06/03/2021 ISSUE 22

Police may have broken law
in prostitution sting. P8
A school year
‘like no other.’ P9
Five lawyers apply to

be Shores town attorney. P10

Chamber executive For breaking news visit
accused of ‘bullying’
School Board fired End of an era: Two
Charter High arts
educators retiring

BY RAY MCNULTY BY MICHELLE GENZ
Staff Writer Staff Writer

John Corapi, the county PHOTO BY BRENDA AHEARN The county’s top-rated pub-
Chamber of Commerce’s busi- lic high school, Indian River
ness retention manager, has Elite Airways move from Vero is only temporary Charter High, is losing key
been fired after the organiza- leadership to retirement just as
tion’s president investigated BY RAY MCNULTY the Northeast when its flights ark, New Jersey, and Portland, it faces the challenges of rein-
allegations that he disrupted Staff Writer are temporarily moved to Mel- Maine, through early Septem- tegrating its close-knit student
a School Board meeting and bourne’s airport this fall while ber, when those flights will be body after a year of pandemic
encouraged others in a social- Elite Airways President John the longest runway at Vero’s moved to Melbourne for at disruption and separation.
media post to intimidate board Pearsall said he’s optimistic is- airport is resurfaced. least six months.
members at their homes. land travelers will continue to Two defining educators at
choose the convenience of his The airline will continue its “We really do appreciate the Charter’s Visual and Perform-
Chamber President Dori airline’s nonstop jet service to regular commercial service support of all of ourVero Beach ing Arts Center, or VAPA, the
Stone did not return numer- connectingVero Beach to New- county’s only school-based arts
ous messages left at her of- CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 academy, are leaving after two
fice, but Corapi’s name had decades at the school.
been removed as a staff mem-
ber from the organization’s Ray Adams, VAPA’s artistic
website on May 24, and phone director, and Gary Miller, di-
calls asking to speak with him rector of vocal arts, were clear-
last week were forwarded to ing out their offices last week,
Stone’s voice mail. a day after saying goodbye to
students for the last time.
Vero Beach 32963 ultimate-
VAPA kids account for about
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Revered Shores Mayor
Tom Slater victim of Historic Sebastian Inlet bridge will get
COVID-19 pandemic major rehab or be replaced in five years

BY SAMANTHA ROHLFING BAITA
Staff Writer

BY LISA ZAHNER Construction on the repair or 1,548-foot-long bridge is his-
Staff Writer replacement of the Sebastian torically significant as the first
Inlet bridge is tentatively set to bridge to span the often tur-
Former Indian River begin in the winter of 2026, but bulent tidal waters of the Se-
Shores Mayor Tom Slater’s exactly what the multimillion-
death last week at age 76 dollar project will entail is not CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
serves as a stark reminder yet known.
that, even as the pandemic
Officially named the James
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge,
the heavily traveled 2-lane,

June 3, 2021 Volume 14, Issue 22 Newsstand Price $1.00 Wheels & Keels
fundraiser aids
News 1-12 Games 33-35 Pets 44 TO ADVERTISE CALL five nonprofits. P16
Arts 39-43 Health 45-51 Real Estate 63-72 772-559-4187
Books 32 Insight 25-38 St. Ed’s 24
Dining 56-59 People 13-23 Style 52-55 FOR CIRCULATION
Editorial 30 CALL 772-226-7925

© 2021 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Charter High have to learn what the Charter family
means.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
As schools reopened after lockdown,
half the school’s total student popula- Charter staggered its schedule to allow
tion of around 700. for distancing. For teachers, that meant
trying to keep track of who learned
Another department head, Lucie what, and when.
Burke, director of visual arts, is retir-
ing, too, though she will remain active “We had students that came on Mon-
at the school through next year, ad- day and Thursday, then we had another
ministrators said. group that came on Tuesday and Fri-
day. For a while everyone was virtual on
And next year, school director Cyn- Wednesday, and then there were some
thia Aversa will step down. Like Adams that were virtual all the time,” said Ad-
and Miller, Aversa will have held her title ams. “It was very difficult to feel you
for 20 years, a period that spans nearly were reaching and working with all the
the entire existence of the school. students all the time.”

The departures come as the school For the more than 300 VAPA stu-
takes a major step forward with the dents, their studies were even harder.
completion of a new 16-classroom “Anything that required an ensemble
wing, and its first-ever, fully enclosed was very, very difficult,” Adams said.
performance space.
That didn’t change until nearly the
The 500-seat Charter Hall, which end of the school year, when ultimate-
opened in February, was a 20-year ly everyone had a chance to perform
dream come true for Adams and Mill- in some manner.
er, both of whom have been at Charter
High since the arts academy’s incep- “Orchestra, jazz, choral, dance, art,
tion. The addition was paid for not theater – all of them were able to do
with taxpayer millage, but with a mort- some type of a program,” Adams said.
gage: Charter is an independent, non-
profit business run by a board of direc- Since its origins in the late 1990s,
tors; it gets only limited funding from Charter High has had a reputation for
the school district, even though it is a inclusiveness. In the beginning, the
public school. student population included an odd
blend of home-schooled kids aging
Founded in 1998, the school, locat- out of parent-led teaching and kids
ed next to Indian River State College’s who had left the county’s two large
Mueller campus, has held a state rank- public schools, Vero Beach High and
ing of ‘A’ for the past 10 years. Along Sebastian River High, due to bullying,
with an extensive arts curriculum academic boredom or other reasons.
and a golf academy, the school offers A smaller number transferred from St.
a dozen AP classes as well as dual col- Edward’s School or the handful of reli-
lege enrollment. Student proficiency gious schools in the county.
scores are well above those at the
county’s other public schools. Uniting those disparate groups was a
strict code of conduct, signed by parent
The departures will likely mark an and child on admission, that included
emotional turning point at the school. drug testing. But in return, students
That comes on top of the already dif- were given wide latitude to set up their
ficult adjustment of coming out of CO- own schedules, leave campus between
VID-19 isolation. classes, and, with small class size, share
their ideas in unorthodox ways.
Like other schools, the fall semester
will bring not one but two grade levels That spirit of tolerance and creative
of more or less newcomers, something freedom made the school ripe for an
like having two classes of freshmen in emphasis in the arts.
the same year – and having a senior
class a little less seasoned than usual, When Ray Adams arrived in 2001,
after more than a year of limited school the school had about 150 students and
attendance and social distancing. no VAPA program. By the next year,
there were 300 students, and VAPA be-
“It’s a huge shift,” said Adams of the gan to take shape.
looming changes in leadership. “Am
I worried? Yes and no. The vision and With the recent expansion, the stu-
the philosophy are all there. As for CO- dent body is expected to top out at
VID, all schools took a hit, to be frank, 750, Adams said. There’s often a wait-
and we know it will probably take two ing list to attend.
years to get Charter back on its feet
like it was. “When I came, I was put in charge
of creating the VAPA program,” said
“We had a group of students that Adams. “They asked me to go out and
were here [on campus], but only kind talk to the community and look at the
of. They don’t have the full understand- viability of starting an arts program.”
ing of the home base concept and what
we call the Charter family. The family Both Adams and Miller came to
took a hit just like families across the Charter with built-in followings. Each
country. We have a class of 165 fresh- led choirs at their respective churches
men – sophomores now – who all – Adams at Community Church and
Miller at First United Methodist.

In addition, Adams founded a music
academy at the Community Church,

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 3

NEWS

as well as the Vero Beach Choral So- the VAPA program started, and he was ing in the kind of kids, and instilling year at Charter. “She’s definitely been
ciety, a large community chorus that asked to fill in for a semester after the the kind of discipline, to do well across the glue,” he said.
anchored a range of musical perfor- music director resigned. Two years lat- the board.
mances around the county. er, the subsequent music director left. “It has been one of my greatest hon-
“They asked me to fill in, and I’m still “We are one of the few charter ors and a blessing to have been able
Adams was also instrumental in the filling in. It’s been wonderful,” Miller schools in the state that actually have a to work with these two educators for
founding of the Indian River Symphonic said. viable and very active performing arts the past 20 years,” said Aversa. “They
Association, which was formed in 1993 discipline,” he said. “Very few invest in have left a legacy at this school that
to bring the Brevard Symphony Orches- Miller credits the VAPA program the arts.” will be difficult to match, and we are
tra to play at Community Church. with contributing to the school’s high extremely grateful for the time that we
academic ranking “in terms of bring- Miller spoke highly of his principal,
Between playing the pipe organ at Aversa, now embarking on her final have shared with them.” 
Community Church and conducting
choruses at the church and at Charter,
Ray Adams had to have both shoul-
ders replaced, one in 2016, the other
in 2018.

Replacing Adams may be even more
difficult, given the breadth of his expe-
rience at Charter and in the commu-
nity, but two candidates from within
Charter’s ranks were interviewed for
the position last week.

As for leadership of the choral de-
partment, accustomed to competi-
tions and field trips – including four
trips to sing at Carnegie Hall – that
mantel will go to an up-and-coming
conductor among the county’s choral
teachers, Ethan Kinkle, currently at
Sebastian River Middle School.

“He’s a young Gary Miller!” declared
Adams.

Miller, 63, is taking a job that is com-
pletely outside his field – but entirely in
the field – driving a pickup truck from
the panhandle to the Keys to oversee
sites being dug for pipes and fiber op-
tic cable.

He may also work on getting his pi-
lot’s license. His retirement gift from
his kids was a day in the air with a test
pilot at Piper, the father of a drama
student.

Miller will continue his musical re-
lationship with First Baptist Church,
where music director Michael Carter
has given him an office and a title:
artist in residence. Miller intends to
set up a baby grand, a harpsichord
and an electric keyboard in the office
in the hopes of giving private lessons
there, including in jazz and music
theory.

And like Adams, who plays around
town with his band, Soulfege, Miller will
continue to play jazz piano for gather-
ings and restaurants, he said.

Miller felt wistful cleaning out his
office at Charter last week. It was un-
usually quiet, the day after the last day
of school, and the last day of his teach-
ing career.

“This is the last rodeo. I’m not going
to lie; I hadn’t thought about it a lot
until we did our last awards ceremo-
ny Sunday. You start thinking about
the past. All the kids that have come
through this class. I’m apprehensive.
This is all I’ve ever known. I’ve been
working with teenagers for 38 years.”

Miller had worked for Vero Beach
High School for 16 years when he be-
gan at Charter in 2002. It was the year

4 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Chamber exec fired opposed the district’s in-school mask was not invited to the May 11 meeting February of the need to resurface the
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 mandate, refused to vacate an auxil- by Barefoot. runway beginning in October, and the
iary seat reserved for board members. airline opted to move flights a month
ly confirmed Corapi’s termination Corapi also accused Barefoot of try- in advance of the projected start time.
through multiple Chamber sources – Deputies physically escorted Corapi ing to “cancel out a parent in this com-
including at least one member of the out of the chamber while he tried to munity,” which he called “pretty dark The timing of the construction was
board of directors – all of whom re- verbally antagonize them. The next and evil,” especially when that parent determined by funding availability
quested their names not be used. day, in a post on the “We The Peo- has lived in this community for 35 years. and weather patterns.
ple Indian River” Facebook page, he
“Dori looked into it, brought her wrote: “It’s time to protest outside “I should be able to speak here and Scher said Federal Aviation Admin-
findings to the board and told us what [school board members’] ... homes and not be doxed because of my job and istration funds will cover most of the
she wanted to do,” one of the directors let them really hear and see we mean where I work,” Corapi said, later adding, project’s $8.5 million cost, with some
said. “No one objected.” business and want change now!” “Now I have to figure out what I’m going monies coming from the Florida De-
to do for the next whenever, because I partment of Transportation and the
Though Corapi could not be reached When someone in the Facebook have plenty of time on my hands. airport’s construction fund.
for comment, he said publicly last group asked which School Board
week he had been notified by Stone af- member should be targeted first, “So, I don’t know what I should do.” Those funds will be available in late
ter the School Board’s tumultuous May Corapi suggested Mara Schiff, writing, Corapi remained calm throughout summer, but Scher doesn’t want to
11 meeting that, effective immediately, “I think Shiffy would be perfect! She is his address – a marked contrast to start the project in the middle of the
he was suspended with pay as she con- the most obvious to cave, I think. She his belligerent behavior at the May 11 rainy season when daily downpours
tinued to “investigate allegations that can’t handle the pressure.” meeting, where he angrily demanded could delay construction.
may impact your employment.” that School Board members obey his
Corapi’s response prompted anoth- command to end the district’s mask Florida airport runways should be
Days later, he was fired. er group member to write that both mandate and stop social-distancing repaved every 20 years, Scher said,
Showing up at last week’s School Schiff and Barefoot “need to go im- measures at public sessions, shouting adding that the last resurfacing of the
Board meeting after being fired, Cora- mediately,” along with School Super- at them, “Enough is enough!” airfield’s longest runway was in 2001.
pi tried to portray himself as a victim, intendent David Moore. School Board member Peggy Jones
saying, “I don’t have a job now.” said at the panel’s workshop session Besides resurfacing the 7,314-foot
In an address to the board, he blamed Speaking to the School Board at the last week that the absence of civility runway, the project will include the
board chairman Brian Barefoot and May 25 meeting, Corapi accused Bare- during the citizen-input segments of installation of new runway edge lights
Vero Beach 32963 – which reported on foot of calling the newspaper to “have public meetings was “at its worst in and other navigational aids.
his disruptive behavior – for the Cham- an article written about me that is com- my 41 years” in education here.
ber’s decision to fire him. pletely false” and aligning with the “fake School Board Vice Chairman Teri Scher said he doesn’t expect the
Barefoot recessed the School Board’s news media in this town, in 32963,” Barenborg said “there have been some project to have any significant impact
May 11 meeting and summoned sher- which he referred to as an “enemy of threats made,” and warned that it’s a on other aircraft – corporate flights,
iff’s deputies when Corapi, who fiercely the people.” felony in Florida to threaten a board private planes and flight-school train-
member. ers – using the airport’s other run-
In fact, this newspaper reports reg- Barefoot called the recent disrup- ways, which will remain open.
ularly on School Board meetings and tions at School Board meetings “inex-
cusable” and said of those who cause “Our second-longest runway is just
trouble: “Whatever the repercussions under 5,000 feet, and that can accom-
are, they deserve what they get.” modate most of the other aircraft,”
“It’s bizarre,” Moore said after the Scher said. “There are a few larger cor-
May 11 meeting. “He’s trying to bully porate or privately owned jets that will
need to determine whether they can
the board.”  safely use that runway.”

