Brightline plan changes
A6 A11 B2Scales back N. Causeway closing
City steps up land sales Museum on a mission
Action in ‘Commerce Center’ How ‘Vero Collects’ came to be
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 7 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CITY CENTER? LET THE PLANNING BEGIN ... New COVID-19
cases lowest here
since December
PHOTO: BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer
LINDA KLOORFAIN [email protected]
BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer “We will start the public engagement pro- Walton Road formerly known as the Village COVID-19 cases in St. Lucie
[email protected] cess almost immediately thereafter,” city Green Shopping Center. County ticked down slightly in late
Community Redevelopment Agency Project March as the pandemic’s declining
Port St. Lucie completed the purchase of Manager Jennifer Davis told the City Council “The master planning process will really trends seemed to reach a plateau.
22 properties in City Center and anticipates on Monday. help steer the answer as to what uses are de-
hiring the Treasure Coast Regional Planning sired for the property and can be supported in A total of 118 county residents
Council in April to conduct a nine-month-long The planning council will lead the city’s the market,” Davis said. were diagnosed with the virus
master planning process for the long-awaited efforts to reimagine the vision for the vacant during the week ending March 24,
redevelopment project. land in the redevelopment area on U.S. 1 and The city anticipates retaining a few parcels a 4 percent decline compared to
123 cases during the week ending
CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 March 10, Florida Department of
Health records show.
City delays $25M Popular Elite Airways service returns to Vero Beach’s airport
Adventure Park; Those are the lowest levels of
moves attractions BY RAY McNULTY | Staff Writer PHOTO: KAILA JONES new COVID-19 cases in St. Lucie
County since Dec. 2 when there
BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer Elite Airways last week resumed were 115, state Health Department
[email protected] its wildly popular, commercial-jet records show. The recent low was
service between Vero Beach and 82 new cases during the week end-
Port St. Lucie’s grand vision Newark, New Jersey, returning to ing Nov. 18.
of developing a $25 million Ad- the Treasure Coast with a sched-
venture Park near St. Lucie West ule that now includes year-round The recent high was 5,619 new
as a major tourist attraction has flights to and from Portland, cases during the week ending Jan.
given way to more modest plans Maine, and White Plains, 13. The number of new cases is
to build a skate park and bicycle New York. down 98 percent since then.
motocross track in the new Tra-
dition and Torino regional parks. The boutique carrier “We are encouraged that the
had temporarily moved its case numbers continue to de-
The City Council voted 4-1 on Vero Beach service to Melbourne
March 21 to move the proposed in September to accommodate cline,” said St. Lucie
Adventure Park to the backburner, a runway resurfacing project at County spokesman
instead of going forward with the the Vero airport. “So far, the loads Erick Gill. “We re-
main cautiously optimistic that
CONTINUED ON PAGE A4 CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 the worst of this pandemic is be-
hind us.
“However, as we get through
March – the peak of our tour-
ist season – we’ll see if the trend
continues to hold in the coming
weeks,” Gill said.
Overall, a total of 73,954 people
in St. Lucie County have been diag-
nosed with the virus since March
2020, state Health Department
records show. That’s nearly 23 per-
CONTINUED ON PAGE A11
IN THIS ISSUE Postmodern Jukebox
brings musical sizzle
LOCAL NEWS A1-A11 PETS A16 to Sunrise. Arts, P. B6
HEALTH A12-A15 ARTS/PEOPLE B1-B13
ADVICE A17 GAMES B16-B18
REAL ESTATE A18-A28 SPORTS B19
© 2022 Vero Beach 32963 Media LLC. All rights reserved.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 31, 2022 3
BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer condominiums,” Gilman said.
[email protected] “So, obviously, that has con-
tributed to our sales.
The beachfront Cristelle ONLY TWO UNITS LEFT IN CRISTELLE CAY
Cay Condominium Project on CONDOS ON NORTH HUTCHINSON ISLAND “My observation is that: My
North Hutchinson Island has purchasers were waiting for
sold 19 of its 21 units with con- the right beachfront location,
struction due for completion the right design of an apart-
early next year. ment and the right price,” Gil-
Two apartments are left in man said.
the luxury condo that Cardi- “I think those are the fac-
nal Ocean Development LLC, tors that contributed to our
of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, is s a le s.”
building at 4810 Ocean Palms North Hutchinson Island
Drive, off State Road A1A less also features several parks and
than 3 miles south of the Indi- preserve areas, including the
an River County line. neighboring Queens Island
The project consists of two Preserve.
four-story buildings on a 3.28- “Having built in Pompano
acre parcel formerly known as Beach and working my way up
4804 N. Highway A1A, with a the coast, I don’t know of an-
parking garage, exercise room, other location right now that is
heated pool and 436 feet of as naturally beautiful as Vero
ocean frontage. (Beach) and North Hutchin-
The Sailfish Building has son Island,” Gilman said.
nine three-bedroom homes, Cardinal Ocean Develop-
three on each floor, ranging ARTIST’S RENDERING ment is a family-owned and
from 1,977 to 2,100 square feet. Prices started at $1.3 “We’ve been enjoying a very good market,” Gilman operated business that has been building condo-
million. said Monday. “All we have is two left. We opened up minium projects for more than half a century, Gil-
The Mahi-Mahi Building has 12 two-bedroom last May. Between May and February, we sold 19.” man said.
homes, four on each floor, ranging in size from 1,785 In addition to the hot real estate market, Gilman “My wife is a designer. She designs the apartment
to 1,884 square feet. Prices started at nearly $1 million. credited the relatively rapid sales to the project’s lo- plans,” Gilman said.
David Gilman, who owns Cardinal Ocean Devel- cation, design and price. “She has a lot to do with the design of the building.
opment along with his wife Gail, said he expects to “Obviously there has been a great demand for We’ve worked together like that for many years. It’s a
complete construction in January or February 2023. housing in our area, all over, whether in homes or mom and pop (business).”
4 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com
ADVENTURE PARK community for both the skate and BMX In addition, the City Council decided to The Adventure Park had been planned
elements,” Mayor Shannon Martin said. seek proposals from private recreation com- for 39 acres of city-owned land north of
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 “We want to provide the amenities sooner panies to develop and/or operate potential- Crosstown Parkway, between the north-
to our residents. This plan will piggyback ly profitable action-oriented recreational bound and southbound lanes of Florida’s
detailed design of the ambitious project. off existing parks already being planned.” facilities such as a climbing tower, zipline Turnpike, just south of the service center.
Instead, the City Council decided to in- and ropes course at another city park.
One of the regional parks will also host The city’s Public Works Department has
corporate a skatepark and BMX track into a pump track – a circuit of rollers, banked Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo said she dis- been using the land as a drop-off site for
the plans for the new Tradition and Tori- turns and other features designed to be rid- sented because she did not want to aban- recycling, yard waste and bulky items.
no regional parks under development in den by BMX or mountain bike riders pump- don the Adventure Park plan after the city
western Port St. Lucie. ing – generating up and down body move- had invested in consultants to create the The city plans to spend $27.5 million in
ments, instead of pedaling or pushing. preliminary designs and financial plans. the next 10 years developing Tradition Re-
“We know there is a strong desire in the gional Park on a 110-acre tract on Tradition
FRENCH GOVERNMENT HONORS VERO BEACH VET FOR WWII HEROISM
BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer “Beside serving in World War II,
[email protected] he’s just a great person. Obviously,
a lot of people here, they like him,
Lots of Vero Beach residents knew or there wouldn’t be this crowd
here. Obviously, I’m very proud
97-year-old Harold Granitur was so success- him.”
ful in business he could afford to embark on After the war, Granitur devot-
ed himself to his business career
a second career, pursuing his passion as a and his family, and eventually a
second career as an elementary
reading teacher championing the cause of school teacher in Livingston, N.J.,
and reading specialist at New York
literacy. University.
Granitur and his late wife Adele moved to Vero
But it wasn’t until his grandchildren start- Beach in 2002 and had been married 71 years when
she passed away in 2018. He has three grandchildren,
ed asking him about his experiences during Sydney, Caroline and Luc.
It was their questions about his WWII service that
the Allied Forces invasion of France in 1944 led to the French government presenting him with
the nation’s highest honor.
that his true heroism during World War II Nearly 1,600 medals have been awarded to veter-
ans of the U.S. Armed Services who fought in France,
came to light to his family and friends. Floreani said.
After the ceremony, Granitur said he was grateful
Among his exploits as a Private First Class PHOTOS: KAILA JONES for the recognition.
in the U.S. Army were single-handedly ac- “I can’t express my gratitude,” Granitur said. “I
didn’t expect anything. It’s a wonderful thing they did
cepting the surrender of more than 180 Ger- for me. It’s good to be appreciated. Everyone should
be appreciated.”
man soldiers, risking his life to warn commanders “I appreciate the fact that all these people who I’ve Despite his heroism during an international con-
flict of epic proportion, Granitur said he believes in
about an enemy tank position and getting wounded never met before – but I appreciate that you’re here – compromising and getting along.
“It’s good when people respect each other,” Grani-
twice in battle. have come to pay me this great honor which I hope I tur said. “It’s the best thing in the world. That’s what
I call compromising. You show respect for me, I show
“Despite his injury, he continued to fight in Nor- justly deserve.” respect for you and we help each other.”
mandy and Northern France (at Avranches, Le Ham, A humble hero, Granitur said he had just been do-
Saint-Jores and St. Hilaire-Petitville),” according to an ing his duty while earning two Purple Hearts, one Sil-
account provided by the French Consulate in Miami. ver Service Star with arrowhead, the Combat Infantry
Granitur’s unit landed on Utah Beach on June 8, Campaign Badge 1st Award, the Sharpshooter Badge
1944, two days after D-Day, and he spent the next with a Rifle Bar, the Bronze Star Medal, the Honorable
year fighting for the liberation of Europe. “While pro- Service Lapel Button WWII, the Presidential Unit Ci-
gressing to the East of France, he participated in com- tation and the World War II Victory Medal.
bats in Chateau Thiery, Verdun and Fort Driant,” the “My dad has been very quiet about this for years
French account says. and years and years,” said son Eric Granitur. “The
Still fit and standing tall, Granitur humbly accept- kids started asking questions about four or five years
ed the “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” (“Knight ago and that’s when he really opened up about it.
in the Legion of Honor”) recently from French Consul “He never really made a big deal about it,” Eric
General Vincent Floreani while being applauded by Granitur said. “He really just took it as part of his job.
some 200 well-wishers. (After) walking those 180 German infantry troops in,
“This is a great honor for me,” Granitur told the the other U.S. troops took over and he just walked
crowd in the conference room at Indian River Estates. away like nothing happened.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 31, 2022 5
Parkway near the Fern Lake Roundabout. recreation center, playground and sports The city is also considering developing the city $1 million per year in subsidies.
Port St. Lucie plans to spend $19.9 mil- complex with a concession stand and re- an aquatics complex at Torino Regional The council also decided to scrap pro-
stroom building, pavilion, amphitheater Park.
lion in the next 10 years developing Torino and several baseball, softball, soccer and posed wave rider and flow rider facilities
Regional Park on 131 acres along North- multi-purpose fields as well as basketball, The City Council rejected two proposals from the Adventure Park because they
west North Torino Parkway. tennis and pickleball courts. for the city to operate the proposed Adven- would be better suited for an aquatics
ture Park because they would have cost complex.
The regional parks would include a
6 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com
Brightline scales back North Causeway closing for railroad crossing upgrade
BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer One lane will be open in each direc- Brightline announced plans to
[email protected] tion most of the time, but both lanes will fully close the railroad crossing
be closed at times, Florida Department of at Seaway Drive/State Road A1A
Brightline backed off plans to fully close Transportation said Friday, March 25 in a from 6 a.m., Friday, April 8 until 6
North Causeway/State Road A1A for eight news release. p.m., Wednesday, April 27.
days in late April for railroad crossing re-
construction and instead will close North Construction is set to start 6 a.m., Mon- Motorists will be detoured to
Hutchinson Island’s southern access just day, April 18 and continue through Mon- Avenue H/Fisherman’s Wharf or
one day: Friday, May 6. day, May 16 on the railroad crossing east Avenue D, Brightline said.
of Old Dixie Highway and west of Harbor-
However, island residents can still ex- town Drive. Brightline said it planned to re-
pect to face four weeks of delays – starting open the railroad crossing at Ave-
April 18 and ending May 16 – when flag- Motorists who travel on North Cause- nue D in downtown Fort Pierce on
gers will regulate lane closings and vehicle way can sign up for Brightline traffic up- Tuesday, April 5 after being closed
movements. dates by texting “A1A” to 888-384-0037. for 10 days for reconstruction.
KPSLB Brightline also mobilized a ger per day trains through St. Lucie County
massive crane near Moore’s Creek as part of a three-hour and 15-minute trip
APPRECIATION in downtown Fort Pierce for the between South Florida and Orlando Inter-
NIGHT AT construction of a second railroad national Airport.
CLOVER PARK bridge across the tributary leading
to the Indian River Lagoon. Brightline passenger trains will run
THURSDAY at speeds of up to 110 mph, while FECR
APRIL 14, 2022 The railroad crossings at Savannah and freight trains continue to operate at 40-to-
Walton roads will also be closed periodi- 60 mph.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. cally between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. as trucks
Game starts at 6:10 p.m. enter and exit the railroad right-of-way, Brightline resumed operations in
Brightline said. South Florida on Nov. 8 after halting ser-
vice March 25, 2020, at the start of the
Brightline is spending $2.7 billion to COVID-19 pandemic.
upgrade the Florida East Coast Railroad
tracks from West Palm Beach to Cocoa and
build new tracks from Cocoa to Orlando in
anticipation of extending high-speed pas-
senger train service in 2023.
Brightline plans to operate 32 passen-
Event Info: Fans who
bring two nonperishable
food items will receive
a free ticket to the St.
Lucie Mets game that
night. Keep Port St. Lucie
Beautiful will have a
booth at the front of the
stadium and partner with
the Treasure Coast Food
Bank for the donations.
*Clearwater Threshers
(Phillies affiliate)
Contact KPSLB
772-871-5103
for details.
WWW.CITYOFPSL.COM/KPSLB Clover Park
31 Piazza Drive
8 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS www.stlucievoice.com
CITY CENTER ELITE AIRWAYS RETURNS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1
near the Civic Center and the amphithe- analyzed as part of the master plan and PHOTO: LINDA KLOORFAIN have been very good,” Vero Beach Airport
ater for cultural events, Davis said. we’ll figure out if the building itself will Director Todd Scher said Monday.
stay or if that site use will be transitioned planning process,” Davis said. “We are
The City Council started the redevel- to something more appropriate for that going to analyze that particular building “The number of passengers has been in
opment process in 2001 with the goal of corner.” to see what it looks like to bring it up to the 40s, which isn’t bad, considering our
establishing a downtown entertainment an occupiable space and then for poten- security program currently limits us to 50
district with shops, restaurants and City officials also have to figure out tial use by the St. Lucie County Cultural seats.
apartments. what to do with the empty 10,000-square- Alliance for use as an arts venue.
foot storefront on the southwest side of “We’re seeing almost-full flights.”
