have some great activities planned for the

children,” Widzgowski added.

An abundance of Kodak moments are in store for families to snap photographic souvenirs of the day. Also expect plenty of live music, plus a DJ. Since this is an event celebrating the bounty of the land, farmers and their harvests will be in attendance. Although

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cowboys are not usually associated with these types of events, they will attend the Viera Harvest Festival, and they certainly belong.

The former Duda ranch, the land that now houses thousands of families, was once the home to Florida cattle and the Cracker cowpunchers that kept them in line.

The day will be jampacked with activities, games and arts and crafts for the younger members of the family.

The Scarecrow Stroll welcomes imaginative entries in the Children’s Mini-Crow category, as well as in the Adult and Family Scarecrow and Business Scarecrow divisions.

Attendees will vote for top ’crows and winners will be announced during the event.

More than 2,000 people are expected to celebrate autumn’s cozy comforts after a long hot summer at the Viera Harvest Festival.

Plan to join them.

For more information on the Viera Harvest Festival, go to viera.com.

For entry details on the Scarecrow Stroll, call 321242-1235. V V

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29

SUMMER NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

VIERA/SUNTREE

Entrepreneur sells accessories for a cause

BY KATIE SIVCO Sophia Guignardi was only 13 years old when she founded her sewing business, Persona-G. “I started sewing when I was 7 years old,” Guignardi said. “At first, I was only selling my projects to family and friends, but then I realized I could make money doing what I loved so I established my own business.”

Guignardi is now 15 years old and attending 10th grade at Rockledge High School.

And one day, she plans to have a career in the fashion industry.

She named her business Persona-G because all of her products are customizable and “truly personalized” to every customer. PersonaG’s most popular items are face masks and water bottle holders.

As well as being a successful business owner, Guignardi loves to help others. Guignardi’s sister, Emma, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was just 4 years old. In 2013, her family was connected with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and has been fighting to end Type 1 ever since.

“I started selling the products that I sew to help raise money for a cure, and now with every purchase, 10 percent of all profits will be given back to JDRF,” Guignardi said. “Supporting the JDRF will not only help my own family but also other children who live with this disease.”

Emma Guignardi also is a small business owner dedicating a portion of her proceeds to the JDRF. She sells handmade earrings at endearingearrings.company.site.

“The JDRF is dedicated to making the lives of people like me easier by finding a cure for Type 1. That’s why 20 percent of all profits will be going to JDRF to help

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Before school

After school Viera Voice Courtesy of Katie Norton

Third-grader Eleanor Couch, top left, and sister Lillian, a first grader, enjoyed the first day of school.

First day of school

Viera Voice Courtesy of Sophia Guinardi

Sophia Guignardi, the owner of homemade accessory shop Persona-G, wears a romper she made herself.

The first day of school marks the start of an exciting time in a child’s life. Families from local elementary schools came out to support their kids as they headed into the new school year on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.

Viera Voice Courtesy of Sophia Guinardi

Persona-G sells all kinds of fashionable and practical accessories.

support our fight against diabetes,” Emma Guignardi said.

Guignardi said the best part of owning her own business is getting to see other people use and wear the accessories she’s created.

She loves the flexibility in setting her own hours too.

“I feel like I’m much more responsible now,” Guignardi said. “I’ve learned so much over the course of owning a business, including marketing to customers, time management, building a website and processing orders.”

Be sure to visit Persona-G at the third annual Children’s Business Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at The Avenue Viera. You can check out Guignardi’s handmade creations at persona-g.com.

Viera Voice | September 2021

NATIONAL KID NEWS

Scientist surprised to spot ‘real-life’ SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star

He might not have been discovered in a pineapple under the sea, but apparently SpongeBob, along with his best friend Patrick, were discovered at the bottom of the sea. And by sea, we mean about 200 miles from New York City in the Atlantic Ocean.

Christopher Mah is a marine biologist at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History who saw the image of the squarish, bright yellow sea sponge next to a pink sea star and immediately noticed the resemblance to Nickelodeon’s cartoon characters.

But Mah said the real-life SpongeBob and Patrick are more likely to be enemies than BFFs. Sea stars “are predators of just about everything,” according to Mah.

Viera Voice Courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Marine biologist Christopher Mah tweeted this photo on July 27 of a scene he spotted while looking at underwater camera footage from a recent expedition.

vieravoice.com

Move over Tyra Banks, Leah Hayes is in the wings

BY MARIA SONNENBERG Seven-year-old Viera resident Leah Hayes has always loved to pose for a photo, with a self-confidence many adults would envy.

