Viera Vision | Community Expansion

VIER A’S NE WEST NEIGHBORHOODS

VO L . 1 3 ISSUE 4

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contents vo l u m e 1 3 : i s s u e 4

VIERA, FLORIDA

INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES

PRE SIDENT

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THE NEWEST NEIGHBORHOODS

LOCAL BUILDERS EACH TAKE A UNIQUE APPROACH TO SATISFYING THEIR HOMEOWNER CLIENTS.

in this issue

28 CARL BROWN RETIRES

Lauri Duda

EDITOR

Stephanie Byrd

STAFF EDITOR S

Carmen Vastola, Laurie Widzgowski, Nina Salvaggio, Todd Pokrywa, Ben Wilson, Scott Miller SENIOR WRITER S

Sue DeWerff Panzarino, Lyle Smith, Lyn Dowling, Stephanie Byrd Master-Planned Community

Well-Appointed Homes

Business Centric

Diverse Amenities

Christina Geiger

• More than 23,000 residents

• More than 10,000 residences

PHOTOGR APHY

• Centrally located on Florida’s Space Coast

• Priced from the $200’s to over $2 million

• Easy access to interstates and 3 international airports

• Championship golf and outdoor Florida fun

• A-rated schools

• Situated among pristine nature preserves

• Desirable retail and office space options available

• Countless dining and shopping opportunities

• Hundreds of businesses with highly skilled workforce

• A short drive from world-famous attractions

Cathy Heinz, Stephanie Byrd, Carmen Vastola PUBLISHER

The Viera Company ADVERTISING S ALE S

6 IRMA

FINANCE & ADMINISTR ATION

Laurie Widzgowski, Shawn O’Keefe, Jennifer Swan

LEG AL

16 VIERA DEL MAR

30 DIVERGING DIAMOND

A REHABILITATION CENTER DESIGNED TO INSPIRE PATIENTS.

THE FUTURE INTERCHANGE BEGINS CONSTRUCTION.

18 BREAST CANCER

32 VIERA WOMEN'S CLUB

IS PERSONAL

THE LADIES IN RED.

VIERA COMMUNITY EFFORTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THOSE EFFECTED.

34 SCIENCE CAFE

26 DURAN’S PAR 3

FEEDING A HUNGRY MIND.

35 TRIVIA TUESDAYS

LADIES LEAGUE

A COMPETITIVE FORMAT IN A RELAXED LEARNING ATMOSPHERE.

in every issue

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NEW NEIGHBORS

BE THE HERO ON YOUR TEAM. WE ARE GIVING YOU SOME OF THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

37

SNAPSHOTS AROUND TOWN

38

UPCOMING EVENTS

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DEVELOPER LETTER

Jay Decator, Ben Wilson

DISTRIBUTION

Don Gust, All Service Graphics Viera Vision is the official publication of

Articles and advertisements printed in Viera Vision do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. The Viera Company, Viera Realty Inc., and Viera Vision assume no liability for the content and shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions. ©2017. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publishers.

VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER 7350 Shoppes Drive, Ste. 103 Viera, Florida 32940 NEW LOCATION NOVEMBER 2017 2261 Town Center Ave. #105 The Avenue Viera Viera, Florida 32940 (321) 253-2800 /VIERAFLORIDA

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For more information about purchase or leasing options and availabilities please contact: Lee Ward, Viera Commercial Properties • 321-242-1200 ext. 4510 • lee.ward@duda.com

Lauri Duda, Stephanie Byrd

THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST HURRICANE TO MAKE LANDFALL IN FLORIDA IN OVER A DECADE.

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EDITORIAL DIREC TOR

DE SIGN

MANATEE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Steve Johnson

VIERA.com

321.426.4177 VieraBuilders.com

Arrivas Village

321.633.4101 2200 Arrivas Way

Stadium Villas

321.305.6953 3255 Sedge Drive

Reeling Park

321.305.6310 7883 Desmond Avenue

Kerrington

321.610.3381 7619 Kerrington Drive

Trasona Cove

321.305.4939 3251 Casterton Drive

Loren Cove

321.426.4177 8004 Loren Cove Drive

/VIERAVISION #EXPLOREVIERA

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letter from the

Editor

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO PROTECT A COMMUNITY

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ife events are unique by their very nature and forevermore Irma will be a historical marker on those of us who hunkered or evacuated. The preparation was swift and set into motion the very aspects that helped get us all back on track so quickly. Local schools started preparing their shelters, businesses were protecting equipment, and homeowners were installing their hurricane shutters. Neighbor helped neighbor and everyone worked together while keeping a level head to take shelter for Irma’s landfall.

What was surprising and for lack of a better word “cool” were all the ways we dealt with pressure or stepped up to the plate when the storm was at our doorstep. The Facebook events popped up on newsfeeds inviting everyone to Throw Ice into the Atlantic Ocean and by 3:00 P.M. Sunday, September 10th there were 43,258 people interested in singing to Irma, Know Who You Are and Return the Heart.

I visited the sandbag distribution site at Calvary Chapel and the Brevard County Sheriff’s office had both male and female inmate Trustees fill over 140,500 sandbags to distribute to over 14,000 Brevard residents in multiple locations. The Command Team served the inmates a dinner later in an effort to say “Thank

LOCAL SCHOOL SHELTERS LIKE MANATEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOOK PART IN A SHELTER KARAOKE CHALLENGE. THE TALENTED STAFF AT EACH SHELTER PROVIDED COMFORT AND A LITTLE FUN DURING STORM!

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you” on behalf of the agency and the community. Sheriff Ivey’s statement on their Facebook page hit the mark, “It takes a community to protect a community.”

Before and after the hurricane the Brevard Zoo, with the help of the community, rescued over a thousand baby turtle “washbacks”. The bright blue kiddie pool image of little turtles crawling around was viewed and enjoyed by over 10 thousand fans.

This issue has been altered slightly to reflect some of these moments and include all the excitement that fall brings.

The schedule is a busy one with fall sports, charity events, celebrations, new business openings, and new residents moving into the area.

It goes without saying but I will say it anyway, we express our continued appreciation to all those who assisted others and volunteered their time and efforts to keep our community safe and moving forward. I found a quote to share from Sister Margaret Ann in Miami as she picked up her school chainsaw and cleared trees in her neighborhood, “…there was a need, I had the means – so I wanted to help out.”

FIRST RESPONDERS SHARED A VIDEO FROM A SHELTER IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA. AN OFFICER DANCES WITH AN ELDERLY WOMAN TO HELP EASE HER ANXIETY ABOUT THE STORM.

BREVARD ZOO BECAME A SAFE SHELTER FOR OVER A THOUSAND YOUNG TURTLE WASHBACKS. HERE THEY ARE SEEN PLAYING IN A BABY POOL.

BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMAND TEAM POST PHOTOS OF THEIR APPRECIATION DINNER TO INMATES WHO DISTRIBUTED SANDBAGS TO CITIZENS.

BATTENING

DOWN THE HATCHES

P

LOCAL PLAYERS FROM THE VIERA FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL TEAM LEND A HAND TO RESTORE THE COURT. L-R: ISABELLA BILLINGS, OLIVIA BYRD, SAVANNAH REISER, CAYDEN MAIZE, MACKENZIE ROSS, KATELYN DUNEGON,

“The building felt so secure we were hardly aware there was a storm going on.”

– Mary Buoni

S

UNSHINE, CITRUS FRUIT, BEACHES, AND TROPICAL WEATHER - THESE ARE FOUR OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE FLORIDA WORLDRENOWNED. BUT IT’S THE FLIP SIDE OF THAT TROPICAL WEATHER THAT’S TURNED THE FOCUS OF THE NATION TOWARD OUR STATE THIS YEAR. HURRICANE IRMA WAS THE FIRST MAJOR HURRICANE TO MAKE LANDFALL IN FLORIDA SINCE WILMA HIT MORE THAN A DECADE AGO.

