01/23/2020 ISSUE 04

School Board seeks options for
replacing attorney. P4
High school likely to
start later in future. P7

Vero City Council blindsided
by airport funding problem. P10

New super:‘Bold For breaking news visit
steps’ needed to
improve schools Cleveland Clinic
making major
changes to ER

BY FEDERICO MARTINEZ PHOTO BY ROSS ROWLINSON BY MICHELLE GENZ
Staff Writer Staff Writer
Lagoon waterfront saved from development
Superintendent David Moore For Holly Owen, wait times
told a standing-room-only crowd BY STEVEN M. THOMAS coming over the top of the Bar- scored its biggest triumph in can’t wait. Owen, who took
at a townhall meeting last week Staff Writer ber Bridge got a late Christmas recent years on Friday, when over managing the emergen-
that the school district’s cur- present last week from the In- it closed on the purchase of cy department at Cleveland
rent way of operating isn’t All island residents who care dian River Land Trust. a 65-acre parcel just north of Clinic Indian River Hospital
working, and vowed changes about protecting the wide green the Barber Bridge. last fall as part of her role as
are on the way. vista along the western shore of The nonprofit, which was director of critical care servic-
the lagoon that we see when founded in 1990 to help save The land, long known as the es, immediately went to work
Those changes include bet- McKee Botanical Gardens, devising a plan to shave criti-
ter management of the district’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 cal minutes off ED wait times
finances and holding school while also improving patient
administrators and teachers privacy and quality of care.
more accountable for student
academic success, Moore said. The changes, expected to be
complete by the end of Janu-
Moore delivered his bluntly ary, will add 20 patient beds
worded message to more than or treatment chairs to the cur-
150 school employees and rent 44, streamlining the work-
residents who attended a Jan. flow and reducing patient wait
16 townhall meeting at the times.
J.A. Thompson Administrative
Center. Improved care and comfort
are also part of the plan.
“Our current plan is not
working,” Moore said. “Bold, A paramedic will now greet
courageous steps must be tak-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Community Church bids farewell to Revs. Baggott

PHOTO BY KAILA JONES BY MICHELLE GENZ nity Church, where the couple In addition to hundreds
Staff Writer has served for 16 years. of sermons, the pair also co-
wrote the On Faith column
More than 1,000 smiling The Baggotts, who shared for Vero Beach 32963.
faces – and fistfuls of tissues – duties as the spiritual leaders of
reflected the mixed emotions one of Vero’s most prominent The Baggotts’ farewell was
of the congregation as the churches, are headed back to delivered in the church’s main
Revs. Bob and Casey Baggott Minneapolis to be close to their sanctuary, against a backdrop
delivered a final message Sun- 13 children and grandchildren of the spectacular Lively-
day to worshipers at Commu- – a group that filled a long row Fulcher pipe organ. The sanc-
of seats at Sunday’s service.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

January 23, 2020 Volume 13, Issue 4 Newsstand Price $1.00 Quail Valley
Charity Cup’s
News 1-12 Faith 74 Pets 71 TO ADVERTISE CALL Grand Gala. P14
Arts 35-40 Games 53-55 Real Estate 77-88 772-559-4187
Books 50-51 Health 57-61 St. Ed’s 72-73
Dining 66 Insight 41-56 Style 62-65 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 48 People 13-34 Wine 67 CALL 772-226-7925

© 2020 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

School superintendent roles and understand what is expected order aimed at reducing racial ineq- more training and resources to help
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of them. uity in the district. teachers better do their jobs, Moore said.

en to improve the district. To do this, Moore is working on a He recently announced that school Moore said one of his primary con-
“I’m going to be questioning our new organizational chart that is ex- administrators’ annual job perfor- cerns is that student academic achieve-
pected to shake up several key areas, mance evaluations will take into ac- ment levels have remained stagnant in
current efforts and outcomes, the ef- including the district’s Human Rela- count how well their departments or recent years. Another concern is the
fectiveness of our current leadership. tions office, which was plagued with schools have progressed or failed to district’s general fund has continued to
It’s not a matter of can things change. problems under the prior superin- progress in meeting desegregation shrink during the past four years.
They will change.” tendent. goals of improving African-American
student achievement and hiring more Moore plans to form advisory com-
Moore, who took over as superin- He’s expected to share the proposed black staff members. mittees to evaluate key areas in an ef-
tendent on Dec. 2, noted several im- new chart with School Board mem- fort to solve the problems he identi-
mediate changes need to be made bers later this month. That success or lack of success will fied. Those committees will consist of
to improve the district’s chances of be publicly discussed monthly at board school employees and residents who
success. The first step is to make sure Moore has already taken steps to meetings, and prominently displayed will report directly to Moore.
school employees have clearly defined make sure the entire school district on the district’s website, Moore said.
staff commits to complying with a Moore hopes to use the data and
long-standing federal desegregation The district also needs to provide feedback gathered by the advisory
groups to help the board develop a
new five-year strategic plan in May.

In the meantime, Moore and his ad-
ministrative team is working on a 90-
day plan that will identify key priorities
and specify “precise daily steps and
goals” the district is expected to com-
plete during the next three months to

improve district performance. 

Lagoon waterfront preserved
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hoffmann property, completes what
is now a two-mile stretch of shoreline
– extending from the main relief ca-
nal south of the bridge to Oak Harbor
– that will be preserved in its natural
state for the foreseeable future.

“This is the most visible and impact-
ful acquisition we have made along
the lagoon,” Land Trust board chair-
man Chuck Cramb said. “The property
embodies the Land Trust’s . . . [goal of]
preserving habitat, protecting scenic
waterfront and providing public access
to the benefit of future generations.”

The importance of the purchase
was heightened because “the land was
poised for development,” according
to Land Trust executive director Ken
Grudens. “The owners gave up some
of their land when Indian River Boule-
vard was built and as part of their deal
with the county, the county built a
road and a substantial bridge provid-
ing access to the property that would
make it easy to develop the upland
portion.

“If that pivotal parcel had been de-
veloped for commercial or residential
use, it would have changed the char-
acter of the shoreline forever and de-
tracted from the sense of Vero Beach
as an oasis that people want to pre-
serve,” Grudens said.

The property was owned for many
years by Paul and Camille Hoffmann,
prominent residential developers and
world-renowned art collectors from
Illinois who later moved to Stuart.

After Paul Hoffmann died in 1998,
Camille Hoffmann maintained own-
ership of the land.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 3

NEWS

Grudens says the Land Trust began In 2004, it led the effort to pass a Since that time, the Land Trust has emeritus who helped handle the deal,
talking with Camille Hoffmann about $50-million land and water protec- acquired nearly 1,200 acres and 12 and certain donors who pledged mon-
buying the property in 2010, “as soon tion bond issue referendum that was miles of lagoon shoreline for conser- ey specifically for the Hoffmann land.
as we turned our attention to preserv- approved by 67 percent of voters, en- vation purposes, including the key-
ing the lagoon shoreline,” but the con- abling the county to purchase proper- stone purchase of the Hoffmann prop- Camille Hoffmann was a pioneer-
versations petered out. ties for conservation. erty last week. ing female attorney in Illinois in the
1950s – the second woman to work in
When Camille Hoffman passed When the real estate recession hit Taylor said the Hoffmann purchase the Illinois State’s Attorney Office, ac-
away in Stuart at the age of 90 in 2017, in 2008, and land prices crashed, the would not have been possible without cording to her obituary in the Chicago
the Land Trust restarted talks about group turned its attention to buying the help of real estate attorney Mi- Tribune. She later became a major res-
buying the property with one of the acreage along the lagoon. chael O’Haire, a Land Trust director
Hoffmanns’ granddaughters who was CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
named executor of the estate.

“She was really excited about the
idea of the land being put into con-
versation,” says Ann Taylor, the Land
Trust’s director of marketing and phi-
lanthropy.

Despite that excitement, talks
dragged out for two and a half years
– mainly due to the complexity of set-
tling the far-flung Hoffmann estate –
until last week, when the deal finally
went through, rewarding a decade of
patience and persistence by the Land
Trust.

On Friday, the nonprofit organiza-
tion closed on 100 acres of land owned
by the Hoffmann estate – the key 65-
acre parcel north of the bridge and
another 35 acres of prime waterfront
land south of the Fairlane Harbor mo-
bile home community – paying a total
of $3 million for the two parcels.

With the purchase, the Land Trust
now owns 300 contiguous acres north
of the Barber Bridge – the entire shore-
line from the southern edge of the
Hoffmann property up to 45th Street,
just south of Oak Harbor, except for
two small parcels totaling three quar-
ters of an acre.

South of the Hoffman property, the
green belt is extended by 114 acres
of county-owned land that flanks the
Barber Bridge. County officials say
that while that tract is not officially
designated as conservation land –
which would require creating a con-
servation management and mainte-
nance plan – the county has no plans
to develop it.

All but nine of the 114 acres are wet-
lands, which would make it nearly im-
possible to develop in the current per-
mitting environment even if there was
a desire to build something, according
to the county Community Develop-
ment Department.

Purchase of the Hoffmann parcels
comes on top of another substantial
acquisition by the Land Trust. On Dec.
31 the nonprofit closed on a 30-acre
track nearWabasso that stretches from
U.S. 1 to the Indian River Lagoon, with
a quarter mile of water frontage.

The Indian River Land Trust was
founded in 1990 to help save McKee
Botanical Gardens, a 10-year, $10-mil-
lion project. Following that successful
effort, the Trust was instrumental in
preserving 2,000 acres of agricultural
land from development.

4 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Lagoon waterfront preserved times performed with the C-2 band, impersonation of him lisping through For three years, the group met for
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 as it’s called. the story of “Jethus and Ithaiah.” tutoring at the church. It now involves
70 kids and 75 volunteers who tutor
idential developer in Illinois and was The Baggotts, teary-eyed themselves After the funny stories, things one-on-one. By raising grades and
named “one of the top 10 collectors of as they scanned the crowd, basked in turned serious, as the couple offered increasing team skills, 30 kids in the
contemporary art in the 1990s.” the evident admiration of their flock comfort to the congregation, letting group have made it onto their schools’
as the business end of the service was them know there would be help from basketball teams. A couple of dozen
Art Magazine included her and dispensed with – readings by the Revs. above as they moved on. members of the mission came to the
her husband, Paul Hoffmann, who Elizabeth Johnson, Holly Adams, David Baggotts’ farewell service.
served as chairman of the board of Johnson, and Raymond Hargrove, the “I feel a bit of a fraud standing up
the Chicago Art Institute, on its list regional minister of the Florida Confer- here and having you clap and appreci- “These boys have come to church
of the world’s 200 most important art ence of the United Church of Christ, of ate us because the wonder of Commu- with me year after year. Even some
collectors. The Hoffmanns also were which Community Church is part. nity Church is due to you. You’re the who have graduated and are in college
notable philanthropists, donating to church,” said Casey. are close to Bob. He’s going to stay on
museums, hospitals and animal res- Then, after a 30-second thunderous our board from afar, but I’m really go-
standing ovation that included at least “They married us,” said a tearful Mol- ing to miss him,” said de Schouwer.
cue organizations.  one wolf whistle, the Baggotts pulled lie Rogers as she exited the church, wip-
two chairs together and settled in to tell ing her eyes as she recalled the wedding Sharon Richards, who serves as
A farewell to Revs. Baggott a series of self-deprecating bloopers. five years ago to husband Jack. clerk of the church, called Community
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Church “our home away from home.
Bob told of giving his first sermon “They were difference-makers,” said She and husband Tom are both deacons
tuary required extensive renovation with the microphone set for his 6-foot- Jack Rogers. “They made a difference and Tom spoke at the farewell service.
when the organ was installed and the 3 predecessor, the late Rev. Bill Nigh, in everybody’s life that came close to
Baggotts led the successful effort to and feeling like “the Munchkin minister them. That room was jammed. How Several years ago, Sharon Richards
raise $13 million for the instrument from Minnesota.” Casey told of the rem- can a couple make such an impact? was approached by Casey Baggott to
and construction. edy – an elevated platform built within We’re going to really miss them.” start a “call to care” ministry to assist
the pulpit – and how she stepped onto the clergy with people who “wanted
The organ, played by director of the freshly-varnished surface, delivered Cathy de Schouwer recalled the somebody to listen, and who wanted
music Andrew Galuska, accompa- her sermon, and had to leave her shoes day that she, along with Antoine Jen- a visit one-on-one” on a regular ba-
nied the Chancel choir, alternating behind when she realized they were nings, approached Bob Baggott with sis in their homes, sometimes for six
with the church’s own brass section stuck to the tacky floor. their idea of a youth mentoring group, months or more.
and pop band – Bob Baggott is a tal- Crossroads Mission, that would com-
ented guitarist and singer who some- “I was forced to do my meditation in bine basketball coaching and aca- “She trained us for over two years.
my stocking feet,” she recalled. demic tutoring. There are five of us now, and we just
added two more.” Richards said of
And then there was the time Bob had “Bob said, ‘I love it. Here’s $10,000. Casey. “The ministry has served from 70
to get a temporary tooth, and it shot out Whatever you need, you got it.’” de to 80 people, many of them elderly and
of his mouth mid-sermon; Casey did an Schouwer said. “He helped us form
the organization.’”

