To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE April 11, 2024 B11 the insurance industry. Many people wanted to help but did not have the knowledge or means. Donna Martin showed them how. Among Brad’s many interests, he liked to play golf. After his passing, Donna created the “Choose to Live in a Dream” Brad Martin Memorial Tournament, this year to be held on Aug. 10 in North Yarmouth, Maine. The date is symbolic – it is always the second Saturday in August, as close to Brad’s birthday as possible. All proceeds go directly to Dr. Suneet Agarwal’s study to help find a cure for DC. Despite Brad’s illness, he chose to not let his disease define him. While being at the ski mountain at Sugarloaf in Maine, Brad’s love, he stated “I choose to live in a dream.” His generosity of DNA samples, so that others would not suffer, motivates Martin and those who knew him to keep fighting the fight and support Brad’s choice to participate in this very specific bone marrow study. Martin started a website, choosetoliveinadream.com, where you can learn more about Brad, the golf tournament in his honor, and the efforts to find a workable cure for DC. Martin can be reached at: [email protected]. She is a one-woman force on a very specific mission: to create awareness and support for those searching for a cure for Dyskeratosis Congenita.
B12 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com Kids from 1 to 90 colored recently Fort Pierce beautiful in honor Edwin Binney, a St. Lucie County resident who invented Crayola crayons. The Fort Pierce Art Club hosted the community event in the Riverwalk Center where families could partake of a plethora of free Crayola activities. Special guests were invited to a VIP breakfast at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, where descendants of Binney and Corporate Crayola representatives were welcomed by Fort Pierce Art Club president Jeanne Johansen. The guests of honor then visited the community center where dozens of children and adults were having fun with color. Some were creating lasting memories by coloring with crayons. Others were intent on molding clay into their favorite shapes and animals, while still others were experimenting with the hues of watercolor. Outside, everyone was invited to create chalk drawings on the patio and even on the walls of the building – a rare treat for most. Amid the sounds of laughter and squeals of delight from the children running from station to station to take in all the activities and collect free Crayola crayons, children’s books and stickers, were accolades from parents who heralded the event as a brilliant family fun day. Johansen created the Color Fort Pierce Beautiful event to highlight Binney’s contribution to the Fort Pierce community, but insists there are ghosts and angels helping her. “I visited Fort Pierce in 1999 and saw a woman carefully attending to a monument on Indian River Drive. After she left I looked at it a saw it was honoring Edwin Binney. Then I noticed the Binney Drive street sign. That inspired me to do some research and I found out he was the inventor of Crayola Crayons in 1903 and he lived in Fort Pierce from 1911 to 1934,” Johansen said. “He became a part of the community and was the driving force behind the dredging of the Fort Pierce Inlet and opening the Port of Fort Pierce in 1922. Somehow his name and BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent COLOR FORT PIERCE! From left: Dominique Ceser and Julian Lucks; Aubriana Marton; Fort Pierce Art Club president Jeanne Johansen and vice president Bianca Longo; and Scarlett Atkins. PHOTOS: KERRY FIRTH
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B14 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com Port St. Lucie’s fourth annual Green Art Showcase opened April 1 at the Community Center, featuring the work of local artists to promote environmental awareness during Earth Month. The exhibition of artwork consisting of at least 50 percent recycled materials is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily through April 30 at the Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd. “This unique event invites creatives of all ages to explore the beauty and potential of recycled materials by transforming them into stunning artworks,” said city spokeswoman Sarah Prohaska. Initiated in 2021, the showcase offers a unique spin to the creation of art using recycled materials to help the audience reflect on the importance of preserving the environment. “We hope all enjoy the creativity of our local artists,” said Kelly Tiger, the city’s special events administrator. The city Parks and Recreation Department issued a call to all creatives to submit images of their artworks for consideration for display in the Community Center. Described as “a celebration of creativity and environmental sustainability,” the display of art made with recycled materials aims to “educate and inspire people to be more mindful of their environmental impact,” the call for submissions says. Common themes in the artwork at the showcase included aquatic features, nature and the United States of America. Audience members can engage with artwork portraying jellyfish, a pineapple, flowers, and even a sandhill crane. An origami display demonstrates how to recycle old cards and turn them into something new. Recycled materials used included buttons, bottle caps, woven plastic bags and CDs. Artist Christina Pavlick said her “Bumblebee” was made from recycled plastic bags and “crocheted with love.” Visitors can enjoy the 24 pieces in the hallway outside of the fitness room at the Community Center. Some of the art works are available for purchase, while others have already been sold, such as artist Brenda Alfred’s cork “The Small American Flag.” BY TAYLOR POSIK | Correspondent Green Art Showcase opens at Community Center for Earth Month