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LOCAL LANDSCAPER JOSHUA OLTERS, AREA SUPERVISOR AT THE SHEPHERD’S LANDSCAPING RESETS A TREE IN ARRIVAS VILLAGE.

This time lapse had many in our region wondering what effects Irma might leave behind and how we all might respond to it.

Fortunately for Brevard County and Viera in particular, Wilma left the community with something beyond simple storm damage in 2005. Hurricane preparedness has always been taken very seriously in our area but after Wilma everything from building codes to evacuation plans to shelter policies were rethought and upgraded.

PLANNING & POLICY New buildings are constructed with major storms in mind; local

policies are formulated specifically to support the community when major hurricanes threaten our homes and public buildings.

For Hurricane Irma the school district was prepared and ready.

Many of our 82 schools in the Brevard Public School District were built to serve multiple purposes including as hurricane shelters. The staff of Manatee Elementary School playfully refer to themselves as the “Manatee Hilton” when neighbors are forced to seek refuge there.

“The building felt so secure we were hardly aware there was a storm going on,” said Mary Buoni who evacuated to Ralph

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A BUILDER FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL

LifeStyle

AFTER THE STORM ROLLED THROUGH, THE SKY CLEARED, AND THE DAMAGE WAS ASSESSED, IT WAS THE GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT VIERA AND BREVARD COUNTY WERE FORTUNATE.

EACH SHELTER IS EQUIPPED TO HOUSE AND FEED THREE MEALS A DAY FOR 800 EVACUEES FOR UP TO FIVE DAYS. Williams Elementary School in Viera. “I was able to sleep through it,” she said.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT - COMMUNITY HEROES In many ways, it was the community that came out as the heros in our area.

Preparation was key and an understanding of the threat as a real possibility goes back to the thinking behind how Viera is planned and built. Buildings are stronger.

Preparations are clear and timely. Emergency services are prepared and available.

Neighbors help neighbors.

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“We were called and told where to go,” Mary Buoni said of her and her husband’s evacuation from Merritt Island.

“Everyone was there to help us. We got fed 3 times a day. I don’t know who provided the nurses, but they were wonderful.”

Ralph Williams Elementary School hosted dozens of residents and their pets for the duration of Irma and was prepared for the worst. Like most of the schools in the district, Ralph Williams is equipped with impact-resistant windows designed to withstand the

impact of a 2x4 at 140 mph.

Other schools have built-in hurricane shutters that slide into place when a storm is imminent.

RETURNING HOME

The Buonis’ stayed on cots in a classroom for the duration of the storm. Two days later they were able to return to their home after power and water service were restored.

They had downed trees and debris in their yard, but fortunately no damage to their home. Of their experience in the school shelter, Mary Buoni couldn’t say enough.

“Our experience was wonderful. Everyone was glad to be there to help us with smiles on their faces,” she said. “If I was going to go to a place like that again,

I would want the same people staffing it.”

According to Brevard Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Services, Dane Theodore, each shelter is equipped to house and feed three meals a day for 800 evacuees for up to five days.

In addition to that, evacuees are urged to bring their own food and water with them.

After the storm rolled through, the sky cleared, and the damage was assessed, it was the general agreement that Viera and Brevard County were fortunate.

There were downed trees, but overwhelmingly, preparation and planning won out and the sense of community we all feel here made us stronger together.

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AMEK

NEW

Neighborhoods

THE TEAM AT AMEK HOMES CREATE CUSTOM DESIGNS FOR THEIR CLIENTS THAT UTILITIZE MEDITERRANEAN ARCHITECTURE

IN VIERA

EMBRACING A GREEN LIFESTYLE

Valencia

in Addison Village

Valencia’s

HOMEOWNER-CENTRIC DESIGN AND THE ENDLESS ADVENTURE OF BUILDING

CUSTOM DREAM O HOMES

UTDOOR LIVING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY DRIVE HOMEOWNER DREAMS TODAY.

The vision for what Viera may become has been vast from the beginning. The concept of developing a master-planned community of this scale in central Brevard County on what was once a collection of ranch land and

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functional talents but all four building under the vision of a modern, beautiful neighborhood designed for the enjoyment of living.

LifeStyle Solar-Powered Homes, Stanley Homes, Joyal Homes, and AMEK Homes are all showcasing models and building new homes in Valencia. And each group has its own take on what homeowners find most important to them.

wetlands seemed, at the time, overly ambitious, but just one look around Viera today - some 28 years later - and it’s obvious the ambition paid off and the success is undeniable.

It makes sense then that the homes going up in Viera today are different than those early neighborhoods.

They are more contemporary, more customized to the homeowner’s concept of a “dream home,” often times larger and more expansive. But what is it that energizes and excites Viera homebuyers today? The answer is almost as varied as the incoming homebuyers themselves.

One of the newest neighborhoods currently being built in our community is named after an artistic, historic port city in Spain. Valencia in Addison Village is in development by four builders, each with their own design styles and

Known for a uniquely green approach to home building, LifeStyle Homes is bringing their best skill to bear in the Valencia neighborhood by also placing a high value on personality. Beyond the energy-efficiency they are known for, the focus of their effort in Valencia is to ensure the design of each home delivers on what each homeowner really wants to see in their dream home.

LifeStyle promotes energy-efficient construction with equal emphasis on individual focus of the homeowner’s needs. For example, the LifeStyle team begins working early in the process with the homeowner to find the right piece of land to create the optimal floor plan right down to what the home will look like on the inside.

“Before their design consultation with our interior designer,” said Lifestyle’s Director of Marketing, Karen Kicinski, “we encourage our customers to clip pictures VALENCIA IS IN online and from magazines DEVELOPMENT BY of design styles they FOUR BUILDERS, gravitate toward.”

EACH WITH THEIR This approach allows OWN DESIGN STYLES the LifeStyle team to AND FUNCTIONAL TALENTS BUT ALL understand their clients’ FOUR BUILDING sense of personal style so UNDER THE VISION OF the home they are building A MODERN, BEAUTIFUL lets that personality shine NEIGHBORHOOD through in physical form.

DESIGNED FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF LIVING Beyond the style component, LifeStyle specializes in energy efficiency and can build what are known as “zero-energy homes” that generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. This approach involves not only a system of solar panels, but highly efficient appliances, windows, and other tools to optimize energy use including so-called “smart-home” technology that allows homeowners to control their air conditioning, audio, lighting, and other appliances from a smart phone or tablet from anywhere with an internet connection.

LIVING THE OUTDOOR LIFE

Joyal Homes also approaches the design and construction of its homes from the client perspective. They involve the homeowner in every step of the process, according to Marketing Director, Kerri Kunde.

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Valencia

in Addison Village

“DREAM, DESIGN, BUILD” ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT WORDS TO STANLEY HOMES.

MODEL LOCATED AT 8300 SERRANO CIRCLE

STANLEY

“We want our clients to love it. In each step of the home building process, we keep the client close and we listen to their thoughts and needs,” she said. “We form a relationship with the client that builds trust and confidence.”

Joyal has built more than 2,000 homes in Brevard County since 1974 and has been working in Viera since 1990, giving its team unique insight into what homeowners in this area want and need.

“Without a doubt,” Kunde said, “the most popular design feature Joyal’s clients ask for is a summer kitchen to take advantage of central Florida’s mild all-year climate.”