Elite Airways If the weather cooperates, Scher said,
the project could be completed in Feb-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ruary.

customers, and we’ll start up again as “In a perfect world, we won’t go into
soon as the city tells us the project is March, but I’ve learned not to prog-
finished,” Pearsall said last week. nosticate,” Scher said. “In a perfect
world, we won’t have a bad hurricane
“The timing is unfortunate because in October. But who knows?
the holidays are big for us, but we can’t
operate without that runway, so mov- “There’s no great time to close down
ing the flights was the only thing we your longest runway. We picked the
could do,” he added. “I understand most promising time.”
Melbourne is a little more of a drive,
but it’s still a lot closer than Orlando or “They need to get it done, and we un-
West Palm Beach. derstand,” said Pearsall, whose airline
began offering passenger jet service at
“We’re hoping our Vero Beach cus- the Vero airport in December 2015, be-
tomers stay with us.” coming the first carrier to provide com-
mercial flights here since American
Pearsall said he expects the flights Eagle in the 1990s.
moved to Melbourne to operate on the
same days – and at close to the same “The good news is, business there
times – as they do in Vero Beach. picks up in March, and we do very well
during spring break,” he added. “Let’s
Elite’s final scheduled service be- hope they finish by late February or
tween Vero Beach and Portland prior early March, so we can get back to Vero
to the temporary suspension is on
Sept. 2, while its last connection be- Beach as soon as possible.” 
tween Vero and Newark is Sept. 6.
Sebastian Inlet bridge
Vero Beach Regional Airport Direc- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
tor Todd Scher said he notified Elite in
bastian Inlet where the Indian River
Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean inter-
connect.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 5

NEWS

Built in 1964 to connect A1A from tional Register of Historic Places. structural and functional deficien- This does not mean the bridge is
Brevard to Indian River County, bridge But the historic bridge has no ac- cies” of the steeply arched structure. unsafe to use, but according to FDOT
opened Feb. 27, 1965 with great fan- Bridge Policy, bridges with a health in-
fare, complete with a military aircraft commodation for bicyclists or pedes- The bridge underwent repair work dex of less than 85 require repairs or re-
fly-over during the official ceremony. trians, and the purpose of the rehab or in 1978 and 2003, but following Hur- placement.
replacement is to “address the gap in ricane Florence in 2018, the span was
According to FDOT, the 57-year- system linkage for bicyclists and pe- rated “structurally deficient,” with a Whether the bridge will be repaired
old structure is eligible for the Na- destrians,” as well as to address “the health index of 79.8.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

A SELECTION OF OUR ULTRA LUXURY

LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES

Please visit our New Sales Silver Sands Oceanfront
Development Center at: $3.895 Million
675 Beachland Boulevard
O’Dare/Boga 772.234.5093
772.234.5555 Video | Info: v240983.com

Premierestateproperties.com

Our Unrivaled Global Network

Ocean Pearl Lots $3.85 Million Each Old Riomar $2.995 Million Summerplace Ocean Views $1.795 Million
O’Dare/Boga 772.234.5093 Info: v240133.com Brown/Harris/Webb 772.633.0407 Info: v243706.com Brown/Harris/Webb 772.234.5106 Info:v243179.com

6 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Sebastian Inlet bridge focused on accommodations for bikers, Tom Slater lic servant, had stepped down from his
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 specifically the width of the bike lanes. town council seat in 2016 after three
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 years’ service to be treated for cancer.
and upgraded or replaced will be de- Another question concerned sailboat
termined by the outcome of an ongo- mast limits. The FDOT will communi- subsides here, COVID-19 has robbed He’d beaten Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s
ing development and environmental cate with the Coast Guard regarding our community of friends, fam- Lymphoma in 2009 and was confident
study, according to FDOT. navigation and vertical clearance is- ily members, colleagues and even re- he could beat it again, which he did,
sues. “There may be times [during con- vered local leaders. returning to the town council in 2018
Begun late last year and scheduled struction],” Beam said, “when the inlet to serve as Indian River Shores mayor
to conclude in mid-2023, the FDOT may be closed to navigation.” Slater’s close friend of 40 years, for- for more than two years.
study covers the 1.108-mile stretch of mer Shores Councilman Dick Haver-
State Road A1A from the Sebastian Inlet Other people asked whether the land, confirmed the sad news quietly Slater did not run for re-election in
State Park’s north boundary in Brevard bridge would be closed to vehicular spreading around the Shores in the 2020 because his old nemesis had re-
County across the inlet to the park’s traffic at any time during construc- days after Slater’s death – that the man turned. This time, medical care even-
south boundary in Indian River County. tion, leaving no way to cross the inlet. who beat back terminal cancer twice tually took him in the late winter to
had been lost on May 26 not to cancer, Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
During a Florida Department of Stopping just short of an unequivo- but to complications of COVID-19.
Transportation online workshop, cal ‘No,’ Beam gave repeated assur- Haverland shared some of his
Project Manager Binod Basnet, and ances that structural engineers “will Slater passed away at the Memorial memories of Slater, who had been not
consulting Project Manager Beth evaluate the constructability of alter- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New only a dear friend to him and his wife
Beam of Stantec, an international de- natives that would keep the bridge York, where he had gone to be treated Rosemary since the 1980s, but also
sign and consulting firm, discussed open during construction. We know once again for non-Hodgkin’s Lym- his neighbor and business associate
the project’s preliminary timeline and how important the bridge is to first re- phoma. in Ohio long before either moved to
the broad scope of the lengthy study. sponders, to all travel.” Florida.
Design work is set to begin in 2022 “He got COVID soon after arriving
and be complete by 2025. During that Chartered in 1919 to maintain the in New York,” Haverland said. “His im- “Tom was a terrific father to his
time, any necessary right-of-way ac- navigational channel between the At- mune system had been weakened over own children and just as good a dad
quisition would be accomplished. lantic Ocean and the Indian River, the the years due to various cancer treat- for Anna Bain’s five children. He and
Sebastian Inlet District is a major stake- ments. Tom had an incredible number Anna Bain were the perfect couple,”
The study will explore the “social, cul- holder in the bridge project. of great friends. I am still trying to pro- Haverland said, noting that Slater
tural and environmental” impacts of cess his loss. He will be missed by so leaves behind a large extended family,
the project and engineering alternatives Beth Mitchell, who has held the In- many.” including 17 grandchildren.
to ensure compliance with federal and dian River County seat on the District
state laws, and funding requirements. Commission since 2004, said “I’d love Thomas “Tom” Francis Slater, 76, a “He excelled in everything he did.
to see the design take into consider- successful entrepreneur, an Army vet- As a golfer he had no peers. He was
Many of the questions during the ation pedestrian and bicycle traffic. eran, a Yale University graduate, a gen- an outstanding businessman. He built
public input segment of the workshop erous patron of the arts, a scratch golfer, a business from almost nothing and
“It is one of the most scenic spots a devout Catholic and a dedicated pub- successfully sold it. He was in great
[along Highway A1A]. It would make
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
sense.” 



8 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

MY Police may have broken the law in prostitution sting
VERO

BY RAY MCNULTY But did those agencies – the Vero tion at three local spas will be a signifi- lems with how our local police and pros-
Staff Writer Beach Police Department, county Sher- cant part of upcoming civil lawsuits. ecutors adhere to the warrants they re-
iff’s Office and 19th Circuit State Attor- quest for such investigations.
Florida’s Fourth District Court of Ap- ney’s Office – also break state law? Already, two such cases have been filed
peal ruled last summer that law enforce- against the Vero Beach Police Depart- Florida’s video-voyeurism law makes
ment agencies conducting the February Probably so, but no one should ex- ment, and it’s only a matter of time be- it illegal to record someone who is“dress-
2019 prostitution sting in Indian River pect to see anyone in law enforcement fore similar civil actions are filed against ing, undressing, or privately exposing
County violated the Fourth Amendment arrested or prosecuted. the Sheriff’s Office for similar tactics. the body at a place and time when that
rights of innocent massage-spa cus- person has a reasonable expectation of
tomers by failing to minimize the secret You can be sure, however, the ham- Any way you look at it, police and pros- privacy,” such as in a changing room,
video intrusion into their privacy. handed manner in which those agen- ecutors in Indian River County made se- tanning booth or massage spa.
cies botched the video portion of their rious errors in conducting this sting.
six-month investigation into prostitu- It’s a crime to record such activity
The sting also exposed serious prob- without a person’s knowledge and con-
sent for “amusement, entertainment,
sexual arousal, gratification or profit, or
for the purpose of degrading or abusing
another person.”

It’s also a crime to install or use
an imaging device to “secretly view,
broadcast or record a person in vari-
ous stages of undress” – again, without
the person’s knowledge and consent.

These laws normally don’t apply to
police conducting surveillance for law-
enforcement purposes, but such sur-
veillance can only be undertaken with a
court-issued warrant and must be con-
ducted in accordance with the warrant.

The police here had legitimate war-
rants, but they did not abide by the
terms of those warrants, which autho-
rized them to “monitor,” not record,
activity at the spas.

The warrants also required the po-
lice or prosecutors to go back to the
court after 10 days to see if surveillance
should be continued or if they already
had enough evidence to make a case.

In its surveillance of the East Spa,
Vero Beach police started recording
immediately and continued for 60
days, filming the innocent along with
the allegedly guilty. And they did not
go back and check in with the court in
10 days as required.

Why did police agencies record the
spa activity when the warrants issued
by two local circuit judges authorized
them to only “monitor” it?

Why didn’t anyone from the police
agencies or State Attorney’s Office report
back to the judges after 10 days of sur-
veillance, as required by the warrants?

In its ruling, the appeals court cited
theVero police investigation as the“most
egregious example” of violating consti-
tutional privacy protections because
their cameras recorded continuously
and indiscriminately for two months.

They also appear to have broken the
law.

But State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl
did not respond to messages request-
ing an interview, and Vero Beach
Police Chief David Currey said he
couldn’t comment because of pend-
ing litigation

Don’t expect to see any arrests. 

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 9

NEWS

Pandemic produced a school year ‘like no other’

BY GEORGE ANDREASSI of 12 COVID-19 cases at Beachland COVID-19 in eight private schools in Students and staff at the county’s
Elementary involving seven students Indian River County as of May 22, in- schools were required to wear masks
Staff Writer and five staff members. cluding 75 students, 12 staff members and practice social distancing through-
and nine with unknown positions. out the school year.
A student tested positive for CO- There were another 126 cases at the
VID-19 at Storm Grove Middle School district’s five charter schools involv- St. Edward’s School, a private school At the beginning of the year, about
on the second-to-last day of classes as ing 106 students, eight staff members on Vero Beach’s barrier island serving a third of students opted to study re-
the pandemic impacted virtually every and 12 with unknown positions as of grades K-12, accounted for 33 cases, motely online, but by the end of the
aspect of the 2020-2021 school year. May 22, the state Health Department the state Health Department report year that number had been cut in
report shows. says. A total of 25 students, six staff about half, with 84 percent of the
Two other students and two staff members and two with unknown po- district’s 17,000 students attending
members also tested positive for the In addition, the state Health Depart- sitions were diagnosed with the virus.
virus last week as Indian River Coun- ment reported a total of 96 cases of school in person. 
ty’s public schools closed for summer
vacation.

Altogether, the school district re-
ported 506 cases of COVID-19 during
the 2020-2021 school year with 390
students and 116 staff members test-
ing positive for the virus.

The 390 student cases amounted
to less than 3 percent of the approxi-
mately 14,000 students who attended
class in person during the school year,
district records show.

The 116 staff cases amounted to
nearly 6 percent of the district’s rough-
ly 2,000 employees.

The school year “like no other”
started with a Vero Beach High School
football player being diagnosed with
COVID-19 on the first day of classes
on Aug. 28, causing the quarantining
of several teammates and cancelation
of the season opening game at Venice.

Vero Beach High Principal Shawn
O’Keefe was treated for the virus at
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
in February and Florida Department
of Health reports showed the school
ranked in the top 10 in the state for
COVID-19 cases for part of the year.

As of May 22, Vero Beach High
ranked 12th in COVID-19 cases among
approximately 200 public high schools
in Florida, a May 28 state Health De-
partment report says.

But the number of COVID-19 cases
at the county’s largest public institu-
tion never came close to the threshold
that would have prompted adminis-
trators to consider shutting down the
school.

The school district reported a total
of 60 students and 13 staff members
at VBHS tested positive for COVID-19
during the school year for a total of 73
cases.

Another 26 students and four staff
members tested positive for the virus
at the nearby Freshman Learning Cen-
ter during the school year.

Sebastian River High Schools had a
total of 76 COVID-19 cases involving
71 students and five staff members
during the school year. All but 20 of
those cases were during the second
half of the year.

The school district reported a total

10 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

COVID-19 infections decline sharply
here, but vaccinations are also down

BY LISA ZAHNER ease Control and Prevention data,
as of Sunday, 38.66 percent of Flo-
Staff Writer ridians are now fully vaccinated,
placing Florida 29th among the
The month of May brought a steep states. Nationwide, 40.5 percent of
decline in COVID-19 cases here, and Americans are fully vaccinated.
an even steeper decline in vaccina-
tions. Children age 12 and older can now
receive the Pfizer vaccine, with Moder-
With no reporting over Memorial na seeking similar approval on June 10.
Day weekend, the running count of
new infections in Indian River Coun- Parents who do not want their
ty during May as of Friday was 430, children to receive an emergency-
for an average of 16 per day, down 34 authorized COVID-19 vaccine can-
percent from the previous month. not be forced to do so in Florida,
though some other states, includ-
Thirty-six people were hospital- ing New York, will require vaccina-
ized with COVID-19 disease in May tion for in-person learning when
and tragically, 11 people died. school starts next fall. Not even
Florida private schools can require
Twenty-two barrier island resi- the vaccine under Executive Order
dents tested positive for the virus in 21-81 signed on March 9.
May.
“The executive order banning vac-
About 7,500 people joined the cine passports in Florida – and the
ranks of those in Indian River Coun- subsequent law that Governor De-
ty who got at least one shot of vac- Santis recently signed – actually bans
cine in May, a 62 percent decrease private businesses ... from requiring
from the more than 20,000 people proof of vaccination. Private schools
who got a shot in April. As of last Fri- would absolutely not be allowed to
day’s reporting, 88,561 Indian River require kids to get the vaccine, be-
County residents, or 56 percent of cause that would be a violation of
the population, have had at least Florida law,” said Press Secretary
one jab of COVID-19 vaccine, and
69,190 are fully vaccinated. Christina Pushaw on May 25. 