In January of this year, Leah decided to try her luck with the Little Miss Florida US Nation modeling pageant.

Although a first-timer at this state level of competition, Leah took first runner-up and the title of Little Miss Melbourne US Nation.

She will compete next year in Las Vegas for a chance to become Little Miss Florida, and hopefully also snag the Little Miss Nation Universe crown.

Leah’s mother began noticing her daughter’s special talents when her daughter was around 4 years old.

“She would ask to put makeup on me,” Darline Love said.

The girl might be little, but she is a natural at walking the runway, an activity she does regularly across the country at different fashion events such as Super Chic New York Fashion Week and Super Chic

VIERA VOICE photo

Leah Hayes is a second grader at Viera’s Pinecrest Academy.

Miami Swim Week.

The second grader at Viera’s Pinecrest Academy was in California recently to act in a Macy’s commercial and will be featured in an upcoming movie filmed in Orlando.

“She travels a lot,” Love said.

Viera Vision wins two Charlie Awards

To hone her talent, the little girl takes acting classes via Zoom from the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts in California and dance lessons in person at the Viera Dance Conservatory.

As part of her role as Little Miss Melbourne, Leah took part in a documentary to raise awareness about Green Gables, the historic Melbourne home. Since the film was shown at Cinema World, you could say Leah has already made her screen debut.

She has her own agent, YouTube Channel and Instagram followers and, at the moment, a career in modeling seems to be her focus, but that is for this week. Next week, it could be acting, since she is adept at memorization, a talent critical for success in that field. In the past, she wanted to be a chef, and she loves science, too, so the jury is definitely out on what career path she will choose.

Whatever life adventure she embarks on, Leah will do it with extreme composure and grace, and with her parents 100 percent behind her. V V

VIERA VOICE photo

Leah Hayes, 7, has thrived in beauty contests and acting roles.

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Accepting the awards for Viera Vision magazine was Stephanie Byrd, editor-in chief of the magazine and marketing manager for The Viera Company. The awards were received for the following publications: • Best Photography: Cover • Silver, Viera Vision, Vol.16, Issue 4, Addison Village Club • Best Traditional Illustration: Cover • Silver, Viera Vision, Vol. 16, Issue 6, Holiday Doodle V V

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Native Americans paved way for modern pharmaceutical approach Spinning tales about the evolution of medicine from plants. Indigenous Native Americans developed natural remedies extracted from plants to mitigate illnesses This traditional medicine, used through the centuries, is still evident in many pharmaceuticals.

Plant knowledge was presumably obtained by observing sick animals ingesting specific plants.

Then, through trial and error, medications were developed using plant parts such as seeds, flowers, berries, leaves, stems, twigs or bark.

Diverse remedies were administered in such forms as teas, ointments, infusions and applications of dried or green leaves (sometimes chewed).

Arrowleaf balsamroot treated respiratory ailments such as whooping cough and tuberculosis. Witch

hazel soothed sensitive skin, muscles and sores. Black cohosh induced labor and lactation. Prickly ash numbed toothaches. The whole red trillium plant served as a poultice for tumors, ulcers and inflammation.

Altruistically, these people shared their knowledge of the healing properties of plants with newcomers. Their expertise was confirmed in the journals of explorers such as Lewis and Clark.

Throughout history, such therapeutics were beneficial.

At the time of the California Gold Rush, miners developed scurvy from lack of vitamin

C due to inadequate diets of bacon, beans and coffee. The Native American cure was Claytonia perfoliata (also known as Indian lettuce and miner’s lettuce), rich in vitamin C. Furthermore, during the Civil War, the Confederacy did not have access to conventional medicines because of the Union blockade.

Consequently, they treated wound infections with Native American medicines derived from such plants as white oak, tulip poplar and devil’s walking stick.

Current research claims that these plants have antiseptic properties. In the present era of drug-resistant bacteria, these findings are invaluable.

The sustainability of medicinal plants was contingent on the conservation efforts of Native Americans. They

executed controlled burns for rejuvenation of plants, practiced detailed cultivation and harvesting, and preserved every third plant of a species. Presently, life-saving plants are imperiled by fire suppression, over harvesting, climate trends and especially habitat destruction in rain forests.

