To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE April 25, 2024 B11 “Can’t your husband pick you up?” “No,” I replied, my voice rising. “He’s been dead for 16 years.” Then I burst into tears. Sadly, that was only one of the instances of lack of compassion, caring and basic humanity I encountered during a recent four-day stay at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. That particular exchange occurred when I got a call at 5 p.m. that I was being discharged that night, despite not having had solid food until that morning and not having been out of bed except to go to the restroom. I also needed transport home; hence the comment about my husband. I told them I was afraid to go home to an empty house at night and that I was still wobbly on my feet and the doctor “graciously” allowed me to stay until morning. I ended up in the hospital after a procedure. That afternoon, when I was home, I began to feel ill and the doctor’s office suggested I go to the ER. I spent 6 hours on a bed in the hallway. I was being pumped full of fluids, but since those beds don’t have call buttons, if you need to use the restroom, you have to hope a nurse passes by. If it’s not your nurse, you’re out of luck. The hospital has private rooms, semi-private rooms, and what I call “No-Private” rooms, the ones in the hallway. At 9 p.m., I was admitted to a room. Before I go into the medical care afforded me by doctors I came to call Drs. Incompetent, Arrogant and Insensitive, I want to go on record that the nursing staff was wonderful. They actually listened to what I was saying and acted as advocates for me when they could. Everyone from housekeeping to food service to the nurses were kind and caring. Then there were the doctors, who suffered from Doctor Selective Deafness. That condition means that they talk a lot and don’t listen. They didn’t talk to me and they didn’t talk to each other, which resulted in contradictory orders. One doctor decided my condition required a blood thinner because it put me at risk for clotting. I said no and he looked up, surprised to know I was actually there. I asked why, if I were at risk for clots, I did not have those inflatable compression stockings on. I suggested that, in the first ‘do no harm’ category, we start with those. Since I should have had them on from the beginning, he agreed. Doctors don’t always listen to you, although you know your body best, and you need to be your own advocate. Then I had a symptom which would not resolve itself. I asked the doctors over and over what it was from. Finally, they did a CT scan to find out what was going on. They didn’t bother to consult with the doctor who had performed my procedure, and he didn’t show up in my room until day 3. It turned out to be a benign result of something they had done during the procedure and it would resolve itself, which it eventually did. No CT scan required; just communication between doctors and between doctor and patient. The final indignity came on the last day. They prepared me for discharge and said they were looking into transport. Suddenly, an officious woman walked in and asked who was picking me up. At least she did not mention my husband. I said that transport was being arranged. She said that they did not do transport and I would have to make my own arrangements. I said that I had been told that it would be arranged, that people I knew were working and they thought I was being brought home. I was barely holding onto my temper at this point. Ms. Officious left, came back, and said that they would arrange it this time, but felt compelled to add that “they would be re-educating the community that they do not provide transport.” It reminded me of totalitarian regimes, where they take dissenters and “re-educate them.” Consider me re-educated. Did I happen to mention that under Fun Facts on the message board in my room, it said “She is a reporter”? They did ask for a fun fact, and I think it’s fun. I hope they think so after they read this. There was a bright spot in the whole thing. I am a “hard stick.” It’s hard to find a vein in the one arm I can use. After an IV blew, three nurses tried to find a vein that wouldn’t blow. They brought in one of those blue gloves, filled with warm water, to put on my cold hand. Sometimes that makes veins pop a bit. Two of the nurses worked on the vein and the third stood by, moving the water balloon from hand to hand. Suddenly, in slow motion, it burst, all over everyone. Four people froze in place. Then all eyes turned to me, like three kids caught with the ball and broken window. They looked as if they knew this could go several ways. For me, there was only one choice. I burst out laughing and they did, too. It was such a relief, after so much worry and pain. I just laughed and laughed. They dried me off. I said I wanted a sign for the bed until they changed it that said, “I didn’t do that.” For the rest of their shift, I was the Queen. They were so grateful to me for not saying anything, but the point is, things happen. I would never blame anyone for an innocent mistake, and they apologized. They meant no harm and had my best interests at heart. The doctors could learn a lot from them. SHELLEY KOPPEL MY TAKE Emotionally and otherwise, this hospital stay was not what the doctor ordered
