Here we go again. How many times do we have to revisit a wrongheaded and shortsighted plan to reduce the Twin Pairs to two lanes in each direction – from somewhere east of the railroad tracks to somewhere east of 20th Avenue – ostensibly to revitalize downtown Vero Beach? But this time, the worrisome news is that three of the five members of the Vero Beach City Council are leading the charge, arrogantly rejecting a more reasonable and palatable compromise reached by their recent Council predecessors. Why? Because John Carroll, Linda Moore and Rey Neville believe they’re smarter, wiser and know better. Or as one of them inanely blurted out during last week’s An entrepreneur with a colorful background and stellar career as a craft distiller has enthusiastic county support for a “farm to bottle” rum distilling operation that he says will produce the finest “ultra-premium” rum, starting with hundreds of barrels of white rum in 2024. Located on a historic 900-acre ranch on Route 60 four miles west of I-95, Bhakta Spirits will grow its own sugarcane, ferment and distill the cane juice, age the rum in wooden casks and then bottle and sell it, controlling the entire process from planting cane to pouring the first drink. “This will be the first farm to bottle [rum distilling operation] in the country and we will make the best rum in the world, right here in Indian River County,” said company founder and The number of new COVID-19 infections climbed sharply for the second week locally, paralleling the 32 percent surge in cases statewide in the period ending Jan. 5. Meanwhile, a new mutation of the virus is gaining steam across North America. In Indian River County, new cases of COVID reported to the health department jumped from 124 to 162 cases this past week, a hike of 36 percent. Eleven people were newly hospitalized with COVID illness over the past week here, with COVID-positive patients using 2.6 percent of the staffed hospital beds countywide, the CDC reports. “We have 10 COVID-positive patients, one of which is in critical care (not ventilated),” Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital spokesperson Arlene Allen-Mitchell said Monday, reporting numbers consistent with the previous week’s hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID Data Tracker, Indian River County is still in the Low COVID INSIDE To advertise call: 772-559-4187 For circulation or where to pick up your issue call: 772-226-7925 NEWS HEALTH PETS REAL ESTATE 1-5 6 B8 16 ARTS GAMES CALENDAR B1 B9 B12 © 2023 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved. Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan filed to run for a fourth term last week, saying she wanted to make sure she qualified before embarking on her office’s preparations for what is expected to be a huge turnout for the 2024 general election. “Obviously, I enjoy what I’m doing, but I also wanted to jump in early so I can have all the groundwork for the campaign done and have my petitions approved in advance,” Swan said. “I didn’t want to have to run an election while I’m running for re-election.” Swan, 63, is a longtime Vero Beach resident who has worked in the county’s Elections Office since 2004. She was appointed supervisor of elections in March 2011, when then-Gov. Rick Scott selected her from a field of 13 candidates to replace Kay Clem, who resigned three months earlier citing health issues. During her 18 years in the Elections Office, Swan has served in various other capacities, including voter outreach CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 January 12, 2023 | Volume 10, Issue 2 | Newsstand Price: $1.00 | For breaking news visit VeroNews.com YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTY DREAMY PERFORMANCES PROPEL RIVERSIDE’S ‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ Arts & Theatre, Page B2 NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS COMING TO SOUTH VERO In News, Page 4 County Supervisor of Elections begins bid for fourth term By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 By Lisa Zahner | Staff Writer [email protected] Surge in Covid infections here continues trend CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Bhakta Spirits founder and owner Raj Bhakta. ‘Spirit’ is willing as distiller vows to make world’s best rum here Put brakes on Twin Pairs lane-reduction plan MY TAKE CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 By Steven M. Thomas | Staff Writer [email protected] By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected]
City Council meeting: The previous panels were “wrong.” The members of this new council majority believe the lane and speed reductions they’re proposing along this strategic, halfmile stretch of State Road 60 would entice more people to frequent the downtown area by making it safer, more inviting and more walkable. They believe downtown needs the additional streetside parking that could occupy the traffic lanes that would be eliminated. They believe the Twin Pairs, as currently configured with its seven lanes of traffic, is preventing Vero Beach from creating a vibrant downtown, similar to those in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and, yes, even West Palm Beach. They also believe the benefits of reducing lanes, even as the county’s population surges toward 170,000 and our roads become more crowded each year, far outweigh any of the problems it would spawn. And they’re determined to get what they want. So now it’s up to us. It’s up to the members of our community – county residents, too, because if this proposal passes, it’s going to impact all who drive through Vero Beach on State Road 60 – to stand against this ill-conceived game plan for a traffic disaster. We need to flood City Hall and the Florida Department of Transportation’s regional office with emails expressing our opposition. We then need to fill the room at the required public hearings and make sure the decision makers know we think the proposed lane reductions are a bad idea. And just so you know: FDOT officials, who will make the final decision, want to want to hear from us before they embark on the design phase of the agency’s $6.7 million State Road 60 repaving project, scheduled to begin in fiscal 2027. Let’s not be shy. We need to tell them this lane-reduction proposal is an unnecessarily drastic measure that will do little to attract more people to downtown Vero, which would benefit far more from zoning and other land-use changes designed to spur residential development in the area. It’s ridiculous to think people are staying away from downtown because they’re afraid to walk cross State Road 60, which, by the way, is not a “superhighway,” as lane-reduction proponents claim. Not only would reducing lanes of traffic result in frustrating traffic slowdowns and backups during the busier times of day, but adding streetside parking – whether along the curb or in pull-in diagonal spaces – in that section of the county’s primary eastwest artery would also increase the potential for crashes as drivers stop to parallel park or back onto the roadway. Many of those accidents likely would 2 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 MY TAKE involve pedestrians and bicyclists. Some might be catastrophic. Besides, there is no downtown parking shortage for those willing to utilize the garage across from the County Courthouse. Some people, though, don’t want to walk two blocks to the heart of Vero’s downtown on 14th Avenue. Yet lane-reduction supporters say the downtown area needs to become more walkable? We also need to make sure the FDOT folks know of the proposal’s other unintended consequences, which include drivers veering off and finding alternate routes through adjacent residential neighborhoods, such as McAnsh Park, to avoid the throttled traffic along the Twin Pairs. Anyone in favor of that? Here’s a better question: What’s wrong with the plan we have in place – the one approved by a previous City Council in 2021 after members received the results of a study that showed the Twin Pairs were safe and speeding wasn’t a significant problem? Rather than cave to a vocal minority that pushed for lane reduction, those council members agreed to less-draconian measures, opting to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph, narrow driving lanes, widen bicycle lanes and add crosswalks. They made the right call. But this is Vero Beach, where two-year City Council terms and staggered elections can produce annual shifts in power. And the 2022 election gave us two newcomers, Carroll and Moore, both of whom hear the clock ticking on FDOT’s timeline and want to rush into a decision we’ll all regret. It was Vice Mayor Moore and councilman Carroll who are driving this proposal, which Neville fully supports. Mayor John Cotugno questioned the need for such measures, but he joined the three lane-reductionists in voting to tentatively spend an estimated $150,000 to conduct yet-another Twin Pairs study. Only councilwoman Tracey Zudans stood firm in her opposition to the proposal, citing the need to look at the real changes that need to be made to continue the city’s efforts to revitalize its downtown. She deserves our applause. Are the Twin Pairs the perfect roadway system? No, but they have served our community safely and effectively for 30 years. If they posed any significant danger to traffic safety in the downtown area, the lane reductionists would use it to help make their case. The compromise traffic-calming measures approved by the previous council are sufficient. They’ll be more than sufficient in the near future. Later this year, Brightline’s high-speed trains will be rolling through downtown 32 times each day, forcing traffic stoppages and backups. And with the expansion of the ports in South Florida since the widening of the Panama Canal, you can expect to see more freight trains, too. Then, five or six years from now, the Three Corners development will be completed and offer a waterfront alternative to downtown for people seeking a dining, socializing and retail destination. We’ll need the Twin Pairs’ seven lanes to accommodate the inevitable increase in east-west traffic as residents of a still-growing county drive to and from what’s expected to be a wildly popular Three Corners site. We shouldn’t need to revisit and reject this tired concept again, but here we are – and with a council majority that doesn’t realize it’s headed for the wrong side of history. The City Council is expected to conduct a final vote on the lane-reduction proposal as soon as next month, and you need to make your voices heard. For what it’s worth, Moore should recuse herself from any vote on this project. As co-owner of the Kilted Mermaid, an eclectic craft beer and wine bar just off the Twin Pairs in downtown Vero, she has an obvious conflict of interest. City Attorney John Turner said Moore is under no legal or ethical obligation to recuse herself under Florida law. She should do so, anyway – because it’s the honorable thing to do. But she probably won’t. Moore sees a chance to get what she wants, just as Carroll envisions a Delray-like downtown here and Neville nostalgically embraces memories of the Vero Beach of his youth. So now it’s up to us.