Modern drugs might be derived from soil bacteria and fungi (antibiotics), animals (snake antivenom), and many plants. Hopefully, transgenic plants might soon provide edible vaccines.

In addition to organic drugs, there are synthetic drugs, legal or illegal, created with man-made chemicals.

They are designed to mimic organic compounds. The powerful opioid painkiller fentanyl is used for cancer treatment and the stimulant methamphetamine is taken for

ADHD and obesity. The semisynthetic opioid oxycodone is a miraculous painkiller. When abused recreationally, these prescription drugs can be as lethal as the illegal opioid heroin, indirectly derived from certain poppy plants. Actually, over-the-counter herbal medicine also can be harmful.

Also abused are synthetic designer drugs, referred to as club or party drugs, such as Ecstasy or Acid. These chemically-made versions of illegal drugs are slightly altered to avoid being labeled as illegal. They are available online or in convenience stores.

Most drugs are now synthesized in laboratories.

Evidently, the pharmaceutical industry has evolved since the renowned Native American traditional medicine, which essentially was intended to heal, not to harm. VV

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Viera Voice | September 2021

Sudoku Solution, page 34

DOWN ACROSS 1 Kind of bean 1 Knew somehow 2 Sevareid of the news 5 To-do list entries 3 Not at all willing 10 Leave stranded 4 Sandbox enjoyer 12 Readily trained 5 Brokaw of the news 13 Fly 6 High card 14 Egg dish 7 Threshold 15 Agreement 8 Swiss painter Paul __ 16 Winery feature 9 Stage backgrounds 18 Guitarist __ Paul 10 Navigation aid 19 Racetrack near Miami 11 Carson City's state 23 Tank filler 12 Lavish attention 26 Rx givers 17 Pacino and Hirt 27 Cupola 20 Not susceptible 30 Straw hat 21 Truisms 32 Licorice flavoring 22 Make sharper 34 Sea World orca 23 Navigation aid 35 Airline employees 24 Contented murmurs 36 Tell imaginative tales 25 Parka closer 37 Tribute in verse 28 Intellect 38 Skip stones 29 This, to Pedro 39 Thaw 31 Among 42 Son of Val and Aleta 33 Clairvoyance 45 Recede gradually 35 Mud bricks 46 Ax handle 37 Moon or planet 50 Rock band crew member 40 Yard contents 53 Whiteboard need 41 Express gratitude 55 Side 42 Haik wearer 56 Lookout 43 Stood up 57 Vacation spot 44 Bay Area valley 58 Potato jacket 47 __ spumante 48 Bracken Crossword Solution, 49 Undertake page 34 51 Last mo.

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The new 0.91-acre Central Bark is located in the Sendero Cove neighborhood in Viera.

Newest dog park a welcome addition to Viera lifestyle

BY WENDY SCHEURING The increased new-home construction in the Viera area south of Wickham Road and just east of the Viera Wetlands means more residents, more pets and more dogs.

While dogs are often walked by their owners on sidewalks and on a leash, their physical and mental well-being also depends upon their ability to play and unwind off-leash, and with fellow canines.

The new 0.91-acre Central Bark, located in the Sendero Cove neighborhood, is meeting that need.

The dog area, enclosed by a coated chain link fence, offers wide open spaces with lots of fresh, green grass on which to roll and play.

An additional fence also separates a 4,000-square-foot area for smaller dogs and a 5,100-square-foot area for larger ones.

To get into the park, owners and their pets must enter a double door, which allows dogs to be safely unleashed before entering their play area of choice.

Inside, owners also will find a dog waste bag dispenser with a friendly

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reminder to pick up after pets and waste cans to keep the area clean. Shaded benches offer a place for owners to sit while keeping a watchful eye on their canines. Just outside of the entrance gate is a dog water fountain to keep dogs hydrated before, during and after play, as well as during the hot summer months.

“The park was built by The Viera Company and upon completion was conveyed to the Central Viera Community Association. All dogs are welcome at the park. Central Bark is a great addition to the many Central Viera Community Association Parks, and we are excited about the addition of this amenity for our four-legged Viera residents,” said Katie Couch-Norton, the community management coordinator for The Viera Company, in an email.

Central Bark is located at 8025 Millbrook Ave. Like other Viera parks, it is open to all Viera West residents. A shaded playground for small children also is located on the premises as well as a covered pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms and drinking fountains for humans. V V

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