12/23/2021 ISSUE 26

New RV park proposed

A3 A12 B4Eyed for Turnpike Feeder Road
Don’t ‘weight,’ act now One and only Feinstein

Keep those holiday pounds off Our interview with music legend

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 26 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

ST. LUCIE SEES County seeking
STEADY UPTICK operator for new
IN COVID CASES airport hangar

BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer
[email protected] [email protected]

St. Lucie County experienced PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN St. Lucie County is shopping
an upward trend in COVID-19 for a Fixed Base Operator to take
cases in December and govern- MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL! over the new $7 million hangar
ment officials said they were at Treasure Coast International
bracing for the possibility of a Santa and Mrs. Claus, above, greet waiting children during Airport and jump-start airport
spike as a result of holiday travel Family Day at the North Pole in Tradition earlier this development.
and the Omicron variant. month, while the Port St. Lucie Police Athletic League held
The county issued a Re-
“We are closely watching their Men at Arms Officer Steve Brown Memorial Toy Run quest-For-Qualifications on Dec.
the COVID-19 numbers due to recently. All toys collected were slated to be distributed to 12 seeking an FBO to lease and
concerns regarding the Omi- children in the city and to Children of Patches. For more operate the 28,500-square-foot
cron Variant,” said Port St. Lucie holiday event coverage, see Pages B6, B12-B14.  Maintenance, Repair and Over-
Emergency Management haul hangar and develop the ad-
Administrator Billy Wein- jacent airfield parcels.
shank.
Airport officials scheduled
According to the latest pre-submittal meetings and site
data, Omicron is highly visits with interested parties for
contagious,” Weinshank Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 at the termi-
said. “As of Dec. 21, Omicron nal, 3000 Curtis King Blvd., Fort
is being reported by major Pierce. The qualifications are due
news outlets as the dominant by Jan. 19. Next, county commis-
strain of COVID in the Unit- sioners will choose finalists for a
ed States. The contagiousness Request-For-Proposals process
to determine the tenant for the
CONTINUED ON PAGE A4 MRO hangar, which has room to
house two commercial jets.
Riverside Theatre
ready to once again The facility, which was com-
turn lights back on pleted last fall, has a current ap-
praised rental value of $378,000
BY MARY SCHENKEL | Staff Writer per year, county records show.
The county’s annual debt ser-
After a season of darkness, it
will be “Lights up at Riverside” on CONTINUED ON PAGE A4
Jan. 4 when the cast of the Rod-
gers and Hammerstein musical Bonna’s election cements county GOP’s domination of City Council VOTE
“Carousel” takes to the Stark Main
Stage of Vero Beach’s renowned BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer Bonna’s victory on Dec. 7 completed the St. 2021City elections are non-par-
Riverside Theatre in a production [email protected] Lucie County Republican Party’s takeover of
that runs through Jan. 23. the city’s five-member Mayor and Council. tisan, but the two major par-
Anthony Bonna took the oath of office last ties typically back candidates.
Unless the surge in cases from week as the Port St. Lucie City Council’s new “For the first time in history, the Port St.
the Omicron variant forces an- District 3 representative after winning the re- Lucie City Council is all Republican,” boasted Bonna participated in his first council
cent runoff election. the St. Lucie GOP website. meeting Monday evening after being sworn
CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
CONTINUED ON PAGE A3

IN THIS ISSUE Local sports doc: Don’t
resign yourself to living
LOCAL NEWS A1-A9 PETS A18 with joint pain. P. A10

HEALTH A10-A17 ARTS/PEOPLE B1-B15

ADVICE A19 GAMES B16-B18

REAL ESTATE A20-A32 SPORTS B19

© 2021 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.



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BONNA ELECTED mission, but lost the Nov. 6, 2018 election RV park proposed on Turnpike Feeder Road
to Democrat Sean Mitchell.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 Then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed Bonna

to the commission in March 2018 after

into office earlier during a special meeting. then Commissioner Tod Mowry resigned. BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer Deanna Foriere, of Engineering, Design &
[email protected] Construction, Inc., Port St. Lucie.
Bonna also was scheduled to attend new Port St. Lucie voters also voted Dec. 7
A North Palm Beach developer pro- The recreational vehicle park is expect-
member orientation meetings Wednesday, to continue the property tax abatement posed building a recreational vehicle park ed to generate 410 trips per day, including
on a 17-acre tract between U.S. 1 and 40 during the evening rush hour and 21
Dec, 15 at the MidFlorida Credit Union program that helped attract several major Turnpike Feeder Road/State Road 713, just during the morning rush hour, EDC’s anal-
south of the Indian River County line. ysis determined.
Events Center and Thursday, Dec. 16 at the industrial projects to Tradition Commerce
Developer Dean Rosenbach and “EDC believes this development will
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Center and Midway Business Park. Friends I LLC plans to construct a gated cause mostly de minimis impacts on sur-
recreational vehicle park with 80 lots, a rounding roads,” EDC’s report concluded.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting everyone over The ballot question asking voters to au- 2,690-square-foot clubhouse with a swim-
ming pool and a 2,176-square-foot office. Visitors would enter and exit the MMR
the past six months during thorize the City Council to RV Park via a driveway on U.S. 1, county
The proposed MMR RV Park would cov- records show. There would also be an un-
the campaign and learning grant property tax breaks for er 10.6 acres just north of the Cypress Bay paved emergency entrance on Turnpike
Mobile Home Park and south of the Thel- Feeder Road. A 25-foot landscape buffer
about the issues in our city,” up to 10 years passed with ma Motel. Each RV lot would cover 2,800 will be installed on the north, east and west
square feet. edges of the site and a 20-foot buffer will
Bonna said. “I’m very opti- 10,544 votes, or nearly 59 be provided to the south along the mobile
A 6.4-acre parcel west of Turnpike Feed- home park. The trapezoid-shaped prop-
mistic about our future.” percent of the ballots cast, er Road will be designated as a preserve erty is owned by Kings Commercial LLC,
area for the RV park, St. Lucie County re- of Boca Raton, county property records
Bonna was elected to com- supervisor of elections re- cords show. show. It has a market value of $717,000.

plete the four-year term of cords show. Another 7,344, or An average of 5,000 vehicles per day St. Lucie County commissioners voted
travel on the Turnpike Feeder Road’s unanimously Dec. 7 to postpone a pub-
Shannon Martin, who won 41 percent, voted no. southbound ramp from U.S. 1. Traffic lic hearing until Jan. 11 on rezoning and
counts on Turnpike Feeder Road reach preliminary site plan applications for the
the Sept. 21 special election Among the companies an average of 12,400 vehicles per day near project. The county’s Planning and Zon-
Indrio Road, a thoroughfare connecting to ing Commission had voted unanimous-
to replace former Mayor benefiting from the tax breaks Interstate 95. ly on Nov. 18 to recommend the county
commissioners approve the developer’s
Greg Oravec, who resigned to Anthony Bonna. are TAMCO/City Electric, Ac- But the additional traffic from MMR RV requests. 
accept the Islamorada village cel International Holdings, Park won’t worsen congestion on nearby
roads, according to a report prepared by
manager job. Inc., Cheney Brothers Inc.

Martin switched her party registration and FedEx Corp.

to Republican after initially being elected In addition, Fort Pierce voters elected

to the City Council as a Democrat. Oravec Arnold Gaines city commissioner in Dis-

had no party affiliation. trict 1.

Bonna received 10,586 votes in the Dec. Gaines received 595 votes, or nearly 51

7 runoff, or nearly 59 percent of the bal- percent of the ballots cast, supervisor of

lots cast, county Supervisor of Elections elections records show. Former City Com-

records show. missioner Reggie Sessions placed second

Travis Walker received 7,413 votes, or with 367 votes, or about 31 percent, and

about 41 percent. former County Commission candidate

Bonna had previously served an unex- Henry Duhart ended up third with 211

pired term on the St. Lucie County Com- votes, or 18 percent. 

4 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com

AIRPORT HANGAR length about the opportunities afforded by “We’re also going to be doing targeted direct this thing moving.”
the MRO hangar and the 3,670-acre airport, mailers.” Commissioners voted unanimously Dec.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A3 Alfert said.
County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky 7 to approve the RFQ/RFP process for the
vice on the loan for the MRO hangar’s St. Lucie County is also going to expand said he believes Treasure Coast International MRO hangar.
construction ranges from $260,000 to its advertising for the new RFQ/RFP pro- Airport will grow as a cargo hub as a result of
$280,000. cess to include trade journals such as Avi- the construction of new warehouse and dis- In a related matter, county commission-
ation Week, Airport Business and Aviation tribution facilities by FedEx Corp, Amazon. ers voted unanimously Dec. 7 to consent to
The 59.5-foot-tall hangar was designed International News, Alfert said. Ordinarily, com Inc., Cheney Brothers Inc., and TAM- a merger of the airport’s lone FBO, APP Jet
to house a Boeing 737, or Airbus A320 and advertising would be limited to the local CO/City Electric Supply along Interstate 95. Center, with RW Pegasus Holdings, LLC, an
an Embraer 175 undergoing maintenance newspaper and Demandstar government The airport is about eight miles east of I-95. affiliate of Ridgewood Infrastructure LLC,
activities at the same time, county records procurement website. without requiring that deficiencies at the
show. The Boeing and Airbus jetliners seat “The bottom line: We have new blood site be corrected.
about 150 passengers, while the Embraer “We want to reach out to the industry it- coming into the airport,” Dzadovsky said.
seats 70. self, not just the local market,” Alfert said. “That’s a positive aspect. I’m excited to get One of the issues is APP Jet Center sub-
leased space at 3780 St. Lucie Blvd. to TMX
The MRO hangar has 3,000 square feet of
office space, 1,600 square feet of shop space, The 28,500-square-foot Maintenance,
and a 600-square-foot fire room, county re- Repair and Overhaul hangar at Treasure
cords show.
Coast International Airport.
St. Lucie County scrapped two earlier so-
licitations to operate the new MRO hangar PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN
because there was greater market interest in
developing a second FBO at the airport, said
Robert Alfert, an attorney with the Orlan-
do-based Nelson Mullins firm who assists
the county on complex deals.

“First off, we didn’t get a lot of responsive
proposals,” Alfert told county commission-
ers on Dec. 7. “But we also had people in the
community that were raising – through the
RFP process question-and-answer session
– that they would like to expand this poten-
tially even for FBO operation.”

The pre-submittal meetings will enable
FBO operators to question airport officials at

STEADY COVID UPTICK tested for COVID-19 increased to 3.5 per- A total of 1,594 students and 301 employ- St. Lucie County healthcare providers
cent during the week ending Dec. 16, state ees have tested positive for the virus since vaccinated 1,273 people against the vi-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 Health Department records show. That was the new school year started Aug. 10. rus during the week ending Dec. 16, state
a 40 percent increase compared to the pos- Health Department records show. That
of Omicron coupled with people traveling itivity rate of 2.5 percent during the week “COVID-19 is still active in the commu- marked a 12 percent decline compared to
and attending winter holiday gatherings will ending Dec. 2. It was a 94 percent increase nity,” said St. Lucie County spokesman Er- the week ending Dec. 2, when 1,457 people
most likely lead to higher rates of COVID in compared to the low of 1.8 percent during ick Gill. “We encourage people to maintain were vaccinated.
our area.” the week ending Nov. 18. healthy habits to protect against respirato-
ry germs like COVID or the flu. Get vacci- Overall, 203,990 county residents have
A total of 191 St. Lucie County residents COVID-19 cases also trended upward nated.” been vaccinated, or about 67 percent of
tested positive for COVID-19 during the in December in St. Lucie County’s public those age 5 and older who are eligible.
week ending Dec. 16, Florida Department of schools. The virus is much less prevalent in the
Health records show. That represented a 66 county than mid-December 2020, when The St. Lucie County office of the Flori-
percent increase compared to the week end- A total of 29 students and nine employees there were 737 cases between Dec. 10 and da Department of Health, 5150 NW Milner
ing Dec. 2, when there were 115 new cases tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 1 Dec. 16, Gill noted. Dr., Port St. Lucie, offers free vaccines daily.
in the county. It was a 133 percent increase and Dec. 20 for a total of 38 cases, school dis- Vaccination site can also be found online at
compared to the county’s recent low of 82 trict records show. That marked a 30 percent Altogether, 48,485 county residents have the Florida Department of Health Vaccine
new cases during the week ending Nov. 18. increase compared to November when there been diagnosed with COVID-19 since March Locator. “We continue to encourage our
were a total of 30 cases involving 24 students 2020, or more than 15 percent of the coun- residents and personnel to get vaccinated,”
The positivity rate of county residents and six employees. ty’s population of 322,154, state Health De- Weinshank said. 
partment records show.

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Aero without a county-approved lease, debris on the 100-acre site. seat Boeing Business Jets, the AirNav.com Treasure Coast International Airport has
county records show. To cure the issue, APP APP Jet Center, 2982 Curtis King Blvd., op- website says. It also handles general avia- historically been among St. Lucie County’s
Jet Center would have to sign a lease with tion aircraft. most important economic development
TMX Aero, or file for eviction. erates the 12,000-square-foot aircraft stor- projects. Others include the Port of Fort
age hangar that was built in 2008, county In addition, county commissioners voted Pierce, downtown Fort Pierce, Midway Busi-
Other issues were code violations in- records show. unanimously on Dec. 7 to spend more than ness Park and Tradition Commerce Center
volving trailers, boats, junk vehicles, $2.1 million on upgrades to the electrical on I-95 in Port St. Lucie. 
non-aviation use equipment, garbage and The FBO handles corporate jet traffic system and signage at the airport.
ranging from six-seat Learjet 24’s to 50-

6 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com

RIVERSIDE THEATRE of the actors that came into the room, it
was their first live audition in a year and a

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 half,” says Cornell. “They would stop and

just go, ‘I can’t believe that we’re actually

other delay, this will be the first major pro- doing this.’ And even here, every day in

duction at Riverside since it, along with rehearsal, we just look at each other like,

Prepare For Hurricane theaters worldwide, went dark in March we’re actually working on a show.”
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Licensed & Insured nature songs, “Never Walk Alone” – that solid ground financially – an amazing

despite the isolation of the last feat considering that their remarkable

couple of years, we are all still big-budget Broadway productions can

connected.

“Every day the situation

changes, but we’re doing

everything that we can to

make sure that we can do

this, that people will be

safe, and that we can get

back to our lives.”

The theater is following

the strict COVID protocols

required by Actors Equity Producing Artistic Director and CEO of
for the cast and crew. As for Riverside Theatre Allen Cornell. For more
the audience, under cur- on Riverside’s opening show “Carousel,”
rent CDC guidelines, the see story, Page B3.
decision of whether to wear
PHOTO: KAILA JONES

masks will be up to audience members, cost some $1.5 million per show. River-

and Riverside will make masks available for side was also able to retain all of its staff.

anyone who needs one. “We were very fortunate that many of

Operating within the new protocols our major donors stepped forward at the

has added additional layers of challeng- at the outset of this to help fund the the-

es, such as administering PCP tests twice ater. The staff has been working since the

weekly, and limiting intermingling among beginning of the pandemic, so we were

the backstage crew, actors and those staff able to keep our operations intact,” Cor-

who interact with the public. nell says.