But the project stalled after the 2008 the Beall’s Outlet store, Davis said. It had “That would be a temporary use while Elite customers also will notice a slight
real estate market crash and the land lat- previously been an Eckerd Drug store. we’re going through the process,” Davis change in the airline’s schedule, partic-
er became entangled in an international said. “It gives them a place to land, but it ularly for service connecting Vero Beach
securities fraud in 2015. The 41,755-square-foot building and also helps create more foot traffic and in- and Newark. The airport here will no lon-
2.31-acre lot have a market value of terest in the area.” ger see those departing and arriving flights
The land languished in legal limbo un- $3,357,600, according to the St. Lucie on the same days.
til March 10 when the city closed on the County Property Appraiser. Mayor Shannon Martin said she op- While Newark-bound flights will depart
purchase of the 22 City Center properties poses investing money to upgrade the from Vero Beach on Mondays and Thurs-
for $400,000 from a U.S. Securities and “The site, that building and those par- retail building to modern standards if it days, the return flights are scheduled for
Exchange Commission receiver who had cels will be reviewed as part of the master will ultimately be demolished to make Tuesdays and Fridays.
been overseeing the disposal of the assets way for a redevelopment project. The lone exception is exception is the
involved in the securities scam. Easter-week flights Elite has added – on
April 15 and April 22. On those two Fri-
Since then, city officials have received days, the airline is offering two-way ser-
several inquiries about the plans for the vice between Vero Beach and Newark.
14,000-square-foot warehouse built in Similarly, Elite’s flights from Vero Beach
1991 on a 1.43-acre lot at 1654 SE Walton to Portland will depart on Saturdays, while
Road. The property has a market value flights from Portland to Vero Beach will
of $580,600, according to the St. Lucie arrive on Sundays. Elite’s service between
County Property Appraiser. Vero Beach and White Plains, however,
is limited to Wednesdays. Scher said he
Several city departments are using the didn’t know why the airline changed its
building for storage, Davis said. schedule, and Elite president John Pearsall
could not be reached for comment.
“We continue to get a lot of interest Pearsall said last fall that Elite planned
in what’s going on with the Warehouse
Building,” Davis said. “That site will be
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | NEWS March 31, 2022 9
to offer seasonal service between Vero cluded on the airline’s route map. ministration and Florida Department of
Beach and Asheville, North Carolina – a “They haven’t told us their plans,” Scher Transportation.
once-popular route that hasn’t been of-
fered the past two summers because of the said, “and they really don’t have to.” The runway was reopened on Feb. 28, and
COVID-19 pandemic – probably starting The runway shutdown was necessary Elite flights returned to Vero Beach last Fri-
in May. day.
for the city to embark on an $8.5 million
However, Asheville is not currently in- resurfacing project, primarily paid for with Elite began flying between Vero Beach and
funds provided by the Federal Aviation Ad- Newark in December 2015.
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Round of APP-lause: Area Regional Transit offers doorstep service in Tradition
BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent app on their smartphones from Goo- Memorial Day, Independence Day and La- become an increasingly important part of
gle Play or the Apple Store just like the bor Day. The service area includes: Becker America’s transportation infrastructure
Adolfo Covelli offers an easy explanation rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. Ridge; Paar Estates; Sawgrass Lakes; Crane in coming decades. There are several per-
for the new ART on-Demand app. The app works similarly to the rideshare Landin; Woodland Trails; Tulip Park; Ross- manent trends affecting how people get
services – users put in pickup and drop- er Reserve; Gatlin Pines; Whispering Pines; around. There have been a growing num-
“It’s an Uber without the fee for the rid- off locations and get updates as they wait. and Newport Isles, along with Tradition. ber of local rail services, such as SunRail
er,” he said. Covelli said response times have been av- in Central Florida, making daily interstate
eraging about 24 minutes, but it has been The microtransit service uses a van that’s driving less necessary and attractive.
For a few weeks now Area Regional Tran- getting quicker. accessible to wheelchair users and other
sit, St. Lucie County Transit Division, has people with disabilities. Because it’s public The persistent problem for public trans-
offered microtransit in Tradition. The rides are free, because of state transit, other riders may be present. portation planners and users has long been
grants, but only in the service area week- the distance between bus stops and local
“It’s for pickup and drop off,” Covelli ex- days from 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Saturdays “You can actually take it to the bus ter- train stations to homes and workplaces. It’s
plained. “You don’t necessarily have to live from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ART on-Demand minal,” Covelli said. “That’s the big thing. sometimes called the “final-mile problem.”
in that area. isn’t available on some holidays, such as Someone who lives on Becker Road can
take it all the way to the (Port St. Lucie In- “The first and last mile is huge,” Covelli
“You can use it in the area, but you can’t termodal Facility).” said. Microtransit is the solution transpor-
take it out of the area. There’s a border.” tation planners have been favoring for re-
That’s by the Port St. Lucie Community solving the final-mile gap that keeps some
Riders have to get the ART on-Demand Center on Airoso Boulevard. There, riders from considering public transit.
can use fixed routes.
NEED A RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN? Covelli said ART on-Demand can change
“The restrictions – 14 and over,” Covel- a lot of minds. “Please try the program,” he
li remarked. As in, riders younger than 14 said. “It’s been a huge success.”
can’t ride solo. Another restriction for some
who use multimodal transportation: “We For more information about all of the
do not have bike racks on the vans,” said Area Regional Transit’s offerings, visit
Covelli. SLCART.org.
Many planners project microtransit will
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COVID CASES TICK DOWN ed for 322 of the 4,597 cases this school year, CITY STEPS UP LAND SALES IN
district records show. Other schools with TRADITION COMMERCE CENTER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 high case counts were St. Lucie West Cen-
tennial High School with 300, Palm Pointe BY GEORGE ANDREASSI | Staff Writer a fueling station, loading docks, a test
cent of the county’s population of 322,154. with 222, Fort Pierce Central with 201, Oak
St. Lucie County’s public schools saw Hammock K-8 with 196 and St. Lucie West [email protected] kitchen, offices, and refrigeration and
K-8 with 186.
their fewest number of new cases of the Port St. Lucie has sold 323 acres in the freeze space in Legacy Park, a company
current school year in late March, district Meanwhile, 74 county residents received
records show. Just one student tested pos- COVID-19 vaccinations during the week city-owned Tradition Commerce Center statement says. Plans call for the facili-
itive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks. ending March 24, two more than the week
Four employees were also diagnosed with ending March 10, state Health Department along Interstate 95 and is poised to sell ty to eventually be expanded to 522,527
the virus. Overall, a total of 3,646 students records show.
and 951 employees have tested positive for another 247 acres under sales or option square feet.
COVID-19 this school year. So far, a total of 214,022 county residents
have been vaccinated against the virus, or agreements. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for
Treasure Coast High School has account- about 70 percent of those age 5 and older.
That leaves about 250 acres still to be April 20, said City Manager Russ Black-
sold in the 4-mile-long and half-mile- burn.
St. Lucie County started 2022 with 0wide jobs corridor between Becker Road On March 11, Traditions Commerce
employment at pre-pandemic levels
and Tradition Parkway, Community Rede- Park LLC, of Fort Lauderdale, paid the
velopment Agency Director Wes McCurry city $4,969,564 for a 40-acre lot between
told the City Council Monday evening. SW Tom Mackie Boulevard and I-95, just
Port St. Lucie obtained approximate- south of the site of Accel Florida LLC’s
ly 1,200 acres in Tradition Commerce planned high-tech wire and cable factory.
Center in June 2018 from Tradition Land Miller Construction Company, an
BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent Florida started feeling the effects of Company after the developer decided not affiliate of Traditions Commerce Park,
the international crisis. In February
St. Lucie County started 2022 with the county was at its lowest unem- to pay more than $5 million annually in plans to develop 622,000 square feet of
a slight increase in unemployment, ployment in 25 months.
followed by a drop below any month manufacturing, distribution
of the previous year. From February 2021 to February
2022, the Port St. Lucie metropolitan and office facilities, city records
The county started the year with a statistical area, which includes all of
not-seasonally-adjusted unemploy- St. Lucie and Martin counties, saw show. Construction is expected
ment rate of 4 percent. That dropped an increase of about 6,000 employed,
to 3.5 percent in February. The best from about 157,000 to 163,000. The to start over the summer and be
month in 2021 was December, at 3.8 industry sector with the largest gains
percent. was leisure and hospitality, which completed by next spring.
added 2,300 workers — from 19,500 to
By January this year the state 21,800, an 11.8 percent increase. Port St. Lucie has sold more
gained nearly 125,000 private sec-
tor jobs since February 2020, the Other industry sectors that gained than 272.3 acres in Tradition
last month before the SARS-CoV-2/ were trade, transportation and utili-
COVID-19 pandemic had reached the ties, 1,400 workers; and retail trade, Commerce Center with proceeds
Sunshine State and caused large job 1,200. While retail trade added fewer
losses. workers from February 2021 to Feb- exceeding $27,556,064, St. Lucie
ruary 2022, it had a larger percentage
The Florida Department of Health gain, 5.6 percent over 4.3 percent for County Property Appraiser re-
announced the first cases the first trade, transportation and utilities.
week of March in 2020. The state now Professional and business services Sansone Group of St. Louis plans to build 5.4 million square cords show.
has slightly more jobs than when the gained 800 workers. Manufacturing feet of industrial space on 400 acres between I-95, Becker Road, However, the county Property
pandemic began. gained 600. Village Parkway and Paar Drive in a project known as Legacy Park.
Appraiser records do not show
St. Lucie had started 2020 – two The only sectors to shed jobs from
years ago – with a not-seasonally-ad- February to February were mining, the sales history of several oth-
justed unemployment rate of 3.9 per- logging and construction along with
cent. That was up from 3.3 percent in wholesale trade. They shed 200 and property taxes and special assessments. er parcels the city has sold in Tradition
December 2019, which was the lowest 100, respectively.
monthly unemployment rate for the The city has been trying to sell off par- Commerce Center, including a 8.17-acre
previous 13 years. By February 2020
cels ever since with several deals includ- lot to Oculus Surgical Inc., of Port St. Luc-
ing provisions for developers to build the ie; a 16.25-acre tract to Village at Tradi-
roads, utilities and amenities. tion LLC, of Miami; and a 3-acre lot to Jai
The city closed on two sales this P. Singh, of Woodbury, N.Y.
month, McCurry said. Port St. Lucie is poised to complete the
Cheney Brothers Inc., of Riviera Beach, design of the north-south spine road and
paid the city $4,674,900 on March 14 for related utilities through Tradition Com-
a 53.66-acre parcel between SW Anthony merce Center, McCurry said.
F. Sansone Sr. Boulevard and I-95, just “Probably within the next four or five
north of the FedEx facility, county prop- months, we should have the entire infra-
erty records show. structure under design that will allow us
Cheney Brothers plans to build a to move forward pretty quickly,” McCur-
327,427-square-foot warehouse with ry said.
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Minimally invasive ‘Watchman’ device new option for A-Fib
BY KERRY FIRTH | Correspondent dard treatment for A-Fib was anti-coagula- Dr. Mistyann-Blue Miller. PHOTO: KAILA JONES the pouch or surgically cut the pouch out,
tion blood thinners that needed to be taken but the best device is the Watchman.”
Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) is the most com- for the rest of the patient’s life. clots can form and there’s a chance those
mon kind of arrhythmia or irregular heart- blood clots can leave the heart and travel The Watchman implant fits right into the
beat. For many years, the standard treat- Unfortunately, in some cases, those to the brain. The pouch is an anatomy you pouch, closing it off so blood clots can’t form
ment for A-Fib was anti-coagulation blood blood thinners are dangerous to patients don’t really need and there are other proce- there and lead to a stroke. The procedure
thinners that needed to be taken for the with a history of excessive bleeding or fall- dures that allow us to clip the pouch, lasso doesn’t require open heart surgery and is ex-
rest of the patient’s life. But more recently, a ing. They can also be expensive, which is a ceptionally safe, with complications in only
minimally invasive procedure/device called barrier for some to get the medication and a small fraction of patients, according to
Watchman has given patients and doctors take it as prescribed, leading to noncompli- Boston Scientific, which makes the device.
another option, according to Dr. Mistyann- ance.
Blue Miller, an interventional cardiologist As in a stent procedure, your doctor ac-
with Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. In addition, some of these medications cesses the heart through a vein in the groin
require weekly and monthly blood tests, and guides the Watchman implant with a
A-Fib is caused by electrical impulses which is an inconvenience and life- narrow tube into the heart and then into
that misfire, causing the chambers, or atria, style hindrance. But the Watchman the appendage or pouch. The procedure is
to quiver or flutter. It can lead to blood clots, has made it possible to permanently done under general anesthesia and gener-
stroke and heart failure. Statistics show that reduce the risk of blood clots in the
a patient with A-Fib has five times greater heart and free patients from a life- ally takes less than an hour. Over time the
risk of stroke than a person with a regular time of blood-thinning medication. heart tissue grows over the Watchman im-
heartbeat. plant, forming a barrier against blood clots.
The Watchman device is approved
During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s up- for patients who have an indication to “Because the Watchman procedure is
per chambers (the atria) beat irregularly be on anti-coagulation,” said Dr. Miller. done with a catheter there is no cutting, and
and are not in sync with the lower chambers “These patients are put on blood thinners no scalpels,” Dr. Miller continued. “We take
(the ventricles) of the heart. For many, there because they can develop blood clots in the a lot of steps prior to the insertion to make
are no symptoms, but in other cases A-fib heart that sometimes travel to the brain and sure it’s the right size since one size does not
may cause a fast pounding heartbeat (pal- cause strokes.” fit all. We utilize a Tranesophageal Echocar-
pitations,) shortness of breath or weakness. diogram (TEE) which gives us a clear image
A-Fib caused by valve disorder or prosthet- Dr. Miller described the Watchman as a of the heart to measure the shape and size
ic heart valve is called valvular A-Fib, while metal device covered in polyurethane cloth of the appendage to make sure it will fit and
non-valvular A-Fib refers to the condition around the top. “The purpose of the device check for any existing blood clots.
caused by other factors such as high blood is to plug up the left atrium appendage,
pressure or stress. which is an outpouching of the left atrium,” “If there is a blood clot, we can’t insert the
she explained. “That appendage really has Watchman. During the procedure we will
Before Watchman came along, the stan- no function and is where most of the blood do another TEE which allows us to check
the fit of the device from different angles.
