There are signs of new life as Titusville emerges in the post Space Shuttle era.

Bleak forecasts all of which focused on the layoffs at Kennedy Space Center have given way to, at worst, a reluctant acceptance of change or at best, new energy toward a diverse economy, eco-tourism and an exciting arts-based future.

“I relate the Shuttle layoffs to a storm,’’ said District 1 County Commissioner Robin Fisher.  “We were gearing up for a CAT 5 and I think it was about a CAT 3.”

While officially about 8,000 contractor and NASA workers lost jobs, the local population has not suffered the expected domino effect.  Space workers have stayed in the area in retirement, found new ways to make a living via the Internet, or are living on their severance pay and still looking for work, officials said.

New reasons for optimism include:

• Establishment of the Greater Titusville Renaissance program highlighted by the quest to attract international arts as a draw to the area.
• Progress toward redevelopment of Miracle City Mall, still the most visible sign of economic stagnation for the city.
• Completion of the Max Brewer Causeway making Titusville a better gateway to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore along with beautification plans for the city’s major transportation corridors.
• Creation of the North Brevard Economic Zone, gathering money from increased property values on new construction in unincorporated areas.  That money can be used to pay for incentives for prospective employers.

Bridging Change

Completion of the Max Brewer Bridge, now a visual symbol on the Greater Titusville Renaissance logo, is huge for the goal of marketing Titusville’s eco-tourism, said Laurilee Thompson, owner of Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant, who serves on the Brevard County Tourism Development Council.

The high-rise bridge replaces an aging swing span that would cut off access to the refuge and seashore when closed for repairs.  “One of the things that everybody keeps pointing to as a partial solution is to do a better job of promoting eco-tourism.  Finally!  For me it was vindication,’’ Thompson said.

Thompson was one of five local leaders to attend a training session on balancing nature and progress held at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia.  “The things that I’ve been saying for 15 years, ever since we started the Birding Festival, now I’ve heard those things from nationally known experts.  We came back with the attitude that we really can get Titusville turned around,’’ she added.
The Art of Attraction

Meanwhile, it might be art – internationally important art – that creates an unexpected new draw for North Brevard, according to Neil Levine, executive director of the Brevard Cultural Alliance.

Like Sydney, Australia’s Opera House, a major art-based facility in North Brevard could attract major works into the area and subsequently other business activity.  “They built the opera house and created this huge cultural destination and cultural tourists stay longer and spend more,’’ he explained.

Titusville could become the center for “new media” or arts in the digital domain through events like a hologram festival involving entertainment icon David Bowie, Levine believes.  “Titusville is our pathfinder – a pilot project to show how arts and culture can help the county.  We’re talking about huge initiatives here that are so important that people will come here to see it.  “It’s about well-educated people who have a science-tech mindset.  You’ve heard the phrase, ‘You don’t have to be a rocket scientist.’ Titusville is full of rocket scientists,’’ he said.

“As for jobs, more non-space related industries are a key element to a positive future for what has been thought of as a ‘company town’ due to its dependence on space,” explained Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

The Space Beyond                    

“We’re going to have diversification of the industrial base, which is going to make us stronger.  I don’t say it’s going to be easy, but this is a time of opportunity.  We’ll be stronger and more diversified down the road because of this.  We’re not going to allow ourselves to just be a launch site anymore,” Weatherman said.

And it’s that feeling of new opportunity that radiates from Kennedy Space Center these days as it transforms into a 21st century space launch complex to accommodate a robust commercial space program, observed Spaceport Development Manager Jim Ball.

The transition to life without the shuttle has not been without hardship for many families but, rather than the end, this era may go down as a historic start and leave Titusville residents looking forward with hope.  “We’ve been hit; the eye has passed through, and we’re rebuilding and we have some exciting stuff going on,’’ Fisher said.

To read more pick up a copy of January’s SpaceCoast Business or visit SpaceCoastBusiness.com

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Executive director Wendy Brandon and her staff are making sure, It’s Happening at the Henegar

Last March Wendy Brandon assumed the role of acting executive director on a volunteer basis at the Henegar Center in Melbourne. “I think I brought good business practices to the Center, and made it easier to work with the community,” says Brandon, an attorney who owns and manages commercial real estate holdings with her husband Harry.  “I was very anxious to work with other nonprofits and cultural groups to be inclusive and invited their participation. We want them to use the facility for the benefit of the community. Once word got out that we were under new management and seeking to be inclusive things have really picked up.”

Marketing Director Kathy Kett has assumed the title of Operations Manager, “a position that makes much more sense for our organization,” and staff members have been added to assume administrative duties. The Foosaner Ballroom has been renovated to accommodate a small theater and the city of Melbourne and the Brevard County Tourism Development Council are helping fund a new roof for the building that was built back in 1919 to house the local high school. “They recognize that we are definitely an asset to the area.”

Brandon is particularly proud of Henegar’s children’s programs. A partnership with Places Please Theater Company yielded a highly successful run of “Aladdin Jr.” last fall. “It’s a relationship that will continue,” says Brandon. The Center has also assumed the summer fine arts program that the Brevard County School District was forced to abandon due to budgetary constraints. During the summer 50-60 10th through 12^th graders took part in the program. “We even have students who have gone away to college asking of they can come back and participate.”

In 2010 at Brandon’s instigation the Center hosted the Harris Music Series in an effort to bring in more contemporary music. She established a relationship with Harris and Brevard Jazz Series director Roland Guilarte to bring in more performers that appeal to a broader demographic, “we recognize that the success of the Henegar Center is dependent upon broadening the scope of our appeal.”

Brandon, who serves as the Henegar Center Board of Trustees treasurer says she “truly wanted to make this a community center and I think we’ve succeeded. Everyone knows if they have a reasonable proposal we will work with them. I’m getting the biggest kick out of doing this and having so much fun.”

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Family-Owned Business Celebrates 50 Years

Little did Tony and Helen Nahacky know, back in 1961 when they started their tropical fish business from their garage on Babcock Street, that the local area and beyond would take to it like a fish to water.  While the odds are always stacked against small businesses succeeding, this family-owned enterprise has not only survived 50 years in operation but it has thrived for 50 years serving a growing populous of aquarium enthusiasts.
Dave MacDonald, who, with his wife Lisa, purchased the business from Tony and Helen in 1986.  “Many of our customers have been with us for several generations,” MacDonald said.  “We have built small, starter aquariums for children who grew up to build large tanks in their offices and homes and now want fish ponds in their yards.  These folks are now bringing in their grandchildren to learn the hobby.”
Not only have Dave and Lisa watched their customers grow up and expand their collections but the customers have noticed that they are now being serviced by the MacDonald’s daughter Katie and her husband Buddy.  So, it would not be a stretch to imagine their first grandchild behind the register in years to come.

Nahacky’s is located at 1613 S. Harbor City Blvd., just 3 blocks north of 1-92 on US 1 in Melbourne.  Call (321) 723-5340.

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Habitat for Humanity celebrated an important milestone this year- the organization’s 25^th anniversary at the Hard Hat and High Heels gala.

The event raised over $40,000 to continue Habitat’s mission and ministry to eliminate substandard and inadequate housing by building or restoring simple, decent, affordable houses with community partners and low-income families.  The special occasion celebrated sponsors, volunteers, guests, and families and the presentation of The John Luhn Legacy Award to Kim Gabriel.

“Celebrating 25 years of service to the community, building over 275 affordable housing opportunities with low income families, providing educational opportunities for at- risk youth, and honoring the legacy and service of dedicated volunteers are major milestones for this affiliate,” President and CEO Joe Gassman says.  “We hope that our reflection on these accomplishments will motivate the affiliate, its supporters and our partners to an even deeper commitment to serving our community’s affordable housing needs.” 

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Inc. (Habitat) is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry, which builds houses in partnership with very low-income families. The houses are sold to families through no interest loans and at no profit. Habitat holds the mortgages and recycles the principal payments to fund future houses. Construction expenses are kept to a minimum by utilizing volunteer labor, and developing partnerships with churches, businesses, and other organizations to provide cash and “in-kind” donations of building materials, services and property.

