04/20/2017 ISSUE 16

Vero briefly considered for
Fed Cup semifinal. P10
Shores seeks bigger,
faster patrol boat. P6

Mental Health Collaborative
dedicates new McCabe Center. P18

Wabasso Bridge Graduation rate
tops state list for here improved (by
danger to cyclists lowering the bar)

BY RAY MCNULTY BY KATHLEEN SLOAN
Staff Writer Staff Writer

Everyone involved agrees School District Superinten-
that the Wabasso Bridge is
dangerous for bicyclists and dent Mark Rendell led off his
pedestrians, mainly because
of its short barrier walls, nar- presentation to the Taxpayers’
row shoulders and visibil-
ity limitations as vehicles ap- Association of Indian River
proach the crest. Lots of traffic
traveling at high speeds adds County last week by touting
to the peril.
improved graduation rates
"Something definitely needs
to be done,” said Andy Sobczak, without mentioning that state
the county's senior planner
whose duties include bicycle requirements for graduation
and pedestrian infrastructure.
have been lowered.
Even a Florida Department
of Transportation engineer Rendell said the best mea-
who, at the request of a Vero
Beach cycling group, con- sure of the district’s success
ducted a safety study in Oc-
tober 2015 has recommended is the graduation rate, which
multiple improvements.
Shattered stained glass windows of Christ by the Sea Church, now temporarily covered by shutters. PHOTO BY GORDON RADFORD he said increased 6 percent in
Yet FDOT has shown no
sense of urgency in making Vandals desecrate island church 2015-2016,from81percentto
the bridge safer. 87 percent. He said the gradu-
ation rate for black students
In fact, Bike Walk Indian went up more than 9 percent,
River County president Hugh from 64.6 percent to 74.2 per-
Aaron has accused FDOT Dis-
trict 4 officials of deliberately BY SAMANTHA ROHLFING BAITA again on either the 11th or 12th. suspects, a motive, or whether cent.
delaying the release of the en- Staff Writer While Pedersen said a crimi- any protection had been pro- What Rendell didn’t say is

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 nal mischief investigation was vided to the church before the that the state has lowered the

In the worst outbreak of now underway, police pro- second and third attacks. bar for what is considered

vandalism to strike the bar- vided no immediate informa- "It is disconcerting when an passing on key tests that help

rier island in recent memory, tion on whether they had any CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Christ by the Sea Methodist MY
VERO
Church was struck by persons Slick online scam fleeces
unknown in three separate at- visitors out of rental deposits
tacks during Holy Week. Large
rocks were hurled through the
stained-glass windows in the

front of the house of worship BY RAY MCNULTY
on A1A, causing more than Staff Writer
$10,000 in damage.

The initial act of vandalism Somewhere out there is a con man who

occurred sometime between is pirating realtors' photographs of homes

April 7 and April 9, when the for sale on our barrier island and using

damage was first reported, ac- them to rip off unsuspecting out-of-town-

cording to Vero Beach Police Lt. ers in a vacation-rental scam that leaves

John Pedersen. More windows CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Donna Skwarzynski: Victim of rental scam. PHOTO BY GORDON RADFORD

were smashed on April 10, and

April 20, 2017 Volume 10, Issue 16 Newsstand Price $1.00 Museum of Art
dedicates enduring
News 1-10 Faith 71 Pets 70 TO ADVERTISE CALL pathway. Page 22
Arts 33-38 Games 51-53 Real Estate 75-88 772-559-4187
Books 48-49 Health 55-60 St Ed’s 72
Dining 64 Insight 39-54 Style 61-63 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 46 People 11-32 Wine 65 CALL 772-226-7925

© 2017 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

My Vero arrived at the beachside community. only remedy available. She also filed a formal complaint with
And, based on my conversations, The police can't, or won't, help. the police in San Jose.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "Believe me, I tried," said Donna
there are almost certainly others who've "I wasn't letting go of this thing,"
his victims feeling fleeced, frustrated been similarly scammed – but are too Skwarzynski, a 71-year-old San Jose, Ca- Skwarzynski said. "I've put together an
and foolish. embarrassed to report it. lif., resident who was taken by Bui in Feb- inch-thick file. But, apparently, there's
ruary, when she thought she had booked not much the police can do, or are
He goes by the name Thomas Bui, So I'm now rooting hard that some- a two-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront willing to do.
which could be an alias, and nobody one catches him. condominium for three weeks in April at
knows where this con man is located the bargain price of $1,400. "Once I sus- "Even the police departments in
because he communicates only via I'm hoping this parasite scams the pected that I might've been scammed, I larger cities, like San Jose, don't have
email. wrong person – perhaps someone with began making calls." the manpower or resources to pursue
the relentless determination, thirst for wire-fraud cases unless there's a lot of
Somehow, though, he has found us justice and resources necessary to hunt She called two small-town police de- money involved or it's connected to a
– Sea Oaks, especially – and in recent him down and explain to him, in painful partments in Minnesota – Bui told her homicide," she added. "I spoke with a
months has duped at least two would-be detail, the error of his larcenous ways. to transfer her money to a woman's friend who works in a different divi-
renters into sending deposits to his ac- bank account in Fulda, 20 miles from sion in the police force there, and he
complices. One Canadian couple didn't That's probably never going to hap- that woman's home in Lakefield – but told me, 'Kiss your money goodbye.'
know they had been swindled until they pen, I know. But even with cases of neither provided any real assistance.
wire fraud and Internet scams spread- "So I've finally given up."
ing at an epidemic rate, it might be the Just so you know: Skwarzynski also
complained to Craigslist where she
found Bui’s ad, which she said has
done "absolutely nothing" in response.
She eventually did find another
place to rent in Vero Beach. She’s
staying in a condo at Ocean Club III
through the end of the month and is
enjoying visits with her sister, who
lives on the mainland.
Yet, probably because she's a Real-
tor, the entire episode gnaws at her
– not so much because of the $1,400
she lost, but because she didn't trust
her instincts, which she said told her
the rental price in the Craigslist ad was
"too good to be true" and the process
"seemed a little weird."
Skwarzynski said she wasn't famil-
iar enough with Vero Beach, and par-
ticularly Sea Oaks, to know oceanfront
condos there usually rent for far more
than $500 per week, especially this
time of year.
"I checked a map and it looked a
little out of the way, not close to town,
and I thought maybe that was why it
was such a good deal," she said. "The
ad looked legit."
So Skwarzynski responded, express-
ing her interest, which prompted Bui
to send her a lease that she filled out,
scanned and returned to him. He in-
cluded his name, a cellphone number
and an email address.
After receiving and reviewing the
signed lease, Bui sent a follow-up
email instructing Skwarzynski to pay
in advance by transferring $1,400 to an
account belonging to a woman named
Patricia Steffen at the First National
Bank in Fulda, Minn. He provided
both the bank's routing number and
Steffen's account number.
"I immediately emailed him back
and asked: 'Who is Patricia? I thought
you were the owner,’” she said. "He
emailed back, saying she owned the
condo and he was the agent who man-
aged the property for her. That's when
I started wondering."
Skwarzynski became suspicious
enough to call the Minnesota bank
and speak to the manager, who she
said verified Steffen's account – one