School Board seeks options for replacing outside attorney

BY FEDERICO MARTINEZ The board and Moore said the is paid $264,000 a year plus expens- line Rosario noted. “But we have been
Staff Writer judge’s reprimand of D’Agresta was es, has faced sharp criticism from the elected to be the voice of our constit-
“embarrassing” to the school district. board during the past year for ear- uents and be good stewards.”
Attorney Suzanne D’Agresta’s long lier legal missteps and hefty fees. Her
tenure as hired outside counsel for “We’ve been dancing around this current contract expires in March. The School Board is in agreement
the Indian River County School Board for the past year,” School Board chair- that the district should seek letters
seems likely to end this year after the woman Mara Schiff said at the board’s Previous school boards never of interest from other law firms in-
board directed Superintendent David Jan. 14 work session. “We need to sought bids from other law firms that terested in representing the district
Moore to explore options for replac- make a decision sooner, rather than might be just as qualified or charge – which would require D’Agresta to
ing her. later. We need to do this.” less for their services, current board reapply for the position.
members said.
The board’s directive comes just After serving unchallenged as the In addition, several board mem-
days after D’Agresta was reprimand- school district’s legal counsel for “Ms. D’Agresta has a wealth of bers want to know how much it
ed by a federal judge for writing and more than a decade, D’Agresta, who knowledge,” board member Jacque- would cost to hire an in-house attor-
submitting an unauthorized deseg- ney, who would be a district employ-
regation “progress” report. ee instead of an outside contractor.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Wil- Superintendent Moore said he
liams, who oversees the school dis- would provide the board with more
trict’s compliance with a federal de- information on the two options at its
segregation order that has been in Jan. 28 work session.
effect for 52 years, also sharply criti-
cized D’Agresta for refusing to include D’Agresta was present at the Jan.
in the report input from the NAACP 14 meeting where seeking a new
and the district’s Equity Committee. lawyer was discussed. She said lit-
tle during the discussion, except to
While D’Agresta’s solo report paint- point out that the board is required
ed a rosy picture about the district’s to give her 30-days notice if they
progress in complying with the fed- plan to not renew her contract.
eral order’s requirements to reduce
inequity in the schools, the NAACP If the board doesn’t give her no-
and the Equity Committee say little tice of termination or offer her a
progress has been made. new contract by March, her contract
would automatically renew for an

additional 30 days. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 5

NEWS

alone, in grief or ill health – even coun- gotts and a busload of others on nine “It was a wonderful way to send off the Community Church for years, includ-
seling them as their lives were ending, “pilgrimages” to other countries, in- Baggotts,” said tenor section leader Kent ing a monthly noon-time poetry-and-
as happened several times recently. cluding China, South Africa and Ire- Ahern. “We poured our hearts into it.” organ music series started last year,
land, studying the practice of religion they had never seen the Baggotts so-
“Casey just exudes compassion and in each nation. For Sean Sexton, the Baggotts’ de- cially – until last week.
love, and we have just learned from parture comes too soon, and not only
her,” Richards said. “They are our family of choice,” said for spiritual reasons. Though he and “We had them over Tuesday night
Tom Richards. wife Sharon have been involved with
The Richards have joined the Bag- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

A SELECTION OF OUR ULTRA LUXURY

LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES

Please visit our New Sales Open House Sunday January 26th
Development Center at:
675 Beachland Boulevard 12 Noon - 4 PM
Riverfront Showplace In Riomar Bay
772.234.5555
$5.49 Million
Premierestateproperties.com
Mike Hickey 772.234.5106
Our Unrivaled Global Network Video | Info: v227935.com

Ocean To River Estate $2.29 Million Ocean Residence At Orchid Island $1.795 Million Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club $1.595 Million
O’Dare/Boga 772.234.5093 Info: v225254.com Nancy Hardy 772.257.7454 Info: v199366.com Brown/Harris/Webb 772.234.5332 Info: v224515.com

6 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

A farewell to Revs. Baggott more for helping others, not less. It in- istration, techs, paramedics – every- only a narrow corridor of chairs for
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 cluded the hiring of Jose Daniel Flores, body – so we can streamline the times visitors and family.
an organist and choral director from and make the experience an excellent
for the first time in 16 years,” said Puerto Rico who greatly expanded the one while still giving quality care.” “A waiting room is not where we want
Sexton. “We had the most wonder- church’s music program, now run by to care for our patients,” said Owen,
ful time, and we wondered, why did Galuska, whose talents closed the ser- In the new setup, nurses will be as- who has made a point of dropping by
we not spend more time together? It’s vice with a flourish. signed patients in specific beds, as op- the waiting area multiple times a day to
like going to the ocean for 20 years posed to keeping track of them as they reinforce her commitment to change.
and not going swimming. We realized Bob knew it was going to be a big move from one process to another.
how much we really like each other. one: the Widor Toccata. According to As the ED is reconfigured, the regis-
You don’t necessarily have to like your tenor Ahern, Baggott always intro- “Right now, everybody’s everywhere tration windows at the rear are being
minister, but we do. We adore them.” duced the showstoppers the same way. and these poor nurses are having to eliminated, doing away with a process
hunt around to find their patients,” Owen called “somewhat dysfunction-
The Sextons and the rest may get “Hit it, Andrew!” he bellowed.  Owen says. “Under the new system, al.”
their second chance to socialize with that nurse or physician will know
the much-admired couple. But not for Cleveland Clinic ER who’s in their section.” “Going forward, full check-in will be
a year, at least. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 done not at a window but in the pri-
That system is already used in the vate bay or room. People don’t want to
In keeping with a tradition of many patients at the front entrance to iden- section reserved for the sickest emer- be directed to a window, they want to
churches, the Baggotts will not return tify symptoms of urgent concern. And gency patients, the ring of rooms built see a person,” said Owen.
to Vero for a year, so that the congre- at registration and discharge, clerks in 2004 that are behind double doors
gation can adjust to and connect with with portable tablets and printers will and down a corridor from what is now “We will come to you. You’re pretty
a new minister. For now, that person come to the patient instead of the the public waiting room. Less acute much concierged through the whole
is the Rev. Anna Copeland, who will other way around, sparing patients the cases are relegated to a small waiting process.”
serve on an interim basis while the effort of standing in line while shaving area behind the registration windows,
church seeks a full-time minister. more minutes off the dreaded ED or- a cramped space where nurses and According to Cleveland Clinic In-
deal. med techs weave among a maze of pa- dian River’s data analysis, the ED had
As the Baggotts joked about return- tients seated side-by-side with a range around 65,000 patient visits in 2018
ing to the snows of Minnesota, they “It’s going to be drastically different,” of maladies. On difficult days the area and 2019. That’s a substantial increase
remembered that their tenure be- says Owen, fanning the pages of a daily becomes a crucible of misery that from 2015 when Owen first started at
gan with two hurricanes that turned checklist that evolved out of multiple Owen calls unacceptable. the hospital, she said. Since that time,
the church into a Red Cross center. meetings over the past month. “We’ve the ED has undergone a series of staff-
It spanned the economic downturn, had work groups with physicians, reg- By the end of this month, the ED ing changes, at times contracting with
during which the church budgeted space will be unrecognizable, recon- workforce providers for physicians
figured in a rapid-fire renovation to and mid-level managers. Currently it
include private patient bays, leaving is under contract with Envision, a na-
tional company.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 7

NEWS

Dr. Brian Wiley is Envision’s director High school likely to start later in the future
of emergency services at Indian River.
A veteran of 12 hospital emergency BY FEDERICO MARTINEZ a.m. Middle school students begin members Jacqueline Rosario and
departments, he started in Vero in Staff Writer school at 8 a.m. The school day for Teri Barenborg all voiced support af-
February 2018. high school students starts at 7:10 a.m. ter Moore embraced the idea.
Superintendent David Moore
“We came in because they were hav- wants high school students to start Board members expressed most “In the past, my concern is that
ing a lot of issues with the ED,” said classes later in the morning than the concern about the early start time I’ve seen conflicting research – some
Wiley. “Within that first year, we made current 7:10 a.m, a change advocat- for high school students. It wasn’t research shows it has no effect,” Zorc
a lot of substantial improvements with ed for the past year by School Board clear if start times for other grade told Moore. “But if you can show me
our turnaround times, quality and member Tiffany Justice. levels might be altered as well. research that shows it will help our
patient satisfaction. Now we’ve hit an students, I will support it.”
impasse and we’re going through more Moore, who took over leadership of Justice said her concern is that
changes which includes increasing the school district last month, previ- many students, especially during the Many details and issues need to be
our bed capacity. We can’t increase the ously served as an assistant superin- winter, are standing outside in the considered, including added busing
physical plant, but we can increase the tendent in the Miami-Dade district dark waiting for buses to pick them costs and how a later school day will
number of spots we have.” where school start times were ad- up. Waiting in the dark is dangerous affect afterschool activities and events,
vanced after three years of research. because students often can’t be seen Moore said. It also will take time to con-
Wiley called Owen “a driving force” He said is in favor of a similar change by passing motorists, she said. vince parents that the change is needed.
in improving the emergency depart- here and has already begun pitching it
ment. to the School Board and to the public. Moore and Justice said research Liz Cannon, president of the local
also indicates that later start times teachers union, did not say whether
“With Holly coming on board, we’ve “Our research shows that later reduce student tardiness, absences she supports the idea. But she did
really pushed to make that area more start times improve academic perfor- and truancy. note that the change would not re-
patient friendly.” mance,” Moore told the School Board quire union approval.
in December. “It is a big change and it Justice pitched the later school
Envision currently has three years takes time to implement so you have days to the School Board at least “Our contract only specifies an
left on a five-year contract, though the to move aggressively.” three times in 2019 but was never eight-hour day, not what hours spe-
staffing arrangement is subject to pe- been able to muster enough support cifically,” Cannon said.
riodic review. Pre-K and elementary classes cur- to bring the issue to a vote.
rently start between 8:40 a.m. and 8:50 No timetable for implementing
“We have evaluation periods within Board Chairman Laura Zorc, Vice- school start time schedule changes
that [five-year period] so we can give Chairman Mara Schiff, and board
them a 90-day notice [if the hospital has been determined, Moore said. 
wants to make a change],” said Cleve-
land Clinic Indian River chief operat-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

8 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Why did state wait so long to bring charges in boating death?