Since 1985 Habitat has served 277 families. So what will the next 25 years have in store? According to Joe Gassman Habitat’s plans include owning a bigger facility, expanding services and helping even more families in the area.  One of the programs involves opening a trade school for at-risk youth to improve their chances of gaining employment.

“The program would give them experience to build a track record of loyalty so they are more competitive in the workforce,” Joe explains.

Other plans incorporate diversifying services to include critical home repairs like plumbing and roof problems for low income families and seniors.  Joe estimates that these programs will double the amount of people that Habitat can serve.

Like most nonprofits Habitat’s greatest need is funding. The principal is reinvested into the building fund. Approximately $9,500 of each unit is reinvested into affordable housing to help improve the community.

“Together we are making a difference one family, one student at a time.”

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County

(321) 728-4009

BrevardHabitat.com

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A Listing of Brevard’s Deserving Charities

During this traditional season of giving, many Space Coast residents will choose to give a little something back to their community. According to the Community of Foundation of Brevard, it’s part of our culture, with nearly 64,000 local households reporting charitable giving on their 2005 tax returns. Over the last few years Brevard’s more than 1,400 public charities have felt the pinch of the troubled economy and could really use our help. Whether it’s the arts or animals, civic or health organizations, children or education, any of the organizations listed on the following pages will appreciate anything we can give.

Animals and Environmental

 Brevard Botanical Garden, Inc.
(321 633-1702
www.brevardbotanicalgarden.com
Signature Event: Edible Garden Festival, Fall 2012

Brevard Nature Alliance
(321) 268-5224
www.brevardnaturealliance.org
Signature Event: Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
January 25 -30, 2012 at Brevard Community College, Titusville

Brevard Zoo
(321) 254-9453
www.brevardzoo.org
Signature Event: Safari Under the Stars

April 28, 2012

Central Brevard Humane Society
(321) 636-3343
www.crittersavers.com
Signature Events: Mardi Gras Paws in the Park, February, 2012
Paws at the Pier September, 2012
Paws in the Park, Fall 2012

Coastal Poodle Rescue
(321) 459-2652
www.coastalpoodlerescue.org

Purrs And Whiskers Shelter, Inc.
(321) 752-5120
www.pawsfla.com

Space Coast Kibble Kitchen
(321) 220-7590
www.spacecoastkibblekitchen.blogspot.com

SPCA of North Brevard
(321) 267-8221 ext. 246
www.spcanorthbrevard.com
Signature Event: Dancing for the Paws
February 11, 2012 at La Cita Country Club in Titusville, 7-11p.m.

 Arts, Culture and Education

 Acoustic for a Change
(321) 544-4949
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Acoustic-for-a-Change/105292879528262

Astronauts Memorial Foundation
(321) 452-2887
www.amfcse.org

Brevard Children’s Chorus
(321) 432-2770

www.brevardchildrenschorus.org

December 10, 2011, Holiday Concert with the Brevard CommunityChorus at the Maxwell C. King Center

7:30 p.m.
May 4, 2012, Viera/Suntree Relay for Life at Viera High School 6 p.m.

Brevard Community College Foundation
(321) 433-7055

 www.brevardcc.edu/foundation
.

Brevard Community College Planetarium and Observatory

(321) 433-7372
www.brevardcc.edu/planet

Brevard Community Connections, Inc.
(321) 751-8943
http://www.chadcolbert.com/
Signature Event: Colbert Classic golf tournament

Brevard County Gator Club
(321) 752-5051
www.brevardgatorclub.com
Signature Event: Gator Gathering, Spring 2012

Brevard Cultural Alliance
(321) 690-6817

www.artsbrevard.org

Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science
(321) 632-1830
www.brevardmuseum.org
Signature Event: “Starry Night: Where History Comes to Life,” March 2012

Brevard Schools Foundation
Mission: To match community resources with the needs of schools

(321) 633-1000 ext. 756

www.brevardschoolsfoundation.org

Brevard Symphony Orchestra
(321) 242-2024
brevardsymphony.com
January 28, 2012, Symphony for the Palate at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club

(Historic) Cocoa Village Association
(321) 631 9075
www.visitcocoavillage.com
Signature Event: BBQ & Blues, Arts & Craft Fairs

(The Historic) Cocoa Village Playhouse
(321) 636-5050
www.cocoavillageplayhouse.com

January 6-19, 2012, “Windy City”

February 3-19, 2012, “State Fair”

April 6-22, 2012, “Titanic: The Musical”

May 3-20, 2012, “Cabaret”

Community Band of Brevard
(321) 725-9191
www.Communitybandofbrevard.org
March 25, 2012 concert “At the Movies”

June 3, 2012 concert “The Great American West”

Dance Arts Centre
(321) 777-2155
www.DanceAC.com

eARTh Awareness of Brevard, Inc.
(321) 636-7231
http://earthawareness.org
Signature Event: September 29, 2012, Space Coast Music Festival

Florida Historical Society
(321) 690-1971 ext. 201
www.myfloridahistory.org

Florida Institute of Technology
(321) 674-6400
www.fit.edu/support/

April 21, 2012 Scott Center Evening of Hope IV

Foosaner Art Museum
(321) 242-0737

 www.brevardartmuseum.org

Galmont Ballet

(321) 543-4403

www.GalmontBallet.com

December 17-18, 2011, “The American Nutcracker”

May 28, 2012, “The Best of Galmont Ballet”

Greater Canaveral Chapter of The Barbershop Harmony Society
(321) 636-0900

www.spacecoastchorus.net
February 25, 2012, “Circus Day in Dixie”

Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Inc.
(321) 269-8256

www.harryharriettemoore.org
Signature Event: Moore Heritage Festival of the Arts and Humanities,

Spring 2012

Henegar Center for the Arts

(321) 723-8698

www.henegar.org

December 2-18, 2011, “Miracle on 34^th Street, The Musical”

January 20-February 5, 2012, “Pump Boys and Dinettes”

March 9-April 1, 2012, “Fiddler on the Roof”

April 27-May 13, 2012, “Prelude to a Kiss”

Honor America/Liberty Bell Museum

(321) 727-1776

www.honoramerica.org

December 16, 2011, Battle of the Bulge Anniversary celebration

Indialantic Chamber Singers
(321) 723-8371

(321) 960-5000

http://www.indialanticchambersingers.org

December 11, 2011,Flutes & Voices of Christmas Concert
December 12, 2011,3rd Annual Sounds of Christmas
April 20 & 22, 2012, Spring Concert

KLD Youth Foundation

(321) 454-7333
www.KLDkids.org
Signature Event: Dancing with Brevard

Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.
(321) 433-5719
www.kingcenter.com

Melbourne Art Festival
(321) 722-1964
www.melbournearts.org

April 28-29, 2012, Melbourne Art Festival

Melbourne Chamber Music Society, Inc.
(321) 956-8775
http://www.MelbourneChamberMusicSociety.com
December 16, 2011, Calmus Ensemble, Leipzig (a cappella vocal)

January 13, 2012, Trio con Brio, Copenhagen
February 10, 2012, Daedalus Quartet

March 9, 2012, Jerusalem String Quartet
May 7, 2012, Midori (violin concert)

May 29-June 2, 2012, Brevard Chamber Music Seminar

Melbourne Civic Theatre
(321) 723-6935
www.mymct.org
December 9-11,16-18, 21-23,29-31, “Holidays with Dino”
January 20-February 26, 2012, “Cactus Flower”
March 16-April 22, 2012 “The Drowsy Chaperone”
May 11-June 17, 2012, “The Elephant Man”

Melbourne Municipal Band
(321) 724-0555
www.mmband.org

December 14-15, 2011, “A Starry Night” Holiday Concert

February 15-16, 2102, The Music of Sammy Nestico

April 18-19, 2012, “Magic Carpet Ride”

June 13-14, 2012, “Why SO Serious?”