In addition to designated understudies, “This community is so supportive,

Cornell says, they have two “swing” actors not only of Riverside but of all the arts.

who are learning various roles by observ- They really helped us continue in the

ing from a distance in case they are need- time when we didn’t have any profes-

ed as substitutes. sional shows. And through that support,

Despite the added protocols and uncer- we were able to plan and build and bring

tainties, the overwhelming feeling among together the season that we’re about to

everyone involved is excitement. open,” said Oscar Sales, Riverside’s mar-

“Everybody is so thrilled to be back do- keting director.

ing what we do. Even starting back when “We’re just excited to open up and do

we were auditioning in New York, some what we normally do. To have 29 people

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on stage is a feat in and of itself. It’s going ous season in a slightly modified sched- ends with “Almost Heaven: John Denver’s have them carried into 2021-2022 season.
to be amazing. The show itself is iconic, ule. “Carousel” will be followed by “Com- America,” May 10 to May 29. Additionally, Riverside continues to en-
with all the musical classics that are in it, edy of Tenors,” Feb. 1 to Feb. 20 and “On
and I think people are just anxious to get Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria This season’s two Waxlax Stage produc- tertain residents and visitors with its Com-
back and see live performances. I’m excit- Estefan,” which runs here March 8 to tions are “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now edy Zone experiences and Live at the Loop
ed,” said Sales. March 27 before it moves to the Walnut Change,” Jan. 18 to Feb. 6, and “Bakers- concerts each weekend.
Street Theatre in Philadelphia. “Billy El- field Mist,” March 22 to April 10.
The 2021-2022 season kicks off with liot” runs April 12 to May 1 and the season Staff writer Shelley Koppel contributed to
shows previously planned for the previ- Those season subscribers who re- this story. 
newed their seats for the 2020-2021 will

8 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com

County unemployment dips again SENATOR’S BILL SEEKS RULES
FOR PET CREMATION INDUSTRY
BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent vember. Mining, logging and construction
added 1,300. Another gainer was education BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent “We contracted a private cremation
The state’s most recent employment re- and health services. That sector picked up and wanted to see her one last time,”
port gave reason for holiday cheer. 800 jobs from November to November. Man- State Sen. Gayle Harrell is hoping Laury Sullivan said. “We wanted to be
ufacturing had an increase of 700. The only “three’s a charm” in getting the Florida present for the cremation.”
In November, St. Lucie County had a sector to shed jobs in the November-to-No- Legislature to legislate new protections
not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate vember comparison was retail trade; that for pets and their owners. The Sullivans didn’t get to attend the
of 4.1 percent, which was down from 4.5 in sector lost 100 jobs. In the same month- cremation. The story only worsened from
October. to-month comparison, Florida picked up Twice before the Republican sena- there. The couple got skeptical that the
507,800 jobs, a 5.9 percent change. tor has introduced such legislation and cremains they had were Sevilla’s. The sent
The Florida Department of Economic Op- failed to get it passed. a portion to the University of Florida for
portunity released its November jobs report Peter Tesch, president of the Economic testing. The lab couldn’t positively deter-
on Friday, Dec. 17. Development Council of St. Lucie County, But she is not giving up, and has re- mine whether the ashes were of a cat or
said in an interview before the state released introduced the proposed legislation as not. “To this day, we still don’t know what
That was the fifth straight month of appar- its November jobs report that, on average, Senate bill 416 – known as Sevilla’s Law. happened,” explained Sullivan.
ent employment gains in St. Lucie. economic news is good reason to be festive. Democratic Rep. David Silvers is, at press
time, preparing a companion version for The full story is at sevillaslaw.com.
The county’s not seasonally adjusted un- “I feel very bullish on St. Lucie County and the Florida House. The Sullivans are in litigation with the
employment rate was above the state’s (3.6 its future economic growth going into 2022,” cremation provider.
percent) and nation’s (3.9 percent). However, he said. “We have no real restrictions or con-
that’s commonplace for St. Lucie. The state’s trols on cremation of animals,” Harrell The Sullivans contacted the state’s
seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was The national and state unemployment said. “There’s no licensing required.” Division of Funeral, Cemetery and Con-
4.5 percent; the nation’s was 4.2. Seasonal rates are calculated using a variety of meth- sumer Services. It turned out that the
adjustment is a statistical tool to even out ods. Among them are random telephone in- Constituents Steve and Laury Sullivan division has no hand in pet cremation.
normal monthly fluctuations. It’s not avail- terviews with people in working ages. Those of Palm City approached Harrell’s office Harrell told St. Lucie Voice that besides
able on the county level. that are able to work and report not having in 2019 with a story about what can go having to meet some air-quality regula-
jobs, but looked for employment in the pre- wrong in pet cremation, and a request tions, pet cremation providers are un-
The Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical vious 30 days, are counted as unemployed. for legislation to prevent it. regulated. It’s caveat emptor. Sullivan
Area, which includes all of Martin and St. Discouraged workers – those who are able said the pet owners go in not knowing
Lucie counties, picked up 8,800 jobs from to work and want jobs, but have not sought The Sullivans found two kittens whose that.
November last year to November this year, a employment in the previous 30 days – are mother had died. The kittens were about
5.8 percent change. not counted in the unemployment figure. two weeks old. The couple adopted the “The pet cremation industry has al-
Many call this “shadow unemployment,” and littermates, naming them Croix and Se- ways been based on trust and the pro-
The industry sector that added the most it’s difficult to track due to variations for why villa. Both cats developed cancer later in vider’s moral compass,” she said.
was professional and business services, people don’t seek jobs.  life. The cats died weeks apart in 2019.
with 2,900. Leisure and hospitality – which Sevilla was the first.
was especially affected by the SARS-CoV-2/
COVID-19 pandemic – added 1,700 jobs to
the statistical area from November to No-

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If the Florida Legislature passes and County: Guardrails will make Midway Road stretch ‘safer’
Gov. Ron DeSantis signs Sevilla’s Law,
pet cremation providers will have to give BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer West Midway Road because of safety con- spend $3 million resurfacing Glades Cut-
consumers written descriptions of their [email protected] siderations. Off Road from the I-95 overpass bridge to
services. Carlton Road, county records show. An
It’s more important to install guardrails “One of the unique things about this average of 3,000 vehicles per day travel on
“It requires a certification to be re- on a dangerous stretch of West Midway project, however, is that it would not meet the road.
turned with the cremains that says those Road than to comply with state road de- the ‘Green Book standards,’ the DOT stan-
are your pet’s cremains,” Sullivan said. sign standards, St. Lucie County commis- dards,” County Attorney Dan McIntyre FDOT signed off Dec. 9 on the comple-
“If it’s found out there were unlawful acts sioners decided last week. told the commissioners. “However, these tion of the $26.8 million widening of Mid-
and it’s not your pet, there are civil liabili- proposed improvements would make the way Road from 25th Street to U.S. 1 after
ties. There’s also private right of action, so County commissioners voted unani- road safer. five years of construction, the Treasure
you can bring a lawsuit against the pro- mously Dec. 14 to make several safety im- Coast Traffic Report for Dec. 17 shows.
vider.” provements to West Midway Road/Coun- “If we stuck with the idea that, ‘It
ty Road 712 between Okeechobee Road/ doesn’t meet Green Book standards and FDOT spent $25 million widening Mid-
The bill, as currently written, would State Road 70 and McCarty Roads while we’re not going to do it,’ then you have a way Road to four lanes between Selvitz
give investigatory and penalizing pow- repaving the thoroughfare. road that’s unsafe,” McIntyre said. Road and 25th Street, completing the
er to the Department of Agriculture and project in January 2018, state records
Consumer Services. Sullivan said it’s The $1.5 million project includes in- “Now we have the opportunity to make show.
especially important that people know stalling guardrails along the north side of it safer.
their pets’ cremains are in fact their pets’ West Midway Road, between Shinn and FDOT plans to start construction on
cremains, since Florida has the Felix and McCarty roads, to prevent vehicles from “We’ve made a reasoned judgment, the $20 million expansion of Midway
Fido amendment which allows people running into a deep canal, county records we’ve considered all the facts and we’ve Road to four lanes from Jenkins Road to
and pets to be interred together. Gov. show. decided it’s more important to make the Selvitz Road in fall 2025 and finish in win-
Charlie Crist signed that bill in 2007. road safer,” McIntyre said. ter 2028.
Other safety features include con-
“You want to be certain they’re your structing a safety edge on both sides of “It provides the Public Works Depart- County commissioners are still trying
pet’s ashes,” Sullivan said. “I think more West Midway Road, installing reflective ment the ability to go ahead with the proj- to figure out how to pay for the expansion
and more people are planning to be bur- pavement markings and painting lane ect even though it doesn’t meet the mini- of Midway Road to four lanes between
ied with their pets.” stripes. mum standards,” McIntyre said. I-95 and South Jenkins Roads because it
is expected to cost $74 million to build
The bill is referred to the Senate com- A citrus truck wound up in the canal “The board is making a policy or plan- a new bridge with an interchange across
mittees on agriculture, judiciary and ap- in a March 2017 crash that left two men ning decision which I believe is immune Florida’s Turnpike.
propriations. The Committee on Agricul- dead. Since then, there have been three from litigation,” McIntyre added.
ture unanimously voted favorable on the more fatal wrecks on Midway Road be- Midway Road runs 14.5 miles from In-
bill at its Dec. 2 pre-session committee tween Okeechobee Road and 11 Mile An average of 8,400 vehicles per dian River Drive to Okeechobee Road and
meeting. The 60-day legislative session Road. day travel on Midway Road between serves as the northern boundary for Port
begins on Jan. 11. Okeechobee Road and Interstate 95, St. Lucie. 
However, there is not enough space be- county records show.
Sullivan said the last couple years of tween the northern edge of West Midway
trying to get greater accountability on pet Road and the drainage canal to comply County commissioners also plan to
cremation in Florida has taught her it’s an with Florida Department of Transpor-
international issue. She’s heard from in- tation design standards for installing
terested parties in other states as well as guardrails.
Australia and other nations. The Sullivans
have also approached Rep. Brian Mast’s Consequently, the commissioners de-
office about a national law creating stan- cided to make an exception from the
dards and accountability for pet crema- FDOT standards to allow guardrails on
tion providers. 

PRO TENNIS RETURNING TO VERO BEACH

BY RAY McNULTY | Staff Writer event held since 1995.
“It’s one of the very few cities in Flori-
Professional tennis is returning to the
Treasure Coast, as the $25,000 Vero Beach da to host a tournament of this caliber,”
International Open Tennis Tournament – Grand Harbor General Manager Michael
a United States Tennis Association Wom- Gibson said. “It’s a world-class event and
en’s Pro Circuit event – is scheduled for just the beginning of what we are working
Jan. 10-16 at the Grand Harbor courts. toward.”

The clay-court event is expected to at- Grand Harbor Tennis Director Marco
tract up-and-coming players representing Osorio, a former ATP Tour player, said the
more than 30 countries and ranked from tournament is the latest chapter in the re-
No. 150 to 300 in the world. naissance members have enjoyed since
purchasing the club from a subsidiary
WTA Tour standouts Naomi Osaka, of Icahn Enterprises last year and taking
Laura Seigemund and Sofia Kenin played control of its operations.
in the tournament here in 2014, when
they were still building their reputations He said more than 50 members already
and the event was held at the Vero Beach had volunteered to assist with the tourna-
Tennis Club. ment, and that members had purchased
80 percent of the box seats available.
The tournament returned to Vero
Beach in January 2020, when it was played “This is an exciting time for Grand Har-
at Grand Harbor for the first time. bor, and we wanted to do something to
build on that excitement, especially with
In fact, the women’s tournament will tennis,” Osorio said.
be the first of two pro events to be played
next year in Vero Beach, also home of Tickets may be purchased online at
the $15,000 Mardy Fish Children’s Foun- grandharbor.com. 
dation Tennis Championships, a men’s

10 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com

Local sports doc: Don’t resign yourself to living with joint pain

BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent Coast High School and Indian River State Dr. Jenny Berezanskaya. The standard goal to keep your heart
College, and attend most of their games. and joints healthy is 150 minutes of exer-
Finding a balance between and work That includes football, basketball, tennis, PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND CLINIC cise a week. That can be done 30 minutes
and play is one of life’s greatest challeng- diving and swimming. Sometimes we can a day for five days, an hour a day for three
es, but by making sports medicine her treat an injury like a dislocated shoulder “Exercise is medicine. Movement is days, or whatever interval works for you.
specialty, Dr. Jenny Berezanskaya says or fractured finger right on the field and medicine,” she said. “People who exer- Start by doing something for 15 minutes
she has combined her enjoyment of exer- send them back into the game. Other cise do better with aging and live func- and then increase it over time. Give your
cise and sports with her love of medicine times we have to explain that the player tionally better lives. They are not dealing body time to adapt; once it does, you’ll
and helping people. will be out of the game for a while to heal. with as much pain and have fewer heart find you want more – especially since ex-
problems. The most important thing you ercise releases positive brain chemicals
“I loved the field of sports medicine “Whenever we are able, we get them can do for your health is exercise. Start- called endorphins that contribute to a
even before I knew I loved it,” she said. back into the game. Having experience in ing from birth to old age, find something post-exercise feeling of well-being.
“I loved sports and participated in ballet, the sports medicine world is understand- you like and do it.”
modern dance, gymnastics, volleyball, ing what can be treated immediately and OK, so exercise is great – but what can
track and tennis. I wasn’t particularly what can’t.” be done about the joint pain you are al-
good at any one sport, so I dabbled in ev- ready experiencing?
erything. The most common joint injuries Dr.
Berezanskaya treats in her practice are in Dr. Berezanskaya suggests seeing a
“As I continued my education, I found the knee, hip and shoulder, although they sports doctor if there is any swelling,
that exercise physiology and how you can also occur in any of the 350 joints in redness, tenderness or warmth around
optimize performance was of interest to the body including the ankle, elbow and the joint or if the pain radiates from one
me, so it naturally came about that I went hand. place to another. Sometimes the problem
into sports medicine. With my personal can be treated with a simple over-the-
involvement and understanding of the Most of the time the patient comes in counter anti-inflammatory medication
athletic world, I feel it is where I can con- with a complaint that he can’t walk be- like Tylenol or by icing the affected area.
tribute the most. cause his knee or hip hurts or can’t lift his Sometimes physical therapy can help.
arm because his shoulder hurts. It’s the
“Sports medicine is a niche environ- physician’s job to figure out where that Then there are injections. Steroid in-
ment where you can go to games, have pain is coming from. jections are designed to reduce pain and
fun and maybe someone will get in- inflammation and can be administered
jured and you can help, or maybe they According to Dr. Berezanskaya, out- up to three times a year. Hyaluronic acid
won’t and you just enjoy the game,” Dr. side of athletics, inactivity actually is the injections are used to treat knee pain
Berezanskaya continued. biggest contributor to chronic joint pain, caused by osteoarthritis in patients who
which is exactly opposite of what most have already been treated with pain re-
“I volunteer as a sideline doctor with people think.
(Fort Pierce) Westwood High, Treasure

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lievers and other treat- The only downside is that
ments that did not work PRP injections are not
well. covered by insurance but
hopefully will be in the
Hyaluronic acid is near future.
similar to a substance
that occurs naturally in “Most importantly, I
the joints and works by don’t want my patients to
acting like a lubricant resign themselves to pain
and shock absorber in as we have many modal-
the joints. This process ities to treat it. You can
can be administered by have bone on bone ar-
your physician every six thritis on your X-ray and
months to give the joints not have pain, or you can
some extra cushion and have a normal looking
keep the arthritis from X-ray and have pain. It’s
progressing over time. our job as sports medi-
cine physicians to determine the cause
PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections of the pain and address it with a treat-
are rapidly becoming one of the most ment that works for you,” whether your
popular treatments for joint pain. The injury is sports-related or not.
treatments use a patient’s own blood
cells to accelerate healing in a specific Dr. Jenny Berezanskaya practices at
area. “We take your own blood and thin Martin Health at St. Lucie West located at
it down which gives us a sample rich 1095 NW Saint Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie.
with platelets and inject it into the mus- She received her medical degree in Oste-
cle and tendons,” Dr. Berezanskaya said. opathy at New York College of Osteopathic
“Because we are injecting your own body Medicine and completed her Sports Medi-
cells, it’s less harmful than other injec- cine Fellow at University of Miami Health
tion types. It’s been so successful that System. She can be reached at 772-785-
the NBA recognizes PRP as the preferred 5511. 
treatment for their professional athletes.

