09/28/2023 ISSUE 39

Only five months after opening its doors, the 19th Hole Virtual Golf Bar and Grill closed on Friday night, ending the latest failed attempt to run a food-and-beverage business on the former site of The Patio restaurant in downtown Vero. Is anyone surprised? Well, yeah. Certainly, Tom Vallett – a Sea Oaks seasonal resident and 19th Hole’s co-owner who funded the venture, investing a significant sum of money to renovate, reconfigure and re-equip the outdated 5,000-square-foot building, purchase three top-shelf multi-sport simulators, and lease the .67-acre property. He didn’t see this coming. Nor did the property owner, Boca Raton restaurant broker Athan “Tom” Prakas, who bought the site from the family of Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton in February 2022 for $600,000 and was collecting a sizable monthly rent. And, of course, there was 19th Hole operations manager Shawn Steele and his 34 employees, all of whom learned of the establishment’s fate just days before the closure. None of them could’ve expected the end to come so soon, given the financial investment made and the promise of better fall and winter days ahead. How could they? Nobody opens a restaurant-type business in Vero Beach in April, at the end of this The long-delayed start of high-speed rail service between South Florida and Orlando last week was pretty much a nonevent for Indian River County as a dozen Brightline trains a day passed through Vero Beach without incident during the first weekend of service. Newly upgraded rail crossings from one end of the county to the other were closed only for about a minute each time a six-car Brightline train passed, resulting in little disruption to traffic – and far shorter delays than mile-long Florida East Coast Railway freight trains regularly cause as they City leaders hope a new video and brochure marketing Vero’s Three Corners development opportunity will attract the interest of top investors with deep pockets. In August, the Vero Beach City Council hired Colliers International to create a marketing campaign for its much-anticipated Three Corners project because the Canada-based global real-estate services firm was so highly regarded and well connected in the commercial development community. Vero Beach Planning Director Jason Jeffries believes Colliers has the reach and the reputation to make the right connections happen. “It’s a very clubby industry,” Jeffries said last week. “Everybody knows each other, and everyone in the industry knows Colliers.” Thus far, city officials are thrilled, having viewed Colliers’ recently completed digital brochure and video that introduce potential developers to Vero Beach and its grand plan to create a dining, reAlthough the main issue facing motorists traveling to and from and the Vero Beach mainland is the recently started four-year effort to rebuild the 17th Street Bridge, a number of smaller construction projects along Highway A1A have added to motorists’ woes on the barrier island’s main thoroughfare. At least a half dozen areas of active construction along A1A from the southern part of the town of the Indian River Shores to the 17th Street causeway have turned the major traffic artery into what often looks more like an obstacle course. “I wish they would have finished whatever they are doing on A1A before they started the lane closures on the 17th Street Bridge,” one Vero Beach policeman exclaimed in frustration recently. “This is not good for traffic. They delayed that bridge project so many times, what difference would it have made if they waited another couple of weeks so we can INSIDE To advertise call: 772-559-4187 For circulation or where to pick up your issue call: 772-226-7925 NEWS HEALTH PETS REAL ESTATE 1-5 6 B11 12 ARTS GAMES CALENDAR B1 B12 B15 © 2023 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved. MY TAKE BY RAY MCNULTY ‘19th Hole’ sinks along with co-owner’s hopes September 28, 2023 | Volume 10, Issue 39 | Newsstand Price: $1.00 | For breaking news visit VeroNews.com YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTY IT’S SINGALONG SEASON AS RIVERSIDE PRESENTS A SLATE OF MUSICALS In Arts & Theatre, P. B2 THERE’S MORE TO EXERCISE THAN LOSING WEIGHT Your Health, Page 6 Three Corners marketing looks to woo investors CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 By Pieter VanBennekom Staff Writer Emeritus CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Spate of A1A projects driving motorists nuts By Milton R. Benjamin | Staff Writer PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS HIGH-SPEED BRIGHTLINE ERA BEGINS HERE WITH NOT-SO-HIGH SPEEDS, LITTLE FANFARE PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS

demand for more retail and restaurants. Colliers’ headquarters is Toronto, but its U.S. operations are based in New York. Thus, Krasnow said, the firm is marketing the project regionally, nationally and internationally. In addition to a profile of the property, which is divided into three parcels to be used for different purposes, Colliers’ brochure provides potential investors with a development guide – based on a concept plan approved by the City Council last year – and an overview of the city. The brochure also includes a summary that states the city is seeking “favorable terms” in a long-term lease to be negotiated with an investor that has “significant experience” in developing and operating hotel and resort amenities, and with expertise in mixed-use developments that include retail, restaurants, waterfront activities and public amenities. The city is looking for a developer to “match its vision of transforming the parcel of land from an industrial zone to a destination for citizens and tourists,” the summary reads, adding, “The resulting project will transform the local economy and give local citizens and visitors a fundamental sense of place.” In November 2022, Vero Beach voters approved a referendum to change the city’s charter to allow commercial development on the 17-acre power plant property, north of the bridge. The city also plans to relocate the existing wastewater treatment plant, currently operating on the 16-acre parcel south of the bridge, to the Vero Beach Regional Airport within five years – a move that would accommodate development of that property for recreational purposes. The city has agreed to lease 2.5 acres of that site to the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County for future development of a Vero Beach Community Sailing Center, which would include construction of a two-story building, floating docks and a small boat launch. As for the former Post Office Annex site – 4.5 acres on the southwest corner of 17th Street and Indian River Boulevard – the city has agreed to lease more than half of it to FPL for its substation. The remaining nearly 2 acres on that corner are available for immediate development, the brochure states. “The city has a very specific plan in mind, and people who might be interested in this development need to understand what they’re getting into,” Krasnow said. “But anyone who is seriously going to consider making an investment of this magnitude is going to want to do a deep dive, anyway.” In fact, Krasnow said developers – particularly in a challenging economic environment, when both costs and interest rates are up – want clarity and certainty before making any sizable investment. The deadline for developers to submit their proposals is Dec. 15. The submissions will then be reviewed by a City Council-appointed committee, which will select two or three finalists. The council members will then identify its first choice and instruct the city staff to begin lease negotiations. tail, social and recreational hub on the mainland’s waterfront – at the west end of the 17th Street Bridge. The two-minute video, much of it shot from a drone, provides a variety of aerial views of the 33.7-acre property that currently contains the city’s decommissioned power plant and still-functioning wastewater treatment facility, as well as a Florida Power & Light substation occupying a section of a small, off-the-water parcel across Indian River Boulevard. The accompanying 44-page brochure does the same, but in greater detail, adding maps of the Three Corners site and surrounding areas, renderings of development possibilities and detailed information pertaining to the project. “It looks really good to me,” Jeffries said. “I like the graphics and the way the information is being presented. It contains the elements commercial developers and investors want to see.” Mayor John Cotugno, too, said he was impressed with the brochure, adding, “It was very well done, very professional. From a marketing standpoint, I thought everything we want to accomplish was well presented. It should produce a good response.” Cotugno said city officials are hoping to receive proposals from at least six developers, “and we’d welcome more.” Ken Krasnow, Colliers’ vice chairman for institutional investor services in South Florida, said Sunday the initial response to the brochure was promising, despite being in the market for only 10 days. That’s good news, as only three people other than city staff and paid consultants attended an informational session put on for developers and investors earlier this month. The meeting was not mandatory for those planning to submit proposals, and the identities of the three “financial advisors” present, or who they represented, is not public knowledge. “We’re hearing from people who want to engage with us and learn more about the project,” said Krasnow, an island resident who handled the firm’s pitch to the City Council last summer. “We’re also reaching out to a lot of people, proactively – to people who might not be doing business in Florida or don’t know Vero Beach. “The way to get people’s attention is to tell them a story and make it compelling enough that they’ll want to engage,” he added. “We’re doing that by using visuals to show them the scale of the development site, which is attractive, and that waterfront is a commodity. “We’re showing them that this is a unique opportunity.” Krasnow said that the brochure and the video also highlight the demographics of the Vero Beach community, including its affluence, and the area’s strong 2 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 THREE CORNERS MARKETING rumble through Vero at 20 mph to 30 mph. While the advertised top speed of Brightline trains during their non-stop transit through Indian River County is 110 mph, their speed through downtown Vero is expected to be no more than 80 mph – and observers said it appeared considerably less than that on their early runs this past weekend. Over the next three weeks, Brightline will ramp up to near-hourly service each way between South Florida and Orlando, reaching a planned total of 32 trains daily on Oct. 23. The first regularly scheduled Brightline train to leave Miami on Sept. 22 arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m., where it was welcomed by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company executives. There were no similar ceremonies in Indian River County, which as a result of its unsuccessful multi-year battle to block the expansion of Brightline, is expected to never have a station. While Brightline installed millions of dollars of additional safety features along the tracks here following a June 2021 settlement of litigation with the county government, Sheriff Eric Flowers said his department had prepared for what he viewed as the inevitability of accidents involving the high-speed trains. Each day, hundreds of pedestrians and bicyclists cross the twin railroad tracks now shared by Brightline passenger trains and Florida East Coast railway freight trains, Flowers said. “My concern is someone is going to get blasted by that train quick, fast and in a hurry when we start running 32 of those a day,” Flowers said. “We’ve been preparing for that train to hit pedestrians.” If a pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a train, investigators would have to determine if the person was committing suicide, or got onto the tracks accidentally, or while intoxicated, Flowers said. Another major concern is the possibility a motorist could be confused by a railroad crossing and get caught on the tracks when the gates are down and a train is coming, Flowers added. “We have put some of our detectives through training for handling train versus pedestrian investigations,” Flowers said. “We’ve had tabletop exercises, training where we’ve simulated a train crash, a passenger train crash, also derailments and issues with cargo and multiple train issues.” Staff Writer George Andreassi contributed to this story. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 BRIGHTLINE ARRIVES