August 8-9, 2012, Guest conductor concert

Native Heritage Gathering, Inc.
(321) 452-1671
www.nativerhythmsfestival.com
November 11-13, 2012, Native Rhythms Festival at Wickham Park Amphitheatre

(Historic) Rossetter House Museum and Gardens

(321) 254-9855

www.rossetterhousemuseum.org

December 3, 2011, Holiday Garden tea

December 17, 2011, Santa arrives

Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts at Florida Institute of Technology

(321) 674-8313

http://textiles.fit.edu

January 21-April 28, 2012, “Traditional Textiles of India”

February 24, 2012, Uncommon Threads Luncheon Symposium

Space Coast Ballet

(321) 684-7390

www.SpaceCoastBallet.com

December 3, 2011, “The Nutcracker” at the King Center

Space Coast Pops Orchestra
(321) 632-7445

www.SpaceCoastPops.com

January 7, 2012, “A Musical Journey Around the World”

February 2012, “It’s All About Sinatra”

March 3, 2012, “The Great American Song Book”

April 14,2012, “Spring Fling”

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
(321) 536-8580
www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org
March 24, 2012, Verdi’s Requiem, First Baptist Church, Merritt Island

Space Coast Writer’s Guild
(321) 779-1008
www.scwg.org

January 27-28, 2012, Annual Writer’s Conference

Surfside Players

(321) 783-3127

surfsideplayers.com

January 20-February 5, 2012, “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Titusville Playhouse, Inc
(321) 268-1125
Website: titusvilleplayhouse.com
January 13-28, 2012, “Twelve Angry Men”

February 24-March 11, 2012, “42^nd Street”

May 4-19, 2012, “Urinetown”

U.S. Space Walk of Fame
(321) 264-0434
www.spacewalkoffame.com

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

(321) 268-1841

www.VACWarbirds.org

VSA Florida-Brevard
(321) 537-4561
vsabrevard.org
Signature Event: Hands on Art Festival “Pre-Historic Party”
Brevard Zoo March 7-9, 2012

WFIT
(321) 674 8950
www.wfit.org

 4 The Kids of Brevard
(321) 243-9250
www.4thekidsofbrevard.com

Business and Civic

 American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens
(321) 264-0911
www.afp-cc.org
Signature Event: National Officer of the Year banquet

Association of Fundraising Professionals-Space Coast Chapter
(321) 434-7161

www.afpspacecoast.afpnet.org
Signature Event: National Philanthropy Day

AVET Project
(321) 373-7046
www.avetproject.org

Brevard Business Leadership Network
(321) 536-7062
www.brevardbln.org
Signature Event: Employer Recognition Awards

Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

 (321) 459-2200

www.cocoabeachchamber.com

Founders Forum
(321) 433-5570
www.foundersforum.com
Signature Event: Entrepreneur of the Year, September 2012

Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
(321) 951-9998
www.greaterpalmbaychamber.com
Signature Event: Celebrate Brevard Food Tasting Extravaganza, November 2012

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Inc.
(321) 728-4009 x116
www.brevardhabitat.com
March 17-18, 2012, 24^th Annual Strawberry Festival, Wickham Park Main Pavilion

Junior Achievement of the Space Coast

(321) 751-4024

www.jaspacecoast.org

March 3, 2012, Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame

Junior League of Central & North Brevard
(321) 453-5718

www.brevardjuniorleague.org
Signature Event: Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run & Fitness Walk, October 2012

Junior League of South Brevard, Inc.
(321) 610-8950
www.jlsb.net
Signature Event: Festival of Trees, November 2012

LEAD Brevard
(321) 632-8222

www.leadbrevard.org
Signature Event: 4 under 40 Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders
Friday, February 17, 2012, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
BCC Cocoa Campus

Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida
(321) 724-5400
www.melbourneregionalchamber.com

Society of Women Engineers Space Coast Section
(321) 783-4644
www.swe-sc.org
Signature Event: WOW, IGEW and Annual Engineering Awards Banquet

Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce

 (321) 267-3036

www.titusville.org

Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech
(321) 674-7007
www.wbc.fit.edu
Signature Event: Annual Women’s Business Expo and Women’s History Month Luncheon, Spring 2012

Zonta Club of Melbourne
(321) 729-0755
www.zontaspacecoast.org
March 25, 2012, Annual Chocolate Festival
Eau Gallie Civic Center, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hospitals and Health

 American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
Signature Events: Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Cattle Barons Ball

American Heart Association
www.BrevardHeartWalk.org
Signature Event: Heart Walk, September 2012

Breast Friends of Florida
www.breastfriends.com
Signature Event: Joy of Life Luncheon, March 2012

Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation
www.brevardalzheimers.org
Signature Event: Alzheimer’s Barbeque and Car Drawing

Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation
www.cccfoundationinc.org
Signature Event: Caring Hearts Benefit
Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the home of Ed and Jeanne André

Circles of Care, Inc.
www.circlesofcare.org

Doctors’ Goodwill Foundation

www.doctorsfoundation.org

August, 2012, Doctors’ Expo

Health First Center for Family Caregivers

www.health.first.org

February 3, 2012, Moments to Remember

Health First Foundation
www.health.first.org
Signature Event: Health First Benefit Ball, Spring 2012

Grape Escape and Health First Golf Classic, Fall 2012

Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard

www.healthystartbrevard.com

Jess Parrish Medical Foundation
www.parrishmedfoundation.com
Signature Event: Annual Gala, October 2012

March of Dimes
www.marchofdimes.com
Signature Event: March for Babies

April 28, 2012 at Jetty Park

MIMA Foundation of Brevard, Inc.
www.mimafoundation.org
Signature Event: MIMA Foundation Pro Tennis Classic
May 6-13, 2012 at Kiwi Tennis Club

National Kidney Foundation of Florida

www.kidney.org

August 31-September 3, 2012, Lavor Day Pro-Am Surfing Festival

Relay For Life
www.relayforlife.org

Running Zone Foundation
www.runningzone.com/foundation
Signature Event: Running Zone Foundation Race Series

Space Coast Cancer Foundation
www.spacecoastcancerfoundation.org
Signature Event: Daffodil Gala

Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)
www.vnatc.com

VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund
www.vitascharityfund.org

We Care 2, Inc.
www.wecare2women.com
Signature Event: We Care 2 Annual Benefit & Silent Auction DATE?

YMCA
www.ymcacentralflorida.com
Signature Event: Youth Scholarship Campaign

Human Services and Children

 American Red Cross.
www.midfloridaredcross.org
Signature Event: Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign, March 2012

AMIkids Space Coast (formerly Space Coast Marine Institute)

www.amikidsspacecoasy.org
Signature Events: Space Coast Scramble Golf Tournament, May 5, 2012

Annual Fall Fundraiser Reverse Raffle, November 4, 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida

www.bbbscfl.org
Signature event: Men Cooking from the Heart

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida – Brevard County
www.bgccf.org
Signature Event: Faces of the Future breakfast

Brevard Achievement Center
www.bacbrevard.com
Signature Event: Coffee & Chocolate
February 18, 2012 at the Space Coast Convention Center/Holiday Inn Express, Cocoa, 7-10 p.m.

Brevard County Legal Aid
www.brevardcountylegalaid.org
Signature Event: Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening

Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition
www.BNDCserve.org
Signature Event: Anchor at the DOCK breakfast

Brevard Rescue Mission, Inc.
www.BrevardRescueMission.org
Signature Event: Women Who Care Share luncheon, April 2012

Bridges BTC
www.mybridges.org

Candlelighters of Brevard, Inc.
www.candlelightersofbrevard.org
Signature Event: “Have a Heart” Valentine’s Extravaganza, February 2012

Central Brevard Sharing Center
www.sharingcenter.org

Cherishing the Journey
www.cherishingthejourney.org
Signature Event: Walk to Remember (with butterfly release)

Children’s Home Society of Florida, Brevard Division
www.chsfl.org/brevard
Signature Event: Portraits of Possibilities
May 5, 2012, at the home of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Maria Seelman in Indialantic.

