Viera Voice, April 2024

Exchanging snow for beach, family finds good life on Space Coast

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Even though they attended rival high schools, fate brought Bob and Teri Hirsch together when they were introduced by his brother, with whom she worked.

Married in Las Vegas, where they met during their senior year of high school, the couple will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary in May.

Teri Hirsch is a native of Las Vegas, where they both attended the University of Nevada. Bob studied engineering, while Teri studied education.

“We have had a good life,” Bob Hirsch said. “We are very blessed.”

The Hirschs have two children — a son, Spencer, 22, who attends Florida Institute of Technology, where he is studying computer science, and a daughter, Emily, 20, who

“ I just recently ran the Publix Florida Marathon and Spencer did the half marathon. We enjoy the outdoors. It’s still not too hot to enjoy a run or a bike ride.”

— Bob Hirsch

wants to become a dental hygienist.

Before relocating to the Space Coast in 2021, the family lived in Denver, Colorado, where they enjoyed skiing.

Bob Hirsch was working for Northrop Grumman as a software engineer, and Teri Hirsch was teaching kindergarten, first grade and second grade.

Featured Family

When Bob Hirsch received an offer to relocate to Melbourne, Teri was ready to give up the snow for sunny weather.

They said they were attracted to Viera because it is a master planned community.

“We like the amenities that are close by and the feel of the community. It is nice and clean,” Teri Hirsch said.

Viera is where Teri Hirsch transitioned from teacher to baker.

She loved the Nothing Bundt Cakes store out west, but did note that Brevard

County did not have a Nothing Bundt Cakes store.

After she learned that the territory here was open, the couple decided to take a leap of faith and open a Nothing Bundt Cakes at The Avenue Viera.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Teri Hirsch said. “We’ve been blessed with the response from the community. They have been very supportive.”

With Bob Hirsch working full-time and Teri Hirsch working long hours, the family stays busy. They enjoy the beach, eating out

or simply relaxing at home.

“We like the access to the ocean and watching the waves,” Bob Hirsch said.

“The kids and I used to enjoy skiing in Colorado,” he said. “Moving here gave us different outdoors (activities).”

Bob Hirsch also enjoys long distance running.

“I just recently ran the Publix Florida Marathon and Spencer did the half marathon. We enjoy the outdoors. It’s still not too hot to enjoy a run or a bike ride.”

VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Bob and Teri Hirsch and their children, Emily and Spencer, traded the Colorado outdoors for activities in Viera.

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BY MARIA SONNENBERG

Marco Calderon never forgot the Emerald Society pipes and drum band that played at his graduation from the Police Academy.

Calderon was instantly attracted to the sounds and pageantry of the bagpipes, drums and kilts of a group of musicians often associated with police and fire departments. These groups grew from Celtic immigrants who brought customs from their old police and fire departments, including the pipes and drums.

on with life.

who are killed in the line of duty by playing free of charge at their funerals or memorials.

Since Calderon didn’t know how to play any musical instruments, much less a bagpipe, and career and family beckoned, he put aside the thought of becoming a piper and went

However, after retiring from his job as a New York City police officer, Calderon moved to Brevard County, where he discovered the Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, which just happened to welcome new pipers and drummers.

He signed up in 2011, still not knowing how to play an instrument. Within a year, under the tutelage of a band member, he was ready to play with the group when it arrived in Dublin to play at the 150th anniversary of the city’s fire brigade.

Now the president and pipe major, the Merritt Island resident and the 25 other group members perform at a dozen or more functions throughout the state. The band continues

its mission to honor law enforcement and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty by playing free of charge at their funerals or memorials. At the time the band was formed in 2009,

pipes and drums bands were rare in Florida. Now they thrive, often grouping together as an unforgettable mass band at funerals.

There’s a lighter side to the group, too. On St. Patrick’s Day this year, the band performed at several venues in Viera, including Urban Prime Marketplace.

Members encompass men and women, active and retired sheriff’s deputies, police officers, firefighters and civilians from throughout the United States.

They arrive wearing the Modern Murray of Athol tartan kilts.

“We go all traditional, but I can’t attest to what’s underneath,” Calderon joked.

The group can often be found, formally or informally, at Nolan’s Irish Pub in Cocoa Beach.

“We consider it our home pub,” Calderon said.

Owner Jimmy Nolan appreciates the band’s mission and its music.

“We try to have them as much as possible and they come in to celebrate birthdays and holidays,” he said.

Joining the affable group of musicians is easy. As Calderon will tell you, they’ll teach you the ropes, or in this case, the pipes.

For more information, check out bpfpd.com VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums

The Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums perform throughout Brevard County for special events.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums Marco Calderon used to be a New York City police officer.

Suntree couple reach milestone

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Dakota, a 45-pound mix of German Shepherd, Catahoula, Pit Bull and 2 percent Chihuahua, loves to greet visitors to the Loughrey household in Suntree. She’s the perfect representative for a couple who have been married for 70 years.

“She’s just the sweetest dog,’’ said Sheila Loughrey, who recently celebrated her platinum wedding anniversary with her husband Bill. “Our granddaughter is a veterinarian’s assistant, and you wouldn’t believe what a mess she was when someone brought her in. They fixed her up, and we didn’t listen to the thought that we’re too old to have a dog. When we take her out on a leash, she immediately goes into a trot.’’

Sheila Loughrey, 90, is originally from St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland in Canada, and Bill Loughrey, 91, is from Ardmore, which is a suburb of Philadelphia. They met in 1951 and married three years later.

“Bill was in the Air Force and got stationed where I was working for Civil Service at Pepperrell Air Force Base in St. John’s,” Sheila Loughrey said. “We worked there in the office, and he was just waiting for his assignment in the supply department. He started coming to my church, and we started dating with the approval of my family.”

Her looks and her smile captured Loughrey. “I first saw her in November 1951,” he said. “She had long, dark brown hair.”

The couple have one daughter, Debbie, 69, and two sons, Paul, 68, and Charles, 65. Debbie was born in Denver, Paul was born in Pennsylvania and Charles was born in Morocco.

“I was young and a little naive,’’ Sheila Loughrey said. “I probably should have taken in more of the culture in Morocco. Casablanca was a beautiful city.’’

Bill Loughrey’s career in the U.S. Air Force spanned 24 years and three months. “I was in logistics and maintenance,” he said.

He served in Newfoundland, Iceland, the Philippines, Vietnam and Morocco. In the states, he was stationed in Texas, Colorado,

Delaware, New Mexico and Wyoming. Florida was his last station of duty and where he retired from the Air Force in 1975.

In Vietnam, Bill Loughrey was stationed in Pleiku. “We had an advisory team there, instructing how to fly airplanes,” he said. “We were bombed five times one week and spent three days in a bunker.

“One time, he just got out of the bunker and jumped into a helicopter. Just as it was lifting, a bomb blew up the bunker,” Sheila Loughrey said.

She said Bill being in Vietnam was a difficult time for the children.

“The Air Force people were like a family, and we all helped each other.”

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill worked at Miami International Airport, then later moved to Melbourne as a subcontractor for Northrop Grumman. He retired well into his 80s.

The couple have lived in their subdivision in Suntree for the past 33 years.

“We were the first owners,” Sheila Loughrey said.

She was an aerobics instructor and began playing bridge. Bill liked to play golf at Suntree Country Club, where he still socializes with his friends.

“So many have passed away,’’ Bill Loughrey said sadly. “There’s only a few of us left.’’

As much as Bill Loughrey likes Suntree, he might have done a few things differently.

“I would have liked to try living in Ireland,’’ said Bill Loughrey, whose father was born in Ireland. He has visited the country three times and once with his wife. “I wouldn’t have minded that. I’m probably too old to do that now.’’

The couple never did make it to Scotland, which was on the bucket list.

Loughrey learned to appreciate the beauty of everywhere he was stationed.

“The hot springs of Iceland and the scenery was just beautiful,’’ Loughrey said. “The people of Newfoundland were so nice and the same with the Philippines. I never went anywhere that I didn’t like.’ VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

For the past 33 years, Bill and Sheila Loughrey have lived in Suntree. They love their dog Dakota.

Memorial run aims to help troops suffering from PTSD

BY BETTY PORTER

The second annual Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run/Walk to benefit those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder will take place Saturday, June 8 at Viera Regional Park.

Martin was a young U.S. Marine private first class.

An accident in 2021, while training at Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, left him with shrapnel in the eye following a grenade explosion.

In June 2022 at age 21, overwhelmed with PTSD, he took his life.

His parents, Paul and Heidi Martin of Viera, hosted the first memorial run/walk last year in memory of their son. They have committed to making it an annual run/walk event to provide help to people suffering from PTSD.

“We hope to prevent other families from suffering such a horrific experience of losing a loved one to PTSD,” Paul Martin said. “We want to try to prevent this from happening to other families and having this fundraiser may provide the help.”

Rolling Thunder chapter from Merritt Island will kick off the event with a motorcycle parade.

The race/walk will start at 8 a.m. with runners taking off before walkers. Children age 12 and younger will participate at no charge.

“We want entire families to attend the event,” Paul Martin said. “It is a celebration of life.”

Martin expects the run/walk event to grow this year.

“We have upped our expectations for the run this year. We plan on having over 200 runners participate in the 5K, where last year we had an expectation of 40 runners and the actual number came in at 142. Our donation goal this year is $15,000 and last year our goal was $1,750 and our actual was $5,000,” Martin said. “Our reasoning for the increase

is our expanded advertisement in radio and online social media that we didn't have last year.”