What “summer kitchen” means to Joyal is a custom-built space designed for the outdoors, often on the back patio or near the swimming pool, which allows homeowners to entertain or just enjoy cooking and dining outdoors themselves. A summer kitchen can range from a small space to a fully-functional gourmet kitchen with a stove, oven, and wet bar available for parties on the patio.

“We are a small company and we pride ourselves on being personal with our clients, guiding them through the building process and always being available to answer questions,” said AMEK’s Vice President, Ronald Beolet. “It is our goal to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with their building experience and with our company.”

AMEK delivers many of the same features as the other custom builders in Valencia, but they note their innovative hidden pantry, signature master suite and expansive lanai space as focal points of their work and most popular design features for their clients. They also see that their open floor plans and custom outdoor kitchens are extremely popular with new homeowners in the area.

At AMEK, the owners of the company are the builders. They are their own Superintendents managing their building projects and they work hard to put their customers first. Their building sites are open to homeowners any time they have questions or input into the progress of their dream homes.

“We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our personal communication with our customers,” Beolet said.

And that is what’s at the core of Viera’s Valencia neighborhood in Addison Village. Four builders, each taking a unique approach to satisfying their homeowner clients, but none VALENCIA compromising quality at any point.

MODEL HOME LOCATIONS Whether your primary desire for your dream home is custom design, outdoor LIFESTYLE – 8720 SERRANO CIRCLE AMEK – 8730 SERRANO CIRCLE living or energy efficiency, Valencia is STANLEY – 8300 SERRANO CIRCLE a neighborhood that inspires.

JOYAL – 8320 SERRANO CIRCLE

CUSTOM DREAMS. CUSTOM HOMES.

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE PROMOTES ENERGY-EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION WITH EQUAL EMPHASIS ON INDIVIDUAL FOCUS OF THE HOMEOWNER’S NEEDS.

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“Dream, design, build” are the three most important words to Stanley Homes. Founded by Jason Stanley in 2003, the company has built custom homes throughout Brevard County and in Valencia they are looking forward to creating the homes their clients have been dreaming of.

An award-winning builder, Stanley welcomes homeowners to be as involved in the building process as they’d like to be during the typically five-to-nine month build time.

Stanley also sees open floor plans, outdoor living spaces and energy efficiency as the top three key priorities for his clients.

“Our company mission and focus is on building the highest quality home with the best customer experience not on the quantity of units.” Stanley said. “We are a quality custom homebuilder.”

Stanley Homes come with an energy certificate certified by a 3rd party energy rater and include features like double-pane low-E windows, variable speed 16 SEER air conditioning systems, and R-20 spray foam insulation.

Stanley customers have direct phone access to an assigned construction manager and sales representative throughout the process and homeowners may choose to work with an architect of their choice if they like.

FEATURERICH RESIDENCE

Craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail in its feature-rich residences are what AMEK Homes cites as the things that separate them from their competition.

Building homes in Florida since 1984 and as one of the earliest builders to build in Viera, the AMEK team creates custom designs for their clients that utilize Mediterranean architecture and feature-rich design from energy efficient appliances to detailed landscaping. From personal design consultation to ontime project management AMEK fosters an interactive partnership throughout the whole building process.

THE MOST POPULAR DESIGN FEATURE JOYAL’S CLIENTS ASK FOR IS A SUMMER KITCHEN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MILD ALL-YEAR CLIMATE.

JOYAL

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NEW

NEW

Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods

Trasona Cove East

Trasona Cove West

IN VIERA

IN VIERA

SANTA ROSA | HARTLEY

SIESTA

Classification: SINGLE FAMILY Price Range: UPPER $200s + Available Square Footage: 1,589 – 3,749 Most surprising feature: HOME MANAGEMENT CENTER Most popular standard feature: GRANITE IN THE KITCHEN Most popular flex option: STUDY/EXTENDED LANAI

Classification: SINGLE FAMILY | MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING Price Range: UPPER $200S + Square Footage: 1,489 – 2,731 Most surprising feature: LARGE WALKIN SHOWERS IN MASTER BATHS Most popular standard feature: LAWN MAINTENANCE Most popular flex option: STUDY

3261 CASTERTON DRIVE

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3315 ARCHDALE STREET

3251 CASTERTON DRIVE

VIERA

BUILDERS

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The award application from the American Health Care Association can only be submitted once every two years. Gulf Coast Health Care is proud to have received the following: > 42 Bronze Awards for each facility owned and operated > 37 Silver Awards to various facilities in their second application > 23 facilities are 5-star rated We are excited about our newest neighbor and the expanding healthcare family that Viera is seeing each year. This means more awardwinning choices for Viera residents and Brevard County. GCHC.com

FROM THE GROUND UP VIERA DEL MAR

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MAGINE YOUR MORNING AT THE SALON FOLLOWED BY A LIGHT LUNCH AT A LOCAL BISTRO, THEN, TAKING IN A POPULAR MOVIE AND FINALLY SITTING DOWN TO A DINNER SURROUNDED BY

NEW FRIENDS WITH A VIEW OF A BUILT-IN AQUARIUM. THIS MAY BE A DAY AT VIERA DEL MAR, THE NEWEST HEALTHCARE FACILITY TO JOIN THE VIERA FAMILY.

“May I help you?”

The simple question, “May I help you?” means something different to Vivian Trueba, Regional Director of Community Development. She sat down with us to talk about the new Viera Del Mar facility and what they will bring to the community. Currently, the foundation of the new facility is being measured and poured on the south side of Viera Hospital.

From the ground up this skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility wants to change the landscape and meet the expectations of a new type of patient. The 93,000 square foot facility will have 5,500 square feet of therapy space that includes a rehabilitative gym. The gym will include physical, occupational and speech therapy space with tailored programs to meet the needs of the patient while enhancing their quality of life. What does that mean to the average person who will chose to rehabilitate at Viera Del Mar? They will have several specialty programs such as 24 hour nursing care, which will include intravenous therapy, respiratory care, wound care, nutrition, and surgical recovery. Once you have ended your stay at Viera Hospital, Viera Del Mar wants to assist you to accelerate your recovery time working directly with the doctors across the street at the local hospital.

Ms. Trueba has a passion for the work.

She is just one of the over 6,000 individuals

on the team who have various degrees in the health care field and social work but it’s the creative side that makes all the difference. The pro-active mindset of their approach and the amenities (that have changed with the times) is certainly part of their secret sauce. “We share with others our motto of ‘People with passion, people with purpose’ because this is stating our organization’s culture, who our employees are, and how we focus our commitment to the patient.”

The awards are earned. The skilled nursing and rehabilitation industries are heavily regulated and Gulf Coast Health Care continues to be a leader in the industry with silver and/or bronze awards in all 42 of their facilities in three states.

INSPIRING SURROUNDINGS THE WORDS DEL MAR MEAN “FROM THE SEA” SO THE DESIGNERS OF THE FACILITY CREATED SOFT SURROUNDINGS THAT STILL MAINTAIN AN ARTISTIC FLAIR. “THE DESIGNERS’ CHOICES OF COLORS WITH OCEAN REEF BLUES, DEEP SUNSET YELLOWS, AND BEACH STYLE FURNISHINGS ARE PART OF THE DETAILS THAT CAN MAKE A FACILITY SUCCESSFUL. WE WANT PATIENTS TO BE INSPIRED AND STAY INSPIRED TO RECOVER,” SAID TRUEBA. > Beds: 131 with 77 private rooms > Average age: 65 > Jobs to area: 150+ > 3 outdoor courtyards > Bistro and movie theatre > Barber shop and salon > Dining room with aquarium

> Room amenities: • 43” flat screen • Wifi and computer access • Room service • 33+ oxygen piped rooms with connection ports • 2 way nurse call

THE VIERA DEL MAR STAFF AT THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY ON OCTOBER 5, 2017. DUE TO RAIN THE CEREMONY WAS MOVED INDOORS.