rapidly growing community’s busy season, and closes in September, just before our seasonal residents and visitors begin to return. Almost nobody, anyway. But Vallett was given little choice after the 19th Hole managing partner Bob Gruber, a former local golf pro who had pitched him the idea of opening a virtual-golf bar and grill in Vero Beach, decided to abandon the business. In a statement released to Vero News on Monday, Vallett wrote that he deeply regretted and was saddened by the closing of the fledgling establishment, noting the “passion and financial resources” he poured into the place. “Unfortunately,” he added, “certain decisions were made outside of my control that affected the business and have forced me to make a difficult decision.” Vallett emphasized that the closure had nothing to do with the efforts of Steele and his staff, whom he praised, or even the business plan. Reached by phone Monday, Vallett said he did not want to comment on Gruber’s actions, but his tone made it clear that he was disappointed the 19th Hole didn’t get a chance to operate during the fall, winter and spring months, when many local businesses see their biggest profits. “It’s just one of those things that happen in business sometimes,” Vallett said, acknowledging that he provided the bulk of the capital to back Gruber’s venture. Last Friday, hours before the 19th Hole closed with one final comedy show, Steele said he was stunned when Gruber – a week earlier, without warning or explanation – announced that he was done. “He said he was going to Vegas,” Steele said. Gruber, a former golf director at The Moorings and head pro at Riomar Country Club, did not respond to voice and text messages left on his mobile phone Monday. So, as this week began, the real reason for Gruber’s hasty exit was unknown, though rumors, ignited by social-media posts about the 19th Hole closing, continued to swirl throughout the local restaurant community. Was he dissatisfied with the direction the 19th Hole was headed, financially? Did he no longer believe it would be as profitable as he had hoped? Or was there some personal issue with which he was dealing? Whatever the reason, it’s obvious that Vallett, 69 and retired, had no interest in running a restaurant. In fact, he said Prakas was already “actively” looking for a new tenant to lease the property. “It’s a shame they couldn’t give it more time,” said Billy Moss, a local Lambert Commercial Real Estate agent who brokered the sale of The Patio from the Sextons to Prakas, and then put Prakas and Gruber together. “If you’re getting into the restaurant business, you need to plan for 12 to 24 months before you can expect to make any real money,” he added, “Very few restaurants take off right away.” True, the 19th Hole had critics, many of whom cited higher prices for food and drinks, and the closed-off, disconnected feel of the place – with the bar, two dining rooms and simulator room all separated by walls. But much of the social-media criticism was inane, particularly those from commenters complaining because the newly configured 19th Hole didn’t retain the ambiance of The Patio, which hadn’t drawn anything resembling regular crowds since before the Los Angeles Dodgers moved their spring-training headquarters to Arizona. While The Patio, once a popular Vero Beach gathering place and local landmark built in the 1930s, had enjoyed stretches of success over the years with different tenants, the restaurant mostly has struggled since the start of the Great Recession in 2008. Among those tenants was Leanne Kelleher, The Tides owner and chef who ventured to the mainland and put together a strong six-month showing during the 2012-13 season. She was unable to attract enough business through the summer months to remain viable, however, and the Sextons allowed her to break her two-year lease after the first year. Kelleher was The Patio’s fourth tenant in five years. Then, Orlando restaurant manager Bill Brown came to town, believing he could revive The Patio. But he shut down in April 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, after an up-and-down, five-year run. The property’s ownership has changed, and so has the building’s interior. It’s no longer The Patio, even if it still looks the same on the outside. But it doesn’t need to be. Though business had slowed as expected during the summer, when unusually oppressive heat prevented people from enjoying the outdoor patio, Steele said the 19th Hole was “pretty well received” when it opened, as the simulators were attracting customers. He recently had launched a Sunday brunch buffet and started bringing in comedy shows, both of which were becoming popular, and he was planning to use the simulators to allow local players to compete in Tiger Woods-sponsored virtual-golf tournaments this fall. He was optimistic about the establishment’s future, shrugging off political nonsense from the local Moms For Liberty chapter, which falsely claimed on its Facebook page that “progressive liberal censorship squads” were encouraging boycotts of the 19th Hole. “I’m torn up about it,” Steele said of the closure. He should be. Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS September 28, 2023 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 MY TAKE

As local residents begin rolling up their sleeves a sixth time to get the latest Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 booster shot, the federal government announced a relaunch this week of the free COVID home test kit program. Free tests delivered by the U.S. Postal Service can now be ordered at www.Covid. gov/tests by filling out a short online form. People who need help placing an order for free test kits can call 1-800-232-0233 or the TTY help line for the hearing impaired at 1-888-720-7489. Orders will begin shipping on Monday, with each residential address eligible to receive four test kits, which come packaged in two boxes and retail for between $20 and $25 per box in local stores and pharmacies. Medicare recipients and those with good health insurance should have been able to get these tests COVERED through 4 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com FREE COVID HOME TEST KITS ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY MAIL By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected] get all the stuff along A1A finished?” Traveling south on A1A from Indian River Shores, motorists are first faced with the closure of Indian Lane on the west (lagoon) side of the highway. Shores Town Clerk Janice Rutan said this is part of a project by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Gas to install the infrastructure for bringing natural gas to the island. Fliers were distributed to area residents last month saying the project would start Aug. 26 and last for one week, until Sept. 1. However, construction started a day late and three weeks later, the street was still closed off – access is only via Seminole Lane one block further south. Two backhoes from TB Landmark Construction Co. of Jacksonville along with trucks full of gravel and pipes were parked at the end of the street, completely blocking the road, along with a smelly porta potty. It had been days since any construction workers had been seen at the site. “We understand (the project) is moving forward now after some internal delays,” Rutan said. Just a couple of blocks further south, construction vehicles have been going into and out of the Pebble Bay development off A1A where a pavement repair and stormwater runoff improvement project started last May. Rutan said final repaving was scheduled to start Sept. 25 and be completed in a week. Across the street on the ocean side, construction vehicles have been turning in and out of two new housing developments, Surfsedge and just south of it, Indigo on the site of the old Tracking Station. Just a few yards further south, a big Ditch Witch machine is still parked along the west side of A1A where crews have been working for the past couple of weeks on a “trenching project,” according to Rutan. For several days last week, as a big water tanker truck was parked along the road’s shoulder, southbound traffic was diverted via orange construction cones to the middle turn lane. Perhaps the biggest hassles await motorists further south along A1A as they approach the traffic light at Beachland Boulevard. On the east (ocean) side of the road, the new sidewalk between the bridges appears to be basically finished. But now big concrete barriers have been put up along the west side of the road between Beachland and the private Quail Valley club, and little activity seems to have taken place in the last few days. That project is still slated for completion sometime this fall, but on-demand pedestrian crossing lights still need to be added. Start and end dates for FDOT construction project have not enjoyed a great amount of credibility in the past. A major new bottleneck has emerged at the intersection of A1A and Beachland for southbound A1A traffic turning right onto Beachland to head for the Merrill P. Barber Bridge to cross to the mainland. Crews are working to extend the righthand turn lane and make it longer, as well as install new culverts to improve drainage, a pet project of County Commissioner Laura Moss, a former Vero Beach city councilwoman. But while the work is going on, there is no right-hand turn lane at all – a problem aggravated by the fact that traffic volume across the Barber Bridge has increased because of the diminished traffic capacity on the 17th Street Bridge. Especially in the late afternoon when contractors and other workers return to the mainland from work sites on the island, traffic has often backed up on A1A for several blocks, an unusual sight for Vero Beach in the supposedly “light” summer months before snowbirds return. their health insurance throughout the summer, but uninsured or underinsured people have been without free Covid tests since the COVID-19 federal health emergency ended on May 11. “Tests may show ‘expired’ dates on the box, but U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended those dates,” the COVIDTests.gov website states. Demand for COVID tests has been extremely low over the past year, meaning millions of test kits would have had to have been discarded had the FDA not extended those expiration dates. A link is provided on the website so consumers can look up the brand and type of test they receive in the mail through the program – or even to look up any old, unused tests they might have around the house – to see what the FDA says the “real” expiration dates are. The dates on certain popular tests have been extended for up to 15 months, with some tests which technically expired on June 30, 2022, now good through at least the end of September. Many tests that would have expired soon are now OK to use through summer or fall of 2024. It’s best to keep the test kits in a sealed container or Ziploc bag, protected from humidity, and in a cool, dark place like a linen closet. Most importantly when the test is used, the Control or “C” panel should activate when the sample liquid is applied to the test cartridge. If the C does not show a colored line after the liquid is added, the test result is not valid – whether or not the test kit says it’s expired. While the newly formulated Pfizer and Moderna shots are available at local pharmacies now, a third shot produced by the Novavax company waits in limbo. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 A1A CONSTRUCTION