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Because of that prescreening and measur- a catheter, it was a simple procedure and I Tailbone pain: Causes and treatments
ing, the Watchman has a 96 percent success was back to normal activities the next day.”
rate globally and some studies say it’s 100 BY FRED CICETTI Coccyx comes from the Greek word
percent successful. “This procedure has been FDA-ap- for cuckoo. The coccyx’s shape is like
proved since 2015 but since the introduc- Q. I was racing down the cellar stairs the beak of a cuckoo. The human coc-
“Typically, the patient is on blood thin- tion of the Watchman, which is a newer, a few days ago when I slipped and fell cyx is considered a vestige of what was
ners going into the procedure and after the better device, more centers are starting to on my tailbone. I’ve had pain ever since. once a tail.
implant the patient will still take anti-coag- use it,” Dr. Miller concluded. “We started What should I do about it?
ulation for 45 days, along with a baby aspi- doing the procedure at Cleveland Clinic In- Most coccyx injuries are bruises
rin daily. After 45 days we do another TEE dian River Hospital just last November and THE HEALTHY SENIOR and ligament strains. The coccyx rare-
to ensure the device is still implanted and we’ve done eight or 10 already. There are a ly breaks. The most common tailbone
fitted well and there is no flow going into lot of patients who qualify for this proce- The coccyx – or tailbone – is made injuries occur from falling on a hard
the device or any leakage. dure, so we are getting the word out. It truly up of three to five vertebrae at the low- surface. Women suffer most coccyx
can be a life altering alternative to taking er end of the spine. Most people have a injuries because the female pelvis is
“If all looks good, we stop the blood blood thinners.” coccyx of four of these spinal bones. The broader, and the coccyx is more ex-
thinner and advise the patient to take a coccyx functions as an attachment site posed than it is in males.
baby aspirin and medicine called Plavix Dr. Miller graduated from Morehouse for muscles, tendons and ligaments.
for six months. After six months the pa- School of Medicine in Atlanta and com- CONTINUED ON PAGE A14
tient can take just one baby aspirin a day pleted her residency in internal medi-
indefinitely.” cine at the University of Miami School of
Medicine in Atlantis, Fla. She completed
Patients can expect to spend one night a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at
in the hospital and get a final echocar- Drexel University College of Medicine in
diogram in the morning. Then they can Philadelphia, and a second fellowship in
go home and go about their normal lives. interventional cardiology at Harvard Med-
There are no limitations to daily activities ical School-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
and the risk is very minimal since the ac- Center in Boston. She is board-certified by
cess is through a vein and not an artery. the American Board on Internal Medicine
in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascu-
“I was on Eliquis, and it was extremely lar Disease and Internal Medicine.
expensive,” said Linda Volo, a Watchman
patient. “I didn’t like taking blood thinners Dr. Mistyann-Blue Miller sees patients at
and had to be careful every time I banged Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital pri-
into something. When I learned that hav- marily on a referral basis. If you think you
ing the Watchman implant would help pre- may be a candidate for the Watchman, talk
vent the possibility of stroke and get me off to your cardiologist or primary care physi-
the medication, I was ready. cian. Or call the general cardiology depart-
ment at 772-563-4580.
“The team of cardiologists were all there
around the bed, and I could talk to them all
at once. Since the implant was done with
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14 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH www.stlucievoice.com
THE HEALTHY SENIOR Degenerative changes of the coccyx seem to pressure may be placed on the coccyx as the Bowel movements and sex can also produce
increase with age. baby descends through the mother’s pelvis. pain.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A13
Usually, the cause for coccydynia is not The pain is felt in a variety of circum- Coccyx pain is treated in a variety of ways:
Pain in the coccyx is called coccydynia. known. Common known causes include falls, stances. The most common distress comes Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
Coccydynia can occur in children and adults. prolonged sitting, medical procedures such from sitting on a hard surface. There can be drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and in-
as colonoscopy, and childbirth. Substantial intense pain when getting up from a seat. flammation. These include ibuprofen,
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | HEALTH March 31, 2022 15
naproxen and aspirin. Heat, massage and ultrasound. Surgery to remove the coccyx is recom- However, most cases of traumatic coccyx
A customized seating cushion that Injections of local anesthetics into the mended only in very severe cases. There is a injury get better within several weeks.
coccyx are sometimes given for continuing high risk that surgery won’t alleviate pain.
shifts pressure away from the tailbone. pain. With a long siege of pain, you may develop
Physical therapy that might include Manipulation to move the coccyx back Coccyx pain can be especially taxing be- depression and anxiety. This emotional dis-
into its proper position. cause substantial relief may not come for tress should be treated as soon as it is recog-
exercise to stretch ligaments and strengthen months. nized.
muscles in the tailbone area.
16 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PETS www.stlucievoice.com
They don’t come cuter than Stella and Ellie Mae
Hi Dog Buddies! back and was busy dig-
ging up the tennis ball
Woof, did I have a blast zooming Stella. Ellie Mae. PHOTO: KAILA JONES Ellie Mae had buried,
around with, err, INNERviewing BFFs sand flyin’ everywhere.
Ellie Mae VanHest, 3, and Stella Leveton, BUNK-shus. PLUS, with those Big Blue this is my Mom, BJ. (My Dad’s
not 3 yet, aka The Doodlebugs. Don’t ask. Eyes, she gets away with lots more stuff Glenn-With-Two-N’s.) An this is I brushed it off my
It’s a MISS-tree. than me. But I don’t mind. I’m more of a Stella’s Mom, Liz. (Her Dad’s Hal.) notebook. “So, how’d
laid back grrrl, anyway. I love runnin’ on An Guess What? (This is SO Cool Kibbles.) you meet your Furever
We met at their Favrite Place on the the beach an buryin’ stuff in the sand, Mine an Stella’s Moms are BFFs just like Famlies? An get your
Planet, a suh-cluded beach. From the but I also like hangin’ out an chillin’. So, us!” names?”
pathway, we could see Stella an Ellie Mae “Woof! That IS Cool Kibbles!”
leapin’ an rollin’ in the sand. Stella, dripping wet and obviously “Both our Moms
havin’ The Best Time Ever, had skidded were talkin’ about get-
Soon as they spotted us, they rushed tin’ another dog,” Stella
up for Wag-an-Sniffs, their medium short began. “Ellie Mae’s
coats in soggy liddle ringlets, very pretty, Mom-an-Dad’s pree-
even when wet. Ellie Mae’s a brown-eyed vee-us Golden Doodle,
Mini-Golden Doodle with a golden coat Dixie, had gone to Dog
an cream trim. Stella, an Aussie-Doodle, Heaven, so, before I got
has ice-blue eyes, anna striking cocoa- my Furever Famly, they
an-gray coat. got her from a breeder
in Boca.
“Good afternoon, ladies! Great day for
the beach!” “My Mom-an-Dad
got me from a breed-
“It’s ALWAYS a great day for the beach, er in Miami. I got my name cuz Mom
mate,” Stella said, dashing into the surf in figured, since I have tons of energy, she’d
pursuit of a well-munched tennis ball her probly be hollering for me a lot and she
Mom had thrown. Her bounding, leaping thought it’d be Cool to holler ‘STELL-
hop reminded me of a kangaroo, probly AAAAAAA!’ (Don’t know why.)”
cuzza her Australian Shepherd jeans. Having successfully re-buried the
soggy ball, Ellie Mae shook the sand off
“Stella’s always doin’ that,” said Ellie her muzzle an said, “Mom and her sister-
Mae. “She’s not bein’ rude, she’s just ram- in-law made this long list of dog names,
Patrick A. Kelly, D.V.M.
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but they couldn’t decide. So, while they’re “OK, so, we were drivin’ home from HIS SAMSUNG SMART TV WASN’T
COMPATIBLE WITH THE MLB APP
drivin’ home after pickin’ me up (I was in Vir-GIN-yuh in JAN-you-wary an got
Mom’s lap in the back seat), they decid- stranded on a big road with like a zillion
ed to say each name, an whichever one other cars in that TERRIBLE WINTER
I responded to, that’d be it. I was sorta STORM. It was on TV an everything. We
dozing but when they got to Ellie Mae I were stuck there for 9 hours. It was Very
perked right up. Full disclosure, I buh- Cold an Scary but I remained CAHM an
leeve I was just changing puh-ZISH-un, helped keep Mom-an-Dad cahm, too. Before Tom Moran cated matters.
bought his 58-inch I’m not sure what
but I think it’s a Cool Kibbles name.” I’m ackshully a CER-duh-fied Uh-MO- Samsung Smart TV, he
asked if the unit was the representatives
“Totally! They both are!” TION-ull Suh-PORT Dog. I wear a vest compatible with the meant when they
MLB app. Samsung said your TV was past
“From the first time we met, on the when we travel. Even tho I love playin’ an said it was – but it the return window.
wasn’t. Doesn’t he de- For your TV, you had
beach,” Stella continued, “we knew we’d bein’ goofy, I am Totally Serious when I’m serve a refund? a one-year warranty
– but that didn’t ap-
be BFFs. We enjoy The Lagoon Greenway, wearin’ my vest.” Q: I went on Sam- ply to this situation.
sung’s website and The monitor worked
an swimmin’ in the river. When we have “Just like Wonder Dog!” said Ellie Mae requested a recom- fine. It just didn’t
mendation from their work as promised.
sleepovers at my house, we hang out with admiration. salesperson for a tele-
vision that was com- I’m in awe of the
an talk about Secret Doodlebug Stuff. Just then a man approached with patible with the MLB paper trail you kept.
app. I have a copy of the chat. I pur- Not only did you
We LOVE sunrise beach walks with our a very eager red lab onna leash. To be chased a 58-inch Class TU7000 Crystal save the online chat
UHD 4K Smart TV based on the compa- between you and Samsung – the one
Moms, about 9 miles a week. It’s just puh-lite the Doodlebugs got their leashes ny’s written recommendation. where they said the monitor would
work with the MLB app – but you also
us an some fisherpeople. Anna buncha back on, also. “HI!” said Ellie Mae. I could not test the television until have an email in which Samsung prom-
the baseball season started. When I did, ised to accept the return of the TV. That’s
birds.” “We’re the Doodlebugs! What’s your the app didn’t work. all you needed to resolve this case.
Or was it? When I reviewed Samsung’s
“We’re outdoor grrrls!” interjected name?” said Stella. I have copies of all emails between paper trail, it appeared to backtrack,
Samsung and me. First, Samsung said telling you it had no record of a promise
Ellie Mae. “Mom has this thingy called a “I’m Willy,” said the Lab. “Wanna play?” the TV was past the return deadline. made about compatibility, claiming the
Then they promised they would give me TV was out of warranty (when it techni-
Chuck-It, which can fling my ball real far. An just like that, the grrrls had made a an in-warranty repair. But the problem cally never was “in” warranty), and then
with that is you can’t make a television pivoting and agreeing to an in-warranty
I ALWAYS bring it back. People tell Mom new fren. compatible with a simple repair. repair, which was doomed to fail. What
a mess.
I’m So Well Trained. But she suspects it’s “I bet you have lotsa pooch pals,” I Then, in another email, they claimed You could have appealed this home
there was no fault with the television run of a case to Samsung’s executives. I
probly cuzza the liddle treat I get each commented, as Willy an his human con- and there was nothing they could do. list the names, numbers and email ad-
dresses of Samsung’s customer service
time I bring the ball back.” tinued their walk. I believe Samsung should take re- managers on my consumer advocacy
sponsibility for its mistake. They sold site, Elliott.org.
I nodded. “YES!” they chorused. me the wrong television. I’d like to re- I contacted Samsung on your behalf.
turn the TV and get a refund. I hope you It refunded the purchase price of your
“When we get home we’re wet an san- “There’s George, Lily, Grella, an Coco,” can help me with this. TV, as promised.
dy, nose to tail, so we get shampoozles,” said Ellie Mae. A: Samsung should have given you Get help with any con-
the correct advice. The TV you ordered sumer problem by contacting
said Stella. “My Mom takes, like, a haff “An lotsa other blokes and sheilas,” was not compatible with the MLB app. Christopher Elliott at http://www.elliott.
But you wouldn’t discover this until org/help.
hour to blow dry me!” added Stella. the baseball season started, months
after your purchase, and that compli-
“Good grooming is SO important,” “An we have famlies that LOVE us, an
added Ellie Mae. “We LOVE spa day at we love ’em back,” said Ellie Mae. Stella
Blue Ribbon. We both get a mani-pedi, nodded. “They PAM-pur us an we snuggle
cut, an blow dry.” an hug them. We’re Lucky Dogs!”
“An Crikey do we look pawsome!” Stella I smiled the whole way home, pick-
said. shurin’ my charming new frens: playful
“I have no doubt! So, any favrite food- BFFs happily sharing The Beach Life. I
stuffs? Do you travel?” was also makin’ a mental note to Google
“I get Royal Canin topped with Magical Magical Dinner Dust.
Dinner Dust!” said Stella. “I also love bud-
der. An this morning I accidently got into Till next time,
the gummy bears but don’t tell, OK?” The Bonz
Before I could ask what the woof Din-
ner Dust is, Ellie Mae said, “Mom makes
me a casserole with Magical Dinner Dust
on it, topped with cheddar cheese. It’s
PAWsome! I can hear the cheese pack- DON’T BE SHY!
age bein’ opened from anywhere in the We are always looking for pets
house. with interesting stories. To set
“Speaking of travel: Stella, tell Mr. up an interview, email
Bonzo about that scary trip a liddle while [email protected].
back,” Ellie Mae urged.Doodle who needs a new home.
Bernedoodle
PUPPY
I am a four-month-old Bernedoodle puppy seeking a
Forever Home with a family that has as much energy as I
have. I hate to give up on my current parents, who shelled
out a lot for me, but they are seniors and should have
known they cannot keep up with a puppy. I am very smart,
affectionate, house-trained, and have had all my shots –
but I have a lot of ENERGY! I want to play, play, play. My
parents – thinking, I guess, that my exercise would consist
of strolling along with them on nice slow walks – have
reluctantly agreed to help me find the right home.
For more information on how you can become my new family, please call 772-234-5727.
18 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com
Mortgage rates continue their ascent
BY KATHY ORTON | The Washington Post it erodes the value of future payments.
When inflation heats up, investors either
Mortgage rates showed no letup in their sell bonds or demand more for holding onto
upward march last week. them, which causes yields to move higher.
According to the latest data released last Since home loan rates tend to follow the
Thursday by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed- same path as long-term bond yields, they
rate average jumped more than a quarter go up as well. The yield on the 10-year Trea-
percentage point in one week, surging to sury hit 2.38 percent last Tuesday, its high-
4.42 percent with an average 0.8 point. (A est level since May 2019, before falling to
point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1 per- 2.32 percent last Wednesday.
cent of the loan amount. It is in addition to
the interest rate.) It was 4.16 percent two “Inflation is still accelerating and until
weeks ago and 3.17 percent a year ago. The there is evidence that inflation is peaking,
30-year fixed average has risen 1.2 percent- or has peaked, there isn’t much to keep
age points since the start of the year. mortgage rates from rising further,” said
Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at
Freddie Mac, the federally chartered Bankrate.com.
mortgage investor, aggregates rates from
around 80 lenders across the country to The Federal Reserve’s efforts to tame
come up with weekly national averages. inflation is also causing rates to rise. The
The survey is based on home purchase Fed announced earlier this month its first
mortgages. Rates for refinances may be increase in its benchmark rate since 2018,
different. It uses rates for high-quality raising the federal funds rate by a quarter
borrowers with strong credit scores and percentage point. The central bank doesn’t
large down payments. Because of the cri- set mortgage rates, but its actions often in-
teria, these rates are not available to every fluence them.
borrower.