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 3

NEWS

she had maintained for years. She also "After I told him I had confirmed the anything, but he said privacy laws pre- – because nobody was killed and she
conducted an Internet search. funds had been transferred, he asked vented him from accessing her com- didn't lose enough money.
her about money transferred into her puter without a warrant," she added.
"I thought to myself, 'OK, at least bank account," Skwarzynski said. "But "I even called and emailed the district So Skwarzynski took matters into her
she exists,' and it really was a legiti- she made up some ridiculous story attorney in Minnesota and explained own hands, concocting a fictitious ad
mate bank account," she recalled. about selling something on eBay and the whole scenario. and placing it on Craigslist, where she
"That's when I transferred the funds said the money came from that trans- warned others of Bui's scam. She knows
from my bank to hers." action. "And she said the same thing: I'd it won't bring her money back, but she's
have to get a warrant from San Jose." hoping she might prevent someone else
After several days passed without re- "I asked the chief if he would check from making the same mistake.
ceiving a receipt, Skwarzynski emailed her computer to see if she really sold But the San Jose police, she said,
Bui to request one, and he sent it. Still, don't seem to care enough to help her CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
she couldn't shake the nagging feeling
that something wasn't quite right. Exclusively John’s Island

It was then that she put her Realtor's Traditional architecture and elegant interiors grace this exceptionally
background to work and punched in renovated 3BR/3.5BA retreat designed with attention to detail. Nestled
the address of the condo, located on along Indian Lake on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this 4,768± GSF
South Sea Oaks Way, on the Multiple showcases lush pool & lake views. Features include an abundance of
Listing Service (MLS) website. natural light, European hardwood floors, gourmet island kitchen adjoining
the family room, expansive living area with fireplace opening onto the
"Lo and behold, the listing came up lanai, summer kitchen, private gardens, and two single-car garages.
as 'Just Sold,’” she said. "The real es- 741 Shady Lake Lane : $2,450,000
tate agent's name and number were
listed, so I called her and told her of three championship golf courses : 17 har-tru courts : beach club : squash
my concerns. She said, 'Oh, honey, health & fitness center : pickleball : croquet : vertical equity membership
you were scammed. This is probably
the 10th call I've gotten.' 772.231.0900 : Vero Beach, FL : JohnsIslandRealEstate.com

"Then she told me about the couple
from Canada and said it's happened
to a lot of people."

The local realtor, Fran Smyrk of
Treasure Coast Sotheby's, said at least
three of her Sea Oaks listings have
been used by scammers, and that
there's little she can do to stop them.

She said she has reported the scam to
Michael Thorpe, who co-owns the agen-
cy where she works. She also has alerted
Pam Dawson, general manager of the
Sea Oaks Property Owners’ Association.

"I've been doing this for 17 years,
and I don't remember seeing any-
thing like this around here until last
year," Smyrk said. "I've heard it's hap-
pening in other communities, too, but
mostly at Sea Oaks.

"I don't know why they've gone af-
ter my listings – maybe they like my
photographs – but I've gotten a few
calls from people who say they saw
one of my properties on Craig's List
and wanted to know if it was for sale
or for rent," she added. "I wish there
was some way to find these people,
because I hate what they're doing."

Dawson said she called the Sheriff's
Office, but there was little more Sea
Oaks could do.

"From everything I've heard," she
said, "the people who defraud you
have the upper hand."

Just ask Skwarzynski, who said she
never actually spoke with Bui, commu-
nicating with him only through email.

Her bank couldn't help her because,
by the time she realized what was go-
ing on, the funds already had been
transferred to Steffen's bank, which
also couldn't help her.

The police in two Minnesota towns
couldn't help her, other than to say Stef-
fen works in the cafeteria of a local mid-
dle school, where her husband is the jani-
tor, though Lakefield Police Chief Andrew
Konechne did at least talk to Steffen.

4 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

My Vero Wabasso Bridge agency is "trying to sweep these con- ing audible pavement markings and
cerns under the rug" until it has no speed signs within the next 90 days,"
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 choice but to replace the bridge, which in addition to coordinating with po-
was completed in 1970. lice to continue to enforce the posted
"Please read this posting – it may gineer's report, which was completed speed limit.
save you thousands of dollars!" she in January 2016 but not released to the "They know there are problems with
wrote, adding that there were, at the public until February 2017. that bridge, and they've just sat on this The audible pavement markings and
time she placed her ad, 22 postings report," Aaron said. continued speed-limit enforcement
"all from the same thief" and that "It was more than a delay," Aaron were among the recommendations in
"THIS IS A SCAM!" said, adding that his Freedom of Infor- "I don't think they'll do anything the engineer's report on the Wabasso
mation requests were ignored until he unless something bad happens or Bridge. But there were others:
She then went on to share her tale brought the matter to FDOT's Office of there's an uproar."
of woe, mentioning Bui by name and General Counsel.  Installing a crash-tested fence
identifying his ad for a condo/apart- Aaron said FDOT officials initially along the outside of the existing,
ment in Vero Beach. But she doesn't "They stonewalled." told him a year ago that the report 3-foot-high concrete barrier – with
expect her efforts to deter him. He said FDOT's refusal to address filed by its engineer, Anthony D. Chau- enough clearance to avoid interfer-
the span's safety issues is either "ad- mont, "wasn't ready," even though it ence with bicyclists' handlebars – to
In fact, she recently responded to ministrative incompetence" or the was dated Jan. 26, 2016. offer greater protection against a cy-
one of his ads – just to see if Bui was clist or pedestrian being knocked off
still running his scam – and used a dif- He said they later "changed their the bridge and into the Indian River
ferent email address so he wouldn't story" to say the report was being Lagoon.
know she was on to him. merged into a comprehensive study of
all the Intracoastal Waterway bridges  Re-striping the roadway to re-
"He came back with the same rou- in the district, which includes Indian duce the width of the two travel lanes
tine," Skwarzynski said. "The only dif- River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach from 12 feet to 11 feet and widen the
ference was that, this time, I was told to and Broward counties. shoulders from 4 feet to 5 feet, thus al-
transfer the funds to a woman named lowing the shoulders to be marked as
Cheryl-something in Alabama, and he FDOT spokesman Chuck McGin- bike lanes.
gave me her account number and a ness said the department initially
routing number for Regions Bank. planned to address specific bridges,  Posting signs on both ends of the
but its Traffic Operations Office "de- bridge to alert motorists that bicyclists
"So, obviously, he's working with cided we needed to look at all the might be present and that bicyclists
more than one other person," she add- bridges" in the district. have a right to occupy travel lanes.
ed. "What I haven't figured out is how he
gets his money. That's the missing link." A statement released Monday by the "Although the bridge appears to be
Traffic Operations Office stated that it in good repair, it is an old structure
We can only hope that link will formed a team – it also included rep- built to old standards," Chaumont
someday lead someone to him, may- resentatives from the Design, Struc- wrote in his report. "Apparently, at the
be even the police.  tures, Bridge Inspection, Modal Devel- time the bridge was built, little con-
opment, Planning and Environmental sideration was given to the safety of
Management, and Program Manage- people riding bicycles across it."
ment offices – to evaluate the district's
bridges and identify problems that He wrote that the "best solution"
need to be addressed. would be to build a new bridge that
would allow for up-to-date bike lanes
"The team's effort over the past year that fully comply with FDOT stan-
has resulted in a prioritization of the dards.
district's 79 Intracoastal Waterway
bridges from the standpoint of need "However, assuming that the bridge
for additional pedestrian/bicycle- is structurally sound and able to han-
related traffic control and related im- dle the current volume of traffic," he
provements," the statement read. added, "reconstructing the bridge is
probably not economically feasible in
Among the criteria the team consid- the short term."
ered were the existence of sidewalks,
sidewalk barriers, shoulder width, He concluded that while "no short-
bike lanes and the number of bicycle term solution will make the bridge
trips across the span. as safe as most people would like," it
could be made "somewhat, perhaps
Based on those criteria, the state- substantially, safer at a relatively low
ment said, the Wabasso Bridge "is on cost."
the top of the list.”
Despite the Traffic Operations Of-
As a result, FDOT will be "install- fice statement, county planner Sobc-
zak said he wasn't aware of any FDOT
plans to immediately address safety
concerns on the Wabasso Bridge.