The inaugural Port St. Lucie Jump Jam Fest will be at Clover Park on Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14. Gates will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. “It’s a two-day family experience,” said Angel Fernandez, co-organizer. “We have designated zones with mega inflatables.” Bounce houses, you say? No, bigger than that. Way bigger. “These are not bounce houses,” Fernandez remarked. “They’re huge inflatables. They’re 98-by-120 square feet, and 100-by-100. “There’s one called ‘Green Bay.’ That’s a sports-themed obstacle course type inflatable. You can run around through different sports team obstacles. The other one is ‘Big Bounce.’ That’s big open play with a castle structure with high walls, about 30-feet high.” That’s just the start of the activities. “The event also provides different zones including a game zone,” Fernandez said. With games such as Jenga and Connect 4, only supersized for outdoor family fun. There will also be cornhole and other fair games. “There’ll be face painters, and people dressed up in character like pirates,” said Fernandez. The event benefits the Jeff Luc Foundation. Luc is a football linebacker who played for Treasure Coast High School and then Florida State University. He signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2015, but quickly moved to the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets. Then he went to Canada to join the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts. By 2019 Luc was in the U.S. again playing for the short-lived Alliance of American Football. Then he played for the Champions Indoor Football league. He’s now playing for the Colorado Spartans with the National Arena League. While Luc might not have achieved football superstar status, he’s beaten the odds to have a professional sports career. The NCAA reported in 2020 that of the more than 1 million high school football players only 7.3 percent, or 73,000, played at the college level. Going from college to pro has even stiffer odds. Of those 73,000 collegiate football players, only 1.6 percent went to professional teams. But, NPR reported a few years ago that 26 percent of parents with youths in high school sports hope their children will play professionally. That percentage grows to almost 40 percent among lower-income parents. This is where the foundation comes in – helping youths understand their sports-career opportunities extend beyond fields. “The founTo Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE April 11, 2024 B15 BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent 510 NW University Blvd., Suite 106, Port St. Lucie 34986 772.281.2650 www.TraditionElectricInc.com Licensed & Insured lic# EC13003314 “High Quality & Prompt Service is our Tradition” • SERVICE UPGRADES • NEW OUTLETS & CIRCUITS • ANNUAL HOME ELECTRICAL CHECKUP • CEILING FANS/LIGHT FIXTURES • GENERATOR/HOME SURGE PROTECTION • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING • RENOVATIONS Family Owned & Operated Residential / Commercial / Service FREE ESTIMATES $50 OFF PORTABLE GENERATOR INTERLOCK KIT Must present coupon when scheduling for discount. Exp. 5/9/24 LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN? dation serves kids specifically in finding alternate career paths,” Fernandez explained. He said the sports world is replete with math and science careers in various fields. “We use that to introduce them to careers adjacent to their (professional sports) goals,” said Fernandez. “We show them that there are viable careers in the (sports) industries they aspire to.” He mentioned, for example, there are many opportunities in sports tourism, such as the Treasure Coast Sports Commission. Fernandez noted there’s also sports journalism, sports law, and others. “It’s introducing them to alternate careers,” said Fernandez. “Life after sports.” Fernandez said the foundation works with larger youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County. Admission to the Jump Jam Festival free, but there will be charges for attractions. Clover Park is at 31 Piazza Dr., St. Lucie West. For more, visit jumpjamfest.com. ‘JUMP JAM FEST’: Inaugural event helps youths’ sports careers outside the lines
B16 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com ‘STRONG’ SUPPORT FOR BOUJEE BAGS-N-BINGO FUNDRAISER Tracey Yodice, left, marks off a square on her Bingo card at the Team Miranda Strong Boujee Bags-n-Bingo event in Port St Lucie on April 3. The event raised funds to help the nonprofit purchase inhalers for those who need them and to raise awareness of allergies and asthma. Nancy Molinelli shows off the purses that were up for grabs at the event, while AJ Lapovsky displays the bag she won. PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN
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B20 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com The Chamber Singers, the classical chorale of Treasure Coast Community Singers, will present the beautiful music of Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living on April 13-14. Forrest is a highly regarded choral composer whose works are performed by professional ensembles and church choirs throughout the world. “Requiem for the Living” ranges in musical color from aggressive rhythmic sections, heard in “Vanitas Vanitatum” especially, to lyrical and ethereal melodies which touch the heart and soul of the listener, heard in “Agnus Dei” and “Lux Aeterna.” Four additional anthems by Forrest will be included in this program (“Be Thou My Vision,” “Good Night, Dear Heart,” “Song of the Earth,” and “O God Beyond All Praising”). The Chamber Singers will be accompanied by extraordinary pianist Carol Paul and the eight-piece Chamber orchestra. The soloists for this concert are Karen Barnes, Pat Miller and Mike Baruffi, all members of the Chamber Singers chorale. The concert on Saturday, April 13, will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2221 NE Savannah Rd., Jensen Beach. Sunday’s concert, April 14, will be presented at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, 350 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. The choral ensemble will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra of professional musicians under the direction of Dr. Douglas P. Jewett, recipient of the 2023 Council on Aging Sage Award. Concert time is 3 p.m. both days. To purchase tickets, visit tccsingers.org. CHAMBER SINGERS PRESENT FORREST HOMAGE – CONTRIBUTED Safety Fest: Another bang-up event on tap The St. Lucie County Safety Festival, supposed to be a one-time thing, has become an annual institution. “This is our 10th year of South Florida’s largest safety festival,” said Douglas Farrell, event organizer. “It showcases what our first responders do each and every day to keep St. Lucie citizens and homeowners safe.” Returning to the safety festival for the third year is the St. Lucie County Education Foundation 2K Community Color Fun Run. The event is open to youngsters and adults. Registration for the fun run kicks off on Saturday, April 27, at Clover Park, 31 Piazza Dr., St. Lucie West, at 7:30 a.m. The run begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $30 at efslc.org. There’s a “Fun Run” link on the left. Runners will be splashed with a washable corn starch based temporary paint. Although the paint is washable, runners might want to