Pizza Gallery at The Avenue Viera is once again hosting a fundraiser, Pizza With a Purpose, to raise money for the Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run/Walk. It will be Tuesday, April 9 at the restaurant.

“Pizza Gallery and Grill has opened its doors to us to help raise money twice a year. They have been so gracious and easy to work with, always willing to go the extra mile for us.

They provide advertisement flyers for us that we have distributed throughout the Publix Supermarkets in the Brevard and Indian River counties. The employees at the Publix Supermarkets have always come to the event to support our cause since I am an employee for Publix,” Martin said.

Proceeds will help Brevard County veterans with PTSD.

The Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run/Walk is a nonprofit organization.

“Our organization is listed in the Stop Soldier Suicide 2023 Impact Report among major national corporations for donating larger amounts,” Martin said.

All participants will receive an individual results page complete with pace, placement, a finisher certificate and a 20-second clip of the participant crossing the start and finish line as well as a T-shirt and medal.

There is also an opportunity for people to participate virtually. The app allows the virtual participant to appear in the race stats and gives them their time and place status,” Martin said.

Participants can register at RaceRoster at raceroster.com/ events/2024/80573/zachary-mmartin-memorial-runwalk. Input Zachary Martin and the race pops up. For further information, contact Paul Martin at 321-479-6129 or by email at ZacharyMartinRunwalk@ gmail.com VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run/Walk hopes to raise more money in its second year to support Brevard County veterans with PTSD.

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Wrap up SPORTS

Viera tennis teams have chance to excel in postseason

BY CARL KOTALA

The Viera High School boys and girls tennis teams are ramping up for the postseason with some intriguing possibilities looming down the line.

While each team has lost some tough matches this season, there have been a number of instances where a few points here and there could have swung things in their favor.

And there’s no better place for that to happen than at the district tournament.

“This season has been all about opportunity,” Viera girls coach Aaron Keehn wrote in

an email. “Last year’s team had lost three of its six players (bringing back lines four, five, and six), and this year’s team now has 11.

“Our team is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play nine of our 11 players in the starting lineup. I’m very grateful for this, and how a lot of our teams within the county have been growing. This in huge part goes back to the amazing coaches, administrators and tennis clubs that we have here in Brevard.”

Senior Caroline Morrison plays No. 1 singles for the Hawks and was undefeated in district play. She’s followed

on the No. 2 line by freshman Katie Manning; senior Isabelle Sterzik; senior Leea Johns and sophomore Sophia Polvino.

Morrison and Manning, the top doubles team, have lost only once this season. Sterzik and Johns make up Viera’s No. 2 team.

Other players who have seen action this season include freshman Madison Bohn; freshman Bryanna Benne; sophomore Lilly Serafini and sophomore Rachel Waller.

Viera was off to a 5-7 start, but five of those losses were by scores of 4-3. If the Hawks can turn one of those matches around, they’ll be in good

shape.

Keehn believes Morrison and the No. 1 doubles team of Morrison and Manning both have a chance to go to state.

Viera’s boys, meanwhile, were off to a 10-3 start that included a crucial win against district opponent Martin County. The Hawks lost to defending district champ Vero Beach, but there were five tiebreakers in the match — none of which went Viera’s way — indicating how close the teams are.

Senior Braden Ayers is back on the No. 1 line for the Hawks, followed by senior Brodie Taylor; senior Matthew Maroz; junior Joey Shine and junior Kaden Combs. Senior Will Mielke joined the team early in the season and has been pushing for a spot on the

No. 5 line.

Ayers and Taylor make up the No. 1 doubles team, while Maroz and Shine are on the No. 2 line.

It’s the third consecutive year Ayers has been Viera’s top player.

“Every year, he has improved,” Viera boys coach Glen Outlaw wrote. “I think his serve is one of the top five in the county, along with his forehand.”

Outlaw, who is in his last year of coaching the Hawks, said he thinks this year’s district tournament will come down to four teams: Viera, Vero Beach, Martin County and Melbourne.

“My goal for us is to finish well and finish with a smile,” he wrote. VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Viera High School seniors Braden Ayers, left, Brodie Taylor, Matthew Maroz, Will Mielke, Caroline Morrison, Isabelle Sterzik and Leea Johns are excited about the postseason.

Tigers poised for postseason success behind play of Dzheneva, Tu

BY CARL KOTALA

With a veteran leader in senior Aly Dzheneva and a big-time newcomer in junior Fred Tu, the Holy Trinity girls and boys tennis teams are poised to have a lot of success in the postseason.

“Both our boys and girls teams have played very well this season and both Coach (Mark) Harrison and I are excited to see them compete in the district playoffs and hopefully beyond,” Holy Trinity coach James Clark wrote in an email.

The Holy Trinity boys were off to a 7-0 start this season thanks in part to the play of Tu, who has taken over as the team’s top singles player.

“Fred Tu is a new player who has been very dominant this season,” Clark wrote. “Fred is a Canadian who is looking to play Division I tennis after high school. His UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) is above 10.”

Other top players for the Tigers this season are freshman Ryder Collins; eighth-grader Zacky Dzhenev; sophomore Luke Rector; sixth-grader Daniel Chen; junior Jake Barlow; junior Rohan Jain and junior Ved Charry.

Tu and Collins play on the No. 1 doubles line for Holy Trinity, while the No. 2 line is manned by Rector and Zacky Dzhenev.

On the girls side, Aly Dzheneva is on the No. 1 line for the sixth consecutive year as she prepares to close out what has been an incredible high school career.

“Aly has been the captain and leader of our team since she started in seventh grade,” Clark wrote. “She is committed to her game, as well as encouraging and leading her now younger teammates, along with her brother, Zacky, who is a tremendous player in his own right.

“Aly is a unicorn in today’s high school tennis. She has amazing talent and a heart to bring others along.

My hope is that Aly can return to a state final in line 1 singles and leave an indelible mark on both HT tennis and the state of Florida.”

Following Dzheneva in the Holy Trinity girls lineup are freshman Thaila Wells; sophomore Elle Canlas; sixth-grader Audrey Tracy; eighthgrader Christina Scott; eighth-grader Katie Van Hooven; senior Ashlyn Borboroglu and eighth-grader Jazzy Boyd.

It’s Dzheneva and Wells on the No. 1 line for Holy Trinity in doubles, with Canlas and Scott playing the No. 2 line.

While it’s nothing new to see younger players making an impact on a team, this year’s Tigers feature a pair of unique players in Tracy and Chen, who have come up from the lower school to make varsity as sixth graders.

“Our girls team is set up to finish top two in our district and to be a strong regional contender,” Clark wrote. “The boys team has been very strong and I expect them to compete very strong in the districts and regionals.

“Last season was our first team trip to states with the boys team and while it is always an enormous challenge, I think we have a strong chance to make another trip to states.” VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of James Clark

Members of the Holy Trinity boys and girls tennis teams pose for a photo during a recent practice. The Tigers have a chance, both in individual and team play, to do well in the district and regional playoffs this season.

Hani El Kommos, M.D.

Luc Teurlings, M.D. Robert Sedaros, M.D.

Viera boys have a chance to go far despite early-season injuries

BY CARL KOTALA

The season could not have gotten off to a worse start for the Viera High School boys lacrosse team.

But the Hawks are still here.

In fact, they’re playing much better than their 7-7 record would indicate thanks in part to a brutal schedule that should have them ready to go far in the playoffs.

“Our team is built on brotherhood and team first, share-the-ball team success over personal (success),” Viera coach Bob Nunn wrote in an email. “They are the boys in the boat, working together to a goal (of winning a) district title and beyond.

“Please don’t sleep on us because of our record. There is no quit in the 2024 Hawks and we will see who the best team in Brevard is.”

In Viera’s first two games of the season, it lost both of its face-off guys along with junior goalie and Utah commit, Jackson Lynch. All told, the Hawks have lost seven players for the season, a situation that would have

derailed most teams.

But with a team that still has senior Landon Almonte; junior Mac Goodman; senior Kyle Fischer and

Aiden McNamara along with middies junior Cannon Volitis, junior Connor Hoffman and senior Gabe See, the Hawks still have plenty

of talent. The emergence of junior Isaiah Garret in goal has been “a game changer” according to Nunn.

Viera has played a schedule that includes some of the state’s top programs, including No. 5 Lake Highland Prep, No. 8 Bishop Moore and No. 17 Cardinal Mooney along with Alatoona, which is ranked No. 14 in Georgia.

The purpose of the schedule, Nunn wrote, was to give the Hawks the kind of high-level competition that would prepare them for the postseason.

Nunn believes Viera has a chance to win the Class 2A, District 8 title and get to the Elite Eight or beyond.

“Our team is full of guys that have been playing together for a long time,” Nunn wrote. “Each one has a particular skill. What we

try to highlight is team ball. We set lofty goals for assists, which we achieve.

“Not sure other teams playing a tough schedule, not cream puff, have four players with 20-plus goals and 70 percent of goals assisted.”

A season that started out rough could turn out to be great.

“(Our) strengths are the toughness and desire to compete,” Nunn wrote. “They don’t fold in pressure situations and they are really beginning to trust one another and work as a unit. I can’t say enough about their effort. We put them in such difficult situations with the schedule and our roster challenges, but they have responded beautifully with heart and hustle.