“Another important thing to note from
The 15-year fixed-rate average climbed the meeting is that the Fed indicated it will
to 3.63 percent with an average 0.8 point. begin reducing its balance sheet. (This is
It was 3.39 percent two weeks ago and 2.45 separate from the tapering of purchasing
percent a year ago. The five-year adjustable Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities,
rate average grew to 3.36 percent with an which ended this month),” Robert Heck,
average 0.3 point. It was 3.19 percent two vice president of mortgage at Morty, online
weeks ago and 2.84 percent a year ago. mortgage marketplace, wrote in an email.
“While the plan will likely be shared at the
“The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30- May meeting, based on their indications,
year loan continued its ascent this week, it appears it will be through traditional
following the upward path of the 10-year means, and that they won’t actively sell
Treasury [yield], which reached the highest [mortgage-backed securities] as some had
level since May 2019,” said George Ratiu, feared based on previous remarks.”
manager of economic research at Realtor.
com. “Investors reacted to Federal Reserve Although inflation and the Fed’s actions
Chairman Powell’s remarks at the National are exerting a greater influence on mort-
Association for Business Economics. … The gage rates for the moment, global events
main takeaway is that mortgage rates are could tamp down the increases. Russian’s
likely to push toward 5 percent before the invasion into Ukraine has held mortgage
end of the year, with lenders anecdotally re- rate increases somewhat in check.
porting quotes around 4.75 percent for the
30-year fixed rate.” Meanwhile, with rates rising, mortgage
applications continued to decline. The
As the coronavirus pandemic’s effect market composite index – a measure of to-
on mortgage rates recedes, inflation is ex- tal loan application volume – decreased 8.1
erting greater influence on where rates are percent from a week earlier, according to
headed. Inflation is bad for bonds because Mortgage Bankers Association data.
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Call the leading sales specialists at Lang Realty. (772) 467-1299
800-682-5551 | LangRealty.com
20 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com
Upgrades make PGA Village home a must-see – and must-have
BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Columnist
[email protected]
The house at 9148 Short Chip Circle, in
the Island Point section of PGA Village, has
curb appeal to spare. The long drive has
turn-around space, the garage is off to the
side, there is lovely, lush landscaping for
beauty and privacy, and the front entry is
nestled under an arch. The home appealing
from the moment you drive up.
The entryway is light and bright, aided
by natural light from the etched glass door.
The house has so many upgrades; among
them, the crown and picture frame mold-
ings and wood-look floors add elegance
and warmth. The living room, a generous
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE March 31, 2022 21
22 feet by 15 feet, is where the family will celebrations and special meals, and a ban- 12-by-10 and 11-by-11, and there is an ad- 9148 SHORT CHIP CIRCLE
gather and where friends and family will quette seating breakfast nook for enjoying ditional bathroom, as well.
spend time, playing board games, watch- morning coffee. Neighborhood:
ing the big game or eating something Outside, there is a whole-house screened Island Point in PGA Village
you’ve whipped up in the kitchen. With The principal suite is a perfect retreat patio which is the perfect place to relax,
exotic onyx countertops, tumbled stone after a busy day. The master bedroom is a meet with your book club or invite friends Year built: 2006
backlash, LG stainless-steel appliances and spacious 16-by-12, and has a coffered ceil- for lunch. With hedges and a wall behind it, Construction: CBS
double ovens, you’ll love cooking for fami- ing, custom-built closet and a master bath there is privacy whether you sit alone with Square footage: 1,789 sq. ft.
ly and friends. There is a formal dining for with dual vanity sinks, a separate shower a book or entertain friends. Total sq. footage: 3,008 sq. ft.
and soaking tub. Two other bedrooms are Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 2
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Flooring: ceramic tile
Security:
manned gate, security patrol
Additional features: fully fur-
nished, wood-look tile flooring,
crown and picture molding,
plantation shutters, custom
window treatments, upgraded
lighting and fans, panel shutters
Community amenities: Island
Clubhouse, resort-style pool,
fitness gym, tennis, pickleball,
ballroom, catering kitchen, arts
and crafts room, book club li-
brary, full calendar of activities
Listing brokerage: Keller
Williams Realty of Port St. Lucie
Listing agent: Lisa Baetzold,
772-618-0026
Listing price: $499,800
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22 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com
TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES
TOP SALES OF THE WEEK
Another strong fortnight of real estate sales in Tradition and St. Lucie West saw 57 transactions
of single-family residences and lots reported (some shown below).
The top recent sale was of the residence at 17147 SW Ambrose Way. First listed in January for
$650,000, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom pool home sold for $700,000 on March 23.
Representing the seller in the transaction was agent AnnMarie Napolitano of Keller Williams
Realty. Representing the buyer was agent Vivian Pacheco of Coldwell Banker Realty.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES AND LOTS SELLING
ORIGINAL PRICE
TOWN ADDRESS LISTED ASKING PRICE SOLD $700,000
$650,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 17147 SW AMBROSE WAY 1/28/2022 $650,000 3/23/2022 $629,900
PORT SAINT LUCIE 9172 PUMPKIN RIDGE 2/7/2022 $599,000 3/18/2022 $608,500
PORT SAINT LUCIE 8045 LINKS WAY 12/9/2021 $629,900 3/21/2022 $565,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 1200 SW LIVE OAK COVE 2/4/2022 $599,000 3/18/2022 $550,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 18004 SW COSENZA WAY 12/27/2021 $569,555 3/16/2022 $545,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 5809 NW ROSE PETAL COURT 1/29/2022 $549,900 3/16/2022 $535,500
PORT SAINT LUCIE 612 SW BARBUDA BAY 7/10/2021 $548,900 3/16/2022 $535,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 1312 SW COTTONWOOD COVE 2/8/2022 $529,888 3/24/2022 $532,500
PORT SAINT LUCIE 11853 SW LYRA DRIVE 1/1/2022 $540,000 3/15/2022 $530,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 1205 SW PARADISE COVE 10/22/2021 $569,900 3/14/2022 $529,888
PORT SAINT LUCIE 12080 SW KNIGHTSBRIDGE LANE 1/7/2022 $530,000 3/14/2022 $500,000
PORT SAINT LUCIE 9631 SW GUM TREE COURT 2/4/2022 $549,888 3/18/2022
PORT SAINT LUCIE 5801 NW TREE HOUSE COURT 2/3/2022 $498,000 3/23/2022
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE March 31, 2022 23
HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP RECENT TRADITION AND ST. LUCIE WEST REAL ESTATE SALES
9172 Pumpkin Ridge, Port Saint Lucie 8045 Links Way, Port Saint Lucie
Listing Date: 2/7/2022 Listing Date: 12/9/2021
Original Price: $599,000 Original Price: $629,900
Sold: 3/18/2022 Sold: 3/21/2022
Selling Price: $650,000 Selling Price: $629,900
Listing Agent: Shannon Andersen Listing Agent: Donald Baetzold
Selling Agent: Keller Williams Realty Selling Agent: Keller Williams Realty
AnnMarie Napolitano Nathaniel Broomfield
Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty
1200 SW Live Oak Cove, Port Saint Lucie 18004 SW Cosenza Way, Port Saint Lucie
Listing Date: 2/4/2022 Listing Date: 12/27/2021
Original Price: $599,000 Original Price: $569,555
Sold: 3/18/2022 Sold: 3/16/2022
Selling Price: $608,500 Selling Price: $565,000
Listing Agent: Gray Welton Listing Agent: Moira Feely-Rekus
Selling Agent: NV Realty Group, LLC Selling Agent: Keller Williams Realty
Holly Lucas Karl Taylor
Compass Florida LLC Redfin Corporation
24 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com
SLIDING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 the private Legacy Golf and Tennis Club.
DOOR The Island Club features activities and
REPAIR Lisa Baetzold, agent for Keller Williams events galore. This is the perfect place to
Realty of Port St. Lucie, spoke of this home’s call home.”
“bountiful upgrades.”
This is a house you will want to tour
“This house’s upgrades go from a beau- slowly, savoring each of the special fea-
tifully etched glass door to wood-look tures and upgrades. Virtually every room
tile floors to a stylish package of crown
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26 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | REAL ESTATE www.stlucievoice.com
Demand for vacation homes across U.S. continues to rise
BY MICHELE LERNER | The Washington Post appreciation than homes in non-vacation al towns, according to Redfin. all. Zillow defines a town as a vacation
markets, too. Median sales prices rose 20 Zillow’s researchers also found evi- area if at least 10 percent of the homes are
While some companies are announc- percent in vacation home locations in vacation properties.
ing dates of when employees must return December 2021 compared to December dence of a spike in demand for vacation
to offices, plenty of others are pushing 2020, vs. a 13 percent increase in the me- homes, with search traffic on its site and Searchers on Zillow “favorite” homes
back their requirements or abandoning dian sales prices of homes in nonseason- home price appreciation higher for vaca- to visit them again or share them with
them in favor of an all-remote or a hybrid tion home areas than for the nation over- a partner, and the site’s research has
workforce. found that homes with many favorites
sell faster and for more money than
The ability to work from anywhere those with fewer favorites. The number
drove vacation home demand beginning of vacation towns with a larger share of
in mid-2020, when it became clear that favorites than typical listings has nearly
the pandemic would linger longer than tripled since the start of the pandemic.
anyone anticipated in its early days. Af- Home values in nine of the top 10 most
fluent Americans who could choose to popular vacation towns are appreciat-
live anywhere began buying vacation ing faster than the typical U.S. home,
homes they expected to use more fre- according to Zillow.
quently.
Vacation towns can be found in a vari-
But even as some people are thinking ety of locations, including near beaches,
about a potential return to the office, va- lakes and mountains. Zillow’s analysis
cation home demand continues unabat- found that the most popular vacation
ed. A recent report by Redfin real estate markets for searchers, with the highest
brokerage found that demand was up 87 number of favorites per listing, include
percent in January compared to pre-pan- Astoria, Ore.; North Port, Fla.; and the
demic levels. Poconos community of East Strouds-
burg, Pa.
Redfin’s researchers analyzed residen-
tial mortgage data on rate-locks, which The vacation home community among
are an indicator of an imminent pur- Zillow’s top 20 with the highest typical
chase, and found that demand for second annual home value growth was Breckin-
homes far outpaced the 42 percent de- ridge, Colo., where prices rose 39.1 per-
mand increase for primary residences in cent in January 2022 compared to Janu-
January. ary 2021.
Vacation homes are seeing faster price
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NEW LISTING & UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT
PGA VILLAGE $699,900 PORT ST. LUCIE $290,000
CHARMING HOME W/ LARGE YARD! • Vintage charm with this 2BR/2BA/1CG home in the heart of PSL! Tile
PRIVATE COURTYARD POOL & LAKESIDE ENTERTAINING! • Beautiful Breckenridge floorplan features the privacy of courtyard living! Every room flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, metal roof, large fenced yard, hurricane shutters, massive shed and more!
with access to pool area! This home features 4BR/4.5BA/2CG and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor living. Heated pool w/ rock waterfall. Cabana New vanities in both bathrooms, screened and covered back porch, white kitchen cabinetry and plenty of room for
suite is the perfect setup as a home office, in-law suite or guest space. Kitchen with 42” wood cabinetry, granite countertops, center island and a pool. Conveniently located to interstates, Tradition, Jensen Beach, Stuart and more. Perfect starter home!
breakfast bar. Formal living spaces overlook the lake views in the backyard. Circular driveway is an added bonus. Enjoy the PGA Village lifestyle! 726 SE Ablett Lane
8813 One Putt Place
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
PGA VILLAGE $484,900 PGA VILLAGE $325,000
POPULAR MEDINAH PLAN IN PGA VILLAGE • Relax in this 3BR/2.5BA/2CG home with lake and END UNIT IN CASTLE PINES! • Move right into this meticulously maintained 3BR/2BA/1CG single
preserve views. Tile on diagonal through main living areas, tall ceilings, spacious great room and story townhouse on a quiet street in the gated community of Castle Pines. Hard surface flooring
ten foot sliders to the lanai. Kitchen with granite, SS, 42” wood cabinetry and built in wine rack. t/o, refreshed landscaping, newer AC & WH, vaulted ceilings and more. Kitchen with granite, SS
Located walking distance to community clubhouse! and subway tile backsplash. Fantastic opportunity for a residence or investment.
8908 Champions Way 9333 World Cup Way
SOLD SOLDBROUGHT THE BUYER
TORINO $498,000 PGA VILLAGE $299,000
POOL HOME IN WINDY PINES ESTATES! • Welcome home to this 3BR/2BA/2CG POOL home LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! STEPS TO GOLF COURSE! • Spacious 3BR/3BA/2CG golf villa located just a
located on a cul-de-sac! Upgrades include newer wood look tile flooring t/o the home, crown short walk away to the Legacy. Spacious covered patio that can be used as a Florida room. Kitchen with stainless
molding, newer AC & WH, neutral interior paint, screened pool and more. Kitchen with granite steel appliances. Oversized master suite with dual bathrooms. Other special features include closet organizers,
counters, breakfast bar, eat in nook and lots of cabinetry. Great home in a great location! new AC and insulated garage. Opportunity to customize this home to your tastes! Enjoy amenity rich PGA Village!
5801 NW Tree House Court 7630 Mahogany Run Court
SOLDBROUGHT THE BUYER SOLDBROUGHT THE BUYER
PGA VILLAGE $500,000 OCEAN VILLAGE $254,900
WELCOME TO THE BEACH! • Cute as a button 1BR/1BA condo with vaulted tongue in groove ceilings! Walking distance
PGA VILLAGE POOL HOME W/ GOLF VIEWS! • Great 2BR+Den/2.5BA/2CG home in PGA Village with screened and heated to all the amenities that Ocean Village has to offer. Sold fully furnished so you can start enjoying the lifestyle. Kitchen with
pool. Western golf views with no homes across! New AC, WH, pool heater and more. Kitchen with white cabinetry, SS applianc- solid surface counters, full size appliances and window over the sink. Other special features include hard surface flooring
es, granite counters, tumbled marble backsplash, breakfast nook and breakfast bar. Other special features include crown mold- throughout, impact glass windows & doors, storage room and massive attic above the bedroom. Move right in!
ing, plantation shutters, double glass entry front doors, accordion shutters and walking distance to the clubhouse. Great find! 2400 S Ocean Dr, 3621
8905 Champions Way
fun, food SECTION
festivities
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022 YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN ‘Play’ day
Melissa Winstead, right, director of development,
welcomes everyone to the Habitat for Humanity
Playhouse Build, at which playhouses built by
sponsors were presented to families of veterans
and first responders. The event took place at Clo-
ver Park in St. Lucie West last Saturday. Top left:
Azlina Goldstein and Aria Speirs, 1, inside the
Speirs family’s new playhouse. Above: Brayden,
7, checks out his new playhouse. Left: Natalie
inside her new firefighter-themed playhouse.