6 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com Fitness isn’t just a numbers game. Can an overweight person be fit? World-renowned wellness resort Canyon Ranch says the short answer is yes – even an obese person can be fit. By one definition, fitness is the ability to execute daily activities with optimal performance, endurance and strength, while managing disease, fatigue and stress and reducing sedentary behavior, regardless of what the scale says. “We put ‘skinny’ on a pedestal but it has nothing to do with your fitness level and shouldn’t be your goal at the gym,” says Danielle Kireczyk, an AFAA Certified Fitness Trainer in Vero Beach. She says that trained professionals who work in the fitness industry are interested not in your “surface” looks, but in the things that are part of your everyday life, like range of motion, endurance, balance and your ability to get up after you’ve fallen. A study done at Arizona State University found that sedentary, obese men and women who began to exercise lowered their risk of premature death by as much as 30 percent or more, even if their weight didn’t budge. This improved fitness generally put them at lower risk of early death than people considered to be of normal weight but out of shape. Kireczyk says athletes prove the theory that you don’t have to be thin to be fit. “Look at linemen on football teams [who average 315 pounds in the NFL], or the starting line at a 5K. You’ll see every body type – and weight is no predictor of who will run a good race.” The psychological side of exercising is as important as the physical side, says Kireczyk. “My spin classes are just as much mental as they are physical,” adding that we need to be teaching people there are better reasons to work out than the calories you burn. NetDoctor lists 12 benefits of working out other than losing weight: Healthy bones – regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation and increases bone density. Immunity boost – exercise helps your immune system find and deal with pathogens. Improved mood – a cascade of mood-boosting hormones and neurotransmitters flood your brain when you exercise. Increased energy levels – exercise lifts you from a sloth-like state by improving your blood flow, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach your cells. Better sleep – people sleep significantly better and feel more alert during the day if they get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. A great sex life – exercise supercharges your self-esteem, boosts your circulation – vital for a healthy sex life – and crushes libido-killing stress. Improved memory regular aerobic exercise – like running or cycling – inThe ‘skinny’ on fitness: More to exercise than losing weight By Jackie Holfelder | Correspondent CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 Danielle Kireczyk. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH September 28, 2023 7

8 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com creases the size of your hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for verbal memory and learning. Greater productivity – you’ll give your concentration levels and creativity a tangible boost by scheduling a workout into your day. Smoother skin – exercise releases IL-15, a protein that interacts with the mitochondria in your cells to slow skin aging and stimulates the production of collagen. Stronger muscles – building stronger muscles boosts your heart health, improves posture and keep injuries at bay. Chronic disease risk – regular exercise reduces your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, dementia, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure. Live longer – exercising at least 150 minutes a week can add up to seven years to your life. Kireczyk says people get in trouble when they compare themselves too much to other folks they see in the gym. “It’s important to keep comparisons in your own lane,” she says. “Don’t compare yourself to people who are other ages. A 60-year-old is never going to look like a 30-year-old, but that doesn’t mean he or she isn’t fit.” Realbuzz.com is a healthy active living website that helps people who want to challenge themselves and lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. It says that running, jumping, dancing, stretching and bending will help you to appreciate the many capabilities of your body – which is not just a clothes hanger to be preened and pummeled into shape, but rather an amazing machine. This realization can help you to judge your body not just on what you see in the mirror, but on what your body can do as well. Focus on the joy of movement and the satisfaction of noticing how your body responds to activity, rather than how many calories you burned or inches you’ve lostm and you’ll soon be whipping your body image into better shape. Danielle Kireczyk is an AFAA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and an AFAA Certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor who is personal training director at Vero Fitness, 1060 6th Ave., Vero Beach. 772-567-1400. “We put ‘skinny’ on a pedestal but it has nothing to do with your fitness level and shouldn’t be your goal at the gym.” – Danielle Kireczyk, AFAA Certified Fitness Trainer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH September 28, 2023 9 Each year, about 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for falls, so it’s no wonder long walks and hikes can sound challenging sometimes. But it is possible to take on difficult terrain and maintain your walking balance. And doing so can ultimately make you more agile and steadier on your feet. “On uneven surfaces, you use your sensory and motor systems, your cognition and your vision all to a greater extent than walking on a flat surface,” says Emily J. Fox, an associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Florida in Gainesville and a clinical research scientist at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville. “The more you use those systems, the more you retain them as you get older.” The key is staying alert, adjusting how you walk and getting the right gear in advance. These simple steps can make it easier to keep your balance while walking and help make treks in the woods or on trails a relaxing experience rather than a nerve-racking one. Preparation is key Before you tackle tricky terrain, take the following steps: Practice. Walk around your yard, across grass, mulch and rocky surfaces. Strengthen your lower body. Simple squats and heel raises target your legs, glutes and core. Easy balance training routines can help, too. Get your eyes and ears checked. Your vision and inner ear systems are crucial for good balance. Correcting any problems will keep you more sure-footed. Find the right shoes Match the shoes to the terrain. Bulky, high-top hiking boots can be heavy and may impede the sensory information your feet and ankles pick up from the ground. Unless you’re hiking up mountains with a heavy pack (which might make you wobbly), you probably don’t need them. Lighter, low-top day hikers or trail running shoes with stable footbeds and nonslip soles are good choices for gravel and dirt paths. For smooth trails, a regular walking shoe may be enough. Get a proper fit. If a shoe is too tight or too loose, you may be more prone to taking a spill. Before heading to the trail, walk around with your new shoes indoors to ensure they’re comfortable and secure. Consider walking poles Try before you buy. “Poles can help you balance and feel more stable by widening your base of support,” Fox says. But shop around: They come in various styles, and some have hand straps for convenience and security. Take them for test runs. “Practice on a smooth, even surface to get used to the poles before walking on uneven surfaces with them,” says Ruth Barclay, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Manitoba in Canada. It’s also important to ease into it. When using poles, “your arm muscles can fatigue a lot faster than your leg muscles,” Fox says. Start with short outings on well-maintained trails and gradually increase the duration and difficulty of the terrain. If you use a walker or cane or have hand, elbow or shoulder problems, talk to a physical therapist before using poles, to help you choose what might work best. Minimize distractions Put away your phone. “The physical and mental demands are higher when the environment is less predictable,” Fox says. “Anything that takes your attention away makes it harder still.” If you need to use your phone or want to take a picture, do it standing still – preferably on level ground. Use a backpack or hip pack. Stow your keys, water and anything else you bring along. Keeping your hands free makes it easier to balance, and you don’t have to worry about dropping anything. Wear well-fitting clothes. Seams that rub, pants that slide down or shoelaces that keep opening can all divert your attention from staying steady on a path. Adjust your walk With every step you take, sensory nerves throughout your body relay messages to your brain, prompting changes in posture and walking pattern to accommodate varying terrain. Many adjustments happen automatically, but you can be proactive, too: Try slowing your pace, bending your knees slightly, engaging your core, taking shorter steps and picking up (rather than dragging) your feet. 5 ways to keep your balance, avoid falls on uneven ground By Michele Stanten | The Washington Post

10 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com OK guys … you’ve set the mood for romance with wine, flowers, music and candles, but when the time comes something happens – or doesn’t happen – and you end the night unhappy. If you’ve had this experience, you are not alone. Nearly 30 million men in the United States suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction, according to the National Institutes of Health. ED can be frustrating, embarrassing, even depressing, but, fortunately, it can also be successfully treated. “There is absolutely no reason to suffer with the anxiety and disappointment brought on by ED because it is totally curable,” said Dr. Roy Carrington Mason, a urologist with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. “There is a solution readily available. But the cure starts with a physical evaluation from your physician, preferably a prosthetic urologist who has access to all the technology available to fix this problem.” Erectile dysfunction (ED), often referred to as impotence, is a common medical condition that is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. “There is no single smoking gun cause of the condition,” Dr. Mason said. “ED can affect men in their 20s all the way to their 90s. It’s a collection of different things from premature ejaculation to erectile failure. Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, vascular disease and alcohol are contributing factors. Sometimes there are psychological components as well, and many times medications like antidepressants have side effects that can lead to erectile difficulty.” “There is absolutely no reason to suffer with the anxiety and disappointment brought on by ED because it is totally curable.” – Dr. Roy Carrington Mason Urologist: Solution to erectile dysfunction ‘readily available’ By Kerry Firth | Correspondent

