VB32963_ISSUE05_020217_OPT

Vero Beach Rowing focused
on funding goal. P16
Triple Crown gala
at Art Museum. P12

Community champions
honored by Chamber. P18

MY VERO Hunting for a parking spot on Ocean Drive. PHOTO BY GORDON RADFORD Hopeful buyer
of INEOS plans
BY RAY MCNULTY Ocean Drive parking still a mess as GoLine gives up to employ 200

Island resident reflects BY RAY MCNULTY lery on Ocean Drive, described day riding it, I can't blame BY LISA ZAHNER
on role at 1st Super Bowl Staff Writer his feelings about the failure of them for shutting it down," Staff Writer
GoLine's now-defunct beach- said Mistretta, who is also
Fifty years later, one partic- "Disappointed but not sur- side bus route to ease the president of Vero's Beachside Alliance BioEnergy Presi-
ular image from the first Super prised." parking shortage in the Cen- Retailers Association and an dent Daniel de Liege told
Bowl remains etched in Bud tral Beach business district. Oceanside Business Associa- county commissioners last
Lamoreaux's memory, and it That's how Caesar Mistretta, week that he plans to employ
wasn't of legendary Green Bay co-owner of the Stringer Gal- "With only eight people a CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 200 people at the defunct
Packers coach Vince Lombar- INEOS plant if his offer to
di or any of his players. buy the property is accepted,
and if he can be sure there’s a
Working as a producer for steady stream of yard waste to
the CBS News team assigned feed his patented, mechanical
to the historic event, Lamor- process for making ethanol.
eaux's eyes were scanning the
Los Angeles Memorial Coli- The Board of County Com-
seum crowd when they came missioners heard him out,
upon then-NFL Commission- and directed staff to draft a
er Pete Rozelle sitting in his 90-day option on the county’s
booth. mulched vegetative material
discarded by residents and
"He was watching the game landscapers. That deal, which
on television," Lamoreaux is expected to be voted on Feb.
was saying last week, when we
spent more than an hour talk- CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
ing on the back porch of his
Vero Beach home about his
40-plus years at CBS, where

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Shots heard ’round Hospital CEO announces decision to retire as losses mount
Ocean Pearl fired
BY MICHELLE GENZ end of this year. Both the offi-
by duck hunters Staff Writer cial hospital press release and
a letter from Susi to the board
BY RAY MCNULTY Just a year and a half ago, Indian River Medical Center CEO Jeff Susi. PHOTO BY DENISE RITCHIE say he has decided to “retire.”
Staff Writer in the fall of 2015, Indian
River Medical Center’s Jeff But the unexpected depar-
When Leslie Hunt first heard Susi said under oath in a de- ture of one of the county’s
the popping sounds in Decem- position that he expected to highest paid executives is set
ber, she wasn’t sure what it was remain as CEO for another against a landscape of finan-
or where it was coming from. “seven to 10 years.” cial losses that has some past
and present Hospital District
“I was in my house with the Those plans have changed. board members blanching.
doors and windows closed,” Susi, who turns 65 in three
she said, “so I thought it was months, will be out by the In the first quarter of the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

February 2, 2017 Volume 10, Issue 5 Newsstand Price $1.00 Waldo’s at 70:
Where Vero loves
News 1-10 Faith 73 Pets 72 TO ADVERTISE CALL to hang out. P26
Arts 31-38 Games 51-53 Real Estate 75-88 772-559-4187
Books 48 Health 55-61 St Ed’s 30
Dining 66 Insight 39-54 Style 62-65 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 46 People 11-29 Wine 67 CALL 772-226-7925

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

2 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

INEOS Chairman Joe Flescher began on only failed to fulfill all the many lofty added to the agenda, nearly three
a positive note, saying it seems the promises it made about transform- weeks after Vero Beach 32963 report-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 county may be getting more informa- ing garbage to energy, but managers ed that de Liege had made an offer to
tion out of Alliance than it ever got out tasked with sharing information left buy the plant and had met with top
7, was the outcome de Liege hoped for of INEOS, but then he tore into INEOS the county in the dark to an extent county managers. She said she was
as he said he needed an arrangement for its shortfalls and secrecy. that for months no one knew whether not pleased with being asked to make
in place on the “feed stock” as part of the plant was functioning, or on the a decision based on “minimal infor-
his funding package for the purchase. “We still do not know what INEOS verge of being shuttered. Corporate mation.”
produced, how much, where and what press releases offered sunny but shal-
But when he went to the podium, the process was, because everything low updates and county recycling staff “We are in a crunch with INEOS
de Liege also got a seemingly unan- was considered secret scientific mate- was denied the hard data needed to moving out. We will have to make
ticipated lecture about how not to rial and operations and we were kept get environmental credits from state some decisions, too, and I don’t want
operate his business. If he succeeds pretty much in the dark,” Flescher officials. something to fall through with this
in convincing owner Arbor Bank and said. “That’s why you might perceive a and that’s going to snag that process,”
the U.S. Department of Agriculture little bit of extra concern. It has noth- Commissioner Susan Adams took Adams said, referring to the fact that
that he is the right guy to take over the ing to do with your operation, your in- issue with the way the INEOS sale a bid packet is already on the street
operation, county officials want to be tentions.” matter came before the commission for processing and hauling away the
kept very much in the loop. last week, as an “emergency” item county’s yard waste.
INEOS, commissioners said, not
Adams said she felt the board was
being rushed without much informa-
tion, and that she would like to have
the staff vet Alliance and its leadership
before the item comes back for a vote
next week.

De Liege explained the last-minute
nature of his request was because an
unanticipated concern arose with his
funding just days prior. “It was not ide-
al, I understand,” de Liege said apolo-
getically.

Solari said he preferred having the
heads-up that the item would be com-
ing back on Feb. 7 and that he was glad
the county would not be getting in the
way or delaying the process of Alliance
trying to buy the plant.

County Administrator Jason Brown
clarified the relationship that would
exist between Alliance and the coun-
ty. He said the only involvement the
county would have with Alliance
would be to provide the yard waste,
at no cost. Brown and County Attor-
ney Dylan Reingold both said Alliance
would not need to be vetted the way a
company would that was applying for
funding or tax breaks.

What made INEOS’ business the
county’s business, and the public’s
business, was the fact that the British
company arrived in Vero Beach seek-
ing government handouts. On top of
federal and state grants and a $49 mil-
lion loan guarantee from the USDA,
the company set up shop partially on
the backs of local taxpayers.

The county supported INEOS estab-
lishing its production headquarters in
Vero by subsidizing high-tech salaries
with jobs grants and by waiving a de-
creasing percentage of property taxes
for the first decade. INEOS purchased
the needed parcels in 2010 and held
a “grand opening” in 2013, but was
never able to make a commercially
viable go of its yard waste to ethanol
operation – despite a $130 million in-
vestment.

De Liege has stated repeatedly
that he’s not looking for any mon-
etary support from government, only
an ongoing, symbiotic relationship
whereby the county supplies him with

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 3

NEWS

the green and woody “feed stock” he My Vero something big," he added. "I didn't happened since: The Super Bowl, an
needs to make cheap sugar to turn know how big or how they were going annual football festival so grand that
into ethanol. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to do it, but we caught that picture on it's marked by Roman numerals, has
film and I've never forgotten it. become the most celebrated sports
But even though he seeks no grants he worked with Walter Cronkite, event in America.
or tax breaks from Indian River Coun- Charles Kuralt, Roger Mudd and Harry "Nobody, though, could've imag-
ty, de Liege said he would practice an Reasoner. ined the Super Bowl would become When Super Bowl LI kicks off Sun-
open-door policy and that no part of what it is today." day night in Houston, more than 160
his operation would be off-limits due "Right then and there, I knew – million people worldwide – including
to trade secrets or safety concerns. He from the way he was fixated on that It would have been difficult, indeed, 110 million viewers in the U.S. – are
also said he would work with recycling TV screen – that Rozelle knew televi- for anyone connected with what was expected to watch the New England
staff to provide the numbers needed sion was going to make this game into then billed "The AFL-NFL Champi-
for them to lobby Tallahassee for more onship Game" to predict what has CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
credits for the tonnage of materials
used by Alliance to make renewable Exclusively John’s Island
energy.
Unique to JI, this exceptional, recently built, Mediterranean-inspired
“We do not run a super-secret pro- 4BR/4.5BA waterfront retreat showcases gorgeous JI Sound views.
cess,” de Liege said, adding that the Sited on a quiet cul-de-sac, lush landscaping creates intimate settings
Vero site would be an incubator used for indoor/outdoor living areas with fireplace, pool and boat dock. Built
for research and opened up to stu- with quality construction, features include 5,394± GSF, custom millwork,
dents and scientists to learn and ex- gourmet island kitchen, family room with fireplace, and a 2nd level
periment. “We’re looking to make this luxurious master suite and guest bedroom with spectacular tree-top views.
a technology quarter right here in In- 331 Palmetto Point : $6,800,000
dian River,” he said.