“They’re a great bunch of kids. I can’t say enough.” VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer/PlayOn Highlights

The Viera High boys lacrosse team has played a brutal schedule this season in order to prepare the Hawks for the postseason. Despite losing seven players for the season due to injury, the Hawks are playing well and were 7-7 heading into spring break.

Strong defensive unit has Tigers looking at fourth straight district title

BY CARL KOTALA

The Holy Trinity Tigers have turned into a boys lacrosse program that dominates its district.

This year should be no exception.

It’s taken a little while longer for the Tigers (8-4) to gel this season thanks in large part to the success of Holy Trinity’s soccer and basketball programs, which caused some players to join lacrosse a little late.

But once the Tigers get it all together, they should be well on their way to a fourth consecutive district championship and a spot in what should be a very competitive region that features three of the top six ranked Class 1A teams in the state.

“This year, we have a mix of seniors with many JV players from last year,” Holy Trinity coach Eric Marr wrote in an email. “Our offense and defense will both be on the same footing with a mix of new players playing varsity this year.

“

“Our offense will be able to move the ball well with several seniors in the starting lineup. Our biggest (strength) will be our goaltending.”

Marr was referring to

senior goalie Justin Cole, who was in net when the Tigers won their first-ever district championship three years ago against Cocoa Beach.

So far this season, the Tigers have had one game where Holy Trinity allowed just two goals, three games where the Tigers surrendered only one, and a shutout victory against West Shore.

Cole is one of seven seniors on this year’s Holy Trinity team. The other six are Michael Howkins; Julien Warden; Andrew Turner;

Cole McNab; Matt Buoyoucas and Cooper Cohen.

Howkins, Warden and Turner lead the offense along with Buoyoucas, who is expected to return from an injury soon.

Freshman Nate Combs and junior Finn Werder are also two returning offensive players who help key the Tigers’ offense. Holy Trinity is also getting big contributions offensively from freshmen Drew Zabinski, Roan Wright and Garrett Schroeck.

McNab is the close defenseman and leader of

the Holy Trinity defense, while Cohen is the short stick defenseman.

Junior Ryan Day, junior Ben Kinden and freshman Nick Rahmes also play close defenseman for the Tigers. Junior Chris Moore and junior Dylan Jensen are the long stick middies.

The Tigers should get a challenge from Satellite, which was off to a 7-1 start, and Cocoa Beach (5-5) for the district title. Should Holy Trinity make it back to the regional tournament, potential matchups with Benjamin (ranked No. 3 in Class 1A in the last FHSAA rankings), Lake Highland Prep (No. 4), Bishop Moore (No. 6) or Montverde Academy (No. 20) could await the Tigers.

“I am expecting a good year,” Marr wrote. “The region is one of toughest in the state, so it will be a challenge.’’ VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Joe Kemer/PlayOn Highlights Holy Trinity seniors Michael Howkins, left, Andrew Turner and Julien Warden all play a big role as the Tigers look for a fourth straight district title.

Viera girls lacrosse team has plenty of firepower this season

BY CARL KOTALA

With a potent offense and a defense that has been rock solid this season, the Viera High girls lacrosse team has gotten off to a strong start.

Viera headed into its spring break with a 7-1 record, the lone loss coming to perennial state championship contender Vero Beach in a game that saw the Hawks get off to a 4-0 lead before going a player down and seeing that advantage slip away.

The potential rematch could come in this month’s Class 2A, District 8 tournament at Viera that will be headlined by the Hawks, Vero Beach (7-4) and St. Cloud (8-1).

First-year head coach Bayleigh Keator wrote in an email that she has been pleased with the way the season has been going so far for Viera.

“Unfortunately, we have had a few games canceled on us, but that gave us some days for rest and rebuilding within a busy season,” Keator wrote. “But that does set us up well going into districts and the playoffs beyond.”

Viera boasts a number

“Our defensive strength has kept us in a few games and was the propelling unit in our OT win against St. Ed's ...”

— Bayleigh Keator

of returning starters this season, including offensive sharpshooters like seniors Isabella DiSciascio; Averi Foster and Catherine Zeek.

DiSciascio is now the school’s all-time leader in assists with 110.

The Hawks also have gotten strong play recently from newcomer Isa Brown, a junior middie.

Defensively, the Hawks are led by senior Bella Wessel and junior Kayla Beuer along with juniors Makenna Dunegan and Sophia Aderton, who excel at picking up ground balls and causing turnovers.

Senior goalie Cam Wallace holds it all down in the net.

Other key players for the Hawks this year include junior Addisen Frydenlund, junior Katie Merritt and

junior Emily Potts, who has stepped into the starting lineup following an injury and has really been growing into her role in Viera’s attack.

The Hawks will be even stronger if junior Paige Martin can return from an injury in time for the playoffs.

“Our defensive strength has kept us in a few games and was the propelling unit in our OT win against St. Ed’s for our home opener,” Keator wrote.

“This was a redemption game for us as we lost to them in OT last year. This year, we were able to come out on top (with the same score, 12-11, as last year).”

The Hawks were certainly playing well going into their spring break, winning their last four games against Edgewood, Lake Brantley, Winter Park and West Shore by a combined score of 71-27.

Viera has scheduled games with Holy Trinity (April 3) and Satellite (April 4) before heading into its district tournament.

As well as the Hawks have been playing this season, they still have their biggest goals in front of them. VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Viera girls lacrosse team

Members of the Viera High girls lacrosse team pose after beating St. Edward's 12-11 in overtime in its home opener this season. It was a redemption game for the Hawks, who lost to St. Edward's by the same score last season.

On the first day they got together, Holy Trinity girls lacrosse coach Megan Sullivan asked her players what they wanted to get out of this season.

The answers all came back the same:

A district championship.

“We have been working every day the last three months to set ourselves up to compete for this title and we will not stop working until the district championship game is over,” Sullivan wrote in an email.

While the Tigers will certainly have a challenge getting past Edgewood and Satellite in Class 1A, District 8, they certainly have a nice balance on offense and defense on a 20-player roster to get it done.

“We are very lucky to have a great starting lineup and key subs that know how to step up and turn it on when they are asked,” Sullivan wrote. “This team is truly incredible with their want to win and culture to work hard. We can incorporate each player on the field to accomplish our wins so far this season.”

The Tigers were off to a 5-3 start, their last win coming against district opponent Merritt Island.

Holy Trinity had scheduled games against Satellite, Melbourne, West Shore and Viera to close out the regular season before the start of district tournament play.

Junior Izzy Henderson has done a good job taking the draw for the Tigers while junior midfielders Victoria Nelson and Rori Betten help get the ball upfield safely and trigger the offense. Holy Trinity’s third middie, senior

“This team is truly incredible with their want to win and culture to work hard.”

— Megan Sullivan

Alexa Grillo, is a standout on defense.

Holy Trinity’s attack is led by eighth-grader Phoebe Golden and sophomore Samantha Fraser with senior Shelby Reeve dishing out assists for a well-rounded attack.

Betten was leading the team with 21 goals and six assists, followed by Nelson with 19 and Golden with 13. Reeve was tied for second on the team with Golden. Each had five assists.

Defensively, senior Katrina Blanco and sophomore Roxie Edmunson have been crucial all season with their ability to win ground balls, while sophomore Faith Cowell is the team’s top crease defender.

They all play in front of second-year goalie Mia Glover, a senior who already has a shutout this season against Cocoa Beach.

Defender Maegan Mercado is the fifth senior on the roster.

“I would have to describe this team as the definition of a team,” Sullivan wrote. “No matter what, they are supporting each other and helping one another get better every day.

“I push these girls very hard during practice and I can do so because they have each other to motivate and encourage one another. This is one of the most coachable teams I have had the privilege to coach in my seven years of coaching.” VV

VIERA VOICE Beth Reeve

The Holy Trinity Tigers have been focused on winning a district championship since the first day they got together this season.

APRIL 5

Sixth

11:30 a.m. Lunch show

6 p.m. Dinner show

Shrimpfeast 2024

9245 Charles M. Rowland Dr. Cape Canaveral 321-698-5296

APRIL 13

Blueberry Fest

April 13 and April 14

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wickham Park 2500 Parkway Drive Melbourne 386-860-0092

Monthly Fly-in Breakfast

8 – 10 a.m.

Second Saturday

Fly-in or drive-in and have a chef-prepared breakfast. See the museum for free. Warbird Air Museum 6600 Tico Road, Titusville 321-268-1941

APRIL 14

Daily Bread's inaugural Chili Cookoff

4 - 7 p.m.

Front Street Park

2210 Front Street, Melbourne 321-723-1060

APRIL 17

A Musical Salute to Hal Gibson

7 p.m.

Melbourne Municipal Band Melbourne Auditorium Melbourne, 321-734-0555

APRIL 18

Community Care & Share 2024

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fundraiser for New Life Mission. Hilton Rialto Place 200 Rialto Place Melbourne 321-505-8605

APRIL 20

Annual Garden & Earth Day Fair

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

DRS Community Center 1089 S. Patrick Drive Satellite Beach, 321-773-4407

APRIL 24

Thimble Girls in Friendship (TGIF) Seaside Piecemakers

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

APRIL 27

Team Up for Parkinson's

Disease 5k Run/1k Walk

8 a.m.

Fundraiser for the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance.

Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island, 321-453-1776

APRIL 28

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse 5K/10K

7:30 a.m.

Proceeds will go to the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation.

640 Magellan Road

Cape Canaveral, 321-307-2900

3rd Annual Totes Against Trafficking-Designer Purse Bingo!