show up in older run wear. After the 2K, the free safety festival – also at Clover Park – will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We’ve got live demonstrations,” Farrell said, by the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the St. Lucie County Fire District and, of course, the Sheriff’s Office. The police department will show off its tactical team at 10:30 a.m. following the Sheriff’s Office K9 demonstration at 10 a.m. “Those (demonstrations) are fast-action with the guns. They do the bangs and all that. Everybody should be aware of what these guys can do. Just the way they move and back each other up.” The lawmen aren’t the only ones with an abundance of adrenaline. “The Fire Department will show the difference in fire alarms and smoke detectors,” Farrell said. “They literally set a trailer on fire.” The burn trailer demonstration will be at 9:30 a.m. The firefighters will have their own loud demonstration at 11 a.m. – by showing off their talent with hydraulic rescue tools. Farrell said at press time the fire district hasn’t announced which of their many hydraulic rescue tools they’ll demonstrate. A popular one is the high-powered spreader invented by George Hurst in the 1960s colloquially known as the jaws of life. “The Port St. Lucie Police Department, in addition to their live demonstration, are going to do a bike rodeo for the kids,” said Farrell. The bike rodeo and bike giveaway will start at 9:20 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively. Officers will show children how to properly wear bike helmets, which are required by law for riders 16 and younger. They will also go over safe riding practices, such as being aware of potentially turning vertical traffic as well as horizontal traffic when entering crosswalks. When the youngsters aren’t at the bike rodeo or demonstrations, they’ll enjoy the free kids’ zone with face painting and bounce houses. Youngsters will also enjoy the annual Touch-A-Truck, a chance to get on first responders’ vehicles. “We expect to have two helicopters on site,” Farrell said. “One from the Sheriff’s Office, one from the Fire District.” There will be about 100 vendors on hand, and “we’ve also got a food court with all the food trucks,” said Farrell. BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent Gaby Simpson, top photo, leaps across the finish line with fellow participants Alexandria Hall, Lily Martinson and Kate Capezza during the United Against Poverty Fool’s Day 5K race on March 30 at Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce. Above, Josh Negron finished in first place in the event. Below, Genia and Sami Leonard participated. Bottom, all the runners received special medals. PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN FOOL’S DAY 5K WAS ONE FUN RUN
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY April 11, 2024 B21 The Port St. Lucie Business Club hosted its 6th networking event at St. Lucie Lanes on March 26, marking a successful evening with 84 local business professionals in attendance. The event featured the launch of the “Networking Superstar Award,” with Dawn Cushing (pictured with Nicholas Scalice, founder of the PSL Business Club) honored as the inaugural recipient for her significant contributions to the local business community. Additionally, the club spotlighted Team Miranda Strong, a local nonprofit, as part of its commitment to community support. The evening was further enhanced by a 360 Photo/Video Booth from 3C LMNTS, providing a unique and engaging experience for attendees. With the support of local businesses and contributions from various individuals, the event underscored the club’s dedication to fostering professional growth and collaboration within the Port St. Lucie business community. The Port St. Lucie Business Club is a free local business club open to all business professionals. With over 3,000 members and growing, it’s becoming a great resource in our community. For more information or to join go to, facebook.com/groups/pslbusinessclub to join for free. NETWORKING KNOW-HOW – CONTRIBUTED
B22 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com Practice areas Main Headquarters: 2940 S. 25th Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 The Estate, Trust & Elder Law Firm,PL_SPEC 4_PR561 COMPLIMENTARY 1 Hour Nursing Home Consult* *Provided that our firm is a good fit for your goals Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? Are you a family caregiver? Do you have a loved one paying out of pocket for in-home, assisted living, or skilled nursing home expenses? Does your spouses income go to the nursing home? “ETELF got my husband’s nursing home bill paid!” Kathy Graham, Wife of actual client Prospective clients may not obtain same or similar results Don’t wait until your family is out of money and options! Your family has questions and we have over 60 years of experience combined. Visit www.ETELF.com WesLey r. Harvin ii, j.d., LL.m. micHaeL d. FoWLer, j.d., LL.m., b.c.s Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Of-Counsel • Long-Term Care Medicaid • Estate and Trust Planning • Senior Exploitation • Probate & Trust Administration RSVP to An Upcoming Seminar (772) 828-2588 Additional Offices In Port St. Lucie And Stuart Tradition Preparatory High School hosted its first-ever Student Symposium, on March 28 at the new high school located at 10970 Tradition Parkway, Port St. Lucie. The Symposium featured a diverse range of events and activities highlighting the academic achievements and community engagement of Tradition Prep students and the surrounding community. The Symposium included student research presentations as well as a career fair and college fair, providing students with valuable insights into various career paths and educational opportunities. Additionally, students had opportunity to attend information sessions, many led by their school mates, on topics such as biomedical interventions, computer science and engineering investigations, current cellular biology and chemistry research, internships, Florida Atlantic Marine Research, FIU research, environmental issues, and robotics. “It was inspiring; it reignited my excitement for learning,” said senior Sam Pacheco, who added he especially appreciated the peer-to-peer learning opportunities that helped presenters practice their social skills and share their learning. “Research shows we learn by doing and learn better from our peers. It benefits us and others.” Master Classes in the theater and musical arts were given by Tradition Prep teachers and local professionals and talks on a variety of topics included