He said he's hoping the FDOT will
follow up with the installation of a
3-foot-high fence that, with the exist-
ing concrete wall, would provide bi-
cyclists and pedestrians a 6-foot-high
barrier between them an empty space.
He'd also like to see the shoulders wid-
ened.

So would Aaron, whose nonprofit
Bike Walk group meets regularly with
local government, law enforcement
and FDOT officials to promote safe
biking and walking in the county.

"What they're doing doesn't make















12 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Andrea Berry, Annabel Robertson and Marlynn Scully.

PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Verna Wright, Louie Hoblitzell, Vinnie Parentela and Catherine De Schouwer. Pat Brier, Sarah Conners, Angelia Perry and Robin Diaz. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

JI Service League celebrates hope for children

BY MARY SCHENKEL related that they provided primary scholarships. Members also provid- the homeless, particularly children,
care to 17,000 unduplicated patients; ed brainpower and financial support with an awareness that it can hap-
Staff Writer most are the working poor, earning for the Step into Kindergarten pro- pen to anyone.
less than 100 percent of the federal gram, which increases kindergarten
In a new twist, representatives of poverty level. readiness for children of poverty. “We come from all different walks
the 37 agencies cumulatively grant- of life. We shatter those stereotypes
ed more than $950,000 by the John’s League support of the Think Pink “The Service League was the first and those architypes of what home-
Island Community Service League program over the last five years has funder who really believed not only less looks like,” said Nadeau. “Op-
this year were invited to attend the enabled TCCH to provide lifesaving in us but in our children and the portunity and resources are the only
37th annual JICSL closing meeting cancer screening to almost 2,000 need to support our children,” said thing that separates any of us.”
last Monday morning at the John’s women. “You have literally saved Falardeau. “What’s happening with
Island Golf Club. the lives of over two dozen women these programs is we’re filling these “It’s by working as a community
through this,” said Soule, before in- little minds with enriched knowl- that we can keep hope alive,” said
“I hope that we can make this an troducing Brenda Cepeda, whose edge and we’re creating a pathway Brier. 
annual tradition because it’s so ex- mother was one of those women. for success. The wealth and success
citing to see you all here today,” said Uninsured and unable to afford of our community is dependent on
JICSL President Pat Thompson. medical care, Cepeda related that our children, and you’re making that
thanks to the program, her mother happen.”
“The theme for today’s breakfast was able to receive the critical care
is Celebrating Hope in Indian River she needed. “I really like that today’s all about
County,” said grants chair Pat Brier, hope, because originally our mission
before introducing her vice chairs, “I thank you for your history statement was for children at risk,”
Vicki Aspbury and Louie Hoblitzell. of bringing hope to the children said Elizabeth Logiodice, Children’s
of our community,” said Cynthia Home Society philanthropy director.
“Hope is something that everyone Falardeau, executive director of the “Our children are not at risk, they’re
can provide on a daily basis,” said Education Foundation of Indian Riv- at hope. Each child has the potential
Brier. “This year the JICSL gave away er County. “The Service League has to succeed in this world.”
over $950,000 in grants and schol- always been a phenomenal partner
arships to children of John’s Island of allowing us to fund new programs She introduced Anthony Nadeau,
employees. It’s a very big accom- and innovations.” a student at Indian River State Col-
plishment; we could not have done it lege and a resident at the Transi-
without all of you.” She said 25 years ago JICSL sup- tional Living Program for youth
port helped launch the Indian River ages 18 to 23, who spoke eloquently
Also new this year, several recipi- Science and Engineering Fair, which and passionately about when things
ents spoke about the tremendous now has more than 500 children went “awry” with his family situ-
impact the grants have made. competing for $1.4 million in college ation; stressing the need to look at

Vicki Soule, executive director of
Treasure Coast Community Health,



14 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Peggy Cunningham, Kathleen Roehm, Hope Woodhouse and Ginger DeSimone.
Elizabeth Logiodice, Anthony Nadeau and Pat Brier.

Brett Hall and Pat Thompson. Anastasia Legakes, Janet Baines, Mary Silva and Barbara Hauptfuhrer.

Mary Grimm McClellan, Faith Horton, Barbara Hathaway, Crystal Bujol and Annette Rodriguez.

PINEAPPLE

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Who’s monitoring your property while you are away?
With 30 years experience in property managment, you
can count on our reliable service. Before you leave town,

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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 15

PEOPLE

Karen Drury, Brenda Cepeda, Colette Heid and Elissa Holmes. Tom Manwaring, Sharon Mortimer, Cynthia Falardeau and Judi Miller.

Paul Sexton, Bob Gibb and Patti Martin.

Kathy Saxe, Denise Daly, Leonard Edwards and Gail Kagler.

Paula Shorts, Molly Goodman, Shannon Maitland and Jessica Schmitt.

16 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Despite damage, Hallstrom Farmstead eagerly eyes 100

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF The good news – a structural en-
Staff Writer gineer has inspected the house and
found it to be structurally sound.
The Hallstrom Farmstead has The bad news – the insurance com-
weathered many a storm over the pany won’t cover the cost of the
years, but on the eve of its 2018 cen- damage.
tennial anniversary, plans by the In-
dian River County Historical Society “They said the damage was due to
for a year of celebration came to a age, so it wasn’t covered,” explained,
screeching halt. On Feb. 2, tourists Carolyn Bayless, IRCHS board presi-
were enjoying a tour of the historic dent.
home when the ceiling in the parlor
came crashing down. Meanwhile, the house remains
closed indefinitely as estimates are
“One group was upstairs with a gathered and a restoration plan ap-
docent and heard a huge crash. The proved. The remaining parlor ceiling
other group had walked out of the will eventually need to be removed
parlor seconds before it happened. and boards will need new nails be-
Fortunately, nobody was hurt,” said fore a new ceiling can be installed.
docent coordinator Al Smith, as he Once up, the ceiling must cure for a
hefted a small portion of the ceiling, month before it can be painted.
weighing several pounds. “When I
got here they were all still white as Repair costs for the ceiling, chan-
ghosts.” delier, rewiring, rug cleaning, re-
placement window and frame,
County Historian Ruth Stanbridge blinds and furniture repair is esti-
added, “A train had just gone by and mated at roughly $15,000. All they
we think nearly 100 years of vibra- need now is funding to proceed.
tion from it finally shook things
loose.” Adding to the expense and dif-
ficulty of the project, repairs must
meet preservation standards to

Al Smith surveys the ceiling damage
in the Hallstrom House. PHOTOS GORDON RADFORD

