VB32963_ISSUE11_031716_OPT

Riverside celebrates premiere
of ‘Hello Dolly!’ P12
Under the Oaks
huge success. P38
Irish pride on display

at St. Patrick’s Parade. P18

For breaking news visit

MY VERO Judge backs Vero
effort to regulate
BY RAY MCNULTY vacation rentals

‘This whole thing has BY LISA ZAHNER
been handled horribly’ Staff Writer

It's troubling enough that an Photos of rotting wood, patchwork repairs, piles of junk and decay at the Vero Beach Municipal Marina. PHOTOS BY PHIL SUNKEL Vero’s efforts to rid the city
eighth-grade boy in our com- of short-term rentals in resi-
munity would get any kind of Vero Marina falls into sad state of disrepair dential neighborhoods got a
thrill from posting on a social- boost last week when Judge
media site a selfie of him wear- BY SAMANTHA ROHLFING BAITA ery year, has fallen into a sad and a heap of rusting bicycles Paul Kanarek issued a strong
ing a black mask and holding a Staff Writer state of disrepair. – all of which could cause a lot opinion in Vero’s favor, seem-
handgun – with another hand- more than a bad first impres- ing to validate the city code
gun in the photograph – above The Vero Beach Munici- Many boaters said it is sion, as soon as someone gets and recent ordinance changes.
the caption: "goin 2 the shoot- pal Marina, which provides poorly maintained, resulting hurt and decides to sue the
in range today (school)." a first impression of the city in shabby, unsafe conditions, city. Charles Fitz had appealed
for thousands of visitors ev- with rotting wood, patchwork to the court after being cited
But the botched way Imag- repairs, piles of scrap lumber CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 by city code enforcement in
ine South Vero Charter School April 2015 for renting out his
administrators responded to Head of Vero Beach Museum of Art to retire property on Fiddlewood Road
what, at the time, appeared to in Central Beach for less than
be a threat to students' safety 30 days.
was as inexcusable as it is
alarming. Fitz and his attorneys chal-
lenged the city code, alleging
For three reasons: that recent changes made
1. Parents learned of the to clarify and redefine terms
student's disturbing Snapchat related to short-term rent-
photo only after the mother als – together with the city’s
of another student re-posted
it on Facebook – six days after CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Imagine administrators no-
tified the Sheriff's Office on Missing document
thwarts bids to fund
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 rail ‘quiet zones’

Shores hoping to
install license plate
cameras by May 1st

BY LISA ZAHNER BY MICHELLE GENZ imagine anything positive BY KATHLEEN SLOAN
Staff Writer Staff Writers coming out of the devasta- Staff Writer
tion to her new hometown.
As seasonal residents be- When in the late summer of All Aboard Florida has loud-
gin thinking about heading 2004, twin hurricanes greeted As it turns out, the drench- ly encouraged local govern-
back to their northern homes the Vero Beach Museum of ing rains germinated the seed ments to apply for quiet-zone
for the summer, Indian River Art’s newly-arrived executive of one of Gedeon’s major ac- grant money to keep diesel
Shores is working on getting director, Lucinda Gedeon, complishments in a 12-year horns from blasting at each
license plate reader cam- it would have been hard to tenure that will end this fall. crossing when 32 new pas-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

March 17, 2016 Volume 9, Issue 11 Newsstand Price $1.00 Floral artistry at
Art in Bloom
News 1-10 Faith 88 Pets 87 TO ADVERTISE CALL luncheon. P40
Arts 43-50 Games 63-65 Real Estate 91-104 772-559-4187
Books 60-61 Health 67-72 St Ed’s 62
Dining 80 Insight 51-66 Style 74-79 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 58 People 11-42 Wine 81 CALL 772-226-7925

© 2016 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

My Vero bosses at Imagine's headquarters in to learn the boy in the photo had re- had liked the page as of Sunday night.
Arlington, Va. turned to classes that morning. The most telling parental response,
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
"This whole thing has been han- "Would you feel comfortable with however, came on the morning of
March 2 – which forced school officials dled horribly," said one Imagine this kid being allowed to still attend March 9: Nearly 200 students didn't
to publicly acknowledge the incident. South Vero parent who requested an- your child's school after posting this show up for school.
onymity. "They knew about this pho- on social media?" Castillo wrote. "He's
2. The student was suspended for his tograph for almost a week. How could back in class at Imagine South Vero Parents were scared, and their im-
actions, which Imagine officials said they not tell us? Charter School! What do you think?" promptu boycott prompted same-day
violated school policies prohibiting emails from Rock, Imagine regional
threats and intimidation, but he was "How can they tell the kids, 'If you She then asked others on the popu- director Jennifer Fornes and Imagine
back on campus March 8. see something, say something,' then do lar social-media site to share her news- South Vero Governing Board chairman
something like this?" the parent add- breaking post, and they have – more Megan Knowles.
3. At a time when the community ed. "If it weren't for Facebook, we still than 1,800 times.
most needs to hear from him, prin- wouldn't know." In those correspondences, parents
cipal Chris Rock has either chosen In addition, a Facebook page ti- were assured that the incident was be-
to duck media inquiries or has been It was Natalie Castillo's Facebook tled "Imagine Families Against Gun ing taken seriously by both school of-
ordered to do so by his wrongheaded post on March 8, in fact, that sparked Threats" was created hours after Cas- ficials and law-enforcement authori-
outrage from parents who were aghast tillo's post and more than 460 people ties, stronger policies and procedures
for dealing with such matters would be
discussed, and student safety would al-
ways be the "highest priority."

Parents also were informed that the
student who posted the photo was no
longer enrolled at the school, but, citing
federal protections granted under the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA), Imagine officials refused to
say whether his departure was voluntary.

And just to make sure everyone felt
better, Rock wrote that the school had
taken "appropriate disciplinary action"
against the student and, following in-
vestigations by both Imagine officials
and the Sheriff's Office, echoed law-en-
forcement claims that the boy's actions
did not pose a "credible threat."

No one, though, addressed the boy's
return to classes last week, albeit for
only one day. Instead, school officials
again hid behind FERPA, with Imag-
ine spokesperson Rhonda Cagle saying
they were legally prohibited from dis-
cussing the student's records.

"I'd still like to know how that hap-
pened," said another parent who also
requested she not be identified. "How
did they know he wasn't a threat?"

They didn't, it now seems – and still
don't.

Three days after saying law-enforce-
ment's investigation of the incident
was closed, Sheriff's Office spokesman
Lt. Eric Flowers said Monday the State
Attorney's Office decided late last week
to "re-review the case."

"It's still under investigation," As-
sistant State Attorney Chris Taylor
said, adding that prosecutors haven't
yet determined "whether a crime was
committed."

According to Flowers, Sheriff's de-
tectives responded immediately when
notified by school officials on March
2, meeting with the boy and his par-
ents, who allowed them to search their
home. There, detectives discovered
the guns in the photo were actually BB
guns and were told by the boy that he
had "no intention of taking them to
school" – that his Snapchat post was
nothing more than a "stupid prank."

Flowers said detectives turned over
their findings to the State Attorney's Of-
fice, which initially decided the student

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 3

NEWS

wasn't a threat and that "no criminal Marina disrepair Far from the gleaming, shipshape facil- a fair picture of the situation, Vero
charges" would be filed. The boy had CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ity one might expect in Vero Beach, they Beach 32963 has visited the marina –
been suspended from school and pun- said the municipal marina is among the which is located on the island about a
ished by his parents, who were "very A number of permanent marina worst maintained in the state. Asking to quarter of a mile north of the Barber
upset" by their son's actions. residents, experienced boaters familiar remain anonymous for fear of getting Bridge – several times in recent weeks.
with municipal marinas up and down hassled or “thrown out,” they provided a
"This is not something we would the east coast, claim attempts to get ac- laundry list of complaints, and pointed The park-like grounds are graced
make a probable-cause arrest on," tion on their safety and maintenance out potential dangers resulting from what by beautiful oaks, but an overflowing
Flowers said Friday. "In cases like this, concerns are often ignored or rebuffed. they see as lackadaisical management. wooden trash container, overturned
we investigate, present our findings plastic chairs and nearby wooden kay-
to the State Attorney and they decide To take a first-hand look and get
whether to file charges. But this is all CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
relatively new – people using social
media to post what could be interpret- Exclusively John’s Island
ed as their intent to commit a crime.
Multiple fairway views add to the allure of this thoughtfully designed 4BR/5.5BA
"We closed our investigation," he retreat built with quality construction and attention to detail. An expansive veranda
added, "but if the state changes its and covered porch allow for easy entertaining around the poolside terrace with
mind, we'll certainly do our part." spa. The living room with fireplace anchors the 5,000± GSF home adorned with
vaulted beamed ceilings, custom millwork and hardwood floors. Features include
Apparently, the state did change its a gourmet island kitchen, dining area and family room, luxurious master suite and
mind, but no reason was given, leaving 2-car garage. 541 Sea Oak Drive : $3,450,000
us to wonder if the State Attorney's Office
uncovered new information or, perhaps, three championship golf courses : 17 har-tru courts : beach club : squash
felt pressure after news broke March 9 health & fitness center : pickleball : croquet : vertical equity membership
that the investigation was closed. Taylor
declined to comment further on what 772.231.0900 : Vero Beach, FL : JohnsIslandRealEstate.com
be called an "open case," but he called
Flowers late Friday afternoon to make
sure there was no further confusion.