Running and Operating a Small Business Franchise, How to Manage Life as a Collegiate Athlete, and Life After High School. Beep and Tim, the self-driving cars in Tradition, made a cameo appearance as Tradition Prep’s own 11th-grade student Ava Shelly, the youngest female pilot to complete three solo flights, arrived on the school’s sports field via helicopter. In keeping with Tradition Prep’s commitment to civic engagement, the Symposium also provided information and opportunities for voter registration and community involvement. Future voters aged 16 received info on how to pre-register to vote, ensuring that they are automatically on the voter rolls when they turn 18. Rep. Tobin Overdorf, St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend and St. Lucie County Election Supervisor Gertrude Walker were guest speakers in those sessions. ‘INSPIRING’: Rave reviews for Tradition Prep High’s first-ever Student Symposium – CONTRIBUTED Clockwise from above left: Kayla Thompson dissects a balloon made to imitate a fish stomach full of microplastics; student Isabella Jurovschi learns to draw blood with teacher Jennifer Simmons; student Ava Shelly flies a helicopter; student presenter Keisha Youyoute for Civic Responsibility & Engagement; presenters St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections Gertrude Walker and County Commissioner Cathy Townsend; and students Leyla Pantoja and Connor Benson practice their resume writing skills. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARYANN KETCHAM
PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY April 11, 2024 B23 I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S WEARING BOUTIQUE The Shops at St. Lucie West 1339 St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 772-245-7997 • sheswearing.com prepare to be admired Honorees accept their awards during the St. Lucie County Education Foundation Hall of Champions Luncheon in St. Lucie West on March 27. Clockwise from above left, retired St. Lucie Schools Superintendent Wayne Gent was inducted into the Hall of Champions; Scott Van Duzer was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award; Keith Davis, principal of Samuel S. Gaines Academy, and Travis Leonard of A&G Pools were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Inset left, Thom Jones, president St. Lucie County Education Foundation, spoke at the event. Port St. Lucie is seeking volunteers for the annual spring cleaning, which kicks off with the 29th Caring Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at City Hall at 7:30 a.m. where they will be provided free T-shirts and litter collection tools and assigned a location in the city to clean up. The cleanup will officially begin at 8:30 a.m. The cleanup sites were chosen based upon complaints about litter, city records show. Schools, parks and other high-profile locations will also be targeted by the Litter Crew. A map of priority cleanup areas will be highlighted and handed out to participants. However, volunteers may also request to focus on other locations in need of attention. “Residents play a key role in helping to prevent and remove trash in their neighborhoods,” said Kelly Tiger, the city’s special events administrator. A free breakfast will be provided by Walmart, and a free lunch will be provided by FCC Environmental Services. Exhibitors will also be hosting booths to reach out to the public. Among the participants are the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, the Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department and Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful. The Clean Up Day will also have activities at City Hall, 121 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd. Children can receive a face painting, glitter tattoos, and balloons from Joanne Balloon Twisting. Music will be played by the DJ service, Bryan Vitta Entertainment. A raffle to win St. Lucie Mets tickets will also be available for attendees to participate in. Last year, the Caring Community Cleanup had a turnout of 206 attendees. This year, the expected number of volunteers is approximately 200 people. Anyone interested can register online. Walk-ins are also welcome. “We’d love to exceed last year’s attendance,” said Meighan Beckett, the manager of the Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful Program. In addition to the cleanup day, city officials encouraged city residents to take part in helping “keep Port St. Lucie beautiful” throughout the month of April. Photos taken during the cleanup efforts can be sent to [email protected] or shared on social media platforms. “This event is a wonderful example of how much we can accomplish when we work together toward our goal of keeping Community Caring Cleanup Day set for this Saturday Port St. Lucie beautiful,” said Beckett. “It’s a day full of teamwork, community pride and fun. Every individual who participates is making a difference in our neighborhoods and across the city.” In Port St. Lucie volunteers collected 2,868 pounds of litter last year. That included shopping carts, tires, car batteries, abandoned bicycles and an unfortunate alligator that died. The next Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful event will be the annual KPSLB Appreciation Night at a St. Lucie Mets game on 6:10 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Clover Park, 31 Piazza Dr., St. Lucie West. Fans who bring two nonperishable food items, which will go to the Treasure Coast Food Bank, get in free. There will be a $5 parking charge for cars. For more information about Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful, call at 772-871-7000. Correspondent Patrick McCallister contributed to this report. BY TAYLOR POSIK | Correspondent The Hall (of Champions) calls