Coming Up! Law Enforcement Torch Ride promises to be a ‘Special’ event
BY PAM HARBAUGH | Correspondent ing” with a 50/50 raffle and food St. Lucie. You need to pre-regis- to 8 p.m. today, March 31, in of photographers, from absolute
available for purchase. The event ter online, $20 per vehicle and Port St. Lucie. On view will be beginners to seasoned profes-
1 The Port St. Lucie Police De- begins 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2, driver, and $5 for each additional photography from the Treasure sionals. This is your chance to
partment will have a “Law at the McCarty Ranch Preserve, passenger. Call 772-871-5027. Coast Photography Center, a get inspired to pick up a camera
Enforcement Torch Ride” with 12525 Range Line Road, Port St. group comprising photography and see what you find through
motorcycles and antique cars to Lucie. It ends at the MIDFLOR- 2 The Treasure Coast Pho- enthusiasts of all skill and expe- its lens. The group is an active
raise funds for Special Olympics IDA Credit Union Event Center, tography Art Exhibition rience levels. Works you’ll be able one, with workshops, field trips
Florida. After the ride, you can 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port will have a free reception 6 p.m. to view come from a wide range
enjoy a “park and shine gather- CONTINUED ON PAGE B6
2 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com
BY ELLEN FISCHER | Columnist
If you ask Sophie Bentham-Wood,
Vero Beach Museum of Art director
of marketing, what has been bringing
people into the VBMA to see the current
ART “Vero Collects” exhibi-
tion, she starts off by
REVIEW saying that the drastic
reduction of new
COVID cases here has given everyone a
little more breathing room.
“This is the first time we’ve really
opened up since the pandemic,” she says.
“We are just beginning to come back
with the group tour offerings.” She notes
that visitors have once again been taking
advantage of their very popular 2 p.m.
docent tours.
Bentham-Woods opines on the appeal
of this particular exhibition, which has
been drawn from local private collections.
“A lot of people have an interest in what
other people have in their homes, and that
has increased visitation. In addition, the
catalog that Anke put together has been in- MUSEUM ON A MISSION:
credibly popular in our gift shop. We’ve got Behind the scenes of ‘Vero Collects’
a small print run that we might continue
on with, because the catalogs have been
very, very popular,” she says.
The catalog features full-page color
reproductions of every object in the exhi-
bition. Notes by senior curator Anke Van
Wagenberg briefly explain the art historical PHOTO: KAILA JONES
significance of the artist behind each piece. a clear night, the light could be seen more
than 40 miles away (thank you, Wikipedia).
Van Wagenberg admits that putting the bobbed hair, cloche hats, low waistlines adorned with a motley assortment of laun-
and high skirts were de rigueur for mod- dry stretch across a dark void to the oppo- Lewis’ aptly named “Glow of the City”
show plus the catalog together was a lot of ish women of all classes. In the current site row of tenements. Rising behind those celebrates the power of modern Manhat-
exhibition, Lewis’ drypoint print “Glow buildings is the 56-story art deco Chanin tan. The poignancy of the scene – not to
work, but it was fun work. of the City” focuses on a slender woman office building. That structure was com- mention its romance – is due to Lewis’
who has stepped out onto her apartment’s pleted in 1929, the same year Lewis’ print decision to place the new skyscraper in the
“I made visits to collectors all over Vero fire escape landing for a breath of cool was executed. Back then the light array at background of his human-scaled theme.
evening air. the top of the Chanin Building emitted the
Beach, and basically everybody showed equivalent of 30 million candlepower. On Van Wagenberg says that a lot of the
Hanging above her head, clotheslines collectors she visited are not only enthusi-
me their entire collection. I saw every nook astic about their collections, but also “very
Beauford Delaney, untitled. knowledgeable” about the art they collect.
and cranny of a lot of homes,” she says.
“Other collectors collect only Afri-
“People have passions about their collec- can-American art,” she says, and names
two such couples: Nancy and Russell Brew-
tions. I went to 51 homes, I believe, and er, and Eddie and Sylvia Brown.
everyone agreed to loan to In the current show, the Brown Collec-
tion is represented by American Beau-
the show.” ford Delaney’s untitled painting from
his Greene Street Series of 1940. Greene
You might be wondering, Street runs through the now-trendy SoHo
neighborhood of New York City, but when
do collectors in Vero pur- Delaney lived on the street in the 1930s
and 1940s (his home/studio there has
chase helter-skelter, this and long since been demolished), it was a
neighborhood of pushcarts and physical
that, without any thought labor, where Black men wheeled and heft-
ed great sacks of merchandise from one
of giving a shape to their place to another.
holdings, or do they take In the year Delaney created this picture,
city planners had given up on the neigh-
an organized approach to borhood. They deemed it obsolete, fit only
to raze in preparation for new construc-
building their collections? tion. That did not happen. More artists
began moving in for the cheap rents, and
“Most people buy what gentrification followed. Instead of the junk
store prominently displayed in Delaney’s
they like, and especially painting, the area now boasts luxury apart-
ments and boutique shops.
what they want to live with.
There are several focused
collections in Vero,” says Van
Wagenberg, who mentions
the very specific collection
of Stephen Holcomb and
Hollis Harman.
That treasure trove holds
loads of prints by American
printmaker Martin Lewis. A
number of that collection’s
artworks was last seen at the
VBMA in its 2018 exhibition,
“Shadow and Light: The
Etchings of Martin Lewis.”
Lewis’ best-known prints
feature New York City’s bus-
tling streets at a time when
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS March 31, 2022 3
From the Brewer Collection came a suite Sebastião Salgado: “Fortress of Solitude.” Ansel Adams: “Mount Williamson, The Sierra Nevada.”
of six Romare Bearden prints, a painting
by David Driskell, and a Jacob Lawrence places he visits. The subject of his print Adams, that great documentarian of Vero Collects is exceptional. How did Van
drawing of a Nigerian marketplace exe- is an Arctic iceberg, atop of whose jagged the American West, took pictures in 1943 Wagenberg choose what she wanted in the
cuted in colored crayon. Of the latter, Van back rises a perfectly formed rectangle of of life inside the camp. It was his only show?
Wagenberg says, “‘Memories of Nigeria’ ice, the “fortress” of the title. venture into photojournalism. Adams took
is an amazing piece from when Lawrence pictures of the hastily constructed barracks “Well,” she says, “I wanted to follow
went to Nigeria in 1964 on a travel grant. “Mount Williamson, The Sierra in which the people lived, and the lives the mission of the museum, so I selected
It is very rare to see an artist make such a Nevada, from Manzanar, California” of they managed to construct for themselves modern to contemporary, European and
beautiful thing in a children’s medium.” 1944 (printed in 1977) by Ansel Adams within the camp’s guarded confines. American artwork. I didn’t want to have a
is intriguing not only for its breathtak- whole section of something else, right? ...
A medium that is as near as the smart- ing, boulder-strewn landscape, with the The portraits Adams made of the in- So I just wanted to follow the mission of
phone in your hand, and nowadays as distant Sierra Nevada mountains rising ternees’ faces emphasized not only their the museum.”
elemental as a child’s crayons, is photog- into the clouds. humanity, but also their essential Ameri-
raphy. That medium is represented in this canness, right down to the U.S. Army and The “Vero Collects” exhibition continues
show by prints executed with 20th century The scene is also remarkable for Navy uniforms a number of the young through May 15.
technology. its proximity to the desert “relocation men and women wore when they visited
center” i.e., internment camp, where the “home” on leave. Van Wagenberg says of The Vero Beach Museum of Art is located
The Elizabeth Stewart Collection is U.S. government stowed 110,000 men, the piece that it is “exceptional.” at 3001 Riverside Park Dr.,Vero Beach. For
composed entirely of works in photog- women and children of Japanese descent more information, call 772-231-0707 or
raphy. From that collection, three gela- during the Second World War. The variety of artworks on display in visit vbmuseum.org.
tin silver prints by three masters of the
medium hang in close proximity to one
another in the Holmes Gallery. They are
the work of Americans Ansel Adams and
André Kertész (born in Hungary), and the
Brazilian Sebastião Salgado.
Kertész is represented by his “Wash-
ington Square, New York (No. 17)” of
1954. The image is one of Kertész’s most
recognizable for the poetic elegance of its
snow-covered composition.
Salgado is represented by “Fortress
of Solitude,” of 2005. The globetrotting
photographer uses only black and white
printing methods to present photographs
of the natural environment, as well as the
people who live and work in the remote
4 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com
ONE-PERSON OFF-BROADWAY PLAYS BRING TWO TIMES THE FUN
BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer that up. As the years went by, I decided I wanted to
[email protected] write the life story of this character who’s in jail in
Off-Broadway is coming to Port St. Lucie when two Dade County. I grew up in Florida and almost every-
one-person plays that have been performed off-Broad- one I grew up with got arrested.”
way in venues in New York, New Jersey and even Lon- Draper’s “story” begins when she is 65, in that jail,
don come to the Treasure Coast Theatre April 8-10 for but her backstory has her growing up in Palm Beach,
their Florida premieres. The plays are “Missing Per- the daughter of wealthy lawyer parents. She went to
son” by Susan Campanaro and “Lobster Tales” by Tim Las Vegas and became a showgirl and lady of the eve-
Monaghan, and produced and directed by Campanaro. ning. She couldn’t hold a job, although Campanaro
The plays will be presented one after the other and au- said Draper had a “heart of gold.”
dience members can purchase tickets to one show for “She wanted to change and do better and she real-
$25 or both shows for $45. izes she has to reinvent herself and start over. This is
“Missing Person” is a comedic one-woman musical a redemption musical.”
starring Campanaro and set to the music of Lynn Por- The music by Lynn Portas covers a wide range of
tas. It is based on the boozy life of a fictional Broadway musical styles from ’40s swing through disco and
understudy, Lavinia Draper, and has been performed pop, highlighting the stages of Draper’s life.
at the off-Broadway Playroom Theatre, A.R.T./New “In the end, it’s all about Lavinia’s need to be seen
York Theatres and regionally at New Jersey Repertory. and heard for who she is,” Campanaro said.
It has just been accepted into the United Solo Festival She is delighted to be directing her friend Tim in
this fall. “Lobster Tales.”
“Lobster Tales” is a humorous one-man show as “I love it,” she said. “I know what he can do and I pull
Monaghan tells of his experiences growing up in Ban- it out of him. I know the piece really well. It’s a coming-
gor, Maine. The show has been performed at off-Broad- of-age story and very heartfelt. It’s his life and journey.
way venues and at the Baron’s Court Theatre in London. Tim told me that Rosemary had a theater and said that
Campanaro and Monaghan met when they appeared we should do a double-feature. We called Rosemary
in the off-Broadway hit “Tony and Tina’s Wedding.” In Susan Campanaro wrote and stars in the one-woman musical “Missing Person.” and she said, ‘Let’s do it.’ A lot of people from my high
an interesting bit of theater as small world, Monaghan school are coming. It’s going to be fun and it’s so excit-
was the best man at the wedding of Treasure Coast Theatre Campanaro explained why these shows are true labors ing. We’re bringing New York City theater to Port St. Lucie.”
co-owner Rosemary Knight and her husband. The three of love. “Twenty-five years ago I was writing a cabaret in
joke that Tim was the Irish best man at an Italian wedding New York City with my son,” Campanaro said. “We created The Treasure Coast Theatre will present the two plays April
in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” at the same time he was the the concept of a showgirl was a drunk. She could only get a 8-10. The theater is located at 10175 S. U.S. 1, Port St. Lucie.
Irish best man at the Knight’s Italian wedding. role as an understudy in a children’s show and she messed Call 772-418-2439 or visit treasurecoasttheatre.com.
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS March 31, 2022 5
More on their plate: ‘Buyer & Cellar’ will test actor, director, crew
Stuart Mohr stars in A.C.T.’s production of “Buyer & Cellar.” PHOTO COURTESY OF A.C.T. STUDIO THREATRE BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer not be an impersonation. Using a different voice, he
[email protected] sounded nothing like her, but using nuance and ges-
ture, the voice is secondary. Stuart is an extremely
I am a reformed doll collector (I ran out of space), so physical actor. He studied theater, emphasizing the-
the comedic fantasy “Buyer & Cellar,” by Jonathan To- ater movement. This is a role that requires a ton of ges-
lins, is intriguing. The one-man play follows Alex More, tures. He’s always talking and in motion. Almost half of
a struggling actor who gets a job curating the Malibu the enjoyment of the play are the facial expressions.”
basement of Barbra Streisand, which has been turned
into a museum for her collection of dolls and other Mohr was in the first play at A.C.T., David Mamet’s
items. In real life, Ms. Streisand actually did construct “Speed-the-Plow,” and he and O’Donovan became
a space beneath her barn to house her collection of friends.
dolls and other things, but the play itself is pure fiction.
“I saw the play several times and told him I was
“Buyer & Cellar” will be presented weekends from impressed with his physicality,” he said. “Stuart is a
April 8-17 by Stuart’s A.C.T. Studio Theatre, with Stuart uniquely ideal choice to play this part. As soon as I
Mohr as Alex. Dennis O’Donovan is directing, and he saw the video of the play, I was sold.”
spoke of the challenges of directing a one-man show.
The set for the production is bare, without props,
“It’s different,” he said. “The closest (we did) was except for a copy of Barbra Streisand’s 2010 book, “My
‘Faith Healer,’ with three (actors). As always, the bur- Passion for Design.” There are projections on the wall
den is on the actor, learning lines and coming up with related to scene setting.
the history of the character. It’s a different dynamic
and kind of a pleasure because there are no interac- “This is a theater of the mind,” O’Donovan said.
tions with other actors to worry about. The performer “He’s telling the story and you’re painting the pic-
in this play plays both parts and has multiple one-to- ture. Technically, the show is quite challenging. Pro-
one combinations using a combination of voice, man- jecting on the back wall is a new challenge. Actual
nerisms and body position. A one-person show is a images are not in my wheelhouse and an intern from
real acting challenge and a tour-de-force if you pull it IRSC, Lilly Qualls, who does graphic design, will as-
off. The interactions between Alex and Barbra are real- sist me. She’s multi-talented. It’s one of those plays
ly fun. There’s a clear change.” where the non-actor things are deceptively simple. I
want to get it right.”
