03/01/2018 ISSUE 09

Oslo boat ramp waters could be
protected fish nursery. P9
Community Foundation
celebrates its 10th. P28
Partners program fights a

high infant mortality rate. P10

Vero Electric clears For breaking news visit
another hurdle as
FMPA exit nears Cleveland Clinic
seen developing
major center here

BY LISA ZAHNER BY MILTON R. BENJAMIN
Staff Writer Staff Writer

The Fort Meade City Com- Two months after retiring
mission Monday night be-
came the last of the 20 electric as CEO of Indian River Medi-
co-op member cities required
to approve letting Vero Beach cal Center, Jeff Susi last week
out of the Florida Municipal
Power Agency, paving the way spoke out publicly for the first
for Vero to sell its electric util-
ity to Florida Power & Light. time about the decision by the

Mayor Harry Howle and IRMC board and the Hospital
County Commissioner Tim
Zorc traveled to Fort Meade District to partner with Cleve-
Monday night for the discus-
sion and vote, which took land Clinic, terming the pros-
about 35 minutes.
pect of a Cleveland takeover
“This is truly a day to be cel-
ebrated. Many people in the “the best thing that could hap-
community and many fac-
ets of our local governments pen” for the Vero Beach com-
have worked in conjunction in
hopes this day would come,” munity.
Howle said.
“Cleveland Clinic really wants
Howle and Zorc both
thanked all the FMPA mem- to develop a major medical cen-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ter here. I think they’ll just take

Shores Council okays it to a new level,” Susi said in
John’s Island pipeline
deal for reuse water Pickleball may get home at old Dodgertown golf clubMY a wide-ranging interview with
Vero Beach 32963. (Excerpts
BY KATHLEEN SLOAN VERO
Staff Writer from the interview on other

A major infrastructure proj- subjects, Page 6.)
ect is slated to get underway
in May, when a 3.5-mile-long BY RAY MCNULTY growing sport – one that is sides won – or so it would ap- While Susi termed all four
pipeline will be laid along Staff Writer
Old Dixie Highway, U.S. 1 wildly popular with seniors, pear, anyway. of the health systems that

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 especially in Florida – as "ten- For the second time, River- sought to take over IRMC po-

A percolating, Riverside Park nis for non-athletes." side Park's tennis players suc- tentially “good partners,” he

court battle between tennis The battle is over and both CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

players and pickleball players

has ended. Laura Riding Jackson House faces an uncertain future
There's no longer any reason

for local, public-parks tennis

players to be snarky about the BY SAMANTHA ROHLFING BAITA
game, despite its silly name, Staff Writer
which actually comes from a

playful dog and has nothing to It is not clear what the future holds for

do with pickles. the Laura Riding Jackson House, which has

There's no need to make been located on the Environmental Learn-

snide remarks about "the ing Center campus for the past 24 years.

kitchen," which, in pickle- Marie Stiefel, head of the foundation that

ball, has nothing to do with oversees the house, said foundation board

food preparation, or to con- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
descendingly refer to the fast-
PHOTO BY GORDON RADFORD

March 1, 2018 Volume 11, Issue 9 Newsstand Price $1.00 Reach for Stars Gala:
Helping kids fulfill
News 1-12 Faith 62 Pets 85 TO ADVERTISE CALL their potential. P14
Arts 39-46 Games 63-65 Real Estate 87-104 772-559-4187
Books 58-59 Health 67-71 St. Ed’s 61
Dining 78 Insight 47-66 Style 72-77 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 54 People 13-38 Wine 79 CALL 772-226-7925

© 2018 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

My Vero old Dodgertown Golf Club property, Pickleball University President ey," Slezak said. "But I believe they can
which is owned by the city. Ken Roberts estimates it would cost do it, and I believe they will do it."
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 $250,000 to build the complex and
Though the plan isn't close to being restore the clubhouse, which main- Roberts said he's scheduled to meet
cessfully fended off a push from Pick- finalized, Pickleball University repre- tenance crews have been using as with Slezak, O'Connor and city en-
leball University – a privately funded, sentatives have been engaged in se- a storage facility since the city pur- gineers Monday. He hopes the City
Vero Beach-based club with 375 pad- rious discussions with City Manager chased the 35-acre property for $9.9 Council will approve the project this
dle-wielding members – to convert Jim O'Connor and Recreation Direc- million in 2005, at the height of the summer and that construction can
at least two of the city-owned com- tor Rob Slezak to rent the property real estate boom, paying far more begin before the end of the year.
plex's 10 tennis courts into pickleball on a long-term basis for $25 per year, than the land is worth today.
courts. allowing for the construction of an "We want to address all the issues
18-court complex and use of the for- Roberts said the club would rely on up front and avoid any unnecessary
And Pickleball University, which mer golf-course clubhouse. membership dues, fundraisers and delays, so we've already begun talk-
currently makes its home at Poca- donations to cover the construction ing to the city officials," Roberts said.
hontas Park, already is working with "They've given us an initial plan costs, as well as accepting hands-on "Once we get the city's critique of our
Vero Beach officials on a plan to gain and we're hoping we can work some- contributions of skills and services. plan, then we'll go to the Recreation
more playing space by leasing a three- thing out," Slezak said, "but we're very Commission, which we hope will give
acre parcel at the north end of the early in the process and there are a lot "No city funds will be used, so they us their approval and make a recom-
of details to work out." need to raise some pretty serious mon- mendation to the City Council.

"Then it's up to the City Council."
The city, however, also is exploring
other options for the golf-club property.
Among them are an inquiry from an en-
tity looking to lease the land and build
a volleyball facility, and another group's
$1.65 million bid to purchase the entire
tract for what O'Connor called a "rec-
reational training facility" that would
"blend into Dodgertown itself."
That offer, though, is almost certain-
ly too low to be seriously considered:
Last March, the City Council rejected
a $2.7 million offer from a developer
who wanted to build 280 homes on the
property, which, at that time, had been
appraised at $3.5 million.
So the pickleball people, who want
only a small piece of the property,
have more than a puncher's chance.
Not only have they proven that partic-
ipation in the sport continues to soar
locally, but, as Slezak put it, "they've
already proven to be good partners."
Shortly after Pickleball University
was founded three years ago with 60-
plus members, the fledgling organi-
zation entered into a public-private
agreement with the city to convert the
tennis courts at Pocahontas Park in
downtown Vero Beach into a 12-court
pickleball complex.
The city contributed $5,800 to the
project, then followed up with $3,000 for
repairs, while the club invested $14,500.
In addition, the club pays $2,400 per
year to lease the property – from 8 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday –
and covers the cost of maintenance.
Roberts said the club's membership
this past year has fluctuated between
350 and 480, depending on the season,
but that its year-end numbers have
steadily risen. New members pay $84
for the first year. Annual dues for exist-
ing members are $48.
Non-members and visitors who
"drop in" pay $3 per day, according to
Pickleball University Director of Op-
erations Mari Colacino, who said the
club also offers lessons and clinics.
Roberts said the membership's av-
erage age is between 60 and 65. Many
of the club's members previously
played tennis and recently switched to

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 3

NEWS

pickleball because they no longer can plete with a fire pit. The Moorings re- "More and more people are play- Baby Boomers move into their retire-
move well enough to cover the larger cently announced its plan to add four ing," Colacino said. "We have open ment years. And with more retirees
court, even in doubles. lighted pickleball courts adjacent to its play on Tuesday, Thursday and Satur- finding their way to Vero Beach each
tennis complex. day, and we typically have more than year, we can expect the local pickle-
"For some tennis players," he said, "the 100 people cued up to play each day. ball-playing population to increase.
move to pickleball is a natural transition." And Harmony Reserve, a 55-and-
over community under construction "Even on Sunday, the courts are busy," "Provided the city approves our
Maybe so, but there were few signs of northwest of Vero Beach, touts its she added. "I can tell you: A lot of people plan and we raise the funds we need,"
kinship or camaraderie at last month's lighted, eight-court pickleball com- are going to church at Pocahontas Park." Roberts said, "this is going happen."
Recreation Commission meeting, plex among its amenities.
where Riverside Park tennis players There's no denying the game's Let's hope so.
showed up and spoke strongly against There's a reason for that. growing popularity, especially as more Because then everyone wins. 
Pickleball University's request to allow
pickleball to be played on two of the 10 NEW LISTING
courts at the park tennis center.
Exclusively John’s Island
The tennis players argued that they
couldn't spare any courts because all Bask in spectacular fairway and water views of the North Course from this
are often occupied, especially during desirable 3BR home. Centrally located on .52± acres, the 5,376± GSF
the morning hours and particularly residence impresses with a grand living room with fireplace overlooking
during the busy winter season. the pool, lake and meticulously landscaped gardens. Additional features
include gracious indoor/outdoor areas, architectural details, island
They also drew a line in the sand kitchen with vaulted ceiling adjoining the family room, private master
when confronted with the suggestion suite, and a 2-car garage with bonus work/hobby room with half bath.
that pickleball lines could be painted 265 Indian Harbor Road : $2,995,000
on a couple of the park's tennis courts
to allow them to be used for both three championship golf courses : 17 har-tru courts : beach club : squash
sports, citing the confusion that would health & fitness center : pickleball : croquet : vertical equity membership
be created by all the different lines.
772.231.0900 : Vero Beach, FL : JohnsIslandRealEstate.com
That's a legitimate complaint.
So is this: Pickleball is noisy.
Some of the tennis players rightly
expressed concerns about the distrac-
tions emanating from adjacent pickle-
ball courts – specifically, the repeated,
ping-pong-like, popping sounds of
paddles hitting a plastic ball.
"When that ball hits that paddle, it
makes a loud noise," one of the tennis
players told the gathering at City Hall.
"And it hits it a lot. That's disruptive."
Apparently, the commissioners
agreed, because Pickleball University's
pitch went nowhere. There was no vote
and, even with two pickleball players
on the panel, there seemed to be little
interest in pursuing the matter further.
Nor should there be.
Adding pickleball lines to tennis
courts is a bad idea. Putting pickle-
ball courts next to tennis courts, with-
out some sort of barrier to muffle the
noise, is worse. And the pickleball
people know it.
That's why they've already moved
on to another plan that offers a more
permanent solution to their court-
shortage problem.
It's a plan tennis players, pickleball
players and the community at large
should embrace.
That golf-club land is just sitting
there. Nobody wants to pay what the
city thinks it is worth. Nobody run-
ning the city has come up with a bet-
ter alternative.
So why not lease a small patch of
the property to the folks at Pickleball
University and let them do some good
with it?
The city has little to lose, and a bus-
tling, new pickleball complex can only
help attract newcomers to town.
John's Island has converted a sec-
tion of its tennis club into a lighted,
six-court pickleball complex, com-