coordinator, qualifying officer and assistant supervisor. She has been involved in the planning, management and oversight of 39 elections in this county. “My goal is to continue conducting secure, transparent and trouble-free elections,” Swan said in her announcement. Swan has earned state and national certifications awarded after completing training programs for elections officials, and she continues to implement innovative ideas and acquire state-of-the-art technology – such as the ballot-on-demand printers at early-voting sites. The printers allow election workers to print precinct-specific ballots for each voter, eliminating costly ballot inventory that goes unused. Swan is hoping to have the printers at every polling location to streamline the voter check-in process for the 2024 general election. “Instead of trying to estimate what the turnout will be,” she said, “we can just print out the ballots when people come in to vote.” According to her announcement, Swan also “has taken a proactive approach to secure her office’s computer networks,” including establishing a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to conduct cyber risk and vulnerability assessments. Still, she said, her office is confronted by voters who question the integrity of elections. “We get those people all the time – some who wonder if the machine is going to flip their votes – because there’s so much misinformation out there,” Swan said. “But they never have anything to substantiate their claims. “We test every machine before each election, and we also have an independent auditing system,” she said. “We’re as transparent as we can be, because we want everyone to have confidence in our elections process. “My office is always available to the public, so people can observe all facets of the elections process.” In fact, Swan stated in her announcement that her office provides tours for people of all ages, “from pre-school to adults.” She also implemented an internship program for high school and college students. In addition, Swan’s office sponsors a “Democracy Days” program in which her staffers visit county schools to educate students about the importance of voting. “We have a really terrific group working in our office,” Swan said, “and the way things are changing with elections, it’s good to have a team that knows the job and is committed to doing it well.” Community Level category, but nearly all of the rest of the state of Florida has now advanced to the Medium or High COVID Community Level. Florida’s new infections have been climbing steadily since Thanksgiving. The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 illness remains relatively low, compared to the Winter 2021-22 surge, with the whole state of Florida reporting 18 deaths last week. One person has died of Covid in Indian River County in the last four weeks. The emerging Omicron strain of the virus that public health officials are currently watching is the XBB 1.5 subvariant, which accounts for nearly half the nation’s new infections, and possibly two-thirds of the infections in the hardest-hit Northeastern United States, where many of Florida’s snowbirds and tourists hail from. The XBB 1.5 subvariant seems to have similar symptoms as previous Omicron variants, and it doesn’t seem to be more adept at causing serious illness, hospitalization or death. But as the number of new infections rise, increased hospitalizations typically follow in two to three weeks, with the number of deaths rising in the weeks to follow. Other variants of concern may build steam as the rising number of infections provides more hosts for the virus to enter and morph into a more transmissible or more deadly strain. China is seeing firsthand what happens when COVID-19 is suddenly turned loose in a nation of 1.4 billion people who were previously locked down. The result so far has overwhelmed the Chinese healthcare system with patients crowded into hallways waiting for care. Images have emerged showing the covered bodies of COVID-19 victims piling up, reminiscent of early 2020. Medical facilities locally that had dropped their mask requirements for entry are re-thinking and reversing that decision as the predicted winter surge in infections may be getting underway. Being extra cautious, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has held firm on its 2020 masking policy. “Patients and visitors are still required to wear masks at all times when in a Cleveland Clinic facility,” Allen-Mitchell said. There was some good news Monday in the Florida Department of Health’s “Flu Review” which showed the numbers of Influenza A 3H and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) declining statewide. Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS January 12, 2023 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 COVID CASES SURGE HERE
4 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS www.veronews.com owner Raj Bhakta. The “best rum the world” boast sounds like something any ambitious entrepreneur might say, but the bold claim of Bhakta, 47, who moved to Vero from Vermont in 2017, living first on the island and then at the ranch where sugarcane is already growing, is backed up by an exceptional track record in craft distilling. One example: Investors pay as much as $40,000 for early bottles of WhistlePig, a rye whiskey brand Bhakta started and built into a billion-dollar business, before exiting the company a wealthy man in 2018. According to the site plan approved by the county, Bhakta’s distillery development here will occupy 173 acres of the 900-acre Whiteface Ranch, located midway between the outlet mall and route 512, on the north side of route 60. It will include cane fields, fruit fields for future brandy production, a 5,600-squarefoot distillery, a 7,200-square-foot bottling plant, 42,000 square feet of barrel storage barns, office and equipment buildings, guard shacks, employee housing, guest cottages and a tasting room – all built with farm-style architecture. The guest cottages will be for the use of high-end bar owners, restaurateurs and wholesale liquor distributors invited to the ranch to soak up a sense of the alchemy that turns a humble field crop into an intoxicating spirit, as Bhakta leverages the beauty of the land to build his brand. “We want to bring them into an authentic ranch and farm experience, so they can see we are more than just distillers,” to build relationships and brand loyalty, Bhakta said. Horseback riding, airboat rides and maybe a day at the beach will be part of the experience intended to make visitors into not just customers but brand ambassadors who have a positive personal connection to Obadiah rum – the name Bhakta has chosen. “It is a different world out here,” said Bhakta, who plans to break ground this year and be filling bottles with clear, fiery spirits in 2024. He said early, straight-from-the-still liquor will go for $30 to $50 per bottle, while later batches aged for years in wooden barrels on the ranch will be much more valuable with potential to appreciate like his WhistlePig whiskey. County officials are delighted with Bhakta’s plan for a single-estate, farmbased distillery that brings a marque project to the county and perpetuates the area’s agricultural heritage. “It is a fabulous project for Indian River County,” says chief of current planning Ryan Sweeney. “First and foremost, it is an ag-based industry,” added Phil Matson, director of community development. “A lot of what we are worried about west of the interstate is sprawl. This is 900 acres that won’t be rooftops. “It’s also a tech business, bringing in experienced distillers who make good money. For us, it checks all the boxes – the anti-sprawl box, the ag box, the economic development box. “It isn’t an environmental project exactly, but it is very low impact when compared with sinking hundreds of wells and septic systems for a subdivision and it contributes to our ecotourism, with buyers coming in from around the world,” Matson said. “The developer has a brilliant business mind and some very innovative ideas.” The project site plan and a special use exception were enthusiastically approved by all five county commissioners who called the project “wonderful,” “awesome” and “very exciting” – and also inquired more than once when samples would be available. The special use exception was to allow an ag-related industry – the distillery – in an area zoned exclusively for agriculture. Bhakta, who is lionized by the liquor industry press and major publications alike as a master of his craft and a bit of a wizard, stumbled into his success after a checkered early career. Born in Philadelphia, educated at Boston College, he worked in finance and real estate before appearing as a contestant in the second season of “The Apprentice,” where he stood out for witty comments and his attempt to woo a fellow contestant on air, according to press accounts. The girl turned him down and Donald Trump fired him in the ninth week, but he apparently was unfazed by the rejections. Shortly after his stint on the high-rated show he launched an upstart bid for congress in Pennsylvania’s 13th district. His 2006 campaign drew national attention at times, as when he crossed the Rio Grande on an elephant to highlight immigration problems at the southern border, but he was trounced by Democratic incumbent Allyson Schwartz, winning only 34 percent of the vote. It was after that defeat that he had the epiphany that launched his distilling career. “I was alone and broke on a farm in Vermont in the middle of nowhere, not sure what to do next, when it occurred to me the [failed dairy] farm could be used to grow grain to make whiskey,” Bhakta told Vero News last week. He jumpstarted WhistlePig by acquiring a big batch of Canadian rye whiskey that had been sitting undisturbed in barrels for decades and blend it with his own product. A bit of a marketing genius, he attracted the talents of legendary master-distiller Dave Pickerell, known as the Johnny Appleseed of the American craft whiskey movement. Together the two men are “credited with spearheading the resurgence of American rye whiskey,” accordA new 12-court, lighted-and-fenced pickleball complex at Dick Bird South County Regional Park is scheduled to open in April. Work began on the $1 million-plus project last month, according to County Parks and Recreation Director Beth Powell, who said the land has been cleared and graded and is ready for construction. The open-to-the-public complex is being built immediately adjacent to the existing tennis courts on what Powell called the “last available space in the park,” where Powell said her department will organize county-sponsored leagues and tournaments. “We wanted to build a separate complex for pickleball because we believed it was important to maintain the tennis courts,” Powell said, adding that the county also plans to resurface and refence the tennis and basketball courts at the 73-acre park. “We don’t have a lot of tennis courts in our county parks, and the courts at South County get used, so our intention is not to use the tennis courts for pickleball,” she continued. “We don’t want tennis players to have to compete for courts with the pickleball players. “That’s why we’re building courts specific to pickleball.” The South County courts will be the first county-owned and operated, specific-to-pickleball complex. However, there are six indoor courts available for play at the county’s Intergenerational Center on Oslo Road on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Given pickleball’s surge in popularity and participation, both nationally and locally, Powell said she expects the South County complex to be busy day and night. Pickleball University, a private club that operates and maintains the 12 lit courts at city-owned Pocahontas Park in downtown Vero Beach, has more than 1,000 members who pay $125 annually – and there’s a wait list. Sebastian also built an eight-court pickleball complex on the grounds of its municipal airport. “Pickleball isn’t just for older people,” Powell said. “You’ll see a lot of young adults playing, too. It’s a great sport to help build a sense of community.” Powell said the county consulted with members of the local pickleball community to get input for the design of the complex, which will offer individually fenced courts to prevent errant shots from disrupting play on adjacent courts. The county is spending $840,000 for construction of the courts, plus an additional $200,000 for lighting. “We’re very excited about the lights,” Powell said, explaining that the light emitting diode (LED) lighting system will be connected to those of the tennis and basketball courts, as well as the park’s ballfields. “That park gets so much usage, especially our ballfields, that there’s often activity there until at least 9 p.m.,” she added. “Florida has such great winter weather, but that’s also when the days are shorter, so we need the lights to allow working people to play at night.” Pickleball growth: South Vero will soon have a new 12-court complex By Ray McNulty | Staff Writer [email protected] CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 RUM DISTILLING OPERATION
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | LOCAL NEWS January 12, 2023 5 Tori is a Family Nurse Practitioner and is nationally certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP). She received her Bachelors of Science in nursing at Indian River State College and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Keiser University. Before joining the practice, Tori worked locally as a critical care nurse specializing in cardiac and vascular care. Her special interests include preventative care education of diabetes and insulin pump therapy. Aside from her professional career, Tori is native born to Vero Beach, where she has resided all her life. Her personal interests include traveling, boating, and roller skating. Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of the Treasure Coast, LLC was established in 2001 by Paul Abram Graham, MD and William L. Lasswell, MD. The practice offers comprehensive diabetes management along with specializing in thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and various other endocrine disorders. Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of the Treasure Coast, LLC is committed to staying at the forefront of diagnostic innovation with onsite ultrasound capability and their state-of-the-art licensed clinical reference laboratory. The practice focus is to offer patient-centered processes to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients. We offer seamless medical record access via an online patient portal, making the patient experience easier and more efficient. Most insurances are accepted, and we would be happy to check your eligibility. Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of the Treasure Coast, LLC is taking new patients and is conveniently located at 2835 20th Street Bldg C in Vero Beach. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on what Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of the Treasure Coast, LLC has to offer, please call 772-299-3003 or visit us at www.sugardocs.com. Diabetes and Endocrine Associates of the Treasure Coast, LLC welcomes Tori Vogel, APRN, to their practice. NEWS OTHERS MISS, OR CHOOSE TO IGNORE | PUBLISHED WEEKLY MILTON R. BENJAMIN President and Publisher | [email protected] | 772.559.4187 LOCATED AT 4855 NORTH A1A, VERO BEACH, FL 32963 | 772.226.7925 STEVEN M. THOMAS Managing Editor | [email protected] | 772.453.1196 DAN ALEXANDER Creative Director | [email protected] | 772.539.2700 Associate Editor: Paul Keaney, Asst. Managing Editor: Lisa Zahner, Society Editor: Mary Schenkel, Reporters: Stephanie LaBaff, Ray McNulty, Samantha Rohlfing Baita, George Andreassi, Columnists: Kerry Firth, Ellen Fischer, Tina Rondeau, The Bonz, Photographer: Joshua Kodis, Graphic Designers: Robert Simonson, Jennifer Greenaway, Tania Donghia-Wetmore JUDY DAVIS Director of Advertising [email protected] | 772.633.1115 KATHLEEN MACGLENNON | [email protected] | 772.633.0753 MARIO CORBICIERO | [email protected] | 772.559.5999 ADVERTISING SALES ing to Scotchwhisky.com, transforming a poor man’s – or pirate’s – cheap, high-octane liquor to a top-shelf superstar spirit. Expanding rapidly, Bhakta took on some high-powered financial partners with whom he later clashed. The financiers tried unsuccessfully to force him out of the company he created but he stood his ground and stayed on the board until 2018 when he sold his stake and moved on to his next and current venture – Bhakta Spirits. Flush with WhistlePig millions, he launched Bhakta Spirts by buying a chateau in southern France that had a cellar full of aged Armagnac brandy, some of dating back to the 1860s. As at WhistlePig and here in Indian River County, he created a farm-based crop growing and distilling operation on another Vermont farm, blending the ultra-rare French brandy with his own product, producing a beverage the Robb report called “exquisite.” More prosaic, Esquire called the brandy it sampled, “Hands down, the best booze to drink right now.” Forbes said, “This is a superb brandy – layered, nuanced, bursting with flavor. It is extraordinarily old, yet still manages to retain a freshness and fruitiness that belies its age.” Bottles of Bhakta brandy sell for hundreds of dollars retail, and Bhakta said he has captured 30 percent to 40 percent of the Armagnac market in the U.S. in a couple of quick years. He thinks he and his sizable sales staff are only about onethird of the way to market saturation, having Bhakta brandy in “all the places it should be.” Besides brandy, Bhakta Spirits makes Bourbon and other liquors, including, soon, Obadiah rum – and maybe tequila. Bhakta was in Mexico this week, looking for stashes or sources of tequila and mescal to buy up and bring home to make another potion that mints money. “I like finding something rare and exquisite that other people have failed to see the value in,” Bhakta told Forbes in a 2020 interview. The visionary farmer and distiller purchased the Whiteface Ranch in 2019 for $5.9 million. Bhakta Spirits chief council Leo Gibson told the county commission that for decades the farmland was a flower-growing operation started by a dutchman who got stranded in the U.S. during the Second World War. After that it was a cattle ranch, owned most recently by Vero Beach real estate investor Aurelio Fernandez, who sold it to Bhakta. Gibson told commissioners there won’t be a bar at the ranch but there will be a tasting room and tours offered to locals on a limited basis, in addition to the elite liquor buyers who come to stay in the guest cottages.
