Viera Voice, November 2025

Haider family trades manic Miami for vibrant Viera

BY NICHOLE YUAN

Despite being in the community only a few months, the Haider family is quickly making Viera their new home. From watching rocket launches to exploring the developing area, the Haiders have no regrets about their move from Miami.

“Even though Miami is, like, hustling, bustling with everything, we moved here because we saw a lot of growth here and we saw a lot of demand here,” wife and mother Khadija Haider said.

Aside from the draw of Viera’s undeniable growth, the nature of Viera’s residents have also impacted the family’s choice in moving here.

“(Viera) feels like, more family centered and people are more toward family,” Haider said.

— Khadija Haider

The family even commented on the difference in the schools here, sharing how their son, Haadi, has been having a very positive experience.

“I like the library, 'cause then we take books and then we turn them in the next Tuesday,” Haadi said.

Though the Haider family has been rushing nonstop since moving to Brevard, they have definitely made time to enjoy the beauty of the area as well, visiting the many ponds and lakes in the area.

Featured family

Husband and father Muhammad Khokhar, an early riser, has enjoyed watching sunrises on the water. He relayed a recent event of going to watch the sunrise one early morning and unexpectedly finding someone else there as well.

“(The gentleman) said ‘Who are you? From where

are you coming?’ And I said I’m new in this town, but I am from Miami. And he said, ‘That’s why you are here. Nobody (wakes) up early in the morning here,’”

The Haider family continues settling into Viera and building up clientele for Khadija’s med spa venture, Enfield Royal - Med Spa

of Viera.

They look forward to seeing all that Brevard has to offer, such as marveling at the wetlands wildlife, enjoying visits to the beaches, letting Haadi explore the many playgrounds in the area and simply being thankful for a more laidback lifestyle. VV

Space Coast Police K-9 Competition set to exhilarate fans

BY CHRIS BONANNO

The seventh annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the USSSA Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

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“We’ve had six great years of having this event,” said Yvonne Martinez, the coordinator of the competition and vice president of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation.

“We started obviously at Cocoa High in 2018 and we’ve gone to Space Coast Stadium. This year, we have a field of 16 civilian competitors and we’ll have about 20 police and working dog competitors, so we’re really excited. Some of them are repeat competitors, but we also have a new group of competitors, so we look forward to seeing that.”

Patrons at the event will have the opportunity to see the K9 handler teams navigate an obstacle course that includes fence jumps, car window jumps, climb and slide, and a low crawl obstacle, among others.

“We always have one new obstacle,” Martinez said. “We call it the mystery obstacle. We don’t say what it is until (the) event day.”

Some competitors are locally based, according to Martinez. Among the participants are those from as close as Patrick Space Force Base and other areas of the state to those from

as far away as Rock Hill, South Carolina, Martinez said.

The event will also feature a hard dog/fast dog competition, which is a two-part event that will be held as one where the K9s handler will send the dog down the field to apprehend a decoy dressed in a bite suit. The speed by which the K9 completes the trip and how hard the K9 engages the decoy will both be assessed.

“We will allow all of the civilians to compete in the hard dog/fast dog because it goes by fast and everybody

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loves watching that,” Martinez said. “There could be 100 dogs out there and it would never be boring to watch that particular part of

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the competition.”

Tickets for the event are $5, Martinez said, with patrons also able to purchase $25 tickets for reserved seating that will include a swag bag. Those interested in purchasing tickets can do so through spacecoastpolicek9 foundation.org.

“I just think there’s a love in this community for our four-legged heroes and they (the community) show it,” Martinez said. “They show up every year. They donate. They support the cause so much to where we (the Foundation) were able to purchase two new police dogs for (the) Palm Bay Police (Department) and one for (the) Rockledge Police (Department).” VV

Heritage Isle will conduct its fifth annual Fall Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Heritage Isle Clubhouse at 6800 Legacy Boulevard, just off of Wickham Road in Viera. The event showcases items handcrafted by Heritage Isle residents. Items such as handmade jewelry, paintings, PVC birds and sea creatures, pottery, fall and holiday wreaths, holiday ornaments and decor, epoxy and resin items, pallet clocks, stained glass, quilted, crochet and sewn items, greeting cards, handmade journals, all-natural soaps and lotions, bead work, chocolate-dipped caramels and other unique items will be for sale. Isle Bar & Grill will be open for breakfast and lunch. Four different animal rescue organizations will be in attendance. Samurai Sharp will sharpen knives and scissors. VV

Chateau Madeleine looks toward coming expansion

BY BETTY PORTER

Residents and friends of

Chateau Madeleine Senior Living community celebrated its sixth anniversary with a Luau as it released details about its planned Atlantis Senior Tower.

The anniversary celebration Oct. 3 wooed the audience with authentic live Hawaiian music, hula dancers and a fire show. It also included a dinner of roasted pig, coconut shrimp and drinks made with pineapple.

Maryann Meyers, who has lived at Chateau Madeleine since May 1, invited her daughter Sharon Nazarek and

son-in-law Dave Nazarek to join her for the Luau. She said that while it is all new to her, she is excited to have so many activities available and intends to participate in them.

Established in 2019, Chateau Madeleine bills itself as a resort style senior living community. The new tower will greatly expand the senior facility.

The three-story, 69,000 square-foot Chateau Madeleine is part of the campus that includes Suntree Internal Medicine. It offers supported independent living, assisted living and transitional memory care in a setting resembling a Florida resort with lush

greenery, including a 6½-acre lake and fishing dock.

The Atlantic Senior Tower will be an eight-story, 81-suite assisted living residence that is

soon to be built on the 26½-acre campus. It will add 110,000 square feet to the campus, a resort-style pool, an expanded lake with a pontoon boat. It will

also have a 3,500 square-foot banquet hall, a sports bar and an EXPANSION

Continued on page 28

WrapUp SPORTS

New courts in Viera East add to the popularity of pickleball

BY MICHAEL BRYAN

Viera East is no exception as pickleball courts sprout up throughout the county with the growing popularity

Recognizing this need, the Viera East Community Association has responded to the residents' call and has built multiple permanent pickleball courts.

near the playground at Clubhouse Park and are for the exclusive use of residents of the Viera East Community Association. On either side, there is what looked like

an hour or two to burn some

limited availability for those

Because of this, the demand for dedicated courts has only

foster a sense of community. Neighbors can meet, families

recreational activity in many communities throughout the Space Coast. VV

Espling’s state tourney appearance highlights promising season for Viera bowling

BY CARL KOTALA

It’s been a promising season for the Viera High School bowling team on a number of fronts.

Individually, junior Carson Espling won the Class 1A, District 5 individual championship after rolling 206, 225 and 289 for a total series of 720 at Shore Lanes on Merritt Island.