4 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Laura Riding Jackson House critic Schuyler Jackson. The couple less than crystal clear. Saying no cur- cated on the ELC campus; or it could be
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 raised citrus organically and shipped rent plans exist to move the house is not moved to another location, such as the
it to northern markets to support their the same as saying it will not have to be Indian River State College campus.
members met with ELC’s new leader- work. The house is one of the few local moved, and “continuation of a relation-
ship over lunch last summer to discuss examples of true Florida Cracker ar- ship” could mean a number of things. House foundation board members
the environmental center’s ambitious chitecture still standing in the county. say moving the house would be a deli-
multimillion-dollar expansion plans In the face of uncertainty, the house cate, time-consuming process that
and were told those plans don’t in- The structure was moved to its cur- foundation is seeking other possible would cost at least $100,000. 
clude the 118-year-old house. rent location, an acre leased from the locations for the historically signifi-
ELC for $2,100 a year, renewable every cant home, which in May was listed by Vero Electric sale
Stiefel said no specific timeframe five years, in 1994. While on the cam- the Florida Trust for Historic Preserva- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
was provided for when the structure pus it has been open for tours and used tion as among “the most threatened
would have to be moved, leaving the for writing workshops and poetry fes- historic properties in the state.” ber cities, and also FPL for sticking
board uncertain about how best to tivals. The current lease expires in De- with Vero in the negotiations even
proceed. After the meeting, several cember. Foundation Board member and In- when it looked like there was no hope
board members expressed disappoint- dian River County's first poet laureate of closing the deal.
ment that the genial 25-year partner- When contacted by Vero Beach Sean Sexton said board members have
ship between the house foundation 32963, ELC leaders were ambiguous had preliminary conversations with In- Now FPL and the city’s transaction-
and ELC would be coming to an end. about whether or when the house dian River State College about the pos- al attorney Nat Doliner of the Carlton
would have to be moved. ELC Director sibility of moving the house, which is Fields law firm hope to complete the
Some noted the irony that a sustain- of Marketing Communications Nance loaded with literary associations, to the transaction on or before Oct. 1, pend-
able structure built out of materials Hatch wrote in an email: “There is no college's Indian River County campus. ing regulatory approvals.
from its surroundings and designed plan in the immediate future for the
to make best use of wind, rain and the Laura Riding Jackson house to move Foundation Board Secretary Rene “This journey has taken nearly a de-
natural light is not seen as relevant to off the ELC campus. We are develop- VanDeVoorde, Jackson’s longtime friend cade for all the FMPA cities to be vot-
an organization promoting harmony ing a campus master plan to trans- and personal attorney, said that part- ing to allow Vero Beach to exit,” Zorc
between people and the natural world. form the campus to better serve a nering with the college is an exciting said, adding that Monday’s vote was an
broader range of community needs possibility, and adds that the board has “historic day both the residents of Vero
Built in 1910 among the citrus groves for the next 10 years and beyond.” also had conversations with other local Beach and the residents of Indian River
west of the railroad tracks in Wabasso, historical landmark entities about the County served by Vero Beach electric.
the small frame house was purchased In a second email, Hatch wrote: “We possibility of establishing a partnership.
in 1940 by notable poet, essayist, an- admire the work the Laura Jackson Rid- “This puts us one step closer to rate
thologist and publisher Laura Jackson, ing Foundation has done and look for- As it stands now, there seem to be reductions that our community will
who was associated with many leading ward to the evolution and continuation three main possibilities for the house: benefit from to the tune of nearly $20
literary figures of the 20th century, and of a relationship that’s existed for almost It could remain where it is for another million every year,” Zorc said, citing
her husband, Time Magazine poetry as long as the ELC has been open.” 5-year lease cycle, while the ELC project the rate disparity between Vero and
moves though the fundraising and pre-
Both emails sound hopeful but are construction phases; it could be relo-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 5

NEWS

FPL rates that will stay in the pockets Top FMPA officials have crisscrossed tual ownership in three power gen- “It was months of preparation on
of residents and businesses after the the state in close negotiations with the eration projects – Orlando’s Stanton 1 the part of FMPA. Nothing was left to
sale closes. 19 member cities, plus Vero, who are and Stanton 2 coal plants, and FPL’s St. chance,” Vero Councilwoman Laura
equity partners in the agency’s All Re- Lucie Nuclear plant – in exchange for Moss said last week during a council
The next step in the process is for quirements Project (ARP). $108 million that will come out of the meeting, recognizing especially the ef-
the FMPA Board of Directors and the $185 million FPL is paying to acquire forts of FMPA CEO Jacob Williams and
FMPA Executive Committee to for- The remaining ARP members will Vero Electric. chief counsel Jody Finklea. 
mally vote on March 15. be assuming Vero’s share of the vir-

6 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Susi on Cleveland Clinic live here, they shop here, they buy cars Susi was also optimistic that the ar- grams in medicine and surgery and
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 here, they bank here, they buy real es- rival of Cleveland Clinic would finally emergency medicine, and we just did
tate. All those things are going to look address one major thing that did not not have the support at the time given
said the difference “is that for some very promising with a Cleveland Clinic. happen on his watch – bringing grad- healthcare reform and the nervous-
of them, we could have been a feeder uate medical education to IRMC. ness about what does this mean going
to another hospital nearby.” Two of “The value of this transaction is forward,” Susi said. “But I think Cleve-
the finalists have a huge presence in what it does for the economy and what “We’ve had two task forces that at land Clinic can take that, and move
Orlando, and HCA, the nation’s larg- it does for patient care – not the check different times have recommended that to a whole new level.” 
est health system, owns Lawnwood in somebody's going to write. That's a moving forward with residency pro-
neighboring Fort Pierce. one-time thing. It's this ongoing im-
pact of a major medical center.” RETIRED IRMC CEO JEFF SUSI
“I think that Cleveland Clinic is IN HIS OWN WORDS
going to expand our footprint, draw Susi said that in his meetings with
from a broader area and grow the the four finalists, he told all of them Excerpts from retired IRMC CEO with a Center of Excellence, a cancer
medical staff, grow the employment that the IRMC Health and Wellness Jeff Susi’s interview with Vero Beach center, a medical office building with
base,” Susi said. Center “is full – it needs to be expand- 32963. an emphasis on wellness, and out-
ed – and we need an ambulatory sur- reach north, south and west. It took 17
“When I look at IRMC and I hear gery center. On hospital growth during his years, but all of that has taken place.
people talking about, you know, who's tenure:
willing to pay how much for the medi- “Those are two significant projects On key figures at IRMC:
cal center here, or how much a (for- that I would expect to come along I look at the medical center today Through my two decades, there were
profit system) would pay in taxes – $2.5 very quickly because they’ll be recruit- and what it was 19 years ago and it’s three physicians – incredible lead-
million, I think – the more important ing more people to the community. night and day. I came in December ers – people that I admire, respect and
impact is the jobs that are created.” They’re going to need places for those of 1998, and in the spring of 1999, learned a lot from. Dr. Felix Demartini
physicians. the board approved a strategic plan was retired, but he had been a Colum-
Susi said during his 19 years as that would transform us into a medi- bia faculty member and retired from
CEO of IRMC, the hospital staff grew “And I think there’s a lot of places cal center. And if you go back and the position of president and CEO of
to 1,700 and the payroll to more than around the hospital, medical build- read that original plan, it said that we Presbyterian Medical Center in New
“$150 million last year, and I think ings and whatever, that will benefit would create a heart center affiliated
Cleveland Clinic will take that to $200 from this, because when you start to
million or more in the next three years. attract more physicians and more spe-
cialties, you’re going to attract more
“That is a tremendous impact on the patients and there’s going to be the
local economy. They’ll end up grow- spin-off to all the physicians that prac-
ing the medical staff. Those people tice here, private as well as (hospital)
employed,” he said.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 7

NEWS

York. And when I was talking to board a medical center is doing complex RETIRED HOSPITAL CEO On the affiliation with Duke:
members about a heart program, Felix things. That meant we had to have a JEFF SUSI I thought originally we would af-
said, ‘I'll support you if we don't rein- heart program. And when you have filiate with somebody in Florida, but
vent the wheel and we affiliate with a good heart program, you raise the surgery in 2006. But beyond that, you we had some conversations and they
somebody that has a national reputa- level of everything you do – critical know, Dr. Stowe was able to attract were saying, ‘Well, you know, we can
tion.’ I said, ‘Well, I think that's impor- care, respiratory, cardiology, labora- Dr. Malias, Dr. Lindenthal for anes- affiliate but you don't have to do ev-
tant.’ Then Dr. Dick Weil, who became tory, imaging, all that stuff gets better. thesia, Drs. Midwall and Kieval for erything. You can do the emergencies,
chairman later, was actually a resident The approval came in 2005 and then interventional cardiology, and then but you can send your valves to us,
under Dr. Demartini at Columbia. Dr. almost the same time, the affiliation most recently, Dr. Faulknier for elec- you can send this.’ And I realized you
Weil was the second great physician with Duke and then Dr. Cary Stowe trophysiology. So talent brings talent can't set out trying to be a second-best
leader that we had on the board and came here, and we did our first heart and I credit Dr. Stowe a lot in develop- program. You really have to set out to
he was all about quality, and served as ing our program. It may have been my be the best you can be. The current af-
a great chairman, very strong, chaired dream, but other people make those filiation agreement runs through De-
the patient care committee. And then dreams come true. cember of 2019. I think that it will sun-
last but not least, Dr. Bill Kelley – who set and you know, if we had affiliated
served on the board until just about with a number of other partners that
a year and a half ago. Bill Kelley was didn't have the expertise that Cleve-
a rheumatologist at Duke, was at the land Clinic has, it could've gone the
University of Michigan as chief of med- other way. It could've renewed and it
icine, and then he went to Philadelphia might even have expanded. But given
as CEO of the Penn health system. He Cleveland Clinic, who everyone knows
came on the board and was outstand- what a great heart program they have,
ing in terms of, again, focusing the dis- I think that the need for that affilia-
cussions on quality and patients first. tion went away. I also went on Cleve-
And Clark Beckett doesn't get enough land Clinic's website a while ago and
credit. He’s a vascular surgeon, and I I was impressed with what they do on
asked Clark to chair the work group to cancer care in Cleveland. It's amazing
develop the work plan for open heart what they're doing. So, you know, our
surgery. And he stepped into that. cancer program is in its infancy, Jim
Grichnik came in January of 2016. So
On the heart program: really this is the beginning of his third
In my opinion, the foundation of
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Jeff Susi interview $180 million. So that’s not a financial-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 ly losing proposition. We created great
wealth on the balance sheets.

year, but that has equal potential to On criticism over the years:
grow and be a game changer. I think that I did well with having
a thick skin. I didn't always do what
On the hospital’s finances: was popular but I always did what I
I think the record is unclear on how thought was right for the community.
financially strong the hospital is. Dur- I don’t know that I would do anything
ing my tenure, you know, one reporter differently. I paid a personal price in
for another paper wanted to take one the community with reputation. But
line-item out – it really is a subtotal, I think at the end of the day, maybe
you know, the P&L (profit and loss) the vindication is to have a Cleveland
from operations – and he's got a figure Clinic aspiring to come in here and
$40 something million (that the hos- take us to the next step. That’s a huge
pital has lost) and that's telling half satisfaction for me. 
the picture. We had interest expense
on bonds that was above the line that Reuse water for John’s Island
entered into that, but interest income CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
from investments or a market im-
provement from investments was be- and 69th Street on the mainland be-
low the line. He ignored half the pic- fore plunging deep below the lagoon
ture. We generated positive cash flow and crossing to the island, where it
in those two decades of well over $100 will dispense millions of gallons of
million. We were investing all the time. reclaimed water for irrigation in and
Whatever came from cash flow went around John’s Island.
back into the operations. So there was
$100 plus million from the hospital The 16-inch-diameter pipe will begin
and $100 million from the founda- at the county’s reuse water tank north
tion, $200 million of improvement. of 77th Street on the mainland and end
And during my tenure, the net assets, at A1A at the north end of John’s Island.
which is like net worth on the books,
went from about $100 million to over The last hurdle to the project was

Vote

Randy Heimler



for

SCHOOL BOARD
DISTRICT 4



August 28th, 2018

Return the
FOCtoUS

OUR CHILDREN!!