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

A fun night of playing bingo with designer purses as the prizes, all while supporting the fight against human trafficking.

Elks Lodge, 5820 U.S. 1 Rockledge 321-504-3111

Fun-loving ladies go on Mrs. Roper Romp

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Cocoa Beach was overrun with Mrs. Ropers during the middle of March.

Decked out in colorful caftans, beads and red wigs to celebrate Helen Roper, the free-spirited landlady played by Audra Lindley in the hit 1970s television comedy

“Three’s Company,” more than two dozen members of the Bridgewater Divas social group and their husbands gathered for fun times during a Mrs. Roper Romp at the Space Coast Mural Festival.

Mrs. Roper Romps started in New Orleans in 2013. Since then, the gatherings have spread across the country and

Mr. Delicious turns 2!!

“April 11th will ring in our 2nd Anniversary!!

Many of our loyal customers have found us and continued to support. However, there are others that come in and

that our

had retired or moved on to different ventures. Well, that’s when we have to tell them that didn’t happen… We’re 2 DELISH 2 QUIT!!!

Here are some awesome coupons from us to celebrate together!”

— Mike Acosta, aka Mr. Delicious

Tarpon

Wednesday, April 3 — $129

Max of 48 for this trip due to boat regualtions.

Wednesday

the bawdy Mrs. Roper has become something of a cult figure today.

Valerie Pettus, one of the members of the group from Bridgewater at Viera, a 55-and-older neighborhood in the master-planned community, said she learned about Mrs. Roper Romps after seeing an advertisement and decided to

share the celebration last year with other Bridgewater Divas members.

“I thought it would be a lot of fun,” Pettus said. “And so we started here and I think the first time there were only about 18 of us and it’s doubled this

ROMP

Continued on page 32

BY CARL KOTALA

Caroline Morrison got to celebrate one of the biggest days of her life in the perfect kind of environment:

In front of her friends and family.

The senior, who plays tennis at Viera High School, signed her National Letter of Intent to play at Piedmont University, a Division III school in Demorest, Georgia.

“When I first woke up the day of the signing (March 2), I was feeling very excited,” Morrison wrote in an email. “I have been working so hard for the last few years

for this. It seemed almost not real.”

Morrison’s signing day event was held at the Kiwi Tennis Club in Indian Harbour Beach, where she has been training since moving to Florida from Texas during the COVID pandemic. That experience paid off big for Morrison, who started playing tennis in seventh grade.

“Playing tennis at Kiwi became a lifeline for me because moving during COVID was very difficult,” Morrison wrote. “At the beginning of my sophomore

year, I decided to take a big step in my tennis development and switch to Florida Virtual School and start training full time with the hopes of becoming a college tennis player.”

After playing for the Hawks as a freshman, Morrison has returned for her senior year and is playing No. 1 singles for Viera this season.

She described herself as a power player.

“One of my biggest strengths on court is my forehand,” she wrote. “It has always been the highlight of my game and something that not only allows me to take over points, but even finish points.

“Another strength of mine is my strategic mindset. I have less experience competing than other girls, since they had been playing for five, six years longer than me, (so) I had to figure out my opponent’s weaknesses and execute a game plan and develop a stronger mentality.”

Morrison, who plans to major in nursing with a plan of becoming a nurse practitioner who specializes

in dermatology, said she picked Piedmont because of the closeness of the team.

“They were like a family with which I could see myself living,” she wrote.

“The coach, Trey Martin, ran his team in a way I could see myself growing as a tennis player.

“He emphasizes player development while maintaining a focus on how well players do in school. Also, he has a very positive and upbeat attitude which works very well for me.” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

No. 1 singles player Caroline Morrison has signed to play at

University. Morrison held her signing day ceremony at the Kiwi Tennis Club.

NewsSCHOOL

VPK PROGRAM

continued from page 1

ready for their move to Kindergarten.

“I love being part of this program because I get to see the high schoolers teach the littles and, when they do, the littles get so much from them. They have their high energy. They have a cool factor,” said Michelle Zeppieri, the program’s lead teacher.

“The big kids get the understanding of how to work with people who need extra patience. They have an understanding of children. They’re learning how to work in groups of peers. I get to see the benefits from both sides.”

The VPK program, which is free to the public, has been around in Brevard County and the state since before the 1980s, and has been in place at Viera since the school opened in 2006. It can also be found at Merritt Island, Palm Bay and Satellite high schools.

Students not only get high school credit for the program, but are also earning their Child Development Associate Certificate and have an opportunity to earn 12 credits at Eastern Florida State College.

Several Brevard County principals and many teachers throughout the state went through the program. Some Viera students have gone full circle, attending when they were 4-year-olds and now working in the class.

Zeppieri is in her second year as the program’s lead teacher, but has been teaching for 23 years overall.

Her instructional assistant, Claudia Ventura, also has an invaluable role in working with the students.

“The high schoolers have told me they love this class because they’ll be in high honors geometry and then get to come here and teach,” Zeppieri said. “The high schoolers actually teach. All subjects.

“My assistant, Mrs. Ventura and I, help the high schoolers make lesson plans that are exciting and fun. Because of that, the high schoolers enjoy it as well. It’s a nice break from a regular day.”

Amy Ciak, a Viera High senior who like Lewis has been in the program for four years, said she enjoys the program because she’s getting to work with children, which will help in her pursuit of becoming a child life specialist.

“You’re working with the kids and you get to see how kids are,” Ciak said. “You don’t romanticize them. It really gives you qualities you’ll use in the future.”

And just like Lewis, Ciak said there’s no better feeling than when her students understand what she’s trying to teach them.

“The feeling when you notice the littles picking up on what you are teaching them is such a rewarding experience,” Ciak said. “Something such as them learning to write their name. Every day we practice that and one day you just notice how much they’ve excelled.

“Knowing that it was us making that change feels so

accomplishing.”

VPK students attend the program Tuesday through Friday. On Mondays, Zeppieri teaches her high school students how to work with children, how to write lesson plans and how to decipher testing data. Third-year students also learn CPR.

Lewis, who wants to be a high school math teacher, said one of the most challenging parts of working with the kids is working with new children

every year.

“When they come in, you don’t know them at all,” she said. “You have to learn throughout the year about them and who they are as people.”

There are 18 students in this year’s VPK program and between 25 and 28 high school students interacting with them throughout the course of six periods during the day.

This year’s class has

already taken field trips to a pumpkin patch, the Brevard Zoo and a fire station. Next month, they will visit an elementary school to look at the campus — including the Kindergarten classroom — to see what it will be like for them next year.

“We wish that more of the community knew about our programs,” Zeppieri said. “Oftentimes, people don’t know that our VPK programs exist. And it’s free.” VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The VPK program benefits children getting ready for kindergarten as well as high school students who learn practical skills and earn school credit. Braxton Splaine is a student teacher.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

The VPK program, which is free to the public, has been around in Brevard County and the state since before the 1980s, and has been in place at Viera since the school opened in 2006

Kennedy Middle School gets a makeover with community help

BY BETTY PORTER

The community pitched in recently to spruce up John F. Kennedy Middle School, giving it a fresh look.

The project was sponsored by the school’s Beta Club and PTO.

Volunteers included students, parents, grandparents, staff and community leaders who spent the day, March 1, landscaping, painting, organizing and sprucing up the school, which first opened in 1965.

“We are a true community school and we are proud today to be brightening the curb appeal,” said Beta Club sponsor Barbara Sweeney, who has been a teacher at Kennedy for 33 years. “It was my very first job and I think of this school as my home.”

Jenny Smith, a parent volunteer and member of the school’s PTO and SAC, said she was pleased to see the cooperation on the beautification project.

“The community has been absolutely incredible in supporting us,” she said as she helped to place donated sod near the front entrance of the school.

Site One Landscape Supply donated a pallet of mulch and a pallet of 2,500 pounds of pavers. Florida East Coast Contractors supplied transportation of the pavers.

“These pavers will go a long way in helping us create

the back of the school,” Smith said.

Barb Pennington donated a bench for the sitting area.

D’s Ace Hardware in Viera also donated mulch as well as paint. Richard’s Paint and Sherwin Williams Paint of Viera both donated paint and

Jeremiah’s Abound Therapy

“This project is a clear example of how the community is involved.”

— Andy Papczynski

community is involved,” Kennedy Middle School Principal Andy Papczynski said. “Our prettying up the face of the front of the school will allow all to see what a

KENNEDY UPDATE

Continued on page 31

VIERA VOICE Betty Porter

Beta Club members and a grandmother, Sue Gorman, who calls herself Mee Maw, and parent volunteer Mary Peacock paint the bike racks yellow during the beautification project at John F. Kennedy Middle School.

Brevard students get STEM boost from Boeing Company grant

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Brevard Schools Foundation received a $250,000 grant from The Boeing Company to provide funding for student opportunities to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Design Challenges, participate in experiential study trips and for STEM industry workforce volunteers to participate in the programs.

The Destination Mars design challenge — a culmination of a yearlong effort by elementary students — came to fruition March 21 with 42 teams representing 36 schools competing in four mission areas. The Destination Mars Event is in its sixth year and it included displays, device performances, coding experiences and judging. The event’s goal is to cultivate tomorrow’s innovators by engaging students in STEM challenges. The projects are designed to develop real-world problem-solving skills, simulation-based inquiry and collaboration.