The win earned Espling a spot in the state championship tournament, which was set for Oct. 28 to 30 at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.

It was a big accomplishment for the junior, who bowled well

above his season average of 175.

Though the Viera boys did not advance as a team, the Hawks still had a solid season.

Led by senior captains Gavin Ham (177 average) and Owen Hunter (184), the Hawks finished 10-5 during the regular season and saw lots of improvement across the board, especially from their younger bowlers.

In addition to Espling, the Hawks got strong performances from promising freshman Dominic Magliocchetti and juniors Jackson Lewis and Makston Layton.

Magliocchetti averaged

160 on the season, while Lewis averaged 121 and Layton came in at 91.

“With this core group, the future is bright,” coach Aaron Keehn wrote in an email.

Replacing Ham and Hunter won’t be easy, but if the Hawks can continue to improve, they might soon be capable of making more noise in their 15-team district.

Prior to the district tournament, the Hawks took part in the Cape Coast Conference South Boys Tournament at Shore Lanes in Palm Bay.

Espling was Viera’s top individual finisher that day, too, coming in fourth overall

after rolling 210, 223 and 186 for a 619 series.

Ham finished 10th individually with pinfalls of 182, 167 and 210 for a three-game series of 559.

Dominic Osborn (220, 173, 105 — 498) was Viera’s next-highest finisher, tying teammate Hunter (158, 150, 190 — 498). They were followed by Lewis (156, 137, 121 — 414).

While it was a promising season for the boys, the Viera girls team got a big boost that could have a big impact on the program’s future.

The Hawks have been unable to field a full girls team roster for the past four seasons, and started this year with only two players

on the team. However, the Hawks more than doubled their lineup by the end of the season, which is encouraging.

The group is made up of all sophomores and includes Audrey Showers, Isabella Casavant, Alanda Critchfield, Hannah Garcia and Holly Nardontonia.

Showers averaged 113.40 this season, while Casavant came in at 93.3.

At the CCC tournament, Showers rolled 136, 149, 148 for a total of 433. Casavant was next with 92, 95, 119 for a 306 series.

With so many new bowlers, Keehn was right … the future is bright for the Viera program. VV

Viera swimmers hope CCC results

BY CARL KOTALA

If the Cape Coast Conference meet is any indication of how the Viera High School boys and girls swimming teams will fare during the rest of the postseason, Viera coach Chris Beadle will be very happy.

The Viera girls finished third and the boys — despite having only 12 swimmers — took seventh at last month’s CCC meet at the Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center.

Viera senior Brady Zink not only won the 200-yard freestyle event (1 minute, 42.22 seconds), he set a new conference record in the 100 butterfly (50.26), giving him something else to add to an already impressive resume.

“In total, we had a combined record for personal bests at this event,” Beadle wrote in an email. “I could not be more proud of this group and the effort they give to the team.

“I am very excited to see how they compete at our district meet.”

That Class 4A, District 3 meet was set for Oct. 29 at Lake Brantley High School, with qualified swimmers advancing to the Class 4A regionals, which are set for Nov. 5 at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility in Ocala.

Should any Hawks qualify for the state meet, they’ll be back at FAST on Nov. 14.

As the only Brevard County school in Class 4A, Viera will compete with a number of Orlando schools in its district meet. That list includes

VIERA VOICE Courtesy of Chris Beadle The Viera High swimming team had a number of personal bests, and Brady Zink broke the county record in the 100 butterfly at the Cape Coast Conference meet.

Boone, Colonial, Hagerty, Lake Brantley, Oviedo, Timber Creek, University and Winter Park.

Other top Viera athletes to watch out for in the postseason include Maille Schade, who took fourth in 1-meter diving at the CCC meet with a score of 292.30.

“I could not be more proud of this group and the effort they

give to the team.”

— Chris Beadle

Kara Reed was third in the 100 butterfly (59.52) and fourth in the 100 free (58.85). Sophie Schuh was third in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.16) and fifth in the 100 butterfly (1:08.76). Emma Collins took fifth in both the 200 individual medley (2:25.48) and 100 backstroke (1:06.56).

The girls 200 medley relay team of Collins, Schuh,

Reed and Madisson Iezzi finished second in 1:58.78.

Viera’s 200-yard boys freestyle relay also finished second. That team was made up of Wesley Zink, Joaquin Cevallos, Austin Welton and Brady Zink. They finished in 1:34.36.

The boys 200 medley

relay featuring Welton, Cevallos, Brady Zink and Wesley Zink placed third in 1:49.66.

Other Hawks who could do well are Isabella Cruz (200 & 500 free), Macy Applegate (100 butterfly) and Lucy Presecan (100 backstroke and 200 IM). VV

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Tigers having fun swim season full of personal-best times

BY CARL KOTALA

Big numbers. Lots of success. And just as importantly … lots of fun being had.

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy boys and girls swimming teams couldn’t ask for a better season so far. And with the district meet, regionals and a trip to the state finals all still in front of them heading into late October, the best could be yet to come.

“We are having a superfast, fun season,” Tigers coach Tiffany DeAngelis wrote in an email. “We have just shy of 50 swimmers

again this year. Everyone is having multiple personal bests.

“We are very proud of everyone’s effort and determination.”

This year’s team is led by nine seniors, including captains McKenna Coris (200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke) and Violet Flores (50 freestyle, 100 butterfly) for the girls and Colton Kanjian (50 and 100 free) for the boys.

The other seniors for Holy Trinity include Ava Connors (50 and 100 free); Ava Hernandez (500 free); Sally Wilsey (100 backstroke); Dominic DiMartino (50 free

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100 breaststroke); Quentin Thomas (50 free) and Dominick Mormile (50 free).

The Tigers are also

led by a talented pair of sophomores in Paige Wolff (100 and 200 free) and Landon Cangiano (100 butterfly and 100 free).

A pair of key newcomers to the girls team are seventh-graders Genevieve Smith (100 and 500 free) and Maddy Brown (100 backstroke).

The Tigers also have some strong relay teams that could make things interesting during the postseason.

Holy Trinity’s top relay team for the 200 and 400 free consists of Flores, Coris, Wolf and Smith.

The girls 200 medley relay features sophomore Quinn Kramer (who also swims the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly); sophomore

Anna Bailey (who also swims the 200 free and 100 breaststroke); sophomore Riley Ammerman (50 and 100 free) and Connors, a senior.

The lineup for the boys 200 and 400 relay teams includes DiMartino; Cangiano; sophomore Keaton Coris (200 IM) and Kanjian.

Making up the boys 200 medley relay is a combination of freshman Aedan Calderone (500 free); eighth- grader Noah Nazereno (50 free); eighth grader Ben Douglas (100 and 200 free); sophomore Atharv Patil (50 free) or junior Raiden Flores (100 breaststroke).