A West Palm Beach-based compa-
ny with a research and development
laboratory in Longwood, Florida, Al-
liance BioEnergy plans to use a ball-
bearing apparatus borrowed from the
coal-refining industry to physically
break down the cellulose in plant ma-
terial, with Kaolinite clay mixed in as
a catalyst. Energy is released, sugar
is produced very cheaply and fer-
mented on-site to create ethanol. De
Liege said Alliance would not emit any
waste into the air, ground or water.

De Liege – who plans to move to In-
dian River County once the deal goes
through – said last month that he has
significantly increased his offer to
purchase the plant.

He upped that offer because Arbor
bank, which called INEOS’ note, hired
a California company to market the
property. If a bidding war starts, de
Liege said, it could delay the conver-
sion of the plant to Alliance’s tech-
nology and also delay putting skilled
workers and previous INEOS techni-
cians to work at the facility.

The 90-day non-exclusive option
on the yard waste, if approved, will
give Alliance some assurance it needs
for its investors, plus a window within
which to negotiate the sale. De Liege
said he hopes a closing can happen in
the next few months. 

CORRECTION three championship golf courses : 17 har-tru courts : beach club : squash
health & fitness center : pickleball : croquet : vertical equity membership
Human Resources Director Ed-
wina Suit followed procurement 772.231.0900 : Vero Beach, FL : JohnsIslandRealEstate.com
code in obtaining prior approval
from School District Assistant
Superintendent William Fritz for
a trip in August 2016. Fritz also
gave himself prior approval for
the same trip, during which he
stayed at Waldorf Astoria in Or-
lando. Since he didn’t get his su-
pervisor’s prior approval, he vio-
lated procurement code.

4 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

My Vero "Nobody seemed to have much in- "I went to Washington & Lee Univer- Hospital CEO Susi
terest." sity in Virginia for a year, then trans- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 ferred to the University of Missouri
Two years later, Lamoreaux found because it had a big-time journalism current fiscal year, Indian River Medi-
Patriots and Atlanta Falcons play for himself in Miami at the third of the school," Lamoreaux said. "But I was in cal Center lost $4 million, an 800-per-
the NFL championship. seven Super Bowls he would cover, and the ROTC program, so when I got out cent increase over the half-million-
this time plenty of people were paying of college, I spent a couple of years in dollar loss projected by the hospital,
And it's only fitting that, for the attention. Joe Namath made sure of it. the Army in the guided-missile corps. and a nosedive from the same quarter
Super Bowl's golden anniversary, ad- last year, when the hospital, with over
vertisers are paying $5 million for a The New York Jets' star quarterback "I wanted to get into journalism, but 250 staffed beds, lost $1.2 million.
30-second TV commercial and online ignored the oddsmakers, who made when I came out of the Army in 1957,
brokers are selling tickets for an aver- the AFL champions an 18-point under- I couldn't find a job," he continued. "I The first-quarter numbers are from
age price in excess of $4,500. dog to the NFL's Baltimore Colts, and probably wrote 100 letters to radio sta- October through December, when many
boldly guaranteed his team would win. tions, television stations and newspa- winter residents had already arrived, yet
"That's a long way from where it The future Hall of Famer then backed pers. Nothing happened." the hospital was operating at only half-
started," Lamoreaux said. "That first up his boast, earning Most Valuable capacity. Admissions were down 11 per-
game in '67, Los Angeles treated it like Player honors after leading the Jets to a Then a college friend who had cent from last year, and were 7.5 percent
an unwanted stepchild. Tickets were 16-7 victory that still ranks among the joined CBS as a marketing executive in less than the budget was banking on.
selling for $10, $12 and $15, and peo- most stunning upsets in sports history. New York offered to help him get a job
ple thought they were overpriced. – in the mailroom. Lamoreaux jumped The number of surgeries declined
"I was standing right behind the at it. He wanted to work at CBS, even by a similar percentage. In all, the
"I'll never forget the headquarters Baltimore bench when two of their big if it meant starting at the very bottom. hospital took in $500,000 less in pa-
hotel," he added. "It was a nondescript offensive lineman came off the field tient revenue compared to the same
Marriott in downtown L.A., and the shaking their heads," Lamoreaux re- Lamoreaux made it out of the mail- quarter in the prior year. But revenue
marquee out front had no mention of called. "I could hear one of them say, room and moved up in the company was a whopping $5.3 million less than
the AFL or NFL or the game. The sign 'These guys are for real.' That's when I but it wasn't until 1966 that he got his what had been projected in this year’s
welcomed some machinist union that knew the Colts were in trouble." big break: CBS was adding a Saturday budget – which may have been put
was having a meeting there." evening news broadcast, anchored by together with expectations of higher
Lamoreaux fondly recalls his rela- Mudd, and the show's producer, Gor- insurance reimbursement rates.
Lamoreaux chuckled, then continued. tionships with Lombardi and Namath, don Manning, was a former News-
"A few days before the game, I was two of the most recognizable figures week executive editor who wanted to Susi’s exit announcement comes
riding around town, trying to find in the country. But they were only include a sports segment. on the heels of the previously undis-
some semblance of Super Bowl fever," two of many notable people he dealt closed departure of Chief Financial
he said. "I remember seeing the city with during four decades at CBS that Manning chose Lamoreaux to pro- Officer Greg Gardner, who retired just
buses, which you'd think would have took him beyond Super Bowls and, at duce the segments and paired him a month earlier after three years in the
been used to advertise the game. In- times, outside the realm of sports. with former sports writer Heywood post. He had also served in the same
stead, they were promoting horse rac- Hale "Woodie" Broun, a colorful es- post from 2002 to 2009, the hospital’s
ing at Santa Anita. He knew at an early age he wanted sayist whose past assignments includ- glory days when millions in donations
to be a journalist. ed covering Joe DiMaggio's 56-game poured in during the economic boom.
hitting streak in 1941.
That money helped build gleaming
"Woodie was a gifted writer and “centers of excellence,” as the hospital
wordsmith, and he knew sports, but board chairman Wayne Hockmeyer
he knew nothing about television," put it: a new heart center and a cancer
Lamoreaux said. "I had been a TV pro- treatment center, as well as upgrades
ducer and writer, so we ended up be- for critical care and operating rooms
ing a pretty good team." and a radically reconfigured emer-
gency room. The new facilities now
Lamoreaux spent seven years on the stand as monuments to Susi, a whiz
road with Broun, producing 600 five- at fundraising.
minute segments on the most com-
pelling sports people and events of the Some speculate Susi and Gardner,
1960s and '70s, and telling wonderful who worked together closely, saw
stories not found anywhere else. rocky terrain ahead, a set of financial
pitfalls some are calling impassable if
Lamoreaux, who also owns a sum- the hospital continues to go it alone.
mer home on Martha's Vineyard in
Massachusetts, moved to Vero Beach With 1,700 employees, Indian River
in 2009 after coming here for visits for Medical Center is the county’s third
more than 20 years. largest employer, after the School Dis-
trict and county government. With a
A youthful 82, Lamoreaux said he compensation package of more than
has been "married to the same beau- $1 million a year, Susi is certainly one
tiful woman for 58 years" and spends of the county’s highest paid execu-
most of his time here playing golf – tives, if not the highest.
he's a member at The Moorings at
Hawk's Nest – and writing. Over his 19 years, Susi’s impressive
fundraising skills and controversial
"I had a varied career and covered all management style have colored the
the bases," Lamoreaux said. "I was able lives of thousands of nurses, doctors
to experience so much." and support staff – to say nothing of
tens of thousands of patients treated
Including a few Super Bowls. under his watch.
"I don't go to Super Bowl parties,"
Lamoreaux said. "People invite me In a small town with a dispropor-
and get miffed when I tell them no, but tionately older population, those pa-
I went to seven Super Bowls and didn't tient experiences were talked about.
get to watch any of them because I was
working. Like no other, the hospital’s business
"I want to watch the game." was everyone’s business, particularly
On television ... same as Rozelle 50
years ago. 