Teams were presented with four standards-aligned

STEM challenges that were planned and executed in class and in after-school STEM clubs. During the Destination Mars Event, the teams had an opportunity to present their solutions to judging panels composed of professionals from The Boeing Company, Brevard County Public Schools and other organizations. Student teams selected one of the following challenges:

Mission Research

Station Biodome Pod: Students designed research stations that address the challenges of living on Mars.

Mission Solar

Rover: Teams designed a functioning solar rover that would be able to travel straightaway. Teams participated in timed runs and competed head-to-head with other teams.

Mission Robotic Rover

Spike Prime: Teams used block programming to program their rover (the LEGO Spike Prime) to complete missions on Mars.

Mission Minecraft

Education Research

Station: Teams used Minecraft: Education Edition to design and build a Martian Research Base

that would allow members of the mission to maintain homeostasis on Mars.

Mission Journalist: Students documented the progress of each mission and compiled a video to show the team’s journey.

The grant from The Boeing Company also provides funding for Destination Space — an experiential field program at Kennedy Space Center for all sixth-grade students (5,500-plus) in Brevard Public Schools this school year. The grant continues to support the Girls in STEM initiative started in 2021-2022. It is a Saturday hands-on program that now has eight Title 1 schools that encouraged the participation of female minorities and helped to increase the number of participating teams.

“I have no doubt that there are future astronauts, engineers, designers and technicians in our local schools today, which is why Boeing is proud to partner with the Brevard Schools Foundation and its Destination Mars STEM Program,” said Doug Skinner, the director of System Integrations for the Boeing

CST-100 Starliner program.

“We are confident Brevard County and the state of Florida will see the impact made by this program for years to come.”

The Boeing Company has been a partner in the STEM program.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership of The Boeing Company,” said Janice Kershaw, the President/ CEO of the Brevard Schools Foundation.

“Their generous grant of $250,000 empowers us to offer exceptional STEM experiences to Brevard Public School students.

The Destination Mars program, Destination Space field trip and Girls in STEM initiative provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that spark curiosity, ignite innovation and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in future STEM careers. Thanks to Boeing’s investment, we are one step closer to cultivating tomorrow’s problem solvers and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts right here in Brevard County.” VV

of the school year. Wilkins organized the T-shirt fundraiser and teamed up with Swayne for Bingo Nights. Kloes ran Painting for a Purpose and the Yard Sign fundraiser. Angie Hernandez organized Spirit Nights. For more information, contact them at projectgradvhs.com or by

mail at 5445 Murrell Road, # 102-115, Rockledge, Florida 32955.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy will have its commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the campus.

A Senior Rehearsal and Stroll will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 12:19 p.m. May 17. The Baccalaureate ceremony will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the same day. VV

VIERA

BUSINESS

Scoop

Eyedeal offers better vision, reduced wrinkles, improved skin tone

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Before it came to be, Eyedeal Vision Care, Inc. had been a longawaited vision for coowners Linda Sarkarati, a licensed optician, and Dr. Jacqueline Pastore-Tran, an optometrist.

The two women have known each other for quite a while.

“My husband and her husband (Dr. Dominic Pastore, also an optometrist at Eyedeal) grew up together since they were in elementary school,” Sarkarati said. “Through the years, we talked about opening our own practice.”

Sarkarati is originally from Brevard County and lives in Viera. Pastore-Tran is from Tampa.

Sarkarati has been a licensed optician for the past 25 years. She fits and dispenses glasses as well as contact lenses. Pastore-Tran, who received her doctorate degree in 2002, performs eye examinations.

“She determines the prescription and I make the glasses,” Sarkarati said. “We need each other.”

The two women took the gamble and went into

“[TempSure Envi] is a radio frequency that heats the skin to a designated temperature to generate new collagen. It’s creating tighter skin as well as elasticity bands. It’s

like a hot stone massage.”

— Linda Sarkarati

business together when Brevard Vision Center in Rockledge at 1285 U.S. 1 became available.

They decided to rename the business Eyedeal Vision Care to differentiate it from other similar businesses that contain the term Brevard.

Six years ago, they opened a second location at 5500 Stadium Parkway, Suite 102, in Viera.

“When Dr. Caudill built this building,” said Sarkarati,” we knew that Viera was growing. We rented the bottom floor, right next to the MedFast Urgent Care, and did the

build out.”

The interior of the Viera location is spacious, colorful and modern.

Eyedeal Vision Care offers anti-aging treatments for both skin and eyes using a technology called TempSure Envi.

“It’s a radio frequency that heats the skin to a designated temperature to generate new collagen. It’s creating tighter skin as well as elasticity bands,” Sarkarati said. “It’s like a hot stone massage.”

They also treat patients with dry eyes using the same technology.

“The tear ducts get clogged with oil,” Sarkarati said. “The heat gets it flowing again. You need the oils to keep tear film in your eye.”

For more information, call 321-631-2811 or go to eyedealvisioncarebrevard. com VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Eyedeal Vision Care

Linda Sarkarati of Eyedeal Vision Care performs a TempSure Envi treatment.

Third Publix in Viera-Suntree area will have a second floor

BY MIKE GAFFEY

For fans of Publix Super Markets in Viera and Suntree, good things have come in threes.

The growing region’s third Publix is set to open this spring at 7655 Stadium Parkway as the anchor for the new 15-acre Addison Center at Viera shopping center, just south of Health First’s Viera Hospital.

But unlike the Publix markets at 7777 N. Wickham Road in Suntree and at Stadium Corners at Viera, 5380 Stadium Parkway, the new 48,347-square-foot supermarket will feature a second-floor mezzanine with a seating area for customers, Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsey Willis stated in an email to Viera Voice

The mezzanine, with dining areas inside the store and outside on a west-facing balcony, likely will resemble the second floor added to the Publix at Lake Washington

Crossing at Wickham and Lake Washington roads. That Publix reopened in 2023 after crews spent more than a year remodeling the store.

A site plan from The Viera Company, a subsidiary of Oviedo-based Duda and master developer of Viera, shows that in addition to the Publix store, Addison Center at Viera also will have a 1,400-square-foot Publix liquor store, 344 parking spaces, four outparcel lots and room for other retail businesses.

Six other tenants already have been announced:

• Great Clips — 1,200-squarefoot space

• Whit’s Frozen Custard — 1,200-square-foot space

• Pristine Spas — 2,400-square-foot space

• Sushi Kawa Japanese & Thai Restaurant — 1,200-square-foot space

• Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza — 4,800-square-foot space

• an unnamed nail salon

The three Publix

Viera’s new Publix will feature a second-floor mezzanine

supermarkets all will be within a six-mile area of Viera and Suntree.

Lakeland-based Publix operates nearly 1,370 stores, 10 distribution centers and 10 manufacturing facilities across Florida, Alabama,

Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The company employs more than 250,000 people.

Publix reported net earnings of $4.3 billion in 2023, up nearly 50 percent over the $2.9 billion reported in 2022, according to Supermarket News. However, the employee-owned supermarket’s net earnings fell 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter of the year to $1.2 billion. VV

Whit’s Frozen Custard to offer tasty desserts in Viera later this year

BY MIKE GAFFEY

About three years ago, Richard Chase and his wife, Chalee Madden, were enjoying a cool treat at a Whit’s Frozen Custard shop in Stuart and talking about becoming franchisees.

“We could never find the right place,” Chase said. “And she said, ‘What about Whit’s Frozen Custard?’ ”

After a quick online check of the Granville, Ohio-based company’s website revealed that a Whit’s franchise territory stretching from Rockledge to Fort Pierce was available, Chase sent an email the next day and got a call from one of Whit’s cofounders.

“We liked the product, we liked what they had to say and what they offered us,” he said. “So we went ahead.”

Later this year, the Chases will open their third

Whit’s shop in Brevard County, within the new Addison Center at Viera shopping plaza at 7655 Stadium Parkway, Suite 103.

The couple opened their first Whit’s in West Melbourne in February 2023 and a second franchise in Downtown Melbourne in August 2023,

he said “It’s been fantastic,” Chase said of customer response at the two locations. “People come in and they’ve either never had frozen custard or they’ve never had Whit’s Frozen Custard. We offer a free sample of our freshly made custard on a taster spoon. And it’s amazing to watch the reaction. They’ll taste it and in mid-taste, so many people go, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s so good.' "

Frozen custard has the same ingredients as ice cream — milk, cream and sweetener — but includes egg yolks for a richer, thicker and creamier texture. Chase added that Whit’s Frozen Custard contains about 20 percent more butter fat than ice cream and is slow churned to preserve the dessert’s freshness longer.

“We make everything in the store,” said Chase, a Real Estate Broker who formerly was in country club executive management for about 15 years. He moved his family to Viera from Martin County in 2023.

“We have more than 400 recipes that we cycle through. “We make the custard fresh every single day. We do a vanilla, we do a chocolate and then we do a special flavor every day. And we have an endless variety of toppings.”

The Brevard County Whit’s also offers Whitties, custard sandwiched between two cookies; Whittle Dippers,

a chocolate-dipped vanilla custard in a waffle cone and covered in toppings; custard shakes and sundaes; cakes; custard pies; a kids menu and sugar-free and vegan options.

“For our vegan items, we use oat milk,” Chase said. “We always do a vegan vanilla and then we typically have about two vegan flavors as well. So people love that.”

The Viera location, adjacent to the new Publix, will be about 1,200 square feet, with six to 10 employees, Chase said. Hours will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Customers can enjoy their dessert inside or select a pint, quart, cake, pie, etc. from a grab-and-go cooler.