B24 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | PETS www.stlucievoice.com PHOTO: JOSHUA KODIS Hi Dog Buddies! Bonz meets a real honey bunny, who’s also funny! This week I was honored to be the very first Canine to have an ackshull converSAY-shun with (or even get close to) my innerview-ee, a fellow pet who brings FLUFFY an CUDDLY to a whole new level of adorable-ness. Bunny Naffziger is a Rhinelander RAHbutt, with white sox an Calico colored fur. Once his Daddy assured him I wasn’t goin’ to 1. Chase him, or 2, Devour him, or 3, Make Disparaging remarks, we had a fascinating an occasionally huh-LARRY-us conver-SAY-shun. Heretofore, I only had a Passing acquaintance with rabbits, only when I was in my yard an glanced up in time to watch ’em Passing By at 90 MPH, fleeing from a scary, dangerous predator, which I later ree-lized was ME. A nice man opened the door holding a bundle of golden fluff against his chest. I couldn’t see a face cuz the fluffball had it tucked under the man’s arm. The man invited us in an I PRU-dently sat sorta scrunched over, NOT exposing my teeth. The man rearranged the fluffball to reveal am Adorable face, long velvety-lookin’ ears, wiggly nose an bright brown eyes. He then reassured the bunny that although I was a D.O.G., I was an x-CEP-shun to the Major Rabbit Rule: “When you see a DOG, RUN!!” He gently placed the fluffball on a liddle rug (“The Carrot Carpet”), conveniently located front of the fridge. He retrieved a few carrot sticks an held one above the bunny’s head. WELL, to my great suh-prise, that bunny stood straight up on his back feet an nabbed it, then plopped back down an began delicately nibbling, making soft munching sounds an wigglin’ his liddle bunny nose, which was Waay Beyond Adorable. As he stood for his carrot, I noticed his tail – a round white fluffball, and a hansome finishing touch, I thought. When the Carrot had been dispatched, the liddle rabbit looked up at me, an in a soft voice, said, “Hello! I am being Bunny Naffziger, an this being my Daddy, Michael. Being elsewhere are My Mommy Lindsay, my brother Jagger, an my sister Alyzsa-in-college. I also having Aunt Julia, Uncle Martin an Aunt Sarah. “Daddy saying I should not feel any Scares cuz you’re a Very Good an Puhlite Dog, an also saying I can be sharing for you my STORY.” “I would be honored, Bunny,” I replied, un-scrunching, an opening my notebook. Bunny’s Daddy lifted him onto his lap, taking care to support his caboose (which he later informed me was very important so he’d feel secure). All settled in, the sporty liddle Fluffball began. “When I being young rahbutt, I’m inna nice famly with liddle kids. I living mostly inna nice, big cage. Then, when I being one-anna-haff-or-two, they moving an cannot any more keeping me. So, Daddy says, him an Mommy an Alyzsa an Jagger in-HARE-ited me an all my STUFF. Daddy an Mommy thinking I’d keep living in my big cage, but they starting takin’ me out lots for cuddling, playing, an Carrots. Finally I just not any more goin’ in cage. “Then I living on padio till very too cold. Now I’m living all in house, an Daddy calling me a Free-Roaming Rah-butt. In case you wonder, I am Very Good an No Troubles. (Except maybe when I being younger bunny, eating a hole in the drywall.) Now I clean an tidy an only doing my Duty on my P Pad, an if Daddy or Mommy forget putting it down, I sit with patience while giving ’em my Serious Bunny Stare. “The first time Daddy taking me for my Annual Check-Up, the rah-butt doctor was putting words onna paper an asking Daddy stuff like how old was I? He didn’t know.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ADVICE April 11, 2024 B25 After the price of Francis Clark’s dishwasher fell, Best Buy agreed to refund him $150. But now it won’t pay. What’s going on? Q. I bought a Bosch dishwasher for $1,100 from Best Buy recently. A week later, Best Buy lowered the price of the dishwasher by $100 and a week later by another $50. I contacted Best Buy by chat and asked for a price match. It agreed to issue a refund during a chat session. Best Buy said it could take up to two credit card billing cycles, but after my second billing cycle, I still didn’t see the refund. I contacted Best Buy again, and this time, a representative said they would not issue a refund because it was outside the return and exchange window. But the reason it was outside the window was because of Best Buy’s delay. Can you help me get the $150? A. If Best Buy promised you a refund, it should have followed through. Normally, businesses will price-match a product at the time you buy it, but not afterward. But at the time you had already purchased your appliance, Best Buy’s policy was to price match during your return window. It’s not clear why Best Buy didn’t honor its agreement. You had the promise in writing. You did a nice job of keeping a paper trail. (You should always keep a record of your correspondence with a company, especially when it comes to a refund.) You asked for a refund twice – the first time when the price fell by $100 and then again when it fell by another $50. That may have confused Best Buy’s system, which had already authorized one refund. It looks like they may have canceled each other out. But that wasn’t the problem. Best Buy then treated your case as if it was brand new. You waited patiently for your two credit card cycles to end and then asked again, and that’s when Best Buy told you it was too late. This seems like a case of one hand not knowing what the other is doing, which happens often at big companies. An email to one of the executive contacts at Best Buy might have cleared things up. I list the names, numbers and emails of the customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. You reached out to my consumer advocacy organization, and I contacted Best Buy on your behalf. Best Buy responded to you the next day. A representative promised to fix the problem. “Today, I see the correct credit on my card,” you reported. “Thank you!” Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (https://elliottadvocacy.org), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@ elliott.org or get help by contacting him at https://elliott advocacy.org/help/ Best Buy promised me a $150 refund. Now it won’t pay! The Bonz What was my name? He didn’t know (but said it was Bunny). Had I had the No Bunnies Pro-SEED-jure? He didn’t know. Daddy thought he was the Worst Bunny Daddy EVER, but he’s ackshully the BEST Bunny Daddy ever, in my opinion.” “Other than carrots, what sort of foodstuffs do you eat?” I inquired. “I getting hayl grane an pelluts, seeds, veggies, dried carrots. A natch-rull diet. An, for Very Speshull Occasion, I getting Most Wonderful Treat Ever: APPLESAUCE. It’s the only time I making Joyful Squeaks. I also wash my face after applesauce cuz I getting it all over.” “Do you travel?” I wondered. “Sometimes in the car with Daddy, but It’s not being my thing. When Daddy an Mommy going away, Daddy’s stoodents taking care of me which I like Very Much. Daddy’s is R-tistic Director at Charter High School an also Uh-sistent Prince or something. So I hanging out with stoo-dents a LOT when they come over. I being very fortunate Rah-butt.” Heading home, I was thinking about all the new things I’d learned about a fellow pet, an thinking how sometimes pooches an rah-butts can be frens. An feelin’ very happy about that. Till next time,