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH September 28, 2023 11 According to Dr. Mason, about 70 percent of all ED cases can be treated and cured with PDE5 inhibitors in a pill form, the most common being branded as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. These pills enhance the blood flow to the penis, enabling it to function properly. “In my practice I like to try the oral medications first,” Dr. Mason said. “The pills are generic now and inexpensive. They’ve been around for decades and are very safe. If the patient doesn’t respond to those we check their testosterone levels and optimize them. “Testosterone is not in itself a treatment for ED, however. It only impacts the desire that is necessary for proper sexual function but not the actual function of the penis.” There are several options to correct ED if oral medications and testosterone don’t get the job done. A vacuum erection device, sometimes called a vacuum pump or penis pump, is an external acrylic pump that a man uses to get and maintain an erection. The device consists of a cylinder that goes over the penis with either a battery-operated or manual pump that causes the blood to rush into the penis, creating an erection. A band placed at the base of the penis helps keep the penis engorged. The band can be kept in place for about 30 minutes during intercourse. There are also penile injections, “which are prescription medicines that the patient injects directly into his penis five to 10 minutes before sexual intercourse, causing an erection that will generally last about 30 minutes,” Dr. Mason explained. “The dosage can be regulated so that the erection lasts long enough for everyone to be satisfied but it’s important to follow those guidelines. An erection lasting more than four hours can be painful and require a trip to the emergency room.” Penile implants are a more permanent solution to erectile dysfunction. According to Cleveland Clinic, there are two types of penile implants that can be surgically implanted to help you get an erection. The inflatable penile implant is a pump in your scrotum that allows you to get an erection whenever you choose. The implant consists of two cylinders, a reservoir and a pump that are surgically placed in your body. The cylinders are inserted into the penis with tubes connecting them to a separate reservoir under the lower abdominal muscles. The reservoir contains fluid. A pump positioned under the loose skin of the scrotum is also connected to the system. To inflate the implant, you press the pump in your scrotum. The pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in your penis, inflating them to the level of hardness that you want. Once erect, the erection can be maintained for as long as you wish, even after an orgasm. When you want to stop being erect, pressing the valve on the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir which deflates the penis. A non-inflatable penile implant consists of bendable silicone rods in the erection chambers of your penis that allow you to extend the rods into an erect position. To use the implant, you press on the penis to extend the rod into position. It too can be used in the erected position for as long as you like. After using the implant, you press on your penis again to push it back down. “Think of penile implants as reconstructing the hydraulics that cause erection,” Dr. Mason continued. “These implants are inserted during a 30-to-40- minute procedure under general anesthesia and the patient can go home the same day. They are completely concealed inside the body and not at all visible. A penile implant reproduces a natural response and feels the same as a normal erection for both partners. They do not feel like they are utilizing a mechanical device at all. There is a 96.7 percent satisfaction rate among penile implant recipients and the device can last indefinitely.” Dr. Mason stresses that a man cannot choose the size of his penile implant like a woman can a breast implant. “The patient’s body tells us what size implant we use. Our ability is to make what they have functional, not to enhance their size. Erectile dysfunction can have a profound impact on the quality of life for those affected but it is not a reflection of one’s masculinity or self-worth. Fortunately, with the right approach, including lifestyle changes, psychological support and medical interventions, most men can overcome this condition and regain a fulfilling sex life. Dr. Mason received his medical degree from the University of North Texas Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Texas Health System. His office is located at Cleveland Clinic’s Health and Wellness Center, 3450 11th Court, Vero Beach. Call 772-794-9771. NEUROPATHY RELIEF CALL NOW! 564-2454 PAINFUL, BURNING, OR NUMB FEET? BALANCE PROBLEMS? PAINLESS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT NEUROPATHY & LASER CENTER 780 US 1, SUITE 200 VERO BEACH, FL 32962 DR. SUSAN PERKINS, DC TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE NeuropathyAndLaser.com Dr. Roy Carrington Mason. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS

12 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com The waters off 705 Harbour Dr. in The Moorings are so spectacular that when the owners looked at the house, Richard Brockway headed straight for the dock without giving the house a second thought, says his wife Lynette Brockway. The house has a long view of an inlet off of Porpoise Bay on the Indian River Lagoon. “I could hardly get him into the house to see it,” she recalls. “He’s an avid fisherman, and there was a large yacht tied up with lots of fish under her. This is a very fishy place. We have a tarpon hole about 20 yards out where the depth changes,” explains Lynette. While they hadn’t been looking for a house when she heard about the property at a cocktail party, she decided to take a look. As she walked through, Lynette says she knew they could be happy there. “The house faces south and is always cheerful, filled with light and long water views. We get fabulous sunsets on the back and are blessed with a beautiful golf course to the front of the house,” says Lynette. The home’s wide driveway leads to a detached two-car garage with a workshop and storage are on the north side of the house, which spans the impressive lot. A small white fence creates a sense of connection between the garage and the house while also enclosing the backyard. You can easily access the house from the garage through a side door. Guests follow the sidewalk to the front porch at the center of the house, where two Ancient Chinese stone blocks, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911), sit on either side of the front door. The deep, wide front porch is a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunrise over the golf course or people-watch as neighbors go for their morning exercise with their canine friends. “I adore the neighborhood. It’s a wonderful walking neighborhood. Walking along the side of the golf course is a treat,” says Lynette. The double wooden entry doors open into a light-filled living room, with abundant views of the pool and river through a wall of sliding glass doors. Vaulted ceilings with transoms across the front of the room increase the sense of being outdoors without taking away from the cozy, fireside seating area. The spacious room allows for an intimate dining area with pool views. “What makes this home so special is you have a beautiful riverfront view in the back, and in the front, you have this beautiful golf course view,” says Broker Associate Kristin Dobson of the O’Dare Boga Dobson Group, One Sotheby’s International Realty. The southern wing contains a guest bedroom and bathroom that doubles as a powder room when entertaining. The primary suite is accessed through an adjacent foyer, spacing the rooms out a bit. The spacious suite has tons of closet space, a garden-view bathroom, water views and a private patio. The island kitchen is the hub of activity at the center of the house. Overlooking the pool and Compass Cove through a series of windows, you never tire of the view. The screened porch extends the living space so you can sit outside regardless of the weather. Off the kitchen is a laundry room and guest bedroom toward the front of the house allowing guests easy access to the kitchen. A bathroom was strategically placed with access from the guest bedroom and the family room on the north side of the house along with the office. The family room has a kitchenette and built-in cabinets, and the ceiling was built by a marine carpenter, making the room feel like a ship’s cabin. In the adjacent room the office has a built-in desk and shelves behind sliding doors. There’s plenty of space to work in this brightly lit room with its numerous windows. Outside, the pool is an extension of your own private cove. “I never know what the winter weather is like because when I step outside the Riverfront ‘Moorings’ home includes pool and dock By Stephanie LaBaff | Staff Writer

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE September 28, 2023 13 back of the house, it’s always cozy and sequestered, shielded from the wind by the house’s wings,” says Lynette. The deck area has built-in seating, and you feel as if you’re standing on the bow of a ship. There’s plenty of room to invite more than a few friends. This layout ensures the view isn’t blocked, and you can fish right from your own backyard. “This home is a boater’s dream with two boat lifts and an expansive dock that was built for entertaining. I see the new owners having some pretty spectacular sunset views as the backdrop to their gatherings,” says Dobson. The lushly landscaped yard has mature vegetation with bananas, mangoes and avocados that Lynette says she and her husband love to harvest. The house is sited for optimal privacy, with no clear line of sight to your neighbors. The Moorings Property Owners Association offers private beach access and patrolled security. The Moorings Yacht & Country Club provides access to Pete Dye’s signature golf course, Jim Fazio’s Hawk’s Nest championship course on the mainland, croquet, tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center with pool and spa, a yacht club, as well as fine and casual dining. From The Moorings, it’s a short drive to Vero’s famous Village by the Sea for shopping and dining or to Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art for cultural outings. For families with children, Saint Edward’s School adjoins The Moorings to the north. Neighborhood: The Moorings Year built: 1977 Home size: 2,696 sq. ft. Construction: Frame with siding Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 3 View: Pool and river Pool: Freeform, waterfront swimming pool with spa Additional features: Vaulted ceiling; electric fireplace; office; tile floor throughout; transoms and skylights; screened porch; metal roof; detached two-car garage; outdoor shower; 167-feet of river frontage; fire pit; deck with built-in seating; and dock with two boat lifts. Listing agency: O’Dare Boga Dobson Group at One Sotheby’s International Realty Listing agent: Broker Associate Kristin Dobson, 772-321-6541 Listing price: $2,595,000 705 HARBOUR DR.

14 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com MAINLAND REAL ESTATE SALES: SEPT. 18 THROUGH SEPT. 22 TOP SALES OF THE WEEK A week of moderate activity on the mainland real estate front saw 30 transactions of single-family residences and lots reported (some shown below). The top sale of the week was in Vero Beach, where the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home at 4294 Montagu Ave. – listed in August for $895,143 – sold for $897,902 on Sept. 20. Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Jeffrey Germano of The GHO Homes Agency LLC. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS ORIGINAL SELLING TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD PRICE VERO BEACH 4294 MONTAGU AVE 8/29/2022 $895,143 9/20/2023 $897,902 VERO BEACH 955 82ND AVE 3/22/2023 $990,000 9/20/2023 $790,000 VERO BEACH 4675 SAINT ELIZABETHS TER 6/29/2023 $750,000 9/20/2023 $750,000 VERO BEACH 4120 BASKET OAK CIR 3/1/2023 $624,900 9/18/2023 $609,950 VERO BEACH 4025 OAK HOLLOW AVE 1/11/2023 $581,376 9/19/2023 $602,511 VERO BEACH 1970 BRIDGEPOINTE CIR UNIT#80 6/22/2023 $589,000 9/18/2023 $589,000 VERO BEACH 1121 4TH LN SW 6/7/2023 $549,000 9/22/2023 $515,000 VERO BEACH 5270 E 1ST SQ SW 8/16/2023 $509,000 9/21/2023 $500,000 VERO BEACH 4864 OVERTON CIR 6/5/2023 $495,000 9/22/2023 $480,000 VERO BEACH 1505 SEGOVIA CIR 3/4/2023 $525,000 9/20/2023 $470,000 VERO BEACH 5610 40TH AVE 6/7/2023 $465,000 9/21/2023 $450,000 VERO BEACH 514 S VALENCIA CIR SW 8/9/2023 $419,900 9/22/2023 $419,900 VERO BEACH 382 W TEMPLE CT SW 8/7/2023 $449,900 9/22/2023 $418,000 VERO BEACH 6145 BELLA ROSA LN 2/7/2023 $434,684 9/20/2023 $416,300 Stats were pulled 9/23/23 11:04 AM