Dr. Robert H. Pare, Jr. is retiring from practice with Women’s Health Fall Special Includes Exam,
Specialists effective December 31, 2021. All patient records remain
Dr. Robert Pare, Jr with Women’s Health Specialists with a primary office address of $69 Xray, Cleaning SLV
3498 NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 - 772-219-1080.
The physicians and other providers of Women’s Health Specialists NEW PATIENTS SC (0150)
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Health Specialists wish Dr. Pare a very happy and healthy retirement.
Expires 1/20/22
www.whsfl.com Insurance Accepted

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12 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com

DON’T ‘WEIGHT,’ ACT NOW: HOW NOT tein with the average man requiring 56 grams
and the average woman 46 grams.
TO PACK ON THOSE HOLIDAY POUNDS
“Fiber from fruits, vegetables and darker
BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent but it can rapidly increase your calorie in- Nutritionist Samantha Lynch. PHOTO: KAILA JONES carbs are also integral parts of a healthy diet.
take, so be aware of what you are drinking. Very few of us eat enough fiber and are miss-
With the holidays here, you’re likely at- Lynch suggests alternating an alcoholic bev- to focus on healthy New Year’s resolutions. ing out on the valuable energizing nutrients
tending more parties and festivities than any erage with a club soda with a splash of cran- “Healthy eating is not a diet but a change and disease preventing antioxidants that
other time of year. And while you should en- berry juice to keep the calories at bay. Since they contain. Women should have a daily in-
joy seasonal gatherings if they suit you, you alcohol metabolizes as a carbohydrate, stick in lifestyle,” said Lynch. “Portion control and take of 25 grams of fiber and men 35 grams.”
don’t have to pack on extra pounds to carry to lean protein and vegetables for your din- balanced meals are the key to maintain-
into next year. ner choices if you are drinking. ing healthy weight for the rest of your life. Of course, most of us know that we should
Portion sizes have expanded in America to limit white carbs like the inside of potatoes,
“The most important part of maintain- “If you are eating from a buffet, opt for a the point that today’s average dinner plate pasta and rice as well as nutrient-deficient
ing a healthy lifestyle during the holidays is smaller plate if available and put one serv- wouldn’t even fit in a standard cupboard 50 sweets like candy and pastry.
planning,” said Treasure Coast nutritionist ing of protein, carbs and vegetables on the years ago. I always suggest taking a smaller
Samantha Lynch, MS, RD, CDN, who has de- plate,” Lynch said. “So many make the mis- lunch plate to restrict the serving size when “If you love candy then I suggest you build
voted her career to advising business execu- take of taking a hefty serving of one item and possible. Half of your plate should be filled it in to your diet instead of depriving your-
tives, entertainers, professional athletes and going back for the next. If you put it all on with vegetables, and the other half split with self entirely,” Lynch advised. “But be sure to
everyday families on how to achieve their your plate at once and pay attention to sa- carbohydrates and protein. I tend to direct use all five senses to experience the candy.
wellness goals. “With all the holiday lunch- tiation clues, you’ll fare better than making people to a higher protein diet because it is Don’t eat it when you are anxious, upset or
es and parties, you need to pick the ones multiple trips to the buffet. It takes about 20 more satiating and helps regulate the blood depressed. Instead, commit to it when you
that are important to you. You don’t have to or 30 minutes for your body to register that sugar level. In general, 30 percent of your are seated away from distractions and truly
say yes to everything,” and end up gaining you are satiated or full. Eat your balanced daily calorie intake should come from pro- enjoy it. The first bite is always the best, so
weight from a lot of extra food and sweets. servings, and if you still feel hungry after 30 chew it slowly and enjoy the taste, feel and
minutes you can get more.” smell. Then take another bite and another. If
“Wear something fitted, and you will be the third bite doesn’t meet your expectation,
less inclined to overeat,” Lynch continued. Better yet, focus on being a social butter- then put it down and say it’s not worth it.
“The fitted attire will serve as a mindful re- fly and not on the food; stay away from the Throw it in the garbage and walk away.”
minder to slow down on the cocktails, hors buffet and indulge yourself in lively conver-
d’oeuvres, and pastries. And never arrive to sation. Another subtle trick is for women to Samantha Lynch graduated in 2009 from
a party with an empty stomach. Having a carry a clutch instead of a purse as it’s nearly New York University with a master’s degree
snack containing fiber, fat and protein prior impossible to hold a drink and a clutch and in Clinical Nutrition and completed her Di-
to the party will take the edge off your hunger still be able to snack on Christmas cookies. etetic Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Cen-
and enable you to make healthy choices.” ter in Manhattan. She sees patients at her
Once the holiday parties are over, it’s time office located at 980 E. Causeway Blvd. Visit
Alcohol not only lowers your inhibitions, samanthalynchnutrition.com for more infor-
mation or call 772-410-4611 to book a virtual
or in person appointment. 

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DO YOU NEED A WELLNESS SCREENING EVERY YEAR?

BY ERIN BLAKEMORE | The Washington Post are “unlikely to be beneficial” uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. weight or high-risk behaviors, or a reti-
and can lead to unnecessary How often should you seek preventive cence to see the results of long-postponed
Haven’t gotten a physical lately? You’re testing. screenings. Others may skip visits because
not alone. care? “In general the expectation is once a of a concern about high costs. The Afford-
Others argue that there is year,” Abraham says. “However, in people able Care Act requires insurers to cover a
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, no evidence against the prac- who are young and healthy with no issues, variety of preventive services, and Medi-
preventive care wasn’t on everyone’s agen- tice, either, and that the val- if it’s every other year, it’s perfectly OK.” care covers an “annual wellness visit” for
da. Adults are less likely to receive preven- ue of preventive exams lies in beneficiaries. But terminology is tricky
tive care than children, according to data the connections they foster Depending on your health status, your when it comes to insurance, and when vis-
from the Centers for Disease Control and between patients and physi- doctor may want to see you more or less its veer beyond prevention into treatment,
Prevention. And in 2018, the most recent cians. often. it can generate additional costs.
year studied, just 23 percent of office-based
doctor’s visits were for preventive care. There are plenty of reasons Many Americans have gotten behind Ready to touch base with your physi-
to check in with your doctor during the pandemic. A national survey cian? Be prepared to ask questions and
Physicians insist on the importance of regularly, whether you’re on conducted by Johns Hopkins University share your concerns about your physical
regular wellness screenings – just don’t call an annual schedule. During found that in the first-half of 2020, 41 per- and mental health. And expect to receive
them physicals. preventive visits, doctors such cent of respondents delayed or skipped information about necessary screenings,
as Abraham ask patients about everything medical care. counseling on things such as alcohol in-
The term “physical” is outdated, says from sexual health to seat belt usage, fire- take and physical activity, and prescrip-
George M. Abraham, president of the arm safety, risky behaviors such as drug Shame can play a role in postponed tions for medications to prevent disease
American College of Physicians and chief use, and vaccination status. And for pa- preventive care – fear of questions about down the line, such as statins that can
of medicine at St. Vincent Hospital in tients 40 and over, it’s important to stay on reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack, if
Worcester, Mass. In reality, he says, what top of recommended screenings such as applicable.
patients need is less a head-to-toe exam- mammograms and colorectal cancer tests.
ination than an annual preventive visit – a If you’re behind, don’t stress, Mangione
chance for doctor and patient to check in “We make sure people know the things and Abraham say. Make sure you’re up to
and cover topics that might not come up they need to do or consider if they would date on screenings and get to your doctor
during more focused sessions. like to lengthen their lives and have a lon- when you can.
ger time being healthy,” says Carol Man-
Over the years, there has been a move- gione, vice-chair of the U.S. Preventive “Don’t punish yourself,” Mangione says.
ment away from annual physicals and Services Task Force and a practicing pri- When she sees patients who have put off
toward routine preventive screenings. Re- mary-care doctor. The task force publish- preventive screenings, she tells them: “You
searchers are split on the concrete value of es evidence-based recommendations for did the right thing. You got the test when
general health exams. In 2019, a systematic preventive care, as well as an up-to-date you could – and we’re going to take great
review of general health checks published list of its recommendations on its website, care of you.” 
in the Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews concluded that routine physicals

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14 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com

STUDY: ELEVATED Having an elevated resting heart rate resting heart rate were 55 percent more have dementia at the start of the study
HEART RATE MAY – 80 beats per minute or higher – may likely to develop dementia than were and were tracked for about 12 years.
increase older people’s risk for cogni- those with a lower resting heart rate (60 to
INCREASE RISK tive decline and dementia, according to 69 bpm). A high resting heart rate also was The researchers wrote that the results
FOR DEMENTIA a study in the journal Alzheimer’s & De- linked to more rapid cognitive decline. held up even after the exclusion of peo-
mentia. ple who already had or developed cardio-
The findings were based on data from vascular disease (such as heart failure or
It found that people with an elevated 2,147 people 60 and older who did not atrial fibrillation), which are already con-

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sidered a risk factor for dementia. not a disease in itself but rather the name lead researcher said that by using resting rate is first thing in the morning, before
The most common type of dementia, given to a group of symptoms that in- heart rate to help identify people at risk you move around or have caffeine.
clude problems with thinking, memory for the condition and intervening early,
Alzheimer’s disease, today affects an es- and communication. “the onset of dementia might be delayed, This can be done through a smart-
timated 6 million Americans, and that which can have a substantial impact on phone app or fitness tracker or by using
number is projected to double by 2050, An elevated heart rate, however, can their quality of life.” your fingers to check your pulse on your
according to the Alzheimer’s Association. be brought under control, usually via wrist or neck. 
There is no cure for dementia, which is exercise and possibly medication. The A good time to check your resting heart
­– LINDA SEARING/THE WASHINGTON POST





18 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PETS www.stlucievoice.com

Bonz yaps with little Yoda, a super-sweet Shih Tzu

Hi Dog Buddies! “I hope you’ll like my story. I have Yoda. PHOTO: KAILA JONES lots an lots of speshull tests to find
a Super Crispy Biscuits life, with my out what was goin’ on. Finally, after
This week I had a fun yap with joyful, own home, a Forever Mom an Dad my Kibbles. THEN, when the vet was tossing my kibbles with wet food,
7-pounds-soaking-wet, 7-year-old Yoda who take Really Good Care of Me; givin’ me my Puppy Shots, I did what dry food, chiggen-an-rice, ’spensive
Cole, a tiny Shih Tzu with a Cuteness anna big basket of stuffies! You’d hoo-mans call ‘coded,’ which I found out food, even the best, most duh-lish-
Factor that is totally off the charts. (I never know I almost didn’t make it means I almost Bought the Doghouse. us food, Mom and Dad found some
don’t know if there are actual charts outta puppyhood, would you?” But the vet saved me! called Zignature that stayed in my
but if there are, he’d be off ’em.) An by tummy. I like it (Thank Lassie) an I
the time he got all dressed up for the I shook my head in suh-prise. “Dad, cuzza being a dock-ter, gave me eat 6 liddle meals a day. Buh-leeve
holidays in a red shirt emblazoned with He was so bouncy an ex-ZOO- it or not, I can’t even have a tiny bis-
‘Santa’s Favorite Helper,’ and a pointy, ber-unt. “Woof, Yoda, I never cuit or an itsy table scrap. Not even
green hat with elf ears, well … would have! You must have Some a Chew Toy. I have to eat totally
Tail to tell.” ho-LISS-tick.”
Me an my assistant could hear pretty
substantial woofs when we rang the bell, I opened my notebook, an Yoda “Woof! Yoda, you are one lucky,
which, if we didn’t already know Yoda’s settled in between his Mom and my tough liddle poocheroo!”
breed, we wudda thought came from a assistant.
larger dog. “Nice job, Yoda,” I thought to After we shared a spontaneous
myself. “I guess you could say I came “High Paw,” Yoda continued his tail.
from humm-bull buh-ginnings. I
He trotted right up for the wag an was a fluffy liddle pupster, just 5 “So me an Dad an Mom took it
sniff, an I introduced myself an my pounds, an another hoo-man want- easy for a while. We were livin’ in
assistant. ed to adopt me. But my breeder said Titusville an, for a while, we were
I hadda have a home where some- modor-homers, which was pretty
“Welcome to my home,” he said. “Fol- body’d be with me All The Time cuz fun: cozy, you know; but then we
low me.” He raced to the sofa. “Havva I panic when I’m alone. Since the moved to here cuzza of ally-gaders
seat. These are My Peeps: Mom, Mary other hoo-man worked, she couldn’t in our yard which cudda had me for
Jane, an Dad, Jim. He’s a dock-ter an he be my Furever Mom. Just when I lunch and still been hungry. Now
works a lot from home, talkin’ to pay- started wonderin’ what wuz gonna hap- we’re HERE an we all love it!”
shunts. So Mom hasta keep me quiet, pen to me, Mom an Dad heard about me “What’s your daily roo-TEEN?” I
which is basically a full-time job cuz I’m by word-of-mouth, an adopted me! Well, queried.
pretty VUR-bull. I had done fine with Mommy Milk an I “Well, fur fun, first thing in the morn-
Really Love to EAT, but, whenever I gob- ing, I TWIRL. Sometimes 17 twirls inna
bled down my duh-li-shus food, I Tossed ROW, cuz I get so excited lookin’ forward