According to the Centers for Dis-

FIVE LOCAL LAWYERS SEEK TO BECOME
INDIAN RIVER SHORES TOWN ATTORNEY

BY LISA ZAHNER mental attorney job, so the person the
Staff Writer town hires must have an established
law practice or other source of income.
Five local lawyers have applied to
take up the mantle of Indian River In that law practice, the new town
Shores Town Attorney as the town’s attorney must also avoid anything ap-
longtime legal counsel Chester Clem proaching a conflict of interest with
retires after more than 40-plus years matters the town may be a party to,
of service. especially matters involving zoning
appeals. If the attorney works within
Last week the town council delegat- a partnership or firm, the whole firm
ed the search and negotiation of terms must be free of conflicts.
to Town Manager Jim Harpring, an at-
torney with decades of experience and Paul Amos is a partner with the Vero
knowledge of the area’s legal talent. So Beach firm of Rossway Swan Tierney
far, the candidates who have shown Barry and Oliver. A Vero Beach native,
interest are Paul Amos, Warren Dill, Amos attended St. Edward’s School,
Ashley Novander, Jennifer Peschke and graduated fromVero Beach High School
Pete Sweeney. and then went on to Florida State Uni-
versity and Nova Southeastern Univer-
“I know it will be difficult to replace sity’s Sheppard Broad Law School.
Chester Clem. However, we are for-
tunate to have excellent candidates An attorney with 25 years of expe-
from which to choose,” Harpring said rience including eight years as an as-
on Friday. sistant state attorney, Amos frequently
represents legislatively created dis-
Harpring said the position is part- tricts, including the Sebastian Im-
time as needed, not a full-time govern- provement District, the Indian River

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 11

NEWS

County Mosquito Control District, senting municipalities. Dill got his start Beach resident who earned both a Juris has practiced personal injury and con-
and the St. Johns River Water Manage- in governmental law in 1974 in the of- Doctorate and a LLM degree in Envi- tract law, family law and real estate law.
ment District. fice of the Palm Beach County Attorney. ronmental and Natural Resources Law
and Policy at the University of Denver, Jennifer Peshke, a beachside Vero
Warren Dill, founding partner of Dill, Dill has served as Fellsmere City At- worked as an intern with the City ofVero attorney with 16 years of experience,
Evans and Rhodeback in Sebastian, torney for 30 years and as Orchid Town Beach in 2016 before working at three holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from
comes to the table with 49 years of legal Attorney for seven years. local firms. At those firms, Novander the University of Toledo. She has rep-
experience, including 35 years repre-
Ashley Novander, a five-year Vero CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

12 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

NEWS

Shores Town Attorney years as a litigation associate at the Vero
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Beach firm of Vocelle and Berg, LLC, the
firm that is representing Indian River
resented the Indian River Hospital Dis- Shores in its breach of contract lawsuit
trict’s Board of Trustees for more than with the City of Vero Beach.
12 years, plus the Indian River County
Environmental Control Board and the Sweeney has worked the past nine
Indian River County Code Enforce- years as a full-time governmental at-
ment Board for more than 10 years. torney. A Florida State College of Law
graduate, he has 17 years of experience.
Pete Sweeney now serves as the Fort
Pierce City Attorney and previously About the search process, Harpring
served as Assistant City Attorney for said “there was no timeframe associ-
the City of Palm Bay in Brevard County. ated with Chester’s final retirement date
Previously Sweeney worked for eight from service as town attorney and he
has agreed to stay on until the Council

makes an appropriate selection.” 

Tom Slater was always a pleasure. He will indeed
be sorely missed.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
Like Haverland, former Shores May-
demand to serve on corporate boards or and current Indian River County
and sat on more than six at various School Board Chairman Brian Bare-
times,” Haverland said. foot said he’s still reeling from the
death of his friend. “Smart, tough and
No matter what obstacles Slater en- kind would be the words I would use
countered in life, “his spirit and atti- to describe Tom,” Barefoot said.
tude was always positive,” Haverland
said. That quality is one thing that Barefoot said Slater had an easy,
made Slater an outstanding leader as self-assured manner and a certain un-
well as a true friend. derstated humility, and that he never
seemed to have anything to prove to
“He made a real difference when he anyone.
was president of John’s Island. He was a
terrific mayor whose concern for con- “Because of that, it was easy to un-
stituents and employees was evident derestimate Tom, but if you did that
in everything he did,” Haverland said. you were making a huge mistake,”
Barefoot said, because, when strong
Slater’s life, and his death, touched action was needed to right an injus-
the many friends he made after relo- tice or stand up for a cause he was pas-
cating to John’s Island and becoming sionate about, Slater was a force to be
active in the club and in town busi- reckoned with.
ness. Town Clerk Laura Aldrich fondly
remembers nearly a decade of work- “I’ve known a lot of people who were
ing with Slater after he began serving smart, I’ve known a lot of people who
the town as a volunteer. were tough, and I’ve known a lot of
people who were kind, but Tom was all
“Tom Slater brightened the room of those things at once – plus he was a
when he entered, with his charming total gentleman,” Barefoot said. “You
smile and genuine interest. He was the lose a lot of friends, and it’s always dif-
nicest man who cared deeply about ficult, but Tom was the only person I’ve
people. Tom was a true diplomat,” Al- known who was all of those things.”
drich said.
A funeral Mass for Slater is scheduled
“Working with him since 2012 on for 10 a.m. Friday, June 4 at Holy Cross
the Finance Committee, and even see- Catholic Church on the island, with a
ing him in between times when he was reception to follow at John’s Island Club.
not officially involved with the Town,
(See full obituary on Page 61). 

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION
DRYER VENT & DUCT CLEANING

Passionate About Customer Service

772-785-8080
MILLERSCENTRALAIR.COM

673 SW CARTER AVE
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 34982

LICENSE CA - C058675

Maddy Sarrica, Ruby Sundell, Miranda
Morey, Olivia Rekus and Haley Kalin.

’21 SALUTE: ST. ED’S
SENIORS ROSE TO OCCASION

IN CHALLENGING YEAR

14 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

’21 salute: St. Ed’s seniors rose to occasion in challenging year

Zayna Shaikh and Katie Croom. PHOTOS: BRENDA AHEARN Ian Horvit, Ashton Noe and Aidan Burdick. Drew Sternberg and Cameron Katz.

Isabella Hernandez, Max Brizzio and Sophia Tripodi. Maryann Kann and George Cooke with Robert and Nell Kleinschmidt. Flossie and Peter Jackson with Jasmine Jackson.

BY STEPHANIE LaBAFF Spirit Award est times. Our hearts remain heavy, grit to make it through this world
Staff Writer Drew Sternberg but we are very proud of this group when things don’t go as planned. I
of seniors, and today we gratefully wish I had the answers as to why ter-
It was with mixed emotions that Saint Edward’s Cup celebrate everything they have ac- rible things happen. We just know
the Saint Edward’s School Class of Katie Croom complished in their Saint Edward’s that we must endure. We must be
2021 gathered to accept and celebrate careers.” kind to one another, and we must
their graduation during the school’s Head of School Award make it our goal to make this world
48th Commencement Exercise, held Zayna Shaikh Head of School Stuart Hirstein cred- a better place. It will take grit, and it
recently in the Waxlax Center for the ited the students’ success to their abil- will take you staying in your 3-foot
Performing Arts. Head of School Award ity to push through every challenge. world, just like you’ve done this
Cristina Pines whole year.”
While family members, friends, “In a year in which you could have
faculty and staff were justly proud “The short answer is, yes. It is OK. blamed everything on COVID-19, Selected by her peers, to be the se-
of the academic achievements of the It’s not the lighthearted, carefree cele- you won district championships. You nior class speaker, Cristina Pines sug-
54 graduates, the occasion was sad- bration you perhaps once envisioned, won regional championships. You gested that her classmates “say yes to
dened by thoughts of their missing but rather the celebration of a group played for state championships. You everything! Don’t sell yourself short,
classmate, Bidensky F. Termidor – of young people who have overcome beautifully performed the first live- and always work incredibly hard be-
B.T. to one and all – who should have tremendous obstacles,” he continued, streamed musical in Saint Edward’s cause it will be worth it. Be sponta-
been on stage with them, but who noting that the 2021 Pirates had risen history. You sang and played instru- neous but stay safe. Play like a chess
died tragically less than a month ear- to the occasion. ments at outdoor concerts. You re- master; always be thinking four steps
lier. fused to let a pandemic take away ahead before you make a choice.”
In addition to tragedy, the pandem- your senior year,” said Hirstein.
“It has been an incredibly challeng- ic year filled with virtual classes and Reading a quote from William Ar-
ing year for our school, especially for quarantines, masks, social distancing Referencing the loss of their beloved thur Ward, Pines advised them: “Do
the class of 2021. When one considers and canceled events. friend, Hirstein added, “In a school more than belong. Participate. Do
the backdrop of COVID and the loss like no other, there is one skill that the more than care. Help. Do more than
of a beloved classmate, I think there “Despite what often felt like over- class of 2021 most certainly had an believe. Practice. Do more than be
is a piece of all of us that wonders if whelming difficulties, this class came abundance of – grit. It has taken grit fair. Be kind. Do more than forgive.
it’s fitting and OK to celebrate, even together, and they accomplished for all of us to be here today while we Forget. Do more than dream. Work.”
for a momentous occasion such as amazing things,” said MacMullan. have an empty hole in our hearts.”
graduation,” said Jack MacMullan, Pines also suggested that the grad-
associate head of school and head “No senior class in school history Citing the research of University uates “live for B.T., love for B.T., grow
of upper school, as he welcomed the has ever run more championships of Pennsylvania psychology profes- for B.T. Make yourself proud. Make
graduates and their families. than this group. But most impor- sor Angela Duckworth, Hirstein not- B.T. proud. He is going to be with us
tantly, the class of 2021 has stuck to- ed: “It’s easy to navigate this world every step of the way.” 
gether, in good times and in the dark- when things go your way. It takes

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 15

PEOPLE

Kathy Savage, Monica Jennings and Keira Murphy. D’Angelo Lumenes, Antoine Jennings and Antoine Jennings Jr. James and Tonya Broxton with daughter Venetia.

Mish McLendon and Olivia Milicevic.

Fr. John Barrett offers the invocation.

Will Chapman, Morgan Chapman and Heather Giulianotti.

Gloria Vigneault, Benjamin Vigneault,
Mateo Vigneault and Cecilia Botero.

16 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

‘Moor’ the merrier as Wheels & Keels assists nonprofits

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Representatives of five local non- Kip Jacoby, Stu Keiller and Gavin Ruotolo. PHOTOS: KAILA JONES
profit organizations left the Moor-
ings Yacht and Country Club with nearby docks.
an added spring in their step af- DeTurris said that checks in
ter having received a combined
$100,000 from Wheels & Keels Foun- assorted amounts made up the
dation board members, represent- $100,000 distributed, based in part
ing funds raised during this year’s on the Friday night auctions.
10th annual Charity Wheels & Keels
fundraiser, held at the Moorings the “We actually give the charities a
second weekend in April. platform on Friday night to bring
in items that we could auction off,”
“We started Wheels & Keels about DeTurris explained. “For example,
11 years ago but, of course, unfortu- we sometimes get weapons from
nately in 2020 we had to cancel out,”
said Vince DeTurris, board vice
chairman. “We’ve grown from put-
ting cars in a parking lot with the
help of Craig Lopes, our (Moorings
Club) general manager here, to now
putting on a phenomenal show.”

DeTurris said that they raised
roughly $1,700 that first year to
benefit the Youth Sailing Founda-
tion, and since 2009 have donated
$454,000 to charity.

“The growth of Wheels & Keels is
because of the support we have from
the Moorings Yacht and Country
Club,” said Gavin Ruotolo, Wheels &
Keels Foundation president. “We’ve
partnered indirectly with the Yacht
Club, and with their help and their
support we’ve been able to build
this. It’s completely volunteers and
it’s a joint effort. We’re here because
of them.”

This past April, a sold-out crowd
of more than 200 had attended the
Friday evening dinner and auction,
followed on Saturday with approxi-
mately 700 people who came out to
view magnificent antique and ex-
otic cars gracing the first hole of the
golf course and boats tied up at the

Kip Jacoby, Heather Dales, Noreen Davis and Gavin Ruotolo.

the SEALs of Trident House, we get with giving scholarships to all five
boat naming from the Sailing Club, of the different charities and that
and what have you, and that’s one of works out significantly.”
the ways we generate the money for
them. Whatever they bring in goes The Youth Sailing Foundation of-
right back to them. We also have fers free sailing classes to children
Gifts from the Heart, which deals beginning at age 8, adding to self-
confidence and a greater apprecia-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 17

PEOPLE

Zadie Diniz, Liliana Elliott, Shotsi Lajoie, Patty Gleason and Bill Kloppenburg; (back) Evan Losey and Brian Colgan.

Gordon Sulcer, Edie Collins and Martin Alger. which improves the health of the
lagoon through the oysters’ natural
tion for our local waterways. Wheels water filtration.
& Keels funding supports programs
that enroll some 180 youngsters in Donations to Trident House Char-
two 10-week sessions. ities support the Navy SEAL Tri-
dent House, a haven on the lagoon
Vero Beach Rowing develops that provides a tranquil respite for
physical fitness, character and the SEALs and their families and serves
spirit of cooperation through the as a place of healing for grieving
sport of rowing. Wheels & Keels families who have lost loved ones in
donations provide financial assis- training or combat.
tance to disadvantaged youth, and
its programs that support recover- Wheels & Keels provides the
ing cancer patients, veterans and youth-founded fishing tournament
others. Lines in the Lagoon with supplies
to help them carry out their mis-
Funding to the Arc of Indian River sion of raising awareness about the
County, which provides programs health of the lagoon and developing
for adults with intellectual and de- younger environmental stewards
velopmental disabilities, supports through lagoon-oriented improve-
the employment of individuals ment projects.
through the Arc Oyster Mat Project,
DeTurris said they look for “under-
the-radar types of charities” and or-
ganizations, particularly those that
deal with improving the quality of
life of people and the lagoon.

In addition to fundraising events
and monetary donations, the foun-
dation accepts donations of cars
and boats, with proceeds from their
sale added to the funds for distribu-
tion.

Plans are already underway for
next year’s Wheels & Keels weekend,
tentatively scheduled for April 22-
23, 2022. For more information, visit
wkvero.com 

18 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

65 miles of smiles on fundraising ‘Ride to Remember’

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

Despite being buffeted by blustery Peggy Cunningham, Alzheimer & Parkinson Association executive director, and Bill Penney. PHOTOS: KAILA JONES
winds, Bill Penney accomplished what
he set out to do – celebrating another
milestone birthday by “thumbing my
nose at Father Time and proving that
age is only a number.”

Penney, president and CEO of Ma-
rine Bank and Trust Co., created a ‘65
Ride to Remember’ fundraiser, cycling
65 miles and requesting donations of
at least $1 per mile to benefit the Al-
zheimer & Parkinson Association of
Indian River County.

And it’s not the first time Penney has
used fortitude for philanthropy.

“When I turned 50, I thought, ‘Oh my
gosh I’m way too old. I need to prove to
myself that I’m still young,’” said Pen-
ney, recalling that to do so, he roller-
bladed 50 miles to benefit the United
Way of Indian River County. That skate
raised $6,500 for the United Way Cam-
paign, which he and wife Karen were
chairing at the time.