The investigation is ongoing.
If so, that's cause for concern, be-
cause it means authorities hadn't yet
fully cleared the boy – he was in his first
year at the South Vero school, which
opened in 2008 – when Imagine officials
trusted the information they were given
and allowed him to return to classes.
We're fortunate that nothing bad
happened.
"Parents, I want to reassure you that
proper actions were taken and no stu-
dents were injured," Rock wrote in the
March 9 email in which he urged them
to remind their children that "actions
have consequences."
But what about non-actions?
What are the consequences Imagine
officials face for not being proactive
and failing to immediately notify par-
ents of a potential threat to their chil-
dren's safety?
Without question, Imagine officials
reacted responsibly to the incident –
alerting parents and offering to meet
with them, bringing in crisis counsel-
ors, beefing up security measures and
requesting a temporary law-enforce-
ment presence on campus.
Problem is, they did so only after
Castillo's frightening Facebook post
went viral.
What would Imagine officials have
done if social media hadn't forced their
hand? Would we know that one of the
teens in our community had posted
such a creepy photograph? Would the
boy still be in school there?
Would the kids at the Imagine South
Vero Charter School, which serves
roughly 880 students from kindergarten
through the eighth grade, be in danger?
We need answers to these questions
and more, and we need to hear them
from Rock 

4 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Marina disrepair bled into the water next to her boat. sel. The extra weight often causes the tag them.” Then, if someone claims one,
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 With no ladder on her stretch of dock, over-stressed line to pull free and drag. they get a sticker and after a certain pe-
she couldn't pull herself out. These extra boats, said the sources, riod of time, if no one else claims it, they
ak ramp with its slice of soggy carpet don't pay, but use the facilities for free. can retrieve it. He verified that he had
are grungy and uninviting. Fortunately, there were neighbors indeed said “every couple years.”
nearby, who dragged her to the main When the residents asked Harbor-
On each visit, we found lumber and dock and hauled her to safety, but not master Tim Grabenbauer about this, As to the rotting wood, Grabenbau-
pieces of what appeared to be drywall before she had sustained a nasty gash he acknowledged these boaters are er said repairs are made in order of im-
cluttered against the walls of the two- on her arm. “The only docks I've seen “stealing,” but said they're in FIND's mediate need, and noted that, when
story wooden building that houses a in Florida in worse shape are in Tar- (Florida Inland Navigation District) wood is replaced, Trex board, a far
laundromat, TV lounge, restrooms, pon Springs,” said one resident. jurisdiction, not his, and therefore more durable composite, will be used.
showers, and, according to a source, a not his problem. Had he had notified
private residence upstairs. Overly-easy access to the marina's FIND, they inquired? The harbormas- A recent incident, in which an indi-
facilities, sources said, makes prob- ter told them he had not. vidual stepped onto the narrow walk-
Especially conspicuous, heaped be- lems worse by overloading capacity way alongside his boat and stumbled
side a storage shed at the rear of the and inviting trouble. Much of the main This particular problem has an impact as the wooden plank gave way, is an
building adjacent to the marina park building isn't locked, and many of the on the lagoon itself. A source said he was example of a serious accident waiting
and picnic area, was a pile of beat- existing locks don't work. told the marina's pump-out vessel does to happen while repairs are delayed,
up bicycles that had obviously been not service the wrongly-moored boats. sources said.
rusting there for quite a while. Several Several apparently homeless individu- “I knew of several boats that had been
more bikes, most looking weathered als regularly sleep in the lounge, a resi- there for months, and I said, 'Where do Going down the list, Grabenbauer ac-
and abandoned, were crowded into a dent said. “We're up early to go to work, you think they're dumping their tanks?' knowledged that “the north restrooms
rack nearby and a few more lay rusting come in here for coffee, and there are two I mean, the river is such a big deal down are the oldest ones and definitely need
in other locations on the property. guys sleeping, there's a homeless guy here, and most of the holding tanks are to be replaced.” The south restrooms,
who lives in his car and he showers here about 35-40 gallon; with two or three he said, were replaced as part of the gen-
Rotting wood is in evidence every- . . . and there's a nice lady who sleeps on people aboard, they will last no more eral marina spiff-up when the Nina and
where. Clusters of sharp shells cake the the bench and also showers here.” than a week.” Pinta replicas visited last March. Origi-
bottom rungs of dock ladders, and many nally, plans were to replace the north
of the dock bumpers have torn loose. Said another source, “There's a guy Vero Beach 32963 brought the com- restrooms in 2007 – nearly 10 years ago
in a Mercedes, he comes here, uses the plaints and questions to Grabenbauer, – but the project was put on hold when
One source described haphazard re- laundry room in the morning.” An- a pleasant, easygoing individual who's the economy tanked.
pairs to a large hole in the tile wall of other boater said he and his wife don't been with the City for 19 years. He ad-
one of the men's restroom stalls: The use the marina laundry anymore “be- dressed each question, making notes Some residents claimed marina
damaged area covered most of the rear cause we can never get in.” Yet another as he did so. staff “spends most of its time in the
wall in one stall and part of another, agreed. “People use the facilities here office on their I-pads.” Grabenbauer
and appeared to have been hastily, and who don't belong. Why pay to be on a The piles of lumber, he said, were staunchly defended his staff and took
partially, patched with plywood, leav- mooring if others don't pay and have from a construction project and would strong exception to the claim that the
ing gaping holes. the same stuff? I feel like a chump.” be hauled away. The accumulation of marina employees – two fulltime, in-
rusting bikes, however, was more puz- cluding himself; two part-time; and
Resident boaters said the docks Sources pointed to an area on the zling. Grabenbauer explained that some one office temp – are shirking their du-
are dangerously slippery, unsteady east side of the marina where several are left by boaters, but many others “just ties and hanging out in the office, leav-
in many places, with few effective camping trailers are parked. “What is come to us, we don't know whose they ing boaters without assistance.
skid pads, and they claim the marina it with all the trailers? Who knows who are or where they came from,” and he
doesn't have the required number of they belong to? I think word has got- suspects some may be stolen. Grabenbauer said incoming boats
safety ladders along the docks. ten out, 'Just come park here.' Nobody can radio on approach, alerting staff
checks on nothing!” So, why not just haul them off? Gra- if assistance is needed. Those with-
“The Bahamas Waterway Guide guy benbauer doesn't want to remove a out radios are, apparently, on their
just recently fell and hit his kneecap,” Yet another problem is over-use of bike too soon, in case the owner returns own, as occurred when a Vero Beach
said a source. Another related a recent the moorings area during the busy sea- to claim it, or it was stolen and the po- 32963 staffer reported struggling to
incident in which a resident boat- son: several boats “raft” – tie up to one- lice are looking for it. So, he says, “every dock his boat (which had no radio)
owner slipped on her dock, and tum- another – in the mooring area, or tie up couple years we go through them and unassisted.
to a mooring line meant for one ves-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 5

NEWS

Marina residents are told many of expected to operate solely on its in- Club. The marina will be making pay- have had nowhere for needed expansion.
their complaints can't be addressed come and it is currently staggering un- ments on this loan for 12 more years. As a city department head, Graben-
because there isn't enough money. der the debt service on a $4.7 million
“The mantra here is that they can't loan obtained in 2007 to purchase a dry Addressing the decision to make the bauer reports directly to City Manager Jim
spend money because they bought storage structure, with related equip- $4.7 million purchase, Grabenbauer O'Connor at weekly department meetings.
that big building,” a source said. ment and floating docks, on a 1.19-acre said, “We were running out of space.”
parcel south of the Vero Beach Yacht If the property had been sold to a de- Asked if he gets over to the marina
As an enterprise fund, the marina is veloper, he added, the marina would much, O'Connor said he visits on oc-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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6 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Marina disrepair License plate cameras ty benefits would outweigh not only Head of art museum to retire
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the cost of the program, but also the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
perceived intrusion into Town resi-
casion, mostly when a ”large boat” eras online to surveil the town while dents’ privacy. Water was lapping at the steps of
comes in, when he goes aboard to they’re gone. the museum, just 8 feet above sea
greet the captain and welcome him to Rosell’s white paper analysis of the level. With the power out and the is-
the city. He acknowledged the mari- Public Safety Chief Rich Rosell said proposal swayed the council in favor, land evacuated, a lone security guard,
na's tight budget does preclude a lot of the computer servers needed to op- convincing them the camera system the late John Janssen, remained in
upgrading and, although he still views erate the system and store the images would deter criminals from entering the museum. With millions of dollars’
the decision to purchase the dry-stor- and license plate search results were the Town. worth of art reliant on an air condi-
age facility as a wise one, he admitted, installed last week. tioner running off a generator, Jans-
“Maybe we overdid it a little.” “Our research indicates that cam- sen camped out for what amounted to
Shores town officials also met to eras placed at both entrances into a couple of weeks making sure it didn’t
O'Connor wants the marina to be talk camera locations. The camer- town would be extremely beneficial run out of gas.
seen as a friendly, inviting place, but as have not yet been installed, but with regards to identifying possible
some marina residents are frustrated Rosell said he is shooting for “hope- suspects as well as eliminating alibis By the time the power came on af-
and don't see things getting better. fully, May 1.” for active suspects,” Rosell told the ter the second storm, Gedeon had her
“This used to be a premier stop in Flori- council in November. work cut out for her. Charged with
da, and now it's going to c--p!” said one. The cameras, which will be de- “bringing the museum to the next lev-
ployed at the north and south en- The footage from the cameras el,” the mantra of then-board chair-
Grabenbauer said his Harbormaster trances to the town, read vehicle would be stored in a secure, on-site man Rick McDermott, a plan began
pals call him“Mr. Bombproof,” because license plates and run plate num- server in the Shores for privacy and to take shape to tame Florida’s art-un-
nothing appears to bother him, and in bers through an extensive database, evidence retention, not on an inter- friendly climate.
some cases that's not a bad thing. instantly alerting patrol officers of net server hosted by the camera com-
hits – such as expired plates, revoked pany. Along with creating a glass-en-
But maybe now it’s time for some- drivers licenses or outstanding war- closed vestibule and building an atri-
body in charge to get “bothered.” rants. Rosell has said that footage of the um around the existing sculpture gar-
comings and goings of residents and den, she and her board commissioned
If nothing much changes until the With that information, officers will visitors to the Town would only be a new 20,000-square-foot wing. That
debt service is paid off 12 years from be able to pull drivers over and in- pulled and reviewed after a crime vast space would house and con-
now, it will probably be too late. It vestigate before they can depart the had occurred. “This solves crimes for serve what would become a greatly
shouldn't take a visit from the Nina Shores. us,” he said. expanded permanent collection. To-
and Pinta to get the marina look- day it stores more than 850 works in
ing ship shape. Vero Beach and every The Town Council approved The sensitivity of the cameras can a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled
boater who lives there or visits deserve $70,000 for the cameras back in No- be customized to flag felony warrants
it just as much.  vember, after some initial heartburn and reported stolen vehicles only, or
about whether or not the public safe- it could pick up every expired tag or
unpaid speeding ticket. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 7