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE September 28, 2023 15 HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY REAL ESTATE SALES. Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: 1/11/2023 $581,376 9/19/2023 $602,511 Jeffrey Germano The GHO Homes Agency LLC NOT PROVIDED NOT PROVIDED 4025 Oak Hollow Ave, Vero Beach 3/1/2023 $624,900 9/18/2023 $609,950 Diane Litzinger RE/MAX Crown Realty Henriette Churney ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 4120 Basket Oak Cir, Vero Beach 6/29/2023 $750,000 9/20/2023 $750,000 Kieran Hickey Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. Kieran Hickey Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. 4675 Saint Elizabeths Ter, Vero Beach 3/22/2023 $990,000 9/20/2023 $790,000 Scott Oberlink ONE Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Anthony Fulcher Atlantic Shores Realty Execs 955 82nd Ave, Vero Beach

The musical comedy “The Addams Family” opens Friday at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild. This is the 2010 musical which was based on a movie, which was based on a TV series, which was based on Charles Addams’ popular 1938 cartoons. And, by the way, there’s also a Netflix spinoff on this fun storyline called “Wednesday.” The stage musical’s book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, who also wrote the book for “Jersey Boys.” Music and lyrics are by Andrew Lippa, who previously created the music and lyrics for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The Vero Beach Theatre Guild production is directed and choreographed by Beth Shestak. Music director Greg Harris takes on the role of Gomez Addams, the romantic ghoul married to Morticia, played here by Mary Carson Barnette. The duo squeezes out every drop of humor and high camp from their characters, says Lisa McNamee, Guild president. “They are hysterical.” The rest of LOCAL FLAVOR AT ‘SANGARITA’ EVENT CONTINUED ON PAGE B4 It’s ghouls gold as Guild presents ‘Addams Family’ By Pam Harbaugh | Correspondent Coming Up 1 FITNESS ABOUT MORE 12 THAN LOSING WEIGHT 6 HOUSE OF THE WEEK: ‘MOORINGS’ HOME B5 SINGALONG SEASON! RIVERSIDE’S LINEUP WILL BE MUSIC TO OUR EARS PAGE B2

B2 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com Resistance is futile. Riverside Theatre has packed this next season with so much music and fun that you will just have to get out and go experience live theater. Indeed. That is the idea behind the season, says Allen D. Cornell, producing artistic director/CEO – to make the season so appealing that you just can’t say no. “It has music in it familiar to people and that’s what they want,” he says. The upcoming season is a departure from previous ones. First, there are no “straight plays” – the term used for non-musicals. Second, there are only four shows rather than five. However, the shows will run four weeks instead of three. For sure, last season was a brilliant one with five big, expensive, mainstage shows, and two critically acclaimed dramas produced on the theater’s second stage. The season broke even. But despite the appeal and the acclaim, Cornell notes that Riverside, like many long-established theaters throughout the country, still can improve its audience turnout. Cornell says theater leaders point to the years of individuals being shuttered in at the height of the pandemic. They got used to watching streaming services, which do not offer the same experience as live theater. “What we do at Riverside, it’s worth coming out for,” he says. “It’s a community event.” Riverside Theatre’s enthusiastic patron producer Brooke Megrue agrees. At 86 years of age, the Vero Beach resident says it’s time to get back to live theater. Like most, when the pandemic was at its peak, she’d watch performances via streaming services. But when live theater came back, she returned right away. “It’s not the same,” she says. “No, no, no, no. With live theater, you get into it. The music gets you. It’s like a contagious joy. “I’m going to get my most current shot and go out. You can’t stop living.” Riverside has quite the lineup for Megrue – and everyone else – to enjoy. The Stark Mainstage: Oct. 24 to Nov. 12: “Million Dollar Quartet” This is a Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the historic evening when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins met up at Sun Records in Memphis for a rock ’n’ roll jam session. The music in this is sensational and it has a broad toe-tapping appeal. The show also has broad appeal for the performers, who get to not only sing but also create believable characters on stage. The show is directed by Greg Santos. “Greg has done 11 productions of this show, so he knows this thing inside and out,” Cornell says. “There are just so many people out there who can pull these things off, who are good enough actors and who can play guitar and sing and not make you think they are impersonators.” Jan. 2 to Jan. 28: “Jersey Boys” Another Tony Award-winning true life musical, this time about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The show is filled with great music from the early ’60s and ’70s, like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Cornell attempted for years to get the rights to the show and finally succeeded. “Growing up with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons was part of growing up,” Cornell says. “It’s a great story on how they became famous.” It is directed by Gayle Seay and choreographed by Dena DiGiacinto. Feb. 20 to March 17: “Kinky Boots” This dazzling musical follows Lola, a female impersonator who needs some sturdy boots that will support his form, and Charlie, who just inherited his father’s failing BY PAM HARBAUGH CORRESPONDENT SINGALONG SEASON! Riverside’s lineup will be music to our ears

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE September 28, 2023 B3 shoe factory. The high-energy, all-singing, all-dancing show is a bona fide book musical, written by Harvey Fierstein. It has music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. It’s based on the 2005 British film. “It’s kind of like ‘The Full Monty,’” Cornell says. “The storyline is appropriate to the times we’re living. It’s about an individual who is different and proud of who they are. It’s a big, glitzy show.” It is directed and choreographed by DJ Salisbury, who directed and choreographed last season’s “Man of La Mancha” and “Honky Tonk Angels.” April 9 to May 5: “On Your Feet” Riverside Theatre has waited a long time to mount a production of this celebrated show, based on the lives and music of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. It includes more than 20 of Estefan’s biggest hits, including “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Anything for You” and “Get on Your Feet.” There’s also a lot of dance. Cornell says the uplifting story is one Vero Beach residents should enjoy. “And the Estefans lived here in Vero, built a hotel here, so we have that connection,” he says. Tony Award-nominated Marcia Milgrom-Dodge is directing and choreographing the show. She also directed and choreographed Riverside’s 2019 production of “Evita.” Waxlax Stage: Jan. 30 to Feb. 18: “Morning after Grace.” Written by Carey Crim, this new play follows Abigail and Angus, who meet at a funeral, and Ollie, a former baseball player. Set in a Florida retirement community, the play takes a comic look at love, loss and growing old. “This is a nice new play, current, and it’s the kind of play that works well in our space,” Cornell says. Chris Clavelli directs. Clavelli directed last season’s critically acclaimed “Oleanna.” March 19 to April 7: “Yankee Tavern” One of playwright Steve Dietz’s most often produced plays, “Yankee Tavern” is set in a down-and-out bar in New York City. It revolves around Adam, the tavern owner, his fiancée Janet, and a stranger who all get involved in a conspiracy theory about the September 11 terrorist attacks. The play is described as a thriller with both introspection and comedy. “Steven Dietz is a terrific writer,” Cornell says. “I love these plays that get people talking and debating.” Cornell is directing. He also directed last season’s acclaimed productions of “42nd Street,” “Bakersfield Mist” and “Butterflies Are Free.” Main Stage single tickets are $45 to $90. You can get a 20 percent discount by buying a subscription ticket. Subscription tickets run from $128 to $336 and will be sold until the end of “Million Dollar Quartet.” Second Stage individual tickets are $65. If you buy subscriptions to the mainstage, you can add Waxlax tickets to your subscription tickets and get a 20 percent discount. CONTINUED ON PAGE B4