Club Esteem

www.clubesteem.com
Signature Event: Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball

Community Services Council of Brevard
www.communityservicescouncil.org
April 21, 2012, Passport to Wines Around the World, Space Coast Convention Center

Crosswinds Youth Services, Inc.
www.crosswindsyouthservices.org
Signature Event: Great Brevard Duck Race during the annual Indian River Festival, Spring 2012

Daily Bread, Inc.
www.dailybreadinc.org

Devereux
www.devereuxfl.org

Eckerd Youth Alternatives

www.eckerd.org

Families Exploring Down Syndrome of Brevard, Inc.
www.FEDSofBrevard.org
Signature Event: Step Up For Down Syndrome Advocacy Walk

Family Counseling Center of Brevard
www.fccbrevard.com

Grace Equine Rescue and Therapy for Humans, Inc.
www.gracerescue.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Brevard
www.grandparentsraisinggrandchildren.org
Signature Event: The Child First Gala takes place every year on the Saturday before Grandparent’s Day in September

Harmony Farms Inc.
www.harmonyfarmsinc.com
Signature Event: Buckaroo Ball
June 12, 2012 at the Space Coast Convention Center

Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard
www.healthystartbrevard.com

Hidden Potentials, Inc.
www.hpotentials.com
Signature Event: Star Awards Dinner, March 2012

The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project
www.themorganproject.org
Signature Event: Turtle Splash!

Nana’s Children’s Home, Inc (Nana’s House)
www.nanaschildrenshome.com

PREVENT! of Brevard, Inc.

www.preventofbrevardinc.net
Signature Event: JAMBOREE 2012
March 24, 2012 at the Melbourne Auditorium

Promise Inc.
www.Promiseinbrevard.com

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

www.FeedHopeNow.org

Serene Harbor, Inc.
www.sereneharbor.org
Signature Event: Purses with a Purpose, October 2012

South Brevard Sharing Center
www.mysbsc.org

Space Coast Center for Independent Living
www.spacecoastcil.org

Space Coast Center for Mothers with Children

www.spacecoastcenter.org

January, 2013, James Buescher Bogey Open

Space Coast Early Intervention Center
www.sceic.com
Signature Event: Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Tournament, January 2012

Szuba Guardian Care Solutions, Inc.
www.szubaguardiancare.org

The Children’s Hunger Project
www.thechildrenshungerproject.org

The Compassionate Friends
www.griefsupportdeathofchild.org

Signature Event: World Wide Candle Lighting, December 11, 2011

The Haven for Children, Inc.
www.thehavenforchildren.com
Signature Events: Haven Golf Tournament, The Havenly Affair
.

The Women’s Center

www.womenscenterinbrevard.org
Signature Event: Women’s Center South Guild Winter Ball
February 19, 2012, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne.

WEGO Ministries (Worldwide Evangelical Gospel Outreach)
www.wego.org

United Way of Brevard
www.uwbrevard.org

Yellow Umbrella Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse

www.yellowumbrella.org

2-1-1 Brevard, Inc.

www.211brevard.org

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While Visions of Sugarplums Danced in their Heads…

Galmont Ballet’s sparkling production of the enduring classic “The American Nutcracker,” will usher in the holiday season. Choreographed by Frank Galvez, this production is set in the turn of the 19th century and is filled with 50 performers, stunning set designs and elaborate costumes. With scores of children, mice, and snowflakes, this spectacular achievement offers a perfect complement to Tchaikovsky’s glorious musical score.

See leaping Russians, dancing snow flakes, and exotic Arabian dancers as a young girl’s holiday dream comes to life before your eyes. The beloved holiday ballet tells the timeless tale of a young girl’s magical visit to a dreamy “Land of Sweets,” where she encounters fabulous characters from all over the world, rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King, and is blessed by the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.

“The American Nutcracker” will open Saturday, December 17 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and continue Sunday, December 18 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse in Cocoa.

The Galmont Youth Ballet Company will also be performing excerpts from “The American Nutcracker” in a collaborative presentation with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, December 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Auditorium in Melbourne.

Tickets are available now through the Cocoa Village Playhouse box office (321) 636-5050, located at 300 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa FL 32922. Visit their website at www.galmontballet.com

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The SHAH FAMILY has been a regular supporter of several major charitable causes in Brevard County, including United Way of Brevard for which Mike Shah serves as an active Board Member. As the Founding Sponsor for United Way’s Physician Social starting in 2009, The Shah Family has contributed tremendously in supporting the Physicians of Brevard County and the charities that we hold dear.

Mike Shah is a distinguished Life Member of BIMDA since 2002. An accomplished Civil Engineer & Architect, Mike is also a leading business entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist. Mike graciously attributes his success to his wife Rashmi Shah, who is also a well know leader with the IndiaFest of Brevard, one of Florida’s most successful cultural events. Please join us as we celebrate Mike Shah’s tenth year anniversary as one of our most distinguished Community Members.

BIMDA Leadership and all Members sincerely appreciate all that Mike & Rashmi Shah and Family have done for Brevard County, BIMDA and the Indian-American Community on the Space Coast.

Please click here for a related story from Florida Today 

www.bimda.com

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It happens in November when the college hosts the NJCAA Women’s National Soccer Championships at Melbourne Central Catholic High School.

The tournament consists of eight teams from around the nation that will qualify from eight different regions. The winners will head to the Space Coast for a series of games Nov. 17-20, culminating with the winner crowned national champion on the final day of competition.

Among the teams striving to reach the championship are the BCC Lady Titans, ranked 12th in the nation in Division 1 NJCAA Women’s Soccer.

That’s a major accomplishment with the program just two-years old and already hitting its stride.

“It’s a reflection of a lot of hard work and recruiting and the fact that our girls are buying into the system,” says Jeff Carr, BCC’s Athletic Director and the Lady Titans coach. “We have a bunch of quality players and quality young ladies.”

BCC lured the national championship to Brevard County from Topeka, KN., with the help of the Brevard Sports Council.

The three-year agreement calls for the tournament to be played in Brevard in 2012 and 2013 as well, bringing some of the best collegiate soccer in the U.S. to Central Florida.

“The championships put BCC on the map in the soccer world,” says Carr. “It also brings more exposure to our college from around the nation. All of our athletic programs are on the rise and becoming more successful.”

The games will be Webcast nationally live via the NJCAA and can be see through a link on BCC’s Website at www.brevardcc.edu. WBBC-TV will also televise the championship game live at 2 p.m. on Nov. 20.

“The championships are an excellent opportunity to watch soccer at its best and we invite everyone to come out and watch,” says Carr. “It’s a great way to support soccer and BCC.”

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One year After Receiving its Florida Main Street Community Status, the Eau Gallie Arts District Continues to Grow.

Exciting things continue to happen in Brevard’s art district. This summer, Florida Institute of Technology formally merged with the art museum, and shortly after that announced a $1-million gift from the Foosaner Foundation to the newly re-named Foosaner Art Museum. Florida Tech president Anthony Catanese said the gift “will help perpetuate the important efforts of education and cultural enrichment started by the museum in 1978 and now contoured by Florida Tech.”

A Main Street Resource Team spent three days this summer touring the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD), interviewing more than 40 individuals about the area and what its has to offer. City of Melbourne officials, community stakeholders, members of the EGAD Main Street Board of Directors and members of the four Main Street committees offered their opinions and suggestions to help further establish the art community. The arts have been the focus of the area since redevelopment began over a decade ago and the area’s efforts to establish itself as Brevard’s cultural epicenter received a boost with its designation as an Arts District and Florida Main Street.

Main Street consultant Jeannettee Peters was encouraged by the fact that “everyone seems to be engaged and excited about the area.” However, she cautioned a group of about 50 people gathered for the Resource Team’s community presentation, “the program needs to be sustainable and part of the community.”  All four team members encouraged EGAD Main Street officials to continue to work with the city of Melbourne to make it easier for business owners to open up shop, and to focus on the core area of the district, redeveloping and improving that area before thinking about expansion.

Resource Team member Thomas Guzman encouraged local officials to “showcase the gem that is this district. Over the next 5-8 years EGAD’s Main Street success will come one business at a time.”

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The Space Coast presents another dazzling arts season this year. Here is just a sample of what you can look forward- start planning now and get your tickets early, you don’t want to miss out! Visit www.brevardcountyevents.com for the full line-up.

Oct. 7

Fall For the Arts

5:30 p.m.

Eau Gallie District on Highland Avenue, Melbourne

Oct. 14-23

2011 Art of Sand Festival

9 a.m.

Space Coast Stadium, Viera

Nov. 11

“The Wizard of Oz”

Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m.

Thru November 27

Cocoa Village Playhouse

Nov. 19-20

Junior League of South Brevard’s Festival of Trees

10 a.m.

King Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard Community College

Nov. 26-27

Space Coast Art Festival

9 a.m.