H: (772) 794-1327 Paid for by Randy Heimler
C: (786) 512-7017 for School Board District 4
www.randyheimler.com

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 9

NEWS

cleared on Feb. 25 with the Indian Riv- ty, which will take over operation and offset the cost of building the pipeline. within five years of getting a Florida
er Shores Town Council voting unani- maintenance in perpetuity. A county Moller doesn’t expect much money Department of Environmental Protec-
mously to give Indian River County a estimate shows John’s Island will save tion permit.
non-exclusive right to sell reclaimed $3 million in water costs over 25 years, from this part of the deal. He said there
water from its wastewater treatment offsetting half its construction cost. are about three more developments The franchise agreement further
plant to entities within town limits for within the town limits that could be- requires the county to get council
the next 25 years. Bid packets will go out the end of come county customers – The Shores, consent to enter agreements with de-
March, Moller said, with construction River Club and the Carlton. velopers who want reclaimed water
The main customer will be Johns starting in May and going on for “two for new subdivisions, and to submit
Island Water Management, which or three months.” The subaqueous If the county receives requests for a “reclaimed water utility system in-
signed a separate agreement with the one-mile directional bore beneath the service from those or other communi- frastructure plan” to the town council
county in December. lagoon will be done first, he said. ties, the franchise agreement requires within three years. 
it to build distribution infrastructure
John’s Island, which includes 1,382 John’s Island Water Management has
homes, occupies nearly 2 square miles of been buying about 1.5 million gallons OSLO ROAD BOAT RAMP WATERS
the town’s 7 square miles and accounts a day of reclaimed wastewater from COULD BECOME THE NATION’S FIRST
for more than half the town’s 4,300 the City of Vero Beach for many years, PROTECTED FISH SPAWNING AREA
population. The community’s property but the club community requires more
owners association formed Johns Island than that to keep its golf courses, com- BY KATHLEEN SLOAN up the idea of “improving” the ramp
Water Management in 1990, association mon areas and lawns green. Staff Writer area at the Feb. 13 commission meeting,
General Manager Jim Moller said, put- after spending countless hours discuss-
ting in about $3 million of infrastructure Because the city has no more re- After winning a 10-year-long battle ing ever-changing plans to expand or
to distribute irrigation water. claimed water to spare, Johns Island to protect the Oslo Boat Ramp area ear- otherwise alter the well-used boat ramp.
Water Management supplemented ir- lier this month, environmentalists, sci-
According to the agreements, John’s rigation flow by drawing on three wells, entists and anglers want to capitalize Coastal Conservation Association
Island will buy 1 million gallons of re- but those wells have gradually become on that victory, getting the area desig- president Paul Fafeita told Indian
use water a day from the county at half low producers and too salty. The influx nated a protected fish-nursery habitat. River County Commissioners the area
the county’s normal rate for 25 years. of county water will allow John’s Island is the only site along the 156-mile la-
The normal rate is .67-cents a gallon to get off well water completely, Moller No such designation currently ex- goon forming a nursery for not one,
and John’s Island will pay .335 cents, said. ists at the local, state or federal level, but four game-fish – snook, tarpon,
while the special rate is in effect. but the group wants to change that. red drum and spotted sea trout.
After taking care of Johns Island Wa-
In exchange for the discounted rate, ter Management, the county has the The County Commission finally gave CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Johns Island Water Management will right to sell reclaimed water to other
spend $6 million to build the pipeline, customers within the town limits, ac-
one mile of which will run 40 to 80 feet cording to the franchise agreement.
beneath the lagoon. After it is built, Johns Island Water Management will
the pipeline will be given to the coun- get 20 percent of these fees to further

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10 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Partners program fights high infant mortality rate

BY MICHELLE GENZ board member Kathy Hendrix, aims In 2016, Indian River County’s in- River County Health Department.
Staff Writer to save the lives of newborns. A half- fant mortality rate, which measures “We talk about the health issues
dozen community health agencies, all deaths in the first year after birth, was
Hospital District Trustee Allen receiving Hospital District support for 25 percent higher than the state as a we’re seeing and how we can do things
Jones, a retired senior Merrill Lynch indigent care, are involved in services whole. That year, of the 1,245 babies better,” said Berry. “I always say I wish
executive, is by his own admission ranging from help in quitting smok- born here, 10 died before their first that everyone knew how much we’re
obsessed with numbers. Babies? Not ing and getting off drugs to breast- birthday. Of those, 7 were newborns, looking out for this community.”
particularly, beyond his three grand- feeding advice and tips for finding a hence the Collaborative’s new focus.
children. But when he took a look at safe spot for a baby to sleep. That community includes Gifford,
high infant mortality figures in Indian Along with reducing infant deaths, a majority black neighborhood that
River County, he went into data over- “No other county in the state is do- the Partners Collaborative is initiating borders U.S. 1 just a mile or so west
drive, compiling an in-depth report ing this,” said Jones proudly. a healthcare relationship with eco- of the hospital. Yet that population, as
within months of joining the Hospital nomically challenged families. well as neighborhoods in the southern
District Board. Last month, as the District Board end of the county, are particularly vul-
listened to Jones present his bi-an- “If the family trusts you, and you nerable to the tragedy of infant death.
The program he pegged to solve the nual report – stepping down from his form that relationship, there’s going
problem wasn’t a new one; Partners in usual seat at the dias to take a turn to be more growth and development,” Despite Partners’ best efforts over
Women’s Health, a practice begun to at the podium – Jones challenged his says Andrea Berry, executive director two decades, the trend line has barely
treat pregnant women of very limited Partners team to beat the numbers of the Indian River County Healthy budged: Black babies under a year old
means, was formed in the mid-1990s, he has crunched so diligently. As a re- Start Coalition, which of the Partners are dying in this county at rates far
just as the mom-focused Healthy ward, he convinced the board to ap- Collaborative. higher than the state average for black
Start initiatives were getting under- prove an incentive bonus to invest in babies.
way here and across the country. much-needed equipment. Leaders of the various agencies
meet quarterly with the Partners ob- Of the 202 black babies born in In-
What Jones saw as the solution to Jones wants the county to beat the stetricians to discuss their successes dian River County in 2016, five died
high infant mortality was not just the state’s neonatal mortality rate, pre- and their challenges. Along with Ber- in their first year. That translates to a
Partners clinic, but a network of pre- venting deaths of babies one-month ry, Hendrix and Jones, the group in- shocking rate of 25 deaths per thou-
natal and post-partum services. old or younger, a challenge the pre- cludes Dr. Felix Bigay and Dr. George sand births that year.
collaboration District program, the Fyffe from the Partners in Women
Today, the Partners in Women’s Partners in Women’s Health clinic, Health medical practice; Vicki Soulé The statewide rate among black
Health Collaborative Committee, had not been able to consistently of Treasure Coast Community Health; babies is 11.6 per thousand – still
which Jones co-chairs with IRMC conquer. and Miranda Hawker of the Indian shameful, considering the white in-
fant mortality rate is 4.3 per thousand
statewide, and 6 per thousand here.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 11

NEWS

In January, at the suggestion of the any prenatal care. Nobody was ready
Health Department’s Hawker, the for this. It was kind of a disaster situ-
Partners Collaborative began offering ation.”
prenatal visits one day a week with
a nurse practitioner at the Gifford While the Health Department did
Health Center, with hopes of adding a have obstetrical services, Jones said,
mobile ultrasound unit. for some reason, it wasn’t being utilized
by the county’s poorest women, even
The best news in all the numbers though the District was funding it.
came from the county’s Hispanic
community: Zero babies died in 2016. “We took it upon ourselves and set
That compared to five per thousand in up our own program to take care of
the Hispanic community statewide. indigent mothers,” recalls McCrystal.
“We set up that program very fast. We
While that positive news warrants hired the obstetricians and we set up
a closer look to see what practices an office.”
other populations might emulate,
Berry and Jones agree the trend lines The hospital was selected to run
among whites and blacks are not con- the District’s program. “IRMC would
clusive; with just over 1,200 births a provide prenatal and obstetrical care
year in the county, any death makes to indigent woman and collect Med-
for a major change in the rate. icaid from those who qualified, and
in exchange, the District would offset
Then again, any death is one too the losses,” explained Jones.
many for health advocates. As a re-
sult, Healthy Start tries to screen ev- When the Partners program began
ery newly pregnant woman. If they in 1996, there were eight obstetricians
are deemed at high risk, counselors practicing in the county, but few if
immediately try to develop a bond any accepted Medicaid, according to
with the moms-to-be, to inform them Jones.
of conditions that affect the growing
fetus, like obesity, diabetes, smoking, As the cost of malpractice insur-
substance abuse and even stress. ance for OBs skyrocketed, one by one,
doctors stopped delivering babies.
That counseling, which includes Today, only one obstetrician is still in
home visits and classes, complements private practice and he does not ac-
the clinical care provided to indigents cept Medicaid.
through the District’s program. “It’s
really the collaboration that makes it Now, Jones says, of the annual 1250
work,” says Berry. or so births in the county, the Partners
in Women’s Health medical practice
“In our county, the main causes (of sees more than 800 mothers. Some
neonatal death) are preterm labor 600 of those are indigent women, and
and low birth weight babies,” says another 200 women have private in-
Berry. Prenatal care, starting with the surance.
moment a woman learns she is preg-
nant, “is our only line of defense. If “I look at this program as a real
she’s stressed or can’t afford prenatal badge of success of what the District
care, that is delaying care and encour- does,” said Jones of the private-public
aging a big cause of infant mortality.” patient mix. “It has funded a prenatal
program that’s providing substantial-
Pregnancy complications in either ly equal care for the indigent as well
the mother or the fetus are another for privately insured patients, in a re-
cause of infant death. So are sudden ally nice facility.”
infant death syndrome and injuries
to the baby, including suffocation, Over time, though, the Partners
according to the CDC. To help re- program costs rose from an initial
duce those risks, post-partum guid- $600,000 to more than $2 million. The
ance has long been offered through budget appeared bloated, Jones says,
Healthy Start. and there was talk of doing away with
it altogether.
Now a pilot program is underway
for more intensive home contact; cur- “That’s why I got involved, because
rently, Healthy Start is recruiting 25 there was a movement to unfund
moms-to-be to be part of a study that this,” said Jones. He had already be-
involves home visits from the mo- gun intensive study of the Partners
ment mother and baby are released program, including touring relevant
from the hospital. agencies, even before he assumed
his place on the District Board in De-
Post-partum care is also being of- cember 2014. The District had already
fered now at the Partners in Women’s cut the hospital’s reimbursement for
Health Clinic. “So we’re now tracking indigent care, with $1 million of that
that,” Jones said. coming out of the Partners program.
And there was talk of cutting it fur-
When District trustees first fo- ther, he recalls.
cused on infant mortality rates in
1995, “They were dramatically higher Then Jones discovered the county’s
than other counties in the state,” says high infant mortality rates. “And I
Jones. “The hospital was giving anec- thought as I got into this, wow, this is
dotal reports of people showing up key to community health. I thought I
ready to deliver without having had could get the trustees to understand