NEWS

environment. And they’re on a flood- It was the facility and the search When the museum was first built, ing as a secretary and taking classes
safe second floor. committee, headed by McDermott, Ellie McCabe’s parents’ foundation at NYU. She soon followed her older
that sold her on the job, she said. And funded the Wahlstrom Sculpture Gar- sister, a civil rights activist, to Venice,
The wing also includes a climate a particularly warm recommendation den. Under Gedeon, the sculpture California.
controlled loading dock, safe passage sold McDermott on Gedeon. park was enclosed by a soaring atrium
for works loaned to the museum. That with café tables and a fountain. There Gedeon worked at Kobrand,
fact alone has raised the caliber of the “I was doing my due diligence, and the wine distributor, and befriending
exhibits. I had a close friend in Harrison, which And before that, in 2007, Gedeon the boss’ daughter, became interested
is nearby, so I called him,” recalls Mc- oversaw the establishment of the Alice in art history. Together they toured Eu-
Today, as the museum celebrates Dermott. “He said, ‘Not only do I know and Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park on rope in a VW bus, visiting every mu-
its 30th anniversary, the hard-working her, I’m looking at her house right the museum grounds. seum they could.
Gedeon is easing into the prospect of across the street. Yes I know her. We
retirement in November, a decision think she’s terrific and she’s doing a “It’s not every museum that can “I fell in love with Michelangelo’s
made public last weekend. And while great job.’ ” develop from the ground up such a David,” she said. “I now had a focus.”
Vero’s art lovers were mostly stunned sculpture collection and sculpture
by the news, they are praising the lega- Those neighbors were Fred and garden,” says Sharon Theobald, a se- Back in Los Angeles, she worked in a
cy she is leaving. Carole Taylor, who also have a home nior appraiser and art advisor with the gallery and learned art appraisal, and
in Vero; McDermott says they remain American Society of Appraisers and a eventually earned a degree in art his-
“We are slowly coming to terms with “great friends” with Gedeon and her past chair of the small museums com- tory from Long Beach State University.
it,” said Sophie Bentham-Woods, head husband, artist Francis Sprout. mittee of the American Alliance of Mu- Her graduate studies focused on the
of marketing for the museum. seums in Washington. history of prints and drawings; her
Former board chair Ellie McCabe Ph.D. is in 20th century American art
A search committee is in its early was similarly impressed. “I knew that Theobald calls the expanded sculp- history.
stages, says board chairman Scott Al- she was a strong leader. You could tell ture collection and display “one of the
exander. it in a minute,” says McCabe, who has major contributions in (Gedeon’s) leg- It was in 1985 while studying for her
been involved with the museum since acy, which has been long and I think doctoral exam that she signed up for a
It was a recruiter hired to perform its inception in the mid-1980s. “I said distinguished.” She cites the George seminar in African Art and met Francis
a similar national search that reached to myself, ‘Great things are going to Rickey kinetic sculpture with rotating Sprout, working on his second master’s
out to Gedeon in Purchase, N.Y., in happen now.’ And they did. blades, the acquisition of which was degree. A fine artist who shows fre-
2004, where she was the “very happy” celebrated with a Rickey retrospective quently at Ocean Drive’s Admiralty Gal-
director of the Neuberger Museum of “Not to take anything away from the that marked the opening of the sculp- lery, Sprout is a retired professor who
Art. people that were there in the begin- ture garden. taught at the University of Denver and
ning; it was moving along very nicely,” Pratt Institute. He works from a studio
“I had never heard of Vero Beach,” McCabe says. “But when Cindy got Gedeon grew up in Armonk, New in the garage of their island home.
Gedeon told Vero Beach 32963 in here, it was just the thing they needed York. At 17, she left for New York City,
2010. “I laughed when she said Florida to bring it right over the top.” staying in a rooming house, work- Together they have kept an inten-
– I’d never been below the Mason-Dix-
on Line.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Head of art museum to retire torship program pairing seniors with at- “It was so nice. It was really darling,” wonderful job of growing the museum
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 risk adolescents, and a movement class says Shotsi LaJoie, a psychotherapist and increasing its prestige around the
for people with Parkinson disease. and artist who has run the class for state, which in turn has benefitted the
sive social schedule as Gedeon fulfills five years. Art Club.”
her role at museum openings, lec- Those programs have “really made
tures, fundraisers and festivals. the museum a community resource,” “This is a fragile population and Vero Beach City Manager Jim
says current board chairman Alexander, the museum bends over backwards O’Connor has worked frequently with
Gedeon has championed greater to make them comfortable. They just Gedeon, particularly during the ex-
outreach at the museum, including While many note Gedeon’s confi- pour so much attention on these peo- pansion.
new programs like the Art for Health’s dence and strength of leadership, they ple when they’re in the museum.”
Sake initiative, and the Moonshot also point to her kindness. “She is one of those folks that live
Masterpieces collaboration with the As for what comes next for Gedeon, and breathe their business, and her
reading initiative, Moonshot Moment, “She is very kind and generous to Theobald believes she has an obvious husband being an artist contributes to
now in the public school system. her staff,” says Theobald, the apprais- answer. “I hope they’re thinking direc- that,” he says.
er. She recalls a video her staff made tor emeritus, wouldn’t you think?”
The museum provides instructors for an annual meeting, to the tune He and his wife, Sherry, have been
to public schools, youth centers, se- of Sly and the Family Stone’s “We Are Gedeon has shared museum spaces close friends with Gedeon and Sprout
nior centers and hospice. Family.” with other arts organizations, includ- since the O’Connors came to town five
ing Ballet Vero Beach, the Atlantic years ago and Gedeon “took us under
Inside the museum, there are now “That’s first and foremost when you Classical Orchestra’s chamber series her wing.” They are a regular foursome
special tours for preschoolers, a men- look at a museum director,” Theobald and Vero Beach Opera’s opera studies at Polo Grill, her favorite restaurant,
says. “It’s not something every mu- program. O’Connor says.
seum director can achieve. It’s what
happens when you build support and And its longtime roommate, the The O’Connors go frequently to the
continuity. Vero Beach Art Club, is finally content Thursday night outdoor jazz concerts
in new digs near the museum’s educa- at the museum – another innovation
“That’s the support that the Athena tion wing after resisting the suggestion under Gedeon. And they go to educa-
Society and the Chairman’s Club must of Gedeon and the board to move out tional events.
also share; they feel they’re part of the of the administration complex.
museum family.” “Cindy got us involved in going
“Turns out they were right,” says the to the lectures when they have new
That family extends to the less vis- club’s former president, Sue Dinenno. exhibits,” he says. “It’s one of those
ible members of society. “It’s a much better location for us. We things we would have passed over and
have arrived at a peaceful place with not done, but we really enjoy it. It’s a
Last year on Valentine’s Day, Gede- the museum, which was always our totally different feeling from going in
on found herself singing Fred Astaire’s desire. and just reading the brochure.”
“The Way You Look Tonight,” when the
art class for Alzheimer patients and “I spoke with Cindy on Friday and As for Gedeon and Sprout, they will
their caregivers, taking their cue from told her how sorry I was that she was remain in Vero. “It’s an amazing little
somebody humming, staged an im- retiring,” she added. “She’s done a town and we’ve grown to love it.” 
promptu singalong.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 9

NEWS

Rail ‘quiet zones’ tion (FRA) has final say on railroad Indian River County has about 30 grade the line to a “sealed corridor”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and rail crossings construction and crossings, and Cotner said the surveys designed to prevent collisions at
what quiet zone and other safety mea- could make the county responsible crossings, but the FRA has not defined
senger trains begin barreling through sures must be put in place. for maintaining post-survey crossing exactly what a sealed corridor is, Cot-
town each day in the near future – all equipment and upgrades put in by ner said, making AAF’s approved plans
the while knowing it has yet to deliv- The first step in seeking a grant is to AAF, making the county’s costs and lia- the defining document.
er a long-overdue design document apply to the FRA for quiet-zone status, bility much higher than any one-time
needed to make the applications. which in turn would require the coun- grant award. So far, the city of Sebastian is the
ty to conduct a survey of each cross- only government along the Treasure
The missing “90-percent design” ing’s existing condition, Cotner said. The FRA is requiring that AAF up- Coast to apply for quiet zone grants,
document lays out how each railroad and it got them exactly nowhere.
crossing will be constructed and what
features it will have to reduce the like- Sebastian City Engineer Frank Wata-
lihood of car/train collisions along nabe said the city applied for crossing
with details of other safety measures, safety money in 2014, “but they want
said Indian River County Assistant At- us to put it on hold until All Aboard
torney Kate Cotner, who has worked Florida’s 90-percent plans are avail-
on the AAF project for years. able.” 

“Since we began this project, we
have proactively reached out to local
governments to coordinate efforts on
grade crossing plans and quiet zones,”
claimed AAF spokesman Ali Soule.
“We remain committed to assist and
support communities if they decide to
move forward with the quiet zone ap-
plication process.”

“There was a lot of pressure starting
in 2014 from Rusty Roberts (another
AAF spokesperson) for us to apply
for the quiet-zone grant,” agreed Cot-
ner. “But to apply early (before seeing
the 90-percent design) doesn’t make
sense. Even the Federal Railroad Ad-
ministration agrees.”

Without the plans, it is impossible
for officials to cost-out what safety
features local governments will need
to put in above and beyond those re-
quired of AAF.

“You’ve got to know how much it
will cost before you apply for the grant
and that is impossible to know until
AAF releases their plans,” said Vero
Beach City Manager Jim O’Connor. “If
the number will be so large we can’t
afford it, we wouldn’t apply.”

Soule pooh-poohed such concerns:
“Our investment in the safety up-
grades along the corridor means the
local contribution needed to imple-
ment quiet zones will be minimal,”
she said. But getting details in writing
in time to make the final grant dead-
line – which came and went on Feb. 29
with no application from Vero or the
County – proved impossible.

“We will submit our plans to the
counties imminently,” was all Soule
had to say after the deadline passed.

The state legislature appropriated
$10 million for quiet-zone infrastruc-
ture in 2014, specifying only local gov-
ernments could apply. Governments
affected by the SunRail commuter line
around Orlando have applied for and
been awarded much of the money,
but about $2.8 million remains. That
is cash Vero and IRC could – theoreti-
cally – have sought to offset rail cross-
ing safety improvements.

The Federal Railroad Administra-

10 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Vero backed on rentals summary judgment puts his code en- ro’s ability to enforce the code somewhat quarters.’ Therefore, Ordinance 2015-02
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 forcement officers on better legal foot- clouded and resulted in the code chang- was not preempted by the statute.”
ing, affirming the hard line the city has es, eventually leading to the Fitz lawsuit.
ramped-up enforcement – violated taken since the controversy erupted Kanarek’s order bolsters Vero’s argu-
a state law preempting the power to in 2013, when then-Vice Mayor Tracy In the document, issued late Friday ment that zoning regulations prohibit
regulate vacation rentals to the State Carroll and her husband John were cit- afternoon, Kanarek wrote: “The court transient rentals as a land use in resi-
of Florida. ed and fined $50 for renting out their concludes that the City’s regulation of dentially zoned neighborhoods, as tran-
Riomar home as a vacation rental. Fitz’s property as a ‘guest house and sient rentals are a commercial activity.
Attorney J. Garry Rooney had filed transient quarters’ and the prohibition
a request for a summary judgment in When the Carrolls and their attor- of such land use in the residential zon- “This reinforces our right to enforce
the case, and Kanarek denied that re- ney Tom Tierney appealed the fine to ing districts was well settled and exist- that code because we had it on the
quest in his 11-page order. The case the city’s Code Enforcement Board, that ed in the Vero Beach Code at the time books prior to the law that the state
is expected to go to a full blown trial board ruled that the city’s own ordinance section 509.032(7)(b), Florida Statutes, passed,” O’Connor said Monday.“That’s
sometime in April. was too vague to be enforced.The city ap- became effective. Further, Ordinance been our position from the beginning.”
pealed the board’s decision, resulting in 2015-02 (the code changes) did not
City Manager Jim O’Connor said an affirmation of the code board’s vote. make any substantive changes to the In addition to tweaking the language of
Kanarek’s denial of the request for definition of ‘guest house and transient the ordinance – which Kanarek says did
That affirmation by the courts left Ve- not overstep the bounds laid out in 2011
by the Florida Legislature’s pre-emption
of vacation rental regulation – the Vero
Beach City Council also increased the
fine for violations tenfold in 2015.