Chase said he’s not concerned about a Culver’s restaurant on Lake Andrew Drive north of his Viera shop that offers frozen custard on its menu.

“Culver’s is a burger place that sells custard with their burgers,” he said. “We only sell custard, so we’ve got to be better.”

The Viera Whit's should welcome customers by late August or early September, Chase said.

“People already know us as the Whit's people,” he said. “They’re already asking us, ‘When's your store opening?’"

For more information, check out Whit’s Melbourne on Facebook. VV

VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey

with dining areas inside the store and outside on a west-facing balcony. It likely will resemble the second floor added to the Publix at Lake Washington Crossing at Wickham and Lake Washington roads (above).

VIERA VOICE Mike Gaffey

Richard Chase and his wife Chalee Madden, with their children Teagan and Richard, will soon have three Whit's Frozen Custard stores in Brevard County.

Additional Products

Storm Panels

Screen Rooms

Accordians

Roll-Ups

Bahamas

Hurricanerated

Roll-Up Screens

Acrylic Sliders

Carports

Playa Bowls leave everyone healthy,

BY JEFF NAVIN

Just a couple years ago, Jennifer and Eric Myers were in Cherry Hills, New Jersey where they ate at Playa Bowls for the first time.

It was love at first sight — or bite.

“We loved it,’’ said Jennifer Myers who, along with her husband, grew up in southern California. “You walk in with a feeling that this is a place that you’d like to call home. The food is healthy and it aligns with our lifestyle. We’re water people.’’

The Myers family bought the local franchise and opened Playa Bowls on March 23 at 2261 Town Center Avenue, Suite 141, in Viera. It’s across the street from 28 North Gastropub.

Acai is one of six different bases that include Pitaya, Coconut, Banana, Mango and Green for the bowls. Other ingredients such as granola,

honey, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, cacao, coconut flakes and countless others can be added. Mango and banana also are frequently added to one of the other bowls.

“Acai is a super food of fresh fruit,’’ said Eric Myers, who moved to Brevard County 10 years ago with his wife to work in the aerospace and defense industry. “It’s a berry from South America, essentially from Brazil.’’

“Acai is similar to blueberry, but it has the texture of a thicker sorbet,’’ Jennifer Myers added.

Smoothies, juices and cold brews are also featured on the menu.

Playa Bowl will be open seven days a week. Sunday through Thursday it will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, it will be open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“Everything is delicious, but it doesn’t leave you bloated,’’ Jennifer Myers said. “This is full, clean, healthy eating.’’

Solution on page 36

It covers any meal, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner.

“It’s a cool, beach vibe,’’ said Eric Myers, a surfer, who was a standout swimmer in high school and still trains locally as a Masters swimmer.

“Our mission statement

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Eric and Jennifer Myers opened Playa Bowls in Viera in March.

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue Tatiana Parquette, left, and her parents Quincy and Karla were the first family in line to experience the exotic flavors of Playa Bowls.

MOVIE MATINEE

“Never Been Kissed”

Thursday, April 11 • 2 - 4 p.m.

RSVP at 321-751-6771

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera

ESTATE AND MEDICAID PLANNING:

GET YOUR PLAN IN ORDER

Wednesday, April 17 • 10 a.m.

RSVP at 321-751-6771

One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, Viera

Kravepot brings trendy Asian

BY WENDY SCHEURING

Soy sauce, wasabi, Udon noodles, Pho.

These are flavors and foods familiar to those who enjoy Asian food.

Kravepot BBQ & Korean Hotpot, at 6525 3rd St. (at the former La Crave

location), is Cynthia Nguyen’s first restaurant. You won’t see her when you walk in, however. She’ll be busy cooking in the kitchen. She co-owns the business with a manager who wishes to remain unnamed.

Nguyen, a resident of Cocoa, is a firm believer in authentic, home-style

Are

cooking.

“I am Asian and I like to cook. I love the food and want to share it with Americans,” she said.

The Asian hot pot restaurant opened Jan. 15. It offers a unique dining experience not yet seen in Brevard County.

Each table has a hotpot

cooking to

where the meal is cooked at the table.

A hotpot is similar to a crockpot.

The key to the meal’s flavor is the broth. You can choose from Korean-style kimchi or seafood, which is anchovy based. Other flavors on the menu hail from Thailand, Japan and Vietnam.

“Our primary aim is to provide top quality care in a calm and pleasant environment.”

Diners can customize their meals with a variety of healthy options, which are available buffet style, including mushrooms, bok choy, parsley, onions, cabbage, broccoli, hard boiled eggs, noodles, pork, beef, chicken, shrimp and scallops, among others.

Vegetarian choices are available, as well as glutenfree noodles.

For those on the go at lunchtime, quick individual bowls can be ordered.

“My family went

to Kravepot after an appointment in Rockledge,” said Digna Yarbrough of West Melbourne. “My husband was stationed in Korea for a year while in the military, and he was excited to see a hotpot restaurant.”

“Their sauce, veggie, meat and noodle options are so plentiful and fresh. My 9-year-old was in heaven. He loves noodles and getting to choose all of the toppings was a major highlight. The Thai tea boba that my husband and I got was very good, too.”

The owners are considering expanding to other areas of Brevard, including nearby Melbourne.

“I hope they stay open for a very long time,” Yarbrough said.

For more information, call 321-349-0481 or check out kravepot.com VV

VIERA VOICE Jill Blue

Kravepot BBQ & Korean Hotpot offers a unique dining experience with a hotpot at each table to cook the meals right in front of you.

Vijay

“I was tired of living with my Fibromyalgia pain.”

I f y o u ’ r e s u f f e r i n g f r o m F i b r o m y a l g i a y o u u n d e r s t a n d t h i s s e n t i m e n t a l l t o o w e l l . L o c a l r e s i d e n t C o n n i e J . f o u n d h e r s e l f a t a t u r n i n g p o i n t w h e n s h e n o t i c e d h e r d i a g n o s i s s t a r t e d t o t a k e i t s t o l l o n h e r m a r r i a g e “ I w a s a n g r y a l l t h e t i m e b e c a u s e o f a l l t h e t h i n g s I c o u l d n ’ t d o a n y m o r e b e c a u s e o f m y F i b r o m y a l g i a . T h a t a n g e r c y c l e d t h r o u g h t o d e p r e s s i o n a n d a f f e c t e d e v e r y o n e a r o u n d m e , m y h u s b a n d m o r e t h a n a n y o n e . I t m a d e o u r l i v e s m i s e r a b l e . ” F i b r o m y a l g i a a f f e c t s t h e e n t i r e b o d y , a n d t o m a k e t h i n g s c o m p l i c a t e d i t a f f e c t s e v e r y o n e ' s b o d y a l i t t l e d i f f e r e n t l y T o m a k e t h i n g s e v e n m o r e c o m p l i c a t e d , t h o s e e f f e c t s c a n c h a n g e o n a d a i l y b a s i s S o m e t i m e s y o u ’ r e p l a g u e d w i t h w i d e s p r e a d m u s c l e p a i n a n d f a t i g u e , o t h e r d a y s i t ’ s a h e a d a c h e a n d h e i g h t e n e d s e n s i t i v i t y t o t o u c h . “ I c o u l d b a r e l y s t a n d t o h a v e t h e l i g h t w e i g h t o f b e d s h e e t s t o u c h i n g m e , m u c h l e s s a h u g f r o m m y h u s b a n d , ” e x p l a i n s C o n n i e . P r i m a r y c a r e d o c t o r s w i l l s u g g e s t d i e t a r y c h a n g e s , p a i n l i n i m e n t s , a n d p h a r m a c e u t i c a l s t o t r y t o g e t t o t h e p o i n t w h e r e y o u r l i f e i s n o l

T h r o u g h h e r o w n r e s e a r c h C o n n i e d i s c o v e r e d t h a t a c u p u n c t u r e c a n h e l p e a s e p a i n a n d i m p r o v e t h e q u a l i t y o f l i f e o f p a t i e n t s w i t h F i b r o m y a l g i a . S h e w a s t h e n d e t e r m i n e d t o f i n d t h e b e s t i n t h e b u s i n e s s , w h i c h i s h o w s h e d i s c o v e r e d B o d h i T r a d i t i o n a l C h i n e s e

M e d i c i n e & A c u p u n c t u r e a n d D r A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , L A c i n

M e l b o u r n e

D r A n d r e a h a s s p e n t 7 y e a r s i n t h e S p a c e C o a s t s u c c e s s f u l l y t r e a t i n g d i f f i c u l t t o m a n a g e c h r o n i c p a i n c o n d i t i o n s u s i n g t h e t i m e t e s t e d s c i e n c e o f a c u p u n c t u r e i n t e g r a t e d w i t h

m o d e r n m e d i c a l a d v a n c e m e n t s i n h e a l i n g a n d r e c o v e r y

“ I f e e l l i k e a n e w p e r s o n M y h u s b a n d c o m e s w i t h m e t o m y a p p o i n t m e n t s a n d s p e n d s m o s t o f i t t h a n k i n g D r . A n d r e a f o r g i v i n g h i m b a c k t h e w o m a n h e m a r r i e d .