12 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Equine-ing & dining at Museum’s Triple Crown Gala

Dace and King Stubbs with Emily and Dr. Glenn Tremml. Anna and Brady Roberts with Ed Cortez and Karen Loeffler. Chris and Winnie Mortenson with Carol and Bob Henderson.

Randy and Kate Thornton with Jim Penrose. Bill and Judy Schneebeck. GALA PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Drs. James and Katherine Grichnik with Elise and Dr. Leon Geary.

Warren and Virginia Schwerin. Nancy and Bob Puff. Beth Werwaiss with Andy and Paulette Sowers. Connie and Ron McGlynn. Frances Sprout and Lucinda Gedeon.

BY MARY SCHENKEL white horse head. “Somebody made any jockey, Bill Buck sported a jockey “Everyone is energized with the
Staff Writer them for a tournament at John’s Is- cap and Randy Thornton wore color- spirit of the race,” said new VBMA
land; there should be at least three or ful silks and carried a crop. CEO Brady Roberts. “The turnout is
The Vero Beach Museum of Art four more of these arriving,” Puff ex- fantastic and I’ve seen some spectac-
Triple Crown Gala was a winner right plained with a laugh. Not to be out- A “First Call” bugle signaled a ular hats. It’s all so special; the com-
out of the gate, with more than 400 done, husband Bob wore a colorful move indoors, with guests passing mittee did a great job. And we had a
guests enjoying the Friday evening jockey helmet affixed with goggles. through a “shoot” creatively adorned good partnership with the Indian
festivities with true Derby flair, be- with bits, bridles and boots. Dining River Charter High School students
ginning with traditional mint juleps Others went for elegance, such took place in the Belmont Stakes who helped out with lighting. It es-
sipped in the Kentucky Derby Tent. as Marlynn Scully, her eyes twin- Great Hall and the Preakness Stakes pecially fits in with the Butterfield
kling under a vibrant spring-colored Atrium, each highlighted by stun- show. It’s not a whole lot of pieces but
Chic headwear for the ladies Church hat; Kathy Fennell, stunning ning silver trophy cup centerpieces it’s like a full-scale retrospective.”
ranged from simple and sophisti- in a beautiful pink feathered pic- filled with red roses, white carna-
cated to Whoa, Nellie!, with plenty ture hat, and Kathy Mulvey, lovely tions or black-eyed Susan bouquets. The Deborah Butterfield: Horses
of fashionable fascinators to boot. in a black and white Church hat. “It’s exhibition will remain on display
Always creatively artistic, Jackie Far- from the Kathy Mulvey Downtown And after a succulent dinner by through June 4. Butterfield, who
rell fashioned her elaborate concoc- Abby collection,” she said with a Elizabeth Kennedy & Co. Catering, was fittingly born on the day of
tion out of recycled materials, while smile. featuring braised short ribs and a the 75th running of the Kentucky
friend Pat Anwyl sported a martini- decadent pineapple upside-down Derby, sculpts her graceful equine
themed fascinator. The men were equally engaged, cake, guests kicked up their heels works using a variety of materials,
looking dapper in fedoras and bowl- in the Churchill Downs Dance Hall including found wood, reclaimed
And Nancy Puff’s showy chapeau ers, or decked out in tweeds. Al- under the watchful eye of enormous steel and cast bronze. 
was hard to miss; topped with a large though both are hands taller than racehorse wall murals.



14 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

GALA PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Sandy and Randy Rolf. Cheryl Becker, Tom Varbedian, Shirley Becker and John Becker.
Marlen and George Higgs with Pinky and Bill Regan.

Marlynn and Bill Scully. Gail and Scott Alexander. Todd and Kathy Fennell. Pete and Helen Justi with Gale and Bruce Gillespie.

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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 15

PEOPLE

Gleam team of runners for Ready, Set, Glow 5K

2 3

1

5

GLOW RUN CAPTIONS

1. Paris Bois and Jasmine Danforth. 2. Lisa

4 Keeton, Carol Walker, and Blair Kennedy.

3. Diana, Gabby, Gary and Dorian Miller.
4. Brooke Dove, Ryan Duncan and Kenneth
George. 5. Rylee Keeton and Shyanne Buhr.
6. Gillian Lombardo and Hailey Meyer. 7. Overall
winner Bill Schlitt. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

6

The slight nip in the air seemed to
energize the more than 100 runners
who participated in the third an-
nual Ready, Set, Glow 5K Run/Walk
to benefit the Indian River Charter
High School Chorus. Sporting glow-
stick necklaces, colorful tutus and
in one case even Batman garb, the
runners lit the night like fireflies,
as they traversed a route that took
them through the high school and
adjoining Indian River State College
campus and along College Lane,
which for safety was closed off to
vehicular traffic. 
7

16 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Mary and Chris Ryan with Shotsi Lajoie. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Linda Beardslee and Chuck Cook. Pilar Turner and Terry Byrnes.

Vero Beach Rowing crew-sing toward funding goal

BY MARY SCHENKEL ings home to provide an update on “We’re trying to get the critical Beijing and silver in the 2012 London
Staff Writer the $2.2 million capital campaign to mass of people who are interested or games.
fund construction of a Community touched by this culture; people who
Members of Vero Beach Rowing Rowing Center. rowed in school or are parents of chil- “It was an amazing experience as a
are propelling their sport forward dren who row,” said Lajoie. parent,” she said. “They work so hard
with the same strong, steady strokes Chris Ryan, a founder of the highly for so many years and make it look
as the crew teams they support. Last successful Three Rivers Rowing As- It’s individuals such as Terry By- so easy but you know it isn’t. I’m very
Monday, Chris and Mary Ryan hosted sociation in Pittsburgh, and Shotsi rnes, whose son Andrew Byrnes, proud of these kids here in Vero.”
a cocktail party at their lovely Moor- Lajoie, a longtime force behind VBR, rowed Men’s 8 for Canada, taking
are co-chairing the campaign. home gold in the 2008 Olympics in Olympic Gold medalist Joe Am-
long, a member of the U.S. Men’s 8

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PEOPLE

Chuck Sullivan and Peter Stifel. Sam and Fran San Miguel. Mike and Bernadette Emerick.