6 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com Because of the complexities of the female anatomy, women generally start seeing a gynecologist for yearly pelvic exams and periodic Pap smears in their teens and continue through menopause and into their golden years, but it is not something most women look forward to. So, when a woman reaches the age of 65 and her gynecologist tells her that she no longer needs to get a Pap smear, she breathes a sigh of relief. The problem is that many women view this reprieve as a reason to stop visiting the gynecologist altogether. “Pap smears are generally done three years apart, and as long as the previous three tests come back clear of any abnormalities, then [a woman] should be safe to discontinue Women over 65 should still get gynecological exams By Kerry Firth | Correspondent 1225 US HWY 1, VERO BEACH, FL 32960 JULIE A. CROMER, DDS COSMETIC DENTISTRY GENERAL DENTISTRY DENTURES & PARTIALS DENTAL IMPLANTS WHITENING GUM SURGERY WALK-INS WELCOME FINANCING & SAVINGS PLAN AVAILABLE DENTAL LAB ON PREMISES Call 772-562-5051 CromerAndCairnsDental.com The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other services, examination, or treatment that is preformed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM FULL SET XRAYS TREATMENT PLAN CLEANING* $79 *Not in combination with any other offer. Offer good for new patients only and cleaning in absence of periodontal disease. Xrays are non transferable. (D0150) (D1110) (D0210) (D0330) Dr. Diane Ruhr. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS “Women with a history of cervical cancer need to be followed closely for 25 years regardless of how old they are.” – Dr. Diane Ruhr
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH January 12, 2023 7 the testing at age 66,” said Dr. Diane Ruhr, a gynecologist with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Partners in Women’s Health. “But that doesn’t mean you should stop getting a routine pelvic exam at least every two years,” Dr. Ruhr continued. “During a pelvic exam we consider all parts of the female reproductive tract. The top five cancers for women are: uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. There is no screening for uterine cancer and with vaginal and vulvar cancer it can start with something as innocuous as a small little mole or lesion which you can’t feel but can be seen with a pelvic exam. All are very treatable forms of cancer, but the key is to catch them early on.” Dr. Ruhr encourages women over 65 get a routine pelvic exam every two years even if they’ve had a hysterectomy for benign reasons like bleeding or fibroids. “After that hysterectomy you never need a pap smear again even if you’re only 35,” she said. “But you still have a vulva and vagina and sometimes the ovaries are left in place. During the exam we can check the uterus and ovaries to make sure they are not enlarged or irregular. “Women with a history of cervical cancer need to be followed closely for 25 years regardless of how old they are,” Dr. Ruhr added. “If a women had cervical cancer when she was 50 then she will continue regular exams and pap smears until she is 75.” The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also stresses the important of the routine assessment for older women, stating that while a woman may not need an annual Pap smear, she still needs an exam to check the vagina, the bladder, the rectum, the external genitals and, of course, the uterus and ovaries, if they haven’t been removed. The exam can also address common symptoms of aging like bladder and bowel issues and sexual dysfunction. While cancer is the greatest fear for many women, pelvic organ prolapse actually is one of the most common gynecological issues for those over 60. Prolapse means the uterus, bladder or rectum descends through a woman’s vagina and needs to be surgically repaired. This occurs because muscles and soft tissues were damaged during childbirth and they weaken with age. Bladder leakage and frequent urination are other common problems in women over 65 that can also be addressed during a pelvic exam. There are numerous treatments and medications to help women stay active and in good health no matter what their age. During your routine gynecological exam, the doctor will also look at your breast and nipples for leakage, lesions, redness, dimpling or other signs that there could be a problem and feel your breast and under arms for lumps or masses. This is in addition to the recommended mammogram screenings. “The bottom line is that women need gynecological care at every stage of their life, whether they need a Pap smear or not,” Dr. Ruhr concluded. “If you are told that you no longer need a Pap smear, don’t ignore the rest of your anatomy. It’s not all about the cervix.” Because of the importance of pelvic exams after age 65, it seems like Medicare would cover them, but that’s not always the case. Check with your provider beforehand to see what is and isn’t covered so you don’t get a surprise bill. Dr. Diane Ruhr completed her medical education at the University of Minnesota Medical School and her residency at the University of Minnesota Health Care System. She is accepting new patients at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Partners in Women’s Health, 1050 37th Place, Suite 103, Vero Beach. Call 772-770-6116 to schedule an appointment.
8 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com Here’s an easy and effective way to add physical activity to your daily routine during the new year: turn your exercise into a snack. New research shows exercise “snacks,” which consist of brief spurts of exertion spread throughout the day, can improve metabolic health, raise endurance and stave off some of the undesirable changes in our muscles that otherwise occur when we sit too long. “It’s a very practical approach” to physical activity, said Daniel Moore, an associate professor of muscle physiology at the University of Toronto in Canada, who led a 2022 study of exercise snacking and muscle health. The physiological benefits of activity snacks can rival those of much longer sessions of brisk walking or other, traditional workouts, the science shows. And they come in multiple flavors, from stair climbing to unobtrusive chair squats in your office. Such “snacks” require no gym membership, special shoes or other equipment; office attire is optional but OK, and the time commitment is minimal. But to get the most from exercise snacking, it helps to understand where, when and why you should fit in snacktivity breaks. By definition, an exercise snack is a brief snippet of exercise, usually lasting a minute or two and indulged in often during the day. It represents “a feasible, well-tolBy Gretchen Reynolds The Washington Post NEUROPATHY RELIEF CALL NOW! 564-2454 PAINFUL, BURNING, OR NUMB FEET? BALANCE PROBLEMS? PAINLESS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT NEUROPATHY & LASER CENTER 780 US 1, SUITE 200 VERO BEACH, FL 32962 DR. SUSAN PERKINS, DC TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE NeuropathyAndLaser.com Exercise ‘snacks’: 2-minute bursts can have healthy impact
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH January 12, 2023 9 erated, and time-efficient approach” to working out, according to a 2022 review of exercise snacking research. Small in portion size, exercise snacks, cumulatively, can be quite potent. In a telling 2019 study, healthy college students snacked on exercise by rapidly climbing and descending three flights of steps, three times a day – in the morning, at lunchtime and again in late afternoon – almost every day for six weeks. They did not otherwise work out. But after six weeks, they had gained significant amounts of aerobic fitness and leg strength. Similarly, when some of the same exercise researchers asked people either to ride stationary bicycles in the lab for a single, 10-minute session of intense interval training or pop into the lab every few hours and pedal hard for about a minute’s worth of intervals, the groups’ gains in fitness were nearly comparable after six weeks. Snacking on exercise had been as effective as a longer and more-traditional workout. Exercise snacks may be uniquely effective at counteracting the ills of over-sitting. Multiple studies have reinforced the notion that we should sit less. In a famous 2008 study, people who sat for hours on end developed blood sugar and cholesterol problems at much higher rates than people who often got up and moved, no matter how much any of the volunteers exercised. More recently, researchers found that the downsides of prolonged sitting for metabolic health can be so severe that they almost cancel out any health benefits from a daily workout. But taking exercise snack breaks can break up sitting time. Moore highlighted that idea in a 2022 study he led, during which 12 healthy young men and women sat all day, with almost no interruptions, except bathroom breaks, while he and his colleagues monitored how well their muscles used proteins from their diet. Past research had established that prolonged inactivity is hard on muscles. In a 2019 study, young men who cut back on their normal daily steps for a week and sat instead quickly developed substantial reductions in their muscles’ ability to absorb and use amino acids, the building blocks of protein, from their bloodstreams. Without sufficient amino acids, muscles cannot effectively repair and build themselves. In Moore’s study, a single day of nonstop sitting resulted in people’s leg muscles becoming less adept at slurping up amino acids, according to molecular tracers added to protein powder they consumed. But when the same volunteers broke up their sitting on subsequent days by either walking for two minutes every half-hour or performing a brief set of chair squats – rising from their chairs, up onto their tiptoes to activate lots of leg muscles, subsiding back onto the seat and repeating the move 15 times – their muscles were better able to absorb and incorporate amino acids from their bloodstreams than when they sat. This finding is “important,” said Brian Carson, an exercise scientist at the University of Limerick, who studies exercise snacks but was not part of this research, because it shows snacking can undo some of the downsides of sitting and also that both walking and squatting worked equally well as snacks. “It adds to the suite of options for people” who might like to snack on their workouts, he said. To try exercise snacking yourself this year, first consider which snacks might best jibe with your schedule and tastes. Stair climbing? A two-minute corridor jaunt? Fifteen chair squats? Maybe a dozen jumping jacks with your office door closed? “Almost any activity that gets you up and moving” can be an exercise snack, Moore said. Ideally, the activity should briefly raise your heart rate and breathing, last a minute or two, and happen often, preferably every half-hour, if possible. Snack instead of or in addition to your usual workouts, he added, depending on how busy or inspired you are. So, in 2023, maybe we should all resolve to jump around inside our cubicles more, hike in our living rooms or squat in the rear of our planes during long flights. “What’s especially nice about exercise snacks,” Moore said, “is it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or where you are.” Almost anywhere and anytime can be good for snacking. “Almost any activity that gets you up and moving” can be an exercise snack. – Daniel Moore, associate professor of muscle physiology at the University of Toronto
10 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com At a malaria research conference five years ago in Senegal, scientist Timothy Wells presented an overview of medicines on the horizon, ending with a few slides focused on an outlandish idea. Wells proposed that monoclonal antibody drugs – a class of high-price medicines that has transformed the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases – had a role in preventing malaria, a mosquito-borne disease that kills more than a half-million people each year, mostly children in Africa. Scientifically, it was plausible. Practically speaking, it seemed ludicrous. “That was the only thing anyone asked me questions about at the end,” said Wells, the chief scientific officer of Medicines for Malaria Venture, a public-private partnership that seeks to develop effective and affordable drugs for malaria. “The principal pushback is that this is going to be too expensive.” For more than three decades, monoclonal antibodies have been powerful, primarily first-world medicines with thousand-dollar price tags. The laboratory-brewed proteins are produced by living cells grown under controlled conditions in giant vats. The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the largely untapped potential for monoclonal antibodies to be leveled against more-commonplace threats such as infectious diseases – if the impetus and money exist. Monoclonal antibody drugs were the first tailor-made COVID-19 treatment out of the gate, highly effective medicines that helped buy time before vaccines could be widely deployed. A preventive monoclonal, Evusheld, gave people who do not respond well to vaccines a high level of protection over months. “People still tell me it’s crazy, but … Evusheld is a tipping point in the history of infectious disease,” said James E. Crowe Jr., a viral immunologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center whose work underlies the drug. It took a little more than three weeks for his team to identify coronavirus-blocking antibodies in a blood sample from a person who survived COVID-19 and to send those leads off to the drug company AstraZeneca. Scientists see enormous potential in harnessing antibody drugs against an array of infectious-disease threats – if the costs come down. Multiple promising studies have identified antibody drugs that could prevent malaria, treat a hemorrhagic illness called Lassa fever or block Zika. Monoclonals could be deployed to smother outbreaks, protect people against diseases for which there are not yet vaccines and shield the most vulnerable who are not well-protected when vaccines do exist. But the pandemic also exposed huge challenges: The drugs can cost thousands of dollars per treatment, are often given by onerous intravenous infusions and can quickly become obsolete as pathogens evolve. Those realities make optimism about using monoclonals against tropical diseases far from mainstream. Wells said production costs are closely guarded trade secrets but estimates that producing a gram of antibodies for about $50 could be feasible – meaning a dose might be about $5. That’s not cheap enough. These drugs are still years away from the real world, and some doubt they will ever be feasible outside of limited applications such as protecting those traveling to disease hot spots. Still, scientists are pushing the envelope, searching for ways to increase the potency of antibodies, decrease the costs of production and challenge the prevailing assumptions about who can benefit from cutting-edge medicine. If they succeed, they could begin to recast how these drugs are used globally. Peter D. Crompton, the chief of the Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section at the National Institutes of Health, has been testing an anti-malaria monoclonal infusion with colleagues in Mali. He says the reflexive response that such drugs are too pricey to be practical reminds him of the debate in the 1990s about whether antiretroviral treatments that had begun to transform HIV in wealthy countries were too costly and complex to be used in Africa. A confluence of science, activism and funding helped change that view – and access to generic drugs brought down the price of antiretroviral treatments. “That was a lesson to me, that if we, as scientists and researchers, develop highly effective, safe tools, there can be a way forward, once people begin to see that it is effective,” Crompton said. “If we stop and wring our hands about how are we going to afford this, that would be paralyzing.” Until recently, Crowe said, “people found it just kind of an academic curiosity that one would make antibodies for infectious disease, because it was hard to envision” because of the high cost. “There need to be some breakthroughs in terms of driving down the cost of goods,” said Jacqueline Kirchner, a senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “I think we’re at the early stages of realizing that promise.” When scientists announced in October that a monoclonal antibody was 88 percent effective in preventing malaria in How antibody drugs could turn tide on infectious diseases By Carolyn Y. Johnson The Washington Post