B12 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent REVERSE RAFFLE: A ‘number’ of highlights at Margaritaville celebration Jimmy Buffett would be proud of the way Main Street Fort Pierce kept the Margaritaville party going for their 30th Annual Reverse Raffle Celebration last Saturday. In keeping with the legendary singer’s island vibe, the Pelican Yacht Club was transformed into a tropical paradise overlooking the beautiful Fort Pierce inlet. It was on this ‘one particular harbor’ that the who’s who in Fort Pierce showed up in their brightest Margaritaville attire to celebrate their vibrant Main Street and raise money for future events and revitalization projects. “We’re thrilled to be able to host this event at the Pelican Yacht Club again,” said Doris Tillman, Main Street manager. “The past three years we held it at the Event Venue downtown, which I love, but it just couldn’t accommodate all our guests. We sold 200 tickets to tonight’s event. Here we have the space and the incredible view which is perfect for Margaritaville.” Festivities kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with the exhilarating reverse raffle. In this scenario, hearing your number drawn knocked you out of the running for prizes. Depending on when a number was pulled determined if it won a cash prize. Those holding the last 10 numbers pulled won cash prizes, and the last one standing captured the grand prize of $2,000. Silent-auction items donated by local businesses filled an entire room with a plethora of coveted items. Bidding was swift and secretive as attendees used their cellphones to bid on treasure chests filled with booze, original artwork, vacation packages, dinner certificates, beauty and spa packages, custom jewelry, wine baskets and more. The live auction featured extravagant items such as a commissioned watercolor painting by Colleen Nash Becht; a Taylor Swift-signed CD and guitar; a week’s vacation in Eleuthera; private chef experiences; sunset Tiki parties; original paintings by Doretha Hair Truesdell; Mosaics by Anita Prentice; an A.E. Backus lithograph; and even a SWAT experience. St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky served as the guest auctioneer and was able to keep the bidding lively and entertaining. Throughout the evening the revelers feasted on cheeseburgers in paradise along with other island-inspired cuisine and indulged in tropical libations. Couples Patty Craft, Candice and Tony Lupe, and Doris Tillman. PHOTOS: KERRY FIRTH Gabby Rothman and Shamsher Singh. Sara and Chris Craft.
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B14 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com The city is helping entrepreneurs would-be entrepreneurs to find funding. On Thursday, May 9, the Florida Small Business Development Center, Minority Business Development Center and We Venture, along with the city’s Economic Development Services, will be on hand for the Access to Capital Expo. “The Access to Capital Expo is really focused more on financing for a small business,” explained Elija Wooten, the city’s economic development administrator. “There’ll be (an area) where we’ll have local lenders and small-business providers.” The expo will be noon to 4 p.m. at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 SE Airoso Blvd. Admission is free. Two workshops are scheduled: “Capital Connections: Resources for Funding Success,” at 1 p.m., and “Capital Readiness: Keys to Qualifying for Business Lending,” at 2 p.m. “The first will focus on being ready to go speak to a lender,” said Wooten, while in the second “they’ll speak from a lender’s point of view, what they’re looking for.” Throughout the day exhibitors will be in the expo area talking to attendees. Wooten said there’s an abundance of organizations and programs around the Treasure Coast that help entrepreneurs in every stage of business development from hatching to growing. Most offer their services free. Many will be at the expo. “We do have a lot of resources available to help small businesses,” Wooten said. “They’re there for a purpose. “These small business resource programs are out here to help them set up the businesses correctly.” The city’s Economic Development Services has numerous offerings to help businesses of all sizes, including upstarts, succeed in Port St. Lucie. Wooten said the expo is perfect for anyone who’s thinking about a small business idea, and for those who are doing well and wanting to grow. He said the expo is all about dreaming and doing. “Every big business was once a small business,” he said. Information about the city’s economic development offerings is at cityofpsl.com/ business/economic-development. Registration for the Access to Capital Expo, and other programs, is at that webpage. BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent BIZ BOOST: City’s ‘Access to Capital Expo’ looks to lift entrepreneurial spirits
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B18 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com Don’t worry, be hoppy! It’s time for the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s annual Southeast Bunfest, and the event will draw people from all over the U.S. Sarah Fisher, communications manager, said the society expects about 400 to attend the 13th annual Southeast Bunfest. “We’ve also had people travel to us (from) as far as Los Angeles and Indianapolis,” she said in an email. “Each year, we have several people from New York as well.” Bunfest will be on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Flagler Center, 201 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart. Tickets are $5. Children 10 and younger get in free. Pet rabbits and guinea pigs are welcomed. Other pets are not. Rabbits and guinea pigs will be checked for lice and mites prior to entry. The society advises that cases of the RHDV2 virus have been reported in Florida. None have been reported in Martin County, where the event will be. “About 50 percent of people who attend the event bring their own pets,” said Fisher. “Usually they’re in strollers.” The rabbits and guinea pigs will get free glam photos at Bunfest. “The services are donated by Critter Pics,” Fisher said. There will be a blessing of the pets, food trucks, raffles, vendors and exhibitors, rescue groups, and the Hop & Flop Shop. “It’s really great for kids,” said Fisher. “We have a kids’ zone that’s going to be run by the Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast.” The kids will learn about caring for rabbits and guinea pigs. “They’re going to do a class in the kids’ zone,” Fisher remarked. Then they’ll do some things for the animals at the humane society in Palm City. “The kids can do arts and crafts and help us make enrichments for our critters,” said Fisher. One project the children will likely do is filling toilet paper cores with hay. Rabbits love digging hay out of things. “Eighty percent of their diet should be hay,” Fisher said. “They like hay in everything.” And kids aren’t the only ones who will get classes. “Something that’s really popular every year is our educational seminars,” remarked Fisher. “We’ll have professionals and rabbit experts.” The seminars cover a wide range of topics. “Last year I did an educational seminar on how to bond with your rabbits,” Fisher said. A common topic is promoting friendships among animals. “(Rabbits are) very territorial,” said Fisher. “There’s a proper way to (introduce new ones). Both rabbits and guinea pigs are very social creatures. They prefer to have a friend. They get very lonely if they don’t have a friend.” The society will have adoptable animals on hand. Rabbits are, according to petkeen.com, the third most popular pet in the U.S. The pet education website reports that there are about 3 million pet rabbits in the nation. The most popular are the mini rex and Netherland dwarf. Fisher said it’s no surprise rabbits are popular. “I think, right off the bat, they’re adorable,” she remarked. “They’re just like little dogs. You can train them.” Getting rabbits at Easter is, predictably, very popular. Sadly, about 80 percent of Easter rabbits are abandoned within a year. About 80 percent of rabbits are never neutered. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers low-cost spay and neuter services for rabbits. Information about and tickets for Southeast Bunfest are available at hstc1.org/southeastbunfest. Tickets are available at the door, too. BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent EVERY RABBIT HAS ITS DAY AT SOUTHEAST BUNFEST! The American Legion Post 318 Mets from Port St. Lucie SW Little League pose with the adult version of the St. Lucie Mets prior to the start of their game against the Tampa Tarpons last Saturday at Clover Park in St. Lucie West, while Kinley Holthouse of Tampa, on her quest to throw the first pitch at every minor league ballpark, is now able to cross Clover Park off her list. As for the game, Nick Morabito slides safely into third base as the Mets scored a 9-8, come-from-behind win. The home team sported their ‘Be A Hero’ shirts, which were subsequently available for auction to benefit Voices for Children of Okeechobee & the Treasure Coast. EVERYBODY WINS ON METS’ ‘BE A HERO’ NIGHT PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN PHOTO COURTESY OF HUMANE SOCIETY OF TC
B20 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com Sudoku Page B8 Sudoku Page B9 Crossword Page B8 Solutions from Games Pages in April 11th, 2024 Edition Crossword Page B9 (Worst Menu Typos) Soroptimist International of St. Lucie held their “Spring Fling-Garden Party” on April 6 in Fort Pierce. The focus of the event was the “Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women!” Empowerment, education and dreams can all become a reality for women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education. Cash awards totaling $7,500 were given out to seven women. Recipients, many of whom have faced obstacles such as poverty, teen pregnancy, and the effects of drug or alcohol addiction surrounding their lives, may use the Live Your Dream Award to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training, including tuition, books, childcare, transportation, or any other education-related expense. Soroptimist invests in women’s education because education is the pathway to economic empowerment and has the potential to transform lives and communities. Since the program’s inception in 1972, more than $41 million has helped more than 41,000 women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit soroptimistsr.org. Soroptimist Spring Fling helps local women ‘Live Their Dream’ The annual St. Lucie County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale is coming up on Saturday, May 11. But the volunteers are setting up a day earlier for people with disabilities and limiting conditions to shop in comfort. “People with these mobility challenges can come in and shop and talk to our master gardeners one on one,” said Danielle Shalginewicz, program specialist. “This gives them an opportunity to have more time and not stress about falling or bumping into someone.” The St. Lucie County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale Mobility Day will be on Friday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ St. Lucie extension facility, 8400 Picos Road, Fort Pierce. St. Lucie’s UF/IFAS extension program won a statewide award for the annual plant sale Mobility Day. “Nobody else in the (extension program) in the state of Florida has done anything like that,” said Shalginewicz. “Word is getting out, and it seems to be a popular thing,” Shalginewicz said. She said while the original idea was to make the plant sales more accessible to people with mobility disabilities and limiting conditions, such as spinal-cord injuries and diseases, it’s open to anyone who self-accesses to need the less crowded and cacophonous conditions at Mobility Day for any reason. For example, people with visual and auditory disabilities. Another example is people with sensory processing disorders such as hyperacusis and misophonia. Those who experience debilitating social anxiety, Shalginewicz said, are welcome to Mobility Day. She said attendance at Mobility Day is on the honor system – volunteers don’t ask people to prove they have qualifying conditions. “We do get people who call me and ask me (ahead of time),” Shalginewicz said. One was a woman in treatment for cancer. “I said, ‘Absolutely come,’” said Shalginewicz. “It doesn’t just come down to