B26 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | SERVICE DIRECTORY/CALENDAR www.stlucievoice.com APRIL 16 Treasure Coast Genealogical Society monthly meeting. 1 p.m. at the Paula A. Lewis Branch Library, 2950 SW Rosser Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Guest speaker is Leslie DeLorenzo and the topic is Scottish Genealogy. ST. LUCIE VOICE BUSINESS DIRECTORY: SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SERVICES (772) 878-8227 LOSE 30 POUNDS in 6 WEEKS! Safely, no drugs. Regain that youthful energy! PharaTaylor.com BOARDING & DROP-INS Licensed • Insured • Pet CPR & 1st Aid • Very Experienced! 772-777-8030 DYSLEXIA * AUTISM * ADHD TESTING www.JimForgan.com 561-625-4125 Ages 2 - College School Neuropsychologist 22 Earth Day Beach Cleanup. Join the staff of Beach Bowls of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie West at their cleanup. For further information, call their Fort Pierce location at 772-448-4097 or their Port St. Lucie location at 772-807-1456. Sudoku Page B16 Sudoku Page B17 Crossword Page B16 Solutions from Games Pages in March 28th, 2024 Edition Crossword Page B17 (Equivalency Test 2000)
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | BOOKS April 11, 2024 B27 If you look up the word “icon,” or “iconic,” you might find a picture of Enzo Ferrari, which would most likely also include a picture of a luxury Ferrari automobile, in Ferrari red, of course. Few in history have started from literally nothing and accomplished as much as the man from Modena, Italy. Born in 1898, he discovered his life’s work (racing cars) at a young age; he created an eponymous company which produced, and continues to produce, one of the most classic of all luxury automobiles; he started and guided one of the most successful auto racing teams in history, especially in the very exclusive Formula One series; and his various successes continue to manifest in one of the most recognizable luxury brands … worldwide. While he lived, he was generally considered the second most powerful man in Italy – after the Pope. And it was a very close second! Enzo Ferrari lived his live on his terms, bending and shaping events to his needs and to his goals, and because he achieved the very highest levels of success – and, alternatively, endured some of the lowest, most painful experiences imaginable – his life story is rich material for a book, and for movies, and as inspiration for young and old. He is as iconic as it gets. This book, “Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine,” by racing enthusiast and author Brock Yates, was completed and published in 1991, shortly after Ferrari’s death in 1988. It has been updated as of 2023 by Yates’ daughter, Stacy Bradley. She informs that she has done some slight proofing of the text; but mainly, she added a foreword to give context to the re-publication of the book, and an appreciable epilogue detailing the up and down history of the Ferrari company between 1991 and 2023. The book has renewed interest and relevance because it is the basis material for Academy Award-winning director Michael Mann’s film of the same name, featuring actors Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz. In his early years, Ferrari was actually a driver of race cars of the day. The biggest and most successful Italian car racing company then was Alfa, which morphed into Alfa Romeo. He achieved low-level success in terms of victories working with the Alfa company. But mainly, his future was set: He loved the competition, the cars, and the thrill of winning – and that would be his life’s work. Through his drive and steel-willed determination, he was able to set up the “Scuderia Ferrari” in Modena, his hometown. There, he refashioned and upgraded Alfa cars, and served as a kind of “racing division” for Alfa Romeo. His ambition and drive were too big to be part of someone else’s dream, but World War II got in the way. When that war ended, he moved his operation to nearby Maranello, and started producing his own Ferrari racing cars. He attracted some of the best drivers in the world; but he always believed that it was the car, not the driver, that was the key to winning. This book is super-detailed in two respects, just as the title suggests. It covers Ferrari’s life in exquisite detail (i.e., “The Man”). It covers the many highs, as well as the lows, the “warts” and the sad parts of a huge life lived on his terms. His character dominates his life, where racing was primary and everything else was next. He became a deity in Italy, and his Ferrari cars were as much loved and followed as anything ever in that country. His business dealings with the biggest names and companies in racing are so interestingly detailed. The sad parts are mainly the many Ferrari drivers who were killed while driving/racing in Ferrari cars. People perceived him as being distant from his drivers; he did allow for some distance, for just that reason – losing them was so painful, but it was a dangerous sport. However, the drivers were part of the larger whole of operating a winning racing team, and he therefore kept a lot of himself private. Notwithstanding the internal roiling, he carefully curated and protected his public persona. The result: He was loved and worshipped in Italy. The other side of the super-detail which this book gives us, as per the title, is “The Machine.” Author Yates was a racing car driver and racing car journalist. He knew the subject well. He follows the development of Ferrari’s cars from the very first models all the way through to Ferrari’s death, too often with overwhelming details, which is maybe – sometimes – too much for us laypeople. But it is impossible to separate Ferrari from his cars, and the author gives us the complete story of Ferrari racing cars. In that regard, this book is perhaps suitable for an MIT textbook on the subject. Enzo Ferrari’s life story is filled with events and developments which often accrued global significance. When he left the Alpha Romeo connection, that company never again had a presence in auto racing. His dealings with the Agnelli family and Fiat persist to this day. Fiat took an equity position in the Scuderia and kept Ferrari liquid so that he could pursue his dreams. Ultimately, Fiat bought all of Ferrari, but strangely, later, made it an independent company through an IPO. Enzo only cared about the racing part of his operation; his luxury cars, sold to the public at luxury prices, was secondary to him, but necessary to fund his racing operation. Fiat emphasized the value of the public sales. The Formula One series, one of the most popular of all sports worldwide, needed Ferrari and his legions