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 17

PEOPLE

maintain the historical integrity of It was in the two-story Victorian- through photographs, documents, tion promises to be bigger than ever,
the house. Horse hair was used as a style home built atop the Atlantic furniture, tools and memorabilia. and a Corvette Show is in the works.
binder in the original plaster, but that Coastal Ridge on Old Dixie Highway
process is no longer feasible. that his 4-year-old daughter Ruth IRCHS members took their duty to Recently, the county has been
lived until her death in 1999. protect and preserve this historic site working to create a nature trail on the
“We think the horse hair deterio- to heart, and over the past 17 years 100 acres surrounding the Hallstrom
rated and that’s why the ceiling weak- “Because they were so close to the have restored the home and brought House. The property cannot be devel-
ened,” Stanbridge explained. railroad, he had access to electric- it back to life through St. Lucia Day oped because it contains several en-
ity; the house was wired when it was activities, traditional Swedish teas, dangered species, including gopher
“Normally at this time of the year built. That’s pretty uncommon,” said a Pineapple Celebration and Name tortoises, scrub jays and a rare mint
we have eight to 10 people a day com- Smith. “And because they had elec- Day. plant found in only a few places in the
ing through, which is funding that we tricity, they could run a pump and world.
are losing by having to be closed at have an indoor toilet.” Looking to the future, Stanbridge
the height of our tourist season,” said noted, “We hope to raise enough A partnership with the county,
Bayless. Other than two years at finishing money to also move forward with which would include the addition of
school, Ruth lived in the house her plans to turn the Carriage House into public bathrooms that could be used
The Hallstrom family played a sig- entire life. She took a boat to Orchid a meeting room and coffee shop and at farmstead events, would benefit
nificant role shaping the history of each week and taught in a one-room build an outdoor kitchen.” both groups.
the county and the development of school house that still sits on proper-
the citrus industry. An immigrant ty owned by the Michael family. After They estimate it will cost another The late civil rights activist Marcus
from Sweden, Axel Hallstrom came Axel died in 1966, Ruth managed the $15,000 to convert the carriage house Garvey once said, “A people without
to the U.S. in 1898, eventually making family citrus groves. and $10,000 to build the outdoor the knowledge of their past history,
his way to Viking in St. Lucie County, kitchen. These additional features origin and culture is like a tree with-
where he grew pineapples. Ruth was very active in the com- will enhance the property and en- out roots.”
munity and was a longtime member able revenue to sustain the farmstead
Devastated by the passing of his of the Garden Club of Indian River through expanded community events The Hallstrom family put down
wife Emily in 1908, Hallstrom pur- County. She was a charter member of and rental opportunities for wed- roots in this community more than
chased 40 acres in what was then the Historical Society, and to honor dings, birthdays and family reunions. 100 years ago and the preservation
called Oslo to grow pineapples. Af- her family legacy left the home and of those roots will help bond genera-
ter several harsh freezes, Hallstrom its outbuildings to the organization. “We may be 99 and holding, tions to come with a shared sense of
planted one of the first citrus groves The property and its contents include but we’ve got some exciting things community.
in the area, which soon replaced artifacts chronicling early pioneer life planned,” said Stanbridge of their
pineapples as the primary cash crop. centennial ideas. Donations to repair Hallstrom
House, which will remain closed un-
Board member Pat Kroeger is writ- til they are completed, may be made
ing a one-woman play about Ruth, a to the Indian River Historical Society
historical marker will be placed on through Oculina Bank or by calling
the property, the Pineapple Celebra- 772-778-3435. 

18 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Mental Health Collaborative dedicates McCabe Center

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

“The Connections Center is dedi- Jeff Pickering, Vero Beach Mayor Laura Moss and Bob Harris. Michael Kint, Vickie Soulé and Jim Davis.
cated to passionately advocating for
the people of Indian River County, and community partners working and providers in our community. We wife encountered 22 years ago when
ensuring they have access to pro- to increase access to mental-health just needed to get them to the pro- their eldest daughter was struggling
grams and services that will enhance services. The center is one of four viders; to increase that access,” said with mental-health issues, com-
their lives,” said Brett Hall, executive initiatives in its strategic plan, which Hall, adding that in the two months menting that they were floundering
director of the Mental Health Collab- also included the 2015 launch of the since opening its doors, the center in their efforts to find the right diag-
orative at a ceremony last Tuesday af- Mental Health Court, reducing men- has already served more than 200 nosis, physician and services for her.
ternoon to dedicate the new facility tal-health stigma and incorporating members of the community.
as the McCabe Connections Center. behavioral health into primary care. “I’m very grateful for all the people
“When we use words like dedication MHC board chairman Jim Davis and the resources that have gone
and passionate advocacy, we have “We have so many great programs related the difficulties he and his into this being a reality,” said Davis.
only to look to Ellie and Bob McCabe;
they are our role models. We strive to
live up to their enduring legacy.”

“I’m very, very touched by this
whole thing. This whole project,
starting I guess 14 years ago, has
been the most rewarding thing I
have ever become involved in,” said
Ellie McCabe, one of the founders of
the MHC, before also paying tribute
to husband Bob for his support.

The MHC is an affiliation of
funders, providers, law enforcement

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 19

PEOPLE

Bob and Ellie McCabe with Brett Hall. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE County Commissioner Peter O’Bryan, Mary Beth Cunningham Donna Robart, Lt. Eric Flowers and Lisa Kahle.
and Sheriff Deryl Loar

Dr. Robert Brugnoli and Dr. Wayne Creelman.

“It’s a fabulous thing to have in this
community.”

“For those of us who have been
around since the beginning of the
collaborative, it is an absolute truth
that the Mental Health Collaborative
would not have continued to exist
and the Connections Center would
never have been created, if it were
not for the philanthropic support
that both individuals and organiza-
tions have provided over the years,”
said Michael Kint, United Way IRC
CEO.

In addition to mental health and
substance abuse being a much hard-
er “sell” than children’s initiatives
or the arts, he said center does not
provide billable services, rendering
philanthropic support even more es-
sential.

“The success of this operation
will continue only as we rely on the
philanthropic and community sup-
port that we’ve had and need to de-
velop,” said Kint. “The good news is
that many have already committed
to supporting the outstanding work
both of the collaborative and the
Connections Center. I am absolutely
confident that base of support is go-
ing to continue to grow as the posi-
tive impacts on the community of
what happens here become known.”

He cited the famed Dr. Seuss quote
from The Lorax: “Unless someone
like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s
not.” Kint added, “It is going to get
better here because we do care.” 







Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 23

PEOPLE

Brady Roberts with Kathleen and Ron Duprey. Dhuanne and Doug Tansill. Al and Pilar Turner. PHOTOS: MARY SCHENKEL

Dan Hardee and Jerrica Knowles. (Sitting) Sherry Little and Toby McAllister;
(standing) Tom Little and Paige McAllister.

Ned and Sherry Ann Dayton with Sandy and Randy Rolf.

Naddy and Chuck Dolan with daughter Marcy Haley and grandsons John Patrick and Peter Haley.