B4 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com the loving Addams family feature: Katey Altenbaumer as Uncle Fester, Megan Taylor Callahan as Wednesday, Charles Suleman as Pugsly, Shane Frampton as Grandma and Rob Kenna as Lurch. “The Addams Family” runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 15 at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave., Vero Beach. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $15 to $40. For more information, to buy tickets or to sign up for a class, call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com. Ballet Vero Beach is looking for energetic and outgoing people to join its team of volunteers to assist in guest services, boutique sales, special events, administration support and publicity. Volunteers receive free tickets, merchandise and are invited to volunteer thank you events. If you love “The Dance,” need to get out more and want to help Ballet Vero Beach, then this might be just the thing for you. To apply to be a volunteer, go to BalletVeroBeach.org/ volunteer. Riverside Theatre brings headliner Carl Rimi and feature act Keith Lenart to its intimate Comedy Zone this weekend. Rimi has been a stand-up comedian for 28 years, performing nationwide and on cruise ships. He has appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix and major TV networks. Lenart was directed by Billy Crystal for HBO’s “Pictures 61” and was on NBC’s “So You Think You’re Funny.” He’s worked with major stand-up comics including Lewis Black and Bobcat Goldthwait. The emcee for the show is P-Mac, who has done stand-up comedy for 15 years. By the way, previously scheduled comic Kevin Lee will not be performing. The Comedy Zone shows begin at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30. All tickets are $25. On those same evenings, Riverside will present its free concert series, Live in the Loop. This weekend’s acts are “Low Ground,” which performs bluegrass and folk music, and “American Bandstand,” which covers hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Low Ground performs at 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. American Bandstand performs 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Admission is free. Guests can purchase drinks and picnic-style food (hamburgers, etc.) before and during the shows. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com. The Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County will hold a 5K run/walk event on Saturday at South Beach Park. The event not only celebrates recovery but also raises money to help others break free from the chains of substance misuse. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at South Beach Park, 1702 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. Early registration runs through Friday, Sept. 29, and the cost is $30 for individuals and $25 per runner for teams. There are discounts for children 12 years and younger. Early packet pickup and registration will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, at Runners Depot, 436 21st St., Vero Beach. To register online or to get more information, visit RunSignUp.com. The Pink in Paradise Gala fundraiser benefiting Friends After Diagnosis will be held 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Intergenerational Recreation Center, 1590 9th St., SW, Vero Beach. There will be dancing, auctions, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Admission is $75. For more information, visit FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com. Addendum “9 to 5: The Musical” runs March 3-24 at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. The show was not listed in the Sept. 14 issue about VBTG’s upcoming season. Tickets are $34 to $40. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com. 2 3 4 5 Keith Lenart. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE September 28, 2023 B5 The Exchange Club of Vero Beach shook things up once again with its second annual Sangarita Challenge to support the mission and programs of the nonprofit. “Exchange, America’s service club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, community service, youth activities and its national project, the prevention of child abuse. Funds for the club’s charitable gifts and scholarships are raised through fundraising efforts,” explained Brian Leonard, event co-chair with Candy Caldwell. Flamboyant fuchsia flamingos sat atop tables at the Community Center to inspire guests as they went on a flavorful culinary adventure with the help of six local restaurants. American Icon Brewery, Armani’s Cucina, BigShots Golf, Blue Agave, Casa Amigos and Cobalt tempted passersby with specialty Sangrias, Margaritas and small plate appetizers, each hoping to garner the most votes in the Voters’ Choice challenge for the title of “Best.” Attendees sipped and sampled, savoring the decision to determine which of the spirits and nibbles were their favorites, before they topped the evening off with dancing, raffles and auctions. In the end, BigShots Golf earned the title (Home health care and Somerset House also available) Call Ricky Gonzalez, Membership Director 772-562-3808 to tour the Club and receive membership information. No Wait List For Membership No Wait For Tee Times And No, you do not have to live at Oak Harbor to belong to Oak Harbor Club Say Yes To Vero’s Finest Lifestyle Country Club To enjoy golf, croquet, pickle ball, fitness center and more – enjoy outstanding dining and energetic social activities Where NO Becomes YES Local flavor and then some at tasty Sangarita Challenge By Stephanie LaBaff | Staff Writer Cindy New, Richard Pickert, David Johnson, Rob Ball, Kevin Brown, Susan Chenault and Matt Rundels. PHOTOS: JOSHUA KODIS Brian Leonard and Candy Caldwell. Phil and Alycia Barnes. Lisa Thompson Barnes, Gerry Heister, Mary Silva and Rick Hahn. Kari Hamilton and Vickie Carcaise. Nancy Villafane and Anna Valencia Tillery. CONTINUED ON PAGE B6

B6 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | SEEN & SCENE www.veronews.com of Best Margarita, having catered to everyone’s palate by offering two Margarita varieties. For the traditionalists, their refreshing citrus-based Hole in One Margarita featured tequila, Grand Marnier, orange juice and sour mix. The slightly more adventurous opted for the Spicy Mango Margarita, made with tequila, lime juice and a surprisingly complementary fusion of mango and jalapeno. American Icon Brewery was deemed to have poured the Best Sangria. Its Betty White, made with Mezzacorona wine, lemon, lime, orange and mint, was a refreshing, fruity delight. For the second year in a row, Armani’s Cucina took home the award for the Best Small Plate: a juicy grilled peach with mascarpone and goat cheese, prosciutto, honey and balsamic drizzle, paired with a stuffed bacon-wrapped date. Best Overall went to Cobalt, which offered a classic Sangria and a Jaguar Warrior Margarita, which mixologists created using Cobalt’s Single Barrel Tres Agave Anejo Tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice and hibiscus simple syrup. Both drinks were ideally suited for their chorizo and potato empanada. The Vero Beach Exchange Club, one of five in the county, has served the community for more than 60 years, focused on making it a better place to live. The club annually distributes some $35,000 in scholarships to local high school students and partakes of service projects such as packing and distributing bags of hygiene products to the homeless. “We raise funds to give back to the community and support various other groups. We live and work in this community. If the community supports you, you need to support the community,” said Leonard. The club will again partner with the Vero Beach High School Band to sell Christmas trees near the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. In addition to their annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance in February, they will host the Florida District Exchange meeting at Dodgertown in May. Meetings are held at noon every Tuesday at Vincent’s Italian Restaurant on Miracle Mile. For more information, visit ExchangeClubofVeroBeach.com. Deana Shatley and Meredith Egan. Diane Aldridge and Christine Davis. Tonya and Wesley Davis. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B5 Dr. Vikranth Gongidi, Dustin Haynes, Dr. Lubka Ilieva, Jeff Knowles and Dr. David Dinan.

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING & WINE September 28, 2023 B7 François Dionot, a French-born chef who elevated the culinary scene in Washington and beyond as founder of L’Academie de Cuisine, a cooking school that became a renowned training ground for professional chefs and amateur gourmets alike, died Sept. 16. He was 78. Mr. Dionot opened L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Md., in 1976. French cooking, popularized in the preceding years by Julia Child, proved a ripe business opportunity, and steadily Mr. Dionot attracted increasing numbers of students with his expert technique. Over time, Mr. Dionot expanded his operation with an accredited professional cooking program in Gaithersburg, Md., that became known as one of the best courses of its kind in the United States. Among its instructors was White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier. Alumni included Carla Hall of the television programs “The Chew” and “Top Chef,” as well as the acclaimed Washington chefs Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple & Pearls, Nicholas Stefanelli of Masseria and Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya. In all, tens of thousands of students passed through L’Academie de Cuisine before it closed in 2017. Among his students was Tina Rondeau, restaurant reviewer for Vero News. Whether a student was training to become a professional chef or a more cultivated home cook, Mr. Dionot emphasized the “four P’s”: purchasing, preparation, presentation and palate. He trained his students to buy the proper ingredients, to slice and sauté them with expert skill, and to deliver dishes to the table in a manner that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the tongue. He demanded precision even in the matter of apron-tying. In all his years of teaching French cooking, Mr. Dionot professed never to have repeated a menu. At his final regular lesson, he coached students in the preparation of sautéed scallops with Belgian endive, roast chicken with potato gratin and the traditional Christmas dessert called buche de Noël. “They were divine,” food writer Carole Sugarman wrote in the Montgomery County publication MoCo360. François Marie Jacques Dionot was born in Reims, in northeastern France, on Jan. 23, 1945. His father was an engineer. His mother, a secretary, and his grandmother were both fine cooks. Mr. Dionot studied in Germany before moving to Switzerland at 18 to undertake culinary training at what was then the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. In 1968, Mr. Dionot moved to the United States, working at restaurants and hotels in New York and New Jersey before opening L’Academie de Cuisine. For all the rigor of his lessons, Mr. Dionot taught his students that they would know they had truly arrived as cooks when they no longer felt obliged to refer constantly to a recipe. “Read the recipe two or three times to understand it,” he counseled them. “Then put it in a drawer and cook. That’s cooking.” WWW.COSTADESTE.COM YOUR BEACHSIDE OASIS IS CALLING... Enjoy Breakfast from the Comfort of your Oceanview Room Enjoy Fresh, Local Seafood & Cuban Specialties! Live Entertainment Fri -Sun WEEKLY SPECIALS Tuesday PRIME RIB NIGHT Wednesday PAELLA NIGHT Daily Happy Hour | 4 - 6 PM Sunday Brunch 11 AM - 3 PM 772-562-9919 1/2 OFF SELECT SHARABLES $5 DRAFT BEER $6 HOUSE WINE $7 WELL LIQUOR François Dionot, founder of acclaimed culinary school, dies at 78 By Emily Langer The Washington Post

B8 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING www.veronews.com Fine Dining, Elevated Exciting Innovative Cuisine Award Winning Wine List Unparalleled Service Expanded outdoor dining in The Café. Proud recipient of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award placing us in “The Top 10% of restaurants worldwide”. Catering Now Available (772) 234-3966 • tidesofvero.com Open 7 Days a Week Starting at 5 PM 3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL Reservations Highly Recommended • Proper Attire Appreciated Wine Spectator Award 2002 – 2021 Serving Dinner Tues - Sat from 5pm (772) 226-7870 Downwn Vero Bea 2023 14th Avenue www.VeroPrime.com Prime Steaks, Seafood & Italian Specialties Happy Hour featuring Premium Spirits Nightly 5 - 6:30pm (Bar Only) Early Dining Menu Nightly 5 - 5:30pm

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B10 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING www.veronews.com PARTY PLATTERS AVAILABLE 56 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-4160 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram OPEN FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY BEGINNING AT 4 PM. CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY. ORDER ONLINE FOR DELIVERY OR PICKUP THROUGH Pizzoodles.com or ToastTakeout.com SALADS, PASTA, VEAL, CHICKEN , SUBS AND DESSERTS OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 1931 Old Dixie • 772.770.0977 fishackverobeach.com • Like us on Facebook! Gift Certificates, Private Parties & Patio Dining Available TUESDAY NIGHT l ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM l TUES.- SAT. WE CAN ACCOMMODATE LARGE PARTIES TUES OPEN FOR DINNER AT 4 WED-SAT OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER CLOSED SUNDAYS & MONDAYS OFFERING Local Fish Northern Fish Patio Dining Happy Hour Best Margaritas Full Liquor Bar Large Parties Daily Specials