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I

T IS FOR THE YOUNG WOMEN

B R E A S T C A N C E R IS PE RS O N A L …

OF THE VIERA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM, WHO PLAYED

THEIR ANNUAL “PINK MATCH” OCT. 5 AGAINST HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL ACADEMY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SIDE-OUT FOUNDATION. IT IS FOR THE AVENUE VIERA, WHICH WILL HOST THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER OF BREVARD WALK OCT. 28.

IT IS FOR MEN LIKE TODD POKRYWA, VIERA’S SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, WHO HAVE RAISED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR ACS AS PART OF ITS “REAL MEN WEAR PINK” CAMPAIGN. AND IT IS FOR RESIDENTS, SO MANY OF WHOM PARTICIPATE IN THESE AND OTHER EVENTS DURING THIS, NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

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FRESHMAN

JR. VARSIT Y

VARSIT Y

SIDE-OUT FOUNDATION GAME THE PINK MATCH VIERA HAWKS VS. HOLY TRINIT Y OCTOBER 5, 2017

Breast cancer has been personal for years for VHS volleyball coach Sarah Wayne, whose family has been affected by it, and who more than a decade ago introduced the Pink Match, in which players wear pink shirts, and play

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among pink-dressed fans, in Viera.

“This is the 11th year for Viera High School and third consecutive year (the team will have played) Holy Trinity,” said Wayne, who lost a beloved aunt to breast cancer in 2013. “We have

raised over $10,000 for the Side-Out Foundation, a national organization that raises money for breast cancer research.”

All three of the VHS volleyball squads: freshman, junior varsity and

varsity, silent-auctioned themed gift baskets containing movie tickets, specialty coffees, spa-related items, restaurant gift cards, car washes, cosmetics, wine, lottery tickets and confections.

Pokrywa is among 16 men countywide who started wearing pink and raising money last month to aid the society’s efforts. “It gives local male leaders the platform to spearhead fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives,” he said. “Every dollar

raised goes towards efforts in: early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research (and) patient support.” Pokrywa has raised more than $5,500, well more than twice his goal, and by the campaign’s close he (without a doubt) will be responsible for more.

THE LARGEST CHARITY LEAD EVENT IN VIERA. And then there is Making Strides, the annual go-to event of the month, a national campaign that has

particular resonance here, where 8,000 to 10,000 breast cancer patients, survivors, their families and supporters are expected to walk The Avenue Viera, starting from the area near AMC Avenue 16 (Carmike), to raise funds and awareness. It is one of Brevard County’s biggest annual charitable events.

Many registrants in “Strides” come appropriately costumed (in pink, of course) and ready to celebrate the victories, accomplished or to come, of family, friends or themselves over the

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VIERA REGIONAL PARK

8,000

TO 10,000 BREAST CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS, THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS ARE EXPECTED TO WALK THE AVENUE VIERA, TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARENESS.

disease. It draws spectators as well as walkers, and so many people are expected at The Avenue Viera for the event that all are advised by ACS to carpool. They will finish their efforts with entertainment, or in coordinator Michelle Oesterle’s words, “a celebration of life… to say that cancer won’t win.”

Oesterle goes through the statistics with ease: “Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, behind only to skin cancer.”

It is worth adding that two Avenue stores, Talbots and Panera Bread, have long histories with breast cancer awareness campaigns: Talbots donates 20 percent of sales from its Breast Cancer Capsule Collection to the National Breast Cancer Foundation; Panera has its famed

TALBOTS DONATES 20%

OF SALES FROM ITS BREAST CANCER CAPSULE COLLECTION TO THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

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cherry vanilla Pink Ribbon Bagel, proceeds from which go to local breast cancer charities.

IT HITS CLOSE TO HOME. IT IS PERSONAL.

“My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor so it’s a very important cause to help others just like her with this illness,” said 17-year-old VHS volleyball player, Ali McLoughlin.

Added her teammate and fellow senior, Emma Redmon, “My mom’s best friend is a survivor as well, so this game means a lot to me and helps people like her.”

“Wearing pink makes me feel strong, like I’m representing a group of strong women,” McLoughlin added. “It makes me aware that there are girls out there struggling. It makes

PANERA

HAS ITS FAMED CHERRY VANILLA PINK RIBBON BAGEL, PROCEEDS FROM WHICH GO TO LOCAL BREAST CANCER CHARITIES.

me proud to be supporting such a great cause… It made my heart warm; it is a really rewarding feeling knowing that we played for a great cause and raised a bunch of money.”

SO TOO FOR MAKING STRIDES.

“It is an important health event for us, of which one reason is that our demographic – our shoppers, the people we see every day – is largely comprised of adult females. We want to see them healthy, so we do what we can,” said Michelle Bujold, who markets The Avenue Viera.

Wayne, the former Satellite High and University of Kentucky alum and standout who played professional volleyball, understands the connection to Viera as a whole.

“The girls look forward to the match every year and it means so much to the Viera community,” she said.

“There is tremendous support with the schools and administration and the crowd turnout is always spectacular.

It’s a continuing tradition that’s more important to me as a coach than who wins or losses.”

FIRST WATCH

EL LEONCITO

M Neighbors new

ICHAEL SANCHEZ IS A VIERA GUY, A YEARS-LONG RESIDENT OF SONOMA WHOSE CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL HERE… “AND DRIVE AROUND THE AREA IN OUR GOLF CARTS. WE’RE A VIERA FAMILY,” SAYS SANCHEZ, WHO MANAGES EL LEONCITO, A NEW MEXICAN-CUBAN RESTAURANT THAT HAS BEEN A STANDBY IN TITUSVILLE FOR DECADES.

T

HE RESIDENTS OF VIERA WELCOMED FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT WITH A SMILE DURING THEIR OPENING WEEKEND ON AUGUST 26TH. THE EMPLOYEES SMILED AS PLATES OF THEIR SPECIALTY DISHES SUCH AS LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES, BACADO ®, AND FLORIDIAN FRENCH TOAST ® WERE SERVED TO PATRONS FROM ALL OVER BREVARD.

Carmen Vastola, General Manager of the Viera Discovery Center, was invited to the opening day celebration. “From the moment we entered this bustling eatery, we knew we were in for a special treat! The lemon ricotta pancakes were scrumptious! The friendly

and efficient staff made for a most enjoyable experience. We’ll be back!” she said.

The owners of the franchise wanted this to be a truly unique experience and give monetary support to a local charity. In lieu of payment for each meal served that weekend, a $10

2328 CITADEL WAY VIERA, FL 32940 (321) 473-7210 FirstWatch.com

dollar donation (per person) was suggested as payment to support the Friends of Children of Brevard and the Guardian ad Litem program.

The urban style décor and unique menu items are very popular and we have heard the fall menu is not to be missed. Bon appetite!

SMILE VIERA

5360 STADIUM PARKWAY VIERA, FLORIDA, FL 32955 (321) 267-1159 ElLeoncito.com

The commute won’t last long. In fact, before long, Sanchez may even be inclined to walk to work after El Leoncito’s muchawaited Viera restaurant on Stadium Parkway opens in the coming weeks.

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant, located in front of the Publix-anchored plaza, already has become something of a landmark because of its classic Spanish architecture, stone wall art and thatched tiki bar. All survived Hurricane Irma in fine fashion, according to Sanchez, whose family opened El Leoncito in 1977 in California, and added Cuban cuisine after the restaurant was relocated in 1995 to Titusville, Florida.

“A few things blew around and the roof was damaged in Titusville, but the tiki bar in Viera was untouched, can you believe it?” the genial Sanchez asked.