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to BRECK-fust. After that, I play with I missed my Breeze Airways flight. Does it owe me anything?
my toys, then I walk around the pool (I
NEVER ackshully go IN it, tho. Like Mom Joe Herman decides to try a new airline these human and systematic glitches. I believe
says, ‘There’s nothing worse than a wet called Breeze Airways to fly from Hartford to Breeze should reimburse us for the $175 rental
Shih Tzu’), an I bark so the neighbors Charleston, S.C. On his return, the carrier leaves car. Breeze offered us $100 of Breeze points but
know I’m On Dootie. You probly noticed him behind. its agent didn’t seem empowered to offer more
my bark when you rang, right?” or address the underlying issues. Can you help?
Q: My wife and I flew our first flight with
“As a matter of fact, I did,” I replied. Breeze Airways from Hartford to Charles- A: Breeze should have found you in the ter-
“So you know it is a Very fur-ROW- ton, S.C., recently. When we arrived at the minal – or at least texted you before your de-
shus bark, right?” Charleston airport for our return flight, the parture – and gotten you on your flight. And
“Indeed it is,” I agreed. (It was.) airport monitors and the Breeze app on my while it isn’t legally obligated to help you, it
“So, although I don’t even weigh as phone showed the flight delayed, with the shouldn’t have blown you off.
much as a big bag of kibbles, I am a good gate to be announced. We went to Terminal B
watch dog. Problem is, I also bark when to get something to eat and I tried to contact Your case is a reminder that flight schedules
comp-nee comes. An when comp-nee the airline. I received an automatic reply say- can change, and then change back, at a mo-
leaves. An a whole bunch in between.” ing Breeze was “experiencing high volumes.” ment’s notice. If you’re waiting for a flight, stay
He jumped down, stood up straight About half an hour later, I received a reply say- close to your gate.
an tall (relatively speaking) and stated ing the flight had in fact left on time.
(with the closest thing to a serious, de- Breeze is a new airline that prides itself on
termined expression as he could man- Our only options were to book the next Breeze flight back to fast and efficient customer service, and above
age on his adorable, fluffy liddle face), Hartford three days later, fly to another city, or get back to Hart- all, on “niceness.”
“NOTHING gets by Yoda, I promise you.” ford at our own expense. We picked the least of those unattractive In reviewing your correspondence with Breeze, I felt confident
He then plopped back down on the options, flew Breeze to Providence, then rented a car to drive to that the airline would listen to you, a former customer service
couch and added, “On the other paw, Hartford. manager. But the back-and-forth with the lower-level managers
that’s pretty much why Mom hasta al- at Breeze looked frustrating. You’re right, they were not empow-
ways remind me not to bark when Dad’s I see several points of failure causing our issue. ered to do more, and they should have been.
here workin’.” First, the Breeze app and Charleston TV monitors failed miser- I recently published the names, numbers and emails of the
“Well,” I remarked, “you hafta be ably by not displaying current information. Breeze customer service contacts on my consumer advocacy site,
ready to spring into action whenever the Second, the gentleman who checked our bag failed to inform Elliott.org. You reached out to them after finding them.
need arises.” the gate agent that we were on-site and could have been located Breeze reviewed your case and apologized for your experience.
“Thanks for understanding, Bonzo,” fairly easily in the small Charleston airport. Not just any apology, but you received an email from the chief op-
he said with sincerity. Third, we learned later that the announcement to find us only erating officer saying he was “extremely sorry.” The airline agreed
“So, Yoda,” I asked. “Whaddya do for went in Terminal A and not to Terminal B, a short walk away, to refund your rental car, as you requested.
fun?” where we had innocently sat down to eat during our waiting time.
“I love car rides; an goin’ to the dog I spent several years managing customer experience for a Get help with any consumer problem by contacting
park; rootin’ around in my toy box, of Fortune 20 company and genuinely hope Breeze will look into Christopher Elliott at http://www.elliott.org/help. 
course. An stealing SOX. What I do is, I
sneak sneakily into Mom an Dad’s room Good listener tires of people who seem only to know how to talk
and grab a sock, then I run all around
the house with it, an they have to chase Dear Carolyn: I am a reasonable, even-tempered
me to get it back. It’s huh-LARRY-us.”
“I can imagine,” I said with a smile. person who rarely angers because I can always see the
“Any BFFs?”
“I love my stylist, Miss Debbie. It’s other person’s point of view, even if I don’t agree with
not easy to look this good, you know.
I’m basically a people pooch. Actually, a them. I have worked in bereavement counseling and
Mom-an-Dad pooch. I sleep with ’em, of
course, and I’m totally content as long as in municipal politics, and I have extensive experience
they’re close by. They call me ‘baby-fied’
but I pruh-fur to think of myself as a CAROLYN HAX with family
cuddly, loving, faithful come-PAN-yun. members with
“I am SO for-chu-nut that they love
me and take care of me even with my mental health
health ish-yous. I have Christmas bless-
ings all year long.” issues. I have a natural talent for listening, offer advice
The time had passed quickly an I rose
to go. “Merry Christmas, Yoda!” only if specifically asked (I actually say, “Do you want
“Merry Christmas, Bonzo! I’ll bark you
to your car.” my advice, or are you asking to be heard?”), and be-
And so he did.
come calmer the more upset the other person is.
Till next time,
In short, I have a ton of friends and family who call
The Bonz
and love to chat about their problems – which until
DON’T BE SHY!
We are always looking for pets recently I have enjoyed. I hadn’t even noticed the complete lack want to meet new people or be newly vulnerable to old ones
with interesting stories. To set only to connect with them the same way. This time, be
of interest in my life. I know I can ask them to ask me questions mindful of listening skills. Theirs, not yours. Good luck.
up an interview, email
[email protected]. about my life, and I realize I have set a pattern where our rela-

tionship is not ever about me … but seriously, have they all been

so shallow and I haven’t noticed? Or am I just depressed? Dear Carolyn: This grind is a bit much and there are so many

Obviously, it’s not really a question. I just wanted someone to things that are out of our control. Finding small ways to cele-

see me. – Am I Invisible? brate each day is so important to our mental health. Gratitude

practice along with mindfulness, even in small doses, is one way

to help us deal with the unknown. We have added a bit of grat-

Am I Invisible?: I’m sorry you’re stuck in a role. I really do itude at the end of dinner each night – “Dinner accomplished.”
think that’s what it is – kind of the way parents see grown
kids as the children they were and not the adults they are. Everyone is then expected to add one thing they appreciate.
Habit. So it might be time to make some new connections,
if you can. Or, tell your truth to someone you already know Sometimes it’s just that we had fries for dinner. – Grateful
and trust not to fumble it.
Grateful: Thank you for the reminder. Not that the value
Because of your pattern, of course, you will need to do
this outreach with your own invisible asterisk – you don’t of either, gratitude or fries, is what I would call obscure. But

with The Holidays hurtling at our windshields, I think it’s a

message that bears repeating.  –­ THE WASHINGTON POST

20 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com

MORTGAGE RATES STAY LOW
– BUT LIKELY NOT FOR LONG

BY KATHY ORTON | The Washington Post begin raising interest rates. Last Wednes-
day, it projected as many as three rate
Although mortgage rates moved side- hikes next year. The Fed has held its
ways last week, the announcement by the benchmark rate near zero since the start
Federal Reserve indicated the days of low of the pandemic. The Bank of England
rates may be waning. became the first central bank to raise
interest rates last Thursday when it in-
According to the latest data released creased its rate to 0.25 percent.
last Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year
fixed-rate average ticked up to 3.12 per- “The Fed has been signaling for
cent with an average 0.6 point. (A point is months that the market should begin to
a fee paid to a lender equal to 1 percent anticipate tapering and it’s built into the
of the loan amount. It is in addition to market right now,” said Bill Dallas, pres-
the interest rate.) It was 3.1 percent two ident of Finance of America Mortgage.
weeks ago and 2.67 percent a year ago. “There’s still a tug of war between infla-
tion and tapering, and whether consum-
Aside from the one week in November ers can afford it. … While this is having
when it dropped to 2.98 percent, the 30- a slight impact on short-term Treasurys,
year fixed average has hovered around my view is that long-term interest rates
3.1 percent the past six weeks. will remain low. Mortgage interest rates
are at historical lows. I would anticipate
Freddie Mac, the federally chartered that mortgage interest rates continue
mortgage investor, aggregates rates from in the same range we’ve seen over the
around 80 lenders across the country to past few months, even with the Fed’s an-
come up with weekly national averages. nouncement of accelerated tapering and
The survey is based on home purchase planned rate hikes.”
mortgages. Rates for refinances may be
different. It uses rates for high-quality Meanwhile, a drop in refinances
borrowers with strong credit scores and caused mortgage applications to decline.
large down payments. Because of the cri- According to the latest data from the
teria, these rates are not available to ev- Mortgage Bankers Association, the mar-
ery borrower. ket composite index – a measure of total
loan application volume – decreased 4
The 15-year fixed-rate average slid to percent from a week earlier. The pur-
2.34 percent with an average 0.7 point. It chase index rose 1 percent, but the refi-
was 2.38 percent two weeks ago and 2.21 nance index fell 6 percent. The refinance
percent a year ago. The five-year adjust- share of mortgage activity accounted for
able rate average held steady at 2.45 per- 63.3 percent of applications. 
cent with an average 0.3 point. It was 2.79
percent a year ago.

“Concern about the potential impact
of the omicron variant – for which expec-
tations are evolving rapidly – outweighed
stronger economic data, including an up-
tick in both builder and small-business
confidence,” said Danielle Hale, chief
economist at Realtor.com. “However,
coupled with the Fed announcement,
we expect this stronger economic data
to lead to an uptick in mortgage rates in
the weeks ahead, unless new informa-
tion suggests that omicron is a bigger
concern.”

The Federal Reserve concluded its
final meeting of the year last week by
announcing that it will accelerate the
reduction of its bond-buying program.
Since early in the pandemic, the Fed has
been buying $120 billion in Treasurys
and mortgage-backed securities each
month, which has helped drive down
mortgage rates.

Central bank officials already said
in November they would reduce their
purchases by $15 billion a month. Last
Wednesday, they upped that number to
$30 billion a month. Starting in January,
the Fed will cut its monthly purchases to
$60 billion. At that pace, it should wind
down the program by late March.

Once tapering ends, the Fed plans to

Kingsmill pool home boasts
open floor plan, super views

8816 First Tee Road in Kingsmill in PGA Village: 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2,295-square-foot home
offered for $710,000 by Lisa Baetzold, 772-618-0026 of Keller Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie

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800-682-5551 | LangRealty.com

22 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com

Kingsmill pool home boasts open floor plan, super views

BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Columnist
[email protected]

The lovely home at 8816 First Tee Road,
in the Kingsmill section of PGA Village, be-
gins with great curb appeal. As you walk
up the paver drive, you’ll admire the lovely
landscaping, which makes such a difference
aesthetically. That it also adds shade and
privacy is simply a bonus.

Inside, the foyer is bright and open and
leads to an open floor plan. Of course, the
kitchen is the heart of the home, and this
one, with its lighter cabinetry, granite coun-
tertops and black stainless-steel appliances,
is the anchor for living spaces that include
a living room (23 feet by 16 feet), a dining
room (13-by-12) and a great room (18-by-
14). You can see the pool and lake from al-
most every window, and guests and family
can take the party (or lunch) indoors and
out, all under your watchful eye. A breakfast
nook is the perfect place to start the day,
with coffee, a newspaper and the serene
view. A den (14-by-12) is a terrific home
office and could also easily convert into a
third bedroom.

The primary bedroom, a spacious 16-by-
14, is the perfect retreat. It opens onto the
pool area and a swim before starting the day
or one to end the day is Florida at its best.
The ensuite bath has dual vanities, a soak-

er tub and separate shower, and is light and pool with falls. Here’s another lovely spot
bright. The second bedroom is 11-by-12 for starting the day as you watch the lake or
and also has an ensuite bathroom. for relaxing at the end of a busy day. A lake
view is, to my mind, one of the most desir-
Outside, you’ll spend lots of time on your able features you can have because it calls
covered paver patio lanai and screened

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE December 23, 2021 23

to mind a private oasis where you can relax pickleball, fitness center, special events and Realty of Port St. Lucie, the attention to detail falls and stunning lake views. PGA Village is a
and enjoy the best of Florida. Of course, lots of ways to meet neighbors and make and the location make this house special. golfer’s delight, with three PGA championship
since this is PGA Village, you have the ame- new friends. courses and the private Legacy Golf Course
nities of the Island Club, with golf, tennis, “This lovely home has curb appeal to spare and Tennis Club. This is a dream home in a
For Lisa Baetzold, agent for KellerWilliams with a lushly landscaped paver driveway dream location, and you will want to see it
and barrel tile roof,” she said. “Inside, up- and make your dreams come true.”
FEATURES FOR 8816 FIRST TEE ROAD grades include luxury light fixtures, cultured
marble bull-nose window sills, fans, and This is a home with attention to detail at
Neighborhood: Kingsmill in PGA Village hand-rubbed wood laminate floors in the every turn and a view that’s special, indeed.
Year built: 2004 • Construction: CBS bedrooms. You will enjoy the Florida lifestyle Come take a look at this special home. You
Square footage: 2,295 sq. ft. with a covered patio lanai, screened pool with may not want to leave. 
Total square footage: 4,193 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 2.5
Flooring: ceramic tile, wood
Security: manned gate, security patrol

Additional features: lake views, furniture negotiable, barrel
tile roof, plantation shutters, luxury light fixtures, fans, new air
conditioner, two new water-efficient toilets, newer appliances,

certified wind mitigation for lower insurance costs
Community amenities: Island Clubhouse with pool, tennis,
pickleball, basketball, fitness center, playground, billiards,

library, banquet room, social events.
Listing brokerage: Keller Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie

Listing agent: Lisa Baetzold, 772-618-0026
Listing price: $710,000

24 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com

TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES

TOP SALES OF THE WEEK

Tradition and St. Lucie West experienced another busy fortnight of real estate sales, with 56
single-family residences and lots changing hands (some shown below).
The top recent sale was of the residence at 7957 Saddlebrook Drive. First listed in June for
$865,000, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom PGA Village home sold for $827,777 on Dec. 10.
Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Susan Prahl of Keller Williams Realty of
Port St. Lucie. Representing the buyer was agent Jill Dalton of Paradise Real Estate Interna-
tional.

SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS SELLING
ORIGINAL PRICE

TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD $827,777
$675,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 7957 SADDLEBROOK DRIVE 6/22/2021 $865,000 12/10/2021 $650,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11714 SW WESTCLIFFE LANE 10/28/2021 $675,000 12/17/2021 $625,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 7813 LONG COVE WAY 10/6/2021 $699,000 12/16/2021 $615,964
PORT SAINT LUCIE 10421 SW AZZIA WAY 9/9/2021 $639,888 12/8/2021 $610,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11953 SW VANO WAY 9/10/2021 $644,957 12/17/2021 $610,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 7917 LINKS WAY 10/6/2021 $665,000 12/15/2021 $600,035
PORT SAINT LUCIE 10954 SW BLUE MESA WAY 10/30/2021 $550,000 12/14/2021 $574,965
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11971 SW VANO WAY 9/10/2021 $600,035 12/14/2021 $534,900
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11965 SW VANO WAY 9/10/2021 $574,965 12/15/2021 $530,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 8738 SW MONTOVA WAY 10/11/2021 $534,900 12/10/2021 $528,298
PORT SAINT LUCIE 1902 SW GUERNSEY STREET 7/20/2021 $529,900 12/7/2021 $515,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 12980 SW AMBRA STREET 8/16/2021 $528,298 12/7/2021
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11146 SW OLMSTEAD DRIVE 10/26/2021 $515,000 12/14/2021

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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE December 23, 2021 25

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES

11714 SW Westcliffe Lane, Port Saint Lucie 7813 Long Cove Way, Port Saint Lucie

Listing Date: 10/28/2021 Listing Date: 10/6/2021
Original Price: $675,000 Original Price: $699,000
Sold: 12/17/2021 Sold: 12/16/2021
Selling Price: $675,000 Selling Price: $650,000
Listing Agent: Cesar Trujillo Listing Agent: Kay Rodriguez

Selling Agent: Keller Williams Realty Selling Agent: Lang Realty

Blake Baltos PA AnnMarie Napolitano

Baron Real Estate Keller Williams Realty

10421 SW Azzia Way, Port Saint Lucie 11953 SW Vano Way, Port Saint Lucie

Listing Date: 9/9/2021 Listing Date: 9/10/2021
Original Price: $639,888 Original Price: $644,957
Sold: 12/8/2021 Sold: 12/17/2021
Selling Price: $625,000 Selling Price: $615,964
Listing Agent: William Eggeling Listing Agent: Marc Friedman

Selling Agent: RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty Selling Agent: Kolter Homes Realty, LLC

Deborah Therien Marc Friedman

Real Estate of Florida Kolter Homes Realty, LLC

26 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com

DEBUNKING CREDIT MYTHS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

BY FRANCIS CREIGHTON | The Washington Post pacts first-time buyers. Those miscon-
ceptions can deter a prospective buyer
Buying a home is a complicated pro- or, conversely, prompt them to make a
cess, even under the best circumstances. purchase they aren’t ready for.
Between attending open houses, apply-
ing for loans and participating in negoti- Let’s address some of those myths:
ations, it’s a stressful undertaking.
Myth 1: Debt is bad for building credit.
To lower the strain, one key is to check One of the most persistent myths out
your credit report early in the process. there is that you must pay back all of
Credit reports are most always free, and your existing debts before applying for a
available at www.annualcreditreport.com. mortgage. To put it simply, this just isn’t
true. Many successful home buyers have
When you do check your credit, if student debt, credit card debt or a car
there is something that looks suspicious, loan.
report it. If there is something that’s A key part of the loan process is mak-
wrong, get it corrected with your lender/ ing sure that the ratio of debt to income
creditor or the credit bureau immediate- and the payments you owe leave enough
ly. Lenders will use that information to room for you to pay off a mortgage. Gen-
calculate your credit score which could erally speaking, you shouldn’t have more
make or break your ability to secure a than about 1/3 of your monthly income
house loan. going to your debts, including your
home.
For most people, buying a home is You don’t have to pay everything off to
worth the effort – the right home can be buy a home – you just need to do your
life changing for an individual or fami- homework so you know what you can
ly looking to start a new chapter. At the reasonably afford when looking for your
same time, a home purchase can help home.
grow neighborhoods and communities, Myth 2: Your credit score and credit
while allowing people to build wealth – report are the same thing.
the kind of intergenerational wealth that Your credit report is an unbiased,
can bring purchasers security and equity strictly factual, legally regulated run-
for years to come. down of all the debts you owe or have

Unfortunately, there are a lot of mis-
conceptions about the home purchasing
process, especially about how credit im-

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owed – everything from your student Done deal: How to save money on closing costs
loans, to a car loan, to a debt that has
been referred to a collections agency. It BY MICHELE LERNER | The Washington Post Rozek: The best advice I can give is to look an appraisal to be delivered with the file,
also shows how you’ve honored and paid at the costs associated with the rate you’re which can save the borrower hundreds of
down your debts. Every real estate transaction includes receiving. If you’re being charged points to dollars. A typical appraisal costs an average
closing costs. Higher home prices mean receive a certain rate, that can sometimes of $500 to $600.
Your credit score simplifies this infor- higher closing costs, so we asked real estate be negotiated. Or you can shop around for a
mation by running it through a credit experts to share strategies to save money on lender offering the same rate at a lower cost. Wallace:Working with a digital lender pro-
model, arriving at a singular number that this part of the transaction. But remember, what a lender is charging vides the opportunity to cut back on closing
lenders use to assess creditworthiness. does not include the third-party costs. The costs as technology enables these kinds of
They are two different things, though the Christian Wallace, head of real estate lender doesn’t control these fees, but they’re lenders to get rid of lender fees, origination
score is based on the report. services at Better, a homeownership com- included as separate line items in the loan fees, application fees and loan officer com-
pany whose services include mortgage, real estimate. missions. More ways to save include rolling
Myth 3: If you want to build your cred- estate, title and homeowners’ insurance, closing costs into the total mortgage loan
it, you should engage a credit-repair in Dallas-Fort Worth; Sean Cahan, CEO of Also, the new software from Fannie Mae requiring less cash up front and shopping
company. Cornerstone First Mortgage in San Diego; and Freddie Mac has a massive amount of around for homeowners’ insurance and title
and Bill Rozek, a senior loan officer with information in their systems which will of- insurance to ensure you’re getting the best
There are a number of factors that can Embrace Home Loans in Rockville, Md., all ten allow a loan to be processed with an deal.
contribute to a low credit score. If you’ve responded via email. Their comments were appraisal waiver in the file. This means that
faced financial hardship and struggled to edited. they agree with the value and do not require Can anything be done to lower the cost of
consistently pay down your debts, that title insurance?
negative information is probably on your How much should consumers expect to
credit report and bringing down your pay for closing costs? Rozek: Most title company fees are rel-
credit score. If you see incorrect informa- atively close in price due to competition.
tion on your report, that could be drag- Wallace: Usually, closing costs range Lender title insurance is required by all
ging down your score, too. You can go to anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of the total lenders to insure there is a clean chain of ti-
your lender or the credit bureaus and get mortgage amount. Generally, the higher the tle. Most home buyers will opt for “Owners
that information removed, for free. amount of the loan, the lower the percentage Coverage” title insurance, which covers their
of closing costs you’ll need to pay because a equity and gives them a significant discount
Accurate information, even if it’s neg- number of closing costs are fixed. Some of on any future refinance lender policies on
ative, stays on the report (usually for sev- the fees levied at the closing table – name- that property. Also, the title insurance on a
en years) – otherwise, it wouldn’t be an ly taxes like the real estate transfer tax that’s home purchase will often be slightly higher
honest representation of your credit his- imposed on the transfer of property within than a refinance because the title is chang-
tory. If you’re having problems with your a jurisdiction – will vary depending on the ing hands.
credit and need help, credit counselors state, county or municipality. Rozek: Clos-
are out there to provide help. While most ing costs for a home purchase will be high- Wallace: There are a few ways to save on
of them are nonprofit, they may charge a er than a refinance because the property is
nominal fee to cover their costs. changing hands. Each state and county will CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
have a formula for what those fees will total.
But what you don’t need to do is en-
gage a credit repair company that will Are there some costs that cannot be negoti-
promise that it can get accurate, if neg- ated or are the same across all lenders?
ative, information off of your report, and
charge you a healthy monthly fee. This Cahan: Title insurance fees are set by each
is often a scam designed to prey on vul- state. Appraisal fees are subject to market
nerable consumers – taking your money conditions and have climbed significantly
through false promises. You should avoid over the past year.
these at all costs.
Rozek: Very few closing cost items are
Myth 4: Renting is bad for your credit. charged directly by a lender. At my company,
Everyone strives to live in quality, dig- we only have an administration fee to pro-
nified housing, whether rental or owned. cess the loan. The rest of the lender closing
You may have been taught that renting costs are pass-through items such as credit
is a poor financial choice because you reports, appraisal fees and homeowner as-
can’t build equity and will have nothing sociation. A lender can offer a “lender credit”
to show for it at the close of your lease. to offset some fees, though.
Renting doesn’t hurt your credit, provid-
ed your rent is being paid on time each Wallace: Closing costs include some fees
month. that are fixed, fees you can shop around for
In fact, some rental housing providers and fees that are negotiable. It’s possible to
report that information to the credit re- have some third-party fees waived like the
porting agencies, which means renting appraisal fee in specific instances. Shop
can help you buy a home in the future. around costs associated with homeowners’
You may want to ask your property man- insurance and title insurance, and negotiate
ager if this is something they do. That fees like Realtor commissions. Taxes, like the
way, paying your rent every month could real estate transfer tax, are fixed – though
strengthen your credit, while you save the amount varies depending on the juris-
and wait for the right time, location and diction – and some third-party fees like the
house. notary fee are also fixed.
Buying a home isn’t for everyone. But
if you think you might be in the market Any tips on how buyers can negotiate or
soon – perhaps in the spring – now is the lower their other closing costs?
time to get ready. Download your credit
report and make sure there are no errors Cahan: Sellers can pay up to three percent
on it. If you need to pay down some bills of the purchase price toward the buyer’s clos-
to get your debt-to-income ratio down, ing costs – potentially leaving no closing costs
now is the time. to pay for the buyer on bigger ticket trans-
Do your homework, and you’ll truly be actions – though this is unlikely in today’s
ready to buy a home.  seller’s market. Also, the borrower can pay a
higher interest rate and pay no closing costs.

28 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 However, extra fees like courier charges and Cahan: Closing at the end of the month later in the month you close, the less inter-
copy fees can be negotiated. Lastly, home reduces the amount of cash you pay for in- est accrues for home buyers to pay out of
title insurance. The first and most important buyers can request sellers pay for their pol- terest on the new loan. But it also has your pocket. With that said, the later in the month
is to know that you can shop around costs for icy, though this option might not be easy to former loan collecting interest for longer. home buyers close, the sooner they have to
title insurance, so do that to make sure you’re float in a hot seller’s market such that we find start making their mortgage payments, due
getting the best deal. Home buyers can also ourselves in currently. Wallace: There is a benefit in closing lat- on the first of the month 30 days after the
negotiate the extra fees added on top of their er in the month because of how mortgage closing date. So, it really depends on your
premium. There won’t be much variance Does it help to choose a closing date early interest accrues from the date you close personal situation. 
in premiums from one insurer to the next. or late or in the month to reduce cash needs? through the end of the month. Meaning, the

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30 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com





fun, food SECTION
festivities
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

RE-‘IMAGINARY’

IRSC ADDS SIXTIES TWIST TO MOLIERE FARCE: PAGE B5

Isabella Castillo, Nevaeh Lynn Huber, Addison Ogle, Hannah Rae Dugmore and Annika Elmquist – students in Indian River State College’s theater and dance programs – rehearse the upcoming production of

Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid,” set in the 1960s. The play will be presented Jan. 13-15 and is a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Moliere’s birth. PHOTO COURTESY OF IRSC/DRAMA

Coming Up! Comedian Steve Solomon ‘Homes’ in on holidays at the Lyric

BY PAM HARBAUGH | Correspondent a one-man show, a wide range Italian, My Father’s Jewish and State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine sical ballet. The performance
of bigger-than-life characters in- I’m in Therapy,” was one of the performs “The Nutcracker.” This begins 3 p.m. at Sunrise Theatre,
1 Comedian Steve Solomon habit the stage with him. As his longest running one-man shows will be a classic retelling of the 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce. Tickets
brings his humor to the press release rightfully states, on Broadway. Curtain is 7 p.m. story about Clara, a young girl begin at $48 general and $23 for
season with his one-man show, “their personalities, or lack there- Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Lyric who falls asleep and dreams of a ages 12 years and younger. Call
“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s of, their feeding habits and their Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stu- nutcracker that battles an army 772-461-4775 or visit Sunrise
Jewish and I’m Home for the Hol- instinctive ability to turn joy into art. Tickets are $47. Call 772-286- of mice and then turns into a Theatre.com.
idays.” A Brooklyn native, Solo- relentless but hysterical chaos 7827 or visit LyricTheatre.com. prince and takes her to the Land
mon has been sending audiences makes an evening with Steve Sol- of Sweets where a bevy of beau- 3 You still have time for a
into peals of laughter in his series omon a laugh fest from start to 2 A final opportunity to see tiful dances unfold. The Ukraine visit to the “Magic of McK-
of shows drawing on growing up finish.” One of his shows, the tri- an iconic holiday ballet will company performs with 55 danc- ee Festival of Lights.” It runs
in a multi-ethnic neighborhood ple award-winning “My Mother’s be this Sunday, Dec. 26, when the ers who are well trained in clas-
of Sheepshead Bay. Although it’s CONTINUED ON PAGE B8

2 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com

MIXED-MEDIA MURALIST MASLOW CLEARLY A BIG-TIME TALENT

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF | Staff Writer comes with painting a massive wall. It’s very
physically taxing. I pretty much touched
Christopher Maslow admits that by the every inch of these huge walls; I’m working
with gallons of paint and tons of spray cans.
age of 14, he realized that his dream of com- It’s physically challenging and rewarding.
For a man who is not even 6 feet tall to paint
ARTIST peting as a professional a five-story building and step back and look
surfer and skateboarder at it and say, ‘I think it’s done,’ gives you
an overwhelming sense of David slaying
PROFILE probably wasn’t going to Goliath.”
happen. So, he turned
Maslow has painted murals around the
his sights toward the other thing he was world, including for such clients as NASA,
SpaceX and Starbucks. Closer to home, one
good at: making art. of his colorful murals enhances the side of