The Tigers competed in the Class 1A, District 5 meet on Oct. 25, followed by the Region 2 meet on Oct. 28. The state meet is Nov. 8 at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center (FAST) in Ocala.

“This season, our team has made lots of progress, and I’m so proud of how much hard work everyone has put in,” Flores wrote in an email.

“It wouldn't have been possible without how much we’ve all supported each other to stay motivated to improve every time we get in the water.” VV

DINING OUT & EVENTS

NOV. 8

NEW ART GALLERY WITH EXHIBITING ARTISTS, SHOWS AND EVENTS

Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. or by appointment

SPECIAL EVENTS & ART CLASSES

“Koi Fish in Pond” Monday, Nov. 3 • 5 - 7:30 pm

“Self portrait — Flower Heads” Mondays, Nov. 10 and 17 5 - 7:30 pm

“Smiling Frog” Wednesday, Nov. 5 10 - 12:30 pm

“Becoming an Artist” Wednesdays, Nov. 5 through Dec. 17 1 - 3:30 pm

For more information and to register, go to ArtCreatedWithSoul.com

Veterans

11:11 a.m. •

Noon

BBQ

Xeriscape Park 106 Taylor Ave. Cape

Fourth

5K Run/Walk 7:30 a.m.

Special veterans recognition ceremony after the 5K. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway Merritt Island 321-634-2211

NOV. 15

Brevard County Festival of Wreaths

Noon - 4 p.m.

Azan Shriners Center

1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Melbourne, 321-759-7597

Space Coast Cars & Motorcycles

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Titus Landing

2520 S. Washington Ave. Titusville, 201-658-2004

NOV. 22

41st annual Festival of Trees

9 a.m.

Wickham Park Community Center

2815 Leisure Way

Melbourne spacecoast.jl.org

Luxury Cruises and Travel

After 26 years of working inside my office, I have decided to move my office home, which means I will be providing a concierge service to you, my clients. We can meet at your clubhouse, home, a library near you or via zoom. It will be business as usual, but I will come to you instead of my office.

- Jean Paugh

Wonders of Thailand — Oct. 15 -30, 2026 The trip begins on the mainland at Bangkok, then to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and down to Phuket.

Gourmet Puglia — Sept. 20-27, 2026 Stay in Martina Franca for 6 nights exploring the Puglia Region of Italy. Martina Franca is known for its unique Baroque architecture. This tour will focus on Apulian Experiences involving local foods and wine. Deposit is $250 per person. Small group with 18 max.

Azamara Pursuit Down Under — Dec. 19, 2026 - Jan 4, 2027

Have you ever wanted to spend New Year’s Eve docked in Sydney Harbor next to the Opera House? This is your chance, as we will sail from New Zealand to Australia with a double overnight for NYE in Sydney Harbor.

America’s Greatest Treasures — July 3 - 11, 2026 Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in South Dakota. The trip begins in Rapid City to visit Mount Rushmore (includes fireworks), Crazy Horse and Deadwood. Then to Cody, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons and Jackson. Finishing in Salt Lake City. This trip will sell out fast.

County.

the

since 2005.

Increased driving distance fuels Hall’s shot at state golf title

BY CARL KOTALA

Barely a day goes by when Hannah Hall doesn’t have a golf club in her hands.

The Viera High School senior started going to the U.S. 1 Golf Center with her father and grandfather to hit range balls when she was just a child. By the time she was eight, she was playing in tournaments.

And now, with her final high school postseason in progress, she has a chance to close out her career as a Hawk in spectacular fashion.

Driving the ball farther than she ever has, Hall has a chance to get back to the Class 3A state championship

tournament at Howey-inthe-Hills and see if she can better last year’s runner-up finish.

“I’m excited,” Hall said. “I feel like my game’s been coming a long way. I’m excited to play the course again and get redemption.”

A birdie on the 18th hole put Hall into a three-way playoff for the state title last season. It may not have gone her way, but it still put her in some select company.

Olivia Luger was a state runner-up for the Hawks in 2009. Sophie Liu lost in a playoff in 2015.

Assuming Hall can get through the district tournament on Oct. 27 and

the regional tournament on Nov. 3 — both at the Royal St. Cloud Golf Links — she’ll get another chance to become the first Viera golfer to win a state title.

Viera coach Carl Guettler, who believes the Hawks have a good chance to win a state title as a team, has no doubt Hall can win it all.

“I knew the first week I met her that she was special,” Guettler wrote in an email. “When tournaments or practice were over, Hannah would be hitting the range or putting afterward when most others left.

“She is almost always the first one to arrive and prepare. What stands out is

she has no weak part of her game. She has it all — long ball, approach shots and an amazing short game that is second to none.

“With that said, I have no doubt she will win it all outright at this year’s state championship in Howey-inthe-Hills, and I have told her so many times.”

Hall has been working on her conditioning and getting stronger in preparation for playing at the University of Kansas next season.

All that work is paying off. Whereas last season, she would top out at 240 yards on her drives, she is now hitting it 260 yards on average.

“I’ve gained a lot of distance, and that’s helped in high school because we play from shorter tees, so I can be more aggressive,” she said. “I think that helps me shoot lower scores. That’s probably why my good rounds this season are a lot lower than my good rounds last season, because I’m hitting it a lot farther.”

She shot 74 to win her fourth consecutive individual Cape Coast Conference championship last month. She won district championships her freshman and sophomore seasons, and finished in a first-place tie last year, losing to Viera teammate Mikayla Arold in a playoff.

Hall has finished third once and fifth twice at regionals. VV

BY JILL BLUE

Women golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to get on the waiting list for Viera East Golf Club’s Sassy Saturday Women’s Golf Day.

The event, held on the second Saturday of each month, conducts a clinic late in the afternoon to teach golf skills varying from which club to use for the initial drive, clubs for navigating out of a sand trap and how to execute a perfect putt from 15 yards away. Golf professionals are there to answer all questions.

After the clinic, the

women go out and golf nine holes on the beautiful and challenging layout at Viera East Golf Club.

“It’s a women’s golf appreciation day,’’ said David Owen, the head golf professional at Viera East Golf Club. “We had eight ladies when we started it 1½ years ago. The second one had 12. Now, we have a maximum of 60 almost every month with 40 on the waiting list. It’s a great time and it’s good to see everyone out there.’’

It’s not just an outing for the scratch golfer.

“We have beginner golfers

SCHOOLNews

Great support lands Quest Elementary scarecrow popular vote award

BY NICHOLE YUAN

October is often an exciting time for families as it brings festive spirits and fun activities for all ages. One such beloved activity is Viera Voice’s own Scarecrow Stroll, in which Quest Elementary School was a participant this year.

Paying homage to their school’s mascot, fifth-grade teachers Lori Yanders and Jennifer Parker teamed up to create GEO the Explorer in scarecrow form.