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH January 12, 2023 11 adults, scientists were buzzing – but not about that drug. Instead, the news augured well for another, more potent next-generation antibody drug being tested in children in Kenya and Mali. That medicine could be given by a more convenient injection, rather than by an IV. Robert Seder, the chief of the cellular immunology section at NIH, said he began testing the second-generation version in tandem with the first because he knew that even if the first worked in a trial, it wasn’t going to work in the real world. “I was already thinking you need to have something more potent that would be cheaper,” said Seder, who has been in talks with Yusuf Hamied, the chairman of the Indian generics company Cipla, to explore whether an Indian pharmaceutical company could manufacture the drugs at a reasonable price. Hamied is famous for challenging Western pharmaceutical companies by offering two decades ago to make HIV drugs for low-income countries for a small fraction of the price. Cipla doesn’t make biologic drugs, which are more expensive to produce than the small-molecule HIV drugs, but Hamied said he thinks it can be done at a reasonable cost through a partnership. “I don’t like to lose money, but I don’t mind not making money,” Hamied said. Malaria illustrates that even with much-needed vaccines, antibodies could play a role in saving lives. A long-awaited malaria vaccine was approved in 2021, but it was not highly effective, and there isn’t enough of it. About 18 million doses are projected to be manufactured in the next three years. Typically, academic and government scientists strive to show an experimental drug is effective and then hand the research off to drug companies. But in the case of malaria, lab scientists also are trying to prove that a drug could be a successful product. R. Scott Miller, the clinical development team leader for the malaria program at the Gates Medical Research Institute, said that early in the process, scientists are asking basic logistical questions. Can it be administered with a shot? Does it require cold storage? Improved technology has accelerated the search for ultra-potent antibodies. One method involves taking the blood of people who have survived an illness and identifying the antibodies that are best at blocking a pathogen. New tools, such as the ability to study individual immune cells that secrete antibodies, have supercharged this discovery process. “We used to make a dozen [antibodies]; we thought that’s pretty amazing, and it would take us two years,” Crowe said. “Now, we could make 15,000 in two weeks” from a single person who survived Ebola. Robert F. Garry Jr., a virologist at Tulane University School of Medicine, said he started working on monoclonal antibodies for Lassa, a hemorrhagic fever that causes thousands of deaths each year in Africa, with the goal of creating better tests to diagnose the viral illness. But when Garry and his colleagues studied the blood of Lassa survivors, they discovered something even better: potent antibodies capable of blocking the virus from entering cells. One of the most potent antibodies came from a nurse who worked in a Lassa ward and had been infected and repeatedly exposed to the virus. “The thought, originally, was those are going to be really expensive to make, and they’re not going to be accessible to populations in low- and middle-income countries. But we specifically went after these antibodies so they’d be potent at low doses,” Garry said, noting that a cocktail of antibodies he has been developing against Lassa is about 50 to 100 times as potent as the one against Ebola, requiring a far smaller dose. Garry co-founded a company, Zalgen Labs, to work on therapeutics for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Lassa. Other scientists are using engineering to increase the potency of antibodies. JeanPhilippe Julien, a biochemist at the University of Toronto, has been working on developing “multabodies” – building a scaffold that can hold many antibodies and launch a multiprong attack on a pathogen. Instead of binding to a single spot on a pathogen, a multabody can bind like a strip of Velcro. One candidate that his lab developed to fight the coronavirus was 10,000 times more potent than a single antibody. “The cost of goods is at the forefront of our thinking,” Julien said. “If you can have something that’s more potent, does that mean you can administer less, such that you shave the cost?” Even further down the line, scientists are thinking more radically about how to change the means of production. At the moment, cells harvested from Chinese hamster ovaries – grown in giant vats that have to be precisely controlled – are the workhorse of monoclonal antibody production. The process could be made more efficient by using a different, faster-growing and less fussy type of cell, such as yeast or fungi. “If I can do it faster and with less stuff, it’s cheaper,” said J. Christopher Love, a professor of chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on developing systems that turn different types of cells into antibody factories. “Think about brewing beer.” Even advocates of using antibodies for infectious diseases aren’t sure what role they ultimately will play alongside vaccines and other treatments. But they reject the idea that the drugs are too costly to be considered. “I have sort of an optimistic hope – I wouldn’t call it a belief yet – that we’re at the beginning of something different,” said Eric Goosby, an international infectious-diseases expert and U.S. global AIDS coordinator under President Barack Obama. “I don’t know if I’m naive, but I feel that it is still figure-outable, and we’re smart enough to do that as a global community.”
12 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com If you have experienced a mental health challenge over the past few years, you are not alone. We were already in an epidemic of anxiety before the pandemic, and rates of anxiety have continued to climb precipitously. Global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25 percent in the first year of the pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. Faced with this crisis, the mental health field offers few suggestions. The presiding consensus is that our mental health struggles are the result of a chemical imbalance written in our DNA. The implication is that our anxiety is chemical, determined by our serotonin levels and embedded in our genetic destiny. Mental healthcare professionals offer medications and therapy to change our mental patterns and lift our supposed serotonin deficit. But what if these options don’t work for you? While some people are helped by our current offerings, the inaccessibility of therapy is at an all-time high, and far too many people struggling with their mental health experience disappointing results with medication. Focusing on brain chemistry has led us to overlook much of what impacts our moods – especially the body, which plays a critical and often overlooked role in mental health. For those who have not found satisfactory relief from medication and therapy, this can come as good news. The determinants of our mental well-being go beyond our genes and brain chemistry to include inflammation, gut health, sleep, nutrition, hormones, chronic limbic hyperarousal because of unresolved trauma, and even having our fundamental human needs for community, nature, meaning and purpose go unmet. If we do have what is known as a chemical imbalance, it is probably a downstream effect of these other states of imbalance. In other words, anxiety is not all in your head; it’s largely based in the body, and that’s where it should first be addressed. I believe there are two types of anxiety: true anxiety (or purposeful anxiety) and avoidable anxiety. True anxiety is our inner compass nudging us to pay attention to what’s not right in our personal lives, our communities and the world. It’s not something to suppress By Ellen Vora, MD The Washington Post HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE PHYSICAL CAUSES OF ANXIETY
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH January 12, 2023 13 Helping Patients and Families Achieve Optimal Health and Wellness The Doctor is Always in! Bruce Murray, M.D. Board Certified “Country Doctor at Heart” Sandy Potter, R.N. With 45 Years of Caring We Still Have Space Available. Call us to schedule a visit! We would love to meet you. 772-226-6461 Murray Concierge Medicine 920 37th Place, Suite 103 Vero Beach, FL 32960 Old Fashioned Medical Care on the Treasure Coast Personalized Touch Direct Primary Care MurrayMedicine.com or pathologize. It’s not what’s wrong with us – it’s what’s right with us when we are able to viscerally connect to what’s wrong in the world. With true anxiety, our symptoms are communicating something to us, and this should be listened to and honored. Instead of asking, “how can I stop feeling so anxious,” we should be asking, “what is my anxiety telling me?” There’s often a call to action baked into our true anxiety, and when we let our uneasiness fuel purposeful action, we don’t feel so mired in our anxiety. Avoidable anxiety, on the other hand, is often as simple as our body getting tripped into a stress response, which transmits a signal to the brain telling us something is not right. And the human brain – the consummate meaning-maker – offers a narrative for why we feel uneasy. It tells us we’re anxious because of work, or our children, or the state of the world. But the truth is, there is always something to feel uneasy about. And the reason we’re struck with anxiety at this moment might have nothing to do with, for example, the office, and everything to do with a state of physiological imbalance – something as seemingly benign as a blood sugar crash, a hangover, or an extra cold brew that day. Much of our anxiety, in this sense, is unrelated to what we think it’s about. The solution is not to chase every source of grief in the world, but to address avoidable anxiety at the level of the physical body – eliminating unnecessary stress responses. When we recognize that we are experiencing anxiety precipitated by a physical stress response, we can address the problem at the level of the body, by keeping our blood sugar stable or getting to bed earlier. In other words, this kind of anxiety is common, causes immense suffering, and is mostly avoidable. When I work with patients, I start with avoidable anxiety – it’s the low-hanging fruit. We come up with an avoidable anxiety inventory. In a moment of peak anxiety, this list can cue them to reflect on possible causes of a sudden stress response taking over their body, help them identify the particular avoidable anxiety that might be occurring, and understand its straightforward remedy. An avoidable anxiety inventory could include hunger, sleep deprivation, being over-caffeinated, a hangover (what is known as “hang-xiety”), inflammation, long stretches of being sedentary, chemical fallout after consuming highly processed food, late luteal phase (the days before the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle), inter-dose withdrawal (the pharmacologic low-point when you’re due for your next dose of a psychiatric medication), and gut issues. Imbalances and deficits in the but microbiome, which includes trillions of bacteria, has been strongly linked to anxiety, depression and other mental problems. Identifying when our anxiety has a physical basis doesn’t make our problems go away. But it can help us recognize when physiological imbalance is making everything feel a bit more overwhelming than it actually is. This inventory also allows us to address the causes of avoidable anxiety by having a snack, taking a pill, or heading outside for a five-minute walk. We can make plans to go to bed a bit earlier at night and talk to our doctors about using a probiotic or other treatment to repair the gut microbiome. Over time, identifying our avoidable anxieties takes away some of the charge of our moods, helps us address the issue in the moment, and gives us the insights to keep our physiology more stable going forward. It also helps tip the balance from overwhelm to resilience, while strengthening our attunement to the internal workings of our bodies. While our cultural attitude toward mental health is to regard it as a genetic destiny and a matter of troubled brain chemistry, much of our anxiety is rooted in the body and is mostly avoidable. The concept of avoidable anxiety doesn’t imply that our problems aren’t real. Rather, eliminating unnecessary stress responses can make us more resilient in the face of unavoidable stressors. This is a reason to feel hopeful and empowered. Much of our anxiety is unnecessary suffering, and a few small, strategic shifts in our diet and habits can eliminate stress responses that drag us down. Getting our physiology into balance also clears the air and allows us to tune into our true anxiety. Ellen Vora is an integrative psychiatrist in New York City, and the author of “The Anatomy of Anxiety.”