The fine, which used to be $50 per
night of violation, was hiked to $500.
Now, should the owner be found in
violation of the code by way of evi-
dence of advertising a vacation rental
and evidence of renters occupying the
dwelling, a homeowner could be fined
up to $500 per night by the city for ev-
ery night the home is rented out.

Despite Vero’s claims that this order
goes a long way toward settling the mat-
ter, Rooney says the fight is not over. The
case, instead of being somewhat cur-
tailed by the summary judgment, will
now wind down the long road of full-on
litigation and likely appeal.

"We thank the judge for expeditiously
issuing a ruling and analyzing the is-
sues. We respectfully disagree with his
decision and will be seeking a reversal
through motion practice or the appeal
process," Rooney said on Monday.

Rooney said his clients “have expect-
ed that this case would be a long battle
likely to be ultimately resolved in the
appellate courts,” adding that his firm,
Vero Beach based Rooney and Rooney,
also represents clients with similar in-
terests in another, nearby city and will
be filing “a similar action” in that case.

When Vero ramped up enforcement
of the code and last year shifted the re-
sponsibility for citing homeowners to
the Vero Beach Police Department, city
officials initially allowed owners a short
“grace period” to honor long-standing
vacation reservations from people who
had booked airline tickets or otherwise
had relied upon executed rental con-
tracts to come and stay in Vero.

“That is long past,” O’Connor said of
the grace period.

With all the publicity the issue has
gotten, owners presumably should be
well aware that Vero is actively enforc-
ing its interpretation of the code as
recently massaged by the city council,
and that renters may encounter uni-
formed police officers at their door
asking for identification.

Renowned trial attorney John Frost
of Bartow is representing the City of
Vero Beach in this case. 



12 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Riverside supporters celebrate premiere of 'Hello Dolly!'

Heidi Waxlax and Gail Williams. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE HELLO DOLLY! PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Susan Kamer, Anita Astrachan and Baerbel O'Haire.

BY MARY SCHENKEL sional theatres. “I’ve enjoyed watching rant in Act II and in Act I, when Dolly re- the creative staff to fashion a plush
Staff Writer this theater grow over the years.” solves to move on with her life and sings version of Harmonia Gardens. The
"Before the Parade Passes By." décor at tables set up in the Orchid
Roughly 330 elegantly attired guests She and Waxlax had watched re- Lobby and Waxlax Theatre, featured
climbed the red carpet-covered steps hearsals earlier in the day and were “It’s so appropriate beyond a certain ruby red tablecloths highlighted by tall
to attend the Riverside Theatre Pre- both enthralled with the show. “It’s fab- age,” laughed Waxlax, adding with a centerpieces topped with red, purple
miere Benefit Gala for “Hello Dolly!” ulous. The costumes are amazing, and smile, “It’s my song.” and white feathers. The Waxlax The-
The annual event, presented by Riv- the voices; just the whole thing,” said an atre was particularly dramatic, with
erside’s Friends Committee, was co- enthusiastic Williams. “Allen (Cornell, Guests gathered in clusters for cock- deep red lighting and baskets of ferns
chaired this year by Heidi Waxlax and producing artistic director and CEO) tails outdoors under a tent and the set- hung from the ceiling amid twinkling
Gail Williams. does such a great job.” ting sun, while listening to show tunes strands of lights.
played by the Rowdy Roosters, before
“I love every minute of it. Oh my “I had a lot of fun doing this with Gail,” heading inside for a gourmet dinner After dinner, guests were treated
gosh; it’s so special,” said Williams, who said Waxlax, president of the board of featuring sumptuous braised short ribs to the first viewing of the beloved
serves on the board of trustees, has had trustees. Her two favorite moments in prepared by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & musical ahead of its opening night
a home in Vero Beach for about 30 years the enduring musical were when the Company. to the general public, and closed out
and has watched Riverside become one quintessentially optimistic Dolly Levi the evening with a champagne re-
of Florida’s largest producing profes- makes her triumphal entrance on the Channeling the stylish flair of the ception with the cast. 
stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restau- era, the dedicated members of the
Friends committee had worked with



14 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

HELLO DOLLY! PHOTOS CONTINUED ROM PAGE 12 1 2 3

45

67

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 15

PEOPLE 'HELLO DOLLY!' CAPTIONS

8 1. Ned and Emily Sherwood. 2. Judy and Bill
Schneebeck. 3. Ann Dillon and Charlotte Stifel.
4. Nancy and Paul Knapp, Susan and Dick
Bergeman, Marti DeGraaf and Toby Mack.
5. Marlynn and Bill Scully. 6. Judy and Allen
Cornell. 7. Mary Ellen Brophy and Gordon
Brunner. 8. Dave and Sherry Brown with Nancy
and Kip Forlines. 9. Judy and Bob Prosser,
Wivi-Anne Weber and Ann Strupp. 10. Truman
and Cynthia Casner with Mary and Harvey
Struthers. 11. Elke and George Fetterolf, Diana
Stark, Linda Teetz and Elayne Weimenn.
12. Lyn Buford and Laurie Carney.

12

9

10

11

16 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Girls Night Out raises money for cancer patient care

BY CHRISTINA TASCON
Staff Writer

The ladies of Orchid Island orga- Gerry Collins, Nancy Cruce and Ruth Martin. PHOTOS: PHIL SUNKEL Kathleen O’Brien and Mary Louise Donovan.
nized their third annual Connecting
for Cancer Girls Night Out Bash last wiches, petite spinach quiches and
Monday evening at the lovely home of bacon-wrapped asparagus, all pre-
Ruth and Murray Martin, gathering to pared by the industrious committee.
raise funds for the Indian River Medi- Members had also donated the wine
cal Center Foundation’s Pay-It-For-
ward Fund.

Last year’s fundraiser also benefitted
Pay-It-Forward, which assists eligible
cancer patients in need with financial
aid to pay for some of their treatment
expenses.

While the women browsed through
dozens of donated silent auction items,
the men attended a Boy’s Night Out
at the Orchid Island Golf Club, where
they would be served what was touted
as “food your wife won’t let you eat” –
as in pizza, sliders, ribs and brownies.

“I am sure all the husbands are there;
we just had to be out of the house,”
joked Murray Martin.

The ladies on the other hand enjoyed
mini-croissant chicken salad sand-

Kathy Dunlap and Charlotte Klein. Elaine Stull and Bobbie Rodgers.

and decorations, ensuring that all the which represented the full spectrum of
money raised would directly benefit cancers. Each committee member was
the fund. distinguished by colored "hugs," which
were scarves knitted by Kathy Dunlop.
The home had the perfect layout for
the almost 150 ladies who attended. “Every year they have had the com-
The living room was bursting with si- mittee wear something to distinguish
lent auction items, which also spilled them for the night. Then they just
over into the Florida Room by the pool. threw them out. So I said why don’t I
On a second patio overlooking the just make these and then we could do-
golf course, guests enjoyed icy cosmo- nate them to the cancer center,” said
politans, which flowed from a ribbon- Dunlop, who felt the scarves would be
shaped ice sculpture. a physical as well as mental comfort for
the patients.
“Since I am a cancer survivor and I
also did some oncology nursing, I have “We are so honored Orchid is hold-
great sympathy for those with cancer,” ing this event for us. They touch so
said Ruth Martin, who had been asked many patient lives,” said Bev Sanders,
to host this year by event founders director of gift planning at the IRMC
Nancy Cruce and Gerry Collins. “God Foundation.
has gifted us with good health now so
we are happy to share that good for- “It’s truly a gift that you cannot put a
tune with others.” price tag on.”

Guests had been asked to wear col- “Everybody has such a connection
ors representing the various types of to cancer because either they or their
cancer they were supporting – teal for family has had some kind of experi-
ovarian, white for lung, pink for breast, ence with the disease, so the whole
light blue for prostrate and lavender community wants to get involved,”
said Collins. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 17

PEOPLE

1 2
4
3

5

GIRLS NIGHT OUT CAPTIONS

1. Barbara Sotos, Maureen Baus and Pat
Chartrand. 2. Lynda Stinson, Deedee
Cunningham, Gloria Cook and Linda Shields.
3. Sue Williams, Ronnie Weyrauch, Peggy
Bicknell. 4. Diane VanVliet, Ann Costello
and Chris Lenehan. 5. Lori McCormick,
Bev Sanders and Linda Williamson.
6. Marilyn Kinsella and Gladys Prol.

6

18 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Going green: Irish pride on display at St. Patrick’s Parade

1 2 3

Vero got its green on at the 14th annual St. Patrick’s Parade along Ocean 4
Drive, with green-clad fans lining the parade route from Flamevine to Aza-
lea Lane last Saturday morning to watch as parade participants from pixies
to pooches paid tribute to their Irish culture and heritage. Marchers in the
short but sweet parade include bagpiper Michael Hyde, jeweler John Michael
Matthews as St. Patrick (the patron saint of Ireland), school, military, law en-
forcement, emergency and governmental groups, and families displaying
their Celtic pride through flags and banners. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 19

PEOPLE

5 67

8

9

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CAPTIONS

1. Esabella and David Hyatt. 2. Discoverettes

from Children’s Discover Center.

3. Masters Academy Fife and Drum Corps.

4. Ava Carrey and Daniella Konary-McGuire

wave to the firemen. 5. Doug and Fran

Thompson with Chris Kenderes. 6. Dianne

and Brendan Demko. 7. Rose of Tralee pup.

8. Vero Beach City Councilwoman Pilar Turner.

9. Susan Dorado and Louise Groshans.

PHOTOS: LEAH DUBOIS

20 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Foundation feeds the hungry ‘one garden at a time’

Joel Bray with Graig Vafiades. PHOTOS: LEAH DUBOIS Richard and Earlene Batiste with Linda and Shane Snodgress.