“Jen and I thought designing around the mascot was the best thing to do,” Yanders said.

This dedicated duo cleverly thrifted its outfit and managed to complete their masterpiece in about a week before proudly displaying the scarecrow GEO in the foyer of Fifth Third Bank in Viera.

“Pictures were shown of GEO in classrooms,” Yanders said of the school’s efforts to promote participation from

“Pictures were shown of GEO in classrooms. (The students) were overjoyed.”

— Lori Yanders

students in the Scarecrow Stroll.

“(The students) were overjoyed,” Parker recalled.

Both teachers expressed immense gratitude for the students’ support of their project, noting their joy at seeing so many children come out to the Viera Voice Harvest Festival.

They even praised the sincere sense of camaraderie amongst students and staff. And truly, the support shows as GEO the Explorer took home the trophy for popular vote at this year’s Viera Harvest Festival.

“They’re so excited for their school and their community,” Yanders said of the students.

Students express artistic flair with Viera Woman’s Club help

BY NICHOLE YUAN

When Cindi Kolic, a member of the Viera Woman’s Club, wanted to find a way to bring children and art together, she came across an event her organization had sponsored before — Chalk the Walk.

And with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Viera having previously created a beautiful butterfly garden at Ralph Williams Elementary School, she knew this was the place to reach out to. Kolic said that after meeting with the school’s beloved art teacher, Lisa Skelly, everything just clicked.

“I don’t know whether two people will come or 20 people. But I will continue it. I intend to continue it,” Kolic said, hoping to turn this into an annual event.

Leading up to the event, Skelly was reminding her classes and encouraging students to have their whole families participate.

“Cindi and the Viera Woman’s Club also are donating a coupon to the participants for Coldstone Creamery,” Skelly said, further promoting participation in the event.

Families that came out were allocated a section of sidewalk and a colorful chalk set to express their

creativity. As the event drew nearer, speculation of what the children might draw gained a little traction with expectations of seeing video game-inspired designs, popular movie characters and the ever-absurd six-seven.

“I have a kid writing six-seven on everything and I can see them chalking (that),” Skelly said amidst laughter.

The six-seven phrase is an internet meme that originated from a song.

As the time approached, families started arriving with children eager to brighten the walkway of their school. Entire families were joining in, including the littlest family members as well as older kids and children at heart. Pumpkins and pop culture quickly took center stage as everyone was hard at work on their creations.

While this event may not have the same feel as some of the school’s more high-energy functions, the laidback feeling seemed to be a welcome change of pace, allowing for more socialization.

All in all, it’s safe to say that Chalk the Walk could be the beginning of a fun annual event for Ralph Williams Elementary School and a delightful way to engage the community, thanks to the women of GFWC Viera. VV

Please be courteous as you drive through each neighborhood. Drive slowly and do not park in or block driveways. Register your home to participate in the battle. Homes not registered for the battle will not be on the map.

VIERA COOKBOOK

BY ELAINE MOODY

When you think about sweet potatoes, I bet your first thought is sweet potato casserole. You know, the one with brown sugar, marshmallows and nuts on top. It’s more like a dessert than a side dish with your Thanksgiving dinner.

I’m sharing with you how to cook sweet potatoes as a side dish that is rich, savory and delicious.

Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable and loaded with lots of antioxidants, vitamins and iron, not to mention they are also high in fiber. They are not potatoes nor are they yams. A medium

size sweet potato contains about 100 calories and has a lower glycemic index than white potatoes.

They originated in Central and South America. Explorers took them back to Europe and eventually they were brought by settlers to North America.

Sweet potatoes are grown all over the world and in some countries are a staple food.

Every recipe that I share with you has been cooked and taste tested in my kitchen. I’m looking forward to sharing this delicious dish with my family at Thanksgiving and I hope you will too. VV

Roasted sweet potatoes with chorizo butter

Ingredients:

Six medium size sweet potatoes (8 to 10 oz. each)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Two links (about 2 oz.) dry-cured Spanish chorizo — remove casings, coarsely chopped

⅔ stick unsalted butter, cubed

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

A few sprigs of rosemary for garnish

Wash and dry all the sweet potatoes. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, covering all sides. Place on a large baking sheet, lined with foil. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until tender. Remove from the oven and let cool for five minutes.

Finely chop the chorizo (remove casing first) and place in a medium size skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the oil has turned color and the chorizo is almost crisp. Remove skillet from burner and add cubes of butter, a little at a time, stirring until melted. Add 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Stir and set aside.

Turn the oven to high broil. With the sweet potatoes still on the baking pan, cut them in half longways and then in half crossways, then cut a crosshatch pattern. Brush each potato with remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over top. Return to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven.

Reheat chorizo butter over low heat until warm. Place the sweet potatoes on your favorite platter and top with the warm chorizo butter. Garnish with a couple sprigs of rosemary.

Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving protein. Enjoy.

Scoop

No Limits Fitness helps clients shape up in Viera/Suntree

BY MIKE GAFFEY

No Limits Fitness, which offers small-group personal training for adults 18 and older, is now open in the Suntree/Viera area.

The 1,600-square-foot gym at 7640 N. Wickham Road, Suite 116, which

opened Oct. 13, is the second No Limits location in Brevard County. The original gym at 2450 Minton Road in West Melbourne opened 12 years ago, said No Limits founder and CEO Mike Williams.

“We help busy executives, entrepreneurs

and engineers trade excuses for real results,” Williams said.

During reservationbased workout sessions at No Limits, a certified trainer leads one to six clients through personal strength training and conditioning based on their fitness levels, Williams said.

“It’s very tailored to the individual as opposed to a group workout where everybody's doing everything at the same time,” he said.

A typical workout starts with a thorough warmup,

then a 30-minute session with dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and multiuse strength stations on strength-training days, followed by a defined cool down period, Williams said.

“There’s days where we have a little bit less strength training and then we'll give them roughly 30 minutes of conditioning work or cardio” on rowers, SkiErgs — cross country ski trainers — and air bikes mixed with other exercise modalities.

No Limits clients have a myriad of fitness goals,

Williams said.

“Sometimes, we're the only training that somebody gets,” he said. “Sometimes, we're supplementary. A lot of runners will work with us and we help them add strength training so it keeps them from getting injured as much. And then we've got some other people who are running triathlons or other fitness endurance events and we'll work with them on incorporating strength training and give them some better strategies for their endurance on those events as well.”

No Limits Fitness hours are 5 to 10:30 a.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10:30 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Williams, a Brevard County native and Palm Bay resident who worked for Publix Supermarkets and Coca-Cola for a combined 26 years before pursuing No Limits full time, said he hopes to open five gyms in Brevard. No Limits has enjoyed three consecutive years of double-digit growth, according to the gym’s website.