Maslow joins assemblage artist Joan the United Against Poverty UP Center on
27th Street in downtown Vero Beach.
Earnhart, sculptor Cliffton Chandler and
At one point Maslow started his own
collage artist Derek Gores at Visual Poetry, clothing company and eventually opened
a retail storefront in downtown Melbourne
an exhibition of their work curated by Gores. that he used as a studio and gallery where
he sold his clothing line and art supplies.
The exhibit will be on display through Jan. Deciding to focus solely on his artwork and
murals, he closed the shop and now works
28 at Gallery 14 in historic downtown Vero out of a 4,000-square-foot studio gallery in
Melbourne. “I’ve always been a self-taught
Beach. fine artist. It really came initially through
experimentation. I’d have friends in art
The 39-year-old recalls money being Christopher Maslow. school, and I’d always be looking over their
shoulders, picking apart things they were
tight when he was young, so drawing and PHOTOS: KAILA JONES doing that I could take away and use for my
own,” he says.
coloring – inexpensive undertakings – were
The works on display at Gallery 14 are
two of his favorite pastimes, and he was also part of a series he began painting 10 years
ago. Using oil, acrylic and spray paint,
good at it. “I was always talented in the arts. Maslow says the style he has developed
makes a still object appear as if it is in move-
I used to win all the contests at school and ment. He describes it as “still motion.”

things, but I didn’t really think too much of “It was a cool way to capture something
as if it was encapsulated in wet paint or cov-
it,” he shares. ered in wet paint. And that momentum of it
coming apart as it moves is something that I
That all changed when Maslow discov- naturally leaned toward,” Maslow explains.

ered people at a company out of California Whether the movement appears along
busy streets, as in Maslow’s “Mainstreet,”
who were drawing on surfboards with a the eruption of color in “Exploding Bou-
quet,” or in the thunder of hoofbeats in
type of paint marker from Japan. After he “Exploding Friesian Horse,” the motion is
messy and chaotic, a little like life itself.
tried drawing on his friend’s surfboards, he
Maslow calls himself a paint-
was discovered one day by a local surfboard erly artist.

manufacturer and obtained his first real job “A painter’s painter. I really
gravitate toward photo-real-
as an artist. ism, but I am also best with
abstract art. It wasn’t until I
Eventually, Maslow headed to California painted photorealistic portraits
that I began to understand
to study clothing manufacturing and graph- abstract art. That was where the
style was born, this explosive
ic design at the Fashion Institute of Design still-motion concept. I’m basi-
cally combining both realism
and Merchandising. By then, he had also and abstract work in a way
that one doesn’t necessarily
begun to experiment with different medi- dominate the other. They work
in harmony.”
ums, adding spray painting to his repertoire
Gallery 14 is located at 1911
once he discovered graffiti art. 14th Ave.,Vero Beach. For more
information, visit gallery14
“I remember vividly, riding the train to As he continued to add new mediums hopes to one day have his own works on verobeach.com. 
and tools, Maslow says his work evolved to a museum walls.
downtown Los Angeles for the first time. “mixed media working art form.”
“I have these massive paintings. I didn’t
When I rode by the L.A. riverbed, I saw that On a trip back to Florida one year, he paint them with the intention of sale; I
discovered he could, in fact, make a living painted them to be hung in museums.
all the sidewalls were covered in graffiti. I’d by painting large-scale murals. Inspired Because I knew that if I wanted to have my
by surrealist artist Salvador Dali, Maslow work in a museum, I would have to get used
never really seen any graffiti. I was pressed attributes his use of different mediums and to working on such a grand scale,” he says.
styles to “seeing the greatness of Dali,” and
against the glass, enamored with all this “There is a great sense of fulfillment that

graffiti I was seeing. I instantly became

obsessed,” Maslow recalls.

It took some time, but he was eventu-

ally able to break into that art

platform, which was a world

into itself.

“It was a subculture. You

had to know somebody to get

involved. It changed my whole

life,” he explains. He adds that

it was through graffiti that he

learned how to paint on a larger

scale.

“The spray paint medium

isn’t a medium that you can

work small. I tried to paint on

canvas, and it wasn’t working.

So, I’d have to go find walls

under the overpasses or walls in

areas where I could have time

alone to myself to experiment

and practice with the spray cans

and make some really crappy

art as I developed my skills.” Artist Christopher Maslow in front of his largest mural – “Exploding Kingfisher” – in Kissimmee.

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS December 23, 2021 3

‘Carousel’: Actor excited for another go-round at Riverside

BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer sicals for grown-ups. There is so much PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERSIDE THEATRE feeling alone and [like] outsiders in our
[email protected] richness baked into so much of their community.”
projects. While the audience is being en- issues of forgiveness, love and communi-
“Carousel” by Richard Rodgers and Os- tertained, they’re being challenged.” ty and doesn’t shy away from the topic of And then there is that music.
car Hammerstein has some of the most domestic violence. “The sweep of ‘The Carousel Waltz”
glorious music in musical theater. Sellon noted that the show dealt with is thrilling and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’
From the lyrical “Carousel Waltz” “Billy is such a challenging anti-he- speaks to everyone,” Sellon said. “How
that opens the show to the heartbreak- ro,” he said. “So many of us can relate to do you go on [after a loss]? That’s the
ing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “If I healing part of ‘Carousel.’ It’s not ulti-
Loved You,” to the fun of “June is Bustin’ mately a tragedy. It’s very uplifting. It’s
Out All Over,” the show has songs that about hope.”
sing and speak to the heart. Only the Sellon plays the Heavenly Friend, as-
second show Rodgers and Hammerstein sistant to the Starkeeper. After Billy
wrote together, it has stood the test of dies, the pair help him make amends.
time as a work that is both joyful and sad
and that deals with some difficult topics. “When we enter the story, it goes in
The 19th century story about a carnival another whole direction,” Sellon said.
barker named Billy and a gentle mill-
worker named Julie is a testament to how “In ‘Carousel,’ death is not the end
strong love can be. of the story or of Billy’s journey. We’re
there to help him complete his jour-
“Carousel” will be presented Jan. 4-23 ney. It’s tough love. They don’t cut him
at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, and any slack. That magical element comes
Andrew Sellon, who has performed there in and says redemption is possible. Who
in “An Empty Plate at the Café du Grand doesn’t want to hope that? That’s why
Boeuf” and “The Mystery of Edwin the musical continues to resonate. It’s
Drood,” returns as the Heavenly Friend. got everything: fabulous love songs, fun
He spoke recently about why this project numbers, dance numbers, a lot of spec-
is so special to him. tacle and a carousel. With Allen Cornell
in charge, it will be stunning.
“I love this musical,” he said. “I love “It’s got something more. It’s not just
Rodgers and Hammerstein, although to entertain but to challenge us to be bet-
this is my first show. I feel like they’re mu-
CONTINUED ON PAGE B4

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4 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com

Incomparable Feinstein synonymous with America’s finest music

BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer ‘Every moment of a live
[email protected] show is unique. That’s one
of the things I love about it.
In the interests of full disclosure, I must admit that I We’ve always needed music.
was a Michael Feinstein fan before I interviewed him. We’re recognizing it more.’
After the interview … well, it’s almost like being in love.
The preeminent ambassador for the Great American to write some of America’s greatest popular standards. I sings standards in Las Vegas or Harry Styles sings ‘Over
Songbook, conductor and performer is as debonair and asked him why he thought that was such a fertile time, the Rainbow,’ it increases the exposure for millions.”
suave as I hoped he’d be. When I told him I was a fan and he spoke of the role immigrants played.
because I was from New York and he is New York, he Even among the exalted standards of the Great Amer-
laughed. He is the quintessential New Yorker although “Culturally, there was a great curiosity in the world ican Songbook, a few songs have risen to the top. “Over
he grew up in Columbus, Ohio. It’s been an amazing and an excitement for life,” he said. “There was a keener the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen is one.
journey. appreciation for what America had to offer, seen by the
children of immigrants through their parents’ eyes. The “The craft is perfection,” Feinstein said. “It was cre-
Feinstein – who will be appearing at Fort Pierce’s Sun- parents instilled in the children what was possible in ated for a purpose and filled that need. It was written
rise Theatre on Jan. 16 – began playing the piano by ear this country. Most came from humble beginnings, but specifically for Judy Garland and for the emotional reso-
when he was 5. When he was 20, he moved to Los Angeles. there was a feeling that anything was possible. In New nance it needed. The country was in transition, recover-
One of the people he met was the widow of pianist and York, there was an incredible educational system with ing from the Depression but with a war overseas. It was
actor Oscar Levant. the cultures all mixed up together. It created a more part of an iconic film and it brought people hope.”
worldly perspective of the world because it was a micro-
“She was an early champion,” he said. “I got her cosm of the world.” Feinstein would not name a favorite song to perform
phone number and made a cold call. I met her and because he works with his audience.
we became friendly. She would introduce me as her In 2007, Feinstein founded the Great American Song-
protégé. She was having lunch with Mrs. Ira Gershwin. book Foundation. Its mission is to preserve the unique “Everything I do live is in confluence with the lis-
I met her and Ira and he hired me to catalogue his pho- art form. I told him I meet kids who have never heard teners,” he said. “The energy changes and affects how
tograph records, an accumulation of recordings, pro- of “Oklahoma,” and he quipped that they didn’t even I perform any song I sing. Some audiences are more
mo copies and radio tape recordings that dated back to know where Oklahoma is. Still, his work has a serious responsive. My interpretation is of the moment, and is
1916-1917. It was my first job, and within a year, I be- purpose. It is a grassroots movement of people who lis- different, depending on the response of the audience.
came his personal assistant. I was with him for six years, ten and share the music, causing a ripple effect. Every moment of a live show is unique. That’s one of the
until his death.” things I love about it. We’ve always needed music. We’re
“Forty young people come to the Foundation with recognizing it more.”
In numerous interviews, Feinstein has spoken about many different perspectives,” he said. “They connect
how Gershwin taught him to look at lyrics on a deeper with the songs and once they experience it, it stays. The We’ve been without live music for a long while. Let’s
level, and of the importance of finding the perfect combi- exposure happens through performances. I believe the hope it – and Michael Feinstein – are here to stay.
nation of music and lyrics. I asked if it is the music or the potential is extraordinary with technology. I’m always
lyrics that drives the interpretation. working to build bridges. If someone like Lady Gaga Michael Feinstein appears at the Sunrise Theatre, 117
S. Second St., Fort Pierce, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Call 772-
“It’s both,” he said. “The synergy creates the balance 461-4775 or visit sunrisetheatre.com. 
of elements and a seamless creation. If one is stronger
or weaker, it doesn’t work. Composers Alan and Marilyn
Bergman have said that when they heard a tune, the lyr-
ic was already written. They just had to find the words.”

Feinstein has been bringing the best of American mu-
sic and lyrics to the forefront for decades. He has been
nominated for five Grammy Awards, had Emmy-nom-
inated PBS specials, including “New Year’s Eve at the
Rainbow Room.” He was named the Principal Pops con-
ductor for the Pasadena Symphony in 2012, launched a
Pops series at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach in
2014, and is artistic director of the Palladium Center for
the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. He is director of
Carnegie Hall’s “Standard Time with Michael Feinstein,”
and director of the Jazz and Popular Music Series at Jazz
at Lincoln Center. His clubs – Feinstein’s at the Nikko
in San Francisco, Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York and
Feinstein’s @Vitello in Los Angeles – showcase top mu-
sical talents. He has appeared at the White House, Buck-
ingham Palace, the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and
the Sydney Opera House.

Feinstein has often spoken about the confluence of
great composers and lyricists who thrived in the mid-
20th century. There was room for a Cole Porter, two Ger-
shwins, a Berlin, an Ellington and a Kern, among others,

‘CAROUSEL’ ‘Carousel’ guts me every time. It’s funny, “They’ve taken care of the staff and the involved. The Riverside really cares about its
gorgeous and romantic, exciting and also audience,” Sellon said. “They didn’t do a fall artists. This is the first time (back) on stage
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3 deeply, deeply moving. Going back to the show, but opened big with a big musical. It’s for most of us and it’s pretty thrilling.”
ancient Greeks, part of why you went to a big gift to the community to say we’re back
ter people. It’s what I love about Rodgers the theater was catharsis, and ‘Carousel’ and we’re so glad. This was my first in-per- Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park
and Hammerstein. They look at humanity, delivers that. The musical has it all.” son audition in almost two years. I think Dr.,Vero Beach, presents Rodgers and Ham-
warts and all. This one has heavenly inter- the show will knock people’s socks off and merstein’s “Carousel” Jan. 4-23. Call 772-
vention that puts it on a whole other level. For Sellon and Riverside, this is the end mean an enormous amount for everyone 231-6990 or visit riversidetheatre.com. 
of a long period of lockdown, post-COVID.

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS December 23, 2021 5

IRSC celebrates Moliere with reimagined ‘Imaginary Invalid’ production

BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer
[email protected]

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin was born 400 Zhakiah Taylor as Beralda, Kyle Duncan
years ago this month. Better known by his as Argan and Victoria Whitty as Toinette
stage name, Moliere, he became, perhaps, rehearse a scene from “The Imaginary
the most famous playwright France has Invalid.”
ever produced. Moliere wrote comedies,
farces, tragicomedies and comedie-bal- The plot centers on Argan, a hypochon- free advice, but Angelique loves another. PHOTO COURTESY OF IRSC/DRAMA
lets, and became an official writer for driac who is constantly complaining and “When we dig deeper than the nature
the court of Louis XIV as well as a famed searching for cures for his imaginary ill- Kanter said. That latter reason was part of
actor. Later, his satire earned him the en- nesses. He wants to marry off his daugh- of medical practice, this play is about a why he set the play in the 1960s.
mity of the Catholic Church and some of ter, Angelique, to a medical student to get girl trying to choose her own husband,
his plays were banned. In 1673, during a rather than have an arranged marriage,” “I wanted to find an appropriate set-
production of “The Imaginary Invalid,” ting where young characters feel like
Moliere, who had tuberculosis, hemor-
rhaged. He finished the performance but CONTINUED ON PAGE B7
died several hours later.

To commemorate Moliere’s 400th birth-
day, Indian River State College’s drama
department will present “The Imaginary
Invalid” Jan. 13-15. Alexander Kanter,
master theater instructor at IRSC, spoke
recently about the play and about why he
has set it in the 1960s.

“When this play premiered, it was a farci-
cal, nonsensical and hyper-exaggerated sat-
ire of what Moliere saw as the risks of taking
any beliefs to an extreme,” he said. “Moliere
is quick not to attack all of medical science,
just what he sees as extremes. He is attacking
con men pretending to be doctors.”

6 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com

SCINTILLATING ‘SOUNDS OF THE SEASON’ AT SUNRISE

Talented performers graced the Sunrise Theatre stage in Fort PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN
Pierce last Friday at the 10th Annual Sounds of the Season Holiday
Concert. Above: Aaliyah S, above, of PACE Center for Girls, per-
forms a dance routine. Near right: Apollo Vega and the Vega Tribe
Band perform. Far right: Kamari Cherisma of E.N.D. IT! performs
as the scarecrow in a reinterpretation of “The Wizard of Oz.” 