When O’Donovan put out a casting call for the show,
he asked performers to prepare two monologues, one A.C.T. Studio Theatre, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., in Cedar
comedic and one dramatic. Pointe Plaza, Stuart, presents “Buyer & Cellar” week-
ends April 8-17. Call 772-932-8880 or visit actstudio-
“Stuart had us in stitches,” he said. “He did a char- theatre.com.
acter a lot like Alex. The script says that Barbra should
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6 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS www.stlucievoice.com
Postmodern Jukebox brings the sizzle, and then some! COMING UP
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1
and photography meet-ups. The group
has monthly meetings from 6:30 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the In-
dian River Presbyterian Church, 2499 Vir-
ginia Ave., Fort Pierce. The exhibition will
remain on view through April 28. Today’s
reception is at the MIDFLORIDA Credit
Union Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center
Place, Port St. Lucie, Fla. For more infor-
mation, visit TPCInc.org.
BY SHELLEY KOPPEL | Staff Writer is a collective of musicians whose person- PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUNRISE THEATRE 3 Iconic 1960s singer Janis Ian comes
[email protected] nel will change and who cover pop songs in to the Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April
styles that range from ragtime to jazz and Meghan Trainor and Beyonce. Still, Kubota 3 in her last North American tour, “The
For Adam Kubota, it isn’t all about the swing. Bradlee began posting videos on You- likes to work with talented musicians who End of the Line.” Ian was only 12 years
bass. True, he is the bass player for the viral Tube, filmed in his Queens, New York, apart- may not be famous, yet. old when she began writing music. She
and concert sensation Postmodern Jukebox, ment until they were evicted for making was so young when her star started to
but he’s also a lawyer, something he “thought too much noise. They called their 2014 tour “I feel like there’s a lot of people that aren’t rise that her father had to drive her to the
he’d be good at.” “Eviction Tour 2014.” A doo wop cover of Mi- famous that are amazing,” he said. “We con- weekly hootenannys at the Village Gate
ley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” garnered national tinue to work with new great people. It’s like where she performed with Tom Paxton.
Kubota met Scott Bradlee, creator of PMJ, attention and they soon found themselves ‘Saturday Night Live’ for musicians. We hold “Society’s Child” was the first single for
at the Hartt School, where both were stu- on “Good Morning America.” onto the old and find the new ones.” this Grammy-award winner. Other big
dents and Kubota earned a master’s degree. hits include “At Seventeen.” The concert
Both became involved with an interactive “It was a lot easier with YouTube,” Kubota Even if you’ve seen PMJ videos, it’s not the begins 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at the Lyric
off-Broadway show “Sleep No More.” When noted. live show. I asked Kubota what the audience Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart. Tick-
Bradlee began taking popular songs and re- can expect when the musicians are up close ets start at $47. Call 772-286-7827 or visit
working the arrangements into earlier styles, Indeed. Today, PMJ has had more than 1.4 and personal. LyricTheatre.com.
Kubota was interested. billion YouTube hits and 5 million subscrib-
ers on their YouTube channel. “It’s everything you see in the videos 4 Sunrise Theatre brings a trio must-
“He’s always kind of performed like that,” plus a lot more,” he said. “It’s fantastic mu- see shows for fans of ’60s music
Kubota said. “Scott is a world-class musician. Kubota noted that the video concerts sicians and singers. There’s a charismatic enthusiasts, easy-listening jazz and com-
I like playing music and he’s my friend. It’s continue with production values that have emcee who gets people involved. We don’t edy. “The Zombies: Life is a Merry-Go-
good to work with friends and people who evolved and are much higher than they want people sitting. We want them shout- Round Tour” featuring Colin Blunstone
are talented. The exciting part is how the were in that Queens apartment. The band ing out if they’re feeling it. Sometimes peo- and Rod Argent, performs 8 p.m. Satur-
project has been so successful. We’ve been itself has toured the world, and often the ple will swing dance in the aisles. It’s pretty day, April 2. Tickets start at $42.50 with
touring since 2014.” audiences are in costume, feeling “the vin- interactive. The show is always different a VIP ticket page starting at $182.50. “An
tage vibe.” and dynamic. You can get up and dance, Evening with Iconic Kenny G” begins 8
The current tour takes them to Fort clap and yell.” p.m. Saturday, April 9. Tickets start at
Pierce’s Sunrise Theatre April 7, and Kubota The group has a rotating array of perform- $68.50. (The show was originally sched-
spoke recently about the extraordinary path ers they can call on and PMJ has worked with Postmodern Jukebox comes to the Sunrise uled for March of 2021, and tickets to that
PMJ has taken. musicians like Dave Koz and received praise Theatre, 117 S. Second St., Fort Pierce, April will be honored for the new date.) And
for their covers from artists such as Lorde, 7. Call 772-461-4775 or visit sunrisetheatre. the theater’s Comedy Corner presents
The concept behind Postmodern Jukebox com. the very funny Ron Feingold as headliner
act, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Also on the
docket are comics Brian Corondo and
Seetha the Comic. The show starts 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 9. Tickets are $25 and $30.
Sunrise Theatre is at 117 S. 2nd St., Fort
Pierce. Call 772-461-4775 or visit Sunrise
Theatre.com.
An
afternoon of
multi-media
Readers
Theater.
Presents Directed by Deanna Fielden
From Johnny Cash to Cher to Toby Keith the audience is asked the question:
Who has the right to keep and bear arms?
The answer may change the way you think. Community theater at its best
• Provocative • Illuminating • Timely
2 SHOWS ONLY Saturday & Sunday, April 2nd & 3rd, 2 p.m.
Tickets $15 in advance / $16 at the door
To Purchase: PineapplePlayhouse.com or 772.465.0366
700 W. Weatherbee Rd., Fort Pierce
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | ARTS March 31, 2022 7
LET’S GO! ‘ULTIMATE CARS TRIBUTE’ AT EMERSON
In the final concert of the 2022 Live! From Vero Beach concert series, audiences Hop into April
can expect another winning performance “Touch & Go: The Ultimate Cars Tribute Events
Band” at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m.
The Cars broke up in 1988, but their music’s popularity and influence never fad-
ed, as evidenced by “Touch & Go’s” tribute to them and their music! Composed of
a group of top-notch,
inspirational musi-
cians and skillful per-
formers, the artists be-
hind Touch & Go have
earned their reputa-
tion as a talented and
unique tribute band to
look out for.
With their sleek,
mechanical sound in-
spired by proto-punk,
garage rock and bub-
blegum pop, the Bos-
ton-based quintet the
Cars racked up a string of platinum albums and Top 40 singles. A stylistically unique
tribute band from day one, the members of “Touch & Go” have been performing
and playing in sync as if they’d been together their entire musical careers. Enjoy
hit singles like “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Good Times Roll.”
Tickets are on sale now ranging from $30-$70. For the best seats, buy now. Visit
MusicWorksconcerts.com for a listing of all concerts, their available seating loca-
tions and ticket prices, or call the TIX Customer Service line at 800-595-4849. The
Emerson Center is located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave., on the SE corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue. The
doors with Will Call access open at 6 p.m. All concerts are subject to change. For
more information call 772-234-4412. – CONTRIBUTED
Friday, April 1st and 15th Chow Down & Shop Around
5-9PM Tradition Square. Food trucks, local vendors, music and good times. Weather permitting!
Saturday, April 2nd Tradition’s World Fair Street Party
4-8PM Tradition Square. Come one, come all! Join us as we take a trip around the world!
Enjoy international flavors, cultural booths, live music & dances, a balloon display
for photo ops and more!
Sunday, April 3rd Dave Damiani’s Pop-up Speakeasy
7PM Ticketed event in Town Hall. A Rat Pack-styled show featuring
Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti and America’s Got Talent Winner Landau Murphy Jr.!
To purchase tickets, visit http://townhalleventcenterofpsl.com/
Saturday, April 9th Tradition’s 2nd Annual Burgers, Blues and Brews
3-9PM Burgers, Blues and Brews is back in Tradition Square. Enjoy delicious burgers,
live music, and cold brews. Live Performance by Jake & Elwood Blues Revue! Register
for the cornhole tournament at https://traditioncornhole.eventbrite.com.
Sunday, April 10th Musical Bingo in Town Hall
6:30-8:30pm $5 pp at the door. BYO Snacks and beverages. Get ready to name that tune!
Saturday, April 16th An EGG-cellent Time
1-3PM Tradition Square. Join us for a children’s Easter egg scramble (10 years old and
under). Children’s games & prizes and a visit from Peter Rabbit.
Sunday, April 24th Sunset Music at the Gazebo
5:30-7:30pm The Talented Giorgio on violin and keyboards. Grab a chair, friends, family
and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Friday, April 29th Kentucky Headhunters and Chase Bryant Concert
Tradition’s Lakeside Lawn. Concert begins at 7pm. Gates open at 4pm. No coolers
or backpacks will be allowed. There will be food and beverages for sale. $5 parking
available onsite. To purchase tickets, visit https://traditionconcertseries.eventbrite.com
MORE EVENT INFORMATION AT WWW.TRADITIONFL.COM
8 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE www.stlucievoice.com
‘BLUE JEAN BALL’ RAISES BIG BUCKS Sandee Allen, Humane Soci-
ety of St. Lucie County board
member, holds up a Beatles auction item as Elliott Paul takes bids during the Blue Jean Ball March 19 at the Pelican Yacht
Club in Fort Pierce. The event raised over $125,000 for the new Humane Society of St. Lucie County, which became a no-
kill shelter in 2019. At left, Port St. Lucie City Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan gives a casino-style game a try.
PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN
Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful covering all the bases on Appreciation Night
BY PATRICK McCALLISTER | Correspondent bers donated 1,222 pounds of food and $43. wrappers from roadways helps reduce the to 1 p.m. Then lunch will be served. The local
Their donations equaled 1,362 meals. number of them that make their ways to the event is part of the Keep America Beautiful
Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful is taking folks Indian River Lagoon where they disintegrate Great American Cleanup.
out to the ballgame. “Since 2014 our records show we’ve col- and become microplastic pollution.
lected 10,624 pounds of non-per food items,” “We invite schools and businesses to con-
“It’s an opportunity to thank our commu- Beck said. The Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful Com- duct cleanups at their sites and to contact us
nity members for helping us keep Port St. mittee is a nine-member appointment vol- if they’re going to do so,” Beck said.
Lucie beautiful, to thank our partners,” said Appreciation Night is also an opportunity unteer board that helps the city promote en-
Georgette Beck, program supervisor. to spotlight Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful vol- vironmental awareness and beautification In 2021 the Caring Community Cleanup
unteers. volunteerism. Its upcoming meetings, which Day was a hybrid of folks heading directly to
On Thursday, April 14, KPSLB will have its are open to the public, are on April 6, May 4 sites and dropping off litter they collected at
annual Appreciation Night at Clover Park, “This year we have our Port St. Lucie com- and June 1. Those meetings are 3 p.m. to 4 a drive-through collection. About 380 volun-
31 Piazza Drive. The St. Lucie Mets will have mittee member Judith Sekscenski singing p.m. at City Hall, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd. teers collected nearly 7,500 pounds of litter.
a 6:10 p.m. game against the Clearwater the national anthem,” said Beck. “We will Among KPSLB’s volunteer events is the an-
Threshers, which is an affiliate of the Phila- also honor the Adopt-a-Street Golden Grab- nual Caring Community Cleanup Day. “That was the most we’ve collected,” said
delphia Phillies. bers award winners.” Beck.
“We’d love to have everyone come out, of
“Fans who bring two non-perishable food Adopt-a-Street volunteers keep various course, and participate in the Cleanup Day The event was canceled in 2020. In 2019
items will receive a free ticket to the game,” roadway portions picked up. Groups and on April 30,” Beck said. volunteers collected 5,020 pounds of litter. In
Beck said. “Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful and individuals have adopted 175 miles of Port 2018 they collected 2,094.
the Treasure Coast Food Bank will have a ta- St. Lucie’s 917 road miles. Most group and Volunteer check-in will be at 7:30 a.m.
ble out front to collect those items.” individual volunteers regularly pick up litter at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE “Every year it increases,” Beck said.
along a roadway mile. The project is more Event Center Place. Breakfast will be avail-
The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Collection than beautification; there are environmental able. Volunteers will head to various sites up For more information on Keep Port St. Luc-
volunteers will close up the table at game’s benefits, too. For example, removing plastic ie Beautiful, visit cityofpsl.com/kpslb or call
start. Last year about 800 community mem- 772-873-5103.
3,000 Bolts of Cotton & Batik Fabrics
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | PEOPLE March 31, 2022 9
Best Strawberry Fest!
Bella Gilbert, 13, inspects strawberries before placing
them for sale during the 2nd Annual Strawberry Festival
at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center in Port
St. Lucie on March 19. The festival featured Plant City
strawberries, arts and crafts, bounce houses, live
entertainment, and more. At left, BelAir, a 4-year-
old Border Collie, leaps over Lawrence to catch a
Frisbee. Below left, a 1959 Nash Rotary-Metro-
politan is one of the prized vehicles at car show
accompanying the festival.
Keep Port St Lucie Beautiful
Caring Community Cleanup Day
PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN [email protected]
772-871-5103
Saturday April 30, 2022
7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Check-in and meet and greet. Breakfast items will be provided by Walmart.
Please wear closed-toed shoes.
Lunch will be provided by Nature’s Keeper.
MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place,
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
www.C i t y o f P SL .C O M / Cl e a nu p
10 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CASUAL AND FINE DINING www.stlucievoice.com
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For Information & Reservations
Call 772.281.2520
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Good Food. Good Spirits. Good Times.
LIVE MUSIC & DANCING!
FRIDAY 4/1 - Louie Rocco
SATURDAY 4/2 - Terri Hines Band
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CASUAL AND FINE DIN ING March 31, 2022 11
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12 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY www.stlucievoice.com
Del Webb at Tradition steps up big-time with ‘Walk to End ALZ’ Dr. Singh’s Doubles
Championship nets
On March 19, the residents phenomenal DW Confection $22K for Honor Flight
of Del Webb at Tradition, a 55+ Connection club bake sale,
community, held their second and day-of-walk donations,
annual Walk to End ALZ. Due with 100 percent of the pro-
to COVID, the event was last ceeds donated to the walk.
held in October 2020. This Numerous gift baskets were
year, residents were more ex- donated by local businesses,
cited to express their energy creative DW homeowners,
and passion for raising funds the HOA and the DW pick-
for Alzheimer’s awareness. leball club, and raffled off at
For their first event in Octo- the walk.
ber 2020, the community had DW Difference Makers
fewer than 100 residents and raised donations of over
raised over $2,000. Team Cap- $6,000, and by the end of
tain Lavernn Hall wanted this Del Webb Difference Makers Committee: from left, Jackie Jones, Lavernn Hall, Steve Jones, the day donations totaled
event to be bigger. This year, Joanne Slater, Jackie Vernon Marcy Livingstone, Kate Barrett, Desirae and Samantha Mearns. $8,000. There were over 90
with over 300 homes, she as- residents registered to walk
sembled a committee of five other energetic team was created and successfully launched. and the Difference Makers committee won’t
and talented neighbors/residents. Together This year’s Walk to End ALZ included a va- stop fundraising until there’s a cure and the
with Desirae Mearns of ComForCare Home riety of new fundraising initiatives, including first survivor plants a white flower.