Kathy Misunas with Tom and Patty Gleason. Gary Marra, Peggie Hollinger and Robert Hornstein. Joe and Gail Amlong with Lindy and John Kastendiek.

rowing team at the 1964 Summer “It’s far and away the biggest schol-
Olympics in Tokyo, is also now firmly arship percentage of any sport what-
entrenched in the VBR mission. soever for girls. It makes it much more
likely to get a college scholarship for
“Phase one, which was creating minority girls,” said Ryan. “It’s very
a visitors area and putting in docks, rewarding for the organization and
is complete,” said Ryan of their new the people who benefit from it.”
MacWilliam Park site. “We are mov-
ing boats in there. We’ve been rowing Gary Marra, VBR director of row-
out of there the last few weeks and it’s ing, spoke about the remarkable
changed our rowing program com- achievements of the youth rowing
pletely.” program, which has increased from
13 rowers in 2014 to 77 today.
Boats had been stored and
launched near the Water Treatment “We’ve had competitively a lot of
Plant at the western end of the Alma success with the high school group,
Lee Loy Bridge, where teams were with back-to-back scholastic state
stymied by rough waters and windy championships,” said Marra.
conditions. With the new sheltered
location, rowers can get out on the Additionally, their first senior girl
water with much greater frequency. received an athletic scholarship to
FIT last year, and this year their only
The new Community Rowing Cen- senior girl has already signed with
ter will enable them to offer a variety Simmons College in Boston. Recruit-
of programs, including to veterans, ers are now visiting, including Princ-
the disabled, support groups and dis- eton’s coach Bill Manning.
advantaged youth.
“These coaches are coming spe-
“This is not a program to create cifically to see our kids, to recruit
elite athletes, although I am sure we them to their universities. This is a
will have a few elite athletes come huge opportunity,” said Marra. “The
out of this program,” he said. “Our young man who Coach Manning is
real goal is a community boathouse coming to see would not generally be
where we can design programs for looking at a school like Princeton. But
the community.” because of rowing, he’s finding him-
self in a position where it’s definitely
Ryan said rowing is the No. 1 schol- within his reach; to the point where
arship program for women in the someone’s traveling all the way here
United States by a huge percentage, to see him.”
citing a 3 percent women’s lacrosse
scholarship potential vs. a whopping For more information visit vero-
48 percent for women’s rowing. beachrowing.org. 

18 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Chamber of Commerce honors community ‘champions’

BY STEPHANIE LABAFF Sophie Bentham Wood and Alma Lee Loy.
Staff Writer

The Indian River County Chamber
of Commerce honored local profes-
sional leaders for their contributions
to the community at its 95th Annual
Chamber Awards Dinner last Wednes-
day evening at the Vero Beach Country
Club.

Originally formed in 1915 as the Vero
Beach Board of Trade, the Chamber of

Linda and Sam Block with Shannon Wesley. Kelly and Eric Menger. PHOTOS: STEPHANIE LABAFF

Nicki Maslin, Melody Ipolito and Denise Boehning. Oscar Fontana Roos, Lee Hunter and Robert Graney.

Commerce has worked for more than its membership to roughly 900 busi-

a century to develop business and nesses.

tourism within the county, growing “Dozens of business people con-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

tribute time, talent and treasure to the
chamber. Each year we look at those
people and recognize the ones that
stand out as individuals who have gone
above and beyond the call of duty,”
shared Commerce President Penny
Chandler.

The 2016 Alma Lee Loy Community
Service Award was presented to attor-
ney Samuel A. Block, and this wasn’t
his first time “around the block.” The
award was also presented to Block 25
years ago.

A committed leader in the commu-
nity, Block is known for his involvement
in numerous local nonprofits, includ-
ing the Education Foundation, Vero
Beach Museum of Art, Mental Health
Association, United Way of IRC, Mc-
Cabe Foundation, Childcare Resourc-
es, Scholarship Foundation of IRC and
the Vero Beach Dog Park.

The Ambassador of the Year award
was renamed in honor of the late Jack
Chesnutt, who joined the chamber in
1950, served as a Chamber Ambassador
for 21 years, and was actively involved
until his passing this past December.

The 2016 Jack Chesnutt Ambassa-
dor of the Year Award was presented
to Denise Boehning, principal flood-
plain manager at Coastal Waterways.
In addition to her duties as a Chamber
Ambassador, Boehning serves on the
chamber’s Government Issues com-
mittee and is chairman of the Estab-
lished Professionals Network.

Eric Menger, Vero Beach Regional
Airport executive director, was pre-
sented with the 2016 Carolyn K. Eggert
Economic Development Award, recog-
nizing his efforts as a champion of eco-
nomic development. Seeking to create
and maintain year-round jobs, Menger
developed one of the first airport busi-
ness plans to be included in a master
plan at a general aviation airport.

An active participant with the cham-
ber’s tourism marketing efforts, Lee
Hunter, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel &
Spa director of sales, received the 2016
Tourism Partner of the Year Award.
Hunter has played an integral role in
the planning and execution of destina-
tion press trips and advertising oppor-
tunities geared toward tourism devel-
opment.

Allison Cloughley of Dale Sorensen
Real Estate was recognized as the 2016
Young Professional of the Year. Clough-
ley has spent the past two years as a
member of the Young Professional Net-
work Advisory committee, working on
activities and community outreach.

HR Dynamics President Donna
D’Alfonso, a chamber board member
and co-chair of the Ambassador pro-
gram, was named the 2016 Volunteer
of the Year for her dedication to new
members, attending numerous mem-
ber events and working to increase
membership. 

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

PEOPLE

‘Dream Big’ message resonates with STEP group

Eli, Ginny and Josiah Hunt. PHOTOS: GORDON RADFORD

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF gram) participants, before also vis- it support groups, frequently with in- and athlete who had a moment in
Staff Writer iting later that day with guests at an dividuals recovering from addiction, his life where he decided to make a
afternoon reception at Vero Strength the homeless and veterans. Sather’s change,” explained UP Executive Di-
Croix Sather, marathoner, author + Conditioning. experiences resonate with audienc- rector Annabel Robertson. “That is
and inspirational speaker, spent time es; his inspirational message essen- essentially what our STEP program
in Vero Beach last Friday to share his Sather ran across America, running tially follows his own life-changing is about. People who are motivated
“Dream Big and Act” message with a marathon a day for 100 consecutive realization that all it takes to make a to make a change and then providing
United Against Poverty STEP (Suc- days, as he toured the country on change in your life is that first step. them with the support they need to
cess Training for Employment Pro- what he deemed a “coddiwomple.” make that change.”
Each evening he spoke with nonprof- “Croix is a motivational speaker

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 21

PEOPLE

Gina Karshner and Trey Vetromile. Wendy Shafranski, Rob DelaCruz and Rebecca Clement. STEP PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Lisa Maio and Han Sun.
Robertson explained that a key
aspect of STEP is emotional intel-
ligence. “We teach people to under-
stand their emotions, how they re-
spond to the world and how to use
their own internal power to motivate
themselves.”

Sather shared his motivational
journey, from the moment he decid-
ed he wasn’t happy with his life as a
carpenter to the grueling 2,621-mile
run across the country and later the
146-mile unassisted run he made
through Death Valley.

Sather related that an assistant
principal told him in high school that
he wouldn’t amount to anything,
something many UP clients have also
experienced throughout their lives.

“I got tired of being ordinary and
realized I needed to change my own
life. We all have a seed of greatness
inside,” shared Sather. “You can do so
much more than you are doing now. If
I listened to others I never would have
written a book, run across America or
through Death Valley.”

Pointing out that most people
are held back by something irratio-
nal and manufactured in their own
mind, he added, “It’s that irrational
fear that stops us from trying.”

He indicated that while desire and
drive must come from within, it takes
the support and guidance of others to
attain greatness, whether the goal is
to run a marathon, get an education
or leave an unhealthy relationship.

“Take action and stop doing stuff
that doesn’t serve you,” Sather ad-
vised.

The focus of UP is to inspire and
empower people living in poverty to
lift themselves and their families to
economic sufficiency through edu-
cation, crisis stabilization, job train-
ing and food assistance. As one of
the busiest single-site social service
agencies in the state, the Indian Riv-
er County center serves roughly 600
individuals each day and has an 86
percent success rate, ultimately pro-
viding a $2.4 million impact on the
community. 





24 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

McKnight lauds leadership
in Love of Literacy talk

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Leadership by example served Patrick Westcott and Russell McKinnon.
retired Col. Danny McKnight well
throughout his 28-year history as a movie “Black Hawk Down.”
highly-decorated U.S. Army Rang- “I am a gigantic proponent of
er. McKnight – author of the book
“Streets of Mogadishu: Leadership leadership. We have to talk about it
at its Best, Political Correctness at to get better at it,” said McKnight.
its Worst!” – shared his experiences
with guests at the Love of Literacy
Author Series last Thursday evening
at the John’s Island Golf Club to
benefit Literacy Services of Indian
River County.