“We aim to create a training experience that keeps you coming back, celebrates your progress and helps you build healthy habits that last,” he said.

For a free consultation or more information, check out nolimitsfitnessfl.com or call 321-497-6190. VV

Chef Boots announced as Gastropalooza VI guest challenger

BY CHRIS BONANNO

A philanthropic tradition — Gastropalooza VI is set for Feb. 6 in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera.

“It is a food and music festival that raises money for Hospitality Life, a local nonprofit 501C3 for the hospitality industry in Brevard County and The Children’s Hunger Project,” said Chris Conneen, the owner of 28 North Gastropub, which sponsors the event.

The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. concurrently with the restaurant’s anniversary.

The Gastropalooza will feature a face-off between 28

North Gastropub’s executive Chef CJ Hughes against Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson, a guest challenger from New York City.

“A New York City chef. Quite a lot of accolades,” said Conneen of Chef Boots. “I would say some celebrity status as far as being on the Food Network and "Chopped: Beat Bobby Flay" and got a really cool biscuit company up there and a few other concepts that he has going on in New York City.”

According to Conneen, there are three rounds to the event including appetizer, entrée and dessert rounds with each round having three judges.

“We usually pick a theme

and then base it around that,” Hughes said. He added that last year’s event had a camping theme and the year prior to that was based upon local Florida.

Hughes expressed excitement for the opportunity to compete against Johnson at the event.

“It’s nice to have fun and go against … the skill like that,” Hughes said.

Conneen noted that the fundraising impact of the event has been great, with probably more than $50,000 raised from the event since its inception.

“Hospitality Life has

received quite a bit of that and The Children’s Hunger Project and a few other nonprofits,” Conneen said.

“We’ve spread the wealth locally. But it is a super fun event.”

Hospitality Life is an organization that facilitates vital resources to employees in the hospitality industry. Tickets for the event are $100.

“The $100 pays for everything,” Conneen said. “It pays for all the food you can eat, all the beverages you can drink and the concert."

Hot Pink, a local band, will perform. In addition,

the chef’s competition will be entertaining , educational and fun, live on stage in Central Park. The proceeds from the event will benefit local nonprofit organizations, including Hospitality Life.

Tickets will be limited this year to the first 500 patrons who purchase them, Conneen said. Tickets can be purchased through an Eventbrite page, with a 20% discount available to those who purchase in November and a 10% discount in December.

For more information, call 321-241-1159. VV

Viera-based teacher, yacht chef writes her debut cookbook

BY MIKE GAFFEY

A Viera-based teacher and social media star who spends her summers as a private chef aboard a luxury yacht is about to serve up her grandest culinary creation.

Major publisher HarperCollins is releasing Abby Cheshire’s “Passport to Flavor: 100 Global Dishes You Can Make Anywhere” on Jan. 20.

The 288-page cookbook took Cheshire two years to prepare and is stuffed with recipes from 14 port cities around the world, inspired by her five years as a chef on a family’s 90-foot yacht docked in Key Biscayne.

“Every recipe has a story,” Cheshire said. “We start in the Bahamas and then we go up to Charleston, South Carolina, then up into Canada, then over to Europe in countries like France, Germany, Greece and Ireland, then over to Asia, and that's kind of my specialty. And then over to Mexico and Hawaii.”

A Merritt Island High School graduate, Cheshire studied food service management at The Rosen

Management at the University of Central Florida and worked at the Walt Disney World kitchens, where she decided to pursue a career as a chef.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Cheshire started her own catering service while also teaching culinary arts at her old high school, then running the Culinary Arts Department at Melbourne High School.

“Then out of the blue, an old friend reached out and asked if I was up for talking to their old boss, because he needed a chef on their yacht,” Cheshire said. “So that was five years ago that I've been working for the same family ever since.”

For two months each summer, Cheshire is one of four crew members on the yacht, which is stocked with about $18,000 worth of provisions for ocean voyages. She cooks for a couple who sometimes invite a dozen friends and family members on cruises.

A typical day for Cheshire on board the yacht usually starts around 6:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by lunch, cocktail hour with an

College of Hospitality

appetizer at 5 p.m., and a big

dinner and dessert.

“That’s how I structured the cookbook,” she said. “It’s like going through a day of

cooking on the yacht.”

Cheshire said the couple wasn't familiar with her specialty — Asian food — when she started working for them.

“But I cooked them my Thai red curry and now they're obsessed with it,” she said. “So that’s one of my go-to meals. It has coconut milk and Thai red curry paste. It’s like the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and it's just a really comforting dish.”

In her free time, Cheshire relaxes on the yacht or takes a dinghy to go sightseeing or shop for local foods to prepare.

Cheshire said she’s blessed not to suffer from seasickness despite long trips at sea.

“It doesn't matter how bad

the seas are and sometimes they're very bad, but I guess I have a stomach of steel and I love being on the water,” she said.

During the rest of the year, Cheshire teaches virtual culinary skills to about 160 students across Florida with Florida Virtual School.

“I still love teaching,” she said. “My mom was a teacher before she retired. I love sharing that passion with the younger generation. So I like working on the boat for a twomonth period and then having a normal 9-to-5 kind of job during the year.”

Cheshire, who has been featured in articles in The New York Times and Newsweek, also has built a following of more than three million “Little Chefs” — as she affectionately calls her audience — on Tiktok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram by sharing her cooking experiences and recipes, using the name @Abbyinthegalley.

Cheshire said she has watched the reality show “Below Deck,” which follows the lives of crew members aboard a superyacht, and can relate to some, but not all, of the experiences the crew faces.

“We've got a good crew,” she said. “There are guest requests that we always try to make sure that whatever they ask for, if we don't have it on board, we go out and find it. So that kind of stuff we can relate to, but the drama on board, thankfully, is not on our boat.”

“Passport to Flavor” is $29.99 and available for preorder or purchase through various online retailers and bookstores.

For more information, go to Abbyinthegalley.com VV

Urban Prime receives coveted award

SPECIAL TO VIERA VOICE

Urban Prime has been honored with the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best award, earning the distinction of being the second-ranked hidden gem restaurant in the United States.

This accolade places Urban Prime in the top 1% of restaurants nationwide since its founding less than two years ago.

“This award is a remarkable achievement not only for Urban Prime, but for the entire Space Coast,’’ Urban Prime Chef Ercan Ekinci said.

“We are deeply thankful for the love and support from our patrons in Brevard and beyond.”VV

Long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon takes ongoing effort

Seventy-five years ago, much of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) bottom was composed of sand, shell and natural sediments overlaid by thriving seagrass meadows that supported fish, manatees and countless other forms of marine life.

Through time, the landscape around the Indian River Lagoon changed. As surrounding lands were developed for agriculture, housing and other uses, increased stormwater runoff and soil erosion delivered fine sediments and organic matter into the Indian River Lagoon.