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

12 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Infant mortality “I believe this is what the District ocean spawning grounds and shallow- eries are damaged or destroyed, fish
should be doing, and what we’re all water-lagoon nursery grounds, wants populations plummet.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 about,” said Cunningham. “Finding the spawning area posted and pro-
where those gaps are in health for our tected. “It’s a sacred area, much like Peli-
what this program was all about be- citizens and working together with can Island, which is a protected area
cause it pre-dated all of us: This is a the appropriate agencies to fund and Gilmore and those working with for egrets and pelicans and other
District program, not a hospital pro- make them better. And that’s exactly him want to make the environmental- birds,” Fafeita said. “But unlike the
gram – the hospital is just running it what you’re doing.”  ly sensitive waters around the ramp a birds, you can’t see them, so we’re
for the District,” Jones pointed out. pilot project to get fish spawning and speaking for the fish.”
Oslo Road fish spawning area nursery habitat recognized and pro-
As Jones wrapped up his presenta- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 tected state- and nation-wide. William Loftus, head of Aquatic Re-
tion, fellow Trustees made it clear the search & Communication, suggested
program could be a shining example Grant Gilmore, a renowned fish bi- “Oslo will be the premier example a possible mechanism for protection
of where the District is headed, if and ologist who has identified deep-water- of what anglers can do to turn things at the state level. The Florida Fish and
when taxpayer funds are no longer around. I am so proud of these guys,” Wildlife Conservation Commission
needed for indigent support at the Gilmore said. “They came and protect- has a “critical wildlife area” designa-
hospital under new ownership. ed the babies of their big game fish.” tion, which could be expanded to in-
clude fish habitat.
If fish spawning grounds and nurs-
Gilmore believes that’s a good route,
stressing a need to educate the pub-
lic, county commissioners, state leg-
islators, agency personnel and federal
lawmakers.

As a first step in that education, he
wants to let people hear the sound of
game fish spawning.

“We want people to understand fish
are a part of the ecosystem,” Gilmore
said. “They’re out of sight and so out
of mind, but I think letting people
hear the fish is going to do it.”

OSLO BOAT RAMP
PHOTO BY GORDON RADFORD

Using military-grade sound sys-
tems, Gilmore and the CCA anglers
plan to set up listening sites, dropping
microphones into identified spawn-
ing grounds, and CCA has promised
Gilmore it will build a website to post
recordings of the spawning songs.

“A single trout sounds like a heart-
beat – ba bump – but thousands of
them spawning sounds like a stam-
pede of buffaloes,” Gilmore said. Red
drum “sounds like bongos tapping
– ba, ba, ba, ba, ba. Perch sound like
chickens – bac, bac, bac, baaaac.”

“The aboriginal people knew these
were sacred sites and you don’t fish
where they’re spawning,” Gilmore
said. “The Pascagoula Native Ameri-
can tribes could hear the fish through
their canoes.”

The more people understand about
how unique and essential to ocean
ecology the spawning areas are, the
more they will be likely to support of-
ficial protection that will keep the ar-
eas safe, Gilmore believes. 

CHOMPING AT THE BIT FOR THE
‘GATOR GALLOP’ TRAIL RUN P. 24

14 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Reach for Stars Gala: Helping kids fulfill potential

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF
Staff Writer

The stars shone brightly last Satur- Art Ryan and Kelly Donovan. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Suzanne Leigh-Vilas and Marcelo Vilas.
day evening at the fifth annual Reach
for the Stars Gala at the Corporate Air here to continue supporting the chil- PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE said Mass. “They’re children, and
Hangar, where the only thing “taking dren and the families of the Treasure they need love. They give more love
off” was support for the Children’s Coast and we wouldn’t be able to do Emily Mass gave a heartfelt re- back than you can ever imagine.”
Home Society of Florida. this without the support of the com- count of her adoption of two children,
munity.” now ages 5 and 7, through Children’s After a family-style dinner, Auc-
The hangar was resplendent with Home Society, sharing, “If it weren’t tioneer Wesley Davis opened the
inspirational photographs of ath- CHS has also rolled out a teen ab- for CHS I don’t think we would have floor for a Have a Heart appeal and
letes giving their all to achieve their stinence program called Teen Life been able to adopt. They allowed the honorary event chair Janet Baines
sporting dreams. Event chair Kelly Choices that includes Baby Think It opportunity to make it affordable was recognized and thanked for her
Donovan, owner of presenting spon- Over, which utilizes infant simula- and to make it an option for us.” unwavering support of CHS.
sor White Orchid Spa, likened it to tors to help reduce teen pregnancy.
the sheer determination and drive of Mass recounted stories of fam- “This is a good community,” said
CHS children to realize their full po- “We launched the program in In- ily friends who adopted more than Donovan’s father, Arthur Ryan, re-
tential. dian River County with funding from 40 years ago through CHS noting tired Prudential CEO. “Don’t give up
Quail Valley (Charities) and we’re that when they decided to become on the goal of helping children. A lot
“Sports keep kids out of trouble; it putting through additional grant ap- parents, they knew through their has been accomplished, but there’s
gives them an afterschool opportu- plications to create a full, stand-alone friends’ experiences that CHS was a still a lot to be done.”
nity that keeps them off the streets,” program. This year we’re serving all good organization.
said Donovan. “This evening’s event three high schools on a very limited For more information, visit chsfl.
is to support not only the Transitional basis,” Barnes explained. “Any family thinking about adopt- org. 
Living program that we have here in ing or fostering, it doesn’t matter if a
Indian River County but other pro- child is your biological child or not,”
grams that CHS offers.”

Over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
guests perused a selection of silent-
auction items, ranging from a guitar
signed by Garth Brooks to golf equip-
ment, NBA memorabilia, wines and
art. Attendees also enjoyed taking
selfies in a photo booth and playing
pool and table shuffleboard.

“This year we are highlighting
adoptions. It is our flagship program
and is something that continues to
be very near and dear,” shared Sa-
brina Barnes Sampson, Treasure
Coast CHS executive director. “We’re



16 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Janet Baines and Richard Crawford. Linda Albrecht, Diana Pridgeon and Jeanne Bishop.
Sabrina Sampson and Angela Beers.

Rodger Pridgeon with Stephanie and Pastor Tim Womack. Nick Bischoff, Richard Schlitt and Paul Muller. Adam Zens, Justin Barnett and Jarrett Adcock.

Darcy Nunez, Alisha Greene, Maria DePietro and Emily Mass.

Ron Foulks and Chris Bryant.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 17

PEOPLE

Rikki Bischoff, Gali Dupay and Melissa Shine. Tara Ayers, Lisa Sarbak and Kristin Hazelton. Laura and Bobby Guttridge.

Scott Nuttall and Alexandra Radu. Marta and Bob Schneider. Alice Johnson and Sam Rutland. Katherine Leu and Maureen Leu.

Robert Taylor and Diane Parentela.

18 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Muscle car show pumps up funds for Community Health

BY KERRY FIRTH night out with my friend Mike, drool- an extremely kind and generous man County locations to more than 17,000
Correspondent ing over these cars! This place is phe- who offers this venue at no cost, and patients annually. Services include
nomenal!” even supplies the food and drinks. medical and dental care, behavioral
Grown men gasped as the doors That way every single penny collect- healthcare, health education and
opened to the 123,000-square-foot “I am a car enthusiast” said Dennis ed for TCCH goes directly back into promotion, health assessments and
American Muscle Car Museum in Bartholomew, TCCH director of busi- taking care of those who need health screening, pharmaceuticals, labora-
Melbourne, home to more than 250 ness development. “When (owner) care in our community.” tory and X-ray services.
pristine muscle cars, from clas- Mark Pieloch opened his museum to
sic 1950-1970 American models, to charities, I jumped on the opportu- TCCH provides affordable health- In addition to English and Spanish,
modern, sophisticated muscle such nity to host our fundraiser here. He is care at six convenient Indian River 150 other languages can be accessed
as the 2017 Mustang Shelby GT350R. through telephone language lines
Treasure Coast Community Health and a video conferencing system that
hosted their annual fundraiser at the provides instant translations with a
private complex last Saturday, giv- live operator. Services for the deaf,
ing attendees the rare opportunity to hearing and speech impaired are
visit the museum and see one of the also in place. Fees are charged on a
most elite private car collections in sliding scale based on income level.
the country.
“Each $100 donation provides a
Like kids in a toy store, guests mammogram to a woman who nor-
wandered about in awe, occasion- mally couldn’t afford one” said Vicki
ally stopping to reflect and reminisce Soulé”, TCCH CEO. “It will help four
when coming upon cars that rekin- or five little children receive medi-
dled memories of the past. cal care to protect their longevity. It
will help our nurses reach out to 30
“I’m a strong supporter of Treasure to 40 individuals that have no one
Coast Community Health and the else checking on them, and the list
services it provides in Indian River goes on. Our goal is to provide qual-
County” said Chris Bieber. “But I’m ity healthcare that will contribute to
even more excited about having a a healthier community.” 

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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 19

PEOPLE

Doc McKinney, Rick Silverstein, Jim Lester and Dick Pollock. Chris Bieber and Mike Rhue.

Mark and Tetiana Pieloch with Donna and Tom Eckert. Dennis Bartholomew and Vicki Soulé. PHOTOS: KERRY FIRTH PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Chris Detter and Emily Edler.

20 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Bob and Sharla Anderson.
Doug Brew, Colette Heid, Bob Snyder and Patti Rooney.

Rick Chuma.