In addition to combat duty in
Panama in 1989, McKnight, who
resides Rockledge, Fla., served as
Commander of the 75th Ranger
Regiment in 1993 during what came
to be known as the Battle of Moga-
dishu in Somalia – the incident that
was later chronicled in the book and

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 25

George Higgs, Mary Silva, Pam Harmon and Don Mann. PEOPLE
Danny McKnight with Robyn and Sam Hjalmeby.
PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE “It’s our responsibility to bring the two or three hours a week tutoring
young people along, so that they roughly 350 adult students per year.
can understand and become good
leaders.” “Literacy Services is the only or-
ganization in Indian River Coun-
He credited Gen. David E. Grange ty that provides free tutoring to
Jr., who served in World War II as adults,” said board President Don
well as the Korean and Vietnam Mann, noting that 20 percent of the
wars, for teaching him about true county’s population do not have
leadership. “Gen. Grange was not even kindergarten-level reading
just a great general and a great fight- skills. “Our tutors bring so much joy
er; he was a leader of men. I learned and excitement to the people they
about commitment as a leader and teach.”
how important that is to your sub-
ordinates.” One man who is grateful for the
assistance is Russell McKinnon,
Noting that the military abbre- who is being tutored by Patrick
viation LDRSHIP stands for the Westcott. “Literacy Services has
values of leadership – loyalty, duty, helped me feel more independent,”
respect, selfless service, honor, in- said McKinnon, who spoke moving-
tegrity and personal courage – he ly about his struggles and encour-
added, “Good leaders will not make aged others to support the program.
easy wrong decisions; they’ll make
the hard right ones.” Their newest program is PEN
(Parents Engaged Now for the love
McKnight said people have ques- of their child), which assists parents
tioned why, as the battalion com- intimidated by the school system
mander of the convoy in Somalia, about how to become more engaged
he rode in the lead vehicle. His re- in their children’s education.
sponse was that, “If you’re going to
really lead you’ve got to be in the “Literacy does not begin at birth; it
front; there’s no way to lead from begins with the literacy skills of the
the rear.” parents,” said Mary Silva, Literacy
Services executive director. “If the
In many ways those leadership- parents are literate, then the chil-
by-example tactics are the same as dren have a better chance of success
those utilized by the 125 dedicated in life. That’s why it is so important
Literacy Services tutors who spend to support adult literacy.” 

26 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Waldo’s at 70: Where Vero still loves to hang out

BY SAMANTHA ROHLFING BAITA wildly popular bar and grill, Wal- turally incredible, multi-balconied Beach. I try to come down every
Staff Writer do’s. A highlight of the afternoon resort, while locals and visitors Saturday. I love the music,” said
was the unveiling of Waldo’s new enjoyed the gorgeous afternoon: Harry Morgan, enjoying a cigar
In Vero Beach, there is one name logo, created by artist Peter Calde- lunching on the oceanfront deck, while leaning against the deck rail.
that has come to represent the Old rone. tappin’ toes to the banjo-rich tunes
Florida heart of the city, its char- of Uproot Hootenanny, and tell- Artist, poet and rancher Sean Sex-
acter, its charm, its unique appeal Presenting an official procla- ing stories at bar, aka “on the rail.” ton, Waldo’s grandson, introduced
– Waldo. mation to mark the occasion, Vero At one end of the bar, palm frond longtime Driftwood employee Con-
Mayor Laura Moss declared, “If you weaver and musician Bibble played nie Pederson and said, “She ran
Waldo Sexton, eccentric vision- can’t have fun here, you just can’t requests on his “canjo” – a can at- the dining room, her husband was
ary, raconteur and lover of the un- have fun!” tached with fishing line to a soda manager, and their son and I were
usual, came to town from Indiana bottle tucked under his arm. Wal- best friends. She was like a second
in 1914 to sell plows and remained, Assistant Manager Amy Patton do, known to declare “I’d rather be mother to me.”
becoming a successful rancher and invited visitors to tour the architec- a liar than a bore any day,” would
citrus grower and making an indel- have loved it. Manager Lee Olsen has worked on
ible mark on his new home. Waldo Sexton properties for 28 years, includ-
built amazing structures, filling “We’re IR-regulars,” grinned lo- ing 10 at Waldo’s, and considers the
them with an astounding mish- cal Scott Matthews. Friend Terry staff as family. He announced that
mash of objects collected during his Aldridge said when she first got to one five-year member of the family,
world travels. The Driftwood Inn town, “I was on the sidewalk, heard 28-year-old Nova Wilson, was seri-
and Resort and its Waldo’s Restau- music and came in. The people here ously injured in a car wreck recently
rant are among the most extraordi- are so lovely.” and will require additional surgical
nary structures in the south and are procedures and months-long rehab.
listed on the National Registry of Cheryl Miller added, “I was born In addition to collecting donations
Historic Places. in Vero, and raised at Waldo’s.” in Wilson’s cowboy hat and earmark-
ing proceeds from an area of the bar
Last Saturday afternoon, an over- Waldo’s is also the Vero hangout for Wilson, his wife Alaina and their
flow crowd gathered to celebrate of choice for snowbirds Harry and 18-month-old daughter Coral, Wal-
the Driftwood Inn’s 80th anniver- Rose Gifford. “It doesn’t get any bet- do’s has also set up a Nova Wilson
sary and the 70th anniversary of its ter than this,” said Harry Gifford. GoFundMe page. 

“This is my favorite spot in Vero

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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 27

PEOPLE

Libby and Tom Mitchell. Marie Capito. Matthew and Elizabeth Bain.

Frank Leiro and Lanie D’Alessandro. Bucky Willard and Amanda Brett. Mason and Jaime Schliepp.

28 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

For educators, it’s full S.T.E.A.M. ahead at Museum

BY STEPHANIE LABAFF
Staff Writer

Educating the youth of today is Toni Hamner discusses Tom Otterness’ sculpture ‘The Trial’ with Vero Beach Elementary third graders. PHOTO: DENISE RITCHIE
like putting together a giant jigsaw
puzzle, and getting those pieces to
stay in place and create a complete
picture is a challenging dilemma
for modern educators. Gone are the
days when the three Rs – Reading,
‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic – were the
sole curriculum focus. As the world
has grown and society has changed,
so too have educational needs.

In 2001 educators began to real-
ize the U.S. was falling behind other
countries in the S.T.E.M. (Science-
Tech nolog y-Eng i neer i ng-Mat h)
fields; all vitally important in an
ever more technologically-based
world. It didn’t take long for educa-
tors to realize there was something
missing from S.T.E.M., prompt-
ing the incorporation of Arts into a
S.T.E.A.M. formula to enhance aca-
demic learning.

Examples of S.T.E.A.M. integra-
tion at its best include the works of

FEATUR IN G Leonardo da Vinci, who utilized art as a springboard for a variety of
to explore other fields of study. And space exploration lessons.
CL AY R I C E S IL H O U E TTES what child didn’t learn the alphabet
through music, singing their ABCs Seeing the merits of a school-
F E B R U A R Y 9, 2 017 • 3P M - 6P M to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Lit- based S.T.E.A.M. program, muse-
tle Star.” um staff presented the concept to
The Circle, a philanthropic group
The Vero Beach Museum of Art of more than 100 women formed in
has long embraced art integration 2009. The Circle has provided close
in education, understanding that a to $200,000 to support the museum’s
landscape painting can add another Community Engagement Programs
dimension to a geography lesson, or in an effort to ensure the visual arts
a painting of Galileo can spark dis- are accessible to everyone in the
cussions on the stars and history. community.

During the museum’s summer lit- “The Circle will provide seed
eracy program in partnership with money to different museum pro-
The Learning Alliance, the recent grams that enable the museum to
“Out of this World: The Art and Art- expand its programming rather
ists of NASA” exhibit was employed than simply focus on underwriting

Clay Rice will be visiting our
store to do custom silhouettes!
Call the store today to set up
an appointment for your child.

Slots will book up fast!