These materials gradually accumulated in low-energy areas, forming a soft, fine-grained layer known as muck. In Brevard County alone, muck now covers approximately 6,000 acres of the Indian River Lagoon bottom.

When muck is disturbed by waves and wind, it becomes suspended. That gives it a grey cloudy color. As the organic matter within muck breaks down, it releases nutrients into the water column fueling algal blooms which block sunlight. Together, these actions have contributed to the loss of more than 80% of the Indian River Lagoon seagrass, a source of food for manatees, sea turtles and other marine life.

Although there are many other sources of pollution, muck is the single largest source, responsible for approximately 35% of nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon. This source must be reduced to restore the health of the IRL. To address this issue, Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) half-cent sales tax is co-funding restoration projects to manage muck, such as environmental dredging or sand capping projects to either remove muck or contain it to stop the release

Lagoon Straight Talk

From the Brevard Indian River

of nutrients into the water column and restore bottom habitats.

Environmental dredging uses specialized equipment to vacuum muck from the Indian River Lagoon floor and transport it through pipes to a contained upland site. There, solids are separated from the water, and dried sediment is then tested for regulated contaminants to determine whether it can be reused for purposes such as agricultural fertilizer. If contaminants are above allowable levels for beneficial use, the muck is disposed of at the landfill. Since the start of the program, more than 1.5 million pounds of nitrogen from muck have been removed.

As a secondary benefit of the muck-dredging process, they have also removed thousands of items of trash from the Indian River Lagoon floor, including tires, tarps, anchors, fishing line and much more.

Specific locations for these projects can be found in the maps section of the SOIRL website at brevardfl.gov/ SaveOurLagoon/maps.

The long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon depends on continued efforts to reduce land-based sources of pollution and prevent the further buildup of muck. Enhancing stormwater treatment systems and expanding public awareness programs are a key to reducing the amount of muck-forming material that enters the Indian River Lagoon, decreasing the need for future dredging.

Learn more about what you can do to reduce muck buildup at helpthelagoon.org and lagoonloyal. com. VV

Harvest Festival heralds fall’s arrival in Viera, brings community together

BY CHRIS BONANNO

The community came together and filled Woodside Park for the 13th Viera Harvest Festival.

The Oct. 18 event, sponsored by Viera Voice, was the culmination of the Scarecrow Stroll, and included a fun hay maze, scarecrow crafts, pumpkin decorating, face painting for children and entertainment by the Penny Creek Bluegrass Band.

It also featured 25 scarecrows that were designed by local businesses and organizations as part of the Viera Voice Scarecrow Stroll, which was held from Oct. 2 to 16.

Those in attendance had both the chance to bid on the scarecrows to take them home and the chance to vote for their favorite.

After what was a stiff competition, it was Quest Elementary School’s GEO that was voted the most popular. Island Animal Hospital’s blue Derpy Tiger Crow garnered the Festival’s Best of Show award.

Other businesses that created scarecrows for the event included Orlando Health Outpatient Cardiac Rehab, a presenting sponsor of the event, created Richard The Scarecrow Simmons Sweatin’ to Save Hearts. Fifth Third Bank at Addison Center displayed the Quest's GEO scarecrow in its lobby.

CDS Builders constructed a lifesized Elsa scarecrow in reference to the Disney movie “Frozen.” White Palm Dental constructed a group of three crow friends entitled Toothcrows.

Each year, the festival raises money for a nonprofit. This year, all proceeds from the event went toward the Florida Wildlife Hospital, which sent both a turtle and an opossum with staff and volunteers to the Harvest Festival.

“We were really thrilled to have the Florida Wildlife Hospital as our charity of choice this year,” said Jill Blue, the CEO and founder of Bluewater Creative Group, which organizes the festival and owns the Viera Voice, Senior Life and Boomer Guide publications. “They are a dedicated team of animal lovers who care for sick and injured wildlife and rehabilitate and return to the wild.”

The Viera Voice extends its gratitude to the community for making the 13th Viera Harvest Festival a successful event.

New Suntree store a place for LEGO® fans to connect

BY MIKE GAFFEY

Jackson Richey, 8, of Satellite Beach couldn’t wait for a chance to obtain a free gift during the Oct. 25 grand opening of authorized LEGO reseller and community shop Bricks & Minifigs Space Coast in Suntree.

“I don’t think I’m getting a set, but I am getting a minifig,” the Holland Elementary School student said as he, his father Luke and about 100 fans of LEGO construction toys waited in line for the store to open in Suntree Park Plaza.

Owned by Rockledge

residents Anton and Courtney Oleshko, the 3,000-square-foot store at 7640 N. Wickham Road, Suite 107, offers new and used LEGO sets, loose bricks for sale and an area for visitors to build or customize their own minifigures, or “minifigs.”

On opening day, the store offered a free gift for the first 100 people in line and raffled off more than $2,000 in LEGO prizes. Niki Loheit, a contestant from Season 5 of the Fox television show “LEGO Masters,” made a special appearance. It’s the first business

venture for the Oleshkos, who moved to Brevard County with Anton Oleshko’s huge LEGO collection packed in their car. The couple, formerly from Connecticut, learned about Utah-based Bricks & Minifigs a year ago and decided to buy a Brevard County franchise territory that extends from Rockledge to Palm Bay.

Bricks & Minifigs, which is separate from Denmarkbased The Lego Group, opened its first franchise in

BRICKS Continued on page 32

Faith

Viera’s

FALL CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, Nov. 8 10 am - 2 pm Building E

Santa & Mrs. Claus will stop by from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm! A portion of the proceeds will benefit New Life Mission

Church brings charities together to help those in need

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

Light the World Giving Machine, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has partnered with the North Brevard Charities to support its mission in the community.

The endeavor also supports other organizations that help those in need throughout Central Florida.

The Giving Machine is a giving-focused vending machine that offers donors the opportunity to purchase items in a fun and meaningful way on behalf of those in need in Brevard County and elsewhere.

It brings together many charities that help in the community,” said Dr. Lance McGavin, a member of the church who serves as a communication specialist. “It is a fun way of giving back. It is a great way for everyone to come together for a great purpose.”

The vending machines will be set up at the Altamonte Mall from Nov. 19 through Dec. 14. There will also be some fun family activities such as music, singers and painters at different times of the day at the machines set up in a central area of the mall.

“It’s intended to be an in-person experience where families can hear about the different things they can do to donate in the machine,” said Naomi Gunnels, the communications director for the church’s Cocoa Stake. “It will create some fun family memories.”

In 2024, $100,000 was

EXPANSION

Continued from page 5

an indoor sports complex. A roof-top restaurant called The Launch Chophouse Experience will offer indoor and outdoor views of Space Coast rocket launches.