BY LISA ZAHNER and though the length of time can vary, back from Vero Beach. He stated that ily has also been proceeding parallel to
Staff Writer two and a half years is more than twice while traveling approximately 40 miles the criminal investigation.
as long as what he has experienced. per hour just south of the 17th Street
More than two and a half years after a causeway, he noticed a channel marker Workman said the experts who were
tragic boating crash resulting in the June “I agree that it takes longer with a at the last second but could not avoid brought in were “toxicologists” as the
2017 death of his friend Chance Riviero, state agency investigating, but I’ve it,” the report states. initial investigation report from FWC
21-year-old Jayson Clark of southwest found that the average case that winds filed in December 2017 cited states
Vero was arrested on vessel homicide up charging a vehicular homicide is 10 At the time, Clark, then 19, held a that Clark had “been drinking” and
charges. What took so long to make an months, or approaching a year a lot of valid operator’s license and had more tested out at a blood alcohol content
arrest is somewhat of a mystery. times,” Metcalf said. than 100 hours of experience on the (BAC) as .08, which is the legal intoxi-
type of boat he was driving the night cation limit for both DUI and the boat-
Assistant State Attorney Brian Work- So the Jan. 2 arrest warrant for a sec- Riviero died after sustaining traumatic ing version, BUI. Upon inspecting the
man, the attorney prosecuting the case ond-degree felony charge of Vessel Ho- injuries to his head, plus broken bones boat, officers found “multiple empty
based upon an investigation by the micide came as a bit of a surprise. “Who and multiple internal injuries, accord- beer cans, as well as a lighter next to a
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation wouldn’t begin to feel like there’s noth- ing to the FWC report. glass pipe containing residue, appear-
Commission (FWC), said “vehicle fatal- ing going to happen?” Metcalf said. “We ing to be paraphernalia.”
ity cases always take longer than other didn’t expect charges to be filed.” Riviero was ejected from the boat
cases before being presented. on impact. Four other passengers Metcalf said his client has not been
Clark was released from jail Jan. 3 on ranging in age from 18 to 23 were on charged with BUI. “It’s not an intoxica-
“This case required additional fol- $15,000 bond. board, among them 20-year-old Mi- tion case in the case you’re talking about.
low-up by the agency and review by chael Ketcham of Vero Beach, who It’s not an element in this case,” he said.
experts before I could reach a charging “The tragedy of this is that it was a hor- was also injured, sustaining broken
decision,” Workman said. “The charge rific accident and these boys were close ribs and internal injuries to his liver From a defense standpoint, Metcalf
is well within the statute of limitations friends. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t and spleen. said it’s tougher to begin ramping up
and I expect it to now proceed just as think about his friend and what hap- a case more than two years after the
any other case.” pened,” Metcalf said on Clark’s behalf. None of the boat’s occupants that incident. “There’s not a whole lot I can
night was wearing a life vest, though do as long as they operate within the
Vero-based defense attorney Andy The FWC report completed Dec. 6, an inspection found two regulation life statute of limitations, but memories
Metcalf, who is representing Clark, said 2017 says that around 11 p.m. on Satur- vests onboard. In addition to the death fade, people lose evidence and I don’t
he’s worked a good number of cases in- day, June 3, 2017, the 17-foot 2006 Car- and injuries, the crash caused $8,500 have subpoena power when there’s no
volving a fatal crash and a state agency olina Skiff crashed into a green channel damage to the boat. A pending civil active case,” Metcalf said. “Usually we
– typically the Florida Highway Patrol – marker 149, after which Clark piloted suit filed against Clark by Riviero’s fam-
the boat to Memorial Island. can overcome it.” 

“Mr. Clark stated they were coming



10 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Vero City Council ‘blindsided’ by airport funding problem

BY NICOLE RODRIGUEZ blindsided by the news of the finan- the final decision, was expected to That kind of growth normally would
Staff Writer cial booby trap, Vice Mayor Laura take up the issue at its Jan. 21 meet- be a good thing for the company and
Moss said. “I was surprised because ing. the city, but in this case it triggered a
When Elite Airways arrived in Vero you think to yourself, ‘Well, everybody crisis when the city was notified by
four years ago, the city was so excited must have known, including Elite.’” Elite has been a big hit in Vero the Florida Department of Transpor-
by the resumption of commercial air since it launched regular passenger tation in December that the airport
service it appears to have never consid- A unanimous airport commission service to Newark, N.J., and other will be reclassified from a general avi-
ered how unlikely it was that passenger earlier this month recommended forc- destinations in 2015, and the airline’s ation airport to a commercial airport
growth would offset a future loss of state ing out the Maine-based airline and passenger count and revenue have because it boarded more than 10,000
funding for Vero Beach airport projects. allowing it ample time to make a final steadily increased from year to year. passengers for the first time.
departure from the airport because of
But city officials now belatedly say it the financial strain the company will Elite boarded 11,084 passengers in If it goes into effect, the new classi-
would take at least 200,000 passengers create for the city later this year. Vero in 2018 – a 21.7 percent increase fication will cost the city as much as
departing from the Vero airport an- compared to 2017, according to city $1 million per year in lost state grant
nually to offset the loss of $1 million a The city council, which will make documents. revenue for airport projects included
year in state airport funding that kicks in the municipality’s five-year plan,
in when commercial flights board Falls said.
more than 10,000 passengers. The
number boarding Elite flights here in When an airport is designated as
2018: just over 11,000. general aviation, the state typically
covers 80 percent of the cost for large
“From talking to the previous city projects, while the city is responsible
manager, the understanding that I have for 20 percent. Under the new desig-
gleaned from it was that the city antici- nation, the cost split would be 50/50.
pated that the growth from Elite – and
possibly other airlines that might come The new designation could deplete
in – would get to the point that would the airport’s current fund balance of $3.5
make this viable,” City Manager Monte million in a few years, city officials said.
Falls said. “It’s just unfortunate that the
growth hasn’t been that dynamic.” Yet, somehow there was no plan by
the city ahead of time about what to
The Vero Beach City Council was do when the passenger threshold was
reached.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 11

NEWS

Airport Manager Eric Menger did re- van said. “He was just kind of making ed to increase the number of passen- Despite the airport commission’s
portedly reach out to Indian River Coun- me familiar with the issue.” gers allowed at general aviation air- recommendation and the impending
ty’s Legislative Affairs and Communica- ports or alter grant rules so that small financial hit to the city, there seemed
tions Manager Brian Sullivan to alert him Talks have been swirling across the airports don’t lose money. The city is to be strong sentiment on the city
of the impending problem late last year, state in recent years about changing monitoring the current legislative ses- council ahead of Tuesday’s meeting to
but asked for no aid, Sullivan said. state statutes governing airport des- sion for any such amendments that find a way to keep Elite in Vero.
ignations, Sullivan said, adding he could help the municipality, Falls said.
“He didn’t ask for anything,” Sulli- wouldn’t be surprised if a bill is amend- “I want them to stay,” Moss said. 

12 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Mystery public-records lawsuits plaintiff strikes again

BY RAY MCNULTY court filings, more such lawsuits are ment officials and agencies to provide claim Bursick, as custodian of the city’s
Staff Writer planned. the public records he seeks. records, denied or refused to fully pro-
vide billing statements – including logs
The mystery plaintiff who filed “Obviously, I cannot say who the The third lawsuit was filed last week of all calls and text messages from her
public records lawsuits against the next lawsuit will be filed against,” the against the City of Vero Beach and City cell phone – requested by the plaintiff.
school district and Sheriff’s Office in plaintiff said in an online interview Clerk Tammy Bursick for public records
December is now taking the City of with Vero Beach 32963, adding that connected to her city-issued cellphone. The plaintiff states in the law-
Vero Beach to court, too. “more are currently being drafted and suit that he submitted from Oct. 24
another will be filed soon.” The suit also sought the August bill- through Oct. 29 a series of requests to
According to the plaintiff, identi- ing statement for another city-issued the city for Bursick’s phone records for
fied only as “John Doe aka savever- The anonymous plaintiff said he cellphone assigned to City Council- the period between December 2018
[email protected]” in all three will not reveal his identity until he’s woman Laura Moss. and August 2019.
done filing lawsuits to compel govern-
Ten of the 11 counts in the lawsuit The plaintiff filed similar lawsuits
last month against the school district
and Sheriff’s Office, asking a judge
to order both agencies to provide re-
cords he requested under Florida’s

public records law. 

Cleveland Clinic ER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

ing officer Dr. Ralph Turner. “Right
now, we are in that evaluation phase.
We are evaluating constantly to deter-
mine if we keep them or bring in an-
other contractor or do it ourselves.”

Elsewhere in the Cleveland Clinic
Florida system, Martin Health hospi-
tals contract with another company,
Team Health, to staff ED physicians;
Weston uses Cleveland Clinic-em-
ployed physicians.

At Indian River, many of the 18 ED
physicians worked at the hospital
prior to Envision, when the hospital
employed its own doctors and before
that, used a different contractor.

The changes in the emergency depart-
ment began in concept in April, when a
Cleveland Clinic Florida team arrived in
Vero from the Weston headquarters to
take a hard look at Indian River’s ED.

“They did a very detailed recom-
mendation for us and we are actively
working on that,” says Owen. “This is
part of that integration.”

With its 65,000 patients each year,
Indian River’s emergency department
is considered “very high” volume, ac-
cording to the Center for Medicare
and Medicaid Services. Lawnwood
Regional Medical Center’s volume is
also considered very high, while Se-
bastian River Medical Center’s vol-
umes are considered average.

Despite the much higher volumes,
both Indian River and Lawnwood had
lower median wait times than Sebastian
River for patients who ended up admit-
ted to the hospital. But wait times for
patients sent home were longer at In-
dian River: 166 minutes as compared to
123 at Lawnwood and 127 at Sebastian
River. Those figures were from 2018, the

latest available from CMS. 

Jeremy Schwibner.

MARDY PARTY CELEBRATES
GIVING KIDS A SPORTING CHANCE P. 20

14 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Good times roll at Quail Valley Charities’ glorious gala

PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Trudie Rainone with Kathy Mulvey and Barbara Diemer. Wanda Lincoln and Wivi-Anne Weber with Armand and Marie Ek. Carol and Tom Corr with Katie Guettler. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Quail Valley Charities supporters Back: Chefs Dennis Dale, Ted Faulkner, Erik Poffinbarger and Joe Faria. Front: Chandler Higdon, Mia Maldonado, Sadie Guettler and Liza Guettler.
and representatives from its 30-plus
beneficiary organizations gathered at Given noted that the organization ton, a graduate of the IRSC culinary as interested in most of the sophisti-
the Quail Valley River Club Saturday was now in its 18th year, adding that program who now works at Quail, to cated menu’s courses, they all count-
evening for the 18th annual Quail Val- by the end of 2019, they had crossed raise money for a Culinary Scholar- ed carefully to ensure they’d be saved
ley Charity Cup Grand Gala Cocktail the $7 million mark in distributions. ship fund. a Baked Alaska Surprise, a lush con-
Buffet, concluding another hugely suc- They were hoping to raise upwards of coction served atop individual ice
cessful fundraising effort and giving $700,000 this year, to donate to non- “Tamesha knocked it out of the blocks lit from beneath.
everyone a chance to reminisce, enjoy profit organizations’ programs that fo- park,” said Given.
outstanding food and celebrate a job cus on children and education, and to At Saturday’s Gala, buffets set up
well done. staff scholarships. Monday evening, 125 guests dined inside and outside offered what Faria
at a chef- and child-themed Gourmet said was a Taste of the Nations, fea-
Smiles radiated from all involved, “I just want to thank you from our Guest Chef & Wine Dinner; an event turing chefs with signature dish-
even as they continuously worked entire organization,” said Given to so popular that tickets sell out within es from various countries: United
to ensure the gala went off without a guests at the Chef & Wine Dinner. minutes. Chefs included colleagues States, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, Co-
hitch: Quail Valley owner Kathy Mul- “Kathy Mulvey and I really appreciate from Faria’s past – Phillip Brown, who lumbia, Portugal, Britain and Kenya.
vey, COO/partner Kevin Given, Quail the enthusiasm that each of you dem- he worked with at the Ritz Carton, and
Valley Charities executive director onstrates each year.” Dennis Dale, who Faria reported to “I gave them a challenge; they had
Martha Redner, committee chair Wan- “back in the day.” to do three items,” said Faria – two
da Lincoln and vice chair Trudie Rai- Fundraising activities for the char- grab-and-go items and an action sta-
none. Quail’s uber efficient leadership ity have grown from the initial two-day They were joined by QVC Chefs Erik tion, to encourage guest interaction.
team was right there beside them: Chef golf tournament in 2001 to a multi- Poffinbarger and Ted Faulkner, as well
Joe Faria, Sam Garcia, Chris Gibbon, event affair that this year included as four little girls, ranging in age from Finishing off the meal, Frostings
Tabetha Gottfried, Amy Haase, Don a tower shoot at Blackwater Creek 7 to 11: Liza and Sadie Guettler, Mia once again provided a deliciously
Meadows, Anne Patrick, Kenny Poraz- Ranch, a 5K and Fun Run, brunch wine Maldonado and Chandler Higdon. elaborate dessert station.
zo and Kristen Redner. tasting, gourmet chef and wine dinner,
and tournaments in duplicate bridge, “You have that fear, but then you Bidding was also fast and furious
“This year we have a record number Mahjong, tennis and golf. also have that smile that comes with for a large selection of auction items
of team members (QVC staff) partici- the interacting,” said Faria of the chil- artfully displayed in the club’s lobby,
pating in a lot of our events, and they’ve New this year was a ‘roast’ of Chef dren’s participation. “We just want and guests purchased last-minute
also contributed financially as well. It Joe coordinated by Tamesha Hamil- them to be part of it.” Ritzy Chances raffle tickets in hopes
really illustrates the impact that we’re of winning coveted goodies. 
making internally, that actually goes And, while the youngsters weren’t
externally,” said Given. He said many
staff members also volunteer with the
beneficiary nonprofits, adding “it re-
ally shows how proud they are to be af-
filiated with an organization like Quail
Valley and Quail Valley Charities.”