“It was a unique fundraiser that

Vero’s Newest Dealer of Exciting Automobiles
Specializing in Exotic, Luxury & Collectible Automobiles

$30K $24K $14K

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe 2008 BMW 328xi 6-Speed

$20K $28K $24K
2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium 2000 Porsche Boxster S 6-Speed
2005 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

Buy I Sell I Trade I Consignment I If We Don’t Have It, We Will Find It

Family Owned & Operated Follow Us On

710 15th Pl., Vero Beach, FL 32960 I 772.999.3292 I VBAutoSports.net
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm I Saturday: 10am - 4pm I Closed Sunday

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 19

PEOPLE

Dr. Seth Coren, Bill Penney and Gene O’Neill.

people could get behind,” said Penney. dividuals with dementia are experi-
“And then I turned 55 and I did a 55- encing.
mile rollerblade for the Red Cross, and
we raised about $10,500 dollars. The Penney stressed that they’re all free
response to that was truly amazing.” of charge, funded entirely through pri-
vate donations and grants. Everything
However, Penney said, the 55-mile is open again, with the exception of
trek was so physically demanding that partnership classes with the Vero
he hung up his skates. “I have not roll- Beach Museum of Art, and all staff and
erbladed since that day. It was brutally most participants are fully vaccinated.
hard. I did it, because I committed to
do it, but man I said, ‘I’m never doing “We’re trying to make this a De-
that again.’” mentia Friendly Community, where
people understand what dementia is.
His eldest daughter got married And with programs like the Virtual
around the time of his 60th birthday Dementia Experience, they can expe-
and, not wanting to take the spotlight rience that level of frustration,” said
away from that momentous occasion, Penney.
he held off that year.
Having gone through the experi-
For his 65th birthday, he opted to ence, he recalls doing well through the
raise funds for Alzheimer & Parkinson initial activities, such as setting the
Association of IRC, having sat on that table, but was stumped when tasked
board for about the past five years. with tying a tie.

“That’s the one that’s closest to my “Now Mary, I tie a tie every day when
heart at this time. My mom had Al- I go to work. And I couldn’t tie my tie. I
zheimer’s so that’s where the passion got so mad, I started throwing things.
stems from,” said Penney, who has Then I said ‘OK, I get it!” Penney had
raised more than $11,000 so far, with experienced the sort of irritation felt
donations still coming in. by dementia patients as they try to re-
member even the simplest of tasks.
Almost more important, it’s a plat-
form to raise awareness of the pro- Penney was joined on his 65-mile
grams and services offered by the non- ride by “hard core” riders Gene O’Neill
profit, whose mission is to “improve and Kathy Flynn, who rode the whole
the quality of life for individuals and way, and others including Charles and
families in Indian River County who Rosemary Sanford, Len Pettyjohn,
are affected by memory and move- Danette Dieffenbach, Dr. Seth Coren,
ment disorders, through support, edu- and Lynn O’Malley who peddled in at
cation and connection.” various times.

Programs include Respite Care, The cyclists met up at Jaycee Park
which offers caregivers an opportu- about 6:45 a.m. and headed north on
nity to take their loved ones to the Al- A1A, before turning back at south Mel-
zheimer & Parkinson facility, where bourne Beach for the return ride and
they’ll enjoy safe, social activities, so a birthday celebration at Jaycee Park.
that the caregivers can tend to their
own needs. “The worst part was coming south
over the Sebastian inlet bridge. The
“It’s just so hard to be a caregiver,” wind was whipping pretty hard, and
stressed Penney. it was moving me around in the bike
lane. I was trying not to get hit by a
They also offer Project Lifesaver, a car and also to not run into the side of
device used in coordination with the the bridge. It was a little dicey, but we
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office made it; no injuries,” said Penney. “It
to search for patients who wander off; was just hang on and pedal. We’ll do it
memory screenings, movement class- again for 70, so mark your calendars.”
es and support groups; and Virtual
Dementia Experiences, which helps For more information, or to donate,
people to better understand what in- visit alzpark.org. 

20 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

Scholarship Foundation happy to help ‘amazing’ students

BY MARY SCHENKEL
Staff Writer

While it’s been another tough year
for students everywhere, 31 deserv-
ing Indian River County students
have been given a boost in their
education through scholarships
awarded by the Scholarship Foun-
dation of Indian River County. The
Class of 2021 includes four students
who are dual enrollment, graduat-
ing with an AA degree from Indian
River State College, and six who are
already attending college.

“All of these students are truly
amazing and have a high expecta-
tion for achieving their goals and
what they will do in the future,”
said Camilla Wainright, Scholar-
ship Foundation executive direc-
tor, during a virtual version of their
56th annual Awards Ceremony.

The award presentations were
made by board members who, pri-
or to each presentation, provided a
brief narrative about the enduring
generosity of the Legacy, Memorial,

Devon White with board member Carol Fischman. PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Board member Mary Johnston and Jasmyn Foisey.

Established 18 Years in Indian River County Honorary and Community Spon- video, adding: “Her story is terrific,
sored scholarships, established by and we’re really thrilled to be able
(772) 562-2288 | www.kitchensvero.com individuals cognizant of the impor- to share it with you.”
3920 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach FL 32960 tance of a good education.
A 2016 Richardson Scholarship
“I think it’s everybody on the awardee, Asselin graduated as vale-
board’s favorite night of the dictorian from Indian River Char-
year,” said board president Susan ter High School before going on to
Chenault. graduate magna cum laude with a
bachelor’s in electrical engineer-
She noted that the 31 students ing from Clemson University in just
would be awarded 76 scholarships, 3 1/2 years. She is now an officer at
for a total of $531,850. The cumu- the United States Naval Reactors in
lative total since the nonprofit’s Washington, D.C., supporting all
founding in 1965 is now more than new, existing and future ships in
$13.4 million in scholarships to the Nuclear Navy.
3,025 local students.
Asselin shared that while she had
Chenault introduced guest speak- chosen Clemson University after
er Jennifer Asselin, who spoke via



22 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PEOPLE

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Board member Gaye Ludwig with Alejandro Wang. Board member Samuel Block with Joshua Navarro.
Board member Samuel Block with Naeimi Thimmer.

thorough research and many col- help of the Scholarship Foundation,
lege tours, she never would have I truly don’t think I would have had
been able to afford attending on her the opportunities I’ve had so far.
own. I’m truly thankful and I hope that
my story shows how much of an im-
“The Scholarship Foundation pact this can make on the life of a
bridged the gap that I needed to student.”
make attending Clemson finan-
cially viable,” said Asselin. In addi- “Wow, Jennifer is just an amaz-
tion to academics, she was active in ing young woman. As you can see
numerous campus activities and, of from what she talked about, she’s
course, cheered on the Clemson Ti- very well accomplished, she’s giving
gers at football games. back to her community and she is
all about being very well rounded,”
“The Richardson Scholarship said Wainright.
gave me the opportunity to collect
all of these experiences and more Wainright explained that schol-
to put on my resume. Without the arship awards are based on the stu-

Nicole Charest, Kathy Charest and Alexander Charest.

dents’ need, how much scholarship ent,” said Ludwig, noting that six
money they’re getting from other applicants had been chosen as final-
sources, and how well they have ists. “These six represent the bright-
prepared themselves to succeed in est and the best students in our com-
college, adding that many were re- munity and we congratulate them.”
ceiving multiple awards.
She announced that three of the
“Over the past 56 years we are ex- finalists, Alexander Charest from
tremely fortunate to have had many Vero Beach High School, and Saint
generous individuals, businesses, Edward’s seniors Sophia Tripodi
local organizations and founda- and Alejandro Wang, were receiving
tions who have supported our orga- William S. Youngman Scholarship
nization and helped us accomplish Awards.
what we have in support of Indian
River County students and fami- “It makes my heart happy to be
lies,” said Wainright. here with all of you to celebrate your
accomplishments, hard work and
“Among tonight’s award winners future dreams. We are also blessed
are those who competed for our to live in this community, where
most prestigious award, the Rich- people really care about each other
ardson Scholar Award,” said board and are so generous,” said Nancy
member Gaye Ludwig. She noted Richardson Luther. She advised the
that it was established by Dan and recipients to “always be kind to one
Marjorie Richardson in the 1960s another. That simple act of kindness
to “inspire, ignite and support col- generates happiness in others but
lege-bound students who attain the most of all it generates happiness in
highest levels of academic, leader- yourself. I wish you all well and en-
ship and service excellence.” joy your journey.”

To be considered, she said, ap- She and her daughter, Kristin Lu-
plicants must demonstrate finan- ther Lockwood, presented the Rich-
cial need as well as excellence in ardson Scholar Awards to Saint Ed-
academia, community service and ward’s School senior Jack Kincus,
leadership through supplemental Joshua Navarro from Indian River
essays and personal recommenda- Charter High School, and Joseph
tions detailing their qualifications. Twomey from Sebastian River High
School.
“Each year we have many, many
applicants who compete for this The Class of 2021 will attend 17 col-
award, and this year was no differ- leges and universities in six states. 



24 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ST. EDWARD’S

St. Ed’s Burdick eager to reach next level at Liberty

BY RON HOLUB Aidan Burdick. about 6 years old,” Burdick said. “At
Masters Academy we did not have a
Correspondent middle school team so I played on the
varsity starting in sixth grade. That en-
Aidan Burdick graduated from St. abled me to hold my own against the
Ed’s at almost the identical moment he older kids when I came to St. Ed’s.
decided to attend Liberty University in
Lynchburg, Virginia. He originally opt- “Soccer here is more than just a
ed for the University of North Florida, sport, it’s more like a family. St. Ed’s has
but based on his comfortable adapta- always had a very strong soccer pro-
tion to St. Ed’s, this young man knows gram. We won districts, regionals and
the proper fit when he sees it. He also went to the state Final Four this year.
jumps in with both feet. This was a very tight-knit team.”

Burdick attended Masters Academy Spring in Florida is ideal for Burdick’s
from kindergarten through eighth main sport, baseball. It’s a surprisingly
grade, save for one year of home low-key enterprise among the panoply
schooling. One impetus for the trans- of sports offered on campus.
fer was the opportunity to play varsity
baseball and several other sports for “I started with T-ball and I played
the Pirates. on travel teams throughout middle
school,” Burdick said. “Baseball here
“Coming to St. Ed’s was something I is definitely not one of the stronger
wasn’t expecting,” Burdick said. “It was sports.
kind of a last-minute choice.
“Regardless, the team was very good
“I really didn’t know anybody here, my first three years (cumulative 23-17).
but I made friends very easily, espe- My junior year we beat Sebastian River
cially through sports and the smaller High, a large public school. But then
classes. That helps bring you together COVID shut everything down.”
because you’re going to the same class-
es as your teammates.” The Pirates were 7-2 at that point.
Confidence was growing when the
Golf was his first sport upon arrival season was unceremoniously snatched
as a freshman. That is a fall sport and away. The 2021 season had trouble get-
it ushered in the beginning of non-stop ting off the ground. Burdick summa-
high school sports participation across rized it this way: “Last year we had 14
all three seasons for the next four years. kids on the team. Four graduated and
three left the team. I initially didn’t
“I was a new student and golf put me come out for baseball this year be-
in with a group right away,” he told us. cause the program seemed to have
“It was a good experience and a nice in- fallen apart.
troduction to St. Ed’s.”
“It looked like there wasn’t going to
Golf lasted two years before Burdick be a team, so I actually went out for la-
decided to make the gigantic leap to crosse the first two weeks. But lacrosse
football. He explained why that came wasn’t really for me. We had a very good
about. team (state silver medalist), and it was
hard to keep up.
“All of my friends played football
since their freshman year, and by my “Then I was able to get a friend to
junior year I decided to give it a try. I come out for baseball with me so we
wanted to play with them and I already would have enough players to field a
knew Coach (Bill) Motta from flag foot- team. We were able to provide some
ball. senior leadership. Suddenly there was
a spark of energy and life that wasn’t
“I came out open minded just to there at the beginning of the year. We
have fun. Coach Motta turned it into a played well against some good teams
boot camp. It was all brand new to me. and we were able to finish the season (at
That was probably the biggest learning 2-8 amidst numerous cancellations).”
curve that I’ve had in athletics in my
entire life. Under Coach Motta you had Pirate baseball with short rosters
to understand everything that was go- means just about everyone plays ev-
ing on all the time.” erywhere. Burdick was no exception.
He preferred the outfield and did some
Burdick admitted to having difficul- pitching. He realizes that playing D1
ties with the intricacies of offense, so baseball at Liberty will be challenging
he was primarily a defense and special- if he chooses to try.
teams contributor for Motta as a junior
and Coach Mark Gowin as a senior. “I plan on training and pushing
myself to get to that level,” he said. “I
Soccer was an entirely different mat- would go out for a utility role. For my
ter. His background in that sport was entire athletic career I would just go
extensive and he once again special- where I was needed. That has suited
ized on defense as a four-year member me very well.” 
of the varsity.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was



Following record gains that saw like to see, and we do it. That is what is seater with a rear portion designed to spired by a trend in the 1920s and ‘30s
Rolls-Royce selling the most vehicles happening here.” evoke the deck of a J Class yacht – a that grafted what looked like a yacht’s
in the first three months of the year single-masted racing boat like those hull onto a Rolls-Royce chassis, al-
in its history, the 116-year-old luxury The automaker said it started the used in the Americas Cup. (A rigid though that precedent didn’t exactly
brand is working to indulge its clients’ program by making three individual canopy top also comes with each, for save the company any time in mak-
penchant for rarity and exclusivity. cars, in a style they are now calling the driving in inclement weather.) ing the modern ones. Those required
Rolls-Royce Boat Tail. Each has been four years planning and construction,
Last week, Rolls-Royce Chief Execu- custom-built as an open-air four- The Boat Tails were named and in-
tive Officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös
unveiled Rolls-Royce Coachbuild,
a new program at the company
that will allow its most elite cus-
tomers to commission a car of
their own.

“We have seen quite a lot of cli-
ents approaching us asking if they
could do something [unique],”
the German-born executive said.
“It is not [Rolls-Royce] proposing
ideas and then the client buys
them. Coachbuild in its truest
form is: the client comes, tells
us what kind of body he would

with 1,813 completely new compo- vehicle into the future,” Müller-Ötvös The first of the modern Boat Tails,
nents. said. “The others were quite intrigued in a blue hue whose specific nomen-
by that idea, so we agreed quite quick- clature is known only to the client
One client who owned one of the ly, Alright, let’s go for a Boat Tail idea. and Rolls-Royce, has a back deck that
original Boat Tails from nearly a cen- Our designer sharpened his pencil opens like butterfly wings to reveal
tury ago inspired the other two buy- and started to draw up some ideas small picnic tables and a parasol.
ers during brainstorming. “He always and from there it went.”
dreamt about how to transform that CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

A TASTE FOR
CELEBRATION

A double refrigerator
houses the clients’
favorite vintages of
Armand de Brignac
champagne. Bottles
can be rapidly cooled
to precisely six degrees.