of Ferrari fans. If Ferrari was not present at a race, attendance went down 30 percent; no team brought more fans to the races. Formula One went through many changes, mainly technical requirements for the cars; if Ferrari did not approve them, they were not instituted. He was that powerful in his universe. Ferrari’s personal life is laid out for us vividly, thus giving a complete picture of Enzo “The Man.” He was at heart a simple man, who stayed mostly in Modena where he was born and lived. His work at the Scuderia was the main thing – he let nothing get in the way. He married Laura and had a son, Dino, who was sickly and died in his 20s. A line of Ferrari cars bears the name “Dino Ferrari” in his honor. Ferrari was, however, attracted to ladies, and had a second family across town with Lina, who bore him a second son, Piero. When Laura died, he legitimized both Lina and Piero. Toward the end of his life, Ferrari was treated more like a king than a simple man who started a business. This is a well-written book which is as relevant today as when Ferrari passed away. Enzo Ferrari is a hero – despite some warts – and there is current value to highlight what sheer willpower, determination and relentless pursuit of excellence can accomplish. Author Yates follows in that same spirit, in that he interviewed hundreds of people who knew Ferrari, who were involved in many of the events in the book, etc., and gives it to us in expansive, well-constructed chapters. He even met Ferrari once. This is a story which bleeds in colors of victory and success, of accomplishment and destiny, in which the sum of the parts of Enzo’s life is so much bigger than any one race or series of races, or new model or line of cars, or any merger of business entities. Enzo Ferrari was, and continues to be, bigger than life. Larry David Allman is a resident of PGA Village Verano. His next book, a legal thriller, will be published in June. His prior books are available on Amazon and other platforms. He is a former lawyer and currently a Broker Associate with Branca Realty Professionals. He can be reached at allman. [email protected]. BOOK REVIEW BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN
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 (APRIL 4TH) ON PAGE B11 ACROSS 1. Croon (4) 4. Rook’s cries (4) 8. Impulse (4) 9. Innumerable (9) 11. Protective headgear (6) 13. Cover (7) 15. Drowsy (6) 16. Walkout (6) 18. Seasonings; enlivens (6) 20. Sport (6) 22. Map books (7) 23. Isolated (6) 25. Daintiest (9) 26. Posted (4) 27. Exploited (4) 28. Trade (4) DOWN 2. Golf club (4) 3. Tender (6) 4. Outpost (6) 5. Desires (6) 6. Victors (9) 7. Leave out (4) 10. Resolves (7) 12. Enquires (4) 13. Start (9) 14. Pleas (7) 17. Comfort (4) 19. Pop star Harry (6) 20. Labelled (6) 21. Caught (6) 23. Mislay (4) 24. Largest continent (4) PREVIOUS EDITION’S SOLUTIONS, SEE PAGE B26 B28 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES April 11, 2024 B29 ACROSS 1 Doctor’s order 6 Mix 10 Ann of burlesque 15 Dye vessels 19 Cat lover Cleveland 20 Mother of Ares 21 Some tests 22 Where Xenia is 23 Side dish from the “we use the whole bird” school of cooking? 25 Meat dish for people in a hurry? 27 Mileage, in a way 28 Go hither and yon 29 Flattened beef 31 Hee Haw types 32 Coping mechanism? 33 Auto I.D. 34 Brynner musical setting 36 Midsummer 39 Dessert with a really different aftertaste? 46 Firing 48 Archeologist, often 49 Grants org. 50 Trig function 51 “___ drunkard” (Rick’s response to what his occupation is in Casablanca) 52 Kate Nelligan film based on a Nicholas Gage book 54 Ben-Hur, for a while 56 Direction on a ship 57 Not-too-popular seafood dish? 62 Fan 63 Other than this 64 Abbr. on a ship 65 Pointers 66 Counterfeit 68 Say further 70 Excessively high 71 Said once or twice, it’s OK 72 Pants style or isle 75 Mugs 77 Courtroom VIPs 79 Indiana Jones hates them 83 Everything 84 Dish prepared by a less-than-orderly chef? 88 Sunny st. 89 Sunny st. 90 Cuban in 1990s headlines 91 Superannuated 92 Many moons 94 A conjunction 95 Cavort 98 How to reach an operator, once 100 Appetizer that may be a tad on the salty side? 104 Went (by) quickly 105 Reagan Cabinet guy 106 Bizarre 107 Follow-___ 109 Jungle-picture prop 112 Anagram of 109 Across 113 Napoleon battle site 115 Pathet ___ 118 Dessert that isn’t exactly flying off the shelves? 121 And (with two typos), the least-ordered bakery item ever? 124 Actress Swenson 125 Swiss mathematician 126 Let the cat out 127 Jaleel White role 128 Sign shine? 129 Requires 130 “Fermentarians” 131 Museum with Majas DOWN 1 Elephant Boy star, 1937 2 You love, to Livy 3 Servitude symbol 4 Common verb 5 Nine-headed serpent 6 Bygone Queens stadium 7 Game participant 8 Bother 9 Making a coarse sound 10 Ness portrayer 11 Cicero was one 12 Steamy 13 Type 14 Guadalajara grizzly 15 Encyclopedias, e.g. 16 Starbuck’s boss 17 “Put your pencils down” 18 Cries 24 Hit the lanes 26 Wiesbaden wife 30 Very top 32 Roget abbr. 33 Reasoning 34 Skulks 35 “___ at the office” 36 Teacher Escalante 37 Major Mayan city 38 Polygraph flunkers, maybe 40 Perfect places 41 Obeys 42 Relative by marriage 43 Jack Lemmon played it 44 As a joke 45 Big name in oil 47 Hair-setting stuff 53 Praise 54 Type of old poet 55 Catch sight of 58 Sabbatical span 59 Pi, for one 60 Final Four setting 61 ___ conference 67 Pick up a crying baby? 69 Tiddlywink, e.g. 70 Oppressed one 71 Film terrier 72 Java joints 73 “I’ll ___ it” (judge’s remark) 74 Geometric surface 75 Parting remark 76 American Graffiti car, briefly 77 Automotive A.C. 78 Parting remark 80 Toast word 81 1988 film, ___ the Conqueror 82 Name associated with 81 Down 85 Hawaiian veranda 86 On edge 87 German conjunction 93 Like a desert 95 Decanters 96 Furrows 97 Collars 99 Conditions, perhaps 101 Poi source 102 All wet 103 Perp, to Dirty Harry 108 “Fork it over!” 109 Damage control, sometimes 110 Glass sheet 111 Therefore 112 Far from sanguine 113 Leave at the altar 114 Finishes 115 Suzanne Vega hit 116 Old folks 117 City due W of Helsinki 119 Till bill 120 Set signal 122 Overly 123 Cold remark? The Telegraph The Washington Post ...Culinary gags, and “gag” is the operative word Worst Menu Typos By Merl Reagle