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS December 23, 2021 7

‘IMAGINARY INVALID’ distinction between something 40 years
old or 400.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B5
The show will have recorded music
their parents are in a different world and with chart-topping hits and there are also
aren’t tuned to their needs,” Kanter said. six featured dancers with dancing schol-
“I wanted to juxtapose the hippie move- arship students at IRSC.
ment, with all of its sense of unrest, pro-
test and conflict of generations, with both “It’s similar to a major musical,” Kanter
the themes of the play and where we are said. “The dancers have been integrated
today. In the ’60s, we start seeing woman’s into the fabric of this production.”
lib and standing up for the empowerment
of the younger generation.” Argan will be played by Kyle Duncan,
a second-year student who previously
While the play has messages, it also played Bottom in IRSC’s production of “A
has fun. Kanter is particularly interested Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The family’s
in the design of both costumes and archi- longtime servant, Toinette, is played by
tecture during the 1960s. Victoria Whitty, who was Puck in “A Mid-
summer Night’s Dream.”
“The sets are stunning,” he said.
“They’re mid-century modern. The cos- “These two experienced actors playing
tumes feature Day-Glo fluorescence along off one another in rehearsals has been
with mini-skirts and Go-Go boots. The one of the true highlights of my year,”
setting allows me to infuse this produc- Kanter said. “It’s a true delight. They are
tion with four musical interludes featur- very gifted with classical work and have
ing songs and dances popular in the ’60s comedic chops.”
that the audience is sure to recognize.”
IRSC’s drama department does some of
While the play was, of course, originally the most interesting programming in our
in French, the translation they are using is area. You can support our local students
in prose and is easy to understand. and creative, innovative offerings with
tickets to “The Imaginary Invalid.” You’ll
“We’re staging it with zany antics, ri- have a groovy time, too.
diculous movement and embracing the
clowning that Moliere was so fond of,” Indian River State College presents “The
Kanter said. “At the end of the day, we Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere Jan. 13-15
can’t stop laughing. The students read the at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center, 3209 Vir-
original play and the play is still the play. ginia Ave., Fort Pierce. Tickets are !5 for
What’s interesting to me about the stu- non-subscribers and $10 for subscribers.
dents is that old is old. There’s very little Call 1-800-220-9915 Monday through Fri-
day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

8 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com

COMING UP door movies on large screens; big festive What’s up at the Emerson? ‘Who’s Next’!
music from a vintage 1924 Wurlitzer Band
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 Organ; character visits; a winter won- Another Classic Albums Live per-
derland in the Hall of Giants; and even formance will rock Vero Beach’s Emer-
through Thursday, Dec 30, at McKee Bo- some dinosaurs decked out for the holi- son Center stage on Thursday, Jan. 13
tanical Garden in Vero Beach. The festival, days. Moreover, the Garden Café will be when this group of musical pros play
which draws thousands of visitors, could offering festive treats and beverages, and the Who’s “Who’s Next” repertoire of
not be held last year, so you can expect there will be daily holiday-themed crafts fabulous songs … note for note … cut
quite the enthusiastic display this year. and games during regular garden hours. for cut at 7 p.m. “Who’s Next,” released
It is a rare opportunity to see the garden Off-site parking is available at 146 Vista in 1971, was an immediate success
illuminated at night with thousands of Royale Square, Vero Beach. Shuttle buses when it was released and has since
professionally installed LED lights and will transport you to and from the garden. been viewed by many critics as one of
festive holiday displays. “Our staff and Be sure to call or check the website for the greatest albums of all time. Come
volunteers have worked tirelessly to make specific hours of events of interest to you. hear the talented musicians of Classic
sure that the whimsical displays, lights The Magic of McKee Festival of Lights will Albums Live perform this timeless col-
and festive atmosphere offer our mem- be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. lection of hits including “Behind Blue
bers and visitors a magical experience 23 and Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. Eyes,” “Baba O’Riley” and, of course,
during our 12 nights of Christmas,” says 28-30. Tickets are $15 general, $13 for se- “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
marketing and events manager Connie niors 65 years and older and youth 13 to
Cotherman. The opulent light display fes- 17 years, $10 for military and children 2 Tickets are on sale now ranging from $30-$80. For the best seats, buy tickets
toons the gardens with brilliance and sets to 12 years, and free to children under 2
the backdrop for some exciting activities. years of age. The McKee Botanical Garden now! Visit the website for a listing of all concerts, their available seating locations
There’s a bigger-than-ever giant train dis- is at 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Call 772-794-
play; a gingerbread house village; out- 0601 or visit McKeeGarden.org.  and ticket prices: MusicWorksconcerts.com or call the TIX Customer Service line

800-595-4849. The Emerson Center is conveniently located on the campus of the

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave., on the SE cor-

PORT ST. LUCIE’S NEWEST HOTSPOT LOUNGE! ner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue. The doors with Will Call access open at 6 p.m.

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Thursdays: Brazilian Night, LGBTQ Night & Comedy Nights
- Gerald & Susan
Fridays: 70s, 80s, 90s Dance Party
Saturdays: Latin Night OPEN DAILYTRY OUR FAMOUS BUTTER BURGER & DRIVE THRU
AVAILABLE
Sundays: Let us Host your party or event FRESH FROZEN CUSTARD MADE FRESH DAILY!

AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES & EVENTS SUN - THURS 10:30AM - 10PM • FRI & SAT 10:30AM-11PM
8765 US Hwy. 1, Port St. Lucie
Culver’s of Port St Lucie - Tradition
772.800.7912 CieloPSL.com
10770 SW Tradition Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 (772) 345-2874

© 2016 Culver Franchising System, Inc. PEPSI and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. 12/16

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CASUAL AND FINE DIN ING December 23, 2021 9

10 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CASUAL AND FINE DINING www.stlucievoice.com

Good Food. Good Spirits. Good Times.

FRIDAY 12/31

IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Dinner & Dancing 3-8 pm

Featuring the Music of Scott Barreto
Reservations Suggested

BINGO! Tues, 1/18/22, 5-8pm
Supporting Our Vets

Open 10am-til the fun stops! EVERY WEDNESDAY
6:30-9:30 KARAOKE
HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 3PM-6PM

The Saints Holiday TO GO Menu!

Need help with your Holiday meal or want to be the perfect Holiday
dinner guest and bring a delicious side dish or two to the party?

Call or go online to see our Holiday TO GO DINNER PACKAGES and SIDE
DISHES at www.thesaintspub.com wonderfully prepared by The Saints Pub

talented Chef Joe Varrell. Call with any questions! 561-703-6998

HALF PANS SERVES 6 to 8:

Sliced Ham w/ Honey Glaze $45
Sliced Turkey Breast $40
Green Bean Casserole $28

Sweet Potato w/ Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Marshmallow $35
Cornbread Stuffing $25
Mashed Potatoes $25

Homemade Cranberry Sauce $8/quart
Turkey Gravy $10/quart
Pumpkin Pie $12/each
Pecan Pie $15/each

2601 SE Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie Follow us on
772-281-2520 • TheSaintsPub.com

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CASUAL AND FINE DIN ING December 23, 2021 11

DELIVERY W/ DOORDASH & UBER EATS HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FREE TOPPING WITH
THE PURCHASE OF
Proudly Serving The
Ice Cream Club® A SCOOP OF
ICE CREAM!
Over 50 Ice
Cream Flavors ONE COUPON PER PERSON,
PER ORDER. EXP. 1/6/22.
No Sugar
Added Flavors Gluten Free
Pastries

Keto Cookies

Non Dairy Flavors Vegan Snacks

Milkshakes Sugar Free
Smoothies Chocolate

Candy Jars Brownies & Fudge

Dog Treats Cupcakes & Cakes

Hot Cocoa Bombs Macarons

Candles Order Online @COOLBEANZFL.COM Rum Cakes

11200 SW Village Parkway, Suite 103 Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
772-924-0900 [email protected] Open Daily 11-9
Ice Cream truck now available for all events!

FOLLOW US ON
OUR NEW

FACEBOOK PAGE
- 1680 WEST END
GRILL FOR DAILY

SPECIALS.

CATERING

AVAILABLE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES!

Now Open on Mondays 11am - 9pm
With music on the patio
from 6pm - 9pm

Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm
Friday 11am - 10pm • Saturday 9am - 10pm

Sunday 9am - 9pm
Brunch Sat. & Sun. 9am - 12pm

Music Monday - Saturday
Save $20 on Tues & Thurs Nights

with No Corking Fee

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or specials

WEDNESDAY WINE SPECIAL SLV

Order two Dinner entrees and receive a FREE bottle of house wine. Must present coupon.
Cannot be combined with any other discount. Applies to dinner entree selection only.
Expires 01/06/22

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 772-343-1146
1680 St. Lucie West Blvd.,
Family Owned & Operated

Support Your Local Merchants Port St. Lucie (Across from Walmart)

www.westendgrillstluciewest.com

Now offering heaters on patio

12 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com

FEELING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ALL

WHO’S COMPANY Kaison Scaringe, 10, above, has fun at HEY, SANTA! Michael Potter tells Santa and Mrs. Claus what
Breakfast with the Grinch in Port St. Lucie he wants for Christmas during Family Day at the
on Dec 12. Participants were served a full breakfast including green pancakes North Pole in Tradition on Dec. 12. The event featured pictures with the Claus-
and eggs. All proceeds benefited Team Miranda Strong, a local nonprofit that es, cookie decorating, crafts, games and more. Below, Santa’s reindeer arrive. 
raises awareness for allergies and asthma and celebrates the life of Miranda
Deonofrio, who passed away in 2017 from an asthma attack. Below: Erin Minner
as Cindy Lou Who, Rich DeOnofrio as the Grinch, Noah Martin as Max, Sue De-
Onofrio as Thing 1, Jennifer Martin as a Who character, Karen Carey as Thing 2,
Mary Mahieu as Thing 3, and Caden Beckham as the Cat in the Hat. 

PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN

3,000 Bolts of Cotton & Batik Fabrics Check Our Website For Our Class Schedule
Servicing All Brands of Sewing Machines TUES-FRI 10-4, SAT 10-3 • [email protected]

Check Our Website For Our Class Schedule
TUES-FRI 10-4, SAT 10-3 • PamsFabricNook.com

Closed 12/25/21 - 1/3/22

FROM OUR FAMILY
TO YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY

& HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

772-800-3019

8615 S. US Hwy. 1, Port Saint Lucie • [email protected]

Crowne Plaza - Across from Savanna Club

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE December 23, 2021 13

ACROSS ST. LUCIE! Kids cheer Rotary Club’s gift-giving!

TOY STORY The Port St. Lucie Police Department lead the Men It was just before Christmas, and and cleaned up the site. They also en-
At Arms Police Athletic League Officer Steve Brown all through the Port St. Lucie Police Ath- sured that each child enjoyed lunch,
Memorial Toy Run recently. Below, Men At Arms participate in the event, letic League’s facility, nearly 160 joyous assisted Santa with the gift-giving, and
which started at Sandhill Crane Park in Port St. Lucie and ended at Para- children feasted on pizza as they await- helped the kids with gift assembly.
mount Pawn & Jewelry. All toys collected were to be distributed to children in ed their turn to speak with Santa and
Port St. Lucie and to Children of Patches.  receive age-appropriate wrapped gifts Kids embraced the opportunity to
to take home. color cheery pictures and cards to
present to Santa, smile for photos with
Inspired by their motto “Service him, and graciously thank him for the
Above Self,” the Rotary Club of Port St. many thoughtful gifts.
Lucie has carried on
this tradition each holi- Thanks to year-
day season for 35 years. round fundraising ef-
Each year, the Rotar- forts, including the sale
ians solicit Port St. of Enjoyment books,
Lucie’s public schools their Annual Rotary
to help determine the Cares for Kids, and
best candidates based other events, all gifts
on need. The individu- are purposefully pur-
al schools relay the age chased with each child
and gender without in mind. Over 3,500 lo-
names to ensure each cal children have ben-
child’s privacy. efited throughout the
years.
The St. Lucie Coun-
ty School District The Rotary Club of
provides the buses, Port St. Lucie celebrates
sponsored by the Ro- its 40th Anniversary this
tary Club, to transport the kids to their year. It meets every Tuesday at noon at the
festive destination for a few hours of Sandpiper Room of the Saints Pub at the
holiday cheer. The Treasure Coast High Saints Golf and Country Club. For more
School Varsity Football Team members information, visit PSLRotary.org. 
served as elves who set up, took down
–­ BY MARYANN KETCHAM/CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN Treasure Coast High football team
volunteers at Rotary Club Christmas party.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYANN KETCHAM

BOATING WITHOUT OWNING BECOME A CAREFREE BOAT
CLUB MEMBER TODAY

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14 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com

The Brennity ‘warms’ Botanical Gardens
to the occasion with cultivates creativity
its Holiday Parade with its ‘Art Show’

Last week’s annual Brennity BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent

Holiday Parade was a celebration The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is the
perfect canvas for an art show.
of “Warm Traditions,” Florida
See for yourself at the third annual Art
style. The tropical-themed parade Show in the Gardens, Saturday and Sunday,
Jan. 8-9.
was led by Head Mermaid Kar-
“As of [last week], we have 62 artists,” said
en McHenry (The Brennity at Mark Barnes, art show chair – along with
four food and drink vendors, and two musi-
Tradition’s executive director). cal acts. “I say (people) need to get outside
and have a little fun. It’s a juried art show.
The Renaissance Charter School This year anybody who was with us the first
two years we gave an automatic invite to. The
Band joined in the fun, along majority of our show is the artists from the
first two years.”
with the chorus, student council,
On Saturday, the Gratitude Steel band will
football team and cheer team take the stage. The steel drum band covers a
wide range of music from the South Pacific
from Tradition Prep High School, and Caribbean with some fusion thrown
into the mix. “Good party music for a Satur-
who were joined by an array of day,” said Barnes. On Sunday, it’s the Antares
Band, which plays “blues, country and rock,”
sea creatures like jelly fish, sharks Barnes explained.

and lobsters, followed by Carmen After the art show wraps on Saturday, at-
tendees can hang with the artists. “We’re
Miranda and a tropical fruit salad. having Party with the Artists,” Barnes said.
“The tickets are $25, and $40 for two.”
Of course, Tropical Santa, The
There will be live music, and Coco Bon-
Grinch, a couple flamingos, and gos will be serving at the party. “The people
can get any kind of drink they want at the
numerous members of facility’s bar,” said Barnes. Two drinks per ticket.

housekeeping department and “It’s a time to break down after the day and
get to talk to the different artists,” Barnes re-
residents also showed up with a marked.

whole lot of holiday spirit. The The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance will be on
hand with plein air artists. There will also be
Brennity gives a special shout-out a public-participation art in progress.

to Genesis Rehab, ComForCare “You can come in and paint a part of the
picture they started,” said Barnes.
and Community Home Health for
Oh, and not all visual art involves paint.
their participation and creativi- “We’ve got dancers coming in,” Barnes of-
fered. “They’ll do a dance Saturday after-
ty. The Brennity at Tradition, an noon.”