Cocoa Beach

Dec. 3

Galmont Ballet with Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

“The Nutcracker Suite”

2 and 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Auditorium, Melbourne

Dec. 9

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s Fourth Annual Messiah Sing Along

7 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Viera

Dec. 12-13

“Shrek the Musical”

7:30 p.m.

King Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard Community College

Jan. 25-30

15^th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival

Titusville

Feb. 3

“Psycho Beach Party”

Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Thru February 12

Titusville Playhouse

Mar. 10

Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s “Cirque de la Symphonie”

2 and 8 p.m.

King Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard Community College

Apr. 6

“Fiddler on the Roof”

Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Henegar Center for the Arts, Melbourne

Apr. 28-29

Melbourne Art Festival

Downtown Melbourne

May 11

“The Elephant Man”

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Melbourne Civic Theatre

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Graffiti Grows Up – Christopher Maslow

From Street Artist to Gallery Exhibitor, artist Christopher Maslow’s Style is Attracting Lots of Attention.

Christopher Maslow grew up in Melbourne where his love of “graffiti art” first emerged. After moving to Los Angeles, Maslow began receiving commissions to create large-scale murals utilizing his unique style of aerosol art.  “Through the graffiti art I discovered spray paint. Through the years I’ve been able to refine the technique. I use the can as a brush.”

While in L.A. Maslow attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, “I learned promotion, marketing and design. After I became confident I understood how the business worked I launched my own clothing line.“  When the economy started going south Maslow decided he’d rather be a big fish in a small pond and came home in 2009 and opening his Slow Gallery X Fashion Boutique in downtown Melbourne to sell his clothing line. This summer he decided to close the store. “I did enjoy it while it lasted, and will continue to sell my clothing though other venues, but I simply outgrew it. My artwork is now my primary focus. It eventually became obvious to me that creating and selling my artwork made more sense economically, not to mention the fact that I enjoy painting more than anything.” Maslow’s new gallery is located at 1008 E. Strawbridge Ave. in Melbourne and houses a studio and gallery where he plans to exhibit his own art as well as that of other artists he’s like to support.

This summer Maslow spent 8-12 hours a day preparing for his first solo show of 2011. “Still Motion” is currently on display at the Art Gallery of Viera (through the middle of the month). The exhibit showcases native Florida animals and some of the Brevard Zoo’s animal celebrities panted in Mallow’s signature explosive style. He is currently working on a mural at the band shell in Eau Gallie Square Park, one of 15 commissioned by EGAD, and will soon begin working on outdoor murals in downtown Melbourne.

“I do believe the art economy is rebounding and people are starting to spend more on art. I’ve been very lucky and fortunate to have had the success that I’ve had this year.”

Picture Perfect – Kirk DodPicture Perfect

Merritt Island Photographer Kirk Dodd’s Vibrant Images Dazzle and Delight

Kirk Dodd has been taking pictures most of his life, but it wasn’t until three years ago that he found his true calling in the photographic world. “I’d become disillusioned with the routine stuff,” says Dodd. “Weddings, all the traditional stuff, I didn’t like doing that anymore. I’d seen a million of those traditional images and I just didn’t want to be ‘that guy’ doing that.”

Then Dodd discovered High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography. “After thirty years I’ve finally started doing photography the way I like it. No one is more surprised than I am at how well it’s been received.  A lot more people are coming into this format now, so I think I got into it at just the right time. So far, the best word I’ve heard describing my work is ‘fresh’. That made me feel good.”

For two years Dodd worked on his art, taking pictures, refining the images, framing and matting them, getting ready to display on the Art Festival circuit. Inspired by scenes he sees every day, “I see something that looks like it’s going to work, the work with it until it feels right.”

Dodd has won several awards since he began entering festivals throughout Central Florida, including third place in the digital media category at this year’s Melbourne Art Festival, the only Brevard County resident to win a prize. “When I discovered HDR it was a perfect match for me, I felt it instantly. Even if the public hadn’t responded well to my work I would still be doing this, but the first time someone bought one of my pieces it was magic. This has been a real fun ride for me.”

Kirk Dodd’s work can be viewed and purchased at www.kirkdodd.com

 Band of Brothers – Steve & Kevin Kornicki

Throughout the years Steve and Kevin Kornicki have made beautiful music separately and together, and now they’re getting ready to perform as  a group once again.

Steve Kornicki and his younger brother Kevin have made music together since they were children. “We grew up in a musical home,” says Steve. “Our father built synthesizers and my mother taught me the piano.” Steve also played guitar and bass while Kevin focused on percussion. “We had so many musical influences,” says Kevin. “My father introduced us to electronic music before anyone else became interested in it.”

The pair performed together as the Kornicki brothers in the 1980’s in Pennsylvania.

“We had a strong few years,” says Kevin of the brother act that blended fusion, classical and rock music during concerts at art festivals and upscale events.

Steve’s path eventually led to Los Angeles with wife Melissa.  “I knew there had to be another avenue for this atmospheric type sound, which led me to composing soundtracks.”  After making “all the right connections” five of Steve’s compositions were included in a music library. Today Steve’s compositions are in 15-20 music libraries used by production companies throughout the world. Focusing primarily on composing, Steve and Melissa moved to Brevard two years ago.

Kevin arrived in Brevard six years ago when his wife Cathleen Snow was transferred to Patrick Air Force Base. Today he owns and operates a full production music studio in Satellite Beach where he spends his time when not touring with Don Soledad & the World Element group and Squonk Opera. As collaborator and musical director of the award winning Broadway Squonk Opera, Kevin and his fellow “Squonkers” have taken the show to Europe and this summer reached the Top 48 on “America’s Got Talent.” “We finished pretty much where we expected to because so much of what we do is avante garde,” says Steve. “But 16-million people watched us and we reached a completely different market that had never heard our music, which was really our goal.”

The pair began collaborating on soundtracks two years ago and most of the time aren’t even aware their music has been used until the royalty checks appear. Calling soundtracks  “the perfect genre for their atmospheric ambient sound,”

The brothers are also looking forward to performing together once again.  “We’re auditioning for Disney in October,” says Steve. “Our sound is happy and upbeat-perfect for them.”

“Performing is a different feeling” says Kevin “It would be great to do that again, we perform all original music-no covers and it’s a challenge to market our stuff, but I look forward to performing again-it’s a whole new project for us.”

For more information visit
tuneinehere.com
kevinkornicki.com
stevekornicki.com

Fascinating Rhythm- Brian and Joani Slawson

Brian and Joani Slawson share their love of music with children, adults, and each other.

Brian Slawson’s love of percussion began at a very early age. He received a toy drum set at the age of four, by seven he was playing in a fife and drum corp., his first set of “real” drums came with lessons when he was ten, and by the time he was a teenager Brian knew he wanted to attend Juilliard and pursue a career in music. In 1976 Brian was one of two applicants in percussion selected to attend the prestigious school (160 percussion students had applied). Financing his education by performing on the streets of New York City, Brian was eventually “discovered” by Mikie Harris, assistant to Columbia Records producer John Hammond during a recording session. His debut album, “Bach on Wood” garnered a Grammy nomination for “Best New Classical Artist” and remained on Billboard’s classical chart for more than a year. A feature in “People” magazine and an appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” followed. “The phone was never as quiet as after the ‘Tonight Show,’” says Brian. “I still needed to work, nothing had changed, except people’s perceptions; they all thought I’d arrived.” While working as studio musician and touring the U.S. and Europe with various Broadway productions Brian produced a second album, (“Distant Drums” featuring guest artists including the late Stevie Ray Vaughn). Then, after 18 years, he decided to leave New York City and move to Brevard County.

Five years later, while performing at a benefit concert at Eau Gallie High School, he met his future wife. Joani was studying music, “I’d always loved to sing, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing,” says Joani. “I also knew I wanted to share that love of music with children. What I love most about my job,” says Joani, who is music director at Saturn Elementary School in Cocoa, “is seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they stand up and sing.”  This year Joani was one of 50 music educators from across the country honored by Yale University as a recipient of their 2011 Distinguished Music Education Award. Joani is also a private voice teacher and the conductor of the non-profit Brevard Children’s Chorus.