To set up an appointment,
please call 772.226.5379

Village Shops • 6220 N A1A • Vero Beach, FL 32963

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 29

PEOPLE

ongoing programs,” explains Circle tacked on,” adds Poplar. needed and offered transportation laboration as well as creativity. It
Chair Nancy Edmiston. “We feel that One student described the experi- to get our students to the museum to was a natural connection because
enhances the museum experience see the exhibits. This unit would not so very often many of the museum’s
for the community as a whole and ence saying, “I painted my mangrove have been successful without them,” exhibitions apply directly to how art
particularly for school children who tree like a home, because when I saw stresses Poplar. “This was such an intersects with science and technol-
benefit from the programs. So the the tree in real life, I could see the amazing experience and we can’t ogy.”
S.T.E.A.M. program provided a mar- little animals that were living in the wait to do it again in February. This
velous opportunity.” tree. It is their home, like an apart- was so meaningful for the students Museum staff and volunteers
ment with lots of renters.” and brought them a real-world expe- are fully invested in the effort to
With the backing of The Circle in rience they have never had before!” provide teachers with the support
place, the museum approached Vero “The art museum has been plan- and resources they need to go full
Beach Elementary School and invit- ning with us from the beginning Pleased with the outcome, Edm- S.T.E.A.M. ahead with art integra-
ed second- and third-grade teachers and giving us ideas on how to inte- iston says, “They’ve shown that the tion.
to work with museum staff and re- grate the art standard into our unit. skills children or young people learn
ceive S.T.E.A.M.-related online pro- They taught us how to paint using through S.T.E.A.M. programs en- “The museum’s mission is all
fessional development. The teachers watercolors and helped to create the hances critical thinking and com- about showing how art makes a dif-
learned how to use art and the mu- lesson plans for the art piece. They munication skills and develops col- ference in all aspects of life,” San-
seum itself as a resource to trans- also purchased all of the supplies we chez sums up. 
form traditional academic subject
areas.

“The teachers took what they
learned and ran with it,” says School,
Youth and Community Impact Man-
ager Shanti Sanchez.

“They have been creating lesson
plans and themed units using up-
coming museum exhibitions with
their science, technology, engi-
neering and math curriculum,” she
explains. “The plans were imple-
mented in the fall of 2016 and will be
again in spring 2017.”

Museum docents look at the lesson
plans to determine which exhibits
might best relate. In addition to the
unit, they show students how to look
at art in general and how to use the
museum in its entirety to compare
and contrast concepts. Then muse-
um staff and a teaching artist work
with students through museum vis-
its, exhibition tours and hands-on
studio art projects that are related to
the academics they are learning at
school.

“We build our unit plans on our sci-
ence standards and the Bruce Marsh
Exhibit worked perfectly into our
unit,” explains Vero Beach Elemen-
tary third-grade teacher Amy Poplar.
“We read the book ‘The Mangrove
Tree’ by Susan Roth and learned all
about mangrove trees, how they are
unique and how one man used this
tree to save a village in Africa. We
studied plant structures and how
they respond to stimuli and the stu-
dents were able to see the mangrove
trees during our Environmental
Learning Center excursion.”

Introducing the concept of art
imitating life, students learned
about Florida landscape artist Bruce
Marsh and compared his paintings
to what they saw during their ELC
field trip. To apply what they had
learned, students then created their
own watercolor landscape paintings
of a mangrove tree.

“This model integrates the arts
into the curriculum, giving it equal
time with instruction instead of just
as an afterthought or activity that is









34 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 ductor Anton Coppola, a past guest guy, he has a great future.’” tisyan studied at the Academy of Vocal
conductor of Vero Beach Opera. And, like Diaz, soprano Anush Ave- Arts in Philadelphia.
named an ambassador of the arts by
the Mexican government. In April, As Daniel Lipton, the artistic di- tisyan is another veteran of Vero vocal The concert begins at 7 p.m. Saturday
Sanchez will sing the role of Cavara- rector and conductor of Tampa competitions. She won the first Debo- at the Vero Beach High School Perform-
dossi in Puccini’s “Tosca” for Opera Opera, remarked to the Tampa Bay rah Voigt-Vero Beach Opera Founda- ing Arts Center. Tickets are available on
Tampa, wrapping up the season a Times last fall, “A very close friend of tion International Competition staged the Vero Beach Opera website. 
month after the company celebrates mine told me, ‘You have to hear this here last March. Born in Armenia, Ave-
the 100th birthday of founding con-

A.E. Backus Museum Presents

Wet Paint: An in-depth look at the works of the Florida Highwaymen

Features paintings from private collections & curated by Roger Lightle.
On View January 12, 2017 - March 16, 2017

Reception and Lecture by the Exhibit’s Curator, Roger Lightle,

on Friday, February 17. Lecture starts at 5pm,
Reception 6-8 PM. The Public is Invited.

HIGHWAYMEN OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

Tent Sale of Vintage Painting

Saturday, February 18, 10am - 4pm • Sunday, February 19, noon - 4pm

Choose from a fabulous selection of Vintage Highwaymen paintings available for purchase.
Guided tours of the exhibition, speakers throughout the day.

Highwaymen Heritage Trail Celebration • Moore’s Creek Lineal Park
Saturday, February 18, 2017 • 10am - 4pm

Meet the Original Highwaymen and some of the Legacy Painters,
Music , Food, Kidz Zone.

Visit BackusMuseum.com or Call 772.465-0630 for more information
500 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, Fl 34950

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 35

ARTS & THEATRE

All a-chord! Jazz pianists
battle it out in Melbourne

BY KATE SHANAPHY MAINGOT allowed to continue their competi- galleries • shops • restaurants
tion online in a concert judged by
Correspondent popular vote. The Galleries of the Arts District

In a 100-seat concert hall inside “I hope the community will join in Invite you to visit their monthly
Melbourne’s Atlantic Music Cen- our mission of helping to spread the Fine Art exhibits through Season
ter, seven young jazz pianists will knowledge and joy of this American
compete this weekend in the third art form of jazz to young people,” •••••••••••
annual International Jazz Pianist he says. His hope is that through
Competition. In that intimate set- his efforts and others, Melbourne Artists Guild Gallery
ting, not much bigger than a jazz will come to be known as a leader in
club, the pianists, winnowed from presenting jazz – “particularly with Gallery 14
a list of 30 who submitted their mu- young performers,” he adds.
sic by recordings, will be playing Tiger Lily Art Studios & Gallery
for a panel of three judges that in- Gatchell’s pianos could star in
cludes the celebrated jazz pianist their own competition. Currently, Flametree Clay Art Gallery
Bill Mays. his inventory includes the Grand
Bohemian limited edition piano MSVB Studios and Gallery
As if the competitors needed the considered the most opulent in the
inspiration, Mays himself will give world. Valued at nearly a half-mil- The Other Half Gallery
a concert with his own trio Friday lion dollars, it’s been requested for
night at the center. a concert at Mar-a-Lago this Easter. Gallery of Hope
Another Bosendorfer concert grand
The public can watch not only was designed by Porsche. Still an- Florida Highwayman
Mays’ concert, but the competition other is programmed to reproduce Landscape Gallery
itself. Walk-ins are welcome to the the music of jazz great Oscar Peter-
pianists’ 15-minute solo sessions son. “It’s like having Oscar sitting in Torsades with a Twist
Saturday afternoon. Then, Satur- your living room,” he says.
day evening, the public is invited – Raw Space
at a small admission fee – to watch The latest piano in his lineup,
the finalists play in a jazz trio, the called the Woman in Gold, has a Art on the Alley Pueblo Arcade
drummer and bassist provided by painstaking reproduction of a Klimt
the competition. painting under the lid, “down to his •••••••••••
use of gold in the paint,” Gatchell
Along with the chance at winning, says. The opening receptions correspond
the finalists will get the thrill of play- to the First Friday Gallery Strolls on
ing on a remarkable piano: a new Each year, 30 or more pianists be-
Bosendorfer Vienna concert grand, a tween the ages of 18 and 25 submit February 3, March 3 & April 7 from 5-8
9-foot, 2-inch piano that was used in their tapes and entry requests. On
last month’s concert by Fei Fei Dong, Saturday, the seven finalists will A complimentary Trolley will be
the acclaimed Chinese pianist. That perform in two open-to-the-public available from 5-9. All galleries are
performance, also in Atlantic’s con- concert sessions. Each pianist will located on and around 14th Ave. in
cert hall, was only the second use of perform in concert as a soloist in Vero Beach’s historic downtown.
the piano in the U.S. – the first was in the afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30
Carnegie Hall. p.m., and this session is free to the For more information please contact
public. It will be followed with a 7 Gallery 14, 772-562-5525
“Fei Fei Dong told me this piano p.m. performance by each finalist
was one of the most amazing she has playing with a jazz trio: piano, bass
ever experienced,” says Brian Gatch- and drums.
ell, founder of the competition and
owner of Atlantic Music. “She said The competition is the brain-
it felt like an extension of herself. It child of Gatchell, who is himself a
allowed her to interpret and express concert pianist; he recently per-
exactly how she was feeling.” formed Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in
Blue” with the Space Coast Sym-
Gatchell’s thrill goes beyond phony Orchestra. Other sponsors of
hearing providing the treasured the event include Yamaha Pianos,
piano, a rare experience for a young Bösendorfer Pianos and the Space
musician. What moves him most is Coast Jazz Society, among others.
giving the pianists a professional
boost. “This competition is promot- Last year the legendary pianist
ing the careers of these incredibly Kenny Barron was the celebrity
young, talented pianists,” he says. judge for the competition; he too
was featured in a solo concert the
Prizes come in the form of cash evening before the finals. This year
and promotions from sponsors. The Mays has accompanied such stel-
first- and second-place winners get lar singers as Sarah Vaughan, Frank
guidance in setting up a follow-up Sinatra, Al Jarreau, Barry Manilow
concert tour, Gatchell says. And
the three remaining finalists are CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