Janice Maynard, who has been a resident at Chateau Madeleine for about a year, said she is looking forward to seeing the launches as she misses seeing them having grown up as a native of Merritt Island.

donated at the Central Florida Giving Machine. The proceeds went to supply meals, children’s bedding and toys, baby care necessities, senior care items and other needs.

Prices for items listed in the Giving Machine will range from $5 to $250. A donor can even type in 777 to purchase one of each item in the machine. Donors can purchase two groats for $85 for people in need in Africa.

McGavin said that the church’s gift is to cover all the expenses, allowing for all the proceeds to benefit those in need through the different charities.

In addition to North Brevard Charities, which is based in Titusville, the Giving Machine benefits True Health, Christian Service Center and Special Heart Farm.

North Brevard Charities works to help families in crisis by providing support in meeting basic needs and helping them to selfsufficiency.

In addition to the Giving Machines in Altamonte, there will be a Day of Service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rockledge.

The Day of Service is a one-day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the church’s Rockledge chapel at 1801 S. Fiske Blvd. Donors can purchase specific items listed on a Christmas tree for people in need in the community. VV

Lillian Nguyen contributed to this report.

in their lives.”

Chateau Madeleine was named after his mother, Madeleine, who shared that same vision.

Eric Hardoon, who is Abe Hardoon’s son, said the new project will be a draw for loved ones of the residents to come and visit with them and enjoy dining and all of the amenities.

Dot Brett is 96 and has been living at Chateau Madeleine for almost two years.

Eric Hardoon, the executive director and administrator of Chateau Madeleine and his father, Dr. Abe Hardoon, who started Suntree Internal Medicine in 2002, made the announcement about the expansion.

“We are glad to be part of the community and to give back to it. We have created jobs for more than 200 employees,” Abe Hardoon said. “We’ve created a place where seniors can thrive and live at their best during this chapter

“I enjoy the food here and having so many things going on is very good,” she said. “I look on the TV screen, wohich lists the daily activities, and I go to most all of them.”

Eric Hardoon noted that the original building houses 82 residents. It it has been at capacity since they opened six years ago and they have a twoyear waiting list. He said the new phase is on track to open in January 2027.

More information is available on the website suntreeseniorliving.com or by calling 321-701-8000. VV

Hello November

6:45 - 10 a.m. Swim, bike, run event.

Riverfront Park 401 Riveredge Blvd. Cocoa, 561-768-7889

5 - 7:30 p.m. Jennifer Bonset will instruct how to paint this unique Asian-inspired Koi fish in Pond, using acrylic paint on a 12 inch x 16 inch canvas.

Galleria of Art and Photography 7720 N. Wickham Road, #107 Suntree, 321-338-9787

Salsa Lesson and Dance

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

Story Time 10 - 11 a.m.

For children from birth to 7 years old.

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

Peace, Love & Pizza

6 - 8 p.m.

Veteran-themed family night. Kids eat free and can make their own pizza.

Pizza Gallery 2250 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-633-0397

Wednesday Art Group

1:30 - 4 p.m.

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

Medicare Advantage Information Event

1 p.m. Have your questions answered by a trained Medicare professional. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

STEAM Stations

3 - 4 p.m.

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

Senior Life's BoomerBash SeniorFest

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Blast from the Past Expo with exhibitors demonstrations, prizes, lunch, photo booth and 1940s and 1950s costume contest. Valiant Air Command 6600 Tico Road Titusville, 321-242-1235

Fall Craft Show

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hand-crafted items, four animal rescues. Heritage Isle Clubhouse 6800 Legacy Blvd. Viera, 321-576-0264 Fall Craft Fair 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Faith Viera 5550 Faith Drive Viera, 321-636-5504

9101112131415

60th annual Space Coast Art Festival Nov. 8 and Nov. 9

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fine artists from across the country showcase their work, family and kid-friendly activities and food trucks. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, spacecoastartfestival. com

Self-Portrait Flower Heads

5 - 7:30 p.m. Painting Class Galleria of Art 7720 N. Wickham Road, #107 Suntree, 321-338-9787 Brevard Investment Education Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Suntree/Viera Library 902 Jordan Blass Drive Suntree, 321-255-4404

Trivia Night 6 - 7:30 p.m. Hook & Eagle Tavern 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera, 321-639-3487

Using Facebook to stay connected over the holidays 1 p.m.

A beginner-friendly session that shows how to safely use Facebook to share photos, send messages, join groups and stay connected with loved ones. One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Road Viera, 321-751-6771

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group 11 a.m. - noon Provides an opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences and receive encouragement, guidance and support.

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

Seventh annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition

6 - 10 p.m.

More than two dozen police and military and civilian teams compete. Benefit for the Space Coast K-9 Foundation.

USSSA Space Coast Complex

5800 Stadium Parkway Viera

Brevard Children's

Business Fair

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kids ages 6 to 17 showcase their unique products and services. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera, brevardcbf.org

16171819202122

Viera Wedding Expo

12:30 p.m.

Meet with top wedding vendors and sample delicious bites and see a rolling fashion showcase.

Venezia Wine Veranda 5475 Lorkey Lane Viera, 407-697-4658

Books are Always Better Book Club

6:30 - 8 p.m.

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

Scottish Country Dancing

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

Launch on Florida’s Space Coast

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

An opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers, coaches and mentors.

Urban Prime 2435 Metfield Drive Viera, 321-459-2200

Spade and Trowel

Garden Club Holiday Tour of Homes

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tour two Rockledge homes. All proceeds go to Walk on Water, Life Recaptured and Candlelighters of Brevard. 1403 Rockledge Drive and 8 River Ridge Drive in Rockledge 321-704-0165.

"Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good" 11 a.m. Special double feature. AMC Viera 16 2241 Town Center Ave. Viera, 321-775-1210

Third Thursday 5 - 8 p.m. The Avenue Viera 2261 Town Center Ave. Viera,

Operation: Trivia 11 a.m.

Test your knowledge and honor our heroes in this fun, militarythemed trivia event. From history and pop culture to patriotic facts.

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

Stuff-a-Cruiser 2025 7 a.m. - noon Help fill police and fire vehicles with food donations to support the Central Brevard Sharing Center.

Rockledge locations: Publix - 1880 US Hwy. 1 Publix - 3820 Murrell Road

Thrifty Specialty Produce920 Barton Blvd.

23242526272829

Sunset in the Hollows

6 – 8 p.m. Walk the trails around the old basins and have a chance to observe Gopher tortoises and other animals.

Hundred Acre Hollows 1170 Rock Spring Drive Suntree, hundredacrehollows.org

Space Coast Art Festival returns for its 60th consecutive year

BY R. NORMAN MOODY

Fused glass artist Gary Wilson is eager to again participate in this year’s Space Coast Art Festival.