He noted that the number of resi-
dents, participating businesses and
volunteers continues to increase. “Our
members have been extremely sup-
portive of us; allowing us to grow this
over a 10-day period, as well as periodic
events throughout the year.”



16 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Trey Smith, Lindsay Candler and Ray Comparetta. Dr. Curtis Dalili and Kevin Given.
Linda Teetz and Marta Schneider.

Margaret Anne and Emmett Evans. Heidi and Dr. Marc Rose. Dr. Charles and Carol Fischman. Dr. Seth and Susan Coren.

Shawn and Mike Venazio. Michelle and Walt Borisenok with Joanna Myers.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 17

PEOPLE

Bob Detoro, Joe Corr and Mike Mersky. Mary Brooks, Kathy Mulvey, Johnny Arterburn, Mary Finn and Pam Netzel. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Tom and Carol Corr with Bob Quaile and Richard Bradley.

Kyle Morgan and Tom Nelson. Tracy Tomlinson and Tracey Zudans.

Sharon Runk and Andrea Wohlschlaeger. Maureen Lee.

Karim Balagh, Andrew Harper, Ed Shanaphy and Randy Walker.

18 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Susan Temple and Trudie Rainone with Susan Perry and Kathy Mulvey. Steven Owen and Elise Geary with Maj. Milo Thornton.
George and Sue Sharpe with Freddie Woolfork.

Marie Healy with Dan and Gail Shepherd. Maryann Prezzano with Chad and Lisa Morrison. Chris Semisch with Jim and Laura Milford.

Frank Avilla and Sabrina Michelle. Dan Will and Kate Walsh. Robbi and Mark Peirce. Chef Joe Faria and Don Meadows.

NEW LOCATION Experience, Education & Maturity Can Make a Difference
SAME GREAT SERVICE & STAFF
SUCCESSFULLY SERVING CLIENTS IN
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FOR OVER 25 YEARS

MARC P. TOMBERG
Financial Advisor
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc

(772)778-4399
2756 20th St.
Vero Beach FL 32960

[email protected]

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 19

PEOPLE

Cathy DeSchouwer, Antoine Jennings and Kim Lorimier. Drs. Anand and Divya Haryani with Drs. Ally and Alex Blandford. Charlotte and Richard Moore with Carol Fischman.

Liz Bahl and Phil Barnes. Susan Hazard and Kevin McEnerney. Laura Sweeney and Gene Chuba. Marcelo Vilas and Suzanne Leigh-Vilas.

Ray and Sandi Reinhard with Kathy and Jay Campana.

Gerry and Gretchen Leone. Jean and Edward Hyde.

20 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Mardy party celebrates giving kids a sporting chance

Alat Filmalter, Nece Buckle and Annette Winkler. Tom and Gail Maher with Mike Hickey and Meg Hickey.

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF tain Mardy Fish chatted with guests in ceeds from the events will enable the and ‘Mardy’s Six Healthy Habits: Get
Staff Writer a casual Q&A format. MFCF to help more children. Sleep; Drink Water; Exercise Daily, Eat
Healthy; Brush and Floss; and Make
Supporters of the Mardy Fish Chil- The next day, an impressive lineup The setting sun and dolphins frol- Friends.’
dren’s Foundation were feted during of world-class professional athletes icking in the background on Sunday
an intimate gathering at the Riomar II teed up alongside Fish to help raise were poignant reminders to Fish of his “We’ve been doing this for 10 years.
home of Lynn Southerly, MFCF execu- funds and awareness during the annu- childhood in Vero Beach and why he The Mardy Fish Foundation is a god-
tive director, where over cocktails and al Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation still considers it home. send for us, because without the funds
hors d’oeuvres, U.S. Davis Cup Cap- Golf Fundraiser, held at the recently from the foundation, this program
renovated Windsor Golf Course. Pro- “There’s a reason why this foun- would not be affordable,” said Roger
dation has stayed here for this many Van Dyke, executive director of the In-
years,” said Fish of the nonprofit he dian River Golf Foundation, which in-
founded in 2007. “I wanted it in the troduces golf to children in pre-school
place that I grew up in, that gave so through fifth grade.
much to me as a youngster.”
“We have over 300 kids in our pro-
Fish founded the organization to gram at 10 elementary schools, the
provide children with an opportunity Boys and Girls Clubs of Vero Beach
to participate in safe and impactful and the Gifford Youth Achievement
fitness, nutritional and enrichment Center,” said Van Dyke.
programs that would empower them
to live healthy lives. What began as a Monday’s tournament offered up a
tennis-based program has expanded picture-perfect day to tee up to sup-
to support a wide range of activities. port MFCF, with players that included
a virtual who’s who of professional
A volunteer executive director, athletes. Among them, Luke Donald,
Southerly said that she sees amazing the former No.1 golfer in the world;
things happening during site visits Paul McGinley, Ryder Cup winner;
to beneficiary schools and organiza- Rick Rhoden, 16-year MLB pitcher;
tions. Rick Monday, 19-year MLB center
fielder; and Tim Wakefield, former
“These are children that would not Boston Red Sox pitcher.
have the opportunity to do the activi-
ties that we support,” said Southerly. While Fish is primarily known for
“We have homeless children who are his prowess on the tennis court, he’s
learning to swim and how to ride hors- no slouch on the golf course. To ensure
es. We have underprivileged children his skills are kept sharp, each of the
learning how to play golf, learning nearly 60 golfers faced off against him
how to play tennis and learning how on the 17th hole.
to garden. We are not just about tennis
anymore.” With a score of 55, the foursome that
left the greens with a bit of swagger
Their focus is on funding after- and the title of 2020 Mardy Fish Chil-
school activities where children can dren’s Foundation champions were
be safe, have fun and make friends. Bob Barros, Bill Biersach, Ewan Cope-
land and Sal Spallone.
“We have been doing a lot of good
work in the community and helping a Next up, the 2020 MFCF Pro Circuit
lot of children,” said Tom Fish, Mardy’s Tournament will be played at the Bou-
father and MFCF president emeritus. levard Tennis Club from April 26 to
May 3.
MFCF currently supports more
than 2,400 children from elementary For more information, visit mardy-
through high school, funding pro- fishchildrensfoundation.org. 
grams that promote lifestyle choices

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 21

PEOPLE

Lynn Southerly, Mardy and Stacey Fish and Sally and Tom Fish. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

Roger and Linda Van Dyke. Danielle Iverson and Arthur Andrews.

Linda and Paul Delaney. Jill and Vinny Olmstead with Heather MacIntyre.

John and Marie McConnell with Matthew Wynn. Susan and Richard Bradley.

Hannah and David Hite. John and Sara Marshall.

22 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Bart and JoAnn Crosby. Pene Chambers and David Brack. Cathy and Tim Palmer.
JoAnn and Adam Hitt.

Ken Miller, Tom Keller, Bill Allard and Tim Wakefield. Mardy Fish and Luke Donald. Roger Van Dyke, Nick Bespolka, Bill Stewart and Kevin Bespolka.

Tom Blake. Sal Spallone.

Matthew Challenor, Kate Freeman, Terry Marks and Brad Smith.



24 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Three-fold thanks for Impact 100’s game-changing grants

BY MARY SCHENKEL nalists made it through the or small group meetings, career/trade
Staff Writer speakers, college trips, parent nights,
stringent grant review pro- tuition for the Smart Horizons Pro-
The enthusiasm for their organiza- gram to help teens graduate on time,
tions’ programs and their apprecia- cess, adding that the ex- and even clothing for job and college
tion for the $100,000 grants awarded interviews. Luettger said they are giv-
to them this past spring by the Indian cess $125,000 was held over ing teens the skills and tools needed to
River Impact 100 membership bubbled become responsible, caring, produc-
forth, as representatives from the Boys for distribution in a future tive citizens after graduation.
and Girls Clubs of Indian River Coun-
ty, H.A.L.O. No Kill Rescue and Space funding cycle. Royals said a goal of the SCSO is
Coast Symphony Orchestra spoke at to make quality music accessible to
the 2020 Impact Day last Wednesday “After signing contracts everybody. Two of the four Indian
afternoon. River County Music Education proj-
in May, our Impact award ects funded have already taken place.
Current and prospective Impact 100 Roughly 400 people attended the free
members gathered at Northern Trust winners have two years super-hero themed Family Concert in
Company for the event, sponsored by November, and 750 elementary stu-
Robin Lloyd & Associates, P.A., to hear to implement their pro- dents attended one of two Children’s
from Impact’s newest Community Concerts at Vero Beach High School.
Partners about where their projects grams,” said Denise Batta- In April, the last of four Once Upon an
currently stand and the grants’ impact Orchestra Concerts at McKee Botani-
on their organizations. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 glini, past president, who cal Garden, geared toward toddlers,
will take place, and two Shoulder-to-
Amy Acker, board president, dis- moderated the panel dis- Shoulder Concerts – this March at Vero
closed that over its 12-year history, In- Beach High School and next year at
dian River Impact 100 has funded 62 Laura Luettger, Jennifer Royals and Jacque Petrone. cussion. Sebastian High School, will give mu-
grants – 38 Impact grants and 24 Merit sic students a chance to play alongside
grants – totaling more than $4.1 mil- Panelists were Laura Lu- professional musicians.
lion. That amount, she pointed out,
constitutes 10 percent of the roughly ettger, career counselor at BGCIRC;

$45 million invested globally by 50- Jennifer Royals, a founding member

plus chapters. and principal clarinetist of SCSO; and

“The Impact 100 model is built Jacque Petrone, H.A.L.O.’s founder/

around a concept called team philan- CEO.

thropy, and it happens through the The B&GC Destinations Program is

collective giving of its members,” said assisting teens in determining their

Acker. “By pooling our $1,000 we expo- post-high school plans – career, college

nentially and powerfully accelerate the or military. Noting that the current

investment that we can make in our student/school guidance counselor

community.” ratio is 400 to 1, Luettger said Impact

She explained that last year there funding has enabled them to provide

were 425 members, but just three fi- teens with support such as one-on-one

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 25

PEOPLE

Petrone said more than 14,000 lives expanded 5,000-square-foot Enrich- cost care and a training center, more Finalists reception at Vero Beach Coun-
have already been saved through ment Center, Training Center and Low people can keep their pets at home. try Club; March 18 New Member Social
H.A.L.O. programs and they hope to Cost Veterinarian Clinic adjacent to the The facility will also enable additional at Quail Valley River Club Boathouse;
continue reducing county euthanasia current facility. She cited veterinary catastrophic rescues, such as those and April 16 Grant Awards and Annual
rates. Impact funding is supporting costs and behavioral issues as two of from Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Meeting at Oak Harbor Club.
medical equipment, fixtures, software the most common reasons for pet sur-
and services that will be offered in an renders, adding that by providing low 2020 membership is open until Feb. For more information, visit impac-
28. Upcoming events: March 5 Meet the t100ir.com. 