walkers and scooters. We want to give all people the opportunity to come in.” The conventional plant sale on Saturday, May 11, will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All funds raised at Mobility Day and the annual open plant sale go to the Master Gardener Volunteer Scholarship and other educational programs, such as the gardening help desk at Morningside Branch Library on from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She said the offerings are “the right plant, right place.” In other words, noninvasive plants suitable for St. Lucie’s soil and climate. “There’s something for everybody here.” BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent Experience art and environmental discovery at the highly anticipated Our Wondrous Planet Exhibition, featuring the traveling showcase World of Away Eco-Art Experience, alongside masterpieces by local artists. Explore innovative artworks promoting sustainable living and environmental stewardship. The World of Away Eco-Art Experience, presented by the Oxbow Eco-Center, at St. Lucie County Environmental Learning Center in collaboration with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, highlights the hidden impacts of material consumption and disposal. These collaborative efforts have resulted in captivating artworks created from reclaimed materials collected during cleanups in St. Lucie County. Through engaging initiatives, the Oxbow Eco-Center aims to inspire sustainable practices and raise awareness about environmental conservation. An exclusive Meet the Artists Reception will take place on Thursday, May 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome to meet the talented artists behind these remarkable creations. The exhibition will be open for viewing on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., running from May 2 to June 27 at the Art at the Emerson Gallery, located at the Emerson Center on 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. “We are delighted to introduce this innovative and impactful exhibition to Vero Beach,” says Dawn Orre, gallery director at Art at the Emerson Gallery. “It’s not just about art; it’s about sparking conversations and inspiring positive change for our planet.” Art at the Emerson Gallery is a renowned platform dedicated to showcasing local artists and their creations. The gallery serves as a hub for artistic exploration and collaboration, enriching the cultural fabric of the community. For more information, visit Art at the Emerson Gallery’s website at ArtatTheEmerson.com. Join us in celebrating art, nature and innovation at the Our Wondrous Planet Exhibition. Eco-art featured in ‘Our Wondrous Planet’ exhibition From left: Kathy Blanton, governor, Soroptimist International Southern Region; Rana Dhoray, first place award winner; and Rev. Dr. Frances Harris, Live Your Dream chair, Soroptimist St. Lucie. – CONTRIBUTED PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ST. LUCIE UF/IFAS EXTENSION OFFICE Master Gardener volunteers ensure plant sale is accessible – CONTRIBUTED IMAGE COURTESY OF J. SCOTT KELLY
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | COMMUNITY April 25, 2024 B21 The 2024 Young Floridians scholarship recipients. Front row from left: Chelsea Gill, Drama, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy; Emilie Thurston, Certifications/Manufacturing, Fort Pierce Central High School; Laura Vuong, Science/Engineering, Lincoln Park Academy; Dalita Decambre, Art/ Music, Lincoln Park Academy; Elaina Guerro, History/Social Studies, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy. Back row from left: Christian Keough, Academic Excellence, Treasure Coast High School; Chase Shingledecker, Mathematics/Technology, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy; Ja’miese Williams, Human Services, Treasure Coast High School; Imani Norris, Athletics, Treasure Coast High School; Makaraia Sandlin, Journalism/Language Arts, Fort Pierce Central High School. St. Lucie’s best and brightest earn Young Floridian scholarships Young Floridians scholarships were handed out at a festive event at Fort Pierce’s Sunrise Theatre hosted by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce on April 14. Clockwise from above left: Cathy Townsend, St. Lucie County Commissioner, shares a laugh with Emilie Thurston of Fort Pierce Central High School (Certifications/Manufacturing); Ja’miese Williams of Treasure Coast High School (Human Services) is congratulated by Dana McSweeny of Seacoast Bank and Sean Boyle of Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County; and Makaria Sandilin of Fort Pierce Central High School (Journalism) stands between Christin Neese and Dr. Jon Prince, St. Lucie Public Schools superintendent. PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN On Saturday, April 6, in recognition of Donate Life Month (April), Legacy Donor Services, Donor Heroes, and the St. Lucie Mets collaborated to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation and the positive impact it has on the community. The Mets home game honored donor heroes and their families, and celebrated the success of transplantation with the presence of recipients. This year, Gabe, 9, on the national waiting list for a heart transplant, threw out the first pitch. Legacy hosted an information table with giveaways, photo ops and information about donation. Unique features included a flag raising, special T-shirt toss by donor family members, and this year the players wore special jerseys designed to raise awareness of Donate Life Month. The jerseys were then auctioned to raise funds for educational programs and materials to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation. For more information, visit Donor Heroes.org or LegacydsFoundation.com. LET’S GIVE IT UP FOR DONOR HEROES! – CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS COURTESY RK KREMER PHOTOGRAPHY Gabe, 9, throws out the first pitch.