22 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

‘King of Hill’ tourney doubles as Youth Guidance benefit

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF Lauren Pfeiffer and Gigi Casapu. died 23 years ago in a car accident “We’ve been providing mentor-
Staff Writer while in Romania. ing services for youngsters in Indian
Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club. Al- River County for the past 45 years,”
The 23rd annual King of the Hill ford and Kowalczyk are scheduled to “We’re really excited that we’ve shared Felix Cruz, Youth Guidance
Tournament, a six-week round-robin play on April 24. been able to partner for the last two executive director. “As we come to the
professional doubles competition years with Gigi and King of the Hill,” close of a very competitive and very
at the Moorings Yacht and Country Founded by Gigi Casapu, the King shared Randy Walker, co-director of productive tournament I want you all
Club, served up a golden set last Tues- of the Hill Tournament honors the the MFCF Tennis Championships. to witness the product of what goes
day evening in support of the Youth memory of his brother, Johnny Casa- “Vero Beach is the best, per capita, on here.”
Guidance Mentoring & Activities Pro- pu, a world-class tennis player who tennis town in the country. It’s really
gram at its exciting closing match. was passionate about tennis and fantastic that you all are supporting Cruz presented the 2018 Gigi Casa-
helping children, but who tragically tennis but most importantly that you pu Scholarship to Brittany Rhoden, a
Even a sudden rainstorm didn’t all are supporting youth in the com- Vero Beach High School student and
clear the crowd of fans who filled the munity.” long-time Youth Guidance mentee.
stands as they waited to see which Rhoden plans to use the $1,000 award
local tennis professional would walk Other tournament standouts were toward earning her associate degree
away with the “King of the Hill” title 50s division winner Joe Biedenharn in hospitality management at Indian
in the three-division tournament: of John’s Island Club and 40s division River State College before transfer-
Open, 40-and-over, and 50-and-over. winner Marco Osorio of Grand Har- ring to Florida International Univer-
bor and the LOTA Tennis Academy. sity to earn her bachelor’s degree.
In the end, it was Mike Alford of
Quail Valley River Club who was And while Alford may have walked “I got a lot of help from Youth Guid-
crowned the 2018 “King.” Alford and away with the King of the Hill title, ance,” explained Rhoden. “Without
runner-up Robert Kowalczyk have it was game-set-match for local chil- Youth Guidance I would not have
been awarded a main draw doubles dren, who are the real winners. Pro- gained the confidence I have today.
wild card into the 2018 Mardy Fish ceeds from the tournament help fund My goal is to make enough money to
Children’s Foundation Tennis Cham- the Youth Guidance Mentoring Acad- put food on the table and take care of
pionships, a U.S. Tennis Association emy, which provides group and one- my family.”
(USTA), Pro Circuit Futures tourna- to-one mentoring programs for 300
ment, to be held April 20-29 at the children each year from low-income, For more information visit Youth-
single-parent homes. GuidanceProgram.org. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 23

PEOPLE

Adam Lefkandinos and Michael Alford. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Rob Kowalczyk and Bill Troxell. Jan Truebner and Marianne Reifenheiser.

Scholarship recipient Brittany Rhoden with her
brother Cornelius and father Shamus Rhoden.

Art and Gail Shinners.

Allan Schwartz and Larry Taylor with Yvonne and Dan Bono.

Gregory Levy.

24 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Chomping at the bit for ‘Gator Gallop’ trail run

Roseanne Eerdmans and Ruben Juarez. PHOTOS: GORDON RADFORD Ken Grudens and David Heuberger. Leslie London and Christy Northfield.

Frantz Senat with children Malik and Keila. Kim Millbrook.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 25

PEOPLE

Audrey Briggs and Susie Orren. Ashley Gonyea with son Victor. Jason White with daughter Payton. Marc and Lynn Jaime with Eric Purvis.

Close to 100 participants in the
third annual Indian River Gator
Gallop got off the main drag Sat-
urday morning, running through
the Indian River Lagoon Green-
way in the only 5K Trail Run in
Vero Beach. The 187-acre prop-
erty, located at the corner of 8th
Street and Indian River Boule-
vard, is a public/private coop-
erative of the Indian River Land
Trust, IRC Commissioners, the
Mosquito Control District and the
Florida Inland Navigation Dis-
trict. The three-mile trail system
is open year-round to hikers, jog-
gers, bike riders and even leashed
pets. Overall race winner was Na-
thaniel Helfferich at 20:33; Kerry
Monahan Gaughan was the top
female finisher at 23:23. 

Bill Honey and Jim VanVeen. Marianne Day with grandkids Beckham Simons and Mia Lombardo.

26 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Team ‘Charles Todd’ wins fans with novel approach

BY SAMANTHA BAITA Charles Todd, Avalon McGann and Caroline Todd. PHOTOS: STEPHANIE LABAFF tion slip,” Caroline said. “Then, I was
Staff Writer cleaning the house and the phone
Award, among others. to go to the places; see the people and rang. It was the editor, asking for
British and French flags and pa- The pair spoke of their rich story- their culture.” Charles Todd. I pretended to be his as-
per poppies centered each table at sistant.”
the Vero Beach Country Club at the telling heritage and their creative pro- Self-described anglophiles, the
recent American Association of Uni- cess, displaying an impressive depth two had been batting around the idea The book was a huge hit in the
versity Women’s annual Book Author of historical knowledge and a great of writing together “just to see if we States and in England and, just like
Luncheon. The décor for the sold-out sense of humor. They also share a could do it,” said Charles. “We love that, Charles Todd unexpectedly be-
event honored this year’s featured deep commitment to accuracy in ev- mysteries and puzzles, turning chaos came wildly successful.
speakers, a mother-and-son writing ery detail and do extensive, feet-on- into order.”
team whose nom de plume is Charles the-ground research involving a good Asked how they picked their name,
Todd. Their best-selling series is set deal of travel. After sending the first manuscript to Caroline explained, “It was which-
in England and France in the World their editor they waited. For months. ever had the fewest letters,” noting
War I era and poppies commemorate “You can’t get the nuances with that fewer letters meant larger type on
those who died in that war in defense Google,” Charles explained. “You have “I thought it must be so awful she covers. The pair has had offers for TV
of their countries. doesn’t even want to send a rejec- and movies but, hesitant to relinquish
control, are still awaiting the right
Charming and witty, Charles Todd deal.
and his mother Caroline Todd are un-
usual in the publishing world because The popular fundraiser, co-chaired
of their pairing as well as the unusual by Sally Fitzgerald and Becki Man-
era they have chosen for their myster- ning, provided not only a visually and
ies. gastronomically pleasing lunch, but
also a choice auction of an enticing
They have published 29 novels -- an variety of items donated by always
Inspector Ian Rutledge series and a generous local merchants.
Nurse Bess Crawford series and two
stand-alone novels -- and have won Funds raised support the AAUW’s
the prestigious Mary Higgins Clark mission to promote education and eq-
uity for women and girls, with a local
emphasis on scholarships. 

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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 27

PEOPLE

Kay MacMillan and Pat Warner. Barbara Reilly, Joan Foster and Sally Deianni. Shelly DeWitt, Bonnie Robinson and Barbara Robinson.

Becki Manning and Sally Fitzgerald.
Lynda Merrill and Jackie Jacobus.

Carolyn Bayless and Jonnie Mae Perry.

28 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Tommy and Simonetta Steyer with Sherry and Dave Brown. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Carol and Phil Covello with Lois Appleby and Jill Flury.
Community Foundation celebrates a perfect 10th

BY MARY SCHENKEL afternoon. foundation?” million in grants. Forty individuals
Staff Writer Welcoming the roomful of invited The answer was yes, and an initial and families have joined the Alma Lee
Loy Legacy Society, including IRCF
The Indian River Community guests, Rebecca Emmons, IRCF 52 founders contributed over $1.75 in their estate plans. The foundation
Foundation is a testament to the vice chairman, recalled that in million in start-up capital to begin has provided support, stewardship
generosity of Indian River County 2008 the country was in the middle “a nonprofit enterprise with the and backing to numerous nonprofits,
residents, rocketing from zero to $100 of an economic recession and the powerful, simple purpose of building community initiatives and projects.
million in philanthropic contributions L.A. Dodgers announced they were a better community through donor-
in just 10 short years. To celebrate relocating their spring training. On driven philanthropy.” “The foundation still holds $50
the milestone, the IRCF hosted a the plus side was a question posed that million in assets with 161 charitable
10th Birthday Luncheon at the Vero year by attorney Robin Lloyd to Rick Sharing a decade of highlights, giving accounts, making the
Beach Museum of Art last Wednesday McDermott and Ann Marie McCrystal Emmons said IRCF has received foundation one of the fastest-growing
– “Would you like to start a community more than $100 million in charitable young community foundations in the
contributions and has awarded $50

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 29

country,” said Emmons. PEOPLE
Angelia Perry, Gifford Youth
PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Achievement Center executive
director, spoke of the impact of a
$50,000 grant to support Boys 2 Men 2
Greatness, which matches vulnerable
young boys with black male role
models. “And thus, the foundation
has made an investment in the lives
of these young boys that will pay
dividends for years and generations to
come.”

“We would not be here today
celebrating our 10th birthday were
it not for the vision of founding
directors Robin Lloyd, Ann Marie
McCrystal and Rick McDermott,” said
Jeff Pickering, IRCF president/CEO,
before recognizing the hard work
and dedication of first IRCF executive
director, Kerry Bartlett, and past
presidents and board members, and
asking their help to cut the birthday
cake.

Vero’s exceptional Alma Lee Loy
and Scott Alexander, IRCF immediate
past president, presented a Spirit of
Philanthropy award to John and Kathi
Schumann.

“John and Kathi have had the
foresight to make things happen in
the lives of many citizens in our area,”
said Loy, joined by Alexander to note
their innumerable and impactful
contributions, including to the Vero
Beach Museum of Art, Indian River
State College, Indian River Charter
High School, Senior Resource
Association, Dogs for Life and McKee
Botanical Garden.

Louis Schacht, campaign chair of
the Building Homes at the Manor
Campaign for St. Francis Manor, which
provides low-cost housing to limited-
income seniors, spoke of the $100,000
IRCF grant toward their expansion
efforts to offer housing to another
36 residents. “Your organization is
the perfect advocate for a nonprofit
like St. Francis,” said Schacht. “Your
connection between generous donors
and worthy, unsung nonprofits is truly
helpful and unique.”

“Today’s 10th Birthday Luncheon is
as much about inspiring our vision for
the Community Foundation’s future
as it is about celebrating our past,” said
Pickering, introducing Kristen Heaney,
a wealth legacy coach who shared
ways to spark ideas in generosity. As
they left, guests were given copies of
Heaney’s book, “In Three Generations:
A Story about Family, Wealth, and
Beating the Odds.”

VBHS Fighting Indians Band
member Logan Fillizola spoke about
their fundraising efforts to participate
in the 2019 New Year’s Day Parade in
London before introducing members
of the drumline, who closed the
luncheon with an ear-splitting display
of school spirit. 

30 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Neal Lohuis with Brenda and Robin Lloyd.
Jeff Pickering, Alma Lee Loy and Stephanie Pickering.

Kristen Heaney, Louis Schacht and Marybeth Cunningham. Kathi and John Schumann. Lenora Ritchie with Bob and Ellie McCabe.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 31

PEOPLE

Austin Work, Shotsi LaJoie and Chris Ryan. Peggy Cunningham and Shannon McGuire Bowman.

Judy and Bill Munn with Ann Marie McCrystal. Jane and Jim Schwiering. Jeff Pickering and Rebecca Emmons.

Bob and Emilie Burr with Angelia Perry and Ray Oglethorpe.

32 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Sea Oaks Charity Day helps
Fish foundation bottom line

BY MARY SCHENKEL beneficiaries have included Indian
Staff Writer River Habitat for Humanity, the
Hope for Families Center and the
Golfers and bridge players teamed We Care Foundation.
up last Saturday in a redesigned
Sea Oaks Charity Day to benefit This year, in addition to a golf
the Mardy Fish Children’s Founda- tournament at Sandridge Golf Club,
tion. For the past 14 years, the com- a duplicate bridge tournament was
munity has hosted the Dick Knoll added to the mix, with everyone
Tournament in memory of one of coming together for an awards lun-
its former residents. Past nonprofit cheon on the Tennis Center’s wrap-
around porch. In addition to its

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 33

Bill Meyer, John Dodderidge, Zach Hackett, Jeff Wilson and Gary Williams. PEOPLE

PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE reputation as a tennis community,
Bela Nagy, director of golf at San-
dridge, said there are so many Sea
Oaks golfers, “we actually have a
Sea Oaks Golf Club.”