24 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Scramble for eggs highlights Easter family fun

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF Cathy Padgett and Amy Ledingham. as boys and girls played in the play- adorning the heads of roughly two
Staff Writer ground, painted river rocks, had their dozen participants encompassed ev-
eryone had such a great time. The golf photographs taken with “the” Eas- erything from wide-brimmed straw
It’s not uncommon to see marsh carts were fantastic, and all the hats ter Bunny, got their faces painted, varieties to sophisticated fascinators.
rabbits hopping around Humiston and bow ties were great too. I couldn’t and had fairy hair woven into lovely The bonnets were an explosion of
Park, but there was a much bigger have asked for a better turnout.” locks. It truly was a fun-filled, family color and creativity, with a birdcage,
bunny in town last Thursday after- afternoon as children of all ages led giant carrots, bunnies and chicks
noon at an inaugural Vero Beach Eas- An ocean breeze kept things cool parents and grandparents on a merry perched precariously atop some of
ter Parade hosted by Dale Sorensen chase from one activity to another. the heads.
Real Estate.
“My mom had to help me because Some rather crazy bow ties wend-
An Easter Egg Hunt before the pa- I don’t have my fast yellow shoes on ed their way through the procession
rade saw the beachside park overrun today,” admitted 4-year-old Jayden as well, including an oversize card-
with more than 500 children racing Jones, proudly showing off her bas- board creation and a bunny bow tie.
around to find the 5,000 candy-filled ketful of eggs. When asked what her Even West Highland terriers, Sutton
eggs scattered about by the Easter favorite part of the afternoon was, and Chloe, trotted down Ocean Drive
Bunny’s helpers. After excitedly col- she contemplated the options and sporting pink and white ties.
lecting their bounty, the children and declared, “All of it!”
their families enjoyed a perfect after- Almost 40 golf carts left the greens
noon in the park, sitting on blankets “We have three generations here for the afternoon to participate in
on the grass as music blasted through today. It was nice to experience this the Golf Cart Parade, elaborately
the park. with Jayden. This is the first year she decorated with lawn chairs, blow-up
really understands what the Eas- pools, surfboards, bunnies, ducks
“We thought it was a great idea for ter activities are all about,” shared and more. Quail Valley Club person-
the children to have a fun afternoon. Jayden’s grandmother, Casey Sand- alized their Easter décor with a large
It was a monumental effort to pull this ers. “Next year we’re going to do the quail sitting watch over her speckled
off on such short notice, but we did parade and bonnets too.” eggs.
it,” shared Matilde Sorensen, whose
idea looks to have started a new and Adding a bit of springtime flair, the Proceeds from event will benefit
delightful Vero Beach tradition. “Ev- Bonnets and Bow Tie parade rivaled the Boys and Girls Club of Indian Riv-
any in New York City. The bonnets er County. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 25

PEOPLE

Megan and Madelief Raasveldt with Dale Sorensen Jr. Dale and Matilde Sorensen. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

Chase, Indigo and Gemma Mariposa

Chloe Welch and Kylie Simons. Perla and Giovanni Simon.

Jay Ross.

Mara and Riley Puerner. Jennifer Bailey and Grier McFarland.
PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

26 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Taylor Sorenson with son JD and Dale Sorenson. Linda and Don Poole.
Charlize Jijon hunts for an egg.

Jada and Aubrey Plante. Andrew Eden. Emily Domagtoy and Laurie Collings. PHOTOS GORDON RADFORD

Cookie Arnold. Marina and Sierra Arnold.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 27

PEOPLE

Eliza Ackerman, Sally Spilman, Judy Munn and Mandy Ackerman (rear). Roseanne and Steve Moler with Kim Flores. Natalie and James Bakule and son Nicholas.

Christine Ross and George Funk. Nancy Nick and Taelynn Taylor. Christine and Kevin Hughes. Sally Lurie.

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28 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Peerless generosity fuels John’s Island Foundation

BY MARY SCHENKEL Crossover Mission co-founder Antoine Jennings, John’s Island Foundation members Don Dussing, River County are great. We have a lot
Staff Writer Steve Trooboff, Jim Smith, Ken Wessel, Don Kittell, Jay Anglada and Bill Sayler, and of poverty; a lot of problems. It’s great
Mental Health Collaborative Executive Director Brett Hall. PHOTO: DENISE RITCHIE that the John’s Island Foundation is
Coming off another successful cam- able to help some of these entities,”
paign, the John’s Island Foundation Unlike the Service League, which of them have had careers already and said Don Dussing, who has served on
is filling the coffers of Indian River fundraises primarily through events they’re anxious to be of assistance the the review committee for at least five
County nonprofit agencies with grants and Tambourine Thrift Shop rev- best they can to the people in need in years, as a captain for four. “It’s kind
totaling $732,590 to fund much-need- enue, the foundation raises its money Indian River County.” of fun when you do it for a number
ed capital expenses. When combined through two mailings. of years and you can see some of the
with more than $950,000 in grants Jay Anglada will continue as grant good that came out of the previous
provided by the John’s Island Commu- “We’re hoping to expand our donor review chair this year and they’ve in- gifts we’ve given.”
nity Service League, as well as private base,” said Wessel. His former position vited Pat Brier, fresh off a successful
funding by individuals to various or- as development chair will be filled by year as JICSL grants chair, to join the As an example, he said several years
ganizations they support, the generos- Emily Sherwood. “It’s been an abso- board with a view to having her take ago they provided the Samaritan Cen-
ity of John’s Island residents is unpar- lute pleasure for me; the people here over when he steps down. ter with hurricane shutters, which
alleled when it comes to enriching the are very pleasant to work with. Most “saved their bacon” during Hurricane
lives of the less fortunate in this com- “That committee is the lynchpin Matthew. The grants awarded to 23
munity. between the foundation and the com- agencies include funding for comput-
munity at large,” said Wessel. “The ers and software, utility vehicles, office
“I am extremely proud of the John’s work that they do is so important be- furniture, building renovations, fenc-
Island Foundation and the John’s Is- cause it justifies to the donors where ing, children’s playgrounds and a base-
land community in general for their we put their money and it justifies to ball field, bedbug resistant bedroom
generosity,” said Ken Wessel, who will the agencies that request it what re- furniture, storage sheds, flooring, air
replace Jim Johnson as JIF president in quirements they must meet to apply conditioners and books for a shared re-
June. “I think that the foundation and for the funds.” source library. The two largest grants
the deliberate way it goes about deter- will assist Every Dream Has A Price to
mining which agency is worthy of its Wessel said each application is re- build a duplex for homeless veterans
request is a tribute to the agencies and viewed on its own merit, and whether and the elderly and St. Francis Manor
to the donors.” they fund the request or not will try to expand housing for the elderly.
to assist them however possible. This
past year they were able to provide “It isn’t a matter of being unclean;
emergency funding to Epic Mission bedbugs are becoming more resistant
when their roof was destroyed from to insecticides. It’s a chronic problem
Hurricane Matthew, and in this grant when you have turnover of rooms at
process provided additional funding homeless shelters and even major hotel
for an electrical upgrade and a vehicle. chains,” said Dussing. “Believe it or not
bed bugs get right into the wood. It’s
“The needs of the people in Indian some of the things you learn when you
go on these site visits. The wood has to
be a special type to avoid the infesta-
tion.”

Although grants this year were pro-
vided to three new agencies, there are
many who have not yet made contact.

“We would love to see more agen-
cies apply for money,” said Dussing.
“Not that we have more money but we
would like to make the best use of the
funding that we have.” 