ROLLS-ROYCE SWEPTAIL ROLLS-ROYCE BOAT TAIL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

“The idea was born of al fresco din-
ing, lavish picnics, ambience...the
idea of these butterfly wings which
are softly opening, was born by Alex
[Innes], I must say, and that was very
much loved by the clients immediate-
ly.” Innes is the head of Rolls-Royce’s
Coachbuild program.

Each car is unique in coloration,
trimlines, interior flourishes and spe-
cific requests, while other of their ba-
sic details may be familiar to those
who already own bespoke Rolls-Royce
coaches: a refrigerator to hold cham-
pagne bottles cooled to precisely six
degrees Celsius, for example, and
an aluminum-and-leather glove box
sized to hold a special pen.

As a pièce de résistance, Rolls-Royce
and BOVET 1822 developed two unique
reversible his-and-her timepieces that
can be worn by the client or stored
within the BoatTail as its onboard clock.

Rolls-Royce floated the idea of a mod-
ern one-off program with the proof-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 29

INSIGHT COVER STORY

of-concept Sweptail in 2017, a one-off could hit then-astounding speeds of 90 Müller-Ötvös declined to specify the Royce Coachbuild cars are already
car debuted at Concours d’Elegance mph, and the Phantom II Continen- names of press-shy buyers, and the being planned. (A spokesperson de-
Villa d’Este near Lake Como which was tal Drophead Coupé of 1934 followed. pricing of the new Coachbuild series, clined to say whether they have al-
widely regarded as the most expensive In 1972, the Phantom VI, famous for though he said that the three clients ready been spoken for.) Allocations
new automobile in the world at the its burled walnut picnic tables and he has known personally for “a long, are available by invitation only – per-
time. That had been commissioned in accompanying ‘toadstool’ seats that long time.” sonally extended from the CEO him-
2013 as a one-off project at the request clipped to the front bumpers, became self.
of a super-yacht and aircraft specialist. the final Rolls-Royce model construct- “There is an idea to bring them to-
ed in the old built-to-order manner. gether one day, but they are spread “For us, it is the jewel on top of
“Sweptail sparked quite a lot of inter- all around the world,” he said. “They everything, the true pinnacle of our
ested in the market,” Müller-Ötvös said. Many of the most significant coach- all three enjoy life. They love to cele- entire business model Rolls-Royce
“So we have seen quite a lot of clients built cars are worth in the high six- and brate. And when you see what you can Motor Cars, and for that reason it
approaching us asking if they could do seven figures. In June, a 1933 Rolls- do with the car, it’s quite celebratory. needs to stay super rare,” said Mül-
something.” Royce Phantom II Special will be of- Unbelievable picnicking and dining ler-Ötvös. “We are not in any way
fered with an estimated price of $1.45 experiences can happen, that’s kind of tempted here to go into more and
When asked how much profit is ren- million to $1.95 million at an auction the idea.” more and more. That would devalue
dered when such intensive handiwork in Lichtenstein. the entire thing.” 
is required, Müller-Ötvös declined to Meanwhile, the next batch of Rolls-
specify a margin. “I would never en-
ter the company into anything that is
not profitable, rest assured. It is also of
course quite boosting for the brand,
but it’s not an investment where we
do it just for the brand. We also do it
for commercial reasons.”

The customization does not extend
to underneath the hood, at least for
now. The Rolls-Royce Boat Tails have
the same 6.75-liter V12 engine as that
found in the Rolls-Royce Phantom,
Cullinan and Ghost. No one asked for
anything different, Müller-Ötvös said:
“The engine is a fantastic Rolls-Royce
engine with enough power. That never
came up for a single minute, to make
changes around the engine.”

He did not rule out whether subse-
quent examples from the Coachbuild
program could some day be pow-
ered by alternative engines or fuel. “I
wouldn’t outlaw that one day, but this
is not really the point – the point very
much is in the body,” he said. “I don’t
know if it will come up in the future,
but why? There is sufficient power” in
the V12 engine.”

Rolls-Royce has long sent the ma-
jority of its wares out of the factory
with high levels of customization and
made-to-order options – beginning
with a choice of 44,000 paint colors.
Commissions have increased year-
over-year since modern bespoke pro-
duction began at Goodwood in 2003,
according to the company.

In the first quarter of 2021, every sin-
gle vehicle built at Rolls-Royce across
the entire model family included be-
spoke elements, it said in a written
statement.

The company had pioneered the
“coach-built” model strategy a cen-
tury earlier with such one-off icons as
the Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Phantom I
Brougham De Ville of 1926, which rec-
reated the Rococo ambience of a Palace
of Versailles salon with polished satin-
wood veneers, Aubusson tapestries and
a painted ceiling inspired by a sedan
chair owned by Marie Antoinette. It had
been built for Clarence Warren Gasque,
an American businessman of French
ancestry living in London at the time.

The Rolls-Royce 17EX of 1928, which

30 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT OPINION

Many people took a hiatus from travel last year, say “What’s this? Could this not injure me?” I apolo- 13. We land in Dallas where I have a four-hour lay-
because – well, you know why. But now that millions gize, and he confiscates my deadly weapon.
of people are vaccinated and the Centers for Disease over. For the first time in over a year, decide to try
Control and Prevention said immunized people can 5. There’s a menagerie of masks around the airport. eating inside a restaurant. I regret to report that air-
travel with less risk, people are taking trips again en port food is still expensive. My $17 chicken burrito is
masse. Bedazzled ones, homemade ones. One guy’s wearing easily the worst thing I have eaten in the pandemic.
a BDSM-style leather mask with buckles and zippers.
I’m one of those people. Two weeks after I got John- 14. It’s back to wandering the airport, and I stop by
son & Johnson’s shot, I decided to fly home to cel- 6. Airport bars are open again, which means drunk
ebrate my dad’s birthday. After a year of writing things the ladies’ room. The woman in the stall next to me
like, “Wish I was there to celebrate with you!” in greet- people are at the airport again. Someone’s singing at starts screaming. Her toilet is overflowing with the
ing cards, I could finally go eat birthday cake with my the top of their lungs. force of Niagara Falls. She’s wearing zebra-print flip
parents in person. So I left for the airport to take my flops – a terrible choice of airport footwear in my
first fully-vaccinated trip. 7. A man hovering around my gate drops a mint on opinion, and even worse when your public toilet be-
comes a geyser. I grab my bag and run.
Airports no longer look like ghost towns. Flying’s the carpeted airport floor. He picks it up and eats it.
back, baby, and so is everything you used to hate about 15. I board my connecting flight. I say hello to my
it. To paint a picture of what flying’s like now, here are 8. The gate agent announces they need volunteers
things I noticed along the way. row-mate like it’s normal to talk to strangers. The
to check their carry-on bags free because there’s no stranger is a businessman traveling for meetings.
1. It’s like Russian roulette trying to predict the way everyone can fit their stuff in the overhead bins “We’ve been virtual for so long,” he says wearily. His
of this full, full flight. I’m not in a hurry, so I head to mask is under his nose and I don’t even mind; I’m
crowd size at the airport, so I leave the house hei- the counter to surrender my suitcase. The gate agent just happy to be here.
nously early just in case. Is it going to be packed? gives me a tired look and says, “Ma’am, your bag is
Empty? None of the above? Joke’s on me: There are not closed.” I look down and see that she’s right. 16. My feet are swollen, and my toes, in my wool
three people in line at security.
9. We’re boarding my American Airlines flight to Dallas socks and sneakers, are so cold and hurt so bad
2. Panic in the TSA “line” – I’m not wearing socks. they are throbbing. Did my toes get worse during
and chaos ensues. Passengers go back and forth, yell- the pandemic? I Google “Can you get frostbite on a
Clearly I’m completely out of practice traveling, and ing out seat numbers like they’re playing Battleship. plane” because I paid for in-flight WiFi.
this is proof. My stomach sinks knowing I’ll be flop- “It’s not that difficult is it, goodness gracious,” a flight
ping through security barefoot. But lo and behold – I attendant says. “It’s got seat numbers, it’s got letters.” 17. At my destination, it takes taking an eternity to get
have socks in my carry-on bag! I frantically put them
on standing up, you know, like a professional. 10. A couple in the row in front of me argues so ani- my suitcase, but it’s not the end of the world. I’m hav-
ing a wonderful time watching people reunite with
3. My turn at the conveyor belt. The TSA agent tells matedly that their seats rumble back and forth. The loved ones (while regretting my decision to check a
woman keeps pulling her mask down for added em- bag). Everyone’s hugging and joyful, and so am I.
me to stop taking my toiletries out of my carry-on phasis. They keep their masks down most of the flight.
bag. “You don’t have to take anything out.” My guy, Yes, flying is stressful – and the legroom in coach
since when? No toiletries? No electronics? Nothing? 11. I make the wobbly walk to the back of the plane will never be enough. Some of the people you en-
It’s a whole new world out here. counter along the journey make you wonder why
to use the lavatory. There’s so much eye contact with you ever left your house in the first place. But as I
4. My backpack goes into the “you packed some- so many people. Look away, people! Nothing to see finally grab my bag, I remind myself it’s a privilege
here! The sink. In the lavatory. Is not working. I grab to experience all of travel again – not just the post
thing suspicious, you dork” conveyor belt, and for a sanitizing wipe from the flight attendant’s station card-worthy moments but the weird, uncomfort-
the life of me I can’t guess why. “Is there anything and walk back to my seat, unnerved. able parts too. 
fragile or sharp that could injure me in your bag?”
I tell him no. He pulls out my wine key from a front 12. There’s a guy sleeping in my row with his mask A version of this column by Natalie B. Compton
zipper and flips out the teeny tiny little blade as if to first appeared in The Washington Post. It does not
down. A woman with a baby alerts a flight attendant necessarily reflect the views of Vero Beach 32963.
about it, and he wakes the man up to remedy the sit-
uation. Across the aisle, another guy is sleeping with
his baseball cap tipped down over the top half of his
face, mask over the bottom half. Honestly this is a
brilliant move. In addition to the coronavirus con-
siderations, no one can see you drooling.

During the coronavirus crisis, our Pelican Plaza office is closed to visitors. We appreciate your understanding.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 31

INSIGHT OPINION

Wandra Harmsen's eBay order gets I don't know where the address came Before we get there, let's take a look dress got on your package. Did some-
sent to Florida by mistake. Can she get a from. The seller blames eBay, eBay at your rights when you order some- one hack into your eBay account?
refund for the $387 she spent? blames the seller. They keep saying the thing through eBay. Was the address autofilled from your
same thing over and over. I would like browser? Did the seller make a clerical
QUESTION: to be reimbursed for $387, the cost of The company's Money Back Guar- error? Or did eBay do something to re-
the last order. Can you help me? antee says if the item you ordered route your package to the wrong state?
I ordered food products two times didn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or It's unclear, and even after investigat-
from eBay recently. But something ANSWER: doesn't match the listing, you'll get ing this, no one has come forward to
went wrong with my third order. eBay your money back. Your package didn't own up to the mislabeling. How it hap-
sent it to an unknown address in Flor- This is such a strange case.Who sent your arrive. Case closed, right? Wrong. pened remains a mystery
ida, and I didn't catch it in time. Even package to a mysterious Florida address?
after I realized what was going on, I And why did you have to pay for it? The package did arrive at the ad- It looks like you tried to resolve the
couldn't stop the order from being dress given by the seller. It was just the problem through normal channels, by
delivered to the address. I have a resolution but I don't have a wrong address. And no one can seem initiating a chat with eBay. Although
full explanation. to figure out how that incorrect ad- a representative promised to look
into this, you didn't hear back from
anyone. Remember, I list the names,
numbers and email addresses of the
eBay executives on my consumer ad-
vocacy site, Elliott.org. You could have
also reached out to one of them to ap-
peal your case.

I contacted eBay on your behalf. The
company refunded your $387, but did
not offer any details on the address
switch. 

Get help with any consumer prob-
lem by contacting Christopher Elliott
at http://www.elliott.org/help

32 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT BOOKS

On the subject of fash- fashion, along with a fan’s longing to his or her sex.”
ion, men have been quite sustained curiosity about San Francisco passed a similar decree in 1863: “If
the sly devils over the years. fashion’s visual language.
They’ve used fashion to any person shall appear in a public place in a state of
enhance their authority Ford’s most memorable nudity, or in a dress not belonging to his or her sex, he
and elevate their stature, all brush with sartorial fame, should be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction,
while communicating a he writes, was when he shall … pay a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars.”
message of elegant refusal. entered Esquire’s 2009
Generations of men would competition for the mag- To step outside of one’s gender designation was to
have the culture believe azine’s Best Dressed Real take aim at the power structure – something that con-
that they’re far too preoccu- Man. Ford didn’t win – he tinued well into the 20th century when designers such
pied with business, govern- didn’t even make the cut as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent cre-
ment, technology and other ated trousers for women, and those garments were
so-called serious pursuits to for the free trip to New deemed unfit attire in venues from upper-crust Man-
involve themselves with the York – but the experi- hattan restaurants to the floor of the U.S. Senate.
flourishes of fashion. In their ence forced him to con-
repetitive dress code of tai- sider how he dressed In assessing dress, Ford notes that there really isn’t
lored suits, khaki trousers and and why. anything particularly feminine or masculine about
golf shirts, they send the mes- clothing. Trousers and dresses can be tailored to fit any
sage that they’ve renounced We choose our body – anatomy is beside the point. Ruffles and feath-
superficiality and frivolous- clothes for a host of ers and sequins are not inherently feminine. And pin-
ness as beneath their gender’s reasons: comfort, ap- stripes and herringbone are not masculine. That they
dignity. propriateness, self- have these gendered attachments is simply a matter of
expression, tradition. power.
Fashion, and all of its pre- Our wardrobe is also
cious silliness, is left to the la- filled with coded mes- “The Great Masculine Renunciation overturned the
dies. And this masculine dress sages about power, symbols of status, sex, and political power established
code has served men well. in the late Middle Ages and created a new sartorial vo-
wealth and status. cabulary for the expression of individual personality. It
Centuries have gone into the making of these rules Ford explores the ways in made understatement into a new kind of status sym-
and assumptions – and a bit of sleight of hand, as well. which our laws and traditions have dictated dress – bol, which required savoir faire as well as ready cash to
Men were not always inclined toward minimalism. and how those rules serve to maintain order. There exhibit,” Ford writes. “And, because it was a masculine
For a good portion of human history, they were flam- was a time when only women of questionable morals phenomenon, it excluded women who sought power
boyant in their dress, prone to peacocking their social wore earrings. Black men and women were kept at the and status.”
rank, financial success and sexual prowess from 100 bottom of the social hierarchy by codes that dictated
paces. They wore bold colors and luxurious silhou- the degree to which they could indulge in finery – and This transformation created layers of contradictions
ettes and shimmering fabrics. But then, in the late 18th woe to those who were perceived to be dressing above and countless hurdles for anyone who wasn’t fluent in
century, over the course of about three decades, “men their station. It was often only on churchgoing Sun- this new, subtle language. It’s why Ford sees prudence
throughout Europe abandoned the styles that had sig- days that these men and women were allowed to wear in historically Black colleges and universities, such as
nified wealth and power for centuries,” writes Rich- their best. Morehouse, proactively emphasizing the nuances of
ard Thompson Ford in “Dress Codes: How the Laws of But fashion is perhaps at its most powerful when establishment professional dress – if only to ensure that
Fashion Made History.” “In their place, elite men ad- shaping our understanding, and misunderstanding, students fully understand the norms they may wish to
opted the sober, self-abnegating garb anticipated by of gender. Legal battles have been fought over stan- eschew. This sartorial shift also makes plain the chal-
Thomas More in ‘Utopia’ and first favored by religious dards of attire that did not treat men and women lenges that women in power continue to face. Feminine
Puritans: simple wool and linen in sober hues of dark equally. Women have lamented the “pink tax,” which dress codes – bright colors, decoration, vivacity – have
blue, brown, gray, and black.” This was later described reflects all the ways they are forced to pay a premium long been seen as the attire of the powerless.
as the “Great Masculine Renunciation,” and it’s a con- because of their gender, including the cost of their
stant theme in Ford’s thoughtful history of the rules and clothing and the upkeep of it. And fashion and gender Fashion, though, is malleable. And Ford makes an
rituals of attire. are at the heart of a combustible conversation about elegant argument that because fashion is a living lan-
individual identity and the room that this country guage, it has the capacity to evolve. Those who are will-
Ford isn’t a fashion historian but rather a professor makes for the full expression of it. ing to transgress against the established codes force the
at Stanford Law School. As such, he doesn’t wallow in Historically, men and women could be punished for rules to change. They force power to change hands – or
the minutiae of Savile Row tailoring or wander into wearing clothes that didn’t adhere to the gender rules at least, over time, to be shared. 
the weeds of Seventh Avenue personalities. Instead, of the day. Ford quotes a local ordinance, passed in
he has a lawyer’s eye for the ways in which legislation 1848 in Columbus, Ohio, that spelled things out. “No DRESS CODES
and common law have helped shape attitudes about person shall appear upon any public street or other
public place in a state of nudity or in a dress not be- HOW THE LAWS OF FASHION MADE HISTORY