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | PETS September 28, 2023 B11 This week I innerviewed one of the sweetest, BIGGEST pooches I ever met: Ollie Eisenberg, a 6-year-old, black Golden Doodle. Yes, I also uh-SOOMED Golden Doodles were, well, golden, but the only gold Ollie has is a dusting around the muzzle. Did I mention, Ollie’s Really Large? Pony-sized large. A hundred-anfive pounds of charm. A Nice Lady answered the door an invited us in. I inconspicuously looked around the room, but didn’t see a dog. The Nice Lady innerduced herself as Ollie’s Gran-Mommy, Diane, an said Ollie an his Daddy, Joe, were still out on their morning leashwalk. Pretty soon there was a commotion at the door, and a man and this gi-GAN-tic moose came boppin’ in. Unleashed, the moose came right over for the Wag-an-Sniff. “Now I know what a teacup chihuahua must feel like,” I thought to myself, looking up at impressive Ollie: thick, curly charcoal coat, very frenly face, kind eyes. “Hey, HellOOO, you’re The Bonz, right? Cool Kibbles! Sorry we’re a liddle late. It’s such a beautiful day, EVERYbody’s out walkin’. We musta stopped to woof with, like, dozens of poocheroos an their humans. My uh-PAW-luh-gees. Great to meet you! Wanna go PLAY?” “Great meetin’ you, too, Ollie,” I said, remembering he was still a pretty young, playful poocheroo. “l’d love to play, but I’m On The Job so …” “Oh, right,” he replied, grinning. “Maybe later.” After gaining permission, Ollie accepted treats from The Satchel, after executing ‘Sit’ and ‘Give Paw’ requests from my assistant, whose hand totally disappeared under Ollie’s lion-sized paw. (“I get that from my big standard poo dad,” he later explained.) Comf-tubbly settled in, I opened my notebook. Ollie launched into his tail. “First off, My Mommy, Hillery, lives here, too, but she’s usually Somewhere Else cuz she’s a Traveling Nurse, an she goes wherever Extra Nurse Help is needed, usually places where pooches aren’t allowed. “We met when she moved to here from Cuh-NETTY-cut for her nurse job, an wanted a dog to keep her comp-nee. She got me, a not-pick-of-the-litter pupper, from a breeder in Tampa, over that way.” He pointed. “I’ve always been a liddle, well, uhWARE that I’m usually the Biggest Pooch in the Room an, when me an Mommy met, I was So Happy cuz she’s real tall, like me. I was So Comf-tubble Right Away! “At first, when she was workin’, I’d go to Doggy Day Care with this Very Nice Famly, with a Mommy an liddle kids who got homeschooled, so I was Never Alone. It was grrreat!” “That sounds Cool Kibbles,” I remarked. “It totally WAS. How-EVER, Mommy mostly goes to work at 6 a.m. and doesn’t get back till, like 8 p.m., an it got to be Too Expensive; plus, we hardly ever saw each other that much. She was inna duh-LEMMA. So she got Gran-Mommy an Daddy to let me stay with them Just Tem-puh-RARILY, which turned out to be a year. So Mommy said, ‘Pleeze, pleeze, pleeze can Ollie stay here PER-muh-nut-lee?’ “Gran-Mommy an Daddy said, ‘NO!NO!NO!NO!NO! NO PER-MUH-NUT DOG!’” “Yet, here you are,” I observed. Ollie laughed. “Yup! All us dogs know how that works. The Right Pooch an the Right Humans just seem to find each other.” I nodded in agreement. “Anyway, I started living with Gran-Mommy an Daddy per-muh-nutly on Gran-Mommy’s birthday in 2016. I love bein’ here, but, of course, I miss my Mommy. Oooo, an, Guess What? I’m So Excited cuz she’s gonna be here on Valentine’s Day for a Whole, Entire Week!” “Pawsome! So, how’d you get your cool name?” “I was named for a buh-loved basketball coach at the college where my Mommy went to in Cuh-NETTY-cut, Kevin Ollie.” “Crispy Biscuits! So, tell me about your pooch pals. Any fav foodstuffs? Toys? Daily roo-TEEN?” “I have a buncha pals. I was just now walkin’ with Angus and his human, Patrick. Angus is a Bernese Mountain/Standard Poo mixture. Big Dog. But not big as me. Then there’re Hooper and Cooper, my ’cross-the-street neighbors. Hoop’s a Black Lab, Coop’s a Golden Doodle. “They know me over at the Dog Park as Mr. Ollie Goldendoodle. I LOVE that place. I ’speshully love playin’ with liddle dogs an, mostly, they like playin’ with me, too. An, there’s a Cool Kibbles liddle gate where you can go take a dip in the river! “I eat people food mostly, but only uhPRO-pree-ut stuff. Mommy researches my foodstuffs first, to be sure they’re Good for Me. Gran-Mommy fixes me chiggen, veg-tubbles, eggs, beans, sardines, high QUA-luddy kibbles sometimes, an pumm-kin. My favrite’s baked squash. I also have a chewy cow horn Gran-Mommy fills with P-nut budder; an this duh-lishus, emu-leg chew. I’m a Power Chewer, for sure, but I would NEVER eat a couch or a shoe or anything. “My favrite stuffy is Simba the Lion King. Truth be told, he’s not all that stuffed anymore. I got a liddle too in-thoozy-ASTIC and sorta unstuffed him. But he’s still my favrite.” Ollie’s Gran-Mommy produced Simba, who looked like a raggedy yellow dishcloth with a floppy lion face. I stifled a laugh and, in a smooth segue, remarked how effortlessly Ollie conversed with his humans. “Yes! Not bragging but I’m Really Smart. Gran-Mommy an Daddy always talk to me like a human an I know a whole buncha words. About 500, Gran-Mommy figures. Two words I’ll NEVER forget are Cane Toad.” “Huh?” “They’re Waay Ugly, big, squishy creechurs that are fulla POI-zen and can totally kill you. Lotsa pets are in Heaven cuzza cane toads. So Gran-Mommy put one inna bag and let me sniff it an kept sayin; ‘NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!.’ She did that a whole buncha times to pruh-TECT me. An it worked.” “Where do you sleep?” “I can’t sleep with Gran-Mommy an Daddy cuzza bein’ so big an fluffy. So I have two cuf-tubble, me-sized, Tempur-Pedic dog beds.” Heading home, I was thinkin’ about charming Ollie happily playin’ with a posse of liddle pooches. An considerin’ re-speckfully askin’ my Gramma to make me some baked squash. Till next time, Hi Dog Buddies! Bonz says awesome Ollie is large and in charge! The Bonz Don’t Be Shy We are always looking for pets with interesting stories. To set up an interview, email [email protected]. Ollie.

B12 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.com The Telegraph How to do Sudoku: Fill in the grid so the numbers one through nine appear just once in every column, row and three-by-three square. The Telegraph SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (SEPTEMBER 21) ON PAGE B15 ACROSS 7. Draw in fluid (4) 8. Large body of water (3) 9. -- cert, a guaranteed winner (4) 10. Pair (6) 11. Ant or bee, e.g. (6) 12. Feline (3) 13. Withstand (6) 14. Strident (6) 16. Language (6) 19. Precious stones (6) 21. Beverage (3) 22. Seek (6) 24. Filling station (6) 25. Allows (4) 26. Reserve (3) 27. Consumes (4) DOWN 1. Continent (6) 2. Omitting (8) 3. Appearance (6) 4. Customs (6) 5. Appends (4) 6. Package (6) 15. Red wader (anag.) (8) 17. Conformed (6) 18. In tech (anag.) (6) 19. Uneven (6) 20. Sets fire to (6) 23. Got up (4)