BY CHRISTINA TASCON Bistro last Tuesday evening, raising
Staff Writer funds and celebrating eight years of
helping to feed the hungry “one gar-
Shining Light Garden Founda- den at a time.”
tion supporters enjoyed a delicious
farm-to-table dinner at Osceola Shining Light got its start in 2008
when Joel Bray began raising crops

Gail Kinney, Kathleen O’Brien, Barbara Sotos and Susan Kintner.

Sherri Leard and Diane Titherington. chase them. The project has since
grown to incorporate 20 acres, in-
in his backyard to give healthy, cluding a flower garden to provide
fresh vegetables to those who did cheerful bouquets to brighten the
not have access or funds to pur- rooms of patients at VNA Hospice
House.

Volunteers Sherry Leard and Di-
ane Titherington used some of
the garden florals to create quaint
handcrafted centerpieces using
varied perennials in mason jars set
atop white linen cloths at tables in
Osceola’s garden patio and dining
room.

“Joel is the farmer and Greg is
the charmer,” said event organizer
Connie Derman. She was speaking
of Bray and Greg Vafiades, who has
been on board since 2010 and is in
charge of finding funds to keep the
farm solvent.

“At first it was Joel by himself and
then it was Joel, Mr. Ralph Hamil-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 21

PEOPLE

ton (now deceased) and me, with a is even cooked up by our volunteers supplies and everything goes out to ceived a major boost in 2014 through
few shovels and a handful of volun- and we deliver it to the families the hungry.” a $100,000 Impact 100 grant.
teers. We did every kind of veggie living in the woods. This is a non-
you can think of and it all went to profit that is 100 percent giveaway, The garden, which does not sell “It is overwhelming,” said Bray, a
soup kitchens, food pantries and 100 percent volunteer. There are no any of its harvest, has supplied former construction worker turned
churches,” said Vafiades. “Every- salaries. Every dime stays in the more than 16,000 bushels of pro- farmer who admits he is still learn-
thing is donated. Some of the food garden for farm tools, seeds and duce since its inception, thanks to ing every day. “It’s just a blessing to
support from the community. It re-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

SHINING LIGHT PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Chris Bireley and Graig Vafiades. Robin Perry with Weasy and Doug Carmack.
Peggy and Norm Rickard with Lori Maddos.

Francis Landrum, Jayi Bray, Cindy Damico and Ray Foley. Dr. Gary Edwards, Debbie Lewis and Jo Park.

Nick and Juanita Leioatts and Connie Derman.

Jenna Thompson, Tom Sparks and Dora Thompson.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 23

PEOPLE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Chef Chris Bireley is a proponent wanted to form one very strong rela- ted that they asked wedding guests
of farm fresh produce, purchasing tionship above all the others,” said Bi- to bypass gifts and give to Shining
be a blessing to others. We feed a lot of the majority of Osceola Bistro’s from reley, adding that they liked the idea of Light instead, and they have also
people and meet so many good people Osceola Organic. Soon after visiting having their farm-to-table profits re- opted to close the restaurant to the
who are willing to volunteer from all Shining Light he and wife Charlotte turn to the farm to feed the homeless. public the past three years – in the
across the United States. The reason I chose to make it their main charity. “To me that made the most sense.” height of season – to host the fund-
do what I do is because I love God and raising dinner. 
this is my reasonable service.” “Charlotte and I decided that we The Bireleys were so commit-

24 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Joey’s Seafood Shack steps up for VBHS orchestra

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Joey’s Seafood Shack owners Leif Clark, Daniel Beal, Noah Lanier and Samuel Bormett. PHOTOS: LEAH DUBOIS
Kimmy Coveny and Joseph Fenyak
hosted two sold-out evenings at
their third annual “Little Night of
Music” dinners last week, with pro-
ceeds and donations benefiting the
Vero Beach High School Orchestra.
Music was provided during the five-
course gourmet dinner by talented
members of The Coastal Quartet
– violinists Samuel Bormett, Noah
Lanier and Daniel Beal, and cellist
Leif Clark.

Orchestra director Matt Stott
would like to try scheduling a major
trip for students every three years,
such as the 2014 trip to the Kennedy
Center in Washington, D.C. Setting
its sights farther afield, the orches-
tra is planning ahead to a 2017 trip
to Europe.

“We are so excited that the kids
will be able to explore and perform
in Europe,” said Coveny. “The Ken-
nedy Center was fantastic but Eu-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 25

PEOPLE

Joseph Fenyak, Kim Coveny and Matt Stott.

Jamie Vazquez, Kyle Juarez, Marianna Forero and Lauren Amos.

rope is going to be an experience chestra and their families will be
that some of these kids would never hosting many more fundraisers to
be able to fathom without the sup- make their dream a reality. Stu-
port of our community." dents would also have to commit
to after-school practice throughout
Stott is currently reviewing of- the year.
fers from several performance tour
companies, including concert ven- “We’re looking forward to the ex-
ues in Italy, Vienna, Prague and Ger- perience of playing for a different
many. Depending on the number of culture,” said Jamie Vazquez, who
students and locations visited, costs assisted at the fundraising dinner
are anticipated to be roughly $4,000 with fellow orchestra members Kyle
per student, plus special care costs Juarez, Marianna Forero and Lau-
for instrument transport. ren Amos. The foursome said they
found the concept of experiencing
“We’re negotiating,” said Stott. the rest of the world “both exhila-
“They offer a great opportunity, but rating and frightening.”
we want to make sure we’ve got the
best value.” Checks can be dropped off at Joey’s
Seafood Shack or the high school.
The hope is that about 60 stu- For additional information, contact
dents will be able to make the trip, Matt Stott at 772-564-5458. 
but before then members of the or-

26 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Alexis de Tocqueville Society members fêted at gala

Casey and Robert Baggott. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE Pat and Spencer Standish. Jim and Jean Kelly, with Marla Beck and Randy Riley.

BY MARY SCHENKEL mon good means creating opportuni-
Staff Writer ties for a better life for all.”

Members of the United Way of Indi- Tocqueville Society members do-
an River County Alexis de Tocqueville nate a minimum of $10,000 annually,
Society were celebrated at the third with many of Vero’s transplants and
annual Tocqueville Society Gala last snowbirds contributing equally to
Wednesday evening. The invitational United Ways in their hometown as well
event recognized members’ generous as locally. Membership in the group
contributions to the philanthropic ini- has grown over the past 20 years from
tiative that bears the Tocqueville name four to 68 members, and it has been
and epitomizes the philosophy of the recognized for its growth and contri-
United Way – that “advancing the com- butions relative to population.

Guest mingled over cocktails while

Hope Woodhouse, Marlynn Scully, Erin Grall and Richard Canty.

being entertained by talented musi- Guest speaker Dr. Robert Baggott,
cians from the Charter High School, Senior Minister of Community Church
before sitting down to enjoy a gourmet of Vero Beach, kept the crowd laughing
dinner. John’s Island Real Estate was with a number of humorous stories,
the presenting sponsor, with addi- before speaking about the power of
tional sponsorship by Northern Trust human potential when people follow
Bank, Vero Insurance and Pure Insur- their calling.
ance.
“Every one of you has heard the call
In his welcome, Alexis de Toc- to good, and you have responded with
queville steering committee chairman great generosity. Something has called
Fritz Blaicher noted this year’s contri- you to step forward, to step up, to reach
butions of $990,000 represented about out, and you my friends are honor-
one-third of the money raised toward ing the good,” said Baggott. “If we just
the 2015-16 United Way Campaign. He keep our ears tuned and our hearts
also shared that Publix Supermarket open we’re able to hear more and more
contributions amounted to $516,000. and more of that call to good. And you
friends have demonstrated that you
Stressing the importance of those have heard that voice and your re-
two major funding groups, Blaicher sponse to it through United Way is rad-
said, “United Way is dependent on ically nudging our world to the good.”
Alexis de Tocqueville and Publix be-
cause we do not have the corporate United Way CEO Michael Kint sur-
base that most United Ways have. I just prised Fritz and Gay Blaicher with the
can’t thank you enough.” presentation of a special token of appre-
ciation, recognizing more than 20 years
A short video presentation featured of volunteer engagement and leader-
several prominent residents relating ship. The couple has been especially
the reasons behind their own involve- encouraging of fellow John’s Island
ment. Many also encouraged legacy residents to participate in the work of
gifts which will enable the local United the United Way and to contribute to the
Way Foundation to build its endow- John’s Island Community Campaign
ment and create a lasting legacy of an- and the Tocqueville Society. 
nual contributions in their name.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 27

PEOPLE

Gail and Scott Alexander with Wheatie and Bob Gibb. Roger Lynch and Ashley Simmons, with Lee and John Moore. John and Susan McCord with Cynthia and Tim Hultquist.

Janie Hoover, Kerry Bartlett, Susan Chenault, Katie Kirk, Sue Thompkins and Leah Muller. Bob and Janet Hoffman, with Gay and Fritz Blaicher.

28 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

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Taking 'refuge' at Pelican Island Wildlife Festival

1 23
456

78

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 29

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10

9

1. Dave and Jenny Hauge with Michelle and Bill

Bollinger. 2. Pat and Peter Brown. 3. David and

Dee Simpson, Tim Brown, and Paul Tritaik.

4. Jodi Gregg and Christina Neaf. 5. Phillip

Gendron, Tara Miller and Karen Rann. 6. Julie,

Hailey and Jenna Pashayan. 7. Noah McClain.

8. Isabelle Rogers and Colleen Puglisi. 9.

Robert and Evelyn Dodge with Jeanie Brooks.

10. Gus, Caroline and Nate Onken.

PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE

Riverview Park in Sebastian was
packed with a multi-generational
crowd last Saturday at the 24th
Annual Pelican Island Wildlife
Festival hosted by the Pelican Is-
land Preservation Society in part-
nership with the City of Sebas-
tian and the Indian River County
Historical Society. The event cel-
ebrated the 113th anniversary
of the Pelican Island National
Wildlife Refuge, established by
President Theodore Roosevelt on
March 14, 1903, as the first in the
nation. Roosevelt himself – aka
famed re-enactor Joe Wiegand –
was on hand to speak about the
importance of conservation, as
were representatives of all variety
of local, state and federal organi-
zations protective of our natural
resources and wildlife. There was
also plenty of music and enter-
tainment, vendors, exhibitors and
wildlife presentations, and pon-
toon boat tours to view Pelican
Island itself. 

30 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Mary Beth Vallar, Tom Lowe and Joan Black. PHOTOS: LEAH DUBOIS Kristy Corrigan with Chuck and Brenda Bradley.