34 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Women reflect on women in Raw Space art show

BY ELLEN FISCHER Colombian. There is also the New York Zalbidea – did address the theme “Lies” and “Testify”
Correspondent artist Seanna Noonan; Hilda Vidal of
of woman as reflected in a encircle three con-

Cuba and the Spanish-born Lucia Zal- woman artist’s eyes, with centric zones in

The current exhibition at Raw Space bidea, now living in Cuba. successful results. a target-like

at Edgewood gallery presents the work The previous group shows that Me- Gordinier divides her composition.

of an international group of artists, all dina curated for Raw Space had their time between Vero Beach, Hanging from

women. Titled “The Woman in the Mir- share of large-sized works, but for where she presents art a twisted net

ror,” the show may – or may not – have a Woman in the Mirror, she insisted on a workshops at Indian River of pantyhose in

woman-oriented theme. scale suited more to the intimately per- Shores Community Center, the center of the

Organized by independent cura- sonal than the publicly heroic. and her Lord’s Hill Studio in Lucia Zalbidea.. painting is a 3-D,

tor Silvia Medina, all but one of the “I told the artists, ‘No big paint- Stonington, Conn. PHOTOS: GORDON RADFORD mosaic-mirrored

show’s artists is currently represented ings,’” she says. “I wanted everyone She describes herself as an Valentine heart.

by Medina through her business, Art to be represented with three or four installation and conceptual artist That trio of words

Concept Alternative. smaller paintings, rather than one or with an interest in social activism. (each repeated endlessly in its

The odd one out is beachside two huge ones.” “My work is centered on questions,” closed ring) is like an echoing chant of

Vero resident Pamela Pike If the current show’s title she says. either indictment or appeal. The heart

Gordinier, who was rep- suggests that the works Gordinier has two works on display can readily be interpreted variously as a

resented by Medina a on view focus on sub- that were not hung together, as was ev- symbol of brokenness, reflection or res-

few years ago in Me- jects that their artists ery other artist’s body of work, but on toration, as the viewer’s fancy dictates.

dina’s innovative, if relate to as women, adjoining walls, separated by someone Gordinier says she made the artwork

short-lived, Intrepid this show mostly else’s paintings. Although confusing as as a response to rape. She adds that

Art Gallery. does not do that. In- to who did what, perhaps that is just as while she has no subjective experi-

The others include stead, it presents a se- well because Gordinier’s offerings sty- ence of rape, her artwork addresses the

three now living in lection of works from listically have nothing in common with crime as a pervasive societal evil.

Miami: Tutua Boshell, Tutua Boshell. eight different people each other. The most compelling (and “It talks about the kind of thing that
originally from Colom- that show what each is
bia; Claudia Cebrian, who PHOTOS: GORDON RADFORD up to as an artist – regard- easily identified) of the two is a 2-foot- affects all women in all cultures,” she

square painting that hangs just inside says.

is from Argentina; Evelyn Walg less of gender. the gallery’s front door. On a more personal note, Lucia Zal-

of Venezuela; and Bibiana Martinez, a Two of the artists – Gordinier and Written in script, the words “Cries,” bidea calls her own three art works

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 35

ARTS & THEATRE

Hidal Vidal. mer,” Boshell says. “I don’t try FIERY DANCERS BRING HEAT
to do a landscape, but they IN ‘SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER’
“a part of my life.” Born in Valencia, turn out to be landscapes.”
Spain, in 1969, the artist met her Cuban BY MICHELLE GENZ version of the 1977 movie for which the
husband, photographer Carlos Torres Indeed, for the viewer, the Staff Writer British pop group the Bee Gees wrote
Cairo, in Italy in 1994. The two lived in vantage point of Boshell’s the score.
Spain and then England before moving paintings appears to be a sub- Riverside Theatre wraps up its sea-
with their two kids to Havana in 2015. merged one, with glimpses of son with another jukebox musical in What remains of the dark tone of that
sky and distant terra firma collaboration with Philadelphia’s Wal- often violent film is at Riverside largely
The foundation of her works for this through roiling waves. nut Street Theatre, this time “Saturday conveyed through sets. They are mas-
show are stretched rectangles of fab- Night Fever,” an energetic, dance-filled terfully designed to be moved by the
ric on which are pinned various ob- These pictures were built
jects from Zalbidea’s life. rather than painted with a CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
combination of acrylic color,
These include a white summer acrylic gel medium and gran- SEE THESE AND OTHER FINE THINGS AT VERO’S FINEST
blouse from her youth, a paper frag- ulated pumice that Boshell COLLECTION OF AMERICAN-MADE ART AND JEWELRY
ment from a Havana street map, and says she mixes by the gallon
a long, sharp thorn from a tree near prior to beginning work. She THEL AUGHINGDOGGALLERY.COM 2910 CARDINAL DR.
her house. applies the paint using a con- VERO BEACH, FL
crete float, a rectangular met- 7 72 . 2 3 4 . 6711
They are augmented by the artist’s al trowel made for smoothing
small drawings, stitched words and wet cement. The result is a thickly lay-
collage elements that composition- ered paint surface that, oddly enough,
ally tie everything together. has a soft, atmospheric look. Her nod
to landscape is accomplished with
The most effective of these works cloudy shades of gray, golden ochres,
is also the simplest. Two white hand- passages of ultramarine blue, and a
kerchiefs, placed one above the other dewy hint of pink.
against their white cloth backdrop, Boshell said she learned to use
refer to the artist’s connection to the uncommon painting materials and
distaff side of her family. The top techniques from fellow students at
one, embroidered with a white-on- UM and “Darby, of course” – her pro-
white monogram, is a memento from fessor.
her mother. The one below it – rep- Claudia Cebrian was born in Bue-
resenting Zalbidea – has the word nos Aires and began her photographic
“Me” stitched on it in black cursive. career there. After moving to Miami
Several spools of monofilament hang in 2001 she established Clau Photog-
between the muslin squares, bridging raphy, specializing in “poetic journal-
the gap with transparent threads. ism” – wedding photography with an
artistic flair.
“These are the visible but not vis- She is also a fine art photographer.
ible lines coming from my mom and In Woman in the Mirror she has prints
others who are important to me,” Zal- from two series. Four prints from “Un-
bidea says. derwater” focus on clothed women
swimming, diving and somersaulting
Other stand-outs in the show in- in the deep end of a featureless pool.
clude a quartet of 20-inch-square ab- Four prints from “Lost in Translation”
stract paintings by Tutua Boshell. center on an auburn-haired beauty in
a flowered gown who could double for
That artist was born in Bogotá, Co- Flora in Botticelli’s “Primavera.” In
lombia, in 1950. Her early life includ- one picture the sylph confronts her-
ed independent study with a number self in a double-exposure; in another
of bogotano painting maestros, in- her arm clutches a suitcase of floral
cluding David Manzur and Santiago brocade. Two other shots picture her
Cárdenas. After settling in Miami in head, from the front with eyes closed
1998, Boshell earned her M.F.A. at the and from the back (that hair!) super-
University of Miami. There she stud- imposed against the luxuriant piece
ied under noted New York color field of luggage.
painter Darby Bannard. According to the artist’s statement
on her website, “Lost in Translation”
Although her lavishly textured tells of migrant women who have ex-
paintings are abstract, she sees in perienced loneliness and solitude in
them the influence of land and sea. lands far from the music of their na-
tive tongue.
“I am a gardener and I am a swim- Viewers won’t need a translator to ap-
preciate the beauty of Cebrian’s photo-
graphic technique and subject matter.

The exhibition runs through April
28. Raw Space at Edgewood is at 1795
Old Dixie Highway. Its posted hours are
Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m.
to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. 