“We think that because it is (thatched

24

with) palms, the wind just blew right through, as it does with palm trees.”

Sanchez added that the opening of the restaurant was delayed because it still needs an air conditioning system and ceilings, installations of such things having been delayed by the hurricane and resultant backups.

When it does open, the things that have sustained El Leoncito and its sister restaurant, the redecorated, upgraded Chaparral in Cocoa, will be in evidence: live mariachi music by what is considered one of the best groups of its kind in the Southeast, with members who have performed at Walt Disney World, among other venues, and a full bar that will feature El Leoncito’s signature margaritas and array of tequilas.

The menu at El Leoncito has evolved over the years and now includes mojarra, a lightly breaded whole red snapper

dressed with cilantro-lime salsa and served with plantain chips, white rice and black beans.

“We make changes to the menu as we go along,” Sanchez said, though one thing has not changed: Chef Antonio Hernandez, who has been with the restaurant since its days in California and oversees the mini-chain’s offerings. Still, the classic Tex-Mex and Cuban fare that diners have come to expect remain (“I like enchiladas rancheras, probably eat them every other day.”) as has the familystyle atmosphere. “Yes, we have the tiki bar and yes, we have the margaritas, but this will be a family restaurant, and that’s what’s important,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to be different from other Mexican restaurants because we will sponsor sports nights and (events for) schools and churches. We’re going to be a big part of this community.”

N

O SHOCK THAT DOCTORS DOMINIC AND KARA ROPPA SHOULD HAVE NAMED THEIR GENERAL DENTISTRY BUSINESS “SMILE VIERA,” OUTGOING, GENIAL PEOPLE AS THEY ARE. BUT THE SMILES ARE ABOUT TO GET EVEN BIGGER. AFTER 11 YEARS IN THEIR NOW-CRAMPED OFFICES ON MURRELL ROAD, THE ROPPAS ARE BUILDING A 15,000-SQUARE-FOOT PROFESSIONAL OFFICE COMPLEX THAT WILL HOUSE THEIR BUSY PRACTICE.

5600 PORADA DRIVE VIERA, FL 32940 (321) 631-9395 SmileViera.com

It will be located adjacent to the Space Coast Stadium complex on Stadium Parkway in an appropriate place for Dominic Roppa, who played minor league baseball in the Cardinals’ organization.

“We’re currently in only 1,800 sq. ft and we’re jumping to 4,750 sq. ft.,” Dr. Dominic Roppa said.

The Roppas, whose practice also includes Dr. Amiee Bachman, speak of “five-star custom service”

for their patients, who can undergo most procedures (fillings, extractions, cosmetic and restorative dentistry: bridges, crowns, dentures, implants, etc.) and various therapies on-site.

They also do therapy for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and increasingly, sleep apnea.

“Sleep apnea is real big for us right now because so many people suffer from sleep apnea,” Roppa said. “Patients

always have had various options: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) and other traditional treatments. But a dentist can make a custom oral appliance that comfortably repositions the lower jaw to open that airway.”

Patients may be referred for treatment by physicians or the sleep apnea may be dealt with directly by the dentists, having undergone free, in-home tests. Roppa hopes to have a sleep laboratory in the new offices.

“We want to give our patients every opportunity to have the best care we can provide, so we’re investing back in the community for our patients,” he said. “That’s the meaning of five-star dental care.”

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THE GAME IS ON PAR

Amanda Mitzovich admitted her reason for joining the Par 3 league was because she wanted to improve her skills as a competitor in charity scramble tournaments she participates in with her employer. “I began playing with my Dad four years ago. I barely knew the rules when I showed up to play here but was welcomed by everyone. It’s a perfect fit for my work schedule since it’s in the evening.

I’ve learned a lot. I especially enjoy the camaraderie and diversity it offers.”

Melody Lane Buller, who moved to the area from Wisconsin five years ago, said she joined the league in an effort to not only meet new friends but to have an arena to improve her skills. A self-proclaimed professional hack, she confessed, “The ladies here have encouraged and mentored me with much guidance and patience. Tuesday nights are now the highlight of my week.”

Along with prizes for the lowest gross and net scores, Duran Golf Club awards complimentary gift passes for free cart and greens fee play on the 18-hole course for the players who hit closest to the pin on two different holes during each game. Though requirements to join the league do not involve

Photo by: Sue Dewerff Panzarino

Duran’s Par 3 Ladies League offers competitive format in a relaxed learning atmosphere.

W

HETHER YOU’VE NEVER PICKED UP A GOLF CLUB BEFORE OR ARE A SCRATCH HANDICAPPER, THE DURAN PAR 3 LADIES TUESDAY EVENING LEAGUE WELCOMES ALL SKILL LEVELS.

It’s a night out with the gals—with a purpose to just have FUN playing the game!

The nine-hole course, an integral part of the club’s Development Center, offers an opportunity for beginners as well as advanced players to improve their short game and give newcomers to the sport an introduction to the rules and fundamentals of golf. While the game is competitive, the leagues’ goal is to reward incentives for both low gross and net (handicaps) to win cash prizes. “We’ve designed the format to allow each player an opportunity to establish a handicap, based on her individual performance from three rounds,” explained ladies league organizer

26

“This league offers an opportunity for all of us to help each other. Everyone is nice. We have a lot of fun.” – Marlene Weirda

any membership fees, players must either hold an annual par three membership pass or can pay the $10 course fee each time they sign up on a pay-as-they-play basis.

In addition, the girls get together afterwards at Long Doggers Restaurant in Viera to socialize and enjoy dinner. “We celebrate, critique, and even vent over our performances,” joked Keillor.

“We are constantly trying to offer new ways for those who enjoy the game to meet and develop relationships, in an effort to spend quality time with those that share interest in the game of golf,” said David Tomczak, General Manager.

THE PAR 3 LADIES LEAGUE IS EVERY TUESDAY EVENING (YEAR ROUND) AND BEGINS AT 6:30 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ROBIN KEILLOR AT 321-576-0033.

OTHER WOMEN’S LEAGUES OFFERED AT DURAN GOLF CLUB CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE, DURANGOLF.COM. DURAN’S ACADEMY OF GOLF AND PAR 3 COURSE IS LOCATED AT 7032 STADIUM PARKWAY, VIERA, FL

PGA JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

Tuesday night players pictured left to right starting with the back row: Jill Giles, Mary Burngasser, Janice Mysliwy, Christine Passamonte, Melody Buller and Sue Cassagrande.

COMING IN OCTOBER

Front row left to right: Meghan Roberts, Robin Keillor, Margaret Lazarus, and Shannon Chiusano.



FUN

(Not Pictured Sue DeWerff Panzarino)



SOCIAL



INCLUSIVE



GREAT EXERCISE



LEARN THE GAME FROM

Robin Keillor. “Everyone has an opportunity to win money by either shooting the lowest gross or net score.” To be included in the winnings a $5.00 fee is required, in addition to the greens fee. The lighted course offers evening play to accommodate daytime work schedules.

Marlene Weirda, one of the inaugural members of the league, now in its eighth year, explained her reasons for joining back in 2010. “It’s been a great way to help me improve my overall golf skills,” she said. Weirda, who also plays in several daytime women’s leagues in the area, said this is one of her favorites. “This league offers an opportunity for all of us to help each other. Everyone is nice.

We have a lot of fun.”