Starlight and Sneakers event supports The Arc

BY CHRISTINA TASCON to special needs individuals at the are providing funds to build five and they are enthusiastic, honest
Staff Writer second annual Starlight and Sneak- group homes for Arc clients. and exciting. That is what started
ers benefit last Thursday evening the love affair. I was just cutting up
Supporters of The Arc of Indian at Rock City Gardens. Roughly 250 The weather could not have been a ham for breakfast and this group
River County enjoyed a night under guests dined, danced and recog- more perfect as guests began the got out and was singing Christmas
the stars while providing assistance nized capital campaign donors who evening with a lovely stroll of the carols. They thought they were the
grounds, enjoying cocktails, passed Mormon Tabernacle Choir; they
hors d’oeuvres and the music of were so beautiful. I sat there with a
the Gypsy Lane Band before sitting knife and fork and cried.”
down to a delicious buffet dinner
catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy The Arc is currently raising funds
and Company. for a five-building group home ex-
pansion project. The homes are par-
Everyone had been encouraged to ticularly important for clients need-
dress up their comfortable footwear ing a safe place to live and learn job
and Dick Pippen was awarded the and life skills, whose aging parents
Best Sneaker prize for his garden- might no longer be able to continue
themed Nikes, covered in oversized their care.
silk butterflies.
“How would you like to have a
“We are unofficially calling this child who told you he was planning
year Sneakers and Starlight into the to live with you for his entire life
Woods because we moved the tent without a job? That must be every
and extended it out to the ponds,” parent’s dream,” said 21-year old cli-
said board member Mary Beth Val- ent Justin as the audience laughed
lar, appreciating that Rhonda and appreciatively. He has just gradu-
Tom Lowe had once again gracious- ated high school and is now looking
ly offered Rock City Gardens as the at an uncertain future. “That’s why
event venue. we need you to help provide us with
training, transportation and a place
“We are so grateful to the Lowes to live right here in Vero Beach as
for providing us this beautiful loca- citizens.”
tion.”
“We have the first home built and
Entertainment kicked off with are waiting for the Certificate of Oc-
a special performance by The Arc cupancy now,” said executive direc-
Chorus, with clients dancing and tor Chuck Bradley. “This is great to
lip-syncing to "Thank You for Being look out at all the generosity of the
a Friend" and "The Sun Will Come movers and shakers of Indian River
Out Tomorrow," conducted from County who came out to support us
the dance floor by The Arc’s inde- tonight. These folks are what keep
fatigable marketing director, Nor- us going.”
een Davis.
“Last year I was asking you for the
“There is a whole network of money to build a group home and
people out here that are not cared this year I am here to thank you for
for and are misunderstood,” said the group home that your money
board chairman Dick Pippert, who built,” said Pippert to applause. 
has been involved for seven years. “I
watched these people live their lives

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 31

PEOPLE

Mary Ellen Replogle, Ted Chenault and Karen Deigl. Jeffrey Petersen and Maria Segura. SNEAKERS AND STARLIGHT PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
Bob and Lisa Montuoro.

Patricia Marquis, Dick Pippert and Pam Harmon.
Anne Clement, Pat Pippert and Rosalie Webster.
Ed and Carla Boardman with Diane and Larry Wilhelm.

32 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

SNEAKERS AND STARLIGHT PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 Joey Replogle and Cheryl Sangbush. Ray and Linda Hengerer.
Ed and Susan Smith.

William and Cathy LaCroix with Doug Clement.
Heather Dales with Toby and JoAnn Jarman.

Michael and Janine Richmond. Kevin and Terry Nolan.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 33

PEOPLE

Lou Holtz scores touchdown for Scholarship Foundation

BY CHRISTINA TASCON LOU HOLTZ PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 Tangerine Bowl ring he earned when lege analyst and author, and is now
Staff Writer they won the Southern Conference, acclaimed and admired as a motiva-
Gaye Ludwig and Jack Ludwig. LEAH DUBOIS and stated that he learned to be a man tional speaker.
Coach Lou Holtz was asked to make under Holtz’s leadership.
a touchdown for the Scholarship Wachter, thrilled to see Holtz once “I never felt that I coached football,”
Foundation of Indian River County at again. “He was a fabulous coach and To inspire the next generation, 150 said Holtz. “I coached life. The same
its second annual Speaker Fundraiser an outstanding motivator; a total in- students from after-school programs thing that would enable them to be
– "Winning Every Day: An Evening spiration.” including the Boys and Girls Club, successful as an individual player
with Lou Holtz" – last Friday evening Gifford Youth Achievement Center and a successful student would be the
at the Waxlax Center for the Perform- As a reminder of Holtz’s inspira- and local high schools were invited same things to be a good father, good
ing Arts at St. Edward’s School. tion as an educator, Wachter wore the to be among the 500 guests who at- husband and a good businessman or,
tended. in Bruce’s case, a good educational
One of the most accomplished leader. It all takes the same thing.”
coaches in American college sports “Coach Holtz came from a very
history, Holtz’s real heroics are mani- humble background, so I think he can Having heard dozens of Holtz sto-
fested more through the students he identify with having to claw your way ries from Wachter, Robb Greenfield
has inspired than his many awards, up from not having any money and to needed no prodding to attend when
ESPN airtime or New York Times- work hard to achieve your goals. He his friend Elizabeth Sorensen told
best-selling books. has a great way of inspiring young him Holtz would be speaking.
kids because he was able to do the
Before the main presentation, Holtz same and he has a witty method of “When the students listen to some-
charmed guests at a private VIP donor teaching,” said scholarship commit- one like Coach Holtz giving advice
reception with his quick wit and easy tee chair Joan Cook. about life, someone who has those
smile, especially as he greeted his for- kinds of major experiences, it is in-
mer student and football player Bruce In addition to his renown for turn- stant credibility. You have to believe
Wachter, beloved upper-school head- ing Notre Dame from a once dismal he knows what he is talking about,”
master at St. Edward’s. team to a 12-0 Fiesta Bowl winner said Greenfield.
in 1988, the College Football Hall of
“I was recruited to play football at Famer is the only coach to have led six Proceeds from the event will
William and Mary the same year it college teams to bowl games. He has help change the lives of local
was his first head coaching job,” said been a New York Jets coach, ESPN col- students through Scholarship
Foundation scholarships. 

34 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

LOU HOLTZ PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 Sam and Linda Block with Simonetta and Tommy Steyer. Tim and Mary Mullan.
Lou Holtz and Bruce Wachter.

Duke Scales, Tom Graul and Wiz Cook. Elizabeth Sorensen and Robb Greenfield. Heidi and Marc Rose.

Sheila McDonough, Ted Herget and Joan Cook.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 35

PEOPLE

Nora Koontz, Barclay Kass and Micheline Aronson. Jonathan and Susan Schwiering. Jennifer Cancio, Ron Chesley and Laura Bass.

Dexter Purcell, William Tye, Grayson Gilbert and Blake Campbell. Mike Mersky and Joanie Wachter.

36 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

‘Rock the Boat’ supports Youth Sailing Foundation

Pat Harris and Ali Schlitt. PHOTOS: PHIL SUNKEL George and Sheila Marshall with Marcia and Gavin Ruodolo. Chris and Charlie Pope.

BY MARY SCHENKEL Guests watched the crescent moon
Staff Writer rise over a gorgeous rosy sunset while
sipping cocktails and listening to the
The term rock the boat had a decid- always entertaining band, The Land-
edly positive connotation Friday at sharks. Inside, others perused long
an inaugural Rock the Boat fundrais- tables of silent auction items before
ing dinner, chaired by Ali Schlitt, to sitting down to a delicious buffet din-
benefit the Youth Sailing Foundation. ner by Jasmine of Vero.
A sold-out crowd of 133 guests navi-
gated to the Marsh Island Clubhouse “These kids have learned so much,”
to enjoy a delightful evening while said board chairman Pat Harris.
raising funds to enable local youth to “These kids have learned self-confi-
learn skills that will last a lifetime. dence, self-reliance, decision-mak-
ing, leadership, and we’ve even now

Hope Resale Boutique Lynn and Jerry Babika. Julia Harris and Pam Harmon.

Thanks Our Donors For Their Support! introduced STEM (Science Technol- Moore led a "Raise the Sails" paddle
ogy, Engineering, Mathematics) cur- pledge to help cover the program cost
Hope Resale Boutique gives $40,000! riculum into the sailing. It’s really of $500 for one child to participate for
grown so much. It’s pretty exciting one full year (two semesters).
$10,000 $10,000 stuff.”
“One of the things about Youth Sail-
Indian River County He said their fleet now includes ing is that while the focus has been on
more than 30 small wooden Optis youth, there is a whole other element
$10,000 $10,000 (Optimist sailboats) for children ages that has evolved over and above the
9 to 13, 20 Club 420 (4.2-meter) two- youth sailing part of it,” said longtime
We Are Off To A Great Start! person racing boats for high school supporter Sheila Marshall. “There are
students, plus additional sailboats about 100 volunteers on any given day;
Call for Free Pickup! (772) 918-4640 for adult sailing, and they now have often men who no longer have a boat
a full-time sailing director, Gary but still want to putter about and work
(Tax Deductible 501 (c) 3 Charity Hope Foundation of Indian River County) Griffith. on them. It’s like a senior sailors club.
You’ve got to keep the boats working
Your donations are always needed Two high school teams have been and they’re doing their part; doing
(don’t forget furniture)! formed: the 2-year old Vero Beach whatever needs to be done.”
High School Sailing Team now has
8860 N US Hwy 1 (just past Hwy 510) 45 participants, and the Indian River “It’s my Thursday morning day job.
Charter High School Sailing Team, I’ve always been a sailor,” said vol-
which started this fall, has 12 partici- unteer Bill Lane, a 35-year Star Class
pants. A number of the high school sailor whose grandchildren now sail
students have come up through the Optis. “It’s fun to have a program down
ranks and are now instructing begin- here that the kids are getting into. It’s a
ning children. wonderful program for them.”

“Youth Sailing programs are com- “I do hope we’re opening the door to
pletely free. The foundation provides a lifetime of sailing,” said Griffith. Dis-
instructors, the fleet, the equipment pelling the myth that sailing is strictly
all free to the kids,” said Harris, as a an elitist sport, he spoke about the di-
lead-in to auctioneer John Moore. versity of the participants, who come
from all backgrounds and abilities and
In addition to a live auction featur- whose lives are being improved for the
ing some desirable items and a rath- better – on and off the water. 
er unusual pachyderm "souvenir,"

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 37

PEOPLE

Amy Patterson, Barbara Butts, Mary Ellen McCarthy and Marcia Richards. Doug and Sally Munson. Ann Donnelly and Jillian Stewart.