B30 April 11, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com Throwing declarer a nasty curve ball By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist Last week, we looked at the Grosvenor Gambit, whereby a defender obtains the normal result by atypical means. However, sometimes a defender can gain a trick with an abnormal play. Since declarer cannot see through the backs of the cards, he draws the wrong conclusion if given a gentle nudge by a defender. This deal occurred during the 1977 Bermuda Bowl in Manila. Sitting West was Mike Passell. (Please ignore the antiquated auction, but that is how it went.) In seven spades, South has to find the spade queen. The “textbook” lead against a grand slam is a trump. The opponents presumably won’t have bid seven with a hole in the trump suit, so it is a safe lead, giving nothing away. (If your opponents used Roman Key Card Blackwood to check for the trump queen, that deduction is theoretically valid.) Suppose you are the declarer in seven and don’t receive a trump lead. What conclusion do you draw? If the lead is, say, a safe king from K-Q, perhaps there is no inference available. But if it is a potentially dangerous lead, probably it means that the opponent has either no trump or a trump holding from which he doesn’t want to lead. In this deal, if West leads, say, a diamond, it would be normal for South to play West for the spade queen. However, Passell could see that coming. To deflect declarer, he led a trump at trick one! South was convinced that East had the spade queen. After the spade 10 won the first trick, declarer called for dummy’s spade ace. Imagine his shock when East discarded. Dealer: South; Vulnerable: Neither NORTH A J 10 6 A Q J 7 4 6 2 K J WEST Q 7 5 4 6 3 2 J 7 5 Q 6 4 SOUTH K 9 8 2 K 5 A K Q A 10 5 3 EAST 3 10 9 8 10 9 8 4 3 9 8 7 2 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: ?? SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1 Clubs Pass 1 Hearts Pass 1 Spades Pass 3 Spades Pass 4 NT Pass 5 Hearts Pass 5 NT Pass 6 Diamonds Pass 7 Spades Pass Pass Pass
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | SPORTS April 11, 2024 31 High-fives in order for hole-in-one quintet! This time of year is a very special for my wife Denise and I as we prepare to take our annual trip to the Masters, at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Each year we count our blessings for having the privilege to attend what we think is the most spectacular, beautiful and finest-run sporting event in the world. The natural beauty of the course, the impeccable conditions, and the friendly hospitality of the staff make for an unforgettable and memorable experience each time. The following are just a few of the many reasons why attending the Masters, should be a must on your bucket list: 1. Southern hospitality. The people of Augusta are so very kind and display the southern hospitality that the region is so well known for. From the hotel staff to the restaurant staff and most notably the staff at the Masters, you are treated like royalty. 2. Weather. The weather is normally perfect – about 50 to 55 degrees at night, and 65 to 80 during the day are the norms this time of year in central/eastern Georgia. 3. Tournament operation. The tournament is run second to none. It all starts with the beautiful job on moving the traffic efficiently to and from the event. The large grass parking lots off Berckmans Road are awesome and the parking is free – a great way to start your Masters experience. On the walk in from the north gate off Washington Road, you begin to see the natural beauty of the course with the beautiful flowers guarding each side of the walkway and, to the left, the driving range. The golf shop, on the right side just beyond the practice facility, is a must-visit. You can purchase very reasonably priced hats, T-shirts and other great gifts here. It has been speculated that the average gift shop patron purchases about $1,200 of Masters merchandise. As many of you might know, cellphones are not permitted on the grounds. No worries: You can use the AT&T– provided landlines located throughout the property. All calls, to all over the world, are provided at no charge. We had lunch each day at one of the numerous concessions stands that are spread throughout the grounds. We had the famous pimento cheese sandwich, well-known barbecue sandwich, two soft drinks, two snacks, all for $12 … amazing! 4. Tournament experience. The golf course, and our familiarity with it, makes for unmatched excitement. The back nine is where it all begins, with the tough holes of 10 and 11 and the most famous par3 in the world, the 12th hole over Rae’s Creek. The great par-5s of 13 and 15 provide eagle opportunities, and the traditional hole location on 16 also offers the hope of a birdie and, on occasion, a hole-in-one, because of the slopes around the hole. The tough finishing holes of 17 and 18 can also give way to birdie or bogey, providing great drama as the players fight to the finish. 5. The golf course. Augusta National is the star and main attraction. What hits you so vividly is how hilly the golf course is. You enter the course from the right side of hole No. 1, just to the left of the main scoreboard, about 100 yards from the tee. You turn left and walk up a steep hill as you make your way up to the tee and to the rear of the clubhouse. Upon reaching the first tee, you have arrived at the highest point of the property. As you look west from your vantage point in front of the clubhouse, you see the amazing vista of holes 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 18. The size and scope of the property is what strikes you so completely. The only flat holes at August are the par-3 12th and the par-3 16th. All other 16 holes are up and down significant slopes. Some of the other more notable characteristics of the course are the enormous size of the Georgia Pines, which are 60 to 100 feet in height and border all 18 holes. The course is wonderful to walk because all the walking areas are covered with clean and soft pine straw, another great feature. Also, the flowers are awesome with the azaleas and dogwood decorating the course throughout, especially through Amen Corner – holes 11, 12 and 13. Again, I can’t encourage you enough to plan on attending the Masters sometime in your future. It will be one of the most memorable weeks of your golfing life. KEVIN’S KURES By Kevin Perkins MASTERS NEVER FAILS TO MEET EXPECTATIONS The recent hole-in-one onslaught continued at PGA Golf Club in St. Lucie West, with five more golfers recording perfect shots. Clockwise from above left, Joanne Normandin (Ryder course, hole 13, 102 yards, 9-wood), Vincent Abbene (Wanamaker course, hole 17, 146 yards, 7-iron), Dave Gosiewski (Wanamaker course, hole 6, 157 yards, 7-iron), John Durcan (Ryder, hole 7, 165 yards, 6-iron) and Richard Pelletier (Dye course, hole 6, 128 yards, 8-iron) all have reason to smile. Congratulations to all! Richard Pelletier. John Durcan. Joanne Normandin. Vincent Abbene. Dave Gosiewski.