B22 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | SERVICE DIRECTORY/CALENDAR www.stlucievoice.com Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services and products to the local community an opportunity at a very reasonable cost. Lisa Crawford can help you to reach this audience. Call Lisa at 516-721-0848 or email at [email protected]. APRIL Shyrell Copas CTA SHYRELL’S TAX, LLC — www.shyrellstaxllc.com — Schedule a FREE Consultation Personal & Business Tax Accounting Since 1990’s REFUND ADVANCE Coming Soon! Join monthly tax club for discounts & FREE stuff! 772-999-5589 • Cell 615-927-1155 AIRPORT & CRUISE TRANSPORTATION Retired UPS driver with over 25 years safe driving experience. CALL or TEXT John Polinice 954-709-0785 DYSLEXIA * AUTISM * ADHD TESTING www.JimForgan.com 561-625-4125 Ages 2 - College School Neuropsychologist 25 – April 27. ‘Seussical Jr.’ Get ready to embark on a whimsical adventure as Martin County High School proudly presents Pest Control, Termite Control, Lawn Spraying, Bees, Bedbugs, Rodents/Rodent Exclusions, and Mosquitoes Lic & Insured Scan for Website! CALL 772-878-1972 FREE ESTIMATES its annual spring musical ‘Seussical Jr.’ Join us as the student actors bring to life the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss, filled with colorful characters, catchy tunes, and heartwarming stories that will captivate audiences of all ages! 7 p.m. on April 25 and April 26, at 2 p.m. on April 27. Martin County High School Auditorium, 2801 S. Kanner Hwy., Stuart. To reserve tickets, visit https://our.show/mchs/ seussical to reserve tickets or contact [email protected] or 772-219-1800 ext. 32288. 29 Yoga Mondays at Pierced Ciderworks. 6:15 p.m., Pierced Cider, 411 N 2nd St., Fort Pierce. Bring your own mat if you have one. Sharing mats are limited. First come, first served. This will be a basic beginner yoga class, building our foundations for a fun yoga flow.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | BOOKS April 25, 2024 B23 One frequently recurring component of thriller books which fall under the “financial/ legal thriller” domain is that some or much of the action often takes place in Switzerland; or at least there is a strong Swiss connection: exotic banking, massive wire transfers, numbered accounts, malleable and accommodating bankers, etc. If you regularly read this line of thrillers, you are probably also aware of author Christopher Reich. Many of his 13 bestselling novels have those strong Swiss connections. Or, like his current release “Matterhorn,” the whole story takes place in Switzerland. But don’t worry about trudging through boring, familiar ground. In this outing, Reich gives us an ex-CIA agent who had faked his death eight years ago and was hanging out in self-imposed exile, herding cows up in the gentle Swiss alpine meadows under an assumed identity and with some effective makeup which renders him an old man to the local villagers, alone in the Swiss Alps. A triggering event shocks him back to his reality – and his true self: the death of his son, who had followed him into the CIA and was working a highly dangerous case involving a potential WMD event … in Ukraine. Reich sets up the story with a deft hand and carries the can’t-put-it-down pace throughout with a steadiness and an ever-increasing plotline of twists, turns, the usual CIA-inspired pitfalls and difficulties, and the inevitable destiny attendant to true American patriots. The story centers around the southern part of Switzerland where the Alps create travel brochures, and where the iconic Matterhorn mountain stands majestically over the quaint village of Zermatt. Mac Dekker, former CIA star, in seclusion for eight years after a disastrous departure fomented by Russian agents who planted ostensibly incriminating evidence which was, in fact, completely false and fabricated, learns that his son Wil has died – on the Matterhorn. Wil was an expert climber, so to Dekker his death makes no sense. Dekker is driven to find out the truth about Wil’s death. He comes out of retirement, goes operational like the field agent he once was, and the story kicks off into rocket-sled pace. Dekker reconnects with a few of the agents with whom he formerly worked. They are all shocked to learn that he is not dead – some were even at his funeral! His relationships were solid at the time of his faked death, and pick up right where they left off eight years ago. They all want to help Dekker discover what happened to Wil on the Matterhorn. Dekker’s investigation pierces into the bowels