BY RICHARD THOMPSON FORD | SIMON & SCHUSTER. 443 PP. $30
REVIEW BY ROBIN GIVHAN, THE WASHINGTON POST

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 33

INSIGHT BRIDGE

NOT EVERY VENTURE WORKED OUT WELL WEST NORTH EAST
10 8 3 A7 KQ652
By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist 75 K 10 8 4 932
874 Q J 10 5 32
In one of his golf stories, P.G. Wodehouse wrote, “There are three things in the world Q J 10 9 4 K32 765
that he held in the smallest esteem — slugs, poets and caddies with hiccups.”
SOUTH
My wife and I are not fond of hiccups in slam deals. At Bridge Base Online last month, J94
we had one. Look at the North hand. Your partner opens two no-trump, promising AQJ6
anything from an excellent 19 to a poor 22 (if there is such a thing), and usually at AK96
least two aces and three kings or three aces and one king. What would be your plan? A8

You are clearly in the small-slam zone, but a suit contract in a 4-4 fit might generate Dealer: South; Vulnerable: North-South
an extra trick that cannot be collected in no-trump.
The Bidding:
In this deal, the winning response is three clubs, Stayman. Then, when partner shows
four hearts, you might leap straight to six hearts — real bridge players don’t need SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST OPENING
Blackwood! 2 NT Pass ??
LEAD:
With a 3-2 heart break, you take an easy 12 tricks: one spade, four hearts, four 4 Diamonds
diamonds, two clubs and a club ruff in the South hand.

My wife used Gerber, then bid six no-trump. I sympathized, especially as I had only 19
points, but the contract was unmakable. Strangely, West led a diamond, not the club
queen. I won on the board and led the spade seven. East took the trick with the queen
and returned a spade to the ace. Now if East had had the courtesy to hold at least six
clubs, I would have squeezed him in the black suits, but it was not to be.

Two pairs got to six hearts after North opened one diamond and raised a one-heart
response to game. One North made six no-trump when East led the spade king. Eight
stopped in game, and two failed in grand slams.

# 1 Bestseller Fiction at the

Vero Beach Book Center

or wherever you buy books online

34 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT GAMES

SOLUTIONS TO PREVIOUS ISSUE (MAY 27) ON PAGE 58

ACROSS DOWN
1 Shaving device (5) 2 Cook (5)
4 Mirror (5) 2 Fastener (3)
8 Reverence (3) 3 Barrier (7)
9 Date (11) 4 Assemble (6)
10 Relating to touch (7) 5 Improve (5)
12 Epsom race (5) 6 Gloomy (9)
13 Tribute (6) 7 Held up (7)
14 Great number (6) 11 Began (9)
17 Visitor (5) 13 Rider _____ (7)
19 Drunk (7) 15 Dairy product (7)
21 Result (11) 16 Customer (6)
23 Grass (3) 18 Loose garment(5)
24 Old coin (5) 20 Denigrate (5)
25 sRiver through Rome(5) 22 Kernel (3)

The Telegraph

East of RR Tracks How to do Sudoku:
Near Police Dept.
Natural Day Light All Unit Fill in the grid so the
Completely Rehabbed Building numbers one through
Freshly Painted nine appear just once
All Units Have Individual in every column, row
Hand Trucks and three-by-three
Temperature and square.
Humidity Control
All Units Have Drive Up Access The Telegraph
Electrical Outlets
Lavatory Facility
24 Hour Outdoor Lighting
Surveillance Cameras
With Cell Phone Feed
Units 224 to 380 sq. ft.

ONLY 9 UNITS AVAILABLE

Units should be
available to receive
Stowage beginning

early June.
To reserve a unit
call (860) 227-8022

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 35

INSIGHT GAMES

ACROSS 88 Ignores 45 Checking, for one: abbr. The Washington Post
1 Math test need, often 92 Course obstacle 46 Sweet Rosie of song
13 Send far, far away, maybe 93 West Indies native 47 Fugal or petal prefix WORDTOPIA By Merl Reagle
19 Words oft-heard on The 94 Had the power 48 Spongelike
95 Criticize harshly 49 Screams THE Art & Science
Addams Family 97 Sleuth Wolfe et al. 52 Wander (about)
21 Forward, in Florence 99 PETA people don’t 54 Connect of Cosmetic Surgery
22 The man who thought he 56 Meat-free Mexican meal
wear them 57 A whiter shade SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:
shot Liberty Valance (played 102 Son of Aphrodite • Minimal Incision Lift for the
by Jimmy Stewart) 103 Deceived of pale
24 Mangalore music makers 105 Stable boy? 58 Golden Horde members Face, Body, Neck & Brow
25 What “there 106 Ex-QB Tarkenton 61 Small bay • Breast Augmentations
oughta be” 107 Lucy’s pal on The 65 Disfavors
26 Play roulette, e.g. 66 Erupted & Reductions
27 Dryish Lucy Show 68 Knockouts of a sort • Post Cancer Reconstructions
29 Concert opening? 108 Choral compositions 69 Possessive pronoun • Chemical Peels • Botox
30 The Little Rascals’ dog 110 Runner Sebastian 72 Some votes • Laser Surgery • Tummy Tucks
31 Plastic nickname 111 Tom Thumb composer 75 Buttoned anew • Obagi Products • Liposculpture
33 “___, you magnificent 79 Hindu follower? • Skin Cancer Treatments
bastard, I read your book!” Thomas 81 Knight’s title
(George C. Scott in Patton) 112 O’Neill title figure 82 “What I like about beer is
34 Water barrier
35 Recipe verb 114 Landlord’s last letter you basically drink it and
36 Cone-bearing tree 117 Weather-changing current order more. You don’t ___”
38 Caustic cleaners 118 Technology VIP on a (Dave Barry)
39 Pack rat 84 Apply, as lotion
40 Driver’s invitation newspaper 86 On ___ (sans contract)
42 Squad’s concern 119 Gardener, at times 88 Movie trailer
44 Crossword constructors (like 120 You’ve heard it a thousand 89 Heart part
me) who put long words on 90 Eastern European
top of each other, as in this times 91 Arts and crafts need
puzzle 93 Military rank
46 Earth tones DOWN 96 Poles and Czechs
48 Theft of a sort 1 Boot loops 98 Overly ornate
50 Andrew Carnegie, 2 Skier’s home 100 Ill will
by birth 3 Managed efficiently 101 Scornful
51 Race-starter’s words 4 Respondents 103 Brideshead, for one
53 More constant 5 Match ender, briefly 104 Ancient Romania
55 Type of tie 6 Percussion people, at times 108 Prop for Astaire
59 Hosp. crew 7 Certain firefighting guy 109 Flower part
60 Kerala dress 8 Golf bag item 113 Day or night preceder
62 Fashion magazine 9 From ___ Z 115 Hero’s follower?
63 Mother of Calcutta 10 Advanced degrees 116 ___ on (has too much of,
64 A Musketeer 11 Down source slangily)
67 Florentine sculptor 12 It’s a single strand of
70 It’s something to see
71 Really, really nucleotides, unlike DNA
sentimental 13 Pesto base
73 Radius neighbor 14 Enthusiastic
74 Ptero ending 15 Name that sounds like a bug
76 Actress Scala 16 Dropping like a rock
77 Gleeful cry 17 Walkout participant
78 Is looking for 18 Snakes, at times
80 More like Rapunzel, perhaps 20 Covered with dirt
83 With Man, a horse 23 Gangster film women
85 Scourge of the 28 Takes a break
African savanna 32 Nvmber of tears in a 1960s
87 Judges, at times
song
34 TV oldie set in the jungle
37 Trumpeter Al
39 Sports page info
41 First-shot prop
43 Custodian

The Telegraph Proudly caring for patients over 28 years.

3790 7th Terrace, Suite 101, Vero Beach, Florida

772.562.5859

www.rosatoplasticsurgery.com

Ralph M. Rosato
MD, FACS





38 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

INSIGHT BACK PAGE

Her ‘conversational narcissist’ husband just doesn’t get it

BY CAROLYN HAX a complicated concept that requires precision in the way he feels about a simi-
Washington Post phrasing. lar thing. It’s not exactly what
you want, but it’s not erasing
Hi, Carolyn: I have a “conversa- However, some things can still help. Namely, you you as “unimportant,” either.
tional narcissist” husband. When- can choose to look at it differently. That’s something It’s an attempt to meet you
ever I begin speaking about some- you control, at least much more than you can control where you are. Albeit not a
thing – my day, something I read, him. As a reader shared earlier, Happiness = Reality particularly strong one.
a conversation I had, etc. – instead – Expectations. You’ve failed to change his Reality, so
of asking any follow-up questions, change your Expectations. Which is, apparently, the
my husband jumps right in with, “Wow my day was best he’s got for you right now.
…,” “Yeah, I just read about …,” “I just spoke with …” So: How can you reframe this trait of his into some- If you can adjust your expec-
He never asks me questions. And I mean never. thing you can stop labeling as bad or disappointing tations of him, then you can
I have told him it makes me feel like what I have to and just accept as different? rerun the formula and maybe
say isn’t important and he counters with, “Of course get a higher Happiness value:
it is,” but continues this type of behavior. If I say, “I Maybe think of it as the difference between sympa- Happiness = Reality – Expec-
need a new pair of shoes,” instead of asking some- thy and empathy.You want empathy — for him to feel tations.
thing like, “Oh really, what kind of shoes?” he’ll say, what you’re feeling or show interest in your interests. I’ve long said writing advice is like doing word
“Oh, I need a new pair, too. I was thinking about But his jumping in with his parallel stories is arguably problems about feelings, but it’s nice to see it in
these sneakers …” It’s like the Toby Keith song, “I like a form of sympathy, where he relates to you through math form. Another way you can change reality is to
talking about you, you, you, usually, but occasion- prompt him for what you want: “This is where you
ally I wanna talk about me.” ask me what kind of shoes I need.”
Can you offer any words that I can use to make
him understand my point? He says he understands Re: Self-centered husband: I feel your pain. I once
but nothing yet has helped. Thanks. did a test to see how long my husband would go with-
out asking me how my day went, how my work was
– MEEEEEEEE going, etc. I lost track somewhere around eight weeks. I
have adjusted my expectations of him accordingly.
MEEEEEEEE: Nothing will help. I’m sorry.
No wait – nothing will change him. He clearly is – Anonymous
this way and your efforts won’t put a dent in that, or
else they would have by now. Anonymous: Yikes.
“You don’t ask me anything about me, ever,” is not “Hi, Honey – how was my day?” See if he’s even
awake. 

EXCEPTIONAL
‘EYE OF THE CAMERA’
EXHIBIT BACK AT BACKUS

40 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

EXCEPTIONAL ‘EYE OF THE CAMERA’ EXHIBIT PHOTOS BY KAILA JONES
BACK AT BACKUS

BY ELLEN FISCHER | COLUMNIST and better than ever. The exhibit is on to the pandemic. With no physical ex- tional RAW Photography.
view through June 18. hibition possible, we pivoted to a social The latter considers the use of RAW, or
Skipped last year, the A.E. Backus media project called #EyeAmCreative.”
Museum’s competitive “Through the Executive director J. Marshall Adams unprocessed digital image data. Many
Eye of the Camera” exhibition is back explains that “in 2020 we were never That online project made the best of a cameras have a RAW setting that al-
able to issue the April call to artists due bad situation, but Adams is glad the mu- lows the photographer to capture vastly
seum is once again able to present Eye more digital information per exposure
of the Camera at the Fort Pierce muse- than the camera’s standard JPEG for-
um’s galleries. “This year’s competition mat provides. RAW files produce images
is a triumphant return,” he says. that can withstand greater enlargement
without losing detail; the format is the
Photographers flocked to the call choice of an increasing number of fine
for entry. Submissions numbered 179 art photographers.
works by 77 photographers; 103 pieces
were selected for the show. The award for Best Black and White
Photography went to Joe Campanellie
This year’s jury included Zora Car- of Palm Coast for “Running Free,” a pic-
rier, Ph.D., executive director of the ture of a dark horse with a white blaze
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts galloping through a shallow expanse of
in Tampa; Mike Hinkle of Krahinkle water. The image’s ephemeral mood is
Photography Group in Fort Pierce; and enhanced by the torn deckled edges of
Professor Jayanti Seiler of the South- the paper on which it is printed.
east Center for Photographic Studies at
Daytona State College. Campanellie says that he photo-
graphed the horse on a photo club out-
The jury not only selected the en- ing to an Ocala ranch that breeds this
tries that comprise the exhibition, but type of horse, which only recently has
also awarded ribbons to the works they been recognized with its own registry.
deemed outstanding in the categories Called a “Gypsy Vanner,” the horse gets
of Animals, Flora & Landscape, People/ its name from the Romani people in
Portrait and Open, for photos that did England and Ireland who bred them
not fit into the other categories. to pull their caravan wagons. With its
stout body and feathered legs, the horse
Because photographers who work is a smaller version of its giant cousin,
with film and chemically develop their the Clydesdale.
prints are a vanishing breed, most of the
images on display have been digitally Campanellie also won First Place in
captured, edited and printed. You can the Animals category for “The Gift,” a
expect to see prints in a range of sizes on color print of a male least tern offering
a variety of substrates, including alumi- his mate a small fish. Campanellie says
num sheets, plastic, acetate, canvas and that hours of patient waiting went into
even photo print paper. the making of that shot. He and wife
Mary Jean enjoyed a 30-year career as
In addition to Best of Show, Direc- portrait photographers in Maryland.
tor’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Mary Jean is now a portrait painter,
First, Second and Third Awards in while Joe’s specialty is avian photogra-
each of the four categories, there are phy. In addition to his least terns, the
two new awards: Best Black & White
Photography, and Best Film/Tradi-