Malea Terry, Jarrod Smith, Alden Findley, Gary Griffith and Stephen Boyle.
Phil and Debbie Delange with Teresa and George Pastor.

Jeff and Stephanie Pickering with Melissa and Ryan Weaver.

38 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show a huge success

23
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Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 39

PEOPLE

8 9 10

11 12 13

Because You Deserve It

14

1. Sculptor Kue King. 2. Eileen Leute and Ed Meyers admire the work of artist David Golfhagen. SERVING THE TREASURE COAST FOR 24 YEARS.
3. Jane Rollinson, Sue Dinenno, and Peggy Ashline. 4. Faith Peterson and Dawn Jesmer admire
glasswork by Angelo Fico. 5. Artist Rae Marie Crisel with Kathy Vassallo. 6. Artist Dana Shirley SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:
hammering silver. 7. Amy and Chuck Henderson. 8. Angela and David Macintosh with Lorrayne Minimal Incision Lift for the Face, Body, Neck & Brow
and Ray Mancari. 9. Robert and Joan Mark with Mary Jane and Harry Skinner. 10. Vicki and Alan Breast Augmentations & Reductions • Post Cancer Reconstructions
Schommer. 11. Chris Ruddock, Janeen Frank and Laurie Miller. 12. Ray McLendon with Bill and Martha Chemical Peels • Botox • Obagi Medical Products • Laser Surgery
Yager. 13. Teresita and Pat Collins. 14. Bette and Bill Ostenfeld, Don and Barbara Schug, with Bill and Liposculpture • Tummy Tucks • Skin Cancer Treatments • Skincare by Yulin
Jane Avalos. PHOTOS: DENISE RITCHIE AND PHIL SUNKEL
THE ROSATO PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
The Vero Beach Art Club hosted yet another hugely successful Under the 3790 7th Terrace, Suite 101, Vero Beach, Florida
Oaks Fine Arts and Crafts Show last weekend. Blustery but mostly beau- 772.562.5859 • www.rosatoplasticsurgery.com
tiful weather helped draw vast numbers of residents and tourists alike, Consistent Winner of the Readers’ Choice Awards
who poured into Riverside Park for what is billed as one of the “Top 200
Art Shows in the Nation” by Art Fair Source Book and “Top 200 Art Shows Ralph M. Rosato
in Florida” by Sunshine Artist. Now in its 65th year, the enduringly popu- MD, FACS
lar juried show boasted more than 220 artists, 15 percent of whom are
VBAC members, selling original works in eight categories: Oil/Acrylic,
Watercolor, Graphics/Pastel, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media/Digi-
tal, Pottery and Jewelry/Creative Crafts. 

40 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Floral artistry blossoms at Art in Bloom Luncheon

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Spring was in the air, punctuated 1 2 3
with the fragrant aroma of fresh flow-
ers, at the Vero Beach Museum of friendly salads catered by Elizabeth Lee LaPointe and Ann Jones gave an Ann Boyd, Ann Jones, Lee LaPointe,
Art’s annual Art in Bloom Luncheon, D. Kennedy and Company before arrangement demonstration and it Suzanne Mallory, Elizabeth Mat-
featuring a demonstration by Bruno watching as Duarte demonstrated his quickly blossomed into one of the hot- thews, Betty McCarthy, Sharie Mor-
Duarte, owner and creative director renowned artistry, creating several test tickets in town, with members of timer, Nancy Murray, Mary Pressly,
of Fresh Floral Creations in Toronto. impressive arrangements. The large the John’s Island Garden Group also Susan Pyles, Pinkie Roe, Elaine Si-
The luncheon was co-chaired by Con- number of attendees necessitated two getting involved. gler, Ann Webber and Arun Wije-
nie Patterson and Dhuanne Tansill, seatings at either the Holmes Great filleke. Best In Show was awarded to
while the exhibition was chaired by Hall or the Atrium, where the spring- "This is definitely one of the more Ann Webber and Ann Jones for their
Lee LaPointe and Ann Webber. time décor featured floral centerpiec- popular events,” said Lucinda Gede- colorful tulip and clementine filled
es from Hutchinson Floral Artistry on, VBMA CEO. “You have these won- depiction of John Baeder’s Southwest
As guests wandered the hallways atop bright green tablecloths. derfully talented floral designers in- Motel.
and gallery rooms, perusing the 14 terpreting works of art; much like Vero
remarkable floral creations, each in- The Art in Bloom event got its start Ballet’s interpretations of art through Funds raised at the event help sup-
spired by a different work of art, they seven years ago when John’s Island dance.” port the Museum’s educational out-
had the difficult task of voting on their Garden Club members Ann Webber, reach programs. 
favorites to determine the winners of This year’s floral designers were
Best Use of Color, Best Use of Texture,
Best Interpretation and Best in Show.
The designers had chosen from a list of
artwork selected by the curator from
pieces in the museum’s permanent
collection and current exhibitions.

The fashionably attired crowd of
roughly 500 ladies dined on figure-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 41

PEOPLE ART IN BLOOM CAPTIONS

ART IN BLOOM PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 1. Dhuanne Tansill and Connie Patterson.
2 Marta Schneider and Nancy Briggs 3. Cynthia
4 Bardes, Laura McDermott and Pat Thompson.
4. "Shades of Fish Creek Hill." 5. "On the
Road." 6. Paula Shorts and Anne Warhover.
7. Carla Meyer, Susan Russell, Carol Henderson
and Peggotty Gilson.

7

5

6

42 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

ART IN BLOOM PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 8 9 10

12

11 13

14

ART IN BLOOM CAPTIONS

8. Michele Witt and Kay Blossom. 9. Nancy
Karpowicz and Nora Koontz. 10. Susan
McConnell and Ann Rush. 11. Susan Dobbs and
Judy Block. 12. Bea Dinger and Michele Finn.
13. Terri Stevens, Betty Kowalski and Lolita
Romano. 14. Sue Siegelbaum, Ann Loeffler,
Chase Braziatis and Laurie Gaertner. 15. "Entice
You to Join Me in the Beauty of the Sea."

15



44 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Director Clara McCarthy brings 'The King and I' to life

BY JULIE TARASOVIC Clara McCarthy. PHOTOS BY DENISE RITCHIE
Correspondent

The Vero Beach Theatre Guild’s pro-
duction of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s
“The King and I” is enjoying a huge
success, with the theater reporting sell-
out performances.

“It’s one of those plays that has
meat to it,” said veteran director Clara
McCarthy. “It has pathos, humor, sad-
ness, diversity, traditions and forbid-
den love – all of the elements that
make for a fantastic musical.”

It’s clear McCarthy has poured her-
self into directing the show. Not that
that’s unusual. She has directed over
100 productions in her 25-year career,
and into all of them, she says, “I put my
whole heart and soul.”

It all started when she auditioned for a
part in a community theater production
of “Gypsy” in Coral Springs.

“The director at the time had walked
out,” she recalls. “I knew all of the
songs so they asked me to direct. I was
bitten by the bug and have been direct-
ing ever since.”

The Dutch-born McCarthy immigrat-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 45

ARTS & THEATRE

In terms of directing, McCarthy says time what to do and they just get it,”
she got the cream of the crop with “The says McCarthy.
King and I” cast of 30, saying they are
both talented and dedicated, particu- Concerns that the now-classic, half-
larly in the two leading roles. century old play could be dated have
been put to rest, she says, by the efforts
“My king, played by Derrick Paul, and of the cast and crew.
my Anna, played by Sara Gordon, abso-
lutely stole the show and worked tire- “They brought it all together,” Mc-
lessly,” says McCarthy. “These two went Carthy says. “When people are saying
above and beyond, working into the wee ‘I can’t believe it was three hours long,’
hours until they made it magical.” that right there is kudos to my cast
and to me.”
The cast also includes a crop of chil-
dren, and they too have been great to As for her next project? She’ll be di-
work with, she says. recting “Pajama Game” next season at
the Guild.
“The children are wonderful. They
are like sponges. You tell them one “The King and I” runs through
March 20. 

ed to the United States in 1956. She grew erside was home to the Theatre Guild,
up in Amsterdam and, after World War a nonprofit that uses all volunteers,
II, she and her family moved to England what McCarthy calls “true passion and
for 11 years. dedication.”

When she was 20, she and her family McCarthy directs one play a year for
moved to Miami, where friends had al- the Theatre Guild – 20 so far.
ready immigrated.
This is her third musical. Before “The
“Europe was ravaged by the war so King and I,” she directed “Fiddler on the
when the opportunity came up to move Roof” and “Guys and Dolls.”
to America, we took it,” she says.
She has also directed farces – if reluc-
There, she met her first husband. tantly.
They started a family that today num-
bers three children, 11 grandchildren “It’s not my favorite to do and it’s one
and four great grandchildren. of the most difficult venues to direct in.”

Divorced after 25 years of marriage, McCarthy is just as diligent about her
McCarthy moved to Ft. Pierce where her day job. A full-time hairdresser for 60
mother was then living. years, she currently works at Trendset-
ters, “the best shop I’ve ever worked in,”
“The theater and my wonderful she says.
friends that I made through the years
helped me heal in a difficult time. It “It’s hard work, just like directing,
really becomes a family and I am so but it is so rewarding as well, especially
thankful for that,” she says. “My home when someone loves what you’ve done,”
away from home is theater and I will she says.
not live anywhere unless there is a the-
ater close by.” Intending first to become a nurse, she
found she wasn’t happy working around
McCarthy’s passion for directing and sick people.
acting also led her to her second hus-
band; they’ve been together 33 years. “I knew that I wanted to be around
people and work with my hands, so I
McCarthy has directed at the Lyric chose hairdressing as a career.”
Theatre in Stuart, the Sunrise Theatre
and the Pineapple Play House in Ft. That skill has come in handy at the
Pierce, as well as Riverside Theatre in theater, where she’s styled hair for pro-
Vero. Before it turned professional, Riv- ductions as well as designed wigs. “It’s
lots of fun for me, so I keep my hand in
it,” she says.

46 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

Coming up: 'Freud,' opera competition, jazz and rock

BY MICHELLE GENZ
Staff Writer

1 Riverside Theatre’s Second Stage
series gives us “Freud’s Last Ses-

sion,” opening Tuesday. The prem-

ise of Mark St. Germain’s play, which

opened on Broadway in 2010, is a visit

by the Christian apologist C.S. Lewis

to the dying psychoanalyst Freud’s

office. There, a great debate ensues

about sex and the existence of God.