14 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | YOUR HEALTH www.veronews.com I want to tell you about my friend Anne, who was 61, kind and capable, modest and fit. Anne passed away suddenly this month from a bolt-of-lightning heart attack, which is why I want to talk to you about my friend Anne and heart health and the solace – and limits – of exercise. Anne and I met when our children joined the same elementary school, its curriculum more idealistic than clear-eyed about childhood. (Sample lesson: You and Jade each have two cookies. How many will you have after you share with Tristan and Isabelle?) Anne and I bonded over our shared cynicism about our offspring’s willingness to share cookies and our mutual interest in being outdoors. In the following years, we began regularly hiking and mountain biking together, in combination with various squads of spouses, friends, children and dogs. In 2017, with another friend, we trained for a half marathon, their first, my fourth. We all finished, and within a hairbreadth of our goal times. When the pandemic struck, we saw each other infrequently, although we convened on the trails when possible. In between, Anne fervently took to indoor cycling, riding every day, a streak that extended 800 days. Anne also ate well. She was a marvelous cook. She didn’t drink. After gaining some weight in midlife, she lost it and looked lithe and strong. She never smoked. Her mother lived into her 90s, her father almost as long. But one afternoon this month, Anne rode her bike, climbed off, and complained of nausea and fatigue. Her right arm ached. Blaming indigestion, she took Tums. They didn’t help. She vomited. Her husband suggested urgent care. She declined. The next morning, Anne collapsed in their bathroom and could not be revived. Most of us, as adults, have friends of convenience, friends of happenstance, friends of nice times and occasional get-togethers, and friends of our heart. Anne was a friend of my heart, and her loss leaves me and everyone who loved her bereft, but also confused and mad as hell. It never entered my mind someone like Anne could have a heart attack. It seems also not to have occurred to Anne, either. And that is why I want to talk to you about my friend Anne. Women who exercise still can have heart disease. “Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of American women,” said Martha Gulati, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, associate director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center and president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. “When we ask people, they almost always say breast cancer is No. 1. But women have a tenfold greater chance of dying from heart disease than breast cancer.” That risk extends even to women like my friend Anne, who are, to all appearances, healthy and in shape. Anne recently began taking a statin to treat elevated cholesterol but was not prescribed other medications and had no family history of heart disease. She never had COVID-19. By my internal calculus, as someone who writes about the health benefits of exercise, Anne should have been safe. She did the right things. She did what I do. She did what I tell everyone to do. “There is no doubt that, on a population level, physical activity is extremely good for us and our hearts,” Gulati said. “People who exercise, people who are physically fit, those are the people who are most likely to stay alive.” But, she continued, on an individual level, fit, healthy people can and do develop heart disease, often silently. They can and do die of it, often suddenly. Any of us can be struck by lightning. So, I want to talk to you about cardiac symptoms and response, especially if you are a woman, fit and perhaps, like me, considered yourself almost invulnerable. “Pay attention to any symptoms above the waist, which means above the belly button, that are new to you,” said C. Noel Bairey Merz, the director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center. Sudden, unusual shortness of breath and profound fatigue are common among women experiencing a heart attack, as are chest pain or discomfort, upset stomach, and new pain in the back, neck or jaw, Gulati said. The classic Hollywood version of a heart attack – clutching your chest and keeling over – is fairly rare, especially for women. More often, symptoms linger and intensify for hours. During that time, many women cannot or will not believe their hearts could be failing. “If their husbands had those symptoms, they would take them to the ER,” Gulati said. “I always say, if you would take someone else to the hospital with those symptoms, make sure you get yourself there, too.” This is why I wanted to talk to you about Anne. I wanted to urge all of us to be attentive, to accept our bodies’ limits and respond to its signals, no matter how healthy we may feel and how implausible we may consider any concerns. Do the same for all those you care about. By Ellen Vora, MD The Washington Post On heart health, women … and the limits of exercise
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | HEALTHY SENIOR January 12, 2023 15 Q. I’m 68 years old and I’ve been diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease. How common is this? A. Peyronie’s (pay-roh-neez) disease is the development of abnormal scar tissue inside the penis. The scarring bends the penis and may make an erection painful. Peyronie’s can make sex difficult or impossible. A flat plate of benign scar tissue – known as a plaque – forms on the top or bottom side of the penis inside a membrane called the “tunica albuginea.” Peyronie’s disease runs in families. It is not contagious. There have been many surveys done to determine the prevalence of Peyronie’s. Estimates range from less than 1 percent to 23 percent of men have Peyronie’s. Researchers suspect that we will never know the truth about the disease because men are reluctant to discuss it. Many in health research believe the problem may be more common than any statistics demonstrate. An age range of 18 to 80 has been reported, but most men who report suffering from Peyronie’s are between 45 and 60. Almost all those affected are Caucasians. The disease is most common in northern Europeans. Peyronie’s disease is difficult to treat. It has been called “the doctor’s nightmare.” Most everything about it varies from man to man. A French surgeon, François de la Peyronie, first described the disease in 1743. Prior to Peyronie’s description of the disease, it was classified as a form of impotence. Many researchers believe that, in some cases, the scarring develops following trauma that causes bleeding inside the penis. Aging causes diminished elasticity, and this might increase the risk of injury. However, most cases develop slowly and with no known trauma. There is no convincing evidence proving that any treatment other than surgery is universally effective. Because some patients improve without treatment, medical experts suggest waiting a year or longer before having surgery. There are three basic surgical procedures for Peyronie’s disease. One surgery removes or cuts the plaque and attaches a patch of skin, vein or material made from animal organs. This method may correct a deformity, but some patients may experience numbness and an inability to achieve an erection. Another technique involves removing or pinching a piece of the tunica albuginea opposite the plaque; this corrects the bend. This method is less likely to cause numbness or erectile dysfunction. A third option is to implant a device that makes the penis more rigid. In some cases, an implant will straighten the penis. If the implant does not straighten the penis, implantation is combined with one of the other surgical procedures. Most types of surgery are effective. However, because of possible complications, most doctors prefer to perform surgery only on the small number of men with curvature severe enough to prevent sexual intercourse. Peyronie’s disease is common but underreported By Ellen Vora, MD The Washington Post
16 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com Extensively upgraded and meticulously maintained, the top-floor condo at 5540 N. Harbor Village Drive, Apt. 303 comes fully furnished and offers wide, gorgeous harbor views from its charming balcony. True to Grand Harbor’s Mediterranean style, the handsome waterfront building wears soft yellows and warm muted reds beneath red tile roofs. Stairs or an elevator take you to an open, arched hallway, from which a covered walkway leads to the front door. Diagonally laid, neutral porcelain tile flows from the apartment’s wide foyer throughout the living spaces. Standing in the foyer, you have your first picture-postcard view straight through the dining room/living room/screen porch to the lovely harbor, heavily populated with beautiful boats during season, as well as myriad water birds, fish, dolphins and manatees year ’round. (Grand Harbor is an official Audubon Sanctuary.) You’ll immediately notice the care and artistry the homeowners employed in their furniture, décor and color choices as they carried out the home’s extensive – and practical – upgrades. With an “economy of space,” the homeowners note, they have been able to create an impressive abundance of storage space throughout the home. The foyer leads past the kitchen, into the living room/dining room space, which is painted a cool, whisper-soft green set against white baseboards. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room space features an absolutely gorgeous hardwood table which, with two extensions, can seat 12 people. The chairs are equally striking, handsomely designed wood and wicker. Illuminating these lovely pieces, extending from the high, tray ceiling, is an elegant chandelier, a one-of-a-kind art piece, say the owners, featuring green palm leaves, bird-of-paradise blooms and white-shaded bulbs. The living room is spacious enough for several comfortable pieces – a long couch, cozy recliner and easy chair with ottoman. A flat-screen TV sits atop a warm wood sideboard, and a hexagonal glass-top coffee table completes the welcoming arrangement. A glass slider wall leading to the screen porch and balcony is framed with drapes and valance of rose-hued flowers and Top-floor, harbor-front condo features extensive upgrades By Samantha Rohlfing Baita | Staff Writer [email protected]
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE January 12, 2023 17 green leaves, echoing the leafy theme of the dining room chandelier. To the right, from the foyer, is the kitchen, open to the dining room via a wide pass-through with pocket doors to close off the kitchen or open it for serving and socializing. The kitchen features gold-tan-black mottled granite counters, a multi-tonal brown/cream stone tile backsplash and white wood cabinetry. The dishwasher, French door fridge, built-in, smooth-top range and microwave, and double sink are stainless steel. Recessed lighting illuminates the workspace from another deep tray ceiling. You might actually want to draw the KP straw because, standing at the sink, you have a terrific view of the harbor. Off the kitchen, across the corner counter, is an irresistible little breakfast nook/ sitting room, sunny and inviting via a plantation-shuttered front window. Sporting white chair rail, it is currently furnished with a wicker sofa and ottoman with cushions upholstered in white, yellow and blue stripes. The sofa faces a wall-mounted TV. Tucked in against the lunch counter are a pair of yellow wooden stools, cushioned to match the couch and built, say the homeowners, by a gifted carpenter friend, who also made the room’s yellow side table. Left off the foyer is the primary suite, a lovely haven with its own plantation-shuttered door to the porch and the exquisite view. The furniture here is stunning – the bed and large mirror on the opposite wall are designed with light and dark wood in simple horizontal design; the two low dressers also feature contrasting wood designs. There is a nice, large walk-in closet, and a terrific bathroom with the same white cabinetry and granite counters as the kitchen. This handsome bath features a long vanity with two sunken, oval sinks and a wall-to-wall mirror. There is a water closet and a long, beautiful walk-in shower with curved glass wall, and no door. It is tiled in browns and neutrals, including a horizontal multi-hued mosaic panel, mosaic tile floor and a grab bar. You’ll find additional storage here as well, in a granite-top cabinet beneath a wall cabinet. The guest bedroom is a bright and cheery delight with soft blue walls, white woodwork, plantation shutters, sheer drapes, a warm-hued wood bed and dresser, and wonderful wicker chair with nautical blue cushion. Plenty of storage is available in the double bi-fold door closet. In the same style as the primary, the guest bathroom features a single basin and tub shower. Both bedrooms offer feet-friendly carpet and ceiling fans. Just off Indian River Boulevard, Grand Harbor is close to the bridge that arches across the Indian River to Vero’s barrier island and charming seaside village with its wonderful restaurants, pubs, salons and boutiques, live professional theater, an excellent art museum and more. Also nearby are mainland shopping centers, the downtown gallery and restaurant district, and the county’s main hospital, surrounded by a huge medical complex. Neighborhood: Harbor Village at Grand Harbor Year built: 1993 • Construction: CBS; tile roof Home size: 1,400 square feet Bedrooms: 2 • Bathrooms: 2 full baths View: Wide, picturesque harbor vistas Additional features: Top floor, fully furnished; central heat/air; detached garage space; window treatments; ceiling fans; sliding doors; split bedroom design; walk-in closet; crown molding; appliances include range, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, washer, dryer and electric water heater; remote control porch screen; guard gated, smoke detector; all electric storm shutters with battery back-up; community pool Listing agency: AMAC Alex MacWilliam Real Estate Listing agents: Diane DeFrancisci, 772-538-1614, and Brenda Montgomery, 772-532-4170 Listing price: $595,000 FEATURES FOR 5540 N. HARBOR VILLAGE DRIVE, APT. 303