Care services, the DW Difference Makers a 50/50 raffle at Superplay bowling lanes, the – CONTRIBUTED Local dermatologist and philan-
thropist Dr. Shamsher Singh’s re-
Pilot Club awards $20K to Alzheimer’s Community Care cently hosted Doubles Champion-
ship Tennis Tournament benefiting
Representatives from the St., Lucie Coun- Southeast Florida Honor Flight yield-
ty Sheriff’s Office, Alzheimer’s Community ed $22,222.22!
Case and the Pilot Club of Fort Pierce came
together to celebrate the 2021 Birdies for The two-day event was held at the
Bracelets as a check for $20,000 was pre- Legacy Golf and Tennis Club at PGA
sented to Alzheimer’s Community Care’s Village, where Legacy Head Tennis
President and CEO Mary M. Barnes and Professional Aldo Burga helped facili-
Chairman of the Board of Directors Robert tate the smoothly run championship.
J. Gorman, Esq.
Winners included:
“Alzheimer’s Community Care was totally Ladies 3.5 Division: Martha
blown away by this year’s record-breaking Winter and Martha Elrod.
donation which has enabled us to buy more Ladies 3.0 Division: Zara Chow-
devices than ever before and to serve more dhury and Felicia Nuelle Daniel.
families,” said Gorman. Men’s 3.5 Division: Javier Jairala
and Steve Frogatt.
“Words cannot adequately express our Men’s 3.0 Division: Daniel and
gratitude to the Pilot Club and their support- Kenneth Lieberman.
ers whose membership is the most selfless,
caring and generous individuals who value Event proceeds will help fly local
the wellbeing and lives of our most fragile
and vulnerable like the families we serve World War II, Korean and Vietnam
and that is a priceless gift,” added Barnes.
veterans to visit the memorials built
Attendees were invited to join the Pilot
Club of Fort Pierce at Cheddar’s in St. Lucie in their honor in Washington, D.C.
West to celebrate the largest donation in the
17 years since “Birdies for Bracelets” began From left: Captain Jay Wheeler, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office; Mary M. Barnes, president and CEO, Volunteer guardians assist the veter-
in 2004. Alzheimer’s Community Care; Barbara McKenzie, president, Pilot Club of Fort Pierce; and Bob Gorman,
chair of the Board of Directors for Alzheimer’s Community Care. ans who require physical assistance,
Tena Sigmon, the Birdies for Bracelets
founder, started this event after attending provide them with the opportunity to
a Pilot International Convention in 2003
and learning about ID Locator bracelets. share their stories and legacies, and
She brought the idea back to the Treasure
Coast and set up meetings with the Sher- Birdies for Bracelets golf tournament. Sig- Smith, who is also an integral part of the Pi- help them feel honored. Upcoming
iff’s Department, city police, and many mon partnered with Jan Smith and spent
nursing home administrators. The Sheriff’s years cultivating the event. Smith, who lot Club and the Birdies for Bracelet tourna- SE Florida Honor Flights are April 9
Department believed in the idea, had the passed away in 2018, would be incredibly
equipment, and realized that many people proud of this year’s accomplishment. Her ment. The 18th Annual Birdies for Bracelets and May 21. For more information,
would love to have the ID Locator bracelets membership lives on with her husband, Bob
but could not afford the bracelets and the golf tournament will take place on Sept. 24 to get involved or donate, visit honor-
monthly battery changes.
at Meadowood Country Club in Fort Pierce. flightsefl.org. – CONTRIBUTED
From the idea of helping locals to obtain
funding for a much-needed safety tool, the Mark your calendars! – CONTRIBUTED
ID Locator bracelet, emerged the annual
Solutions from Games Pages ACROSS DOWN
in March 17, 2022 Edition 1 AYE 1 ALLOW
3 LAW 2 EROSION
5 WHITE 3 LASS
8 LIONS 4 WISDOM
9 SLENDER 5 WHEREVER
10 WHIP 6 INDIA
11 MODERATE 7 EARNEST
13 DINING 12 ENTITLED
14 DEPART 13 DECIDED
17 CONTINUE 15 ANNOYED
19 ENDS 16 DUMPED
22 DEVELOP 18 NEVER
23 LOYAL 20 SILLY
24 DARED 21 SLID
25 DAD
26 DRY
Sudoku Page B13 Sudoku Page B14 Crossword Page B13 Crossword Page B14 (SOUP OR SUNDAE)
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | COMMUNITY March 31, 2022 13
‘LUKE DAY’ EVENT CULTURAL ALLIANCE: Vega & Co.
BENEFITS NALA’S honoring ‘Legends of Pop’ on April 7
NEW LIFE RESCUE,
HUMANE SOCIETY St. Lucie Cultural Alliance announced the next concert in its Mu-
sical Series. Legends of Pop is a musical journey from the 1970s to
NextHome Treasure Coast and today, starring Apollo Vega and the Vega Tribe and premiering at the
500 Orange Event Center in Fort Pierce April 7.
co-sponsor Florida Mortgage & Loan are
Legends of Pop celebrates pop artists who have shaped the
hosting their 2nd Annual Luke Day fund- last 50 years of popular music,
including Madonna, Elton John,
raiser at Memorial Park in downtown Prince, Michael Jackson and
more recent stars such as Brit-
Stuart, Sunday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to DDS4Vets game hits it out of the park! ney Spears and Bruno Mars.
3 p.m., benefiting Nala’s New Life Res- Deb Doherty, above, founder of DDS4Vets, presents the trophy to Legends of Pop will include
St. Lucie County Fire District which, once again, proved victorious performances from special guest
cue and the Humane Society of St. Lucie in the 3rd Annual Police vs. Firefighters Softball Game in Port St. stars including Kuzican, Muffy
Lucie last Sunday. All proceeds benefited DDS4Vets, whose mis- Charles, Jake Sanders and oth-
County. sion is to bring positive, lasting solutions to military veterans and er surprise performers who will
their families. Below, Madison Sicoli throws out the first pitch. help Apollo Vega and the Vega Apollo Vega.
The community is invited to attend Tribe cover five decades of pop
PHOTOS: LINDA KLOORFAIN music. “This show is a musical celebration of all of the performers
the fun day event to enjoy games, chil- who inspire me, and their star power that really influenced not only
the entirety of popular music and what we heard on the radio, but
dren’s activities, live music, DJ, food my personal style,” says Vega.
trucks, shop participating vendors, bid The show begins at 7:30 p.m., but doors open at 6:30 p.m. and
guests will want to arrive early and take in the full experience of this
on raffle baskets, and participate in the historic renovated building.
50/50 cash raffle.
In April 2021, over $2,600 was raised
in a first-time, in-office Luke Day event
where over 80 people and local business-
es attended a wine tasting and raffle in
support of Nala’s New Life Rescue.
In addition to the donations raised,
NextHome Treasure Coast was able to
send two carloads of dog food, blankets,
toys, bedding, towels, and more to the Tickets are on sale now online at artstlucie.org, or by calling
rescue group thanks to the outpouring of 772-462-2783 or visiting the Alliance Gallery, 111 Orange Ave., Fort
support from event attendees. This year’s Pierce. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9
event has been expanded to involve the a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Advance tickets are $25, with a $35 VIP op-
local community and local businesses tion that includes reserved, preferred seating. Tickets at the door are
on a larger level. – CONTRIBUTED $30 and $40, respectively. – CONTRIBUTED
14 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | CALENDAR/SERVICE DIRECTORY www.stlucievoice.com
APRIL 2 Port St. Lucie Sweet Corn Festival. 11 a.m. required by visiting https://friends-of-savannas. building our foundations for a fun yoga flow!
to 6 p.m. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event square.site. Free with paid park admission of $3 Half off your first cider with minimum donation
1 Friday Fest. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Marina Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Luc- per vehicle – this location does not have a pay of $5.
Square in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce. ie. Enjoy a mouthwatering cornucopia of sweet station on site; please pre-pay for park admission
The longest running street party on the Trea- corn and a huge variety of tasty, corn-related by visiting https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/ 6 Wednesday Green Market. 12 p.m. to 6
sure Coast is back with food, friends and fun, foods. There will be arts and craft vendors and Web/Memberships/CustomerMembershipPass- p.m. Marina Square in Historic Downtown
and more arts, crafts and music than ever. Fairy merchants to shop, and fun live entertainment. es.aspx. The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the Fort Pierce. A tradition for residents and tourists
hair, face-painting and activities for all ages will Kids can play all day long in the Kids Zone for only Savannas Preserve State Park Hawk’s Bluff Trail- alike with live entertainment and delicious food
be on hand with new vendors and old favorites. $5 with wrist band. Admission is $5, and children head located at approximately 4698 NE Savan- options. Intended to provide healthy, fresh foods
12 and under are FREE. For more information vis- nah Road, Jensen Beach. and horticultural products to St. Lucie County
2 Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market. 8 it cityofPSL.com. and the surrounding areas, and to encourage
a.m. to 12 p.m. Marina Square in Historic 3 New York Mets vs. Marlins. 1:10 p.m. Clo- commerce, entertainment and trade in Down-
Downtown Fort Pierce. For residents and tourists 3 Guided Park Excursion: Hawk’s Bluff. 9 a.m. ver Park, 31 Piazza Dr. Catch a Mets Spring town Fort Pierce.
alike with live entertainment and delicious food to 11 p.m. Savannas Preserve State Park. Training game in Port St. Lucie!
options and trade in Downtown Fort Pierce. Credit Union Event Center, 9221 SE Traverse the 9 Free Easter Egg Hunt! Join the Fort Pierce
park with a park naturalist as your guide! Hike 4 Yoga Mondays. 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Women’s Club, 2408 S. 29th St., Fort
2 Tradition Neighborhood Market. 8 a.m. approximately 1 mile of trails while experiencing Pierced Ciderworks, 411 N 2nd St., Fort Pierce, for this fun family event 10 a.m. to 12
to 6 p.m. Tradition Square, SW Meeting the beautiful sights and sounds of the scrub habi- Pierce. Bring your own mat if you have one. p.m. Photos with the Easter Bunny, games, pop-
Street, Port St. Lucie. tat and freshwater marsh of the Hawk’s Bluff Trail Sharing mats are limited. First come, first corn, crafts and more! For questions call 516-
at Savannas Preserve State Park. Reservations served. This will be a basic beginner yoga class, 403-3904, or visit fpwclub.org.
ST. LUCIE VOICE SERVICE DIRECTORY: ADVERTISING ST. LUCIE AND TRADITION SERVICES
Our directory gives small business people eager to provide services and products to the local community an opportunity at a very reasonable cost.
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | BOOKS March 31, 2022 15
BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN
Amy Bloom has a huge resume, mainly BY LARRY DAVID ALLMAN almost overwhelms Francoise, with whom
they have a special relationship … because
as the author of best-selling novels, but If you love animals – particularly they intuitively know that it is she who is
protecting them and nurturing them and
also as a licensed psychotherapist, as a TV elephants – and want or need a pleasant es- their young ones.
writer and producer, as a college profes- cape into a luscious story set on a sprawling The elephant herd eventually grows to 29.
The images of the various events involv-
sor (Yale, Wesleyan), and as a writer of game reserve in South Africa, this book is ing the elephants will stay with the reader
because they are so touching and loving.
BOOK articles for prestigious BOOK for you. Francoise Mal- Along the way, Francoise takes in several
magazines. She is a by-Anthony (together baby rhinos, and they too are amazing
beings with their own stories and vulnerabil-
REVIEW brilliant woman. Her REVIEW with co-author Katja ities. The title comes from several incidents
latest book, “In Love – A Willemsen) gives as where orphaned baby elephants, and rhinos,
are being nursed back to good health, are
Memoir of Love and Loss,” clearly shows an amazing story in “An Elephant in My taken into the main house for extra attention
to their health, and allowed to sleep there,
she also knows how to capture the most Kitchen.” and wander around the house, such as in the
kitchen. Like everything else, these vignettes
nuanced details of life as well as its over- In 1987, Francoise was a Parisian are so well painted in the book, you feel them palpably.
There is a sad, negative side to reserve life, and that is
arching themes; she concurrently gives us businesswoman. On a business trip to summed up in one word: poachers (translation: vicious crim-
inals who maim, torture and kill – both humans and animals
the beauty of the love between two people London, she met Lawrence Anthony, a ro- – to obtain animal parts for sale). Rhino horns especially
($50,000 for a pound) and elephant tusks are hacked/sawed off,
racked by the vicious intervention of a bust South African conservationist. One and the animal is left to die, or is just killed to make it easier.
There are several poaching incidents in the book, but there is
medical crisis. thing leads to another, as they say. They one at the end which will make you cringe. How can humans
be so depraved and cruel?
As for the title, this book reflects the fall in love, she gives up her Paris life and The authors give us this true story in a high-level book which
is also a teaching instrument. They tell us how a game reserve
love of her life, her husband Brian Ameche; moves to Durban, where they marry and is to be well run; how stringent the South African government
is in its efforts to protect its indigenous animals; and they
most of the book, though, covers the loss have business careers. In 1999, a friend touch on the scourge of poaching and its inhumanity.
Francoise is a true heroine in this story. She overcomes all
of that love, and the loss of that person, offers Lawrence the opportunity to buy a game reserve, which challenges and obstacles, and evidences daily a strength of
character and a true love for these precious and increasingly
and the loss of their life together, due to his they do. They are a successful team, and both run and expand rare animals. After several years of struggling, successfully,
to run the reserve, Francoise, single but strong, is rewarded to
death – a death which was his choice, and the reserve. They build a lodge for visitors to come and enjoy find Clement, a partner who also loves animals. It is a fitting
ending to this affectionate love story set in the nature reserve
with which she agreed and assisted. the reserve (translation: necessary cash flow). One day, they in South Africa which Lawrence and Francoise named “Thula
Thula.” “Thula” in Zulu language means “peace,” which could
Amy and Brian were married in 2012. get the call: Will they accept a herd of nine elephants which be the strongest theme in the book.
Both were previously married. She had are raising hell on another reserve which is too small for them. Larry David Allman is a resident of PGA Village Verano.
His latest novel, “Downward Dog in Miami,” is available on
three children from her first marriage, he What to do? Of course, they accept, the elephants are delivered, Amazon. He can be reached at [email protected].
had none. They lived in Connecticut and and the story takes the direction you would expect.
had successful careers, she as an author Everything is going quite well for Lawrence and Francoise,
and university professor, he as an archi- and the reserve, until 2012 – when Lawrence dies unexpect-
tect. Life was full … until the change start- edly. Being the strong, intelligent and formerly independent
ed. She started to notice little things in French woman that she is, Francoise takes over command and
Brian, forgetting dates, places, etc. By 2016, control of the reserve. And from that point unfolds the story
it was much more pronounced. Then the of this book: Francoise’s struggle to keep the reserve going; to
doctors and the MRIs and the testing, and protect the animals; to constantly be generating financing;
it was confirmed without doubt: Brian had to deal with the South African authorities; and mainly, her
Alzheimer’s Disease. And it was getting amazing interactions with these rare, precious, intelligent and
worse every month. He was let go at his job loving animals, particularly the elephants and the baby rhinos.