Brian is currently featured at the voice of “Gusto the Bulldog,” in Warner Brothers “Musical Expressions” series and a featured artist in MacMillan/McGraw Hill’s “Spotlight on Music” curriculum. He is the principal timpanist with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and a featured performer at Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist series.

These days the couple is celebrating their collaboration on Brian’s new children’s album “BoomerBeats.” Back in 1998 Brian first dreamed up Boomer, a character designed to teach children to love percussion. Throughout the years Boomer has evolved. ‘It took ten years to assemble a team to produce this,” says Brian. “He wrote the songs and I would help develop the lesson plans,” says Joani. Then she took it to her students. “I really wasn’t sure how they would respond. But the drums and percussion are so exciting to kids.”

This June, BoomerBeats had its premiere performance at Lincoln Center in New York. “Everybody loves the drums,” says Brian. “Drums are magical to kids, they not only hear something, they see the sounds as they happen.”

“It was a lot of fun to work together and see the project develop,” says Joani. “I think it’s brought us closer together over the years.”

BoomerBeats is currently available on ITunes.Visit boomerbeats.com for more information.

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A Decade of Delicious Dining

Health First Cardiac Services to benefit from Grape Escape X

This year’s event features an evening of fine food and exquisite wines at the elegant Moorings Club in Vero Beach on October 22. Each course in this multi-course gourmet dinner will be paired with a top shelf wine hand selected by a Certificate Level Sommelier. Dazzling auction items include collectible wines, fine art, vacation getaways and a unique heart pendant courtesy of Wesche Jewelers. Special accommodations will be provided by the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. Participation will help purchase the Artis Zeego Minimally Invasive OR Imaging System, the first of its kind in Brevard County, that will create a “hybrid OR” for cardiologists and vascular surgeons to utilize for various procedures.

More than $2.4 million has been raised through Grape Escape over the last ten years.

Among the programs benefiting from the event:

• The state-of-the-art Heart Center at Holmes Regional Medical Center
• Health First’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
• 2 year partnership with the American Heart Association to make Brevard a Heart Ready County, including the distribution of more than 56 Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) throughout Brevard
• The Electrophysiology Laboratory at Holmes Regional Medical Center
• The purchase of a new state of the art real time 3-D echocardiography imaging of the heart
• The purchase of an advanced electrophysiology system
• The purchase of an Intra-Cardiac Echocardiography (ICE) system
• Continued enhancements to the Cath Lab’s Cryogenic Ablation equipment for electrophysiology procedures

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Acoustic for a Change began with one musician, Arturo Echarte, who had a passion to play solo acoustic music and donating his tips to charities. The organization has expanded to include several musicians who offer their talents free to charity events and the collection of used instruments to give to those in need.  Arturo Echarte and his wife Susan, have had a successful business for 27 years Postal Center International. “We have been blessed with more free time during the past 5 years to pursue ways of giving back to our community. We’re still involved in our business but are spending more and more time with our ministries.”

When did Acoustic for a Change start?

It started in 2008 – about 3 years ago

What inspired you to start it?

I had been playing in a few church bands but I felt led to begin to play Solo Instrumental Acoustic Music. Initially I played at coffee shops and had a tip jar for Local Charities.  During one of these gigs I was asked to play a Charity Event for the Candlelighters. They offered to pay but I said I would gladly play for free.  That night I thought of creating a music ministry, which offered quality musicians for FREE at Charity events. I began promoting this to local charities and receive an awesome response. I then began playing for non-charity events (weddings, cocktail events, dinner parties, Matt’s Casbah, etc…) and thought of charging a donation fee for these events.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I like a variety of music: classical, jazz, instrumental, world music, and classic rock.  You can learn much from each genre.

What is your favorite type of music to play?

Personally, I love to play a song that has a heartfelt melody. One that can take people away or help them reflects on the beauty that God has created.

How long have you played?

I attempted to play the guitar in college but never followed through… About 15 years ago I became serious in learning Classical/Fingerstyle and as my passion grew so did the ministry. Music for me is a very personal thing and a way of dealing with the stresses that life brings. It took a while to want to share my music with others.

Any favorite moment or event that stands out in your memory?

I played a gig In L.A. for Wolfgang Puck. It was at the Pacific Design Center for his charity Cal-Spirit. There were over 2,000 people at the event and I had the opportunity to get a photo with Wolfgang. During one of the breaks a man came up to me and said he liked my classical song. After he left I asked the sound guy “Is he someone famous?” It turned out to be Alex Trebek from Jeopardy. WOW!!!

Are you from Brevard originally? If not, what led you to move to this area?

I was raised in Ft Lauderdale but we would always come to Brevard to visit friends, surf.  When I began to raise a family we decided to settle here. Great place to raise our two daughters!

Who receives the donated instruments?

We have given instruments to the Brevard Youth Symphony, Florida Institute of Technology, The DOCK, Brevard Neighborhood Coalition, Club Esteem. We are currently working with Viera Hospital to place some instruments.  We have also placed many instruments with individuals who could not afford one of their own.

What is the best way for someone to reach you if they want to hire you for an event or donate an instrument?

The best way to reach me is my email (pcisurfer@aol.com) or Facebook (Acoustic for a Change) or by calling (321) 544-4949

For an example of my music they could go to You Tube (Arturo Echarte).

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Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, and Face of Change non-profit host Meal Packaging Event to package 100,000 meals

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, a well known Brevard County facial plastic surgeon is organizing his second Face of Change  meal packaging event to take place Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Florida Air Academy and will benefit women and children in Brevard County.

The meal packaging project came about when Dr. Ross Clevens of Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery traveled to the East African nation of Tanzania on several medical mission trips with a group from Outreach Africa International, which helps people overcome the effects of poverty in 14 countries. On these trips, Clevens was in surgery for nearly 12 hours per day, performing surgical procedures to correct cleft lips, burns and other areas of need, but couldn’t help but realize that the need for nutritionally sound meals was as critical as the need for health care.

The first Face of Change meal packaging event was held in January of this year and was attended by 600 volunteers who packaged over 100,000 nutritionally complete, United Nations standard meals that were shipped to Tanzania, Africa to aid starving women and children.  “The event was an absolutely tremendous success,” Clevens said of the event.

For the upcoming event at Florida Air Academy the goal is to have 750 volunteers and raise $25,000. With each meal costing .25 each, 100% of the money raised will go towards the cost of the meals.  The 100,000 meals that are packaged will then be donated to local food banks right here in Brevard County.

For more information on the September 10, 2011 Meal packaging Event being held at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, FL please contact Lorin Carpenter, (321) 412-2349.

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Lilly Oncology on Canvas Art Exhinition on display at Space Coast Cancer Center in Viera Medical Plaza

WHAT: Oncology On Canvas^SM, an art exhibition honoring the journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, will be on display at Space Coast Cancer Center’s Viera office from August 15-30.  This free public exhibit, which is touring communities nationwide, will showcase approximately 25 select pieces of art from the 2010 Oncology On Canvas competition.

WHERE: Space Coast Cancer Center 8725 N Wickham Road Suite 103 Viera, FL 32940

WHEN: August 15- August 30th

WHY: Launched in 2004, Lilly Oncology On Canvas is now showcasing art from its 2010 competition.  This biennial art competition invites people from the United States and Puerto Rico diagnosed with any type of cancer ¾ as well as their families, friends, caregivers and healthcare providers ¾ to express, through art and narrative, the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journeys meaning.

The themes explored in the more than 600 entries submitted to the 2010 competition ranged from hope, to fear, to the loss of individualism, to the support of family and friends, to the memory of those lost, to the perseverance of those who survive.  In 2010, nearly $40,000 was donated to the cancer-related charities chosen by winners.  The traveling exhibition of art is currently touring hospitals, cancer centers, patient advocacy group events and other venues nationwide.

WHO: Lilly Oncology On Canvas is presented by Lilly Oncology, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that improve the care of people living with cancer, in partnership with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), which advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and provides tools that empower people affected by cancer to advocate for themselves.  This exhibit is made possible by the participation of Space Coast Cancer Center (SCCC), one of the premier Hematology/Oncology practices in central Florida with locations in Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Viera. SCCC is Florida’s First and only practice to be recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI), a certification program of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

For further information on Lilly Oncology On Canvas, visit www.LillyOncologyOnCanvas.com, call 1-866-991-LOOC (5662) or e-mail artdirector@mylooc.com.  Also, follow Lilly Oncology On Canvas on Twitter (twitter.com/LlyOncOnCanvas), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/LillyOncologyOnCanvas) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/LlyOncOnCanvas).  To learn more about cancer survivorship tools and resources, visit the NCCS website at www.canceradvocacy.org.