36 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 ARTS & THEATRE Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 PHOTO: HOLLY PORCH

cast itself, depicting gritty backdrops of That horror has been edited out of the
1970s Brooklyn. The disco era hit about musical version, and talk is more muted
a decade after the Verrazano-Narrows of choosing an abortion when one of
bridge was built, connecting Bay Ridge the guys, Bobby, learns his girlfriend is
to Staten Island and – metaphorically, pregnant. Still, the disparaging remarks
at least – a larger world. The bridge fac- by men about women, right down to
tors prominently in both the set and the Tony’s parents, is unsettling to the point
story, which also takes place within the of grating, particularly delivered at full-
bleak mid-century brownstone of Tony throated volume in forced Brooklyn ac-
Manero, a 19-year-old still living with cents. It does, however, play to the study
his parents and working in a paint store. in contrasts with the Bee Gees’ soothing
ballads, a couple of which have been
And then there is the two-level disco given a top-to-bottom tonal makeover
called 2001 Odyssey. That glittery, pul- to better fit with the plot. I’ll leave that
sating space becomes a play within a to fans of the Bee Gees to determine if
play, its dance competitions a distrac- that’s grating, too.
tion to dreary lives. In the case of the
lead character, Manero, disco is his only Stafford directed the same show in
chance to excel. September with the same actors in sev-
eral lead roles giving the customary
Vocals aside, the men in this show short rehearsal time a major leg-up, one
hold all the power. Dance is the vehicle would suppose. Those roles included
for their ferocity and it comes through Tony (Jacob Tischler), Gus (Raynor Ru-
most in the musical numbers outside bel), Double J (Joe Moeller, who also
the club. Choreographed by the show’s played the role under Stafford at North
director Richard Stafford, the men Shore Music Theatre in Massachusetts),
dance in a macho mash-up of styles: Joey (Christopher Hlinka, my favorite)
Broadway, ballroom, disco and martial and Stephanie (Alexandra Matteo).
arts. This crew would whup the cast
of last year’s “West Side Story,” with The show features a dedicated soloist,
aggressive lunges, karate chops and Candy (Crystal Joy), a performer in the
enough pelvic motility to direct traffic disco. Joy may be the most experienced
at a six-exit round-about. cast member, appearing on Broadway
as Martha Reeves in “Motown the Musi-
It doesn’t hurt that those moves are cal” and in London’s West End in “Hair”
on bodies costumed in stop-light col- – she played Abie Baby.
ors, those wildly-printed jersey shirts
held taut inside the rib-nicking waist- Candy often sings duets with another
bands of their double-knit polyester soloist, Monty, the deejay at the disco.
bell-bottoms.
Stafford did not stage the original
The women’s bodies, on the other 1998 musical but a later version that
hand, were largely veiled in what to- opened on Broadway in 2015, with three
day looks more like their Sunday best songs added. That adaptation, cred-
– kitschy below-the-knee dresses that ited to the producer of the 1977 movie,
masked much of their movement. Robert Stigwood, and collaborator Bill
Oakes, involves a new book, too. It was
They also manage some monster commissioned by Theatre Rights Inter-
lifts when the girls join in, partner- national for use in regional theaters and
ing them with the same smoldering li- a national tour.
bido that they use to demean them off
the dance floor. And we’re not talking While the storyline is pure Ameri-
wolf whistles: The movie included two cana – loser street kid looks to disco ball
rape scenes, one involving Tony try- to illuminate his future – it has been
ing to force himself on his dance part- told through the eyes of Australians
ner Stephanie; in the other, Tony’s two and Englishmen; the musical first pre-
friends rape the drunk, drugged and miered in London’s West End.
hapless Annette, an unpopular girl
Tony has heartlessly rejected. Tony does “Saturday Night Fever” plays at River-
nothing to intervene. side through April 30. 

















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46 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT OPINION

Coming elections in France and Germany could save the West

BY NATHAN GARDELS AND NICOLAS have been among the main spurs while agreeing to a looser federation change and trade to Internet privacy.
BERGGRUEN | WASHINGTON POST of populism across the European for those less willing to move forward A closer relationship at the core, which
Union. Schulz has promised to re- – a multispeed Europe. includes France as a nuclear power,
After 10 years of being written off as configure a pan-European approach would enable a credible, common Eu-
a lost cause mired in internal turmoil, that both keeps borders open and Such a looser regime of integration ropean defense to finally emerge.
prospects are mounting that Europe tightens asylum criteria. could even accommodate a Brexited
could come back as the leader of the Britain in some realms of coopera- A more unified French-German
West. He has also pledged to end the di- tion. A more voluntary multispeed approach to these and other policies
vision of Europe into debtors and Europe would also diminish populist – from investment in infrastructure
As China takes the helm of glo- creditors by loosening austerity and resentment against Brussels if demo- and cultural institutions to vocational
balization, including linking up new focusing on growth instead. cratically elected national govern- apprenticeship programs that bring
markets across Eurasia through a re- ments are freer to set the boundaries young people into the job market –
vived Silk Road, and the United States Together, these two new leaders of their sovereignty. would clearly demonstrate the ben-
pulls back from global engagement, of the countries that form the core efits of integration to those who now
a Europe that remains open and en- of Europe could hasten their own A more deeply integrated core believe the illusion that going their
gaged will by default become the cus- deeper integration as willing part- would give Europe an address and face own way alone is a better course.
todian of Western civilization’s pres- ners, including over budgets, bank- again. It could be a leading voice in
ence in the world. ing backstops and fiscal policies, the world on key issues, from climate Above all, it would remind everyone
of the founding impetus of the Euro-
In this global context, it is not an ex- pean Union that former French presi-
aggeration to suggest that the coming dent François Mitterrand put so stark-
elections in France and Germany this ly in remembering the history of the
year will be a consequential factor in continent: “Nationalism means war.”
shaping the shifting world order.
In short, Europe would be leaner,
If the independent, post-party, but stronger and more stable.
post-ideological and outward-look-
ing candidacy of Emmanuel Macron Europe was the birthplace of the
succeeds in France against the right- Western values of individual freedom,
wing populist National Front of Ma- tolerance and the universal reason of
rine Le Pen, the momentum of intol- the Enlightenment. Its philosophers
erant, nativist populism in the heart fathered the idea of America – the
of Europe will be deflated. Macron’s greatest experiment of democratic
reformist policies would likely make self-government in history, which in
the French economy more flexible turn fostered the world order now
and revive the dynamism of this great facing retrenchment.
cultural treasure.
Unless the prodigal son returns
In Germany, if the Social Demo- to the fold at some point in the not-
cratic, passionately pro-European too-distant future, it will be up to the
candidate Martin Schulz bests Chan- original family of Western civilization
cellor Angela Merkel, that country’s to carry the flame forward. For all our
role will also change. The blanket sakes, let’s hope the Old Continent
open-arms policy toward refugees, can renew itself.
combined with austerity policies in-
sisted upon by Merkel’s government, These views are those of the authors,
and do not necessarily reflect the views
of Vero Beach 32963. 