36 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 for films and TV shows. Mays has Brian Gatchell. PHOTO: RYAN CLAPPER
been playing for the famous Sunday
and Anita O’Day, and joined forces jazz brunch at Palm Beach’s Colony
in concerts, compositions and re- Hotel this past month. He’ll resume
cordings with such jazz legends as again in March.
Phil Woods, Woody Herman and
Shelley Manne, to name a few. Jazz Joining Mays for the Friday con-
great Gerry Mulligan is said to have cert will be Danny Gottlieb on
called Mays was the best piano drums and Jamie Ousley on bass.
player he ever played with. Gottlieb is best known for his work
with the Pat Metheny group and
A composer of original music has played with a myriad of jazz
for solo piano, chamber groups, as legends including Gerry Mulligan,
well as symphonic works and film Herbie Hancock and Stan Getz.
scores, Mays has also arranged and He is a professor of jazz studies at
orchestrated music from a wide Jacksonville’s University of North
range of sources, from Cole Porter Florida. Ousley teaches jazz bass
to Sting and even Claude Debussy.

He has played on, or composed

at Florida International University piano at the University of Central
in Miami. He too has played with Florida, and bassist Ousley. That
many jazz luminaries including class is open to pianists of all levels
George Shearing, Arturo Sandoval, and starts at 4:15 p.m.
Suzanne Somers and Vic Damone.
The weekend events all take place at
The competition weekend be- the Atlantic Music Center, 25 S. Wick-
gins with a jazz trio master class ham Rd., Melbourne. For more infor-
Friday afternoon led by Danny and mation, go to americanjazzpianistcom-
Beth Gottlieb. It features pianist petition.org. or call 321-768-2221. 
Per Danielsson, a professor of jazz

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 37

ARTS & THEATRE

Coming Up: Coward’s ‘Private Lives’ offers comic relief

By SAMANTHA BAITA full Hanneke Cassel Trio showcases land, Australia, India and China. A
Staff Writer Cassel’s exuberant, contemporary fusion of influences from the Isle
Celtic fiddle music, which the Bos- of Skye, Cape Breton Island and the
Hanneke Cassel Trio. ton Globe called “exuberant and Boston bluegrass/Americana scene
rhythmic, wild and innocent, de- result in her uniquely American ap-
livered with captivating melodic proach to Scottish music. The 7:30
clarity and irresistible playfulness.” p.m. concert is free; donations to
Winner of the 1997 U.S. National the String Camp will be happily ac-
Scottish Fiddle Championship, cepted. Now in its eighth year, the
she’s performed and taught across summer string camp, which also
North America, Europe, New Zea-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

“Private Lives.”

1 Now playing at Vero Beach’s
Riverside Theatre, on the heels

of the high-octane blockbuster

musical “Chicago,” is the perfect

change of pace: Noel Coward’s

1930 comedy of manners “Private

Lives,” considered one of the most

sophisticated, witty and entertain-

ing plays ever written. Among the

playwright’s most successful works,

it remains to this day a masterpiece

of high comedy, as Coward glee-

fully drops his characters into the

most improbable of circumstances

armed with sass, witty repartee

and great clothes. Formerly mar-

ried couple Elyot and Amanda are

honeymooning with new spouses

when they discover they are staying

in adjacent rooms at the same hotel.

In spite of the perpetually stormy

relationship that caused their split,

they unwisely but predictably re-

live the past, their passion reignites

and they run away together, leaving

their brand-new spouses behind

and in shock. Soon, however, the re-

united pair find their passion short-

circuiting between love and anger.

Will Elyot and Amanda remain to-

gether? Or will they return to their

new spouses? “Private Lives” runs

through Feb. 19.

2 Next Thursday, Feb. 9, at Vero’s
First Presbyterian Church, the

Mike Block String Camp Scholar-

ship Fund spring fundraiser wel-

comes the Hanneke Cassel Trio,

bringing together married musi-

cians Block (cello, vocals) and Cas-

sel (fiddle) with their guitarist pal,

Bostonian Christopher Lewis. The

38 Vero Beach 32963 / February 2, 2017 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 musical fresh from its Broadway re- Can Do,” Lady Day shares her loves England, New York and Florida. The
vival. The time: 1959. The place: a and losses in an intimate evening stroll runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
takes place at First Pres, empow- seedy bar in Philadelphia. The au- that’s up close and personal, with
ers musicians of all ages, levels and dience is unaware they are about to one of the greatest jazz/blues vocal-
stylistic backgrounds to learn new witness one of last performances of ists of all time. “Lady Day at Emer-
ways to play music. World-class Billie Holiday’s extraordinary life, son’s Bar and Grille” runs through
teachers lead small group classes, given four months before her tragic Feb.19.
divided by ability level, allowing ev- death; alcoholism and heroin ad-
eryone to learn in an environment diction finally silencing Lady Day. Spatterday-Gus Miller.
of peers. Concerts by faculty and The dozen-plus musical numbers bluePillboxHipx.
students during the camp are al- are interlaced with salty, often hu-
ways worth attending. morous reminiscences, painting
a riveting portrait of the lady and
3 Upstairs at the Henegar Center her music. In such show-stoppers “Pump Boys and Dinettes.”
in Melbourne is the Billie Holi- as “God Bless the Child,” “Strange
Fruit” and “What a Little Moonlight
day revue “Lady Day at Emerson’s

Bar and Grille,” an award-winning

5 If you’re ready to take a little
break from the news of the day

and hark back to a another era, the

Lyric Theatre in Stuart has just the

ticket: “Pump Boys and Dinettes.”

Four gas station attendants and

two waitresses sing and play all

manner of instruments (includ-

ing kitchen utensils), producing

a quirky blend of country, rock-

a-billy, swing, rock-and-roll and

jazz in a down-home celebra-

tion of friendship and the simple

things in life. Catch it Wednesday,

Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

6 Two of the world’s great-
est big bands, the Tommy

Dorsey Orchestra and The

Glenn Miller Orchestra, will

face off at the King Center next

Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m.

with a musical tribute to the

1940s. The Tommy Dorsey Or-

chestra is recognized as one

of the best all-around dance

bands, and no band came close

4 The First Friday Gallery Stroll to Tommy’s when it came to playing
in downtown Vero includes the
ballads. The legendary Glenn Mill-

opening reception for “Jumping off er was one of the most successful

Walls,” featuring artist Gus Miller’s of the Swing Era bandleaders. The

recent sculpture and paintings at two legendary bands will duke it

the Center for Spiritual Care. Miller’s out with weapons of brass, and then

whimsical, geometrical figures col- the audience gets to vote for their

orfully reflect both his artistic ex- favorite. The winner will return in

cellence and his refined sense of hu- a new show featuring another Big

mor and have been exhibited in New Band from the 1940s. 

Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m.

at First Church of Christ, Scientist in Vero Beach • 1602 23rd Street at 16th Avenue

SSapteaukerthrd,eDaCahyvrid,istHFiaonehSlbec,ireisnuacaehBeraoylaerr1dano1df Ltaeeactctuh1reers1ohfi:pC0. hC0roismatiae.nmtoSct.iheinscfer,eaentdaliks a member of
and…
a•t EFxirpsltoCre1hh6u0or2cwh2t3oordfgSCatihrneriefsrttea,etSd1co6imtehnAftrviosemnt uinelimVeitraotioBneaacsshociated with time and aging!
• Learn how to gain dominion by living in the timeless, stressless, spiritual NOW!
Free parking anSCdpheriasckthiaeinr,lSdDcaicveiandcrHee,oah(nFledo, iirss maa mhoeeramelebrienarnfoodfrttehmaecaChtheirroisontfiacnall Betsie 843-298-4441

Science Board of Lectureship.

Come to this free talk and…
 Explore how to gain freedom from limitation
associated with time and aging!

 Learn how to gain dominion by living in the













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INSIGHT EDITORIAL

Jeff Susi’s announcement last week A ticmheafonrge for a hospital is in the private insurance
of plans to retire after 18 years as CEO BY VAL ZUDANS, MD contracts.
of Indian River Medical Center CEO
came as a bit of a surprise to those Unfortunately, IRMC’s financial sit- significantly effect both philanthropic A stand-alone non-profit hospital
who recalled that he declared in a 2015 uation is getting worse, not better. The and taxpayer support. Will donors con- does not have the negotiating power
deposition that he planned to remain October to December 2016 IRMC fi- tinue to give, and will taxpayers accept to fix the revenue problem. IRMC has
in his job another “seven to ten years.” nancial statements were just released, property tax increases, if they perceive to be part of a network with negotiat-
and the picture is not good. In that that the hospital is mismanaged? Poor ing power. It is that simple.
Whether he had a change of heart – three month period, IRMC lost another financial performance, a loss of some
or whether his decision to retire might $4 million. Foundation support, and a loss of tax- If IRMC and the community want the
have been prompted by IRMC Board payer support through the Hospital hospital to remain a non-profit, then
Chairman Wayne Hockmeyer – at this IRMC’s days cash on hand (DCOH) District is a recipe for financial disaster. IRMC needs to immedi-ately begin dis-
point is unclear. is down to 50. Loan covenants require cussions with non-profit Florida Hospi-
60 DCOH, and IRMC has begun count- Is this why the current CEO is retiring? tal System about joining their network.
But what has been clear for some ing unrestricted Indian River Medical Several months ago, when I was
time to those involved with Indian River Center Foundation funds in order to running for re-election to the Hospital If IRMC joined a group like the Florida
Medical Center and the Hospital Dis- avoid violation of the loan covenants. District, I outlined a solu-tion to the Hospital System and had their negotiat-
trict is that IRMC has a revenue problem revenue problem that I had previous ed private insurance rates last year, our
– a big revenue problem, and one that The most recent quarterly P&L is shared with hospital management. I hospital would have shown a profit of
Susi doesn’t appear to have been having especially bad considering that Oc- set it out in a full page ad in this paper. $12 million while simultaneously pay-
much success in turning around. tober is when our snowbirds start to It was considered by the IRMC finance ing back $8 million dollars to taxpayers.
return, and we in the medical com- committee, and discussed at Hospital
To make a long story short, private munity are nearing our peak produc- District meetings. $12 million represents a 4% margin,
insurance contracts make or break tivity. IRMC and the taxpayer owners The solution is more than just a new which is what IRMC’s board said was
the financial performance of hospitals could be looking at a loss of over $15 CEO. No matter who replaces Susi, he their long term financial goal. That ex-
throughout our nation. Patients in- million dollars this fiscal year if this or she will have the same issues if they cess cash flow could be put right back
sured by private insurers – Blue Cross, trend continues. This would require cannot fix the revenue problem at the in to improving the facilities, reducing
United, Cigna and the like – make up a taxpayer bailout. hospital. The make or break financially the abysmal employee turnover rate
20 to 25% of a hospital’s patients. And through more competitive nurse and
the wildly different reim-bursement Poor financial performance also may other employee pay, and dramatically
rates that hospitals are able to negoti- improving the emergency room expe-
ate with these private insurers deter- rience.
mine whether a hospital is profitable,
break even, or sinking below the waves. Change is scary to some people. It
is always possible to imagine and as-
Sebastian River Medical Center is sume the worst case scenario. And
able to make tens of millions of dol- nothing is as frightening as changes in
lars because they are able to negotiate healthcare. People’s lives are on the
reimbursement rates twice the rate of line. But, it is foolish to never change in
IRMC. How? SRMC is part of a much the face of repeated failure. Our com-
larger for-profit hospital system, with munity deserves better.
multiple hospitals that have significant
negotiating leverage. The patients, taxpayers, and the
IRMC Foundation have together con-
IRMC is a stand-alone non-profit hos- tributed hundreds of millions of dol-
pital system, and Susi has over the years lars to our hospital. It is our hospital.
had little luck in negotiations. He has lit- Numerous community leaders and
tle negotiating leverage. It is that simple. employees have invested decades of
their lives to this institution. Lives are
IRMC does not have an expense on the line. It is time for change. 
problem. Its expenses per admission
are below average for the state, and Val Zudans, MD, CEO of the Florida
similar to those of Sebastian River. Eye Institute, is a former Indian River
IRMC has a revenue problem. Hospital District trustee.

FOR WOMEN, PART II  Bone density test  Lung cancer screening
A bone density test is a type of X-ray that checks Women between the ages of 55 and 80, who
Since professional organizations don’t always (usually the hip and spine) for osteoporosis. have a 30 pack-year smoking history, currently
agree on when and how often tests and screen- Women who have had a fracture or who are smoke or have quit within the past 15 years,
ings, be sure to discuss your specific medical at high risk for osteoporosis may benefit from may be recommended to undergo a lung can-
history with your doctor and follow his or her early screening. cer screening that includes low-dose computed
recommendations.  Chlamydia screening tomography (LDCT).
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease.
SCREENING TESTS AND PROCEDURES RECOM- The USPSTF recommends chlamydia screening  Mammogram
MENDED FOR ASYMPTOMATIC WOMEN for sexually active women at every physical be- Mammograms check for breast cancer. For
 Breast self-exam (BSE) tween ages 20 to 25. Women at high risk should most women, screening mammograms should
Breast self-exams check for unusual lumps. The continue screenings past age 25. begin at age 40. If your mother or sisters had
American Cancer Society (ACS) now considers  Cholesterol test breast cancer at younger ages, your doctor may
monthly BSE optional. The United States Pre- A cholesterol blood test checks for a risk of recommend earlier mammogram screening,
ventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recom- heart disease. Begin between ages 20 and 45 breast ultrasound and/or MRI.
mends against teaching BSE. and repeat every 5 years if results are within
normal limits.  Pap smear and pelvic exam
 Blood pressure check  Colorectal screening Pap smears and pelvic exams check for cervi-
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or under. If Women at an average risk for colon cancer cal cancer. Women should have their first Pap
you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney prob- should have colon cancer screening starting at smear at age 21, and, if normal, every 3 years
lems or certain other conditions, you may need age 50. Tests may include colonoscopy, flex- thereafter. Women at high risk for a sexually
to get your blood pressure checked more fre- ible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and/or fecal transmitted infection may be tested for the
quently. occult blood tests. If you have a strong family human papilloma virus (HPV) which, like a Pap
history of colon cancer or polyps, or if you smear, collects a sample of cells from the cer-
 Body mass index (BMI) have had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or vix. If both Pap smear and HPV test are normal,
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat polyps yourself, start earlier and test more fre- screen every 5 years after age 30.
to see if you are overweight. Check your BMI on quently.
the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Your comments and suggestions for future topics are always
website, and download their app. welcome. Email us at [email protected].
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