26 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Elaine O’Neil, Sally Jenkins and Kay Harvey. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Toni Hamner, Barbara DiMarzo and Pilar Turner.
Allyson Bootes, Aaron Collins and Elizabeth Thomason.

Amy Acker and Gladys LaForge. Dr. Suzanne Conway and Susan Smith. Mary Blair and Denise Battaglini. Cecile Trop and Lin Melchionna.

49 Years A LIFESTYLE OF LUXURY
In Business! LOCATED ON THE TREASURE COAST

We always pay top dollar for special interest vehicles.

$34,000 $86,000 $289,000

2002 Aston Martin DB7 Volante, 27k miles 2011 Audi R8 5.2 V10 Spyder, 20k Miles 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1, Only 119 Miles

$31,000 $34,000 $28,000

2016 BMW 428i xDrive, 31k Miles 2017 BMW X3 xDrive35i, 16k Miles 2012 BMW 650i, 52K Miles

$109,000 $50,000 $29,000

2013 Bentley GTC W12 AWD, 17k Miles 2016 Corvette Stingray Z51 2LT, 5k Miles 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 14k Miles

$84,000 $107,000 $33,000

1972 De Tomaso Pantera 2007 Ferrari F430, 19k Miles 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 10k Miles

$34,000 $69,000 $27,000

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, 29k Miles 2019 Mercedes-Benz E450 ~Designo, 5k Mi. 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 48k Mi.

WE SPECIALIZE IN EXOTIC, CLASSIC AND LUXURY VEHICLES.
WE OFFER: VEHICLE SALE  CONCIERGE SERVICES  FINANCING  CONSIGNMENT

ROSNER Contact Us
MOTORSPORTS Sales: (772) 469-4600
rosnermotorsports.com
2813 Flight Safety Dr.,
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 6:00PM  Saturday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM  Sunday: By Appointment Only

28 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Shellabration lauds dedicated Ladies of the Lagoon

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF
Staff Writer

The restaurant Michael’s on 7th PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
rolled out the red carpet for a Shel-
lebration Dinner last Tuesday eve- Chef Michael Lander with Natalie Holtom Gruden and Ken Gruden. Barbara Butts, Diane Henninger and Sally Daley. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE
ning, attended by the Ladies of the
Lagoon, a group of Indian River pies, drizzled with honey procured Lagoon has been just tremendous in conservationist who has helped
Land Trust supporters. from beehives kept on IRLT proper- this community,” said Ken Gruden, advance the environmental move-
ties. IRLT executive director. “The coast- ment on a global level.
The ladies enjoyed a gourmet al wetlands and the fish and wild-
farm-to-table feast prepared by The Ladies of the Lagoon is a giv- life habitats have greatly benefited “As I stand here before you, what
Chef Michael Lander and his ter- ing circle which supports the Land from the fishery studies and terra- I really see is Rachel Carsons all
rific staff, sipping on a selection of Trust’s mission “to promote the pin studies that have gone on. And around me. It’s wonderful to see
wines from Alimentari Gourmet preservation, conservation, and it wouldn’t have happened without so many women from Vero Beach
Market paired with Lander’s signa- improvement of natural resources this special giving circle of women.” coming forward and helping us to
ture dishes. and special places in Indian River take the work that we’re doing to the
County for the benefit of the general Gruden likened the work the la- next level,” said Gruden.
“I’m happy to be partnering with public and future generations.” dies do to that of Rachel Carlson,
the Ladies of the Lagoon,” said Chef an American marine biologist and “We made the acquisition and
Lander. “I appreciate what you do. “Your impact as the Ladies of the you’re leveraging that acquisition.
It goes hand-in-hand with what we
try to do – farm-to-table sustainable
local cuisine.”

Dinner included locally sourced
Pepper Trail Farm lettuce, Schacht
Grove grapefruit, local black grou-
per and Sebastian clams. The sweet
finish to the evening featured min-
iature buttermilk, citrus, honey

Cruise to Bermuda and Southern US CARPET ONE Creative Floors & Home has more for your
Seven Sea’s Navigator • May 11th, 2020 from Miami CREATIVE FLOORS entire home from the floor up! With Flooring,
Tile, Cabinets and even vacuum cleaners!
Explore Iceland and Greenland & HOME
August 12, 2020 772.569.0240

Call us today to learn more about these 1137 Old Dixie Hwy • Vero Beach
and trips planned specifically for you. creativefloorscarpet1verobeach.com

Orchid Travel

Call today for Shelby and Dee

OVER 50 YEARS

of travel experience

664 Azalea Lane, Vero Beach 32963
772-226-5790  orchidtravel.net

Every Trip or Cruise we plan is special and unique to you.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 29

PEOPLE

You’re meshing science and conser- beautiful place,” Gruden comment- groundswell is amazing. We need to Lagoon to Heart, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
vation one fish at a time. We bought ed that the lagoon is an amazing keep working together and, as Ra- Feb. 12 at participating Village
property one parcel at a time and body of water, home to thousands of chel Carson said, ‘In nature, noth- Shops, and a 3 to 5 p.m. High Tea at
you’re doing this work one terrapin species of plants and animals, and ing exists alone.’ Let’s keep working Citron that day will support Ladies
and one fish at a time.” is vital to sport fish and millions of together to make that a reality,” said of the Lagoon and the IRLT.
migrating birds. Gruden.
Recalling Carson’s words, “The For more information, visit irlt.
edge of the sea is a strange and “The progress is great, the A portion of sales from Take the org. 

30 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 Gail Alexander and Carol Fischman. Kathleen Schulke, Dr. Suzanne Conway and Phyllis Schulke.
Amy Patterson, Cathy Walker and Susan McDaniel.

Gena Grove and Stephanie Smith. Carol Kanarek, Mary Graves, Gail Nourse, Sharon Purdie and Carol Fennell. Nancy Auwaerter and Pilar Turner.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 31

PEOPLE

Cleveland Clinic exec appreciates ‘warm’ Vero reception

BY MARY SCHENKEL PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Cleveland Clinic. When you’re work- you’re having, we can reach out to
Staff Writer ing in healthcare, the true value that any physician across our enterprise to
Gordon and Barbara Sulcer. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE you hold dear, is putting the patient help take care of you.”
As a Georgia native, Ralph Turner, first. And that’s what we do. It’s our job
chief operating officer for the Cleve- and 14 days in the United States to ensure that everyone who provides Turner said he has been impressed
land Clinic Indian River Hospital, told Army.” As the most recent member healthcare on the Treasure Coast ups by the “true culture of customer ser-
an audience at a luncheon hosted by of the local MOAA chapter, he added, their game.” vice” already at the Vero hospital,
the Indian River Chapter of Military “Thank you for allowing me to be- adding that their focus now is ensur-
Officers Association of America last come a part of your family; I am hon- Commenting on Cleveland Clinic’s ing staff has everything they need to
Friday afternoon that he was pleased ored to be here.” deep roots in the military, he said its take care of patients, from upgraded
to finally be back in warmer climes. founders, who served in a military equipment to continually keeping up
Commenting on the military’s core hospital in France during World War with the times.
Turner, invited to speak about ‘Cleve- value of esprit du corps, Turner said, I, were impressed with the coopera-
land Clinic and Indian River County: “I can honestly say, I’ve found that in tive spirit of colleagues. They created MOAA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan as-
Better Together,’ was appointed to the a hospital with a focus to “think and sociation, open to current and former
role of COO last March, having previ- act as a unit,” a model that continues officers from all branches of service,
ously served as executive director of today to ensure they provide the best their spouses and surviving spouses,
Patient Support for Cleveland Clinic in care possible. meets for engaging programs month-
Ohio. Prior to that, Turner held execu- ly, except July and August.
tive positions at the University of Wis- He said of the 66,000 employees
consin Health System and the MedStar serving patients in 18 hospital loca- Members provide support to active
Washington Center, and served as di- tions across the United States and service members and veterans, and
rector of Clinical Engineering Services overseas, more than 1,100 military participate in such community events
and deputy director of Logistics at Wal- retirees and reserves are on staff, in- as upcoming Veterans and Family Pic-
ter Reed Army Medical Center. cluding in top positions. nic on Feb. 1 at Riverview Park, Stars
and Stripes Gala on Feb. 29 at Grand
“I come back amongst my military “We are truly a clinically integrated Harbor, April 25-26 Vero Beach Air
family and I feel like I’m home,” said network,” said Turner, noting that by Show, and Memorial Island Sanctuary
Turner, who retired as Chief Warrant 2021, an Epic software records pro- ceremonies.
Officer 4 after “21 years, four months gram will be completed world-wide.
“That means that whatever issue For more information, visit moaafl.
org/Chapters/IRCMOAA. 

32 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
Terry Treat, Ralph Turner and Bob Albrecht.

Joan and Mike DiScipio with Michelle Dale. Scott and Caroline Carson with Tad Woodhull.

Art Alphin, Mayor Tony Young and Joseph Labrie.
Barbara Wiley, Pat Cannon, Deena MacDonald and Henry Trumbower.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 33

PEOPLE

‘Art by the Sea’ attracts waves
of appreciative aficionados

Becky and Charlie Kaune. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
Don and Liz Brasher.

BY MARY SCHENKEL WINNERS BOX:

Staff Writer Best in Show:
Charles Kaune, ‘Portrait Study for Ali’
Thousands of art lovers and savvy
collectors attended the 32nd annual Acrylic Painting:
Art by the Sea Exhibition, presented Carol Staub, ‘The Writing on the Wall’
by the Vero Beach Art Club last week-
end at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Film/Digital Photography:
The museum’s Holmes Great Hall Arlene Willnow, ‘Golden Glow’
was a hubbub of activity at the open-
ing reception Friday evening, as art- Jewelry:
ists accepted accolades from viewers David McQuinn, ‘Midnight Prowler’
and, in the case of the lucky winners,
awards in a variety of categories. Oil Painting:
Emily Tremml, ‘Chip’s World’
Each of the 222 artists, members
of the Art Club, the museum or in Pastel/Graphics:
many cases both, is allowed to ex- John Cullen, ‘Accent Deep River’
hibit one original piece not entered
in a prior Art by the Sea. Although it Sculpture/Sculptural 3D/Ceramics:
is not a juried show, it is judged, with Joan Earnhart, ‘The Sphinx of Thebes’
awards determined by an indepen-
dent judge. This year saw a return of Watercolor Painting:
R. Lynn Whitelaw, founding director I. Joseph, ‘Covered Gondolas’
and curator of the Leepa-Rattner Mu-
seum of Art at St. Petersburg College. adding that he was stunned by the
award, but very happy that people
Judy Rixom, who co-chaired the liked his work.
show for the fifth time with Sherry
Haaland, said that Whitelaw had also The talented Joan Earnhart, last
judged the show about four years ago. year’s Best of Show winner, received
First Place in Sculpture for her com-
This year’s Mary Mazur Award plex assemblage piece, ‘The Sphinx
for Best of Show was presented to of Thebes.’ Rife with symbolism, her
Charles Kaune, for his pastel work, striking work represented many as-
‘Portrait Study for Ali.’ pects regarding the female monster
from Greek mythology. “She is re-
“I think that’s maybe a first,” said ally not very nice,” said Earnhart,
Rixom. “Usually it seems to go to explaining that while Oedipus was
sculptors. I loved his piece; it’s a able to avoid being torn apart and
beautiful piece.” devoured after answering her riddle,
he had his own issues. “Nothing ends
As a pastel artist herself, who well!”
teaches pastel classes at the VBMA,
Haaland too was pleased with the On the other hand, all will end well
Best of Show choice, adding, “It’s al- for the Vero Beach Art Club. Artists
ways a nice show; people really enjoy donate a percentage of sales from the
it.” show to support the club’s education-
al outreach programs, scholarships
A relative novice, Kaune said he to high school seniors and art sup-
didn’t even begin painting until he plies to budding artists in elementary
turned 69. and middle schools.