of the U.S. Embassy in Bern where the CIA station does its business, and where the station chief Cal Thorpe – pretentious Yale-Law grad who has been in place too long – runs the agents handling cases, but with some questionable motives (no spoilers here!). Those agents assist Dekker in CIA-specific ways, but he needs more. And he gets more. At the hospital in Sion, where Wil’s body lies in the morgue, Dekker confirms that it is in fact Wil, and manages to take Wil’s cellphone, which is highly encrypted and beyond the hacking skills of the local CIA. Who would you turn to in order to unlock it and find out who Wil was dealing with? Of course, you would contact your former lover who is still with the Mossad, working in Zurich at the Israeli Mission. Ava Attal, still radiant eight years later, is shocked to see Dekker, but is 100 percent on the case with him. She has a secret lab in the city where colleague Itzhok has the tools and the know-how to unlock any phone. When he finally penetrates Wil’s phone, Dekker and Ava learn that Wil was dealing with a Russian agent who had discovered the details of a top-secret Russian plot (“Hercules”) to poison the water supply in Kyiv, Ukraine, and was to meet with Wil, on the Matterhorn, to give him those details. We are shocked to learn – in a reader-esque sense – that Dekker’s old partner during his CIA days, who defected to the Russians and was responsible for the set-up where Mac was framed, was also present at that meeting on the mountain where Wil died. It is convoluted, but good plotting. The author, who is American but who lived and worked in Switzerland, adroitly unpeels and discloses the background and history of Dekker and Wil and Ava and the other players in this Russian plot to commit mass murder in Kyiv, and thus propel Russia to win its fake war with Ukraine. Reading through this thriller is pleasurable and fun. Dekker is constantly on the move. He has not used his agent field skills in eight years, but they were so well honed and practiced that they come back to him, repeatedly, and perhaps just at the last second when they are most needed. His old relationships are strong, despite being dormant for those years in exile. And his dedication to his son – and surprise, his daughter, who also followed him into the CIA, unknown to Dekker – rounds out a true patriot who has, so many times in the past, and now again, put his country first before anything else, including his family life long, long ago. Author Reich is working in familiar territory for him in this book. He knows Switzerland well from his time living and working there. He was a business/finance graduate, and his work in Switzerland was at the global bank UBS; the rules and practices of the financial world, so endemic to Switzerland, are well understood and deployed by him. And we’re not sure from where, but his intimate knowledge of the CIA, of covert ops and of agent field skills and practices is first rate. All the foregoing adds depth and texture and authenticity to the story which accelerates with each chapter, particularly the final third of the book. Because it is well written in terms of language and style, it is an easy read. And don’t worry about putting it down, maybe to take care of some errands, or even overnight; when you come back, these formidable characters will be on the move, heading to another critical plot point, fighting off the worst that Russia sends out for nefarious purposes. Dekker and company know that failure is not an option on their field of battle. Make Ukraine safe again …? Larry David Allman is a resident of PGA Village Verano. His next book, a legal thriller, will be published in September. 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 [email protected]. BOOK REVIEW BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN
B24 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.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 (APRIL 18TH) ON PAGE B11 ACROSS 5. Fruit – in posset? (5) 8. Happened (8) 9. Infant’s loo (5) 10. Horizontal post (8) 11. Exclusive (5) 14. Digger (3) 16. Poor area (6) 17. Restaurant (6) 18. Float (3) 20. Lever (5) 24. Penchant (8) 25. Prisoner; rifle (anag.) (5) 26. White flower (8) 27. Small rodent (5) DOWN 1. Lighter – with bulb or flame? (5) 2. Croat (anag.) (5) 3. Chip (in the US) (5) 4. Ice cream (6) 6. Priest driving away demons (8) 7. Motor on a boat (8) 12. Shamefaced (8) 13. Sudden rush of a crowd (8) 14. Cooking surface (3) 15. Gradual decline (3) 19. Cause umbrage? (6) 21. Opinions (5) 22. Journal (5) 23. Insect larva; female deity PREVIOUS EDITION’S SOLUTIONS, SEE PAGE B20