Paul Delaney, event organizer
with Don Moyle, Deb Benjamin and
Karolyn Smith, said he got involved
in the Mardy Fish Children’s Foun-
dation through his friend Joe Pap-
palardo, a MFCF board member.

Local children, who would other-
wise have little or no access to fit-
ness, nutritional and enrichment
opportunities, are learning to play
tennis through the MFCF Kids on
Court and After School Tennis pro-
grams through a partnership with
the Lozano Osorio Tennis Academy
at Grand Harbor.

A life-long tennis player, Delaney
has been helping the pros instruct
the children. “I enjoy it so much and
could see what a wonderful thing
that the Mardy Fish Foundation was
doing for these little kids.”

“He’s raised more than $50,000
over the last few years for the
foundation, between this and the
80-and-over tournament,” said
Pappalardo of Delaney.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Tom Fish, Bela Nagy and Joe Pappalardo. Pat Waterbury, Ve Emch and Ann Hubbard.

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34 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Stewart Dunn and Chuck Pollard. Tony and Julie Barney with Gary Rogers. Brian Fisher and Ann Bottelli.

Barbie McKelvey, Janice Woodbury and Sherry Urner. Nicole Akers and Niki Samuelson. Paul and Linda Delaney.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 35

PEOPLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Florida and No. 12 on the USTA Na- help to tackle the complex safety, children. “Our foundation exists pre-
tional Girls’ 12s singles ranking. health and fitness challenges faced cisely because of the vision, daring and
Sea Oaks members saw the val- by children and families in our com- understanding of people such as you.”
ue of the program first-hand while “She played great and then they dis- munity,” said Tom Fish, MFCF board
watching a recent exhibition match covered that she was a product of the chairman, adding that because of their Reiterating thanks on behalf of
that included three seasoned female Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation,” streamlined structure, 90 percent of MFCF, he added, “Nothing is more
professionals and 12-year-old Gracie said Delaney. funds raised will directly benefit the important than helping children in
Levelston, currently ranked No. 1 in need.” 
“The amount of money raised will

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36 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Dog sashay afternoon at Pups & Pinot Fashion Show

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF Kaoz Market in Wilmington, N.C., attrib- shayed down the runway to help raise
Staff Writer uted her love of cooking to her father, funds and awareness.
Thomopoulos tempting palates with Richard Ferretti, one of the founders of
Canine Couture was ‘pawsitively’ her award-winning crispy chicken the Italian Food Festival in Vero Beach. To get everyone’s attention, the show
perfect at a Pups & Pinot Fashion Show, slider. A favorite at Great White, her “We’re Italians, so everything revolves had started off with male models pa-
the final event of the four-day Vero Venice Beach, Calif., restaurant, it was around the table.” rading in silk robes while toting pups
Beach Food, Wine and Music festival. named the Best of 2017 by Bon Appétit from H.A.L.O., and it’s unclear whether
Not one to let sleeping dogs lie, event magazine. Ferretti was tasked with demon- it was the sexy models or the adorable
founder Fé Domenech concluded the strating how pet owners can cook for mutts making their modeling debut
multi-beneficiary fundraiser with an Ferretti, who grew up in Vero Beach themselves and their furry pals at that jump-started many a heart in the
afternoon of food and fun fit for hu- and is now the owner of Pine Valley the same time. As she prepared a jerk predominantly female crowd.
mans and man’s best friend alike. salmon with garlic kale, brown rice
and apple fennel slaw, she shared that The unconventional style of fashion
Before the fashion show, folks gath- her secret to happy tummies in both designer Sabre Mochachino was a per-
ered for Bark Bistro at Riverside Park, pooches and people was to set aside fect match for the pairing of pups and
where more than a few belly rubs were the pet’s portion before adding spices. fashion. Attendees could easily imag-
enjoyed by four-legged stars. Some ine lounging at home, resplendent in a
guests brought their own leashed Fashion forward fans were treated design from Mochachino’s new collec-
companions while others got their to a three-course, gourmet meal cre- tion, “Dazzle,” alongside a four-legged
smooches from H.A.L.O. pooches, all ated by Costa d’Este Executive Chef friend or two.
while nibbling on fare from local ven- Armando Galeas during the Pups &
dors. Pinot Fashion Show. To keep things Domenech utilized her expertise
fresh, fashionistas sipped mimosas as an event planner to create an all-
Cannelloni, lamb chops, empana- and wines selected to complement the encompassing event, bringing people
das, meatballs, Key lime pie and dark light lunch. together through food, wine and mu-
chocolate mousse merlot were among sic as a means to support local chari-
some of the tantalizing brunch treats. DJ Damon pumped up the action as ties. She created a venue for a collec-
professional models, peppered with a tive of nonprofits to raise awareness
Celebrity chefs Christi Ferretti and mix of some familiar faces of Ameri- and funds through one fabulous soirée
Alex Thomopoulos chatted with guests can Cancer Society and H.A.L.O board rather than saturating the market with
as they prepared specialty dishes – members and volunteers, proudly sa- competing events. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 37

PEOPLE

Linda McBride, Barbara Andrews, Kirsten Eisele with Peanut. Chef Alex Thomopoulos with Carson. Cathye, Zeke and Bill Motta
Dr. Charles Eberhart, Sheryl Bush and Lori Eberhart.

Jacque Petrone. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Dr Bill McGarry. Laura Guttridge. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
Laura McGarry.

38 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Maisey.
PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Amy Robinson.

Shelly and Dan Marion, Keith and Jessica Allen with Mike Emmanouilidis.

EMOTION TAKES SHAPE IN
SCULPTOR PAXTON’S CREATIONS

40 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Emotion takes shape in sculptor Paxton’s creations

BY KERRY FIRTH George Paxton.

Correspondent PHOTOS BY GORDON RADFORD

Evoking emotion is the goal of lo- sculpture that is true to nature and of form to fabric, which in turn can cre- blend of structure and fluidity.”
cal sculptor George Paxton, whose allows me to capture the essence, ate its own independent shape. Paxton grew up on Long Island, New
work will be featured along with that
of watercolor artist Joel Johnson in the mood and feeling of the subject.” “The female body is perfection,” he York, and says he comes by his artistry
“People and Places” exhibition opening Many of Paxton’s subjects says. “I focus on the structure of the fig- naturally.
March 2 at the Center for Spiritual Care are nude women. When his ure, the interplay between shapes and
in Vero Beach. subjects are dressed or how one form flows freely into another, “My father was a musician, Big
partially dressed, he sometimes with interlocking curves. Band leader and songwriter so I was
“I’m trying to show something about likes to emphasize There are so many S-curves in the fe- surrounded by talent. We had all
the person, not just the figure,” explains the complement male body and it’s simply a miraculous these famous people like Perry Como
Paxton from his Vero Beach home. “I and Nat King Cole floating around the
strive to create something that
someone can relate to, and
oftentimes I see view-
ers relate in a totally
different way than I
did.”

Paxton’s sculptures,
although small in size,
averaging only 2 to 4
feet in height, are large
in detail and depth.

“I work from nature
with a live model to cre-
ate a three-dimensional
figurative sculpture in terra
cotta and cast in bronze.
The human body is so com-
plex and beautiful with its
fluidity in motion. A good
understanding of pro-
portion, gesture and
anatomy is essential
to creating a real-
istic figure. Knowl-
edge of muscle and
bone struc-
ture helps
me create a

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 41

ARTS & THEATRE

house. It was at the Vero Beach Museum of Art
very inspiration- during the winter months. His work
al. Unfortunately, I is displayed in galleries nationwide as
didn’t have any musical well as in numerous national juried
talent, but I did start drawing art exhibitions. After the March show-
at a very young age. I moved into ing in Vero Beach, he will head to the
sculpture because I liked the three National Cowboy & Western Heritage
dimensionalities of the medium. The Museum’s Prix de West exhibition in
fact that you can walk around and see Oklahoma, which features the finest
the movement of the piece intrigues contemporary Western artists in the
me to this day.” country.

Paxton went to art school at the The People and Places exhibition
Arts Students League of New runs March 2 to April 2 at the Center for
York before opting to change Spiritual Care in Vero Beach. For more
course and attend Columbia information, visit centerforspiritual-
and Vanderbilt universities. care.org. 

“While I was drawn to art, college, I took courses in both painting JOIN US FOR A
I realized I’d have a better and drawing in several subject areas, TRUNK SHOW WITH
chance of making a living including still life, portrait, and the hu- ALEX SEPKUS
in law, so my life took a dif- man figure.”
ferent direction and I became FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, MARCH 2 & 3
a trial lawyer with a respected Johnson holds a B.A. in studio art
law firm in Bethesda, Maryland, and from Westminster College and a SEE THESE AND OTHER FINE THINGS AT VERO’S FINEST
Washington, D.C.” M.F.A. in painting from Utah State COLLECTION OF AMERICAN-MADE ART AND JEWELRY
University. He taught at various lev-
But despite practicing law for most of els of education while continuing to THEL AUGHINGDOGGALLERY.COM 2910 CARDINAL DR.
his life, Paxton never gave up his artistic pursue his endeavors as an artist and VERO BEACH, FL
pursuit. eventually decided to “create” full 7 72 . 2 3 4 . 6711
time, transitioning from drawing, to
“I built a little studio in my basement oil painting, to watercolor, which is
and started sculpting,” says his main focus today.
Paxton, adding that when time
permitted he attended classes “Watercolor combines my love of
at art schools and workshops drawing on paper with the transpar-
in Washington, D.C., Virginia ent luminosity only watercolor can
and New York, and even spent achieve,” says Johnson, noting that he
a summer at the Florence Academy of likes to incorporate the white of the
Art in Italy. unpainted paper in the lightest areas
of the painting; utilizing layers of paint
These days, Paxton spends winters in darker areas to create depth and col-
in Vero Beach, sculpting in his down- or intensity.
town Vero Beach studio and teaching
figurative and portrait sculpture at the “I’m currently working on reflective
Vero Beach Museum of Art. During the surfaces, especially water. My paint-
summer he teaches at the Southern ings visualize the impact that light has
Vermont Center. on form with regard to weight, volume,
value, texture and color. Light and shad-
Nationally acclaimed for his work, his ows create a mood as a sense of place for
sculptures have been widely exhibited the viewer that the writer Joseph Camp-
and have been awarded numerous hon- bell referred to as ‘aesthetic arrest’, or a
ors in local juried exhibitions. sense of calm and awareness.”

“I’ve had showings at the A.E. Back- A full-time Vero Beach resident,
us Museum and Gallery in Fort Pierce Johnson teaches watercolor classes
and in a museum in Boca, and I’m
looking forward to the upcoming show
with my friend Joel Johnson at the
Center for Spiritual Care. Since most
of my work is displayed on pedestals,
I thought his beautiful watercolors on
the walls would be the perfect blend of
emotion provoking art forms.”

The pairing of Paxton with Johnson, a
highly regarded water colorist, is an ide-
al one. Johnson was raised in Sinclair,
Wyoming, and, like Paxton, says he was
drawn to art at an early age.