“I took a workshop in beginning For more information, visit vero-
portraits and it was like a little light beachartclub.org. 
went off in my head and I thought, oh,
there’s a method to it,” said Kaune,

34 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Sherry Haaland, Judy Rixom and Fran Devitt. Marian Gremillot, Gerry Earley and Jean Mabee.
Pamela Coker with Mary and Greg Ingerson.

Joan Earnhart and Beth Fairchild. Sam Gagliano, Sara Gagliano Alfaro and Linda Sposato. June Steinberg with Armand and Aline LaFlèche.

Lydia Coope with Albert Norton and Barbara Lioi.

CLYDE BUTCHER’S ‘AQUATIC PRESERVES’
CAPTIVATES AT ELC

36 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Clyde Butcher’s ‘Aquatic Preserves’ captivates at ELC

BY KERRY FIRTH PHOTOS BY KAILA JONES
Correspondent

Often referred to as Florida’s Ansel
Adams, Clyde Butcher is legendary for
his ability to capture the essence of
Florida landscapes with his large-scale,
black-and-white photography. Butch-
er’s works also highlight the spiritual
side of nature from some of its more re-
mote locations.

A lesser-known collection of his pho-
tographs, “Florida Aquatic Preserves,”
is on display through Feb. 28 at the En-
vironmental Learning Center.

Butcher had donated the collection
of 29 photos, taken in the aquatic pre-
serves that dot the Florida coastline,
to the Department of Environmental
Protection many years ago, where it re-
mained hidden away in storage. It was
only recently recovered for display.

“We are so fortunate to have been
loaned this exhibit,” says Barbara
Schlitt Ford, ELC executive director.

It was during an eco-talk presenta-
tion at the ELC by Emily Dark of the
Florida DEP office of Reliance and
Coastal Protection, that Dark men-

HEAR

IT
LIVE

JENNIFER HIGDON Dance Card February 18, 2020
7:30 p.m.

STRAVINSKY Pulcinella: Suite Community Church

BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto of Vero Beach
Elena Urioste, violin 772-460-0851

AtlanticClassicalOrchestra.com

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 37

ARTS & THEATRE

through his documentaries and pho- environment. If Florida is to survive in
tography. He selected the 29 photos of the future, we have to be careful about
the ‘Living Waters’ exhibit to comple- how much development we allow on
ment a PBS film series he had com- the water’s edge, where it destroys our
pleted on the fragility of Florida’s eco- estuaries.
systems.
“But this is not just a Florida issue.
“So many people have no idea what The world is round, and what every-
and where the aquatic preserves are,” one in every country is doing makes a
Butcher explains in a telephone inter- worldwide impact. Unless we look at
view from his home in Venice, on Flori- the big picture and what everyone is
da’s Gulf Coast. doing in every part of the world, we are
going to lose our precious resources.”
“These are protected watersheds,
and as aesthetically beautiful as they Although trained in architectural
are, they are scientifically crucial to design, it was during a visit to an An-
the preservation of clean water. We sel Adams photography exhibit at Yo-
all have to do more to preserve our
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

tioned the rediscovered photos. grove island protruding from the sea is
“Afterwards, I asked her if we might shown in sharp contrast to the dense
jungle canopy of an Everglades swamp.
be able to acquire them to show at our And Butcher has captured a mirror re-
campus, since it aligned perfectly with flection of clouds on Charlotte Harbor
our mission to educate, inspire and with such perfection that it is possible
empower all people to be active stew- to hang the photograph upside down
ards of the environment and their own and it will still look the same.
well-being,” says Ford. She said yes,
and now they are here. This is the first From the sandy dunes of St. Joseph
time these photos have ever been dis- Bay to the untamed wilderness of the
played in this area.” Sebastian River Buffer Preserve, Butch-

Florida is home to 41 aquatic pre- er’s photos encapsulate the unique di-
serves, the finest of which have been set versity and grandeur of Florida’s indig-
aside for protection under the Aquatic enous landscape.
Preserve Act enacted in 1975. This has
ensured that the aesthetic, biological The collection is captivating in its
and scientific values of these coastal size and magnitude, easily illustrating
landscapes will provide wildlife habi- the reason Butcher is ranked as one of
tats, as well as recreational and cultural the foremost landscape photographers
values for many generations. in America today.

The collection on display is a visual Like all of his work, the photos are
journey through those preserves, from shot in a large camera format to cap-
the twisted cypress trees of the Wekiva ture the enormity of the scenes. Butch-
River, to the windswept beaches of er prefers to use the largest film pos-
Cayo Costa and the swaying grasses sible to portray the entirety of the vista
beneath the crystal-clear waters of and to enable viewers to feel as if they
Rainbow Springs. are walking into the scene.

The stark solitude of a lone man- An avid conservationist, Butcher
feels compelled to educate the public

38 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

new world – one filled with swamps
and backwaters – opened up to him.

Butcher sets about capturing mo-
ments in time, often sitting for hours or
days at a time until nature dictates the
right instant to shoot. Portraying that
precise moment when light, shadows
and landscape combine in perfect har-
mony is his legacy.

“It’s all about patience and persis-
tence,” says Butcher. “I do a lot of think-
ing while I’m waiting for the perfect
light. Nature is where I find solace in
this ever-changing world.”

The primeval beauty of the Ever-
glades is so extraordinary that Butcher
once said the he has sometimes been
asked what country he had been in
when he took the photos. That helped
reinforce to him the importance of
educating the populace about Florida’s
diverse native habitat.

Today, with the Myakka River State
Park almost in his backyard, Butcher
continues to spend his days capturing
the beauty of the vast expanse of un-
spoiled wetlands, prairies and ham-
mocks.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 black-and-white photographs at art When the stress of what developed The “Florida Aquatic Preserves” ex-
festivals, and later founded Eye En- into a multimillion-dollar business be- hibit, on display through the end of Feb-
semite National Park with wife Niki, counter, selling his works to depart- came too much, he sold it and moved ruary, is included in the cost of admis-
that Butcher first discovered his true ment stores as wall décor. his family to Florida. There, a whole sion to the ELC. For more information,
calling. He initially began selling his visit DiscoverELC.org. 



40 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

COMING UP! Music lovers have much to savor this week

BY PAM HARBAUGH mitzu, Piazzolla and Porter. Tickets are 7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org. part, around four women who have been
Correspondent $35 and are sold out, but there’s always friends since high school and promised
a chance you can score a ticket if you to be at each of their weddings. No mat-
Music lovers will feel like they’ve go there in person. The chamber music 5 The Annual Big Band Jazz Concert ter how many. The show performs 7:30
stepped into heaven this week. You’ve concert begins 3 p.m. at the Vero Beach will showcase jazz bands from Vero p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, Friday, Jan. 24,
got quite the selection – from classical Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Dr. Call and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday,
to jazz to pops. 772-460-0851 or visit AtlanticClassicalOr- Beach High School and those from Oslo, Jan. 26. Tickets range from $15 to $30.
chestra.com. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeach-
Gifford and Storm Grove middle schools. TheatreGuild.com. Riverside Theatre,
meanwhile, has on its mainstage a truly
It begins 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at the delightful musical, “Thoroughly Modern
Millie.” It’s peppy, fun and wonderfully
Vero Beach High School Performing Arts choreographed. Tickets start at $35. For
just pure fun and wacky comedy, consid-
1 It starts this Friday, Jan. 24, with Center, 1707 16th St. Call 772-564-5537 er “The 39 Steps,” which just opened and
the sound and fury of the Sibe- runs through Feb. 9 in Riverside’s smaller
3 There’s more: Mix music with art or visit IndianRiverSchools.Tix.com. You Waxlax Stage. Tickets for that are $65.
in this Sunday evening at the First There are student discounts. Riverside is
rian State Symphony Orchestra per- can also [email protected]. at 3250 Riverside Dr. Call 772-231-6990
or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
forming a Rachmaninoff concerto Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520

performed by the award-winning Yury Royal Palm Blvd. A special art exhibit 6 Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits
will perform 7 p.m. Wednesday,
Favorin. One of those awards came opens 5 p.m. The concert begins 6 p.m.

from the Van Cliburn Competition. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Jan. 29, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th

OK, that’s pretty impressive. Maestro Call 772-562-9088. Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets start at $40. Call

Vladimir Lande conducts. Also on 800-595-4849 or visit TheEmersonCen-

the program are electrifying works by 4 For something decidedly different, ter.com.
take in the “Hooray for Hollywood”
Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. Tickets

are $90. The concert begins 7:30 p.m. at concert when the Space Coast Sympho- 7 Live theater will also help fill up
your schedule. Both Riverside The-
the Community Church of Vero Beach, ny Orchestra performs movie music live

1901 23rd St. Call 772-778-1070 or visit with film clips. Music includes composi- atre and the Vero Beach Theatre Guild 8 Riverside Theatre for Kids will hold
auditions 4 p.m. this Friday for its
IRSymphonic.org. tions from “Indiana Jones,” “The Mag- have shows on their boards right now,

nificent Seven,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and they’re certainly designed to enter- “Beat Bugs JV” theater program. There

2 Catch your breath this Sunday, Jan. “Titanic” and much, much more. The tain.“Always a Bridesmaid” runs through is no cost to audition. However, there
26, with some exquisite chamber
concert begins 3 p.m. this Sunday atVero this Sunday at the Vero Beach Theatre is a cost, $250, to attend the program,

music presented by the Atlantic Classical Beach High School Performing Arts Cen- Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave. This comedy if invited to do so. For more informa-

Orchestra. Small musical ensembles will ter, 1707 16th St. Tickets are $25 in ad- is so popular, its three playwrights could tion, call the theater’s education office

perform lovely works by Debussy, Take- vance and $30 at the door. Call 855-252- almost retire … almost. It revolves, in at 772-234-0852. 







44 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT COVER STORY

GHOSN LEFT TOKYO BY BULLET TRAIN.