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES April 25, 2024 B25 ACROSS 1 Rapper in court 6 Former capital of Crete 11 Gig 14 Jane’s misguided matchmaker 18 Contrary outcome 19 Keats was one 20 Spelling or donuts 21 Guy who landed the Eagle 22 Crab sighting? 25 Instrument quality 26 Word in Shatner book titles 27 Golfer Ernie 28 Big name in bathroom humor? 30 Grand ___ 32 Big benefit, perhaps 34 Major periods 35 The quicker pickerupper? 36 Friend 38 Barker and Bell 39 A German film you can root for? 43 The next step in treating flyers like cattle? 47 British blackbird 49 A, in Augsburg 50 “My heart means ___” (Shak.) 51 It moves mountains 52 Art movement 53 Hide-out 54 Corral, e.g.: abbr. 55 Inebriation citation: abbr. 58 People who don’t buy Jif? 63 With 80 Across, what it’s like after a meeting of the Curly Fan Club? 66 Brown buildup 67 1974 hit, “Billy, Don’t Be ___” 68 ___ corn 69 Owns 70 Loser, in Canada 72 Film crews 74 Accomplishment 76 Sexy doll that comes with its own cellphone? 80 See 63 Across 83 Old spy org. 84 Perry Como’s label 85 Country lass 86 Mutants movie of 2000 87 Shorter, as dicts. 89 “I’m here, ___?” 91 Scraps 93 Alkaline cleaners 94 Hunter’s decoy with a serious sinking problem? 97 Brand of glue that never sold too well? 99 Sault ___ Marie 100 Long-time SNL announcer 101 Hunky-dory 102 Nuclear Niels 104 “___ sow ...” 105 Impulsive 109 Two guys walk into a bar. One says, “___.” Bartender says, “I can see that, but what’ll ya have?” 114 Arena shout 116 Anagram of 114 Across 117 Each 118 Scenario that would cause panic in the hearts of most French chefs? 121 Serious sentence 122 Modeling material 123 Kick out 124 Jeers 125 Starring 126 Diner sign 127 Rotisserie parts 128 Live DOWN 1 Yule buys 2 Ann-Margret in Grumpy Old Men 3 Screwdriver need 4 Letup 5 Lovett or Talbot 6 Date bouquet 7 Hubbub 8 Black-clad warrior 9 Princely Italian family 10 Hang by ___ 11 Billy et al. 12 DoubleStuf item 13 Like some lenses 14 Ugandan raid city 15 Manx word 16 Short dress 17 Groggery orders 20 “___ Little Tenderness” 23 ___ marbles 24 Commits a foul 29 Spanish article 31 Shopping mecca 33 Hay there? 37 “Egad,” for one 38 Stimulant, for short 39 Apothecary’s weight 40 Down source 41 A month in Mexico 42 Till bills 43 Over again 44 Sphere intro 45 Dustin in Midnight Cowboy 46 One of Exxon’s old names 47 Einstein equation subject 48 Silents star Chapman 52 ___ ex machina 56 Less than bad 57 ___ Jima 59 A Muse 60 Drying kilns 61 “___ it couldn’t be done” 62 Chervil, e.g. 64 Day of the Locust author 65 Hall ___ 69 L.A. mayor, 2001-05 71 Plains tribe 72 Mild cigar 73 Go ___ pieces 75 Keane paintings have big ones 76 Lilith portrayer on Cheers 77 Sea eagle 78 Plasm preceder 79 Anodyne target 80 In a tizzy 81 Detroit station where Soupy Sales started 82 Kasparov kayo 88 Agents, briefly 90 Borodin’s prince 92 Switched 93 Really cold 94 Drives, putts, etc. 95 Floor plans 96 Shampoo brand 98 Christmas or Easter: abbr. 99 Clog or mule 102 Symphony key 103 Follow orders 104 Convertible computer text 106 Ironclad ___ 107 Graf contemporary 108 The Planets composer 109 Ump’s decision 110 Role for Ronny 111 Tucson campus, familiarly 112 Man ___ Mancha 113 Party request 115 Sharp part 119 Calendar abbr. 120 Cereal brand The Telegraph The Washington Post ...If it’s not one thing, it’s the other OO-EE, BABY! (2) By Merl Reagle
B26 April 25, 2024 ST. LUCIE VOICE | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com Keep partner in your mind By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist In his “Devil’s Dictionary,” Ambrose Bierce defines an egotist as “a person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.” At the bridge table, try to bear in mind partner’s problems. What seems a clear-cut line of defense to you might not be so obvious to him. Try to find a play that makes everything readable to partner. In today’s deal, against four hearts, West led the diamond three: six, ace, eight. East flashed back the diamond five, confident of getting a ruff. But when South nonchalantly played the queen, West wasn’t so sure of the position. Instead, he switched to the club queen at trick three. Carefully, declarer covered with dummy’s king. South ruffed the club return, drew trumps and claimed. East was unhappy. “Why do you think I played back a diamond so quickly at trick two? So that I could get a club switch?” “Well, first of all,” replied West, “it would have been most improper of me to draw an inference