VOLUNTEERING o try a type of work I might want to do as a job in the future?
IS GOOD FOR YOU
MAKING IT A GOOD MATCH
Are you a volunteer? If so, you probably won’t be surprised to It’s important to make sure your commitment matches the orga-
learn that helping others kindles happiness. nization’s needs, and that you are capable of doing the job. Con-
sider the following questions:
While it can be hard to find time to volunteer, the benefits are  What causes are important to me?
enormous – for you, your family and your community.  How much time am I willing to commit?
 Do I prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
When London School of Economics researchers examined the re-  Would I like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely
lationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a from home?
large group of American adults, they found the more people vol-  Am I better behind the scenes or do I prefer to take a more
unteered, the happier they were. Being a volunteer can be stim- visible role?
ulating and provide a sense of purpose. It can help you reduce  What skills can I bring to a volunteer job?
stress, make new friends, reach out to the community and learn
new skills. And it doesn’t have to involve a long-term commit- Visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like
ment or take a big bite out of your busy schedule. and whether you’ll click with staff members and volunteers.

THINK ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER HEALTH BENEFITS

As you start thinking about what you may want to volunteer for, Volunteering is good for your mind and body. Helping and working
take some time to identify your goals and interests. What do you with others can have a profound effect on your overall well-being.
like to do? Look for opportunities that will serve a purpose close to Research shows that most adults with disabilities or health condi-
your heart that you think you’ll find to be fun and fulfilling. tions ranging from hearing and vision loss to heart disease, diabe-
tes or digestive disorders show improvement after volunteering.
Consider why you want to volunteer. Ask yourself:
Do I want to… Volunteering can take your mind off your own situation and add
o do something I’m good at? more zest to your life.
o try something new?
o do more with my interests and hobbies? Indian River Medical Center salutes its Auxiliary during National
o do something with my spare time? Volunteer Week (April 23-29, 2017) as its 500 active volunteers
o make my community a better place to live? celebrate 55 years of service to patients, staff and visitors to the
o meet people who are different from me? hospital. 
o see a different way of life and new places?
Your comments and suggestions for future topics are always
welcome. Email us at [email protected].

© 2017 Vero Beach 32963 Media, all rights reserved

48 Vero Beach 32963 / April 20, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT BOOK REVIEW

Thomas Piketty’s “Capital in the dowments of family foundations will identifies 540 American billionaires. three times the endowment of the Ford
Twenty-First Century,” published in allow this power to be inherited by Callahan reports that 70,000 Americans Foundation, or nine times the Rock-
2014, explained modern inequal- generation after generation. “There are worth more than $30 million. Five efeller Foundation’s. In the 16 years it
ity in capitalist countries, but it was a may be no better way for the super- thousand American households have has existed, the Gates Foundation has
rather dry exercise that relied heavily rich to ensure lasting clout for their assets worth more than $100 million – given away more than $37 billion, but
on numbers. In “The Givers,” David heirs than to dedicate their wealth to without counting their real estate. this is only a modest first step. The Ga-
Callahan brings inequality to life. He philanthropy.” teses are committed to giving most of
draws a startling picture of the as- They are a diverse group, but Callah- their fortune to the foundation, which
tounding growth of private American Many readers of Callahan may an argues persuasively that a common means it will have perhaps $150 billion
wealth in the past quarter-century, draw harsher conclusions than he thread now connects many, probably to distribute in the years ahead. And
the people who have accumulated does about a system funded by all of most of them: They believe in charity. the Gateses have committed to giving
it, and the ways they are using their us (through the tax deductions Amer- Giving away vast quantities of money out all their foundation’s assets within
money, often aggressively, to change icans can take when donating money is a status symbol for the super-rich. 20 years of the death of the surviving
the world – sometimes for the better, to philanthropic causes) that empow- Callahan quotes Michael Bloomberg spouse. Already the Gates Foundation
sometimes not. ers only a few of us to spend vast sums (net worth: $45 billion) on the subject has helped control the AIDS epidemic
to advance favorite causes and, of- of great wealth: “You can’t spend it, in Africa, reduce malaria, create the
Callahan’s account of how the rich ten, to preserve their own status atop and you can’t take it with you.” Con- Common Core school curriculum and
exercise power in modern America is American society. Under our lax and cludes Callahan, “Philanthropy is the a great deal more.
ominous and grim, though he avoids laxly enforced tax laws, those causes only real place the money can go.”
drawing the darkest conclusions his can be controversial and entirely po- “For all the philanthropy we’ve seen
evidence would support. He admits litical, and still be tax-deductible. Since 2000, wealthy Americans have in recent years,” Callahan writes, “it’s
only to being “troubled” that dona- The Koch brothers, George Soros and created 30,000 new foundations and nothing compared to what lies ahead.”
tions of huge amounts of cash enable many more get large tax deductions 185,000 “donor-advised funds,” a way Gates and Buffett persuaded scores of
power to move from public institu- for contributions that are obviously for the wealthy to pool their resources the super-rich to sign a giving pledge
tions “into private hands” of people political. Callahan estimates that de- without going through the compli- committing them to donating at least
whose influence can make them “su- ductible contributions to “policy and cated process of establishing a foun- half their wealth to philanthropy.
per-citizens.” He acknowledges that advocacy groups” with political mis- dation. This trend is likely to continue. Many who didn’t sign that pledge have
“after three decades of rising inequal- sions add up to “the low billions, less independently made similar or even
ity” in America, “it’s unnerving to than $10 billion.” These deplete the And of course, a lot of the resul- grander promises.
watch rich people, however smart treasury without any public official tant philanthropy has been a boon
or well meaning, amass even more having a voice in the matter. to many American communities. We The prospects for the growth of phi-
power.” He’s worried that giant en- have countless new museums, en- lanthropy are so good, Callahan ar-
The starting point of “The Givers” is riched schools and colleges, medical gues, that within the next few decades,
a powerful description of how much research laboratories, foreign assis- philanthropic spending could exceed
wealthier and more numerous the rich- tance projects, and much more thanks discretionary, nondefense spending
est Americans have become just in the to the creative efforts of the best phi- by the federal government – that is,
past generation. “Rich” is not what it lanthropists. what the government spends on ev-
used to be. I remember when J. Paul Get- erything but entitlement programs
ty, the oilman, was the archetypal rich We’ve also had bitter controversies (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
American, in a class by himself. When over charter schools, teacher tenure, etc.) and the defense budget. In oth-
Getty died in 1976, he left an estate of gun control and many more issues fu- er words, in the realms of social pro-
about $8 billion in today’s dollars. A for- eled by philanthropic efforts to change grams, medical research, assistance
tune of $8 billion (that’s $8,000,000,000 the country. And there is room for re- for poor people and many more, phi-
– think how that would look on your sentment. As Callahan writes, “The lanthropy (directed by private citizens
bank statement!) today would rank more active the rich have become in unsupervised by any public authority)
55th on Forbes Magazine’s list of the 400 injecting their money and preferences could supplant the federal govern-
wealthiest Americans. Forbes credits into public life, the less that ordinary ment in the foreseeable future. 
Bill Gates, first on that list, with a per- people may feel that they can com-
sonal fortune of $81 billion – 10 times pete and the more they may tend to THE GIVERS: WEALTH, POWER, AND
Getty’s wealth. Everyone on Forbes’ top withdraw.” PHILANTHROPY IN A NEW GILDED AGE
20 is worth more than $20 billion, which
happens to be roughly the gross domes- Gates is the leading example of the BY DAVID CALLAHAN
tic product of Iceland. new philanthropists who are Callahan’s Knopf. 343 pp. $28.95.
subject. The founder of Microsoft and Review by Robert G. Kaiser,
In Getty’s day, great wealth was rare; his wife, Melinda, have richly endowed
today it’s more commonplace. Forbes the Gates Foundation, with help from The Washington Post
their friend Warren Buffett. Its assets
today are nearly $40 billion, more than