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Little did Dr. Ken and Susie Hazlett know when they bought their daughter Megan her first keyboard at age six they were launching a musical career. Soon after receiving the gift for Christmas “I remember sitting with my little sister and hearing a tune in my head,” says Megan, now 14. “After about a year I started writing at the piano and figured out I have a talent for it.”

Since then Megan has written about thirty songs. “It’s a release for me. If I’m upset about something I’ll write a song, it’s a good way to sort out my feelings. When I learn a new song I’ll sit and play and feel good.”

“She’s very involved,” Says mom Susie, “and extremely self motivated. She won’t do something unless she does it right.” While a student at Holy Name of Jesus School Megan served as school president, participated in competetive dance, was on the cheerleading squad and served as class valedictorian

Teacher Georgia Germond of Little House of Music in Satellite Beach says, “I taught her first note on the piano, today she is so musically advanced. Megan is a beautiful person, both inside and out-she’s a wonderful teenager.”

This month Megan will enter 9^th grade at Satellite High School where she will study at the school’s Performing Arts Academy, participate in their musical theater program, Chorus and cheerleading. ‘She works very hard at everything she does,” says Susie of Megan, who writes approximately two new songs a week. “Lately she and her sister Kelly (age 11) have been playing together. She encouraged Kelly to learn guitar to play backup and they’ve performed together at Holy Name of Jesus.”

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Florida Tech Athletics: teeming with talent

A school recognized for its extensive technological curriculum and international student diversity, Florida Tech is also home to a multitude of accomplished athletes.

More than 275 students enrolled at the Melbourne university are involved in one or more of the school’s athletic programs – showing strong skills on the filed as well as in the classroom.

“Athletics provides our students with an opportunity to compete at a high level of intercollegiate sports,” says Ryan Jones, athletic communications director at FIT. “It gives students a chance to learn values and skills they can use throughout their lives. It also enables them to support one another and their institution, thus increasing school spirit.”

Currently, the university offers 17 sports, which are played at different times throughout the year.

In the 2011-12 academic school year, the program will add men’s and women’s swimming and diving, as well as men’s lacrosse. Following months of fundraising and preparation, Florida Tech will also kick-off its new football program in the fall of 2013.

Uniformed Success

“Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” — William A. Ward

During the 2010-11 season, five athletic teams from Florida Tech sent at least one representative to a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II tournament.

• Women’s Basketball participated in the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament, where its players competed against teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.

• Men’s Golf participated in its third NCAA Division II South/Southeast Regional competition in the past four years, led by head coach Chris Saltmarsh.

• Women’s Golf player Jessica Hook, a sophomore business administration major from Wilmington, N.C., participated in her first NCAA Division II Super Regional, where she finished with a six-over-par 78.

• Women’s Soccer advanced to its first-ever NCAA Division II Final Four and is currently ranked fourth in the nation in its division.

“Our team worked very hard to make it this far,” says Head Coach Fidgi Haig, who has more than 15 years experience coaching women’s soccer. “It was a long season with lots of challenges to overcome, but the players showed a lot of character, patience and discipline.”

• Women’s Tennis participated in the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament for the third straight year.

Head Coach Bill Macom, who has coached both men’s and women’s tennis at FIT for the past six years, says it was the girls’ continuous efforts that got them so far.

“They worked hard volunteering in the community, hard enough to make it to the NCAA tournament, hard enough to post above a 3.5 team grade-point-average this year and hard enough to achieve many individual awards,” Coach Macom says. “I am certainly proud of their accomplishments and looking forward to them setting their goals extremely high next season.”

Football Frenzy

“The measure of who were are is what we do with what we have.” — Vince Lombardi

Approved by the Florida Tech Board of Trustees in April 2010, the university’s upcoming football program is a dream come true for many in the community.

From up-and-coming athletes to tourism and economic analysts, the program could mean big things for the Space Coast area.

Once established, Florida Tech’s football team could compete against teams from Valdosta State, Jacksonville and Stetson universities, as well as the University of North Alabama.

Organizers have spent the past 10 months recruiting for the university’s first football class and expect commitments from more than 40 players from throughout the state, as well as the rest of the country, says John Thomas, director of football operations at Florida Tech. These players will enroll at the university this fall.

Current recruiting efforts are being led by assistant coaches Ray Herring, who played locally for Holy Trinity before moving on to the University of Notre Dame, as well as Jayson Martin, former offensive coordinator and interim head coach at Rose-Hulman Insititute of Technology in Indiana.

Steve R. Englehart II, former head football coach at Rose-Hulman, has been selected as the first head football coach for the Panthers. Englehart, who played quarterback at Indiana State University, went on to serve Rose-Hulman where he had the highest winning percentage in school history. Since 2010, Englehart has served as offensive coordinator at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

“We had tremendous interest from coaches at all levels, from high school to the National Football League,” John says. “We’re excited about taking the program to the next level.”

An estimated $2,700,000 was budgeted to begin Florida Tech’s football program, which features a multi-phase plan and includes significant fundraising assistance from a major corporate sponsor. The university has also implemented the Florida Tech Football Founder’s Club, made up of 10 $100,000 donors, who will help to get the program off the ground. Football is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013.

“Florida Tech will soon be the bridge to unite our Central Florida community in a way never accomplished before,” John says. “The excitement and enthusiasm for Panther Football will help the university share all that it has to offer. Our students are extremely excited, and we know that falls on campus will never be the same after that first kick-off.”

We are the Champions

Below is a list of championships won by Florida Tech teams and individual athletes.

National Championships
• Men’s Rowing Varsity Eight: 1982, 1988

• Men’s Soccer: 1988, 1991

• Daniella Iacobelli: Women’s Golf Individual Champion 2007

Dad Vail Championships

• Men’s Rowing Overall Champions: 1986, 1987, 1988

• Men’s and Women’s Rowing Combined Champions: 1982, 1987

Regional Championships

• Baseball: 1992

• Women’s Basketball: 2001-02

• Men’s and Women’s Rowing Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Overall Champions: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991

• Men’s Soccer: 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993

• Women’s Soccer: 2010

State Championships

• Men’s and Women’s Rowing Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) Overall Champions: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2006

Sunshine State Conference Regular Season Championships

•Women’s Basketball: 1991-92, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1996-97, 2001-02, 2006-07

• Men’s Basketball: 1989-90

• Women’s Cross Country: 1985, 1986, 1987

• Men’s Cross Country: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991

• Women’s Rowing: 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005

• Men’s Soccer: 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993

• Women’s Soccer: 2010

Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championships

• Women’s Basketball: 1991-92, 1992-93, 1996-97, 2001-02

Sunshine State Conference Individual Championships

• David Ahmad-Abdallah (Men’s Cross Country)

• Daniella Iacobelli (Women’s Golf)

• Anthony Klingensmith (Men’s Golf)

• Melanie Thebarge (Women’s Cross Country)

• Sara Trané (Women’s Cross Country)

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Binggeli Receives Good Grades on First Annual “Report Card”

They have been described as “pretty big shoes” that Brian Binggeli, Ed.D stepped into in July of 2009.  That is when he took over as Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools (BPS) from the very capable and well respected hands of the retiring, eight-year veteran, Dr. Richard DiPatri.  But Binggeli was no rookie, having flourished as a superintendent in Fairfax Country, Virginia one of the most highly regarded school systems in the country.

Nevertheless, being responsible for over 73,000 students and approximately 9,000 employees in more than 100 schools and special centers in a county where the northernmost school is 75 miles from the southernmost would be daunting to anyone.  Adding to this challenge are the four consecutive years of large cuts to the operating fund due to reduced capital millage and declining tax rolls, along with the legislatively mandated objectives, which have no clear plans for how they are to be funded.

If the ability to solve the “big problems” is what makes a leader, it seems as though Brian Binggeli will have every opportunity.  What is more, those inside and outside the school system seem to feel he has risen to the occasion.