Sometime last fall, a security con- ousted leader of Nissan Motor Co. and Japanese government, that were de- country of his youth, Ghosn has un-
tractor based in Asia took a call that he Renault SA, completed a daring es- termined to take him out of play. And, doubtedly upgraded his personal cir-
found curious. The man on the other cape from Tokyo, where he was facing most important for someone who cumstances. What remains to be seen,
end of the line, a longtime acquain- criminal charges that could have put spent the better part of two decades though, is whether he’s simply traded
tance and, like him, an expert in pro- him in prison for more than a decade. building and cultivating his public im- one form of confinement for another.
tecting VIPs and valuable cargoes in age, he could set to work restoring his
challenging environments, was look- Despite being under intense surveil- reputation as a great man of business, While out on bail, Ghosn spent much
ing to hire for a job in Japan. lance while out on bail, with a camera maybe even preparing a comeback. of his time at his lawyers’ office in cen-
trained on his front door and under- tral Tokyo, in an anonymous mid-rise
The assignment would involve es- cover agents tailing him when he left A few weeks after Ghosn’s escape, building near the Imperial Palace.
corting someone out of the country, his house, Ghosn somehow made it to it’s not at all clear that he’ll be success- Forbidden under the terms of his re-
he said. It would pay well. And he was Lebanon, where he lived for most of ful. While he is, for the foreseeable fu- lease from accessing the internet any-
looking for operatives with military his adolescence and is a citizen. ture, beyond the reach of Japanese law where else, he’d been given the use of
or police experience and, ideally, fair- enforcement, his legal problems are a cramped meeting room with a bare
skinned East Asian faces – the kind For Ghosn, who’d spent more than nowhere near being resolved. Ghosn table, whiteboard, and a laptop.
that wouldn’t stand out in Tokyo. 100 days in solitary confinement in a is still under investigation in France,
Tokyo jail and was contemplating trial where Renault is based, while the It was also the sole location where
The contractor wanted to know in a country where prosecutors virtu- government of Japan has issued a so- Ghosn was allowed to call Carole, and
more. Who would the operatives be ally never lose, it was a stunning coup. called Red Notice in his name through even then only with the approval of a
protecting? What was the specific Lebanon has a policy against extradit- Interpol, exposing him to possible ar- Tokyo judge. From April, when he had
threat? Would the client be carrying ing its citizens, and as one of the most rest the moment he enters a country last seen her, to the end of the year, he
cash or gold or something else of val- successful member of the country’s di- less hospitable than Lebanon. received this permission twice: once
ue? The caller wouldn’t say. aspora, he’s a national hero. in November, and again, for one hour,
Japanese prosecutors have also ob- on Christmas Eve.
They hung up, and the contractor Safely in Beirut, he could finally at- tained an arrest warrant for his wife,
didn’t really think about the job again tempt to rebut the allegations against Carole, claiming she gave false testi- Being unable to see his wife was
— until he and the rest of the world him, which he argues were the result mony in their investigation. the hardest part of his ordeal, Ghosn
saw the news about Carlos Ghosn. of a conspiracy between nationalist would say later, an absence that “put
factions, both within Nissan and the Gathered with his family in the me on my knees.” His mood only dark-
Just before New Year’s, Ghosn, the

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 45

INSIGHT COVER STORY

ened on Christmas Day, after a pretrial Ghosn was perhaps the best-known with the operation, Taylor was eager to non, George-Antoine Zayek. A gem-
hearing during which he learned that foreigner in Tokyo, hardly someone help, and not only because of the po- ologist by training, Zayek had joined
prosecutors wanted to delay the sec- who could slip onto an airplane or tential payoff. Despite their drastically a Christian militia during the civil war,
ond of his two trials until 2021. In all, ship without being noticed. And he different backgrounds, Taylor sympa- sustaining a severe leg wound during
his lawyers told him, it might take five wasn’t a hostage of a militant group or thized with Ghosn – a man he felt had the fighting. Doctors in Beirut wanted
years to fully resolve his cases. an abducted child; he was a criminal been treated unfairly. Whether Ghosn to amputate; instead, Taylor helped
defendant, under prosecution by the was guilty seemed beside the point. arrange for more sophisticated treat-
Ghosn was indicted four times, all government of a bedrock U.S. ally. ment in Boston. Zayek kept his leg, but
for financial misconduct. Most crimi- On the ground in Japan, Taylor would acquired a limp – and a lifelong loyalty
nal defendants, in Japan or elsewhere, Yet according to the person familiar be assisted by an old friend from Leba- to Taylor. He became a U.S. citizen and
don’t have the option to simply exit was involved with Taylor’s companies
their proceedings if they believe they THE HUMAN-SIZE in the 1990s, later working for him in
can’t win. Ghosn – with ample finan- BOX USED IN THE Iraq. Taylor declined to comment on
cial resources and passports from Leb- ESCAPE. Ghosn’s escape; Zayek could not be
anon, France, and Brazil – did. reached for comment.
GHOSN CELEBRATED NEW YEAR’S EVE IN LEBANON.
For months, a team of more than The final phase of the Ghosn opera-
a dozen security operatives, led by a tion began just before Christmas. On
U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, had Dec. 24 a company called Al Nitaq Al
been designing a plan to get him to Akhdhar was billed $175,000 by MNG
Lebanon, the country where Ghosn Jet, a Turkish aviation group, for char-
has the most extensive connections. tering a Bombardier Global Express
The secrecy was intense: Some of the jet, which has a range of more than
participants, according to a person fa- 6,835 miles. If anyone from MNG had
miliar with the operation, didn’t know tried to visit this client, they would
the identity of the person they were have found it difficult: There’s no
going to extract, even after they’d ac- company called Al Nitaq Al Akhdhar
cepted the job. at the Dubai address it provided on
the charter paperwork.
The team’s leader had a career that
couldn’t have been more different Around the same time, MNG has
from Ghosn’s. Born in Staten Island, said, a different client arranged to hire
N.Y., Michael Taylor joined the U.S. another plane, a shorter-range Bom-
Army after high school and was ac- bardier, to fly from Istanbul to Beirut.
cepted into the Green Berets, accu-
mulating skills that included HALO On the morning of Sunday, Dec. 29,
jumps: the delicate art of leaping from Taylor and Zayek landed at Kansai In-
a plane at 30,000 feet or more and free- ternational Airport, near Osaka, on the
falling as long as possible before open- chartered Global Express. On board
ing the parachute. He was deployed to were also two pilots and, according
Lebanon during the country’s brutal, to people familiar with the flight who
15-year civil war, which ended in 1990, asked not to be identified, a couple of
and there met his future wife, Lamia — large black cases of the kind concert
like Ghosn, a member of the country’s roadies use to hold audio gear.
Maronite Christian minority.
Later the same day, according to
After leaving the Army, Taylor put surveillance camera footage reported
his abilities to work in the private sec- on by Japanese media, Ghosn left his
tor, setting up a Boston-area company, residence, a rented house in the busy
American International Security Corp., Roppongi neighborhood. He wore a
that protected executives in dangerous hat and a surgical-style mask. (Used to
places, prepared vulnerability assess- protect against germs, these aren’t un-
ments for critical infrastructure, and usual in Japan.)
even planned operations to rescue kid-
nap victims. Taylor’s advance team had chosen
Ghosn’s next destination carefully.
Taylor, 59, also had a habit of op- During the months its members spent
erating in gray areas. In 2012 federal observing the plainclothes agents fol-
prosecutors charged him with brib- lowing Ghosn around Tokyo, they’d
ing an Army officer to win $54 mil- noticed something, according to the
lion in contracts and conspiring with person familiar with the operation.
an FBI agent in an attempt to kill an For some reason, the Japanese opera-
investigation into the matter. Taylor tives typically didn’t follow their target
pleaded guilty to wire fraud and vio- when he entered a hotel.
lating federal procurement law and
was sentenced to two years in prison. Ghosn soon arrived at the nearby
AISC’s business collapsed. Grand Hyatt Tokyo, which is attached
to Roppongi Hills, a giant mall and of-
It’s not clear how Taylor was con- fice complex with a confusing array of
nected to Ghosn, although Lebanon entrances and exits on different floors.
is small enough that there would be From there, according to Japanese
only a couple of degrees of separa- media, he made his way to Shinagawa
tion between their extended families. station, a major rail hub, and onto a
Even for Taylor, getting the executive high-speed train to Osaka.
out of Japan would be an extreme as-
signment. Like everything else about Ghosn’s
escape, the means of departure from
After almost 20 years at the top Japan had been chosen with utmost
of one of Japan’s largest companies,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

46 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 INSIGHT COVER STORY

care. Using a fake passport to get men, who’d helped arrange the charter, MAKING HIS CASE The caveat was that it had to be
Ghosn onto a private jet as a passenger was waiting to greet it. In subsequent AT THE BEIRUT PRESS kept in a plastic case, sealed with a
was a gamble: Japanese entry stamps statements to a Turkish judge, Kose- CONFERENCE. lock to which only his lawyers had the
contain QR codes, which if scanned men recounted that when he came on combination. But Ghosn got it open
would quickly reveal the subterfuge. board, two Americans – presumably fugitive when he arranged the charter and later presented it to an inspector
Another option, spiriting Ghosn onto Taylor and Zayek – led him to the rear and that one of the people involved at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri Internation-
a cargo vessel that would be pur- of the cabin. threatened to harm his family if he al Airport like any other traveler. It
chased for the operation, was eventu- didn’t cooperate. MNG also said it was the first legal act he’d performed
ally rejected as too complicated. There, waiting in the bathroom cu- had no knowledge Ghosn would be since leaving Japan.
bicle, was Ghosn. Kosemen waited on the flights.)
As part of their reconnaissance, for the crew to leave, shooed away a For the first few days after Ghosn’s
Taylor’s people had surveyed airports technician who wanted to work on Ghosn’s passports had been taken departure, official Japan seemed un-
all over the country, looking for ter- the aircraft, and bundled Ghosn into as a condition of his bail — with one sure how to react. The near silence of
minals where security was lax. A few a Ford van to take him to the second exception. He had two French pass- officials briefly fueled theories that
months ago, the person familiar with plane and to Lebanon. (Kosemen ports, a privilege granted to citizens Ghosn might even have had a subtle
the operation said, the team observed says he didn’t know he was aiding a with particularly demanding travel green light for his escape – that ele-
that the X-ray machines in Kansai’s schedules. He’d received permission ments within the government had
private terminal were much too small to keep the second one; Japanese law grown tired of the public-relations
to scan a large box – and oversize requires foreigners to carry their iden- headache of prosecuting such a high-
items were simply waved through. tity documents at all times. profile defendant and decided it would
be better to be rid of him.
The routine was the same on the
night of Dec. 29. Airport officials didn’t Those theories were soon discard-
examine the large black cases that ed. On Jan. 7 prosecutors said they’d
Taylor and Zayek had with them, and obtained an arrest warrant for Carole,
they were loaded onto the Bombar- citing what they claimed were false
dier without incident. The plane was statements she made more than eight
bound for Istanbul; filing a flight plan months earlier. Ghosn’s representa-
listing Lebanon as the destination tives viewed the move, which was
would have raised too many red flags, soon followed by a report that Japan
according to a person familiar with the would seek a Red Notice for her, as a
subsequent investigation. A little after clear attempt to intimidate him be-
11 p.m., the jet was in the air. fore his first public appearance since
his escape.
It landed at Istanbul’s Ataturk Air-
port about 12 hours later. An MNG op- That was planned for Jan. 8 in Beirut,
erations manager named Okan Kose- in the offices of the national journal-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 47

INSIGHT COVER STORY

ists’ association, and billed by Ghosn lines marked his face. But otherwise the identities of Japanese officials he tions. Justice Minister Albert Sarhan,
as a chance for him to expose the he was unmistakably Ghosn: confi- believes participated in a conspiracy in an interview, insisted that Lebanon
“injustice and political persecution” dent, unflappable, and in total com- against him. will carefully consider any requests
behind his predicament. Shielded by mand of his material. from Japan and that it’s too early to
bodyguards, he entered the room just The day after his press conference say Ghosn won’t be extradited.
before 3 p.m. His hair, previously jet Only two topics were off-limits: Ghosn was summoned by Lebanon’s
black, was wispy and gray, and deep the particulars of his escape, to pro- Ministry of Justice. Prosecutors ques- Given the political and legal context,
tect the people who helped him, and tioned him on the Japanese allega- that outcome is highly unlikely. 