F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e s i n c e w e m o v e d h e r e , o n e o f m y n e i g h b o r s t o l d m e I l o o k e d g o o d ! I t ’ s a m i r a c l e , I d o n ’ t k n o w h o w el s e t o e x p l a i n i t . “ I f y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r a d o c t o r a n d a p r a c t i c e , C o n n i e d e s c r i b e s t h e s t a f f a t B o d h i T C M a l m o s t a s e n t h u s i a s t i c a l l y a s s h e d o e s t h e i r t r e a t m e n t s : a s p r o f e s s i o n a l s w h o u n d e r s t a n d y o u r d i a g n o s i s a n d h a v e p r o v e n s o l u t i o n s f o r c h r o n i c p a i n I f t h a t ’ s w h a t y o u ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r , t h e n l o o k n o f u r t h e r t h a n B o d h i T C M

D r A n d r e a I z q u i e r d o , B o d h i ’ s f o u n d e r a n d l e a d i n g p r a c t i t i o n e r , h a s b e e n s u c c e s s f u l l y t r e a t i n g c h r o n i c p a i n a n d c o m p l i c a t e d c o n d i t i o n s i n t h e S p a c e C o a s t s i n c e 2 0 1 7 W i t h o v e r 1 0 , 0 0 0 t r e a t m e n t s p e r f o r m e d s h e h a s d e v e l o p e d e f f e c t i v e p r o t o c o l s t o t r e a t s e e m i n g l y h o p e l e s s c o n d i t i o n s l i k e f i b r o m y a l g i a , p e r i p h e r a l n e u r o p a t h y , a n d p o s t h e r p e t i c n e u r a l g i a

“ I l o v e w h a t I d o ” s h a r e s D r A n d r e a “ E v e r y d a y w e a r e f a c i l i t a t i n g t r a n s f o r m a t i o n s , h e l p i n g p e o p l e w h o h a v e b e e n t o l d t h a t “ t h e y h a v e t o l i v e w i t h i t ” o r t h a t “ t h e r e i s n o t h i n g e l s e t h a t c a n b e d o n e ” W e h e l p o u r p a t i e n t s g e t b a c k t o d o i n g w h a t t h e y l o v e a n d t h e r e i s n o t h i n g m o r e f u l f i l l i n g t h a n t h i s ”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n D r A n d r e a a n d h e r t r e a t m e n t s a n d t o v i e w v i d e o t e s t i m o n i a l s f r o m t h e i r p a t i e n t s s c a n t h e Q R c o d e b e l o w w i t h y o u r p h o n e o r v i s i t w w w . b o d h i t c m . c o m .

T o s c h e d u l e a c o n s u l t a t i o n c a l l

3 2 1 - 3 1 2 - 0 7 7 1 b u t d o s o q u i c k l y ! O n l y a l i m i t e d n u m b e r o f c o n s u l t a t i o n a p p o i n t m e n t s a r e a v a i l a b l e a s D r A n d r e a w i l l o n l y b e a c c e p t i n g 8 n e w p a t i e n t s b e t w e e n n o w a n d A p r i l 2 6 t h !

Neighbors of Suntree plans $10K aquarium donation during spring event

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Neighbors of Suntree plans to donate $10,000 to the Brevard Zoo Aquarium Project during its spring event Thursday, April 11 at Suntree Country Club.

A representative for the $100 million project’s Legacy Campaign will accept the social and civic organization’s donation during the luncheon at the country club at 300 Country Club Drive.

“This will qualify our organization as an Aquarium Founder,” Peggy Hyman of Neighbors of Suntree said in a statement.

The as-yet-unnamed aquarium and conservation center is planned on 14 undeveloped acres along the Banana

Zoo officials hope to break ground later this year and open the aquarium complex to thousands of visitors in 2027.

Established in 1984, Neighbors of Suntree awards money raised throughout the year to charitable organizations in Brevard County. The nonprofit group was formed to help acquaint newcomers to Suntree and surrounding areas with its neighbors, make new friends and familiarize itself with the community through charitable initiatives, Hyman stated.

The group welcomes new members and is open to anyone who wants to make new friends. Annual membership is $25 and Suntree residency is not mandatory.

Brevard Zoo CEO Keith Winsten praised Neighbors of Suntree for the $10,000 donation.

“We are excited and grateful that our neighbors in Suntree are generously supporting our efforts to bring the aquarium to life,” Winsten said. “We appreciate their continuing support.”

For information, check out neighborsofsuntree.org VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo Aquarium Project has raised 74 percent of its $100 million goal.

VIERA VOICE

Courtesy of Brevard Zoo

The project has raised 74 percent of required funds, according to the Brevard Zoo website

KENNEDY UPDATE

Continued from page 18

for the day with students cleaning walls, painting baseboards, organizing closets and painting the school’s mascot Panther paw prints on the ceiling tiles.

“These paw prints are going to add some pizzazz,” parent volunteer Kati McGuire said as she stood on a ladder painting.

Beta Club members Skylar Miller and Kylie Jones also took to the ladders to paint the paw prints. Both are eighth graders and this will be their last year at the school, which provides seventh- and eighth-grade education.

“I hope our work here today brightens up students' days and makes things at KMS really special,” Jones said.

There are 62 members of the Beta Club, all of whom must maintain a 3.5 GPA to belong to the academic and community service group. VV

Miller, left, and Kylie Jones paint Panther paw prints on the ceiling tiles at John F. Kennedy

Solution on page 37

ROMP

Continued from page 15

time. And I think next time it will be even bigger.”

Nine husbands joined the Divas for the festivities, wearing T-shirts bearing the image of Mrs. Roper’s hardedged, suspicious spouse and landlord Stanley, portrayed by Norman Fell. Roper was always looking for a reason to evict Jack Tripper, played by John Ritter, who shared a Santa Monica, California apartment with Chrissy, played by Suzanne Somers, and Janet, played by Joyce DeWitt. The popular sitcom ran from 1977 to 1984 and spawned a spinoff, “The Ropers,” which starred Fell and Lindley and aired in 1979 and 1980.

“I thought it would be a lot of fun. … And I think next time it will be even bigger.”

—Valerie Pettus

The Bridgewater Divas’ goal is to “be active,” member Tina Swenson said.

“We go out dancing, clubbing,” Swenson said.

Group members plan to meet quarterly and hope to present community-service projects in the future, Pettus said.

“I have seen that some of the Mrs. Roper Romps do a donation so maybe we can do that next time,” she said. SL

VIERA VOICE Susie Parente

The Bridgewater Divas and their Stanley companions gathered for the Mrs. Roper Romp at the Space Coast Mural Festival.

VIERA VOICE Susie Parente Caftans have become popular again as the Bridgewater Divas honor Mrs. Roper.

Jovi

Pinwheel Planting with Sheriff Ivey and the Special Victims Unit 10:30 a.m.

Pinwheels will be planted in honor of those children lost to child abuse and as a sign of hope for the many children saved.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office 340 Gus Hip Blvd. Rockledge, 321-785-8880

The Science of Cheese Making 2 - 8:30 p.m.

The basics of cheese making and providing an opportunity to make two different types of cheese.

UF/IFAS

Dine-Out with the Child Abuse Prevention Task Force of Brevard 5 - 8 p.m.

Dine in or take-out. A portion of the proceeds benefit the CAPTF.

Texas Roadhouse 1975 Viera Blvd. Viera 321-785-8880

State of the State 7:30 a.m.

Presented by the Melbourne Regional Chamber and Space Coast Association of Realtors. 2950 Pineda Plaza Way 321-724-5400

Sip & Smoke 5:30 p.m.

28 North Gastropub 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-241-1159

National Day of Commuy Service

Viera Park Market & Food Trucks

5 - 8 p.m.

Viera Regional Park 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, 321-759-3713

An Evening With the Stars 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meet dozens of best-selling authors. Holiday Inn Viera 8298 N. Wickham Road floridastarwriters.com

Fourth annual Out of This

World Golf Tournament

7 a.m.

Fundraiser for GRG

Turtle Creek Golf Club 1378 Admiralty Blvd.

Rockledge, 321-631-7776

AARP Driver Safety Class 9:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Suntree Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 973-607-7996 7 8 9 10 11 12

Brevard Investment Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This group meets to talk about stock market investments.

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

Space Coast Area Podcasters monthly meeting 7 p.m.

Space Coast Health Foundation 1100 Rockledge Blvd. Rockledge

Lunch & Learn 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and a brief presentation to learn how our all-inclusive amenitities simplify your retirement.

Shell Harbor 2855 Murrell Road Rockledge 321-252-1221

Brevard Corporate 5K 6:30 p.m. Melbourne Airport 1 Air Terminal Parkway Melbourne brevardcorporate5K.com

Third annual Golf Tournament for Homeless Vets

7 a.m.

Rockledge Country Club 1591 S. Fiske Blvd. Rockledge 321-205-7643

Benefits of Medical Marijuana

10 a.m.

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

Summer Fun & Camp Fair

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Learn about summer camps, activities and programs offered in Brevard County. Kidz Biz Fair a market run by kids selling their creations. Viera Community Center 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera fun4spacecoastkids.com 14 15 16 17 18

Woof it Up!

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Presented by the Brevard County Dog Training Club. A familyfriendly event for dogs and their humans.

Participate in the annual Breed Parade.

Riverfront Park 421 River Edge Blvd. Cocoa, 321-917-3531

Scottish Country Dancing 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springs of Suntree 8300 Holiday Springs Road Suntree 321-427-3587

Special Needs Trusts 10 a.m.

Presented by attorney William A. Johnson.