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES September 28, 2023 B13 ACROSS 1 Word after sing or string 6 Start of a Bach chorale 10 Ness et al. 14 Plot anew 19 Cousin of “I agree” 20 Responsibility 21 Playwright David 22 Burning 23 Huck Finn 101? 26 Male mallard 27 Go-aheads 28 “Proud Mary” singer Turner 29 Destiny 30 Frisbee inspiration 31 Entirely 32 Mr. Spock’s assessment of the Three Stooges? 36 On horseback, perhaps 40 ___ the crack of dawn 41 Run into 42 Ill will 43 Poll cat? 45 Sports datum 47 One of the Beatles 51 Cher song about the stigma of bad coffee? 53 Extol 54 Miracle food 55 Reaction from Julius 56 Sea birds 57 Singer who sang “If I Were a Giant Sea Tortoise”? 59 Poodle drinks 61 Pop or Cream add-on 62 Artificial 63 Volcano output 66 12-step program for tantrum throwers? 70 Actor Stephen 71 It’s hooked on “phonics” 73 Dodge ___ K 74 Like space 76 World’s stinkiest fish, even when fresh? 78 Etienne’s evening 80 Hinged fastener 84 Pizzeria features 85 Timetable, for short 86 Special restraints for truly nervous flyers? 88 Surrender 89 London lockup 90 Recordings list 91 Church sections 92 “Ya big ___!” 93 Pal 94 Barbra’s first husband 96 Nickname that’ll never be appropriate for my dog? 103 Make a sub disappear 104 Negligent 105 With 54 Down, desperate passes, in football 106 Well-versed in 108 ___ whole 111 Take the honey and run 112 Sign you really don’t see too often in the city? 116 Change 117 Concept, to Corot 118 Chive’s cousin 119 Boredom 120 They’re on the go 121 PTA attendees 122 Trip charge 123 School officials DOWN 1 Shells and such 2 White House problem 3 Singer Redding 4 Stick starter 5 Daimler of Mercedes fame 6 Allen or Cusack 7 Early computer 8 Tanning agent? 9 L.A. school 10 Class cutter 11 Cuban patriot Jose 12 Actor Buddy 13 Born 14 Pitchblende product 15 Actor or his violinist father 16 Mazda model 17 Yossarian portrayer 18 Hammer parts 24 Out of control 25 Man-___ (armed vessel) 30 Phat, in dated slang 31 Crafty 33 Sitar cousins 34 Newspaper section 35 Don of My Three Sons 36 Nastase contemporary 37 Quarrel 38 Joust 39 “Thanks ___!” 44 Have 45 Mercury model 46 Potato, e.g. 47 Golf scores 48 Egyptian first name 49 Bring together 50 Singer Mario 52 Glossy prints 53 Ness et al. 54 See 105 Across 57 Hungry fish 58 Hit the road 60 Ripening agents 61 Saw 63 Brotherhood: abbr. 64 Either founder of Apple 65 Used a scythe 67 Nut case 68 TV nerd 69 Fly 72 French director Clair 75 Start of a Poe title 77 Language study 78 Turbaned one 79 “___ the ramparts ...” 81 Plus 82 Editor’s mark 83 Call for attention 86 Close 87 Even 89 Nerve 90 Five-alarm dish 92 Surgery tools 93 Cry of annoyance 95 Boxer Spinks 96 Step 97 Word on a nametag 98 Play to the balcony 99 Windshield gadget 100 Role for Valerie 101 Sounded like a crow 102 More adorable 107 Short dog, for short 108 Patty Duke’s first name 109 Amaze 110 “No returns” 112 Spanish hero 113 North Pole denizen 114 Tar’s place 115 Compass pt. The Telegraph The Washington Post ...In a word, hiding Where’s George? By Merl Reagle CARPET ONE CREATIVE FLOORS & HOME Creative Floors & Home has more for your entire home from the floor up! With Flooring, Tile, Cabinets and even vacuum cleaners! 772.569.0240 1137 Old Dixie Hwy • Vero Beach creativefloorscarpet1verobeach.com Professional Cabinet Design Available

B14 September 28, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.com Sit on your hand if it will help By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist There is one instinct that is almost subconscious among defenders. If they see a chance to give their partner a ruff, they go ahead and do so. Rarely do they stop for a moment to consider how the play will develop after the ruff. In today’s deal, for example, South is in four hearts. West leads the spade five, and East wins with the ace. What should East do next? Two no-trump is the best opening bid with that South hand. It is too strong for one heart but not strong enough for two clubs. After that, Stayman uncovers the heart fit. East, knowing his partner had led a singleton, returned the spade two at trick two — a suit-preference signal for clubs. West ruffed and switched to a club. Declarer won in the dummy and played a trump. East put up his ace and led another spade, but declarer ruffed high, drew East’s last heart and claimed. East was unrealistic in expecting West to be able to overruff South on the third round of spades. South had to have all of the missing 21 points as East could see the four jacks. East should have considered his target. Four tricks were needed, not three. East must organize a club ruff before giving West his spade ruff. At trick two, East should shift to the club seven. Declarer will win in the dummy and play a heart, but East wins that with the ace and leads the spade two. West ruffs and, reading East’s card as a suit-preference signal, returns a club. East’s ruff defeats the contract. To slow down your play, consider sitting on your hand! Dealer: South; Vulnerable: East-West NORTH Q J 10 3 J 10 9 5 8 Q J 8 4 WEST 5 8 2 10 9 7 6 5 10 9 6 5 2 SOUTH K 7 K Q 7 6 4 A Q 2 A K 3 EAST A 9 8 6 4 2 A 3 K J 4 3 7 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: 5 Spades SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2 NT Pass 3 Clubs Pass 3 Hearts Pass 4 Hearts All Pass

Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | CALENDAR September 28, 2023 B15 ONGOING Check with organizations directly for updates/cancellations. Riverside Theatre: Friday and Saturday Comedy Zone 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Waxlax Theatre, and free Live in the Loop outdoor concerts, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 772-231-6990 or Riverside Theatre.com First Friday Gallery Strolls, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Vero Beach Arts District. SEPTEMBER 29 Indian River CARES (Connect, Advocate, Renew, Educate, and Strategize) Nonprofit Summit, 8:15 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, for nonprofits, service clubs and faithbased organizations. Free. IndianRiverCares.org 29 to Oct. 15 – Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents the comedy “The Addams Family, The Musical.” VeroBeachTheatreGuild. com or 772-562-8300 30 Substance Awareness Center of IRC 5K Run/Walk, 7:30 a.m. from South Beach Park to celebrate recovery journeys and raise money to support freedom from substance misuse. RunSignUp.com 30 Pink in Paradise Gala to benefit Friends After Diagnosis, 7 p.m. at the IG Center, with dancing, auctions, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. $75. FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com 30 to Jan. 28 – Vero Beach Museum of Art exhibition, Infinite Variations: The Imaginative Worlds of M.C. Escher. VBMuseum. org or 772-231-0707 OCTOBER 2-27 Indian River Bird and Nature Show at the Environmental Learning Center sponsored by Pelican Island Conservation Society, with artist meet and greet 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 7, followed by a presentation on Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge. 6 Fine Art Series Organ Recital, 7 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, performed by Ryan Kasten, director of music ministries. Free; donations appreciated. 7 Youth Sailing Foundation Open House, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with free sailing, food truck and music. 772-492-3243 7 Carl Hiaasen speaks about his new book, Wrecker, 2 p.m. at the Vero Beach Book Center. Tickets issued with book purchase from VBBC. 772-569-2050 7 Oh What a Night – A Frankie Valli Tribute performed by William Cintron, 7 p.m. at Vero Beach Elks to raise scholarships for graduating IRC seniors entering college or trade school. $20. Tribute.VeroElks.com 7 Opening Reception of 63rd Season and 42nd annual Best of the Best Juried Exhibition (runs through Nov. 10), 5 to 8 p.m. at A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery. BackusMuseum.org 7|8 Inaugural ‘On Location’ Fine Arts Festival hosted by Vero Beach Art Club, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. at Pointe West Heritage Pavilion, with artists, pumpkin painting and entertainment. VeroBeachArtClub.org 7|8 Treasure Coast Flea Market, Boat Sale and Seafood Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at IRC Fairgrounds. $10; children 12 and under free. 9 Inaugural Hoe Down Fundraiser to benefit Indian River Cattlewomen, 6 p.m. at Marsh Landing, with dinner, drinks, raffles and dancing to Whiskey Trip. $35; $60 for two. IRCattleWomen.com 10 Village Arts VB presents Celebrating Special Needs Village Artists Exhibition, with Meet the Artists reception 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Emerson Center. Show runs through Nov. 1. TheEmersonCenter.com. 12-14 Meet & Greets with staff and volunteers to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Centennial Trail and free tram rides to Joe Michael Overlook. 772-581-5557 13-14, 20-21, 27-31 Haunted House Terror on Main Street hosted by Sebastian River Junior Women’s Club, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1036 Main St. $10. sebastianhauntedhouse.org 14 Focus on Women’s Health: Education and Empowerment, hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship group, Initiative for Reproductive Justice, 1 p.m. at the Emerson Center. Free; no reservation required. 14 42nd annual Crown Jewel Marching Band Festival, 3 p.m. at Vero Beach High School Citrus Bowl. $14; $6 youth; 5 and under free. crownjewelvb.com Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services to the community an opportunity to make themselves known to our readers at an affordable cost. This is the only business directory mailed each week. If you would like your business to appear in our directory, please call 772-633-0753. This is also where we publish Fictitious Name or “Doing Business As” notices, Public Notices and Employment ads. To place one, please email [email protected]. WHOLE HOUSE GENERATOR 772-569-1547 [email protected] Residential • Commercial • Industrial L. Walton Electric, Inc. State Certified EC #13003596 Time to Clean Your Carpets/Furniture? Maxfield Carpet Cleaning • 772-538-0213 5300 N. A1A, Vero Beach • SINCE 1979 Three Reasons to Call Mitch Maxfield: QUALITY: My “2-step system” removes even tough ground-in dirt. All work guaranteed. SERVICE: I, personally, will clean your carpets and furniture. PRICE: Two (2) Rooms (any size)...$77, 6’ Sofa or 2 Chairs...$66 Sudoku Page B10 Sudoku Page B11 Crossword Page B10 Solutions from Games Pages in September 21, 2023 Edition Crossword Page B11 (A&E, She Wrote) BUSINESS DIRECTORY - ADVERTISING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BUSINESSES MEDICARE ADVANTAGE. SUPPLEMENT. RX INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY HEALTH PLANS CALL FOR A NO COST QUOTE! JENNIFER TOMAS LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT 772-834-4703 TOMASINSURANCE.COM IT’S TIME to review your Medicare Choices for the Annual Election Period - Oct 1 Through Dec 7, 2023. I can help you with over 10+years of experience, the dedication and honesty of a LOCAL INDEPENDENT AGENT that will help you choose with confidence. Call for meeting times and locations, or set a personalized appointment. It’s Your Choice! 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