48 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT OPINION

PUTIN THE CZAR: MORE DANGEROUS THAN EVER

With a surprise announcement in Moscow, Rus- gains in the Middle East. With the advantage of a a new line of hypersonic cruise missiles designed
sian President Vladimir Putin last week laid down lengthened timeline, he will probably approach to overcome any American missile defense system;
the path allowing him to wield power well past his Iran with an offer to mediate its feud with the West silent submarines armed with nuclear-powered
nominal term limit of 2024. – on terms that will be helpful to Russia in terms of torpedoes; and a powerful array of cyberweapons
oil flows. that could attack the U.S. electric grid and finan-
This led quickly to the resignations of the long- cial networks.
suffering prime minister, Dmitri Medvedev, and Knowing he needs cash to keep the increasingly
the entire cabinet. Now an advisory board will restive Russian population appeased, he will be We should recognize that Putin will face chal-
suggest changes to the constitution that will al- unlikely to take responsibility for reconstruction of lenges like any other leader, and problems of his
most certainly weaken whoever follows Putin as Syria, to the disappointment of his erstwhile ally, own making will likely amplify in overtime. For ex-
president and strengthen the office of prime min- President Bashar al-Assad. Instead, expect him to ample, his apparent lack of an exit plan in Syria;
ister. work on Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad inability to diversify his own economy away from
Bin Salman to find the money to do so. His new oil-export dependence; his vast military buildup
It doesn’t take a Machiavelli to see what’s going timeline allows him to work closely with the next while angering his own people with pension cuts;
on politically: easing into the power-enhanced generation of Gulf leaders and Iran. the expectations of some of his allies on handouts
role of prime minister when his presidential term from Russia; and the ongoing cost of the occupa-
expires is but one way Putin could now extend his Of most concern to the West, he and Xi can now tions of Georgia and Ukraine.
reign. It will be the culmination of what people who deepen their already tight relationship with the
plan strategically against Russia have predicted for advantage of a long, long runway. Militarily, China Still, U.S. leaders and policymakers must simply
years: Vladimir Putin will be the czar of all the Rus- and Russia are cooperating as never before; con- recognize Putin’s fait accompli and plan in terms of
sians for another decade and more. Only health sider, for example, their recent joint naval exercis- his perpetuity.
appears likely to change the course upon which he es from the Indian Ocean to the Baltic Sea to the
now sails. Western Pacific. Just like his pal Xi, Putin can engage in strate-
gic planning looking decades ahead. When I was a
The questions for the U.S. and its global allies are The largest war games in post-Cold War history strategic planner in the Pentagon as a junior rear
clear: What does this mean for Russian grand strat- were held just over a year ago on the two nations’ admiral, we did high fives if we managed to con-
egy? How can they construct a modus vivendi with shared Siberian border. They are clearly aligning struct strategic plan of just five years (which most
Putin and Russia? policy on Iran and North Korea. often fell apart if the administration changed).

Much like President Xi Jinping in China, Putin While Russia may eventually come to rue the in- For Russia, there will still be a single hand on the
will now be able to shape events and planning in- evitable – ending as a junior partner to Beijing – for tiller. While that will have many disadvantages –
definitely. This will mean many of his personal pri- the time being, Putin’s power move makes him an the most obvious is that it rejects democracy as a
orities will continue to drive Russian policy. even more attractive match for Xi. human value, an ethos that often leads to disaster,
as in the Soviet Union – it creates a streamlined de-
One has been his penchant for putting very se- Putin’s continuing desire to rip apart the North cision-making process that often allows long-term
rious pressure on weak neighbors, trying to rec- Atlantic Treaty Organization by driving a diplomat- planning to succeed.
reate the group of buffer states (what Russians ic wedge between the U.S. and its allies will now
call the “near abroad”) that the Soviet Union en- have more traction. He will be able to strengthen We in the West will need to recognize both Putin’s
joyed in the Warsaw Pact countries. Countries commercial and intelligence ties with Turkey to talents and his weaknesses as we think about glob-
such as Ukraine and Georgia (both now invaded pull it away from the NATO center of gravity. Rus- al strategy. He is hardly our first choice as Russian
and partly occupied by Russian troops); Belarus; sia will use social media as a weapon to undermine leader, but as we say in North Florida, “sometimes
the “stans” of Central Asia; and Armenia will feel public confidence in the alliance, find seams and you gotta be for what’s gonna happen anyway.” 
long-term pressure to join Russian-led customs divisions between the allies, and convince the U.S.
arrangements, and receive political pressure to that the Europeans are not doing their share. A version of this column by James Stavridis, for-
align themselves with Putin’s political and diplo- mer supreme allied commander of NATO, first ap-
matic moves. The move consolidates Putin’s strategy of mak- peared on Bloomberg. It does not necessarily reflect
ing high-tech defense investments that are poten- the views of Vero Beach 32963.
Look also for Putin to consolidate his recent tially the most damaging to the U.S. These include

ShoulderPain, PartIV during partial or complete dislocation. If the ball slides © 2020 VERO BEACH 32963 MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
out of the socket, it may fall back into place after a
SHOULDER INSTABILITY/DISLOCATION while by itself, or it may need to be put back into place
with medical assistance. When the ball is back in place,
Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories: affected body parts sometimes heal in a loose or
 Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendonitis) or stretched position, which may lead to recurrence.
tendon tear  Labral tear
 Instability/dislocation If your shoulder becomes dislocated through trauma
 Arthritis or due to repetitive motion, the labrum may tear or
 Fracture (broken bone) peel off the socket.
Tendon inflammation and tears were covered in previ-  Genetics
ous columns. Today we’ll learn about shoulder instability Some people have a genetic condition that causes
and dislocation. loose shoulder. For these people, instability can occur
The shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) connects the without any trauma or from a relatively minor injury.
upper arm to the trunk of the body. It is one of only two
ball and socket joints in the human body. (The other is CAUSES OF SHOULDER INSTABILITY
the hip joint.) The joint is formed where the ball – the
top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) – fits into the  Repetitive strain
shallow cuplike socket (the glenoid cavity) in the shoul- Instability occurs when shoulder ligaments stretch
der blade (scapula). out as the result of performing repetitive overhead
The socket is shallow, which allows the ball greater range motions during sports such as swimming or tennis or
of motion and flexibility than any other joint. We can during work-related duties. Repetitive stress put on
swing and spin our arms in various directions, lift, push the shoulder joint can challenge a weakened shoulder.
and pull. But even though muscles, tendons and liga- This can cause a painful, unstable shoulder.
ments support stability, because the ball fits loosely, it  Shoulder dislocation
can easily slide partially or completely out of the socket. Severe injury is often the cause of an initial shoulder
The shoulder is our most mobile and least stable joint. dislocation. When the ball dislocates, the socket bone
and ligaments in the front of the shoulder are often
TYPES OF SHOULDER INSTABILITY injured. The labrum may also tear. This is commonly
referred to as a Bankart lesion.
 Instability without dislocation  Multidirectional instability
Even if you have never experienced a shoulder dislo- For a few people, the shoulder can become unstable
cation, you can still suffer shoulder instability. without any history of injury or repetitive strain. The
 Partial dislocation (subluxation) ball may dislocate out the front, the back or the bottom
and complete dislocation of the shoulder. Patients with naturally loose ligaments
The shoulder joint capsule, ligaments or labrum (the may be “double jointed.”
cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces Once you experience shoulder instability and/or disloca-
the joint) may stretch, tear or detach from the bone tion, you are at a greater risk for it to happen again. 

– To be continued –
Your comments and suggestions for future topics are
always welcome. Email us at [email protected].

50 Vero Beach 32963 / January 23, 2020 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT BOOKS

If you’ve never spent much the birth of live television in the 1950s; the ritzy, so- autobiography as the
time in New York, there’s a cial swirl of his odd-couple marriage to tabloid heir- story line reached
decent chance that the image ess Gloria Vanderbilt; his close friendships with Mar- his 20s. As a result,
of it in your head comes from lon Brando, Marlene Dietrich, Truman Capote and in Spiegel’s book, Lu-
one of the more than 40 mov- Marilyn Monroe, to name but a few. Unfortunately, “Serpico.” met’s early years, be-
ies directed by Sidney Lumet. the first biography to hit bookstore shelves delivers fore his movie career
The sweat and the noise, the few new insights into the director’s films. kicks off, are chroni-
ambition and the corruption, cled with a gripping
the blue-collar beat cops and Maura Spiegel, a teacher of literature and film at degree of detail – his
the sea of yellow taxis driven by Columbia University, estranged relation-
mouthy, outer-borough cabbies conducted more than 30 ship with his distant,
– these were the vibrant daubs interviews for “Sidney narcissistic actor fa-
of paint that made up Lumet’s Lumet: A Life.” Some ther, the primal pain
palette. And it’s fair to say that no of the anecdotes she of losing his men-
other filmmaker employed those extracts from her sub- tally unstable mother
colors as vividly as Lumet did jects provide revealing when he was 15, the
on the big screen during the lat- glimpses of a man who seeds of his lifelong
ter half of the 20th century, from seemed to be a mystery commitment to so-
his 1957 debut, “12 Angry Men,” to even himself. But cial justice. But Spiegel struggles to find anything
through such modern classics as readers may wish that new (or particularly deep) to say about his body of
“Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” Spiegel spent a little work as a director. As a result, the second half of “Sid-
“Network” and “Prince of the City.” more time on his mov- ney Lumet” too often feels as if the author is sprint-
He completed his final feature, ies. ing to meet a deadline … or catch a bus.
“Before the Devil Knows You’re The book’s greatest One can certainly understand the need to give only
Dead,” in 2007 and died at age 86 strength is its first half, cursory treatment to some of the prolific director’s
in 2011. Even Martin Scorsese, no thanks no doubt to Spie- lesser films – there were plenty of misfires, such as
stranger to the very same mean gel’s access to Lumet’s 1978’s “The Wiz” and 1992’s “A Stranger Among Us,”
streets that Lumet walked and worked, called him unfinished memoir. The along with the masterpieces. But Spiegel shortchang-
the quintessential New York director. director abandoned his es too many of Lumet’s most influential projects, of-
fering little or no context or critical insight to flesh
The son of Polish immigrants, steeped in the thriv- them out. “The Pawnbroker,” for example, is dis-
ing Yiddish theater scene of the Lower East Side in patched in three pages; “The Verdict” in four. Spiegel
the 1920s and ’30s, Lumet would go on to become gives us two sentences on 1969’s “The Appointment,”
the ultimate “actor’s director.” His films, teeming starring Omar Sharif, one of which mentions that
with both conflict and a crusading sense of social the film was never distributed in the United States.
conscience, would end up earning 18 Oscar nomina- Surely, there has to be a juicy story there, but none
tions for his stars – a feat in no small part due to a is forthcoming. Other films, like 1965’s underrated
hardscrabble, Dickensian youth spent onstage as a war drama “The Hill,” starring Sean Connery, are
precocious child actor (he made his Broadway debut dispatched in half a page without so much as a plot
at 11). Lumet understood in his marrow the men and description.
women who pretended for a living, both their vani- Spiegel reveals that during the making of 1959’s
ties and neuroses, as only a fellow performer could. “That Kind of Woman,” Lumet fell in love with his
And yet, despite a career filled with both professional leading lady, Sophia Loren, but then the author
triumphs and personal disappointments (he was moves on (wait, more please!). It’s hard not to come
married four times and never did win the best-direc- away feeling cheated by these drive-bys if you’re a
tor statuette he so ached for), Lumet has never gotten film buff looking for insight and illumination. Even
the biography treatment. Until now. Lumet’s miraculous three-year run during the 1970s
– his most inspired decade – when he cranked out
There was certainly enough dramatic sturm und “Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Network,” is
drang in Lumet’s life to fill a dozen such cradle-to- over and done with before you know it. In her brief
grave volumes: his formative years onstage and in the snippet on that last film, Spiegel writes that the star
Far East with the Army’s signal corps during World of the media satire, Faye Dunaway, “would prove in-
War II; his involvement with the revolutionary Group ordinately troublesome as the filming progressed,”
Theatre; cutting his teeth behind the camera during then fails to offer a simple example of how. This isn’t
just a disservice, it’s derelict.
Ironically, as anyone who’s interviewed Lumet (or
has watched Nancy Buirski’s far more insightful docu-
mentary, “By Sidney Lumet”) knows, he was one of the
chattiest and most unvarnished evaluators of his own
work to ever yell “Action” and “Cut.” He was a seduc-
tive, natural-born storyteller with a self-lacerating wit,
often unspooling stories with a frisky, Cheshire-cat
grin. Sadly, too little of those qualities come across in
this ultimately superficial biography, where Lumet re-
mains an enigma and his life’s work an afterthought.
Hopefully, a deeper, richer tribute awaits. 

Sidney Lumet
A Life

BY MAURA SPIEGEL | 401 PP. $29.99
REVIEW BY CHRIS NASHAWATY, THE WASHINGTON POST