18 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com MAINLAND REAL ESTATE SALES: JAN. 2 THROUGH JAN. 6 TOP SALES OF THE WEEK The new year started with muted activity on the mainland real estate front, as a mere 19 transac- tions of single-family residences and lots were reported (some shown below). The top sale of the week was in Vero Beach, where the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence at 4655 Hamilton Court – first listed in July for $975,000 – sold for $1,000,000 on Jan. 5 Representing the seller in the transaction was agent Christine Hughes of Dale Sorensen Real Es- tate Inc. Representing the buyer was agent Matilde Sorensen of Dale Sorensen Real Estate Inc. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS ORIGINAL SELLING TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD PRICE VERO BEACH 4655 HAMILTON CT 4/12/2022 $975,000 1/5/2023 $1,000,000 VERO BEACH 5880 1ST ST SW 6/17/2022 $1,148,000 1/3/2023 $873,000 VERO BEACH 5240 20TH ST 11/14/2019 $999,000 1/3/2023 $800,000 VERO BEACH 240 32ND CT SW 10/10/2022 $679,000 1/3/2023 $650,000 SEBASTIAN 626 ALBATROSS TER 8/8/2022 $489,000 12/31/2022 $440,000 SEBASTIAN 6027 RIVER RUN DR UNIT#6027 8/17/2022 $449,900 1/3/2023 $415,000 VERO BEACH 4355 55TH ST 10/12/2022 $419,900 1/6/2023 $385,000 VERO BEACH 410 LEXINGTON AVE SW 6/14/2022 $439,000 1/5/2023 $375,000 VERO BEACH 2275 55TH SQ 11/2/2022 $329,000 1/5/2023 $329,000 VERO BEACH 6305 OXFORD CIR UNIT#102B 10/7/2022 $335,000 1/4/2023 $320,000 VERO BEACH 7932 ASCOT PL UNIT#0 9/7/2022 $335,900 1/4/2023 $305,000 VERO BEACH 675 W LAKE JASMINE CIR UNIT#108 11/21/2022 $289,000 1/3/2023 $275,000 VERO BEACH 1786 17TH AVE SW 10/14/2022 $269,900 1/3/2023 $248,000 VERO BEACH 27 PLANTATION DR UNIT#205 10/7/2022 $245,000 1/6/2023 $240,000 Stats were pulled 1/7/23 7:33 AM
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE January 12, 2023 19 HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT INDIAN RIVER COUNTY REAL ESTATE SALES. Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: Listing Date: Original Price: Sold: Selling Price: Listing Agent: Selling Agent: 8/8/2022 $489,000 12/31/2022 $440,000 Ron Cochran Coldwell Banker Paradise NOT PROVIDED NOT PROVIDED 626 Albatross Ter, Sebastian 10/10/2022 $679,000 1/3/2023 $650,000 Brad Shearer Berkshire Hathaway Florida Cheryl Goff RE/MAX Crown Realty 8/17/2022 $449,900 1/3/2023 $415,000 Lynda Jayne Robinson Keller Williams Realty of VB Cheryl Michel One Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 240 32nd Ct SW, Vero Beach 6027 River Run Dr, Sebastian 11/14/2019 $999,000 1/3/2023 $800,000 Peter Robinson Laurel Agency, Inc. Peter Robinson Laurel Agency, Inc. 5240 20th St, Vero Beach 6/17/2022 $1,148,000 1/3/2023 $873,000 Beth Livers Berkshire Hathaway Florida NOT PROVIDED NOT PROVIDED 5880 1st St SW, Vero Beach
20 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | REAL ESTATE www.veronews.com The Grand Tier, a 30-story high-rise at Broadway and 64th Street in Manhattan, features trappings typical of posh digs on the Upper West Side, including Central Park views and a lobby ornamented in French tapestry, silver travertine and Italian ironwork. The 20-year-old tower also boasts a singular feature: In the basement, an array of pipes and compressors the size of six parking spaces scrubs exhaust from the building’s two natural gas boilers, separating carbon dioxide from nitrogen and oxygen, liquefying it and storing it in metal tanks. The city’s only residential carbon-capture rig, installed last year, reflects a citywide environmental challenge. Local Law 97, a pioneering climate mandate passed in 2019, aims to cut emissions from New York’s largest buildings 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Next year the city will begin penalizing owners of inefficient commercial and residential property, with fines growing considerably in 2030. New York’s density makes it an outlier among U.S. cities: The largest share of its greenhouse emissions comes from buildings, not cars or power plants. The big bet behind the law, which inspired similar legislation in Boston and Washington, D.C., is that New York’s wealth and entrepreneurial energy will turn the city into a national proving ground for climate tech. “In New York City, 17 million tons of CO₂ is emitted from boilers and heaters annually,” says Brian Asparro, chief operating officer of CarbonQuest, a startup that worked on the Grand Tier system with owner Glenwood Management. “Why shouldn’t every boiler system have technology like this?” Asparro says the carbon-scrubbing equipment represents 20 percent of the capital investment to fully electrify building systems currently powered by fossil fuels, such as gas stoves and boilers. They’re flexible enough to fit into just about any building, he says, and the equipment will help the Grand Tier avoid about $100,000 a year in LL97 fines starting in 2024, penalties that would quadruple in 2030. The new law could trigger a $20 billion market in retrofits in the city over the next decade as property owners seek to slash emissions in about 50,000 buildings, according to the Urban Green Council. The bulk of those investments will go to “low-hanging energy efficiency work,” says Zachary Steinberg, senior vice president of policy at the Real Estate Board of New York City, a trade association representing big landlords. That includes adding LED light bulbs, triple-pane windows and updated heating and cooling equipment such as heat pumps. But the city’s myriad building types and budgets will also demand unorthodox solutions. “Everyone has done pretty sophisticated models of their building to understand where the energy consumption and carbon emissions are coming from,” Steinberg says. According to the Real Estate Board, 3,786 buildings will face LL97 fines in 2024, a figure that will grow to 13,544 in 2030. “Whatever compliance looks like, we’re going to need a lot of tools,” he says. “I can’t even imagine the back orders on heat pumps to electrify 10,000 buildings.” Although LL97 doesn’t explicitly mention carbon capture, industry insiders say it has provisions that might make the technology count toward emissions reduction mandates. To date, most carbon capture has focused on large-scale plants meant to vacuum the gas from flue emissions at power plants or from the atmosphere itself, but these use so much energy that the effort blunts any gains from removing carbon. CarbonQuest says its system is more efficient because it operates on a smaller scale at the source. Glenwood, which is planning to expand the carbon-capture pilot to five additional locations, has been tackling emissions on multiple fronts: swapping out electric motors, installing steam system traps and updating boilers, roofs and insulation. Ultimately, full building electrification – backed by a grid powered with renewable energy – is the solution, says Joshua Landon, Glenwood’s vice president of management. But he’s looking for technology that can come online quicker. The situation, he says, is akin to a firetruck approaching a blaze with less than a full tank of water; would you turn it away? “This CarbonQuest system cuts 25 percent of emissions,” Landon says. “We’ve made a lot of big investments that don’t give us 25 percent.” In downtown Brooklyn, Alloy Development is taking a different approach at 100 Flatbush, a tower with 441 mixed-income residences and 30,000 square feet of retail. The building will be fully electrified, powered by community solar panels and batteries to store their intermittent output. “The way we get to a better future is to electrify everything and make the grid renewable,” says AJ Pires, Alloy’s president. The project will need 7 megawatts of solar generation, which would require perhaps 25 to 30 acres of panels – not easy to build in New York. In a typical NYC community solar project like Pires is talking about, there may be hundreds of individual households promising to buy electricity from panels on nearby rooftops, facades and parking lot canopies. Such installations can be tough to fund but having a creditworthy property owner sign on should make it easier to raise money for them, according to Noah Ginsburg, director of Solar One, which is partnering with Alloy on the 100 Flatbush community solar project. “The economics work,” Ginsburg says. “And we’re seeing a lot of new energy storage projects coming into the mix.” A 2011 study found building-mounted solar could only meet about half the city’s daytime peak consumption and 14 percent of total annual electricity demand. But the city aims to add 1,000 megawatts of solar generating capacity by 2030, and renewables on rooftops are key to a “fast, low-cost, high-value grid decarbonization strategy,” the study found. Updates to the regulations announced in October clarified that solar and battery storage investments can count toward LL97 requirements. Even as deadlines for compliance approach, questions about LL97 remain. It’s unclear, for instance, whether the law will embrace Renewable Energy Credits, which owners can buy as an alternative to building upgrades. It’s possible that a market for trading credits will emerge, giving large property owners a way to offset fines by investing in solar and battery storage in others’ buildings, says Robyn Beavers, chief executive officer of Blueprint Power, a firm that helps companies decarbonize. “That would capture the attention of and motivate real estate investors,” she says. N.Y. landlords try carbon-sucking towers to comply with climate law By Patrick Sisson | Bloomberg
The Space Coast Symphony organization gets you started on a musical note for the new year with a couple of concerts designed to appeal. First up happens this weekend, “Fan Favorites: Jazz Edition,” featuring Frank Wosar and the Space Coast Symphony Jazz Orchestra. They’ll play works by some of the greats, including Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Quincy Jones and so many more. Most of the orchestra toured with the modern Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, for which Wosar plays lead trombone. Making this even more engaging will be performances by professional dancers (all former U.S. Dancesport champions) who’ll show off the jazz genre in both smooth and rhythm. The show begins 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Free for those 18 and CONTINUED ON PAGE B4 SPACE COAST SYMPHONY JAZZES UP THE NEW YEAR By Pam Harbaugh | Correspondent Coming Up 1 HOUSE OF THE WEEK: HARBOR-FRONT CONDO THE TALE OF 6 16 NIMBLE NEVILLE SENIOR WOMEN STILL NEED PELVIC EXAMS B8 DREAMY PERFORMANCES PROPEL EXQUISITE ‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ PAGE B2
B2 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com After reeling from a global pandemic that shuttered cultural centers around the world, bringing back fully formed theater, rich in artistry to an expectant and adoring audience, might have seemed like an “Impossible Dream” for Riverside Theatre and its patrons. But with the theater’s abundantly satisfying, professional production of “Man of La Mancha,” the dream becomes reality. Indeed, this was a perfect choice for Riverside’s return to regular programming, as the musical’s theme explores, in part, never giving up the good fight. Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, “Man of La Mancha” has been a continued favorite of theaters and audiences since 1965, when it first appeared on Broadway. With a “play within a play’” structure, the storyline follows author Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote the novel “Don Quixote.” Wasserman sets the play in a prison dungeon during the late 16th century, when the Spanish Inquisition was in full bloom. Cervantes and his manservant are thrown into the dungeon along with a trunk of theater props. When a rough bunch of fellow prisoners threaten him and stage a mock trial, Cervantes pleads his case by re-enacting the story of Don Quixote, the knight errant who would battle windmills, which in his delusional mind were great beasts. He pulls from his trunk costumes, makeup and props to take on the role and gives supporting roles to his fellow downtrodden prisoners. Director DJ Salisbury imbues BY PAM HARBAUGH | CORRESPONDENT Dreamy performances propel exquisite ‘Man of La Mancha’ Edward Staudenmayer as Cervantes with Tony Chiroldes as Sancho Panza. Below: Edward Staudenmayer as Cervantes. PHOTOS: ANGEL UDELHOVEN
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE January 12, 2023 B3 the production with that rare mix of sensitivity and boldness. We see the dregs of humanity and, at the same time, bear witness to its nobility. Salisbury is also a talented choreographer (he created that short-lived but amazing ballet in Riverside’s “Carousel” last season), and he has filled the production with big movement and fine composition. It moves solidly through tight pacing, while at the same time allowing the pathos to rise, building it to a most moving conclusion. And yes, you’ll need to bring hankies, especially when Broadway performer Edward Staudenmayer sings. You are drawn to his “Man of La Mancha” and catch your breath to “Impossible Dream.” But the love song “Dulcinea,” will leave you a weepy mess. Staudenmayer, who has a long list of credits including “Phantom of the Opera” and cast recordings, is the real deal. Moreover, his tender portrayal of Cervantes/Don Quixote finds that winning mix of pathos and dignity. Lianne Marie Dobbs portrays Aldonza, the prison’s roughhewn and cynical serving wench who Cervantes casts as Dulcinea, the chaste lady for whom Don Quixote fights. Dobbs is simply splendid in this role. Not only does she have a technically strong voice, but she delivers excellent expression to every line. Edward Juvier shows quite the acting and singing range as a poor, wretched prisoner who, when given the role of the Padre, becomes a dignified being. He sings beautifully the irony laced “I’m Only Thinking of Him” with Antonia (Caitlin Finnie), and the housekeeper (April Armstrong), who profess being worried about their uncle and master. Tony Chiroldes is warm as Cervantes’ manservant, who takes on the comic role of Sancho Panza and explains his loyalty in “I Really Like Him.” Derrick Davis lends resonating power as Carrasco, David Benoit brings good dramatic presence as the innkeeper, and Wesley Slade brings a good touch of humor as the barber. Music director Michael Gribbin leads an excellent seven-piece pit orchestra which rightfully laps up the applause from an admiring audience. If this play within a play format feels like a bit of a challenge, don’t worry. You’re brought into the story slowly, inexorably, so it all makes sense. Wisely, Salisbury blurs the border between audience and stage by forgoing a curtain. Instead, as you enter the theater, you notice a stage mostly darkened but with murky details barely lit. It intrigues. Then, the house lights slowly dim and you hear Craig Beyrooti’s sound design CONTINUED ON PAGE B4 Lianne Marie Dobbs as Aldonza/ Dulcinea. April Armstrong as the housekeeper, Edward Juvier as Padre and Caitlin Finnie as Antonia. Wesley Slade as The Barber.