Fresh Ideas and New Approaches

School Board members universally agreed that a “fresh set of eyes” and an “outsider’s perspective” were just what the school system needed.

Amy Kneessy, who has served on the Brevard School Board since 2004, certainly thinks so.  According to Kneessy, Binggeli had to resolve two challenges right out of the gate.  “The County was losing hundreds of thousands of dollars a month on our self-funded health insurance program, in which employee contributions hadn’t been raised in eight years.  We had the reserves to cover this expense, but that kind of bleeding can’t continue indefinitely.  Equally controversial and perhaps more divisive was the need to rezone portions of the county.  Nothing can produce a call to arms like changing where children go to school.”

In a move that surprised many, Binggeli literally “walked the district lines,” knocking on doors and talking to the residents who would be affected.  When public meetings were held, he was able to confidently say, “No, everyone in that neighborhood is not upset about the new district lines.  I talked to…”  A process that has historically been described as “heated,” instead was regarded as “smooth.”

Brevard School Board member Dr. Barbara Murray commented, “Dr. DiPatri led the school district to excel in many initiatives and earned respect throughout Florida.  Dr. Binggeli leads with a greater focus, which allows personnel to concentrate on fewer, albeit more refined, goals and objectives.”

Unique Challenges in Unprecedented Times

Also, though one might expect the large number of layoffs to mean a corresponding reduction in public school enrollment, the current economy has led to a sizeable exodus from the private and parochial schools in the county, back into the public schools, thus filling this gap.

To address the looming budgetary challenges Binggeli didn’t respond with a “cross the board” percentage cut as many expected.  Instead, he brought in administrative personnel from around the county, in a collaborative effort that many call “characteristic” and spent months scrutinizing the budget, in a line item fashion, to make efficacious cuts, while endeavoring to preserve vital programs and personnel.

Binggeli himself observed, “Over the last decade, BPS has added nearly 3 million square feet of facilities, (which brings the total to over $1.8 billion in facilities) yet improved work processes have us effectively maintaining those facilities with over 20 percent fewer maintenance employees.  In addition, the collective efforts of people in our entire organization to reduce kilowatt hour consumption have allowed us to cut over $1.5 million from this line item in the last two years.  Understanding and prioritizing our educational needs allow us to strategically use these dollars to save valuable people and programs that serve our students.”

Leadership Though it is unique, Brevard School Board member Andy Ziegler was emphatic, “Most people don’t recognize that the school system is not only a business, it is the largest and most complicated business in the county!”  This recognition, that he has to lead a business, is never lost on Binggeli.  He points out, “Any organization’s culture and people will determine its success.  High performing businesses tend to be learning organizations.  People work collaboratively, guided by organizational vision and focus, supported with quality processes and resources, with mutual accountability for results.  Successful schools or school districts follow the same blueprint.”

“For example, we have studied the culture and practices of Nucor Steel.  The steel production section of their company is about the same size as BPS as it relates to employees and facilities.  They are one of the most innovative companies in their industry where, in their words, ‘research and development isn’t a department, it is a way of life.”

Continuing this thought he adds, “Ideas, strategies and solutions are developed at every level of an organization and mechanisms are in place to share them across organizational and geographic boundaries.  Employees individually and collectively benefit from improved results.  Much of our strategic focus and organizational actions have been aimed at nurturing this type of high-performance culture.”

It is Part Science and Part Art No one questions the priority Americans put on education; we have some of the finest educational institutions in the world.  However, according to those on the inside, our culture doesn’t have the same high regard for educators.  The derogatory slur by playwright George Bernard Shaw, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,” is a frightfully common perception.  As Dr. Barbara Murray reminds us, “President Kennedy said in 1962, ‘We pay those to whom we entrust our children’s minds less than we pay those to whom we entrust our plumbing.”

This attitude is one that Binggeli and the School Board want to change.  A lifelong educator and the most recent member of the Board, Dr. Michael Krupp, said, “Teaching is a science and an art and it is only for those that receive the vocational calling with a true spirit to teach, that succeed.”  But he adds, “It is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary tools and support so that they can perform to the best of their ability.”

So how do we inspire the students to learn and the teachers who teach?  “Certainly teachers, and indeed all employees, want to be compensated for a job well done,” Binggeli says, adding, “I think there is evidence that our teachers collectively are as skilled and dedicated as anywhere in our state or nation.  We want to foster school cultures where they work collaboratively with shared purpose and input into critical school improvement decisions and actions.  Our community also needs to join us in showing our teachers that they are valued and appreciated.”

Binggeli then pointed to the research Ronald Ferguson, director of Harvard University’s Achievement Gap Initiative had done, having studied the achievement results of thousands of students in schools across the country.  He notes that students who seem to have “beat-the-odds” achievement have two common descriptors for their teachers.  The first is “she does things for me that she doesn’t have to do” and the second is “she never lets me give up.”

Over two thousand years ago, Socrates said, “The secret to a successful society is education.  If we can just give everybody a good education, then it must follow that the world will get better and better.”  It seems as though the Board and the Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools is doing their best to make sure that happens.

Brian T. Binggeli

Superintendent, Brevard Public Schools

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Aircraft maintenance company expansion adds to MLB’s growing aviation cluster

The Melbourne Airport Authority is expected to approve on Wednesday the construction of a new 33,750-square-foot hangar that will house Executive Wings, Inc., a full-service turboprop maintenance facility.

Executive Wings, which recently acquired Royal Atlantic Aviation, Inc. at Melbourne International Airport, was identified as “Project Aloha” during negotiations with the airport, the city of Melbourne and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

The new hangar, which more than doubles the size of the Royal Atlantic Aviation lease, will help create more than 10 new jobs and expand Executive Wings’ annual economic impact to nearly $2 million a year.

Executive Wings will offer aircraft service, maintenance, engineering, airframe modifications, engine overhauls/upgrades, safety upgrades, fuel, ground support equipment and flight certification training at its new facility.

The expansion will further enhance the airport’s reputation as a rapidly growing aviation maintenance and manufacturing hub. Executive Wings joins fellow aviation maintenance companies AAR Corp. and MidairUSA, who began operations at the airport this year. Additionally three aircraft manufacturers, Liberty Aerospace, Evektor and Brazilian aviation giant Embraer, operate at the airport.

“We have a wonderful opportunity here to continue to expand the airport’s aviation manufacturing and maintenance cluster,” said Richard A. Ennis, airport executive director. “This type of project helps us grow as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic aviation and aerospace hubs while creating new jobs in the post-shuttle economy.”

Executive Wings considered at least two other airports outside the state before deciding to expand at Melbourne.

Construction of the $2.77 million Executive Wings hangar is being financed by the airport and an $860,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. The company has agreed to a 20-year lease with two five-year extension options.

The airport board also will consider a request by Executive Wings to become a fixed-base operator “A” at the airport, which would grant permission for the company to sell aviation fuel.

About Melbourne International Airport

Melbourne International Airport serves east Central Florida, including Brevard and Indian River counties, and is responsible for generating more than $1 billion per year in economic activity.  The airport, which has three runways and a 200,000-square-foot terminal, currently serves Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Direct Air, US Airways, Baer Air and AirGate Aviation. For more information, visit www.mlbair.com.

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With the exception of service animals, dogs are not allowed on public beaches in Brevard County. But dogs can frolic at a few of Brevard County’s off leash dog parks.

Lori Wilson Park

Close as you can get to the beach- The Lori Wilson Dog Park is a 32,000 square foot fenced, off-leash area with large dog and small dog areas. Outside the Dog Park, dogs are allowed in parking lot only and must be on short leash.

Palm Bay Regional Park

A 40,000 sq. ft. fenced, off-leash area with large and small dog zones. Outside the Dog Park, dogs are allowed in parking lot only and must be on short leash.

Wickham Park

A fenced, off-leash area with large and small dog zones. Outside of the Dog Park dogs must be on short leash only, and are prohibited around lakes, picnic areas and playgrounds.

A record of current vaccinations is required. All dogs must wear a current Brevard County license tag. Visitors from outside Brevard County must have the equivalent license tag from the governing authority of their place of residence (city, county, state), along with current license/tag and shot record.

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