assisted-living facility, is located at The Botanical Gardens was long envi-
sioned to be a place to host art shows. The
10685 SW Stony Creek Way, Port St. city acquired the land in 2002 with, in part,
funding from the Florida Communities Trust
Lucie. For more information, visit Land Conservation Program and St. Lucie
County.
brennitytradition.com or call 772-
The land, a former fish camp, was slat-
252-1900.  ­– CONTRIBUTED ed for residential development since the
1980s. Those plans never came to fruition.
Solutions from Games Pages ACROSS DOWN Discussion to turn some of the land into the
in December 9, 2021 Edition 1 DEAN 1 DRAWBACK botanical gardens started around 2005. Gar-
3 OTIS 2 AQUARIUM den construction started in 2009. It opened
9 TRAMP 4 TENNIS in March 2010. While the park is city-owned,
10 ABUNDANCE 5 STEAMER the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical
11 AVERT 6 SAGE Gardens runs it.
12 BERYLLIUM 7 SPOT
15 CAULKS 8 IDOL The Botanical Gardens, which is 100 per-
17 CRUISE 13 VICTORIA cent wheelchair accessible, is at 2410 SE West-
19 SPAGHETTI 14 REMINDED moreland Blvd. Hours for the Art Show are
21 FIGHT 16 KESTREL Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday
23 RECOVERED 18 SAUCER from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for the Party with
24 RIFLE 20 HIVE the Artists available at pslbg.org/artparty. 
25 LORE 21 FORT
26 LAUD 22 GIFT

Sudoku Page B13 Sudoku Page B14 Crossword Page B13 Crossword Page B14 (MORE PUN-ISHMENT)

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY December 23, 2021 15

PSL NEWCOMERS CLUB DONATES $2K TO THE ARC

Greg Snider, PSL Newcomers Club president, presents a check for $2,000 to At its December meeting, the PSL Newcomers Club Learn to Read of St. Lucie County.
Tara Goheen, director of services for The ARC. PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY GROSSMAN presented a $2,000 check to The ARC of St. Lucie County. “In addition,” said Snider, “each year we contribute ap-

“Every year, through the generosity of our club mem- proximately $1,000 to Sarah’s Kitchen as well as hundreds
bers, we are able to donate a sizable check to an area not- of boxes of pasta.
for-profit,” said President Greg Snider. “This year, while
struggling through COVID to keep the club viable, was no “Our 80 members, while dedicated to having fun and
exception. participating in a variety of social activities, also take seri-
ously the importance of supporting the various charities
“ARC, our 2021 recipient, is a local corporation that in the community in which we live.”
provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals
with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. The PSL Newcomers Club meets on the first Monday of
As a local not-for-profit private corporation, they certain- every month at 10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 343 Prima Vista
ly fit the parameters for our yearly contribution.” Blvd. Social hours begins a 9 a.m. All Treasure Coast res-
idents are welcome to join. In addition, the Club accepts
Over the past three years, the PSL Newcomers Club, both new and long-time residents. Annual dues are only
while primarily a social club, has donated thousands of $45 for a single membership and $65 for a couple. For more
dollars to various area nonprofits, including $3,000 to information, send an email to [email protected]. 
Voices for Children, $3,000 to the West St. Lucie Elks, and
$1,000 each to the PSL Volunteer Ambulance Service and ­– BY CAROLYN SNIDER/CONTRIBUTED

ST. LUCIE VOICE SERVICE DIRECTORY: ADVERTISING ST. LUCIE AND TRADITION SERVICES

Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services and products to the local community an opportunity at a very reasonable cost.
Lisa Crawford can help you to reach this audience. Call Lisa at 516-721-0848 or email at [email protected].

Computerworks, Inc.
PC & MAC REPAIRS
NETWORKING • WEB HOSTING/DESIGN

TROUBLE SHOOTING
UPGRADES & TRAINING

“SUNNY” 772-485-2190

WWW.COMPUTERWORKS.ME

Tradition, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

RED BEARD

Moving & Storage

May Your Move Be Smooth

Call7us7t2od-a8y f0or0a -fr9ee2es2tim6ate!

Solar Man Michael R. Repoli, CPA, EA

BATTERIES & MOBILE SOLAR POWER In trouble with
the IRS?
Larry W. Jennings • Energy Consultant
Owe money or need to
(561) 248-2106 • [email protected] file past taxes?
Batteries for cars, trucks, boats, heavy equipment,
Need an affordable
golf carts & Mobile solar power generators part time Controller?

INCOME TAXES. ROOT CANAL.
Fortunately, we can help with the
more painful of the two.

Call: 772-878-3703 Fax: 772-343-7287

www.repolicpa.com

16 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com

SOLUTIONS TPORPERVEIOVUIOSUESDIISTSIOUEN’(SDESCOELMUBTEIORN1S6,) SOENEPPAAGGEEBB1164

ACROSS DOWN
1 Tin (3) 1 Lobster trap (5)
3 Strip of pasta (6) 2 Idiot, oddball (7)
7 Area of New York (4,4) 3 Sound (5)
8 Hitch (4) 4 Conduct, control(7)
9 Dotage (3,3) 5 Also-ran (5)
10 Small shoots (6) 6 Manipulate (6)
11 Assert, affirm (6) 12 Elbow-room (6)
14 County town of Devon(6) 13 Lift (7)
16 Mark out (6) 15 Printing error (7)
18 Whittled (6) 17 Point, topic (5)
20 Whims (4) 18 Marine map (5)
21 Slaughterhouse (8) 19 Expel, eject (5)
22 Grudge (6)
23 Small rug (3)

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

To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES December 23, 2021 17

ACROSS 92 ... I’d send William F. 39 Have debts The Washington Post
1 ... I’d send Inuits Buckley to ___ 42 Seer Dixon
43 Available, as ale IF I OWNED A TRAVEL AGENCY... By Merl Reagle
to ___ 95 Outwitter of 40 thieves 44 Valuable dust,
6 City near Tempe 96 Lena of movies
10 Get rambunctious 97 Baked treat to Valdez
15 Hormel product 98 Nautical term 45 Plug place
19 Shed ___ 99 ... I’d send fortunetellers 46 Piddling
20 Summarily let go 47 Weight unit
21 Actress Christine to ___ 48 Terrible time?
22 Sinuous dance 103 “West and wewaxation” 50 Fruit drink brand
23 ... I’d send Sylvester 52 Touch a Tiger
seeker 54 Some math sets
Stallone to ___ 104 Word that might accompany 55 Scoreless tie
25 ... I’d send Chevy Chase to 57 Court assn.
a fist pump 60 Nettlesome
___ 107 Odin, for one 61 Historic Korean port
27 Damaged, as damask 108 John’s Welsh equivalent 62 Jazz setting?
28 A lower figure 109 Stare in wonder 63 M. Descartes
29 Critter or leg part 110 Author Emile 66 “Come again?”
30 Collection agcy. 111 ... I’d send the Three 68 Bone hurler in 2001
31 Roguish 69 Salman Rushdie’s birthplace
32 Use a fly rod Stooges to ___ 70 Flower supports
33 ... I’d send magicians to ___ 115 ... I’d send myself to the 71 Hardy heroine
38 Next-to-last round 72 Icy treats, ___-cones
39 Quebec assent Swiss city of ___ 73 Charged particle
40 Steps out of line 117 Skin feature 75 Halted the flow of
41 Little one 118 Actor Davis 76 Tapestry
42 ... I’d send half the 119 German river 77 Slangy dollars
120 Overturn 78 Feigns illness
plumbers to ___ ... 121 Sleeping Beauty waker 79 Fuel ending
45 Minor 122 Gardening bane 81 Prop for Tiger
47 Tubside flooring 123 Night predators 83 Fearsome Hindu goddess
48 Principle 124 ... and I’d send banana 84 Yale students
49 Outfit anew, as a horse 86 Elec. co., e.g.
51 ... I’d send Cheech and salesmen to ___, New York 87 That girl
91 Ardent
Chong to ___ DOWN 93 Destitute ones
53 ... I’d send the other 1 L.A. hot spot, 8/11/65 94 Birch tree
2 Dramatist Fugard 96 Latin word on a dollar bill
plumbers to ___ 3 Suspicious 97 Hook’s undoer
56 Volunteer’s response 4 ___ interest 100 Deals (with)
58 Child who behaves 5 Sellout sign 101 Egg-shaped
6 Succeeds 102 Diamond “corners”
perfectly 7 Am alive 103 ___ Attraction
59 Bingeing 8 Witnesses 104 Bumpkin
60 ... I’d send cold sufferers to 9 Newspapers, mostly 105 Nicholas Gage book
10 Pond scum 106 Wall St.’s ___ 500
___ 11 Cheers barmaid 109 Eat like a rat
64 Some IRAs 12 John Donne poem 110 Shocks
65 Singer Leonard 13 Stage coach Hagen 111 Toll rd.
67 Thrill 14 Tire-change place 112 ___ polloi
68 Spray 15 Puppeteer Lewis 113 Moon jumper
72 ... I’d send lawyers 16 Athrob 114 Sugar ending
17 Total effort 115 Metrics opener
to ___ 18 More, to Miguel 116 Him, in Nimes
74 Moderately slow 24 Slangy dollars
76 Jordan’s capital 26 Partner of starts
80 Snack cracker brand 29 X, to Xanthippe
81 ... I’d send Mr. Garcia 32 City near Calexico, El ___
33 Wine vats
and Mr. Williams 34 Lawyer-creating guy
to ___ 35 Web addresses, familiarly
82 ... I’d send Hiawatha 36 “It’s true!”
to ___ 37 Purloin
85 Avoidance, perhaps 38 Percale items
88 Seriously impairs
89 Hollywood opening
90 Straighten

The Telegraph

18 December 23, 2021 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES/BOOKS www.stlucievoice.com

LEADING THE WAY TO BEAT THE CONTRACT WEST NORTH EAST
K852 Q 10 7 AJ3
By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist 53 K984 QJ2
Q J 10 9 AK8753 64
Woodrow Wilson, in a letter to Mary A. Hulbert in 1913, wrote, “Power consists in J76 — 85432
one’s capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of
cooperation.” SOUTH
964
A bridge defender makes opening leads that hopefully have been chosen for a good A 10 7 6
reason, and with the cooperation of partner will lead to the demise of the contract. 2
A K Q 10 9
Look at this week’s West hand. What should he lead against four hearts after the given
auction? Dealer: North; Vulnerable: Both

You should discuss the start to this bidding sequence with your partner. South, since The Bidding:
he will force to game, bids his longest suit first. North rebids two diamonds, which most
experts treat as guaranteeing only five diamonds. If North rebids in a different suit, it SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST OPENING
indicates at most four diamonds. (For example, he rebids two hearts with a 4=4=4=1 1 Diamonds Pass
hand.) Then, when South shows his four-card heart suit, North raises, promising four- 2 Clubs Pass 2 Diamonds Pass LEAD:
card support. 2 Hearts Pass 3 Hearts Pass ??
4 Hearts Pass Pass Pass
In this week’s deal, West should analyze his alternatives like this: a club is crazy, the
diamond queen inadvisable and a trump potentially suicidal. That leaves spades,
and West should select the two because when you lead a low card from a three-
card or longer unbid suit, it should contain at least one honor. With no honor, lead an
unnecessarily high card. Remember the acronym BoSToN: Bottom of Something, Top of
Nothing.

Since the low spade guarantees an honor in the suit, East confidently puts in his jack.
This lets the defenders collect three spades and one heart.

Note that on any other lead declarer can cruise home with two overtricks.

BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN Grisham most often will take tial evidence, that the killer is a sitting judge; she files
a specific subject – one which a complaint against the judge with Lacy’s agency,
When readers think about interests him or which is of current which is obligated by law to investigate all filed com-
public interest – and research it plaints. Crosby insists that the complaint be anon-
the “legal thriller” genre, thoroughly, usually by in-depth ymous, as the sitting judge will have access to the
discussions with the most import- information in the file, and she fears he will try to kill
the name John Grisham is ant and knowledgeable experts on her; Lacy reluctantly agrees to that condition, which
that subject. In this latest gift, the proves to be an astute decision. Thus, Grisham sets
usually what follows. Grish- subject is a serial killer who is also up an intriguing story – Lacy involves the various law
enforcement agencies and instruments of state, local
am has owned this area of a sitting judge. And as is usually and federal government to investigate and ultimately
the case, Grisham weaves the facts reveal the judge’s crimes. How the various agents and
BOOK novels of the story into the context, with governmental agencies unite and work together to
ever since all the most believable charac- solve the crimes – guided by Lacy’s formerly unrec-
ter motivations, and gives us a ognized skills, her instincts and her surehandedness
REVIEW his sec- story which draws us deeper and in a seriously male-dominated world – how they track
ond novel, deeper with each paragraph. “The the judge, how Lacy and Crosby almost get killed by
Judge’s List” is one of the best in the judge, and how the allied forces-for-good ulti-
“The Firm,” was produced as mately solve the case, is Grisham at his best. And as
his long catalogue. To be writing with many of his legal thriller novels, he custom tai-
a film starring Tom Cruise. at this exceptionally high level, to lors the ending to suit the story; sorry, no giveaways
keep his stories fresh and com- here as to that ending.
Today, 40-plus novels later, pelling, after 40 years on the job
says a lot about how truly skilled he is. When Grisham has wandered into fields outside
almost all best sellers and Grisham gives us Lacy Stoltz, an experienced in- the legal thriller neighborhood, such as his sports
vestigator at the Board of Judicial Conduct in Florida, books and his young adult books, I felt that he was
most achieving the coveted a backwater, sleepy governmental agency which good, but not great. With every one of his legal thrill-
investigates complaints against judges. She gets a ers, I always felt like I was reading the master. And
No. 1 status, he is still giv- cold call from Jeri Crosby, whose father was murdered so it is with “The Judge’s List,” Grisham at his best,
20 years ago. Crosby has spent those 20 years trying giving us exactly what we want in a legal thriller.
ing us first-rate books which to track down her father’s killer, and has discovered Loved this one and can’t wait for his next one.
that the killer has at least 10 other victims, in each
evidence his greatness as case using the exact same technique: a blunt instru- Larry David Allman is a PGA Verano resident. His
ment to the head, and a nylon rope tied around the latest novel, “Downward Dog in Miami,” is available
an author, storyteller, and neck with a unique sailor’s knot at the end. Crosby on Amazon. 
believes, and has accumulated extensive circumstan-
American treasure. Indeed,300

million-plus books sold is the

highest tribute an author can receive.

With such historically high sales and the consis-

tency of his exceptional writing, it is interesting to

note that his first novel, “Time for A Killing,” was

rejected by 28 publishers before a minor publish-

er took a chance on an unknown writer. Another

interesting thing to note about Grisham’s popular-

ity as a novelist is that nine of his books have been

produced as movies. His latest, “The Judge’s List,”

has the weight, story, characters, tension and heft

to be one of those major motion pictures coming to

a theater or screen near you, with Hollywood’s top

stars in the cast.