- A POPULAR SCRAMBLE FORMAT - PLAY ON TEAMS WITH FRIENDS - OPEN TO BOYS AND GIRLS

PGA INSTRUCTORS

AGES 13 AND UNDER For more information: Duran Golf Club 321.504.7776 www.DuranGolf.com jkb@durangolf.com 7032 Stadium Pkwy, Viera, FL 32940

27

PRINCIPAL CARL BROWN’S BITTERSWEET RETIREMENT

M

OST PEOPLE DON’T BEGIN A CAREER WITH THE THOUGHT OF A LEGACY IN MIND. AND MOST JOBS DON’T LEND THEMSELVES TO THOUGHTS OF WHAT IMPACT YOU’VE HAD AND WHAT YOU MIGHT LEAVE BEHIND THE WAY A CAREER IN EDUCATION DOES.

Carl Brown has served the Brevard County School District for almost 30 years and has been principal of Manatee Elementary since the school opened its doors in 2003. That’s a longer than average amount of time to look back on, with many rewarding experiences and accomplishments, as Mr. Brown approaches his retirement this December.

From the exciting but daunting task of building a school and education team from the ground up, to working with the talented teachers, administrators, dedicated staff, and thousands of students who have walked its halls under his direction, Mr. Brown

described his decision as “bittersweet.”

“My family and I have been planning for this exciting milestone for some time now,” he said. “The decision to depart at the winter break is a recent one, due to a decline in my mother’s health.”

EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS

parents, educators, and support staff all dedicated to creating a safe, productive and happy environment for about 600 children as they are introduced to and make their way through the beginning of their educational journeys.

As principal, Mr. Brown is at the center of that effort. Parents are all familiar with hearing his friendly “Hello parents and students, Mr. Brown here…” on their voicemail making regular announcements and communicating important information about the upcoming school schedule.

“I am grateful for the sense of community Manatee fosters,” he said.

“I am humbled every day to be part of a team of exemplary teachers, staff, and administrators who I believe set the standard in education.”

Mr. Brown has been an active principal at Manatee and often the school’s biggest cheerleader.

Throughout his tenure, whether he’s been directly involved in the organization or not, he’s been a regular feature at school events, fundraisers, and community events like the annual Dr.

The journey of Manatee Elementary School is a success by any measure. An A-rated school since its first year, the school community is a family of students,

“I am humbled every day to be part of a team of exemplary teachers, staff, and administrators who I believe set the standard in education.”

– Principal Carl Brown

Seuss-themed Thing-a-majogger 5k road race.

Originally from the Seattle, WA, area, Mr. Brown can often be seen sporting the colors of his beloved Seahawks during football season as he greets all parents and students at the school’s front door each morning.

Dedicated to the best in his school and his students, Mr. Brown is thoughtful as he looks back on his career in the Brevard Public School system and specifically his time at Manatee Elementary.

He remembers and remains in touch with many of his students, some of whom have their hand-prints enshrined in the facade of the school.

Bittersweet is the word he uses to describe his feeling. It’s a combination of a sense of accomplishment and an understanding that the job will continue after he leaves. But it is a job that’s well established and set in motion by the work he’s done so well in his time here. It is a legacy.

MANATEE NAMED NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL anatee Elementary School M administrators are beaming with pride as the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2017 by the U.S. Department of Education. Manatee is within an elite company as the school is just one of 12 schools in Florida named to the list and the only non-choice school recognized for the honor this year.

The announcement was made Thursday, September 28, by the Secretary of Education recognizing 342 schools nationwide based on these schools’ “overall academic performance

28

or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.”

“It really is a tremendous honor,” said Manatee Principal Carl Brown, “for the entire school community.”

Manatee was invited to submit a 20page application to be considered this past April and Brown communicated the honor to the school community in an excited automated call to parents after the announcement.

According to Brown, the application took into consideration the school’s commitment to community involvement

as well as academics. Manatee is known for the wide and varied number of events it conducts throughout the school year.

Of particular note, Manatee is the only non-choice school in Florida to be named to the list. Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School on Merritt Island was the only other Brevard County School recognized for 2017. In all, 12 Florida schools were named to the list, 8 of them, elementary schools. Ralph M. Williams Elementary School serving many students in Viera was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009.

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[by Chris Poindexter] ANY DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE WAY DRIVERS ARE REQUIRED TO NAVIGATE THEIR VARIED AND COLLOQUIAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN FLORIDA-LED TRAFFIC STUDIES ARE SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO ALLEVIATE STRESS. THE “DIVERGING DIAMOND” IS THE LATEST EXAMPLE OF ROADWAY DEVELOPMENT IN VIERA THAT IS SLATED TO START CONSTRUCTION AT THE INTERCHANGE OF INTERSTATE 95 AND VIERA BOULEVARD.

The Diverging Diamond is a unique approach to controlling traffic flow through a major highway interchange. It allows free flow of traffic entering and exiting from the higher-speed interstate highway, while diverting traffic along the slower-moving boulevard onto the opposite side of the road from what is customary for the jurisdiction.

30

The result of this initially odd-looking arrangement is THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF an intersection that handles TRANSPORTATION HAS OVER more traffic safely and has the 35 DIVERGING DIAMONDS added advantage of being able PLANNED FOR MOTORISTS to expand to accommodate and ACROSS THE STATE AND THEY ARE A GROWING TREND IN serve the growing commercial TRAFFIC CONTROL AROUND and residential areas of Viera. THE COUNTRY. The Florida Department of Transportation has over 35 diverging diamonds planned for motorists across the state and they are a growing trend in traffic control around the country. One new such intersection on Interstate 75 in Sarasota has already been dubbed a tremendous success improving efficiency and easing long lines at turn signals.

Viera’s estimated $16.7 million dollar diamond is set to begin construction in the coming weeks with an anticipated completion in early 2019.

Why Choose Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy?

“Strong academics, college guidance, and character development were all things we were looking for in a school. We have also found that Holy Trinity’s daily chapel service has become just as important to our children. This short break in the day allows the student body to stop and come together for fifteen minutes and provides a sense of community that can’t be found elsewhere.”

--Viera residents Dr. Anita Saluja and Dr. Raj Gutta, parents of Sajan Gutta, class of 2018 and Priya Gutta, class of 2022 Celebrating 1957 2017

years

learn more at our community open house

saturday, nov. 4 (preschool-grade 6) sunday, nov. 5 (grades 7-12)

www.htacademy.org 321-723-8323

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VOLUNTEERING FOR DUTY Viera Woman’s Club Inspires a Sense of Community

“There’s such a feeling of pride as the club contributes to local organizations,” said current club President Jeanne Steele reflecting particularly on the club’s approaching holiday season plans.

“There is one gift that we freely give to each other, it is the gift of friendship and love. It’s hard to find anything in life that is better than that.”

effort for the group supporting victims of domestic violence through the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter in Cocoa; The Haven —Chef du Jour program, feeding the children the third Monday of every month; Hacienda Girls Ranch -- Foster care group home and emergency shelter for females ages 10-17; and provide assistance to the Haven Dinner Project.

Each committee chair recommends the charitable organization she’d like the club to support each year and then they plan accordingly.

The club maintains a calendar of events on all of its efforts as well as a “wish list” of ongoing charitable needs for every project they undertake on

FOUNDED IN 2003

MEMBERS CELEBRATING MEMORIAL DAY WITH THE VETS AT THE VA CLINIC.

Y

OU’VE SEEN THEM AROUND. THEY WERE AT THE 9-11 BEAM INSTALLATION CEREMONY AT THE AVENUE. THEY HELP OUT WITH WEEKLY BINGO AT SONATA (FORMERLY VIERA MANOR). YOU’VE SEEN THEM COLLECTING FOR THE FOOD PANTRY AND ASSISTING WITH MEALS ON WHEELS. IN FACT, YOU’LL SEE THEM CAROLING AND MARCHING IN THE ANNUAL LIGHT UP VIERA HOLIDAY PARADE ON NOVEMBER 25, 2017.

They are the Viera Woman’s Club and we are grateful for their work.