“The line and the endless variety of
shapes it created seemed magical” he
explains. “The support and encourage-
ment I received from my teachers and
parents gave me the confidence to con-
tinue with art classes in high school. In

42 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Coming Up: Tasty musical treats all across Vero

BY SAMANTHA BAITA For Sunday’s concert, the Chorale will
Staff Writer be joined by local trio “The Dolls”: gui-
tarist Dave Mundy, drummer Richie
1 From Brahms to Broadway to the Mola and pianist Judy Carter. The new
Beatles, there are so many excel- matinee time is 4 p.m. A $10 donation
is suggested.
lent musical (and other) opportunities

from which to choose this week: On

Sunday, Maestro Christopher Confes- 3 Speaking of musical theater, one
of Broadway’s all-time greatest
sore and the Brevard Symphony Or-

chestra return to Community Church musicals, “Gypsy,” opens this Tuesday

for a 7:30 p.m. concert, which opens at Riverside Theatre. It is, of course,

with Schubert’s Overture to “Rosa- the story of the most indomitable

munde,” a tale of palace intrigue and stage mother in the annals of theater,

murder, best known for Schubert’s Mama Rose, as she tenaciously shep-

music. The evening’s featured solo- herds her daughters’ song-and-dance

ist will be young and gifted violinist act on the vaudeville circuit, living her

Paul Huang, whose multiple awards own dreams of showbiz glory through

include the highly prized Lincoln Cen- them. “Gypsy” is loosely based on the

ter Award for Emerging Artists and the 1 Maestro Christopher Confessore and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra memoirs of the older daughter, Louise,
at the Community Church on Sunday.
Avery Fisher Award. Huang will per- who eventually becomes the famous

form Pulitzer- and Grammy-winning burlesque striptease artist Gypsy Rose

composer Samuel Barber’s Violin Con- romantic form.” Tickets are $55. tion of Dr. Michael Carter, celebrates Lee. Riverside’s production features
16 years of music with a tried-and-
certo. To round out the evening in dra- true program, “There’s No Business local Riverside Children’s Theatre stu-
Like Show Business,” including their
matic style, the orchestra will perform 2 Broadway hits – always an audi- very popular audience-singalong seg- dents, cast in June, and Louise’s Vaude-
ence favorite. This Sunday the ment, for those of us who just can’t
Czech composer Antonin Dvorak’s keep from, well, singing along, or at ville numbers. This is the kind of show
least lip-syncing along, to our faves.
Sixth Symphony, in which, according Treasure Coast Chorale and Friends at which Riverside absolutely excels,

to Wikipedia, he “manages to cap- are serving a heaping musical helping and you can bet your front row-center

ture some of the Czech national style at First Baptist Church in Vero. The tickets you’ll get a Broadway-compa-

within a standard Germanic classical- 70-member chorale, under the direc- rable production. Performances are

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buy your tickets in person, by phone,
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772.465.0630 • www.backusmuseum.com

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 43

ARTS & THEATRE

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, takes place at Community Church
7:30 p.m.; Opening Night, Fridays, Sat- every Thursday through March 22.
urdays, 8 p.m.; matinees Wednesdays, The designated poet will read his or
select Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, her chosen work, while Community
2 p.m. “Gypsy” runs through March 25. Church’s organist Andrew Galuska im-
Tickets start at $35. provises to complement the reading.
On March 1, poet Lisa Rosear Bradford
4 For years, “1964: The Tribute” of Buenos Aires will read. On March 8
has been collecting rave reviews it will be Casey Baggot of Vero Beach;
March 15, Sean Sexton of Vero Beach;
as “the best Beatles tribute band,” and 4 “1964: The Tribute” at the Emerson Center on March 8. and March 22, Sidney Wade of Gaines-
ville. Sexton, Indian River County’s
cheering audiences in Carnegie Hall, poet laureate, has assembled the poets.
These programs are open to the public,
Shea Stadium, Red Rocks and a ton of and begin at 11 a.m. Call Galuska for
further information: 562-3633. 
other venues concur. See and hear for 7 What do you get when you mix a rience: improvisational music tailored
virtuoso organist with a handful to a poetry reading, from “intricately
yourself Thursday, March 8, at the Em- delicate to flamboyantly theatrical.”
Intrigued? This unique cultural series
erson Center when LIVE! From Vero of internationally recognized poets?

Beach presents “1964: The Tribute.” You get a perfectly extraordinary expe-

Unlike other tribute bands, this one fo-

cuses on “the quintessential moment

in history, when the Beatles actually

played before a LIVE audience,” says

the official website. They do it like it was

done 50 years ago, in the days before

giant screens, high-tech effects, and a

hoard of back-up singers and dancers: it

was just four guys, three guitars and a

drum set. And thousands of screaming

fans – the original Beatlemania. Show

time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $127 to $149.

5 And something special for you
jazz fans: This Saturday, the

Johnny Varro Swing 7 will lay it down

at the Vero Heritage Center, presented

by the Treasure Coast Jazz Society.

Varro began studying piano at 10,

and was introduced to jazz soon af-

ter. He’s worked on the Jackie Glea-

son Show, and with Flip Phillips, Billy

Butterfield, Phil Napoleon and the

Dukes of Dixieland, and organized

Swing 7 to cover the styles of the ’30s,

’40s and ’50s. Swing 7, says the show

promo, plays jazz festivals and con-

certs across the U.S. and throughout

Europe. Admission to a single concert

is $45 for Jazz Society members, $50

for Non-Members. The jazz begins at

12:30 p.m. 772-234-4600.

6 Ah, romance. If you seek music
which “has charms to sooth a sav-

age breast,” this concert could be the

one: This Sunday, the Space Coast Sym-

phony Orchestra presents “Romantic

Masterpieces, Brahms and Schumann”

at the Vero Beach High School PAC. Ac-

cording to Wikipedia, it took Brahms

14 years to complete his Symphony

No. 1, partly because he was super self-

critical, and partly because he was in-

timidated that people expected him

to assume the musical mantel of the

great Beethoven. It was an immediate

success, and well worth the wait. As an

ardent romantic, Schumann created

works filled with sensitivity and color.

In his Symphony No. 4, Schumann cre-

ates a musical journey “from darkness

into a blaze of light,” notes Wikipedia.

The music begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are

$25. Students and people under 18, free.

855-252-7276.

44 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

The Gallery showcases Grayson Perry’s spellbinding art

BY ELLEN FISCHER
Columnist

The must-see contemporary art show um in Pittsburgh. display, and his appearance at Wind- PHOTOS BY GORDON RADFORD
of the season is at The Gallery at Wind- And although Windsor sor’s private reception for the exhibi-
sor. Located at Windsor Properties, the may be second in that regard, Kelley tion turned a few heads. Windsor’s gal-
gallery is a highlight of the exclusive notes that the current offering marks the lery vie only with each
planned community founded by Ca- first time three-dimensional artworks “He is a transvestite with a well-de- other for the visitor’s attention.
nadian businessman W. Galen Weston have been displayed at the Windsor gal- veloped alter ego he calls Claire,” says
and his wife, the Hon. Hilary M. Weston. lery in its 16-year history. Kelley, who confirms that Perry came to And each is a star in its own right.
Mrs. Weston is the curator of the Gal- But that is not the gallery’s only his reception attired as a woman. Perry, Perry first gained recognition for his
lery’s annual offering. groundbreaking first. who stands over 6 feet tall, wore a hot work in pottery and the show does not
Perry’s artful presentation of him- pink mini dress (oversized Peter Pan disappoint: three large vases, crowded
This season’s show, “Grayson Perry: self at exhibition receptions for his collar, pleated skirt) that showcased his with figural story-telling, are on display.
Making Meaning,” is the first part of a work can easily outshine the art on 57-year-old legs to an enviable degree. Also on view is a figural sculpture in cast
three-year partnership between The iron, two tapestries, three satirical maps
Gallery at Windsor and the Royal Acad- Now that Perry has returned to Eng- etched in the style of 16th century Dutch
emy of Art in London, says Laura Kelley, land, the 12 art objects on display at cartography, two color sketches for ce-
gallery manager.

Perry’s meteoric rise as both artist
and household name in Britain began in
2003, when he received the prestigious
Turner Prize, an award for the most no-
table exhibition by a contemporary Brit-
ish artist in the year preceding the prize.

Perry is not so well known in the
U.S.; to Kelley’s knowledge, the Wind-
sor show is only the second solo exhi-
bition the artist has had here. The first
was in 2006 at the Andy Warhol Muse-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 45

ARTS & THEATRE

ramic pots, and a piece of embroidery The overall design of “Comfort Blan- Perry experience. traditional costume, to his ultimate
that was inspired by antique battle flags. ket” suggests a British bank note; an “The Walthamstow Tapestry” of 2009 recovery and enlightenment at the side
abstract facsimile of the Union Jack oc- of a Buddhist priest. The etched maps
Kelley says that Perry sees himself as cupies its top left corner; a portrait of is modeled after a medieval epic tapes- on display show whimsical lands with
a social commentator in the tradition Queen Elizabeth fills an oval reserve at try -- the kind that shows the course of tongue-in-cheek place names. For ex-
of the 18th century English painter and right. The rest of the space is crammed an important battle, the reign of a king, ample, “The Island of Bad Art” has the
printmaker William Hogarth, whose with words, phrases and acronyms or the holy life of a saint. Here the sub- outline of a crazed-looking dog; the pre-
best known series, “The Rake’s Prog- that bring to mind all things British in ject’s title refers to a once derelict, now cincts within him have titles that include
ress,” chronicles the downfall of young the categories of history, culture, com- trendy part of London frequented by “Just Plain Ugly, and “Just Plain Dull.”
Tom Rakewell, who inherits his miserly merce, cuisine and slang. Among these artists (Perry keeps a studio there) and
father’s fortune and proceeds to squan- are “Shakespeare,” “A Nice Cuppa Tea,” wealthy elites. Through it winds the An Englishmen is composed of many
der it in the most lavish and reckless “Brollie,” “The Beeb” and “Rolls Royce,” course of the modern Briton. He is seen things, the good and the bad, all mixed
pursuits available in the third decade of as well as “Liberty,” Tolerance” and “The emerging as a babe in a gush of red together. The “Map of an Englishman,”
18th century London. Rule of Law.” “Wm. Hogarth” is there, from a woman’s womb at the far left of 2004 “Looks like a map that you’d see
too; his name curls around the bottom side of the tapestry. Presented as both in a Tolkien novel -- like Middle Earth
Like Hogarth, Perry depicts the con- of the Queen’s portrait. male and female characters as the sto- from Lord of the Rings,” says Gruber.
flicted progress of humanity in contem- ry progresses, the babe represents the
porary Britain and beyond, but he tem- Xaque Gruber, one of the knowl- British consumer at different stages of At the heart of this inland country are
pers his keen sense of irony with a fey edgeable docents who shepherds visi- life. They follow the red flow of life as it two great citadels; the larger is labeled
love of human fashion and foolishness. tors through the show, says that he has wends through a maze of brand names “SEX,” the other “LOVE”; the “River of
counted “around 300 Briticisms” in this to its ultimate end. The rivulet drains Orgasm” separates them, and thereby
The first object you will gape at in the artwork. into the devil’s maw, and the aged con- divides the country into western and
gallery is “Comfort Blanket” -- a tapes- sumer finally appears on his deathbed. eastern halves. A large forested area
try over 9 feet tall and a little over 26 feet “Perry loves language and his art all in the left half is “Fear,” its towns with
wide. Dated 2014, it is the most recent boils down to words and illustrations,” Of the stories the vases have to tell, scary names; “Unknown,” “Unforgiven”
artwork by the artist in the show. says Gruber. one is a fairy tale. “The Near Death and and “Bad Faith” among them. A “Land of
Enlightenment of Alan Measles” of 2011 Wishes” is on the island’s opposite coast,
The tapestry was designed by Perry, Visitors to the gallery will need to follows the adventures of Perry’s child- but be careful what you wish for: “Fun-
whose drawings for it were digitally give themselves an hour to peruse the hood teddy bear, from his crashing a draiser,” “Paparazzi” and “Drunken
synthesized by Spanish programmers dozen works in the show. Each one is a plane into the Latvian countryside and Fury” are some of the town names there.
and woven on a computerized loom in dense concentrate that must be mixed being nursed to health by women in
Belgium. The textural and history-lad- with time to achieve the full Grayson The nethermost point in “Map of an
en weight of tapestry bestows a certain Englishman” is the “Land of Bleak” and
gravitas to Perry’s playful, patchwork its northernmost tip is “Puberty.”
composition. The textile is displayed
on a curved wall built especially for it If that does not give you an idea of the
to suggest the work’s intention to enfold sense of whacky humor you will enjoy at
you in its warm content. the show, nothing will. 