(“early retirement” to save face). She had This book is extremely well written and, as such, gives us
to take over their life – and that, basically, keen insights into just how intelligent and loving elephants can
is what this incredibly interesting, well be. Their sensitivity to their newborn babies is heartwarm-
written, emotional story is about … from ing. Their interactions with Francoise and the other reserve
the first signs of a problem, all the way to employees are so very special. Their gigantic size and
the end. their powerful trunks and legs can easily crush a
Brian, as well human, but their control and awareness allow them
as everyone to communicate both overtly and on a kind of psychic
around him, level, with the humans at the reserve, and especially
recognized that among themselves. Their eyes communicate their
something not thoughts and emotions with an efficiency which
normal was
happening to him,
mainly forgetful- purpose and, at the same speak. Dignitas had extremely strict rules and love. Her final scene with her husband
time, a loving and highly (including multiple off-ramps where can- in Switzerland, where he has taken his an-
ness, ultimately emotional wife caught in the didates are offered the chance to withdraw, ti-emetic (so as not to vomit) and then his
grinder of the hardest thing to stop, to decide not to go through with it), final cocktail (sodium pentobarbital) – just
balance and she has ever done, Amy sets and it took almost a year to satisfy them. the two of them – is one of the true take-
out to help her husband end Medical records, doctor reports, different aways from the book. Their love for each
awareness. When his life. She discovers that forms of identification (certified birth cer- other is so clear, so rich and so memorable;
the various states in Amer- tificate, dental records, etc.), and a treating as hard as it is to watch your loving partner
it got to a point physician opinion that Brian was not die, they both know it’s the right thing for
ica which allow some form pursing assisted suicide just because he them under those circumstances.
where he knew with of “assisted suicide” will was depressed. Brian was never depressed
not work for them. Those in his life. Amy fights to obtain all of these This is a precious book. Every page is
certainty that he states all require moving to that state and sundry requirements; her persistence and suffused with Amy’s love for her husband,
becoming a legal resident, with differ- ultimate success are a big part of this story, her pain and suffering at what is happen-
was losing actual ent rules and time frames just for that to be savored and appreciated: a woman ing to them, and as well, her inner power
aspect. Also, all of those states require a alone fighting the system for her husband’s which allows her to not only get through,
control, he firmly medically confirmed fatal illness with not right to end his life on his terms – which but to do it on her terms as well as Brian’s.
more than a six-month life/death horizon. were also her terms. With the increasing numbers of Alzhei-
made the decision Brian had Alzheimer’s and could have mer’s cases, this can also be seen as a
lived several more years. Assisted suicide The author handles everyone in the textbook showing how one brave man and
that he wanted to American style wouldn’t work. extended family and brings them into the one brave woman – one loving couple –
When she discovered Dignitas in Zurich, plan, so that she and Brian are able to re- handled their own case of this devastating
end his life: on his terms. He asked her to Switzerland, things opened up, so to veal their plan and thus gain their support disease.
handle this for him, to find out how it’s
done, where you go, what you take to finish
the job, etc. She loved him so much, and
felt his pain so deeply, that she agreed to
undertake just that, to help him end his life
with dignity and end his certain, painful
downward slide. As we see in this book, it’s
not so easy to end a life with dignity.
As a successful woman deeply pos-
sessed of strength, intelligence, fortitude,
16 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com
SOLUTIONPSRTEOVPIORUESVIEODUITSIOISNS’USES(OMLAURTCIHON2S4,) SOENEPPAAGGEEBB1162
ACROSS DOWN
1 Substance (6) 1 Spanish resort (6)
4 Entrances (5) 2 Casual shoe (7)
8 Rent (5) 3 Church service (8)
9 Smoker’s aid (7) 4 Lodgings (4)
10 Birth (7) 5 Frequently (5)
11 Chew (4) 6 Canny (6)
12 Total (3) 7 Ecstasy (5)
14 Broad smile (4) 13 Average (8)
15 Be jealous of (4) 16 Courageous (7)
18 Nitrogen, e.g. (3) 17 Counting device (6)
21 Hit; party (4) 19 Malice (5)
23 Patterned fabric(7) 20 Programming language(6)
25 Dried fruit (7) 22 A small fish (5)
26 Confrontation (5) 24 Farm building (4)
27 The devil (5)
The Telegraph 28 Church officer (6)
How to do Sudoku:
Fill in the grid so the
numbers one through
nine appear just once
in every column, row
and three-by-three
square.
The Telegraph
To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES March 31, 2022 17
ACROSS 94 Mr. Dailey 48 Not-for-sale copy The Washington Post
1 Fanged friend of the 95 Moisturizer ingredient 49 “There’s ___ like home”
50 “___ far, far better thing ...” SORRY, WRONG LETTER! By Merl Reagle
pharaoh 96 Huge ref. work
4 Popular beer, 97 Rural parents 51 Fluid-filled cavity in a cell’s
99 America’s foreign trade cytoplasm
St. ___ Girl slogan?
9 Navy outfit 52 19
14 Navy outfit wearer: abbr. 103 Classifieds 57 Hole marker
107 Ohio city 60 Hole card
17 With 22 Across, regular use 108 Gave 40 Across to 61 Church fundraiser
of deodorant? 109 Upstairs worker 62 Fade
110 Maui memento 64 Tallahassee’s Seminoles:
20 Maker of Pong 111 Biblical teacher of Samuel
21 Vacation city 112 Practice sessions for abbr.
22 See 17 Across 66 He had a salty wife
24 Little bit walking on water?
25 Part of AFB 118 Relatives 67 Cut out
26 “Up and ___!” 119 Final tally 68 Bills or Bulls, e.g.
27 ___ kwon do 120 Nickname for Kevorkian? 69 Fragonard’s friend
28 Oilman Pickens 121 Beltway abbr. 70 “Sorry, I’m booked”
30 Jonathan Swift-like 122 Religious divisions 71 1942 film featuring “White
32 Equine pickup line? 123 Lorna ___
36 Wd. for Roget 124 Palais denizen Christmas”
37 Oft-toasted sandwich 75 Moving vehicles
38 In real time DOWN 76 Syngman of Korea
39 TV oldie, 1 Open areas within 77 Grub
79 Hand protection in the
Mayberry ___ buildings
40 Pedigree rival 2 Funny Martin kitchen
43 Where the buoys are 3 Stroke 80 Pitch
44 To smoke, on Aeromexico 4 Fruit carbohydrate 82 41 Down org.
45 ___ off (angry) 5 Room at the top 85 Last name in astrology
47 Singer Madonna when she 6 Individual product 87 ___-kind (unique)
7 Mr. Durocher 88 Mr. Danson
was pregnant? 8 Dylan tune, 89 Unseat
51 Whirlpool 91 “Christmas! Fooey!”
53 Needlefish “___ A Pity” 96 Gray-haired guy,
54 It’s too long to even think 9 Schwarz of toys
10 Illumination: abbr. in Britain
about 97 The ___ d’
55 Judge Lance 11 Place for a plug 98 Swinger Agassi
56 Congress’s channel 12 A Muse 99 Quite a while
58 Answer to “Do you like Jerry 13 Ed Wood director 100 Dallas matriarch
14 Star Wars character 101 Gamblers’ lake
Lewis?” 15 Supremes first name 102 See 64 Across
59 Freeway entrance 16 Fashion figure 103 Aired
18 Bushed 104 “At last I have you ___
61 Extraterrestrial, e.g. 19 Hot tub alternatives
63 Small spasm 22 Mates of 97 Across myself”
64 Junkman portrayer 23 Put a new header on (a 105 City in India
65 A cop’s life? 106 Meg Tilly, to Jennifer
69 This will hurt piece of copy) 109 Brazil’s ___ Grosso
72 “Fine” 29 Bid 113 Latin abbr.
73 Elizabeth of cosmetics 31 “The heat ___” 114 Dis alternative
74 Work 32 Piano, to Mozart 115 Golfer Ernie
78 Big Red, once 33 Ape 116 Environmental prefix
79 Band of 8 34 Northwestern University city 117 Start of the Lord’s Prayer
81 Jett Rink’s find in Giant 35 “Quit ___ stallin’!”
82 Where Melbourne is: abbr. 37 Mr. Kingsley
83 “I see!” 40 Jason’s ship
84 Romantically preoccupied 41 Interest transaction
86 Impatient art dealer’s 42 Siamese sound
43 Mama’s boy
words? 44 They have the best seats
90 It’s money, to many 46 Un et un
91 Farm buildings
92 Herb drink
93 Applications
The Telegraph
18 March 31, 2022 ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | GAMES www.stlucievoice.com
THE ABNORMAL IS ABNORMALLY TOUGH WEST NORTH EAST
K6 Q 10 853
By Phillip Alder - Bridge Columnist 10 5 3 2 K64 AQ97
Q986 A54 K 10 7 2
William James, the first person to teach a psychology course in the United States, said, 742 KJ983 65
“To study the abnormal is the best way of understanding the normal.”
SOUTH
Maybe that applies to bridge. Most deals follow a well-known path, but occasionally one AJ9742
that is abnormal appears. In this deal, South is in four spades. West leads the diamond six, J8
and declarer wins with dummy’s ace. What happens after that? J3
A Q 10
South’s two-spade rebid promises at least a six-card suit (and in Standard, a minimum
opening). If playing two-over-one, North might continue with two no-trump, over which Dealer: South; Vulnerable: Both
South should bid three clubs. That would steer North away from three no-trump (which
would not do well if East were to lead a diamond). The Bidding:
South has four potential losers: one spade, two hearts and one diamond. However, if he SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST OPENING
can draw trumps, he can run the clubs to take at least 10 tricks. 1 Spades Pass 2 Clubs Pass
2 Spades Pass 4 Spades All Pass LEAD:
After winning the first trick, declarer will run the spade queen. West is in, but what does he 6 Diamonds
do next?
West must be guided by his partner’s signal at trick one. Here, East should see the
advantage of a heart shift. So, East should signal with a discouraging diamond two. Then
West ought to find the heart switch.
If East plays an encouraging diamond 10, West might cash his diamond queen at
trick three. If so, East should drop the two, his lowest from a remaining odd number of
diamonds. Then West might shift to a heart; but he is more likely to continue diamonds,
influenced by that trick-one signal.
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To Advertise (772-633-1115) ST. LUCIE VOICE | ST. LUCIE WEST AND TRADITION | SPORTS March 31, 2022 19
MASTERS EXPERIENCE SECOND TO NONE IN GOLF WORLD KEVIN’S
KURES
My wife Denise and I normally would restaurant staff and most notably the staff reasonably priced hats, T-shirts and oth- No. 1, just to the left of
have just returned from our annual trip to at the Masters, you are treated like royalty. er great gifts here. As many of you might the main scoreboard,
the Masters, at the August National Golf know, cellphones are not permitted on about 100 yards from
Club in Augusta, Georgia. Each year we 2. Weather. The weather is normally per- the grounds. No worries: You can use the the tee. You turn left and
count our blessings for having the privilege fect – about 50 to 55 degrees at night, and 65 AT&T– provided landlines located through- walk up a steep hill as
to attend what we think is the most spectac- to 80 during the day are the norms this time out the property. All calls, to all over the you make your way up
ular, beautiful and best-run sporting event of year in central/eastern Georgia. world, are provided at no charge. We had to the tee and to the rear By Kevin Perkins
in the world. The natural beauty of the lunch each day at one of the numerous con- of the clubhouse. Upon
course, the impeccable conditions and the 3. Tournament operation. The tour- cessions stands that are spread throughout reaching the first tee, you have arrived at
friendly hospitality of the staff make for an nament is run second to none. It all starts the grounds. We had the famous pimento the highest point of the property. As you
unforgettable and memorable experience with the beautiful job on moving the traffic cheese sandwich, well-known barbecue look west from your vantage point in front
every time. efficiently to and from the event. The large sandwich, two soft drinks, two snacks, all of the clubhouse, you see the amazing vista
grass parking lots off Berckmans Road are for $11 … amazing! of holes 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 18. The size and
The following are just a few of the many awesome and the parking is free – a great scope of the property is what strikes you
reasons why attending the Masters, should way to start your Masters experience. On 4. Tournament experience. The golf so completely. The only flat holes at Au-
be a must on your bucket list: the walk in from the north gate off Wash- course, and our familiarity with it, makes gust are the par-3 12th and the par-3 16th.
ington Road, you begin to see the natural for unmatched excitement. The back nine All other 16 holes are up and down signif-
1. Southern hospitality. The people of beauty of the course with the beautiful is where it all begins, with the tough holes icant slopes. Some of the other more no-
Augusta are so very kind and display the flowers guarding each side of the walkway of 10 and 11 and the most famous par-3 in table characteristics of the course are the
southern hospitality that the region is so and, to the left, the driving range. The golf the world, the 12th hole over Rae’s Creek. enormous size of the Georgia Pines, which
well known for. From the hotel staff to the shop is a must-visit. You can purchase very The great par-5s of 13 and 15 provide eagle are 60 to 100 feet in height and border all
opportunities, and the traditional hole lo- 18 holes. The course is wonderful to walk
ALL ‘FOUR’ ONE, ONE FOR ALL! cation on 16 also offers the hope of a birdie because all the walking areas are covered
and, on occasion, a hole-in-one, because of with clean and soft pine straw, another
the slopes around the hole. The tough fin- great feature. Also, the flowers are awe-
ishing holes of 17 and 18 can also give way some with the azaleas and dogwood dec-
to birdie or bogey, providing great drama orating the course throughout, especially
as the players conclude the nerve-racking through Amen Corner – holes 11, 12 and
finish. 13. Again, I can’t encourage you enough to
plan on attending the Masters sometime in
5. The golf course. Augusta National is your future. It will be one of the most mem-
the star and main attraction. What hits you orable weeks of your golfing life.
so vividly is how hilly the golf course is. You
enter the course from the right side of hole
Four more golfers at PGA Golf Club experienced the joy of making a hole-in-
one in the past fortnight. Top left: Bente Jaensson made an ace on the Wana-
maker course’s fourth hole, knocking in a drive from 135 yards. Top right: Tom
Gorman had a hole-in-one on the Ryder course’s fifth hole, knocking in a 9-iron
shot from 135 yards. Above left: Tony Strupeck made his first-ever ace – also
on the Ryder course’s fifth hole – using an 8-iron from 132 yards. Above right:
Martin Meehan scored a hole-in-one on the Dye course’s 16th hole, dunking a
7-hybrid shot from 145 yards. Congrats Bente, Tom, Tony and Martin!