People committed to donating many hours to volunteer work are cut from a different cloth. They want to do something of value with their extra time. They want to help their communities and feel good about the work they do. But most of all, they are dedicated to the proposition that people helping people will make the world a better place for all of us.

And that, more than anything, is what these dedicated ladies put their time and effort into every day.

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It was late 2003 when eleven Viera women met to create the Viera Woman’s Club. Then, just a few months later the original group along with 23 additional members were incorporated into the Florida state chapter of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs of America (GFWC). The GFWC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

Today, the club’s roster includes 120 women from their 30s on up to a few members in their ninth decade. In its twelve years, the club collectively has volunteered 182,210 hours and donated more than $403,000 in goods and monetary contributions to charitable organizations locally, nationally and even internationally.

their website at: GFWCVieraWomansClub.com Injecting the club with youthful energy is important to maintaining the health and longevity of the organization and to that end, the group often encourages female high school students in the area to participate in many of

MEMBERS AT THE BREVARD ZOO HELPING WITH ARTS FOR KIDS WITH DISABILITIES.

ANNUAL GOALS

The group establishes annual goals for giving, volunteer work and meets every month to plan for upcoming efforts and events.

The committee chairs created internal departments including: Art, Conservation, Education, Home Life International Outreach, Public Issues, and Special Projects.

This also includes the signature

MEMBERS JOINING THE VIERA COMMUNITY AT THE 9/11 DEDICATION.

THE VIERA SINGERS BRINGING JOY AND MUSIC TO THE FOLKS AT JOE’S CLUB MEMORY CARE.

their projects. The program refers to its participants as “juniorettes.”

IRMA EFFORT

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the club spent some time and effort trying to figure out an appropriate relief effort to throw its considerable enthusiasm behind.

“We learned that the state chapter of the GFWC was working on a major fundraising effort for Hurricane Irma relief,” said club communications officer Judy DeAngelis Small. “Since the participation would extend to the state level we felt the club would have a better understanding of how funds would be spent on hurricane relief efforts.”

The club will be taking donations at its next monthly meeting and will be announcing their contribution effort in their next newsletter and on the website as well.

Spend even a short amount of time with this group and what becomes glaringly apparent is that it is just simply in their nature to want to help people. They have a palpable excitement about the work they do and the passion for the projects they pursue.

The next time you see them out, say hello. Ask them what they’re working on. Maybe they’ll convince you to volunteer for the benefit of the community, too.

“There’s such a feeling of pride as the club contributes to local organizations.” – Jeanne Steele 33

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

FEEDING A HUNGRY MIND

N

OW IN ITS 10TH YEAR, SCIENCE CAFÉ IS AN OUTREACH INITIATIVE FOR EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY ON VARIOUS SCIENTIFIC TOPICS HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTY, BOTH IN NEW RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESS. HOSTED BY BREVARD ZOO AND FLORIDA TECH, THIS IS NOT A LECTURE SERIES BUT RATHER A PLACE WHERE ANYONE INTERESTED IN SCIENCE CAN GET TOGETHER IN AN INFORMAL SETTING TO DISCUSS MAJOR SCIENCE ISSUES WITH THE HELP OF AN EXPERT IN THE FIELD.

WHERE STYLE IS IN SEASON

Science Café takes place on the second Wednesday of each month from September to June from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran Golf Club. There is no cost to attend; however, all guests must register in advance due to limited seating up to 100. A buffet dinner is available for $12 and you can also purchase cocktails. To register, please visit BrevardZoo.org/special-events/science-cafes.

UPCOMING TOPICS The Little Guys Matter: Plankton Dynamics in the Amazon River Plume and Western Tropical Atlantic Ocean OCT 11

Alzheimer’s Disease: The Conduct and Funding of Critically Important Health Science NOV 8

Sustainability and Institutions: Comparisons Among Local Through International Scales DEC 13

Tuesday is also a trivia night at Pizza Gallery and Grill at The Avenue Viera. We have joined forces and our team will be attending the trivia night on Tuesday, October 24th with another night planned in the near future. Here’s a few facts on Viera that we may ask at the Trivia Tuesday event.

Q: When is Viera’s birthday and how old is the community?

A: Viera turned 28 on August 4th.

A: Capron Trace (now a community in Central Viera) and Duran (now a golf course).

Q: How tall is the Flag Pole by the Brevard County School Board?

A: It is actually a cell tower and flag pole combination. The cell tower is 192’ tall with a 20’ x 30’ American flag.

Q: How many acres did The Duda Family donate to the Brevard Zoo and how many volunteers helped build the original zoo that opened in March of 1994?

A: 56 acres and 20,000 volunteers

Q: How many schools for grades K-12 are in Viera?

A: Viera has five schools: three elementary, one charter, and a high school.

Q: What other names were considered for the community?

Q: How many lights were estimated in last year’s Light UP Viera holiday parade and how old is the parade?

A: The 5th annual parade has an estimated 35,000 lights.

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T

HE #EXPLOREVIERA CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN POPPING UP WITH T-SHIRT TUESDAYS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND VIERA FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WE HOPE YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VISIT THE LOCATIONS WE HAVE HIGHLIGHTED INCLUDING THE BREVARD ZOO, SMASH GOLF AT DURAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER, AND THE 9/11 MEMORIAL BEAM(S) AT THE AVENUE VIERA AND FIRE STATION 48.

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A member of the Charter School Associates Family of Schools

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Happiness is a

snapshots

LOGAN WEBB SOAP BOX DERBY RACER

around

LOCAL RESIDENT LOGAN WEBB RACED HIS SOAP BOX RACER FROM VIERA IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IN AKRON, OHIO. HE WON THE FIRST RACE BUT LOST THE SECOND BY LESS THAN 6 INCHES.

town

Healthy Smile Beverly Rose, DMD Always Gentle, Always Friendly

SOLAR ECLIPSE

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AT VIERA CHARTER SCHOOL STEPPED OUTSIDE TO VIEW THE SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENT ON AUGUST 21, 2017. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A PARTIAL VIEW IN OUR PORTION OF THE COUNTRY, IT WAS THOSE BRIEF MOMENTS THAT MADE HISTORY.

If you and your family are seeking personalized care by a highly trained and experienced dentist in a comfortable setting, Exceptional Dentistry is the place for you!

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VIERA DEL MAR BREAKS GROUND A CROWD GATHERED WITH LOCAL DIGNITARIES FOR THE CEREMONIAL GOLD SHOVEL HELD AT THE CBRCC OFFICE AT THE AVENUE VIERA. SEE OUR STORY ON PAGE 16.

ACTUAL CLIENT PHOTOS

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THE CHEERFUL AND ATTENTIVE MANAGERS AND STAFF POSE DURING THE GRAND OPENING WEEKEND.

#EXPLOREVIERA’S T-SHIRT TUESDAYS

MICHELLE AND TEGAN MARK SMILE AS THEY VISITED THE BOOTH DURING T-SHIRT TUESDAY AT THE VIERA DISCOVERY CENTER. THE WEEKLY EVENT MOVES FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION DURING ONE HOUR OF THE DAY (EVERY TUESDAY) UNTIL OCTOBER 24TH SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOP 20 FUN PLACES TO VISIT IN THE AREA.

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FIRST WATCH OPENS

THE SECOND ANNUAL EVENT WAS HELD AT THE AVENUE VIERA. ATTENDEES ENJOYED LEARNING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND EVAN WAS WILD ABOUT THE BUTTERFLIES. "STAY WILD AND LOVE NATURE", SAID EVAN ILLOBRE.