The play has its genesis in a Harvard

seminar that spawned a book and a

PBS special. Playwright St. Germain

set the story on Sept. 3, 1939, and has

the BBC tuned in on the vintage radio,

blasting the news that Britain was at

the brink of war. Always a good time to

find religion. Deborah Voight coming to the Vero Beach High
School Performing Arts Center.
Don’t be alarmed, O ye abundant

Vero church-goers nor ye secular hu-

manists: The New York Times called "Freud's Last Session" coming to Riverside Theatre's Second Stage. side through April 3.

it “equal opportunity theatre” – no

conversions attempted. Instead, it’s a 2 Next Wednesday night, Vero
Beach will get a chance to meet
charged debate that races along just bor to the south, Palm Beach Drama- the) Works program. The theater went
works, can claim a hand in the play’s on to stage the show in late 2010, its
ahead of the Germans, and Freud’s development. It held several readings southeast U.S. premiere. world renowned Met soprano Debo-
of the play as part of its Drama (in
own cancer. “Freud’s Last Session” runs at River- rah Voigt when she does a book sign-

Interestingly, our theatrical neigh- ing of her memoir, “Call Me Debbie,”

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 47

ARTS & THEATRE

in the lobby of the Vero Beach High starting Thursday afternoon and run- are the $20 two-day passes to the well as Friday evening.
School Performing Arts Center. That ning through Saturday, capped off competition, where in the quiet of a In West Palm this weekend, Palm
follows an on-stage interview with with a concert by the finalists Satur- nearly empty auditorium you can lis-
Vero Beach Opera’s Tania Ortega- day night. ten to 30 highly talented young sing- Beach Opera presents its third opera of
Cowan and, with luck, a song or two. ers and watch Voigt deliberate on the the season, Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne
Voigt is here through next weekend Tickets to the interview start at $30, judges’ panel. Preliminaries are next auf Naxos,” about a comedy troupe
for her first-ever vocal competition $40 and $50; the same price as the Thursday and Friday afternoon, as that performs at a party at the same
concert Saturday. The real bargains
CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

48 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 Hall in 2011 – when he was only 18.
The son of musicians, he studied at
time as an opera company. Met star top music schools in Moscow, win-
(and “Boardwalk Empire” cast mem- ning his first international competi-
ber) Anthony Laciura performs the tion at the age of 11. His program in-
role of the Majordomo. The Milwaukee cludes Debussy, Gershwin and Liszt
Symphony Orchestra’s Andreas Delfs and others. The Thursday evening
conducts. Performances are at the Kra- concert starts at 7 p.m.
vis Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

3 In the King Center’s more inti- 5 At the King Center in Mel-
mate Studio Stage Friday night, bourne Friday and at Stuart’s

two great bands from two genera- Lyric Theatre on Monday, the Gram-

tions are playing this weekend. Aver- my-award winning Chicano band Los

age White Band, a Scottish band that Lobos performs with Ballet Folklorico

was big in the 1970s and ’80s with hits Mexicano. Los Lobos started out in

like “Piece of the Pieces” and “Work to 1973, but it wasn’t until 1987 that their

Do,” plays Friday at 8:30 p.m. cover of “La Bamba” really made them

And Sunday night in the Studio, Average White Band is coming to the King Center's Studio Stage. famous. Their debut album, “How Will

Rusted Roots, a rock fusion group from the Wolf Survive?” ranks No. 30 on Roll-

Pennsylvania, plays their mix of Afri- ing Stone magazine’s list of the 100

can and other world music rhythms greatest albums of the 1980s.

with an airy rock and R&B vocal line. Saturday at the Lyric, Grammy-

That show starts at 7:30 p.m. award winning jazz pianist Robert

Navarro and his 20-piece orchestra

4 The rock musician-turned-film recreate the Palladium Ballroom, fa-
composer Danny Elfman wrote a
mous for its Latin dancing in the post-

concerto-like composition that will be war era until it closed in the 1960s. A

the featured work of Sunday’s Space Danny Elfman's work will be performed by Space Coast Orchestra at native of New York City and a student
Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center.
Coast Orchestra performance in the of piano under Jackie Byrd after earn-

Vero Beach High School Performing ing a masters at NYU, Navarro is also

Arts Center. “Serenada Schizophrana” sition. And Bruch’s “Violin Concerto” a free concert at the Emerson Cen- an accomplished arranger – he won
will be performed by Satellite High ter March 24, courtesy of the Florida
features a solo voice and chorus. Also School senior Tomás López. Division of Humanities. Moscow’s a Grammy for his work on a song re-
Sergey Belyavskiy played in Carnegie
on the program: conductor Aaron Col- A young Russian pianist is giving corded by Bobby Cruz. The concert

lins’ world premiere of his own compo- starts at 7 p.m. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 49

ARTS & THEATRE

Riverside's ‘spectacular’ production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’

before her – will be a little more play- And the show’s appeal owes much to
ful with her Dolly than Riverside’s star, its off-stage staff, who have very ap-
though Michele Ragusa’s self-assured parently given this show their all.
Dolly and Adam Heller’s authoritative
Horace grounded a live-wire cast. From the hand-tooled bas-relief
along the stage’s proscenium to the
Even if sparks never flew between three-car choo-choo that chugs along
the two leads, Riverside has created the stage, it seems no expense or effort
a spectacular. The season’s pinnacle was spared in executing Cliff Simon’s
production has a top-drawer cast of set. Credit goes to Joe Truesdale, who
34 (and that also goes for Riverside’s oversaw the set construction and him-
acting apprentices in the ensemble).
CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

BY MICHELLE GENZ ied in the narrative, one Dolly Levi.
Staff Writer Fleshing her out and bringing her
to the fore in “The Matchmaker,” it's
Brace yourselves for Dolly fever. the story of a widow in turn-of-the-
Next year, Broadway is hosting its last-century Yonkers, New York, who
eighth revival of “Hello, Dolly!” with makes her living arranging marriages.
Bette Midler as Dolly. She sets her sights on one of her own
clients, the dour-faced owner of a feed
One of the most popular musicals store, and after throwing out a few
of all time, it is just the sort of crowd- possibilities that she sabotages on the
dazzler Riverside likes to time so that side, she positions herself to land the
the opening-night performance is the old grump in the end.
climax of its annual spring fundraiser.
Producer David Merrick made the
The classic 1964 musical comedy show a hit on Broadway in 1955. Nine
by Jerry Herman and Michael Stew- years later, he decided to add music
art is based on a one-act farce written and hired collaborators Jerry Herman
nearly 200 years ago, extended by an and Michael Stewart, and cast Carol
Austrian into a full-length play, then Channing as Dolly. In the 1969 movie
Americanized by Thornton Wilder version, then 27-year-old Barbra Strei-
into “The Merchant of Yonkers.” That sand starred.
play was mounted on Broadway and
was a dismal flop. Wilder went back to There’s little question that Bette – just
work. He noticed a minor figure bur- as Carol and Barbra and a slew of others

The Garden Club

OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Winner of 2010 & 2014
National Flower Show Awards Presents

A Standard Flower Show Staged
in a Public Building

Turn of the Century - Gardens to Groves
Saturday, March 19, 2016
2:00 - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Noon - 5:00 PM

Tickets $10.00

At the Historic Hallstrom Homestead
1723 Old Dixie Highway

Southwest, Vero Beach, FL 32962

50 Vero Beach 32963 / March 17, 2016 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 Vandergelder’s feed store, the V-shape is Horace’s original target for proposal. “rich, friendless and mean. In America,
of an open ladder is echoed in the Gorsline sings the minor key shifts in that’s about as far as you can go.”
self made those proscenium pieces. men as they executive an explosive se- “Ribbons Down My Back” with poi-
And behind the scenery of Victorian ries of Russian splits. gnancy, hoping that her ribbons in the But drawn to him she is. Not willing
summer breeze might “stir a rainbow to let the parade pass her by – prob-
shops and restaurants hung gorgeous And the women, dressed in the taf- up behind me and catch the gentle- ably the show’s best tune after “Hello,
backdrops of old New York painted by feta gowns, mile-wide hats and piled- man’s eye.” Dolly!” (Louis Armstrong’s version fi-
Riverside’s scenic designer Dusty Terrell. high wigs of Kurt Alger, become a part nally bumped the Beatles out of the
of a kaleidoscope of shifting shapes As it turns out, the eye Mrs. Mal- No. 1 spot) – she asks the spirit of her
Those sets were enhanced, if that’s in director James Brennan’s chore- loy catches is not Horace’s, but that of late husband Ephraim for permission
possible, by the splendor of the lavish ography. Or in “Put On Your Sunday the handsome Cornelius, played by to remarry. “I’ve begun to realize that
costumes of Kurt Alger, who has be- Clothes,” when they bounce along Jeff Sears, who was in “Avenue Q” off- for a long time, I haven’t shed one
come a Riverside regular after shows holding their skirts out behind them Broadway and on the first national tear, nor have I been for one moment
like “Crazy for You,” “South Pacific,” in wing-like wedges, as if migrating tour of “Book of Mormon.” Fellow clerk outrageously happy.” She says Horace
“Funny Girl” and “Miss Saigon.” butterflies had just alighted in Grand at the feed store Barnaby (played won- always says the world’s full of fools.
Central Station. derfully by Barnaby Tucker, a phenom- Then she asks whether she’d rather be
The ensemble of terrific male danc- enal dancer who played in “Book of a “fool among fools, or a fool alone.”
ers includes a national champion Without a doubt, the show’s cast Mormon” and was Race in “Newsies”
gymnast from the University of Flori- delivered on Dolly’s wonderful mu- on Broadway) is smitten with Minnie As the late playwright’s sister, Fran-
da, Jeremy Miranda. And if you didn’t sic. Jazmin Gorsline is a particularly Fae, the helper at the hat shop, played cine Pascal, told me the morning of
know his face, you probably couldn’t beautiful singer who performed in by Alyssa Malgeri and a strong source the show’s opening gala, the story
pick him out – they are all that good, the Cameron Mackintosh National of laughs in the show. Michael Stewart wrote is essentially a
exuberant in solos and in unison in Tour of “My Fair Lady” and played in love story. But it seems to me all Dol-
the ensemble pieces including the in- “Carnival!” at the Kennedy Center. Horace, the huffing, puffed-up hay ly’s orchestrated love – including for
tricately timed, explosively delivered She played a sweet Irene Malloy, one and feed purveyor, is a “well-known, Horace – is just a ripple effect, and the
“The Waiters’ Gallop” at the Harmonia of the most dignified of the show’s unmarried, half-millionaire,” as Dolly stone in the pond was Ephraim’s pass-
Gardens Restaurant. characters. Mrs. Molloy is a young puts it. It isn’t clear what else might ing. Maybe Ragusa played it straight
widow who owns a hat shop, and she draw her to him; as he says himself, he’s to make that point. 
The visual component of the chore-
ography is often played against the set
itself. In “It Takes a Woman,” in Horace