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 41

ARTS & THEATRE

smartly dressed wom- year, with more egret, pelican and os-
an, whose pose com- prey photos than you can shake a stick
fortably curls within at. Marshall Adams chose to award
the close-cropped bor- his Director’s Choice to one of these, a
ders of the composition. pelican close-up titled “Easy Breezy”
Slightly smiling, she re- by Chris Schumacher of Vero Beach.
gards the camera’s gaze
with amused tolerance. Other notable birds in the show in-
clude a trio of pelicans in “The Land-
The Eye of the Cam- ing” by Christopher Spain of Jensen
era was especially fo- Beach. “Osprey Wings” by Laura Gar-
cused on birds this za of Orlando features its subject with
wings flared for landing, and “Fish-
ing Buddies” by Hilda Champion of
Naples depicts a cormorant perched
on the hand of a traditionally dressed
Chinese fisherman. 

exhibition boasts his “Misty Morning went to Susan Pantuso for “The Way,” a
Flight,” featuring a flying roseate spoon- view of what appears to be a red stone
bill, and “Bad to the Bone,” a regal por- canyon à la Eliot Porter, but is really a
trait of an African vulture. modest arrangement of rocks; such
are the tricks of scale the camera can
Best Film/Traditional RAW Photo- play. The photograph’s environment
graph was won by Jim Swallow of St. Pe- features a waterfall and a ladderlike
tersburg. His “Golden Pod Series #7” is a structure of iron bars affixed to a limb
picture of various dried pods and seeds of driftwood. Placed diagonally in the
symmetrically arranged on a flat sur- composition, the rude ladder leads the
face. The large pod at the center of the eye in a vertiginous rush from the im-
composition is vaguely anatomical. You mediate foreground to the top of a pre-
might see it as a heart from which curl- cariously balanced boulder.
ing veins spring or, playing on the fertile
symbolism of the pod and seed, a uterus Pantuso has four other photos in
with fallopian tubes. the show, including two black and
white Clyde Butcheresque scenes, “The
Printed against a background of shin- Flooded Forest” and “The Tree Hug-
ing gold metal leaf, the imagery has ger.” The latter is a majestic portrait of
the hieratical look of a precious icon. a spreading oak.
Fancy’s flight could interpret it as an
offering to St. Anthony, patron saint of First Place in People/Portraiture went
women expecting to expect. No mat- to Mark Smith of Port St. Lucie. His pho-
ter where Swallow’s image takes your tograph, “The Relic,” features the close-
imagination, its creative use of RAW im- up face of a boy wearing a steel army
agery is compelling. helmet that is blistered with rust; the
boy’s face has been painted to mimic
Swallow, a professional photographer the helmet’s patina. The effect is one of
for 40 years, says he only works from a freshly unearthed Greek god, whose
RAW files. Of his award-winning photo, grimy bronze visage sports a pair of
he says he digitally printed the tack- sparkling glass eyes.
sharp image onto a clear acetate sheet
before applying gold metal leaf to the Smith has a total of four pieces in the
substrate’s reverse. While the first part show. His “Heart and Soul,” an ambi-
of his process was entirely digital, the tious, scary, yet humorous portrait of a
finishing touch of applying the leaf was zombie would have been my pick for the
done the old-fashioned way, one square People/Portraiture blue ribbon.
at a time, by hand.
Besides those of the living dead, there
The color of gold made Swallow’s were relatively few portraits in the show.
image stand out for the judges, but
for Manuel Carela of Port St. Lucie, it Two small black and white images
was orange. He won Best of Show for stood out from the rest for the quality
“Orange Splash,” an arrested-motion of their tonal range and the refresh-
depiction of four slices of the titular ing directness of their portrayals.
citrus practically leaping amidst a “Grandfather (Caught Napping)” by
sparkling web of water. Cliff Stokes of Fort Pierce depicts a
man with a white mustache and two
In the Open category, David Bence tangled thickets of eyebrow dozing
of Vero Beach received First Place for in the shade of his straw fedora. With
his black and white photo “Fork and eyes half closed, the subject appears
Egg #2,” and second place in the same to acknowledge the camera’s presence
category for his black and white “Roo- while not giving a fig about it.
sevelt Bridge #1.” That one, a disorient-
ing view of the bridge’s understruc- Alford Greves of Port St. Lucie is
ture, was achieved by exhibiting the represented by “In a Pensive Mood,”
image upside down. a warm-blooded representation of a

First Place in Flora and Landscape

42 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

ARTS & THEATRE

COMING UP! ‘Dreamcoat’ puts Riverside Kids in spotlight

BY PAM HARBAUGH didn’t get together until mid-May to erside Dr. Call 772-231-6990 or visit
Correspondent rehearse the singing. Audiences can RiversideTheatre.com.
expect a full Riverside production of
1 If it weren’t for children’s pro- the Anthony Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice 2 Meet local authors and visit an
gramming and comedy, River- musical, which reimagines the Bibli- unusual niche museum when
cal story of Joseph, his father Jacob,
side Theatre would have been dark and 11 brothers. It’s entertaining Vero Beach-based La Maison Pub-
and has wonderful, fun tunes that
all through the pandemic. The Riv- will fill your day. Tickets are only lishing presents a book signing 3
$10 … c’mon, when else can you see
erside Theatre for Kids has stayed a Riverside production for only $10? p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 4 at the
It performs 6:30 p.m. this Thurs-
busy, rehearsing online, building day and Friday, June 3-4; and 2 p.m. Heritage Center and Indian River
and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Riverside’s
sets, making costumes and enter- Comedy Zone returns this weekend Citrus Museum. The booksigning
with standup comics Derrick Ten-
taining families. Its second show of nant and Scott Orbany. The head- features 16 Treasure Coast authors
liner, Tennant, turned life’s lemons
the season, “Joseph and the Amaz- into lemonade, which he gleefully of wide-ranging genres. They in-
shares with his audience. A promis-
ing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” will ing athlete, a sudden illness left him clude: Jerry Farquar, a retired Delta
paralyzed. After years of surgery and
perform this weekend on Riverside’s physical rehab, he discovered a tal- Airlines pilot whose memoir “In the
ent in comedy, magic and inspira-
mainstage, the Stark Stage. “Dream- tional speaking. The Comedy Zone Sky” is one of La Maison’s best-sell-
shows are 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday
coat” will feature a cast of 19 talent- and Saturday, June 4-5. Tickets are ing books; Karen Hiltz, who writes
$20. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riv-
ed performs from age 7 to 18 years. about the educational system and

They were cast about a year ago. whose recent book “The Apple Re- itors will be able to explore
artifacts such as the heavy, turn-of-
“We’re very excited to finally get to port” (not about the tech company) the-century field test kit designed to
measure many aspects of Indian Riv-
present it,” said director Kevin Quil- has been getting some good trac- er citrus, including the “brix” (sweet-
ness). Executive director Heather Sta-
linan. “It’s a really great show. Really tion; and La Maison publisher Ja- pleton said the museum celebrates
the arrival of citrus into Florida. A
fun. It looks amazing. All the theater net Sierzant, whose newest book is visit to the one-room museum sur-
prises most guests, she said. “I think
professionals at Riverside are work- “Brooklyn Love Story,” a historical citrus is way more fascinating than
someone might imagine,” Stapleton
ing on the design. It’s a fun show.” fiction. In addition to being able to said. “We’ve had people come here
as a complete joke, then leave enter-
Quillinan held most of the rehears- meet the 16 authors, getting signed tained and educated.” One of its most
popular exhibits is its collection of
als, even voice and dance, online. copies of their many books and hear- old citrus labels, which once adorned
the ends of wooden crates no longer
Because of the cautious delay in get- ing some of them speak, the event’s in use. “They are quite nostalgic for
people,” Stapleton said. “Recently, we
ting vaccines to children, the cast special guest speaker is Indian River were approved for a Tourist Develop-
ment Council grant. Part of those
Genealogical Society president Mike funds will go to revamping the citrus
label collection; getting them into
Godown, who speaks on literacy ser- better archival shape.” The Heritage
Center and Indian River Citrus Mu-
vices. Sierzant, who coordinates a seum is in a 1935 National Historical
Register building, at 2140 14th Ave.,
writers’ group on Friday mornings Vero Beach. Visit VeroHeritage.org or
call 772-770-2263. 
at Vero Beach’s main library on 16th

Avenue, expects the booksigning to

draw quite a big crowd since it’s just

a couple blocks away from all the ac-

tion of the monthly Friday Gallery

Stroll in the Vero Beach arts district.

“It’s free admission, complimentary

wine and cheese,” she said. “I’m Ital-

ian, so I tend to do things overboard,

cheesecake, sandwiches. It should

be a lot of fun.” While you’re there,

be sure to save some time to explore

the “micro and mighty” Indian River

Citrus Museum. The institution is

an interpretive museum where vis-



44 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

PETS

Bonz says how do you do to new pal Riley Roo

Hi Dog Buddies! Husky, part Pomeranian. ous featherball got
I think almost all of me is
I hadn’t been over to the big dog park Husky, but liddle, an only all miffed an chased
by the river in, like, 8 or 9 Dog Years my tail is Pomeranian.
cuzza, you know, that VI-Russ, so, when Don’t you agree?” ME. I mean, seri-
this week’s interviewee wanted to meet
there, I was, like, Hot Dog! I nodded, then inquired, ously? Freaked me
“How’d you an your Forever
It was Cool Kibbles seein’ all those Family find each other?” totally out.
pooches runnin’ all over the place, greet-
in’ ol frens an makin’ new ones. Well, “Before me, Mom had a “I have tons of pals
THEY all were, but not me, since I was On regular-size Husky, Zoe, who
The Job, interviewing Riley Roo Altman. went to Dog Heaven. The here at the park, and
next year, twenny-18, Elle
When me an my assistant arrived, we told Mom an Dad she really Grandma Trish an
headed for the Little Dog Section. Riley wanted a puppy. She was
had Woofmailed me that she’d be run- only 5, just a puppy herself. Grandpa Chuck have
nin’ around with her frens, and that we Well, even though Mom
should find her Mom, who’d be wearin’ had always had Big Dogs, two Wheaton Terriers,
“Big White Crocs.” At first I was like, she decided a liddle dog’d
“Wait! What-at?” Turned out they’re just be better for Elle, so as not to acciden- Mickey and Kierra. I
funny-lookin’ shoes. I was very relieved tally knock here over. Elle even got to pick
it didn’t involve Big Scary Lizards. the puppy, Thank Lassie. Mom an Dad use to play with Mick-
showed her lots an lots of puppy pick-
Anyway, we sat on a bench in the churs, including ones of ME. Well, Elle ey but he’s 14 in human
shade and watched, like, a whole pack looked at all the pick-shurs over an over,
of liddle pooches tearin’ around. Every an kept going back to ME. – Getting Up There.
one of ’em was black, white or a com-
bination of both, ’cept for one curly- “They were in New Jersey at the time “As far as tricks, I
haired gold pooch. and my breeder, Precious Pomskies,
was in a far, far, far away place called Riley Roo. Don’t DO them. I did
Soon as Riley’s Mom hollered, a super Kansas! So the breeder sent me to NEW- attend Puppy School
pretty black-an-white pooch came zip- urk on a strange, big bird thing with PHOTO BY KAILA JONES an I earned my Canine
pin’ over for the Wag-an-Sniff. She had my Dog Nanny, Cassie, who took very
longish silky hair, pawsome triangle good care of me so I wasn’t nervous at bandannas an masks (I know Good Citizen certifi-
ears, looked like a Husky ’cept smaller, ALL. When we arrived, my new For-
an her tail curled over her back. She was ever Mom came to pick me up in a Big how to Mask Up), I dislike wearing cate. And naturally I know the usual Sit.
wearing a snazzy green an black halter. Black car called a LIM-o, with a Driver,
and I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. clothing. I mean, surely you agree, with Stay. Down. But I’m not a Tricks kind of
“Hi! Hello! You’re Bonzo, correct? I’m But I wasn’t afraid. I mostly snoozed in
Riley Roo Altman! You may call me Riley. Mom’s lap. When we got to my New For- my beautiful natural coat, it seems, well, grrrl. I know how to Fetch, which I do on
This is my Mom Kimmee. My Dad Dan ever Home an I met Elle, it was the Best
an my human sister an BFF, Elle, are Day of My Entire Life! I had a SISter to a bit re-DONE-dent. When Mom puts my own terms. Also, Bonzo, I am very
elsewhere.” She looked at my notebook. play with. Here, look!”
“Is that where you’re going to write my something on me I freeze, don’t move protective of my Famly. I believe it is my
story? Why don’t we just sit right here in Riley showed me a whole buncha
the nice cool sand. Should I start now?” pickshurs of her an Elle when they a muscle. Usually Dad finally takes it Solemn Duty as a Dog. If I feel anything
were puppies. Of course, they were all
“Absolutely, Miss Riley,” I said, pencil adorable, specially one of Riley an Elle, off me. I also Don’t Like Water. Includ- or anyone is threatening my Famly, I
poised. both dressed in pink, an one with Riley
dressed like a banana. I know, Right? ing BATHS, shampoos an blow drying. have this Highly Annoying, Uber-Yap-
“First, you should know my breed
is pretty new. Not uh-FISH-shull yet. “Ackshully,” she said, “apart from Thank Lassie for Sarah, my groomer. py, Extremely Effective Bark. An I’m not
I am a POMsky. In other words, part
SHE understands me. SHE knows my afraid to use it.”

Quirks.” Riley sighed. “I wish there was Heading home, I thought about how

another way to look this good. But, alas, much fun all those pooches were hav-

there isn’t.” ing at the dog park. I knew some of ’em,

She fluffed her ruff. She definitely just like their humans, hadn’t seen

looked good. their pals in what probly felt like for-

“Tell me what you do for fun; any tricks? ever, even in human time. An I felt like

favrite foodstuffs? special pooch pals?” One Lucky Dog.