THE HAWKS SOARING HIGH

VIERA HIGH RECEIVED THE FRED E. ROZELLE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR, AS ANNOUNCED

BY FHSAA. THE VIERA HAWKS WON FOR CLASS 8A AND WAS THE ONLY TEAM ON THE LIST FOR BREVARD COUNTY.

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MUSICALS

upcoming

Events

OCT 22

An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt

LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM/SCHEDULEOF-EVENTS

NOV 4

FUNDRAISER Jazzoo

DATE: November 4th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

OCT 27

HAWKS FOOTBALL GAME Viera Hawks vs.

South Fork* LOCATION: Hawks Stadium at Viera High School CONTACT: VIERAHAWKSFOOTBALL.COM

The Avenue Viera Craft Festival DATE: October 14th & 15th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

Cocoa Beach Art Show 2017 DATE: November 24th – 26th LOCATION: Downtown Cocoa Beach CONTACT: COCOABEACHARTSHOW.COM

DATE: October 21st LOCATION: Duran Golf Course Par 3, Viera CONTACT: KCAMPBELL104@CFL.RR.COM

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LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

Space Coast State Fair

DATE: October 27th – November 12th LOCATION: Across from Space Coast Stadium, Viera CONTACT: SPACECOASTSTATEFAIR.COM

Melbourne Municipal Band Concert “Land of the Free” in Melbourne

DATE: November 8th & 9th LOCATION: Melbourne Auditorium, Melbourne CONTACT: MMBAND.NET/CALENDER_EVENTS.PHP

DATE: October 28th LOCATION: Participating stores at The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

OCT 9-31

Dinosaurs Are Back!

The Church at Viera Pumpkin Patch

DATE: November 18th – April 30th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

DATE: October 9th – October 31st LOCATION: The Church at Viera, Viera CONTACT: CHURCHATVIERA.COM DATE: October 20th – 22nd and October 27th – 29th LOCATION: Brevard Zoo, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG

DATE: November 16th LOCATION: Melbourne Auditorium, Melbourne CONTACT: MMBAND.NET/CALENDER_EVENTS.PHP

DATE NIGHTS

DATE: October 21st LOCATION: Indian River Colony Club, Viera CONTACT: SCOUTINGEVENT.COM/083SPACECOASTGOLF

Family Promise of Brevard 6th Annual Golf Scramble and Ball Drop

DATE: November 4th LOCATION: Indian River Colony Club, Viera CONTACT: FAMILYPROMISEOFBREVARD.ORG/ CURRENT-EVENTS/

Science Café

OCT 20

OCT 27

Beer Pairing Dinner

Halloween Bash

DATE: Second Wednesday of each month (October 11th & November 8th) LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran, Viera CONTACT: BREVARDZOO.ORG/SPECIALEVENTS/SCIENCE-CAFES/

2017 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Brevard

Ghostly Gecko 5K

LOCATION: Tradewinds Restaurant at Duran, Viera CONTACT: DURANGOLF.COM

UNIQUE EVENTS & FINDS Space Coast Boy Scout Annual Golf Tournament

OCT 28

DATE: October 28th LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: MAKINGSTRIDES. ACSEVENTS.ORG

Boo at the Zoo

Swingtime Dance “A Salute to Our Veterans” in Melbourne

DATE: November 17th – December 3rd LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Historic Cocoa Village CONTACT: COCOAVILLAGEPLAYHOUSE.COM

ACTIVE EVENTS

Trick-or-Treat at The Avenue Viera

Brevard Symphony Orchestra City Lights Film-in-Concert

GOLF TOURNAMENTS Grip it & Sip it Golf Tournament

Scarecrow Stroll & Harvest Festival

DATE: October 29th LOCATION: Cocoa Village Playhouse, Historic Cocoa Village CONTACT: COCOAVILLAGEPLAYHOUSE.COM

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

*Denotes 7A District 6 Game

OCT 21

Under the Harvest Moon

DATE: November 4th LOCATION: King Center for the Performing Arts CONTACT: KINGCENTER.COM/SCHEDULEOF-EVENTS

ART SHOW/CRAFT FAIR

FUN FOR ALL

T-shirt Tuesday| #exploreVIERA Trivia Night

DATE: October 24 LOCATION: Pizza Gallery & Grill, Viera CONTACT: PIZZAGALLERYANDGRILL.COM/ OUR-EVENTS/

Light Up Viera Holiday Parade: 5th Anniversary

DATE: November 25th LOCATION: Viera High School CONTACT: LIGHTUPVIERA.COM

DATE: October 28th LOCATION: Eau Gallie Civic Center, Melbourne CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

46th Annual Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon DATE: November 26th LOCATION: City of Cocoa, Cocoa CONTACT: RUNNINGZONE.COM

Complimentary Yoga DATE: Every Saturday LOCATION: The Avenue Viera, Viera CONTACT: AVENUEVIERA.COM/EVENTS

39

developer

Letter

MOVING FORWARD POST HURRICANE IRMA

A

STEVE JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

TODD POKRYWA, SENIOR VP OF LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT THE LARGEST PART OF WHAT MAKES A VIBRANT COMMUNITY ARE THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE AND WORK IN IT AND WE ARE PROUD TO SAY THAT WE HAVE SOME OF THE MOST AMAZING RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS RIGHT HERE IN VIERA.

40

s we sit down to write this letter it has been two weeks since Hurricane Irma swept through Florida, affecting nearly every community throughout the state in some way or another. Hurricane Irma was a massive and unpredictable storm, whose path was never certain until it hit and yet even when predictions had Irma heading straight toward us, we were impressed and inspired by the composure and calm preparation we saw taking place throughout our community. Neighbors were helping neighbors in hanging storm shutters and preparing their homes, we did not see a mass panic or hoarding of supplies. As the sun rose on the morning after the storm we saw Viera residents heading outside to begin the clean-up process much like they had the preparation, with neighbor assisting neighbor. There are no words that could accurately depict the massive amount of appreciation, respect and gratitude we have for the individuals who went straight to work restoring power and water lines, clearing streets and debris and tending to those in need of medical assistance. From the portions of Viera that never lost power we saw individuals offering assistance and shelter to those who were not as fortunate.

The largest part of what makes a vibrant community are the people that live and work in it and we are proud to say that we have some of the most amazing residents and community members right here in Viera.

Like true Floridians, we are not letting the hurricane halt the momentum we have going in Viera. So we all took a collective breath and now we move forward with our plans. Housing developments continue to take shape, new commercial developments are moving in, and major roadway construction is about to begin. Model homes in Modern

Duran and Loren Cove have opened, bringing two new styles of neighborhoods to Viera. Modern Duran being the first neighborhood in Viera to exclusively feature modern-designed homes with the most up-to-date technology sited on the third fairway of the Duran Golf Club.

Loren Cove’s grand opening at the end of September showcased Viera Builders’ new townhome neighborhood, perfect for first time homebuyers or individuals looking to downsize. We also saw great progress with our newest 55 and Better community, Bridgewater at Viera, which opened a sales office on-site and began sales of their upcoming neighborhood. With new residents comes new commercial opportunities as we witnessed with the opening of First Watch, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant located in the newest commercial development space, the Viera Colonnade Shops.

As we continue to push forward with the development of Viera you can expect to see the Viera Boulevard/I-95 diverging diamond interchange project get underway, additional office spaces and community services opening, and more diverse housing options becoming available. As the master plan developer for the community of Viera we are grateful that we were spared the impact that other parts of the state sustained from the hurricane and we are resilient in moving forward with development as the vision for Viera continues to build upon the strength of our foundation.

We would also like to again thank all of our residents, community members, utility and service workers, emergency services and first responders, the Emergency Operations Center, and so many more who helped to prepare us for Hurricane Irma and restored our community so rapidly.

TURN INSPIRATION INTO

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