from the speed of your play. Equally, it was wrong of you to try to clarify the situation by your tempo. “If declarer’s diamond four were the club four, my switch would be the only way to defeat the contract. You could have made it easy for me. At trick two, cash the club ace. Then I will know to give you the ruff.” “But what if South is void in clubs?” tried East, in desperation. “That would give me Q-J-10-7 of clubs. I would have led from that holding at trick one, not my dangerous low diamond away from the king.” East, a person of low taste, mumbled an apology. Dealer: South; Vulnerable: Both NORTH J 10 Q J 8 7 J 9 6 K 6 5 3 WEST 9 6 5 5 2 K 10 7 3 2 Q J 7 SOUTH A K Q 3 A K 10 9 4 Q 8 4 10 EAST 8 7 4 2 6 3 A 5 A 9 8 4 2 The Bidding: OPENING LEAD: 3 Diamonds SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1 Hearts Pass 2 Hearts Pass 4 Hearts Pass Pass Pass
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | SPORTS April 25, 2024 B27 Hole-y smokes: 5 more aces! You might be thinking, what is the greatest crippler in golf? What prevents players from improving? It is undoubtedly tension! Tension prevents golfers from feeling, moving and swinging. Have the wrong level of tension in your body and it will prevent you from achieving even the most basic of fundamentals. You must be a receptor of feedback and then be able to analyze the feedback and make improvements based on the feedback. If you are too tense, you completely lose your sensitivity to what the club, gravity and body feel like. You are basically playing blind, with no way to receive the needed stimulus to feel and improve upon. Let’s identify were the tension is located and how to fix it! 1. Grip pressure. A grip that is too tight creates unwanted tension and prevents you from feeling the weight of the clubhead and from swinging freely. It also places the wrists in a non-pliable state, preventing the proper cocking that is paramount in playing good golf. You have heard it said the proper amount of grip pressure is like holding a bird or squeezing a tube of toothpaste. The following exercise will show you how to determine proper full swing grip pressure: Take your normal grip and hold a club waist-high, so the shaft is parallel to the ground. Relax your grip so the clubhead drops toward the ground. Gradually increase your grip pressure to bring the shaft back to its original horizontal position. The amount of grip pressure required to hold the club parallel to the ground is all that is needed for hitting a full shot. 2. Arms and shoulders. When players are tight, it prevents their arms from swinging and the shoulders from turning labor free and to the full range that must be achieved. The arms must have some amount of structure and framework, but you should side toward being more relaxed than tense. The arms should hang freely down from the shoulders; however, the left arm should be slightly more firm than the right arm because of the necessity of keeping the left arm straight while the right arm folds during the backswing. 3. Feet and legs. The feet should remain light and the legs relaxed so both of these areas of the body can pick up the rhythm of the upper body, stay in sync and move to support and balance the movement of the upper body. Keep in mind, good players feel their swing and feel their bodies, while poor players fight their swings and fight their bodies. Tension is the crux of this fight! Kevin Perkins is a PGA Master Professional and operates his Golf Academy at Sailfish Sands Golf Course in Stuart. Kevin is a longtime resident of PGA Village and has hosted and produced his own television and radio golf shows, and co-authored the instructional book “Golf Everyone,” published by Hunter Textbooks. He may be reached at 561-301- 3783 or via email at [email protected], or visit his website at www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com. KEVIN’S KURES By Kevin Perkins BECOME TENSION-FREE TO GRIP IT AND RIP IT! There was no letup to the hole-in-one hysteria at PGA Golf Club in St. Lucie West, where five more golfers made aces in the past fortnight. Clockwise from above left, Shawn Korns (Ryder course, hole 16, 158 yards, 9-iron), Robert Bucklin (Wanamaker course, hole 17, 165 yards, 4-iron), Jerry Swain (Ryder course, hole 10, 120 yards, pitching wedge), David Stead (Wanamaker, hole 6, 147 yards, 8-iron) and Jim Shelnut (Wanamaker, hole 6, 125 yards, 9-iron ... his first-ever ace!) all hit perfect shots. Congratulations to all! Jerry Swain. Jim Shelnut, left. David Stead. Shawn Korns. Robert Bucklin.