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

The Brevard Antiques and Collectibles Club 1:30 p.m. Eau Gallie Library Melbourne 321-795-7363

Free Liver Scans 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Courtesy of ClinCloud One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Yappy Hour 3 - 8 p.m. Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-499-1188 Jazz Band Concert 7:30 p.m. EFSC Building 4 1519 Clearlake Road Cocoa, 321-632-1111

Third Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. Live music, complimentary snacks and dancing.

Space Coast Cars and Coffee 3 - 6 p.m.

IRCC helps service dog group with generous donation

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation has donated $5,000 to Patriot Service Dogs of Ocala, a nonprofit organization that matches trained service dogs to veterans with a range of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Patriot Service Dog puppies are raised and trained for about two years, at a cost of up to $20,000, before being given to a qualifying veteran.

The $5,000 grant was the Foundation's first outreach to Patriot Service Dogs.

Victoria Sanderson, the volunteer coordinator and lead trainer for Patriot Service Dogs, was ecstatic to receive the grant from the IRCC Foundation.

"Patriot Service Dogs is excited to see our continued growth on the Space Coast,” Sanderson said. “We've been growing in the area for the last year, but the IRCC Foundation is our first financial supporter. We hope this is just the beginning of a long relationship with the

community. This grant will make a significant impact on our ability to continue supporting our veteran/ service dog teams. And we are very thankful."

Indian River Colony Club resident and retired Marine Jack DeFreytas received his Patriot Service Dog only two months ago and can’t say enough about his “Bailey Boy.”

“Bailey is not my dog. I am honored and privileged to be his Marine,” DeFreytas said. “The world would be a better place if more people had a buddy like Bailey. From the bottom of my heart, I thank Patriot Service Dogs for uniting us.”

Anyone interested in donating to Patriot Service Dogs can sponsor a dog, sponsor a veteran or make a donation to Patriot Service Dogs at 603 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471.

“As a combat veteran, I know what stress and anxiety feel like,” said Indian River Colony Club Foundation Board Vice Chairman Mike Feener, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. “And as a

former dog owner, I know how the unconditional love of a dog can heal those hidden wounds. For these reasons, I enthusiastically support the important work being done by the Patriot Service Dog organization.“

Indian River Colony Club resident Sarah Kedzierski and her husband Dr. Mark Kedzierski are volunteer puppy raisers for Patriot Service Dogs.

“After becoming a puppy raiser with

Patriot Service Dogs, I developed a huge respect for the integrity of their program,” Sarah Kedzierski said. “They train the dogs for service, while maintaining care and compassion. By matching veterans’ needs with their dogs’ skills, some of their dogs have literally saved veterans’ lives. The thrill of being part of such success makes it easy to commit to this program — for a long time.” VV

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Indian River Colony Club Foundation

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation made a generous donation to Patriot Service Dogs of Ocala.

VIERA VOICE

Courtesy of Indian River Colony Club Foundation Bailey is a Patriot Service Dog. The trained service dogs are matched with veterans with a range of issues.

9 7 6 9 2 5 8

3 7 9 5 7 2 9

the numbers 1 to 9.

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

It’ll take all of us to heal the Indian River Lagoon

Copyright

There have been a lot of big projects going on lately to help the Indian River Lagoon.

The Army Corp. has been releasing more than a billion gallons per day of contaminated water from Lake Okeechobee into the Indian River Lagoon at St. Lucie (and another 2.6 billion to the Gulf).

Solution

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River Lagoon Coalition

Fortunately, the Legislature voted for $740 million in spending to continue water redirection projects to help correct this problem.

Solution to Sudoku:

Puzzle page 26

6 7 5 4 9 3 1 2

Closer to home, the Legislature agreed to provide $75 million in funding (it should have been $100 million, like last year) for the IRL Protection Program. These funds, together with the millions being raised by the half-cent sales tax, will help to pay for the removal of hundreds of leaking septic systems and other important projects to restore the IIRL.

These investments are correcting pollution problems created during the past 70 years. And, we’re seeing signs of progress. Seagrass is beginning to return; residents report clearer water and sightings of sawfish and other longabsent species.

It’s not just up to the government. We need to help the IRL, as well. And, there’s a lot we can do.

Check out the link dw6x. short.gy/ to our What You

2 4 5

5 6 4 1 2 9 3 8

Can Do flier outlining a dozen actions you can take around the house during your daily activities. Want to do more?

Volunteer!

Here is a link to 20 organizations, each taking actions to help the IRL. Go to helpthelagoon.org/thecoalition/partners/ Want to help us

Volunteer!

educate the community about our progress and how to continue? Go to helpthelagoon.org/getinvolved/

It takes each of us. It takes all of us. It takes you to heal the IRL.

For more, check out helpthelagoon.org/ and facebook.com/BIRLC/. VV

Here is a link to 20 organizations, each taking actions to help the Indian River Lagoon. Go to helpthelagoon.org/the-coalition/partners/.

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of the Indian River Lagoon Efforts are ongoing to clean up the Indian River Lagoon.

Reconnecting with Earth — start making a difference

BBC News recently reported on the winner for the European Tree of the Year, a contest that “celebrates our relationship with nature by showcasing beautiful and unique trees from across the continent.”

It originated in 2002 in the Czech Republic. The winner was a Polish beech nicknamed Heart of the Garden growing in the University of Wroclaw's botanical garden. It is a truly majestic tree.

Trees, like the whole of nature and living beings, are important, have a role to play in keeping our planet livable, in balance — and should be celebrated. They make our streets cooler and our air purer, protect our land from erosion and floods, purify our water and form forests, home for many species of other plants and animals.

Nature therapy ... described as “the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health.” — according to webMD.com

Besides all those, they also ease the mind and strengthen the spirit. So much so that we even have a name for that — or many names, like nature therapy, ecotherapy and horticulture therapy, described as “the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health,” according to WebMD.com

Richard Louv, in his book “Last Child in the Woods” published in 2005, coined the term nature-deficit disorder to describe the human costs of alienation from nature both for children and adults. “Since 2005,” he continues, “the number of studies of the impact of nature experience on human development has grown from a handful to nearly 1,000. This expanding

body of scientific evidence suggests that naturedeficit disorder contributes to a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, conditions of obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses.”

Another book, such as “The Biophilia Effect” by Clemens Arvay, goes into research that demonstrates that our organs and cells are influenced in a significantly positive way by nature and natural settings.

So, for our own sake if nothing else, we must respect and protect nature.

To help us take steps toward that goal, Ecochallenge.org created the Earth Month Ecochallenge, a 30-day program focused on environmental and social engagement to help individuals to transform Earth Day intentions into impactful actions and lasting habits. As part of the challenge, you are invited to select actions that resonate with your values, committing to them for 30 days, from April 1 to April 30, to foster and reinforce positive habits.

This year’s theme is “Conserving Every Ecosystem, Caring for Every Creature,” and our team is Recycle Brevard for the Earth. Anyone is welcome

to join us. Simply go to https://bit.ly/ RecycleBrevardForTheEarthEcochallenge, select your actions for the month and start making a difference. It is that simple.

How better to protect nature than by taking actions to build a more sustainable community and gain awareness to live a more sustainable life? When would be the best time to start if not this Earth Month?

Join us!

As the saying goes, “there is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.”

Happy Earth Month! VV

Email Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

Recycle Brevard is an independent non-profit organization 100% run by volunteers focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.

News SENIOR

Boomer Guide models represent Brevard County’s diversity

BY JEFF NAVIN

The 18th annual Boomer Guide is better than ever. Just ask the 11 models chosen to represent boomers and seniors from all over Brevard County.

They come from all walks of life, areas of the United States and many different professions. Some have made career changes with a lot to boast about in either career choice.

Nancy Johnson, a Vassar graduate, was an actor, a voiceover star and successfully ran a bed and breakfast with her late husband Mel Johnson. She’s the cover model.

Bill Antonetz, a native of Connecticut, shares his knowledge of cars for the greater good. His monthly car shows help local charities. Antonetz also volunteers at the American Muscle Car Museum, which is always seemingly helping the community with its fundraisers.

Shryrl Johnson-Holley rebounded from tragedy to become a jazz singer and an actor in local theatrical performances. Her husband, Mark Holley, a former New York City bellman, golfs, bowls and

plays chess.

John Prink has exchanged his police uniform for the rural life of raising horses on a small ranch. But, it’s not all bib overalls for Prink. He plays the drums for a blues band, still acts in a few films and shares his thoughts on podcasts.

Kim Gabriel hasn’t let a heart transplant deter her from acting. After recovering, she played a small role in the human-trafficking film “Don’t Say My Name.’’

Quebec native France Lefebvre, a hospice nurse who worked in interior design years ago, has always wanted to model. She crossed that off her bucket list by gracing the pages of the Boomer Guide

Linda Knoblock-Raupp was president of the MGB Car Club for six years. You might see her driving her black 1980 Limited Edition MGB in Melbourne.

Martha Andes, a nurse, did a tandem jump out of an airplane at 18,000 feet. The 70-year-old native of Colombia walks to stay fit and enjoys nature photography.

Lynn McBride enjoys line dancing and has been a fan of the Boomer Guide since its inception.

Marianne Kulac has backpacked the world with approximately 137 stamps on her passports through the years. She walks five miles a day on the beach and loves to garden.

Trying to coax an old friend from Michigan or Maine to move down to Brevard County? Send a copy of the 2024 Boomer Guide

Seniors have plenty of options to maintain the same hobbies they enjoyed up north. It could be the many martial arts offered, swimming, tennis or pickleball, or playing a round of golf at all the wonderful golf courses dotting the area. VV