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48 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT COVER STORY

On any given day, a half dozen autonomous cars been reported. This mapping service is different than for people and we are working to expand the utility
could be mapping the same street corner in Silicon the high-definition maps that Waymo, another Al- to our maps to cars,” a Google spokeswoman said
Valley. These cars, each from a different company, phabet unit, is creating for its autonomous vehicles. in a statement. She declined to comment on future
are all doing the same thing: building high-definition plans.
street maps, which may eventually serve as an on- Google’s mapping project is focused on so-called
board navigation guide for driverless vehicles. driver-assistance systems that enable cars to au- At the same time, Waymo and the other giants
with sizable driverless research arms – including
Autonomous cars require powerful sensors to tomate some driving features and help them see General Motors Co., Uber Technologies Inc. and Ford
see and advanced software to think. They especially what’s ahead or around a corner. Google released Motor Co. – are all sending out their own fleets to cre-
need up-to-the-minute maps of every conceivable an early version of this in December, called Vehicle ate rich, detailed HD maps for use in driverless cars.
roadway to move. Whoever owns the most detailed Mapping Service, that incorporates sensor data from
and expansive version of these maps that vehicles cars into their maps. There are also smaller startups hawking gadgets
read will own an asset worth billions. or specialized software to build these maps for au-
For now, Google is offering it to carmakers that tomakers that find themselves farther behind. Still
Which is how you get an all-out mapping war, use Android Automotive, the company’s embedded other suppliers are working on mapping services for
with dozens of contenders entering into a dizzying operating system for cars. Google has named three conventional cars with limited robotic features, such
array of alliances and burning tens of millions of in- partners for that system to date, but other automak- as adaptive cruise control or night vision.
vestment dollars in pursuit of a massive payoff. ers are reluctant to hand their dashboards over to the
search giant. So Google is looking to expand the fea- These self-driving maps are far more demanding
Alphabet Inc.’s Google emerged years ago as the tures on the mapping service and find other ways to than older digital ones, prompting huge investments
winner in consumer digital maps, which human distribute it, these people said. across Detroit, Silicon Valley and China. "An auton-
drivers use to evade rush-hour traffic or find a res- omous vehicle wants that to be as precise, accurate
taurant. Google won by blanketing the globe with “We’ve built a comprehensive map of the world and up-to-date as possible," said Bryan Salesky, who
its street-mapping cars and with software expertise leads Argo AI LLC, a year-old startup backed by a $1
that couldn’t be matched by navigation companies, billion investment by Ford. The "off-the-shelf solu-
automakers and even Apple Inc. Nobody wants to let tion doesn't quite exist."
Google win again.
Making a driverless map, like making a driverless
The companies working on maps for autonomous car, is a laborious task. Fleets of autonomous test
vehicles are taking two different approaches. One cars, loaded with expensive lidar sensors and camer-
aims to create complete high-definition maps that as, go out into the world with human backup drivers
will let the driverless cars of the future navigate all on and capture their surroundings. Plotting the results
their own; another creates maps piece-by-piece, us- helps train the next fleet, which will still have safety
ing sensors in today’s vehicles that will allow cars to drivers at the wheel – and, in some cases, scores of
gradually automate more and more parts of driving. additional humans sitting behind computer moni-
tors to catalog all the footage.
Alphabet is trying both approaches. A team inside
Google is working on a 3-D mapping project that it It’s an expensive ordeal with a payoff that’s years,
may license to automakers, according to four people if not decades, away. “Even if you could drive your
familiar with its plans, which have not previously own vehicles around and hit every road in the world,

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 49

INSIGHT COVER STORY

how do you update?” asked Dan Galves, a spokes- mapmakers as vehicles move from somewhat intel- has eschewed lidar. The company hasn’t disclosed
man for Mobileye. “You’d have to send these vehicles ligent to fully automated vehicles without steering what mapping service it’s using for Autopilot, and a
around again.” wheels. company representative declined to comment. Tesla
had a nasty public split with Mobileye two years ago.
Unlike conventional digital maps, self-driving HERE, owned by a consortium of German auto-
maps require almost-constant updates. The slightest makers, has a few examples on the road. Its mapping But Tesla has leaned on at least one other com-
variation on the road – a construction zone that pops system enables limited hands-free driving for Audi pany, Mapbox Inc., to help assemble its maps. Tesla
up overnight, or a bit of debris – could stop a driver- AG, one of its co-owners, and plans to support safety paid $5 million to Mapbox for a two-year licensing
less car in its tracks. “It’s the freak thing that happens features this year for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, deal in December 2015, according to a regulatory fil-
that’s going to make autonomous not work,” said another co-owner. (Intel also took a 15 percent stake ing. Mapbox has mostly sold its location data to apps
Chris McNally, an analyst with Evercore ISI. in HERE last year.) such as Pinterest and Snapchat. Fresh off a $164 mil-
lion financing round, the startup has started to inch
Mobileye argues that it’s more efficient and cost- Tesla Inc. is the car company most eagerly embrac- into automotive maps. Through its software installed
effective to let the cars we’re driving today see what’s ing the incremental march toward autonomous driv- on phones, Mapbox said it plots some 220 million
ahead. In January, the Intel Corp. unit announced a ing with its driver-assistance software, Autopilot. Tes- miles of road data globally a day, providing an updat-
“low-bandwidth” mapping effort, with its front-fac- la relies on cameras and sensors on its vehicles but ed snapshot of basic features like street lanes.
ing camera and chip sensor that it plans to place in
2 million cars this year. The idea is to get cars to view “We have more sensors on the road today than the
such things as lane markers, traffic signals and road entire connected car space will have by 2020,” said
boundaries, letting them automate some driving. Chief Executive Officer Eric Gundersen. Its pitch to
carmakers is to use that location data as a base lay-
Mobileye says this will take less computing horse- er for future maps – pairing it with camera systems,
power than building a comprehensive HD map of such as Mobileye’s, or their own sensor data. And
the roads would; Mobileye’s Galves said the compa- like other companies targeting automakers, Mapbox
ny will pair its sensor data with the maps from navi- is happy to play neutral and work with anyone. “We
gational companies and, over time, create a map don't know who is going to win,” Gundersen said.
that a fully driverless car could use.
It’s not just that no one knows who will come out
That’s also the tactic of Google’s longtime map- on top. The mapping industry doesn’t even know
ping foes: HERE and TomTom NV. These two Eu- which strategy is best. Every self-driving map looks
ropean companies have positioned themselves as different because each one depends on the sensor
the primary alternatives to Google Maps, selling the system of the vehicle that creates it. And there isn't a
dashboard screen maps to automakers today. Yet standard sensor package, said Spark Capital’s Nabeel
these “static” maps see only broad street shapes and Hyatt, an early investor in Cruise Automation, the
capture snapshots in time. autonomous-driving company bought by General
Motors in 2016 for $581 million.
Now both companies are working on replacement
products: “dynamic” maps that represent lanes, As a result, a slew of HD mapping companies are
curbs and everything else on the road. The hope
is that car manufacturers will stick with old-guard STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

50 Vero Beach 32963 / March 1, 2018 INSIGHT COVER STORY Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 gence arsenal, Waymo is considered the leader in
HD maps. But to date, the company has pitched its
taking different stabs at the problem, each gobbling entire suite to prospective partners and landed few.
up venture capital and competing for lucrative con- Chatham declined to say whether Waymo is consid-
tracts. Some of them disparage Mobileye’s approach, ering selling its map as a separate product.
which relies on a seamless transition from semi-
autonomous driving (what’s called Level 2 and 3) to Another potential force in this market is Uber. The
driving without human assistance (Level 4 or 5). ride-hailing giant is also working on HD maps for its
driverless program, using test vehicles in a similar
“It’s very hard to climb the ladder from 2 to 3 way to Waymo.
and then to 4,” said Wei Luo, COO of DeepMap Inc.
“There’s a very intense gap.” The best HD maps, Luo Lisa Weitekamp, an Uber manager, said the pri-
argues, are built with only driverless functions in vate company is exploring ways to place map-gen-
mind. The startup said it's working with Ford, Honda erating sensors inside the millions of human-driven
Motor Co. and China’s SAIC Motor Corp. (Mobileeye vehicles in its service. The maps those cars already
is also working with SAIC, and Waymo is in talks with use – the “static” navigation software in the app that
Honda.) takes in popular routes and driving decisions – helps
inform Uber’s driverless maps, Weitekamp added. “It
Waymo is in this camp, too. The effort former- gives us a leg up,” she said.
ly known as the Google self-driving car project
started on maps in 2009, with Waymo’s Andrew That would make access to ride-hailing maps a
Chatham and one other engineer doing the “super valuable asset. Currently, Uber uses a combination
tedious” work of crafting them from scratch – ship- of TomTom, Google and its own data for the maps its
ping cars packed with sensors to capture a city’s drivers and riders see. The contract between Uber
surroundings, then coding those 3-D images into and Google is set to expire this year, according to two
a digital landscape. people familiar with the deal. Representatives from
both companies declined to comment.
Chatham said cars may rely on perceptions sys-
tems alone to drive on the highway but would be Plenty of newcomers are pitching carmakers on
helpless in other traffic conditions. Imagine pull- the need to catch up with front-runners such as
ing up to a busy, double-left-lane intersection you’ve Waymo and Uber. DeepMap Inc., started by veter-
never seen before. Now imagine a self-driving car try- ans of Google and Apple, is banking on its intelligent
ing to do that. software to cut down the time and cost involved in
converting the images pulled from self-driving car
“That’s the advantage of having a detailed map,” sensors into a single, high-resolution landscape. The
said Chatham. “We can give the cars all the answers startup said it's working with Ford, Honda Motor Co.
to the nasty questions.” He said Waymo is exploring and China’s SAIC Motor Corp.
solutions to mapping real-time factors such as con-
struction updates, but declined to share details. Civil Maps has tech that “fingerprints” sensor

Thanks to its years of effort and artificial intelli-