B4 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | ARTS & THEATRE www.veronews.com younger or with a student ID. Call 855-252- 7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org. But here’s the big draw – “Wildflowers: An Evening with Judy Collins.” She will perform with the Space Coast Symphony, led by Aaron Collins (no relation to Judy). This show is nearly sold out, so best get those tickets now. “Wildflowers” begins 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Emerson Center. Tickets are $55 to 130. Call 772-777- 9321 or visit MusicWorksConcerts.com. Riverside Theatre also has a lot going on. In addition to its winning production of “Man of La Mancha,” which runs through Jan. 22, the theater also is the place for the Distinguished Lecturer Series. The lecture seasons begins Monday, Jan. 16 when 70th Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The rest of the exciting season features the 26th U.S. Secretary of State Gen. (Ret.) James Mattis, who will speak at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Feb. 2; climatologist and president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, author Bjorn Lomborg, who will speak at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 27; and none other than best-selling author, historian and Tulane University professor of history Walter Isaacson, who will speak at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 17. All lectures are presented in the 675-seat Stark Theatre with an overflow of 200 watching a simulcast in the adjacent Waxlax Theatre. Each lecture is followed by a Q&A period. Series subscriptions are $400 in the Stark Theatre and $200 for the simulcast in the Waxlax Theatre. Single tickets are $125 in the Stark Theatre and $85 for the Waxlax Theatre. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com. Ballet Vero Beach continues in its 10th season with “Tastemakers,” a program celebrating choreographer Ariel Grossman. It includes her work “Ori” and the debut of her new work “Rust,” which was commissioned for Ballet Vero Beach. The program also includes works by the Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, which is Ballet Vero Beach’s sister company. Also on the program are “To Zero Point,” choreographed by Beatriz Garcia and Armando Brydson, and “Touch Me,” choreographed by Gerald Arpino and staged by Cameron Basden. “The works on the bill are sleek and contemporary, reflecting the modern world we live in,” says Ballet Vero Beach artistic director Adam Schnell. “Tastemakers” begins 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. A shorter, all accessible/family friendly performance begins 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. Tickets range from $10 to $75. All performances will be at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. Call 772-269-1065 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org. A reminder: The Vero Beach Opera presents “L’Esisir d’Amore” (The Elixir of Love), a fully staged, original production with musicians from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, beginning 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. Tickets are $15 to $100. For more information, call 772-564-5537 or visit VeroBeachOpera.org. The Vero Beach International Music Festival takes a bow this weekend when the Mike Block Trio performs. In addition to Block, who runs a string camp each spring, the trio features musicians Joe K. Walsh on mandolin and vocals and Zachariah Hickman on bass and vocals. The concert begins 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the first Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. Admission is free, but donations to the Mike Block String Camp will be accepted. For more information, visit VeroBeachInternationalMusicFestival.com. A new music series is also starting at Raw Space Gallery this weekend. It will feature Flamenco guitarist Greg Reiter, contemporary folk artist Rebekah Autumn and R&B saxophonist James Broxton. The music runs 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at Raw Space Gallery, 1591 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. Tickets are $12 (cash or check only) with proceeds benefiting the new Vero Beach Art Village in the downtown Edgewood neighborhood. For more information, visit VeroBeachArtVillage.com. 2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 3 4 6 (LOL) Laughing Out Loud With Carl Hiaasen General Tickets Include Live Speaker Event With Carl • 6:30 PM - 8 PM Limited VIP Tickets Include the General Session with Carl and Meet & Greet Event 8 PM - 9 PM Come and Celebrate LRJF’s 30th Anniversary THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023 • 6:30 PM - 9 PM The Community Church of Vero Beach For More Information On Speaker Visit prhspeakers.com Tickets Available At: lauraridingjackson.org/LRJFS-30thanniversary/ SCAN TO BUY TICKETS For More Info Call LRJF at (772) 569-6718 of the plop, plop, plop of water dropping into the clammy dungeon. The lights slowly come up on stage as characters drift in, like those drops of water, marking time, expanding the sense of waiting, waiting, for the axe to drop. Scenic designer Michael Schweikardt creates a looming purgatory, with a giant staircase threatening to take one to what will probably be an awful fate. Lighting designer Travis McHale’s moody lighting amplifies the beastly maw. The array of dingy attire created by costume design Lauren T. Roark add to the desperation. “Man of La Mancha” was inspired by Dale Wasserman’s television play, “I, Don Quixote,” which had been written in the late 1950s. Producers asked him to rewrite it into a musical, which opened in Greenwich Village in 1965. It opened later that year on Broadway where it won five Tony Awards and ran for six years. Before all that, Wasserman had written “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” He also wrote screenplays, including an adaptation for “The Vikings,” which was made into a 1958 film with Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas. Intriguingly, although the music in “Man of La Mancha” is unforgettable, its composer, Mitch Leigh, never had another big hit. In fact, he made his living as a Madison Avenue jingle writer and was responsible for tunes to sell cigarettes and dog food. He also wrote the music to a popular Sara Lee commercial (“nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee”). Just as remarkable is the fact that Joe Darion was not the first pick as lyricist. Producers actually wanted poet W.H. Auden to write the lyrics. However, after Auden reportedly argued for a different ending, producers turned to Darion, who gave us: “To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear with unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go.” Yes, this is a popular show. Since its Broadway debut in 1965, “Man of La Mancha” has been a favorite of professional, academic and community theaters throughout the country. But you will want to see Riverside’s production, which boasts splendid voices and strong visuals, all riding on a current of hope for a better future. After the global pandemic interrupted two consecutive seasons, it is both heartwarming and thrilling to see Riverside Theatre do what it does so very well – produce exquisite theater. “Man of La Mancha” runs through Jan. 22, 2023, at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Tickets start at $45. Call 772-231-6990 or visit Riverside Theatre.com. CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3 5 7
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING January 12, 2023 B5 Fine Dining, Elevated Exciting Innovative Cuisine Award Winning Wine List Unparalleled Service Expanded outdoor dining in The Café. Proud recipient of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award placing us in “The Top 10% of restaurants worldwide”. Catering Now Available (772) 234-3966 • tidesofvero.com Open 7 Days a Week Starting at 5 PM 3103 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL Reservations Highly Recommended • Proper Attire Appreciated Wine Spectator Award 2002 – 2021 Serving Dinner Tues - Sat from 5pm (772) 226-7870 Downwn Vero Bea 2023 14th Avenue www.VeroPrime.com Prime Steaks, Seafood & Italian Specialties Happy Hour featuring Premium Spirits Nightly 5 - 6:30pm (Bar Only) Early Dining Menu Nightly 5 - 5:30pm
B6 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING www.veronews.com Let the Pours Begin! Our Private Label, Aged Barrel “Fighting 69th” Irish Whiskey 2019 14th Ave (772) 217-2183 OPEN Tues-Sun 11:30 AM to Close seanryanpub.com Where Vero goes for a Lil bit of Ireland! Chef Chet Perrotti Happy Hour 4-6 PM & 9-Close & All Day Sunday Tuesday Trivia Thurs, Fri & Sat Live Local Music Wednesday - Bingo, Brews & Burgers ($7) We carry ALL College & NFL games Tropical Thursday - $5 Deep Eddys & 75¢ Wings Happy Hour ALL DAY Sunday w/ 75¢ Wings
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | DINING January 12, 2023 B7 The Gri $5.00 OFF Happy Hour Specials BEER & WINE 4-7pm Fri and Sat Try the Best Burger in IRC at our covered porch! Happy Hour Specials BEER & WINE No cash value One per visit One per customer 772.770.5970 | Oslo Rd, VB | CWWILLISFAMILYFARMS.COM Happy New Year! 1931 Old Dixie • 772.770.0977 Follow Us fishackverobeach.com • Like us on Facebook! Gift Certificates & Private Parties Available TUES OPEN FOR DINNER AT 4 WED-SAT OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER CLOSED SUNDAYS & MONDAYS TUESDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY HAPPY HOUR 4-6 TUES.- SAT. WE CAN ACCOMMODATE LARGE PARTIES 56 Royal Palm Pointe 772-567-4160 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram OPEN FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY BEGINNING AT 4 PM. CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY. OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY ORDER YOUR PARTY PLATTERS ORDER ONLINE FOR DELIVERY OR PICKUP THROUGH Pizzoodles.com or ToastTakeout.com LOCAL • FRESH • ORGANIC • NATURAL • MADE TO ORDER 915 17TH STREET, SUITE 101 • VERO BEACH, FL 32960 • 772-643-4975 PALATOCAFEVERO.COM • [email protected] SANDWICHES • ACAI BOWL • WRAPS • SOUPS • PASTRIES • SMOOTHIES • JUICES • SHOTS OPEN: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8AM - 3PM SATURDAY 8:30AM -2:00PM OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE GLUTEN FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
B8 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | PETS www.veronews.com This week I was gonna innerview two poocheroos from the world of paw-forming arts, Bear an Neville. Their Moms are baaa-LAY dancers, who were performin’ in an Extremely Cool Kibbles Christmas show here in Vero Beach: “Nutcracker on the Indian River.” However, Bear was unable to attend the innerview due to exTEN-you-waiting (an huh-LARRY-us) circumstances. So I innerviewed only Neville Donley, a charming, silvery mini-Schnauzer. Me an my assistant were greeted by a nice lady holding Neville in her arms. Soon as she placed him on the floor, he trotted up for the Wag-an-Sniff. “Good evening, Mr. Bonzo. Welcome to our home! I’m Neville Donley. This is my Mom, Alyssa. My Dad, Kile, is elsewhere. SO pleased you were able to schedule us. Well, schedule ME, since, as I explained in my Woofmail, Bear was unexpectedly indisposed.” “Entirely my pleasure,” I responded, as we shared a small, semi-discreet liddle laugh. What happened was, Bear, a small snowy white doggo, pulled a trick normally seen in Cats. (No offense, Cats.) He let his curiosity get the best of him and decided to investigate the pizza oven. (It wasn’t hot at the time.) So he stuck his snow white head into it and poked about. And came out looking like a raccoon, Neville said. Unfortunately for the innerview, it didn’t wash off. So that was that. Neville settled into his Mom’s lap an I opened my notebook. “I’m eager to hear how you found your Furever Famly, an about your fascinatin’ ca-REER.” “Well, not to brag, but I AM a purebred. I only say that cuz when a poocheroo has, like, Official PAY-pers an all, he usually doesn’t find himself in a shelter. But that’s where I was, at the humane society shelter in Omaha, Nuh-BRASS-kuh. That’s a state, like Florida, but WA-AY up there (he pointed). Then turn left.” My first famly hadda buncha kids, an didn’t have much time for me, so they brought me to the shelter. It was December 2017 an I was probly about 7-8 months old, still mostly puppy. At the time, my soonto-be Mom an Dad were planning, um, humans call it a WEDDING, in 5 months, an Mom was dancin’ in ‘The (regular) Nutcracker’ in Omaha. “Dad grew up with Schnauzers, so, when he heard about me he totally wanted to adopt me. Mom, on the other paw, wasn’t what you’d call thrilled. She was busy dancin’ an plannin’ the wedding. Thank Lassie, they figured things out. “At first, I was totally afraid of STAIRS. Specially goin’ DOWN. They were open, an just sorta LOOMED! I always got Wobbly Paws an hadda get carried down. I also don’t like water. Or clothes. Even my harness. I do like chewin’ stuff, like my gingerbread toy, an my fish, an my stuffy flamingo. (I’m on my second flamingo cuz I ripped the first one’s throat out.) An there was this one time, when I felt neglected, I chewed up one of Mom’s Important Pointe Shoe socks. I ackshully ate the Whole Thing. Woof, was I sick.” “I can only imagine,” I responded, then asked, “What’s a pointe shoe?” “It’s a speshull, fancy shoe with shiny, colored ribbons an wood in the toe. Mom wears ’em when she dances, Totally Up On Her ackshull TOES! An she doesn’t topple over! She has beautiful fluffy, sparkly costumes and she twirls an leaps. Sometimes a lady dancer like Mom has a partner, so she runs an leaps and he catches her an they swirl around and then POSE. That means, they stop an look like a statue for a couple seconds then they dance some more. An there’s always Big Music.” “Woof! That’s uh-MAY-zing! Do you dance, too?” “Do I EVER! Watch!” With that, Neville, with instructions from his Mom, began to dance! He twirled, he spun, he leaped, he walked about on his back legs. He also rolled over and woofed (but only when his Mom said to). “I’m So impressed! Have you ever performed onna stage?” “I was in The Party Scene in ‘The (regular) Nutcracker.’ See, the baa-LAY company was a big supporter of the shelter in Omaha. I met a coupla fellow shelter pooches also doin’ the show: two pugs as I recall. Fun times. So excitin’. An NOW Mom’s a member of the company here, Baa-LAY Vero Beach, an she gets to be the Dew Drop Fairy in Waltz of the Flowers an wear a beautiful sparkly cosstoom. My Very Own Mom! I’m So Proud! An, Bonzo, you wouldn’t buh-LEEVE the funny names dancers hafta learn!” “Like what?” “Well, there’s plee-A which is standing and bending your knees. I can’t do it cuzza havin’ too many knees. An air-uh-BESK, where you stick one leg out an your arms out too. Not that either: no arms. Anna cha-SAY, like a kinda jumpy thing, which I can sorta do but I choose not to chuz I look like a Total Doof. A peer-uh-WET, which is twirling on one foot (I’m good at that, but hafta use two feet); anna PAW-did-oo, which is dancing with a partner, which I can do with Mom.” “Any pooch pals?” “Lotsa cousins! There’s Honey, a Golden Doodle; Jude (a sorta Doodly dashchundy mixture); Martha, a Yorkie; Carson, a Golden Doodle; and Paul, also a Doodle. We all sorta overlap during the holidays. Since I excel at jumpin’ over stuff, Dad taught Paul to stand still, an taught me to jump over him. Then we both got treats. Me an him also had matching Christmas sweaters one year. He’s in Dog Heaven now. We’ve only been here since August so I haven’t met many fellow pooches. There is a liddle black neighbor dog down the street I hope to meet soon.” Heading home, I was thinkin’ about Neville livin’ in the exciting world of baa-LAY, an how impressive he was doin’ all those Cool Kibbles moves. An feelin’ grateful the only “leaping” I haffta do is tumblin’ into the pool an getting’ onto an off of my comf-tubble easy chair. Till next time, Hi Dog Buddies! Bonzo says nimble Neville’s a talented little devil The Bonz Don’t Be Shy We are always looking for pets with interesting stories. To set up an interview, email [email protected]. Neville. PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES January 12, 2023 B9 IS IT LOW FIRST OR HIGH FIRST? By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist Vernor Vinge, a science fiction author and retired professor of mathematics and computer science, wrote, “So high, so low, so many things to know.” In bridge, sometimes it is critical to know whether to follow suit with a low card or a high one, or to ruff high or low. Which is relevant in today’s deal? South plunged into six spades, hoping to buy a good dummy. West led the spade three: five, six, queen. How should declarer have continued? West — the coward! — let the unfavorable vulnerability dissuade him from bidding four hearts, the normal action with an eight-card suit even against a strong two-club opening. The original declarer could see only two heart losers and thought that he could ruff them in the dummy. He cashed the heart ace, dropping East’s queen. South paused, taking a quick look at East. Could that queen really be a singleton? No, it was obviously a false-card. He ruffed the heart six with the spade seven. Disaster! East overruffed and returned his last trump. Now declarer had no home for the heart jack and had to finish down one. If only South hadn’t gone low when he should have gone high. He should have ruffed the heart six with the spade 10. Then he would have returned to his hand with a club to the ace and ruffed the heart jack with the spade seven. He would have been happy for East to overruff. Declarer would have had no loser remaining. He would have won East’s return, drawn the last trump and claimed the slam. Dealer: South; Vulnerable: East-West NORTH 10 7 5 4 Q 9 5 8 7 5 4 3 2 WEST 3 K 10 9 8 7 5 3 2 6 4 K J SOUTH A K Q J 4 2 A J 6 A K 3 A EAST 9 8 6 Q J 10 8 7 2 Q 10 9 6 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: 3 Spades SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2 Clubs 3 Hearts Pass Pass 3 Spades Pass 4 Spades Pass 6 Spades Pass Pass Pass
B10 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES www.veronews.com The Telegraph How to do Sudoku: Fill in the grid so the numbers one through nine appear just once in every column, row and three-by-three square. The Telegraph SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (JANUARY 5) ON PAGE B12 ACROSS 7 Daydreamer Mitty? (6) 8 Pedestrian (6) 10 Caressing (7) 11 Ground meat (5) 12 Long African river (4) 13 Mistaken; illegal (5) 17 Debonair (5) 18 Night flier (4) 22 Currently being televised? (2,3) 23 Ale mug (7) 24 Croatian capital (6) 25 Yellowish (skin) (6) DOWN 1 Passing card through reader (7) 2 Slightly (1,6) 3 Commence (5) 4 Consonance (7) 5 Black-and-white stinker (5) 6 Inlet (5) 9 Worsen (9) 14 String band? (7) 15 Wickerwork boat (7) 16 Difficult to make out (7) 19 Beer, wine and spirits (5) 20 Loose-fitting (5) 21 Pound bread (5)
Serving mainland Indian River County VeroNews/Sebastian River News | GAMES January 12, 2023 B11 ACROSS 1 Those in need of a change 7 The awful tooth 11 TV band abbr. 14 Son of Rose Kennedy 17 Polar masses 19 Vera’s intro? 20 Egg size 22 Sun rooms 23 Author of Guys and Dolphins? 25 What happened when we aroused a pike’s pique? 27 Actress Lanchester 28 Old phone co. 29 Ocular phenomenon 30 Wall St. hotshots 34 Superlative ending 35 Eng. award 37 Confines 41 Beverage that perfectly complements a fish sandwich? 46 Violin aperture 47 Media mogul known by one name 48 Grow weary 49 ___ moss 51 Pot pie morsel 52 Nice negative 53 Sense No. 6 56 Relative of a loach poacher? 60 Tell ___ 62 Possessed 64 Nursery buy 65 In addition 66 Shark survivor’s comment, Part 1 70 Comment, Part 2 75 Rodent reaction 76 Part of NEA 78 Ingrid’s Anastasia co-star 79 Russian city 80 Comment, Part 3 86 Short while 88 Final hour 89 Eth addition 90 Long-time Nair rival 91 Grandson of Eve 93 Lake transit 95 Place 98 Comment, Part 4 102 “She’s not ___ today” 104 Jolson’s real first name 105 Rent-to-___ 106 Type of principal: abbr. 107 Letters on letters to GIs 108 Poetic contraction that’s missing a V 110 REO Speedwagon’ s O 112 How whales got that way? 120 Where the Fish-Pun Hall of Fame is? 121 Dawdled 123 Triangle type 124 Actor Morales 125 Skewered 126 Inquire 127 Counsel Cohn 128 Send out 129 Sect member, ca. 100 B.C. DOWN 1 Grafton’s ___ for Burglar 2 “Don’t have ___, man” 3 First name in 1930s horror 4 Canon ending 5 Country-rock star Steve 6 Pitchman 7 Virtual pets et al. 8 “There Oughta Be ___” 9 Alaskan gold rush hub 10 Oscar-winning Scott 11 Sketchy 12 Instrument with 47 strings 13 Part of CFC 14 Be victorious 15 Mental mediators 16 Cubs’ home 18 Claims something to be true 21 ___ Cleves 24 Fish trap 26 Gnaw on 30 Word for God 31 Scam 32 Elton’s lyricist 33 Subway stop: abbr. 35 “A ___ formality” 36 Remus’s Fox and Rabbit, e.g. 37 A Godfather co-star 38 Junior-to-be 39 Fonda’s beekeeper 40 Anjou or bosc 42 Ernesto the freedom fighter 43 Laotian money 44 Biblical land of gold 45 Ms. Stahl 50 Squeal 54 Like an 007 martini 55 Dance step 57 Small part of the works 58 Road help 59 Type of salmon 61 BBC’s nickname (with “the”) 63 Old-phone user 67 Southern general 68 Popular corn chip 69 Org. that busts gun-runners 71 Salzburg’s nation: abbr. 72 Cara and Ryan 73 Some voices 74 Firstborn, in a way 77 Flower features 80 Chopped mixture 81 Poker stake 82 Fortune teller 83 Actress Hildegarde 84 Gaelic pop star 85 Two, to a torero 87 Half of D 92 Stalk 94 Lord Byron’s daughter 96 Sound ___ (very strong) 97 Chicago university 99 Florida county 100 Little ones that give a hoot 101 Lay bare 103 Machete, for one 108 The king, in Spanish 109 Golfer Ernie 111 With “eye,” public blights 112 Trajectories 113 Prefix meaning “wine” 114 Micro or macro ending 115 War movie river 116 Foul mood 117 Gershwin et al. 118 Desperate 119 Observed 120 Govt. building manager 122 Cold war monogram The Telegraph The Washington Post PERSONALITY BREAKDOWN By Merl Reagle Established 18 Years in Indian River County (772) 562-2288 | www.kitchensvero.com 3920 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach FL 32960
B12 January 12, 2023 VeroNews/Sebastian River News | CALENDAR www.veronews.com Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge tours, Weds. at 8 a.m. through April 26. 772-581-5557 Riverside Theatre: “Man of La Mancha” on the Stark Stage thru Jan. 22. 772-231-6990 or RiversideTheatre.com Riverside Theatre: Weekly Fri. and Sat. Comedy Zone and Live on the Loop concerts. RiversideTheatre.com First Friday Gallery Strolls, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Vero Beach Arts District. 13 Indian River Symphonic Association presents the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine, with musical director Theodore Kuchar and pianist Stanislav Khristenko, 7:30 p.m. at Community Church of VB. 772- 778-1070 or IRSymphonic.org 13-15 Ballet Vero Beach presents Tastemakers, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat. at Vero Beach High School PAC, $10 to $75. Hour-long Accessible/ Family Friendly performance 2 p.m. Sun., $10. Balletverobeach.org or 772-905-2651 13-29 Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents the comedy “Visiting Mr. Green.” VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com or 772-562-8300 14 Treasure Coast Jazz Society presents Mark Green’s Band ‘Salute to Duke Ellington,’ 12:30 p.m. at Oak Harbor Club. 772- 234-4600 14 Crossings, a Vero Beach Art Village benefit concert featuring guitarist Greg Reiter, folk artist Rebeka Autumn, and saxophonist James Broxton, 7 p.m. at Raw Space Gallery. $12 at door (cash or check only). 14 Martin Luther King Scholarship Banquet, 6 p.m. at Gifford Youth Achievement Center. $35. 772-563-3295 14 Vero Beach International Music Festival presents the Mike Block Trio, featuring mandolinist Joe. K. Walsh, bass player Zachariah Hickman, and cellist Mike Block, 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Free; donations to Mike Block String Camp Scholarship Fund appreciated. VeroBeacchInternational MusicFestival.com Sudoku Page B10 Sudoku Page B11 Crossword Page B10 Solutions from Games Pages in January 5, 2023 Edition ACROSS 1 CARRY 4 OKAY 7 BAAS 8 UPPERCUT 9 THEMESONG 10 SEE 12 ADORES 14 ELICIT 16 OAR 18 METHODIST 21 CREWNECK 22 YORK 23 DRAG 24 RADAR DOWN 1 CRASHED 2 ROSEMARY 3 YOURS 4 OGRE 5 AZURE 6 SPONGE 11 WILDEYED 13 STEREO 15 INSURER 17 AIRER 19 HIKER 20 TWIG Crossword Page B11 (PERSONALITY BREAKDOWN) ONGOING JANUARY Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services to the community an opportunity to make themselves known to our readers at an affordable cost. This is the only business directory mailed each week. If you would like your business to appear in our directory, please call 772-633-0753. This is also where we publish Fictitious Name or “Doing Business As” notices, Public Notices and Employment ads. To place one, please email [email protected]. BUSINESS DIRECTORY - ADVERTISING INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BUSINESSES ARE you turning 65 or new to Medicare? ARE you looking to review Medicare Choices for 2023. I can help you with over 10+years of experience, the dedication and honesty of a LOCAL INDEPENDENT agent that specializes in Medicare choices. Rose Mary McIlvain Treasure Coast Insurance Sources MAKE IT YOUR CHOICE! 772-766-1558