The 60th annual Space Coast Art Festival on Nov. 8 and 9 at The Avenue Viera will feature Wilson and dozens of other talented artists showcasing their paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography and ceramics.

“I have some new sculpture art on driftwood and metal,” said Wilson, who lives in Melbourne. “I have everything from whimsical to elegant.”

Having grown up in Naples, Florida is reflected in the colors and themes of Wilson’s work — from the deep aquas and blues of his ocean bowls and platters to the vibrant sunset and sunrise scenes in his wall art.

In addition to his Florida themes, Wilson’s collection also captures the beauty of the western United States and Canada, where he spent many summers.

He learned fused glass art from taking courses with a renown studio and studying with individual glass artists. He later taught fused glass art for several years participating in art shows, most of them in Florida, including the Space

Space Coast

Art Festival

Nov. 8 and 9

The Avenue Viera

Coast Art Festival.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people,” Wilson said. “They really have some good artists this year. It should be a great show.”

Wilson has won a Best of Show award at the Fernandina Beach Shrimp Boat Festival. He has served as Artist in Residence at Delnor-Wiggins State Park and has been featured in the Cocoa Beach Wave Festivals as well as many other juried art shows.

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BRICKS

Continued from page 28

2010 and now has more than 130 stores across the U.S. and Canada.

“This area is rapidly growing,” Anton Oleshko said. “There's always something new popping up, but this area needed something new for people to do. Being a business where people could come in and enjoy LEGO together as a community really is why we picked this area.”

Customers can buy, sell or trade all LEGO products and rummage through bins filled with thousands of used LEGO bricks and minifigure heads.

“It's like a treasure hunt,” Anton

Oleshko said. “You have to really go searching for a piece that you need. But it's very rewarding and a lot of people like to do it. They like to go hunting for that piece rather than trying to buy it online.”

Parents and grandparents come to the store with their kids or grandkids and enjoy the minifig maker, where visitors can build their own minifig, Anton Oleshko said.

“A lot of folks also really love our used sets because they can get to play with a once-loved set at a discount,” he said. “They can enjoy a $200 set for almost half the price.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CROSSWORD

Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Suntree location, which has four employees in addition to the Oleshkos, also has a room for parties or corporate events, Courtney Oleshko said.

“The birthday parties are our favorite part,” she said. “Last weekend, we hosted our first birthday party and the kids were about 3 or 4 years old. They get to build cars and race them down our racetrack. Then they get to build a minifig and take it home.”

For more information, call 321241-6406, go to bricksandminifigs. com/spacecoast-fl or check out the store’s Facebook or Instagram page. VV

Solution, page 34

ACROSS

1. Bottled gas 4. Tent site

8. Prepare to swallow

12. Dinghy propeller

13. What is more

14. Starlet’s quest

15. Maven

16. Fault-finders

17. Highest point

18. Daze

20. Artificial fertilization

22. Work with feet

23. Dobbin’s restraint

27. Dilutes

29. Confronted

30. Lac contents

31. Like some juries

32. Boy of Britain

33. Joker, e.g.

34. Salad ingredient

35. Not clerical

36. Actor Greene

37. Bird in a tree, often

39. Drummer’s forte

40. Recipe instruction

41. 8-piece groups

44. Junior’s ammunition

47. Use acid

1. Cuts off

Hair feature

Classifications 4. Pacific outriggers

Sleep spoiler 6. Chinese menu abbr. 7. Put forth as fact 8. Skill 9. Ad ___ 10. Slippery ___

11. Kind of hour

19. Ping-___

21. Nov. honoree

24. Gladdened

25. Bring home the bacon

26. Like a churl

27. Partner of now

28. Enormous

29. Can

32. Pantries

33. Checked item

35. Directed 36. Womanizer

38. Discrimination 39. Bowling game

42. Domesticated 43. Wove

49. Day break?

50. “Darn!”

51. Bridal shower?

52. Big bird

53. Eye problem

54. Crystal ball user

55. Easy chair site

44. Parts of finan. portfolios 45. Critic’s concern

Place for a pin

SENIOR

News

centenarians from

in Viera were honored at a party held Sept. 22. Each of the centenarians — Paul

— were honored with a star named after them and a certificate to denote that status. The centenarians, their relatives and

friends can look up the coordinates of the star on the star name registry website at star-name-registry.org. Violinist Char Good entertained the crowd.

also attended the party.

of

3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle still important for environment

The best representation of the 3Rs is an inverted pyramid: the wide top, the narrow tip at the bottom. At the top sits Reduce, followed by Reuse and finally Recycle. This shape reflects the order of priority in which we should practice the 3Rs.

The wide top reminds us that if we reduce, we prevent waste and there will be nothing to discard.

The narrow tip represents recycling — the last option before the landfill.

Squeezed in the middle is reuse, the action we take to try our best to extend the life of materials.

Waste may be inevitable. Its fate might be the landfill, but we use it again and again; we repurpose in place of buying new.

Reusing has been practiced for years, even more so during the Great Depression and war times. Raw materials were scarce and new goods were unavailable or rationed. Americans learned to make do.

As St. Louis City notes, “manufacturers began marketing products by emphasizing their dual purposes. Families used biscuit containers as lunch boxes and flour sacks as fabric.” Reuse was, then, a sign of need. By the 1970s, as environmental awareness grew, reusing and recycling became acts of responsibility incorporated into our routine rather than a necessity. People began to understand that our resources are finite and that creating new products exacts a heavy toll on the Earth — and ultimately on ourselves. Today, reusing stands for resourcefulness, creativity and care for the planet. It is popular among artists,

educators and scientists (STEAM) as a way to encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Seeing materials in a whole new light is challenging, demands practice and is indeed art.

For Recycle Brevard, reusing is a continuous practice also shared through our events and workshops.

Last month, cardboard, discarded construction paper and old calendars became a vibrant collage mural at the Viera Harvest Festival. Families cut, matched and glued calendar pieces to form a large pumpkin sign reading “Happy Fall!”

In workshops for Odyssey of the Mind teams, students worked together to transform ordinary materials — yarn, hanging folders,

“The

— Marcel Proust

wallpaper samples, greeting cards and newspaper — into something unique with a story to tell.

And at our last Crafting with Friends, a fun fundraising event, guests turned wine corks, yarn, raffia and craft flowers into unique pumpkins, embracing a slightly different kind of

3Rs: reduce, reuse and relax. VV

Email Marcia Booth at Marcia@RecycleBrevard.org

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

SUDOKU SHAPESHIFTER

HOW TO SOLVE SUDOKU SHAPESHIFTER

Every number from 1 to 9 must appear in:

• Each of the nine vertical columns

• Each of the nine horizontal rows

• Each of the nine different colored shapes

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or color.

Solution on page 34

Deadline

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