“I’m not picky about eating, except I

don’t like Kibbles, although, with some Till next time,
veggies added, I do eat it. Grudgingly.
Salmon treats are terrific and [she low- The Bonz

ered her voice] Dad sometimes slips me Don’t Be Shy
one of those squishy human candy treats,
Circus Peanuts. Don’t tell Mom, OK? We are always looking for pets
with interesting stories.
“I adore running with the other
pooches in this park, of course; leash To set up an interview, email
walks are pleasant; the beach is fun.

Sand only, of course. No water. I use to [email protected].

chase birds, until, one time, this furi-

NEUROLOGIST URGES NOT TO
TAKE GAIT DISORDERS IN STRIDE

46 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

Neurologist urges not to take gait disorders in stride

BY KERRY FIRTH Dr. Xabier Beristain.
Correspondent
PHOTOS: KAILA JONES
Most children learn to walk
somewhere between 12-15 months
of age, and once they get the first
month’s wobble and unsteadiness
under control, they don’t think
about walking the rest of their lives.
Barring injuries, walking is second
nature and taken for granted – that
is until the aging process catches
up with them somewhere in their
late 60s.

At that age or earlier, people de-
velop gait disorders for a wide range
of reasons – knee, foot or ankle in-
jury, neurological disorders, an in-
ner ear problem, or something as
simple as poorly fitted shoes.

Dr. Xabier Beristain, a neurolo-
gist with Cleveland Clinic Indian
River Hospital, stresses the impor-
tance of seeing a doctor if you are
feeling off balance or dizzy when
you walk. “An abnormal gait may be
a precursor to a serious neurologic
disorder like Parkinson’s disease or
MS,” he said. “A mini stroke in the

brain or a pinched nerve in the back it declines about 15 percent a de-
can also affect your gait. Or it may cade for casual gait and 20 percent
be as simple as a reaction to a medi- for fast walking. Gait velocity is as
cation or an inner ear infection. powerful a predictor of mortality
as an older person’s medical condi-
“Regardless of the cause, there is tions. After age 75, slow walkers die
a link between gait disorders and an average of six years earlier than
memory problems like dementia normal velocity walkers and an av-
down the road,” Dr. Beristain con- erage of 10 years earlier than fast
tinued. “The sooner your doctor velocity walkers.
can determine the cause and start
a treatment, the sooner you can get According to ClevelandClinic.org
back to living your life.” common gait disorders include:

Some elements of gait normally “Propulsive gait. This type of gait
change with aging while others do is seen in patients with parkinson-
not, according to a study published ism. It is characterized by a stoop-
in Merck Manual. Gait velocity or ing, rigid posture, and the head and
the speed of walking remains stable neck are bent forward. Steps tend to
until about the age of 70, and then become faster and shorter.

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 47

HEALTH

“Scissors gait. This type of gait rectly. The earlier the problem is “Genetics play a key role and can mission. It’s all about recondition-
gets its name because the knees addressed, the more we can help. It increase risk for having strokes and ing and learning new tricks and
and thighs hit or cross in a scis- might be reversible, or we might be mental disorders. Unfortunately, ways to avoid problems. It’s man-
sors-like pattern when walking. able to at least improve your func- there is nothing that can be done ageable – just different.”
The legs, hips, and pelvis become tion. to prevent a genetic predisposition,
flexed, making the person appear as but living a healthy lifestyle can Dr. Beristain received his medical
though he or she is crouching. The “If it’s underlying neurological limit many of the ailments we have degree and completed his intern-
steps are slow and small. This type problem like Parkinson’s, there are as we grow older.” ship and residency at the Univer-
of gait occurs often in patients with medications that can improve your sity of the Basque Country Faculty
spastic cerebral palsy. quality of life. If it is simply an aging “I advise my patients to get up of Medicine. He then completed a
issue, we can teach you how to adapt and dance, box, bike or walk. One residency in neurology, and his fel-
“Spastic gait. Common to patients and live comfortably. type of exercise isn’t necessarily lowship in movement disorders at
with cerebral palsy or multiple scle- better than another. Indian University in Indianapolis.
rosis, spastic gait is a way of walking “The most important thing you can He has been in practice for more
in which one leg is stiff and drags in do to prevent age related gait irregu- “They just have to keep moving. than 20 years.
a semicircular motion on the side larities is to take good care of your- Living with a gait disorder is like
most affected by long-term muscle self. Eat well, exercise and control switching from driving a car with Dr. Xabier Beristain’s offices are
contraction. your risk factors by not smoking and an automatic transmission all your located at 3450 11th Court, Suite
drinking alcohol,” Dr. Beristain said. life, to driving with a manual trans- 395B, Vero Beach. 772-770-6848. 
“Steppage gait. A ‘high stepping’
type of gait in which the leg is lifted
high, the foot drops (appearing flop-
py), and the toes points downward,
scraping the ground, when walking.
Peroneal muscle atrophy or pero-
neal nerve injury, as with a spinal
problem (such as spinal stenosis or
herniated disc), can cause this type
of gait.

“Waddling gait. Movement of the
trunk is exaggerated to produce a
waddling, duck-like walk. Progres-
sive muscular dystrophy or hip dis-
location present from birth can pro-
duce a waddling gait.”

“Most people who come to me feel
unsteady when they walk or have
fallen down a few times,” said Dr.
Beristain. “In some cases, the fear
of falling is more debilitating than
the issue in the first place. Some
patients are so afraid of falling that
they won’t even try to walk. Unfor-
tunately, not walking is the worst
thing they can do because exercise
and physical therapy is the first line
of treatment.

“The first thing I do is assess the
gait disorder with a serious of bal-
ance and walking tests. If the patient
has neuropathy, or loss of feeling in
the legs, an MRI of the brain may be
necessary to make a diagnosis. If the
patient is shuffling and shaking it
may be the beginning of Parkinson’s
or MS disease. The imbalance may
also be caused by a physical prob-
lem like having one leg shorter than
another or a bad knee.

“I take on the role as doctor and
detective in figuring out why the
gait disorder is happening and what
the best treatment is to solve the
problem,” Dr. Beristain added. “It’s
not easy to diagnose the problem.
We have to look at the entire body to
find answers.

“Strength and balance train-
ing help older adults with mobility
problems and assistive devices like
canes and walkers may be neces-
sary to maintain mobility. Physical
therapy will also help the patient
learn how to use the devices cor-

48 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

How sensible intermittent fasting can keep you healthy

BY JENNIFER COOK the body doesn’t respond prop-
The Washington Post erly to it). Metabolic switching
also signals the body to activate
Studies suggest that intermittent maintenance and repair systems,
fasting – typically, eating only dur- which aid in disease prevention.
ing an eight-hour period or eating
only every other day – could have But intermittent fasting isn’t for
many potential benefits, including everyone. “Going for long periods
improvements in glucose (blood without food may be too extreme
sugar) and cholesterol levels, blood for some older adults, people with
pressure and weight. diabetes, and those who must
take certain medications at des-
Done in a healthful way, intermit- ignated hours, among others,”
tent fasting holds promise for con- says Dorothy Sears, a professor of
trolling inflammation and lowering nutrition at Arizona State Univer-
the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart sity College of Health Solutions in
disease and even some cancers. Phoenix.

Intermittent fasting works for Fortunately, science points
many – not only for weight loss but to similar benefits simply from
also for heart health. timing meals to align with your
body’s circadian rhythm, the in-
The benefits are thought to re- ternal 24-hour clock that drives
sult from a process called metabolic metabolism, sleep-wake cycles,
switching, which is when the body the immune system and other
goes into a fasting state and begins body systems. Even incorporat-
using body fat instead of glucose to ing just a few of these tips can
meet its energy needs. Intermittent help you maintain a healthy me-
fasting helps preserve the body’s tabolism.
normal interplay between the hor-
mone insulin and blood glucose, Have breakfast early: “Try to
preventing insulin resistance (when eat within one to two hours of

Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™ Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 49

HEALTH

waking,” Sears says. This will pre- body is most efficient at processing One way to downsize the dinners eating has been linked to a higher
vent you from having a low fasting carbohydrates in the morning and that you prepare is to make them risk of metabolic syndrome (health
glucose level for too long, which early afternoon, Sears says. That the healthiest meal of the day. Try conditions that can lead to heart
some studies suggest may raise means it’s better to eat foods that eating lots of vegetables, which disease and Type 2 diabetes). “The
heart disease risk. may cause glucose spikes earlier in are naturally low in calories, says data suggests that maintenance of
the day. Courtney M. Peterson, an assistant regular meal times will promote
If you have to get up unusually professor in the Department of Nu- better heart health and metabo-
early on occasion, however, it may But try to avoid having sugary trition Sciences at the University lism,” Sears says.
be better for your blood sugar con- foods on an empty stomach. In- of Alabama at Birmingham. That
trol to wait until your usual break- stead, eat them as part of a meal means you can eat a large portion Sleep more, eat healthier: Adults
fast time to eat, says Andrew McHill, with protein and fat, which will so that you’re not hungry afterward need at least seven hours of sleep a
a research assistant professor at the blunt the treat’s impact on blood and still consume fewer than 600 night for optimal health, according
Oregon Institute of Occupational sugar. So, if you have, say, a banana calories. The fiber from those foods to the American Academy of Sleep
Health Sciences in Portland. That’s muffin at breakfast, eat it with a will also help you feel fuller. Medicine and the Sleep Research
because levels of the sleep hormone boiled egg. Society. But most fall short, and that
melatonin, which rise in the eve- And if you don’t overdo it on can influence eating habits and me-
ning and fall in the morning, may Dial back your dinner hour: Re- calories in the evening, Peterson tabolism.
still be elevated when you wake up search suggests that it is best to fin- says, you can afford to have a big-
earlier than normal. When mela- ish eating between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. ger breakfast and lunch, when your Insufficient sleep seems to
tonin is high, insulin, which is re- As bedtime approaches, melatonin body is primed for food processing. prompt evening eating, McHill says.
sponsible for processing glucose, is increases and insulin output begins “And it’s those calories that seem to
reduced. to drop. That means blood sugar Phase out bedtime snacks: For all account for the [resulting] weight
climbs higher and circulates for the reasons mentioned here, “our gain and metabolic issues.”
And breakfast foods, including longer because there isn’t enough general rule is ‘no food after din-
fruit, eggs and whole grains such as insulin to clear it quickly. Research ner,’” says Krista Varady, a profes- What you eat can also disrupt
oatmeal, can boost your intake of has linked late-evening eating to a sor of nutrition at the University sleep.
fiber or other nutrients, countering greater risk of obesity, Type 2 diabe- of Illinois at Chicago. It’s probably
insulin resistance and improving tes and heart disease. the most important change you can Consuming spicy foods close to
glucose tolerance at your next meal. make. “I think the lack of nighttime bedtime may upset your digestive
Research also suggests that a large Slim down your supper: Most snacking is the main reason we see system, and caffeine may delay the
high-protein breakfast – 30 grams Americans consume almost 45 such great decreases in insulin re- onset of melatonin. (McHill says to
of protein (such as a cup of cottage percent of their total daily calories sistance in time-restricted eating put down your coffee cup at least
cheese) and 350 or more calories – at dinner and in an after-dinner studies,” she says. five hours before going to bed.) Re-
may help control appetite and sati- snack. A healthier goal, Sears says, search also suggests that eating
ety, and support weight control. is 30 percent. That’s 600 calories Set a regular schedule: Which- lots of added sugars and processed
for someone who usually eats 2,000 ever of these strategies you use, grains may trigger insomnia, while
Eat dessert before 3 p.m.: Your calories a day. employ them consistently. Irregular eating more vegetables and fruit
may help prevent it. 

50 Vero Beach 32963 / June 3, 2021 Your Vero Beach Newsweekly ™

HEALTH

Task force: Colon cancer screening should start at 45

By the Washington Post tween 65 and 74, but nearly 11 per- force is a group of independent ex- ness day” for employees, weekend
cent of new cases occur in people perts appointed by Health and Hu- and after-hours appointments be
Routine screening for colorectal 50 and under, according to the task man Services. made available, and that ride ser-
cancer in people deemed at average force. vices be offered to individuals who
risk should begin at age 45 – earlier It said rates of colorectal cancer do not have the caregiver support
than previous guidelines to start The incidence of colorectal can- are higher in Black adults, Native needed after a colonoscopy, which
screening at 50 – due to rising in- cer in adults ages 40 to 49 has in- Americans and Indigenous Alas- typically requires anesthesia.
cidences of the disease in younger creased by almost 15 percent in the kans. They are also higher for peo-
adults, according to new recom- past 15 years, the task force said in ple with a family history of colorec- In the United States, colonoscopy
mendations from a U.S. task force. a statement published last week in tal cancer; men; and those with is the most common method used
the JAMA medical journal. The task other risk factors, such as obesity, to screen for colorectal cancer.
The new U.S. guidance is now diabetes, history of smoking or un- Other methods include fecal occult
aligned with that of the American healthy alcohol use. blood tests and flexible sigmoid-
Cancer Society, which in 2018 low- oscopy followed by colonoscopy if
ered its recommended age for rou- “The updated guidelines will precancerous polyps are detected
tine colorectal cancer screening to make lifesaving colorectal can- so they can be removed.
45 from 50. cer screening available to millions
more people in the U.S. and offer In deciding on a screening meth-
Colorectal cancer is the third the potential for averting colorec- od, the guidelines say clinicians
leading cause of cancer death for tal cancer diagnoses and deaths,” and patients can consider a variety
both men and women, with nearly Kimmie Ng, director of the Young- of factors, such as how often vari-
53,000 people in the United States Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at ous tests need to be done. Stool-
projected to die of the disease this the Dana-Farber Institute in Bos- based tests, for instance, may need
year, according to the U.S. Preven- ton, said in a JAMA editorial. to be done annually, while colonos-
tive Services Task Force, whose copies for people at average risk are
guidelines are followed by doctors, She said about a third of the pop- suggested every 10 years.
insurance companies and policy- ulation 50 and older who should
makers. already be undergoing routine The task force still recommends
screening are not being screened that screening of adults ages 76 to 85
Colorectal cancer is most fre- for colorectal cancer. should be based on individual con-
quently diagnosed in people be- siderations and that routine screen-
To address that, Ng suggested ing be discontinued after 85. 
employers could offer a paid “well-

$79

NEW PATIENT
SPECIAL

*CLEANING, COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM & X-RAYS

*Not to be used with other offers or
reduced fee plans. X-rays non-transferable.

(D0150) (D1110) (D0210) (D0330)

DENTAL LAB
ON PREMISES

COSMETIC DENTISTRY GUM SURGERY
GENERAL DENTISTRY WALK-INS WELCOME
DENTAL IMPLANTS FINANCING AVAILABLE

Locally Owned for 25 Years JULIE A. CROMER, DDS
Call 772-562-5051

CromerAndCairnsDental.com

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to
refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other
services, examination, or treatment that is preformed as a result of and
within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted
fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

1225 US HWY 1, VERO BEACH, FL 32960