Zorc earns Proudly We Hail award
Exchange Club of Indian River presented its Proudly We Hail award to Frank Zorc of Vero Beach at its weekly luncheon meeting at Culinary Capers Catering on June 22. His daughter, Gwen Lamothe, accompanied him to the presentation. Andrew Molloy, chair of the club's Proudly We Hail committee, made the presentation of a special plaque depicting the Pledge of Allegiance in recognition of Zorc's contribution of the original American flags that fly over Vero Beach's bridges on national holidays, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day, in honor of the armed forces. In 2010, he also donated the 25-foot-long flag that flies over the entrance to Memorial Island and has provided other flags for display over the years.
Zorc is a lifelong admirer of the American flag. At age 12, he founded the "Red, White, and Blue Boys Club." Members collected newspapers and other needed items for the wartime effort.
Proudly We Hail is a special Americanism award presented annually by Exchange Clubs throughout the country. It honors individuals, businesses and institutions for outstanding and ongoing patriotic display of the American flag. Other Exchange Club of Indian River projects to promote Americanism include Get Out the Vote, One Nation Under God, Project GiveAKidAFlagToWave, and installations of Freedom Shrines in public buildings.
United Way's financial programs a hit
Through it's three-year-old Family Financial Stability Initiative, United Way of Indian River County announced it has brought more than $1,4 million back into the community.
"It's astounding that through promotion of our prescription drug card and through the efforts of some very dedicated volunteers we are able to help so many and help them save so much," said Michael Kint, CEO of United Way.
Developed by the Board of Directors and championed by the United Way staff, local businesses and ero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer, the Family Financial Stability Initiative was "a direct result of strategically looking at ways to put more money back into the hands of the working poor at a time when it is most needed," Kint added.
The program consists of two elements: the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
Launched in July 2008, United Way of Indian River County's free FamilyWize Prescription Cards have saved Indian River County residents more thank $650,000 the agency reported. Since its launch, 33,788 claims have been submitted with average prescription discount of $18.51, placing Indian River County third in the state for the number of claims, just behind Escambia County and Miami-Dade.
"We are thrilled that this program has meant tangible savings for Indian River County residents," Kint said. "In these tough times, every dollar counts. (Prescription drugs) are a concern for just about everyone, and this is a great way of making sure you get the most for your money."
Discount cards can be obtained from the United Way office at 1836 14th Ave., in Vero Beach during business hours. People with Internet access can also print a card by visiting the website at www.FamilyWize.com as well as look up drug prices and the list of participating pharmacies. Most pharmacies across the United States honor the cards and there is no cost for the card nor eligibility requirements.
In 2009-10, the United Way partnered with the IRS to promote its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The United Way opened its first VITA site in January 2010. Since that time, volunteer tax preparers, including Mayor Kramer, have processed 539 returns, resulting in $771,986 in refunds. United Way of Indian River County also is unique amongst its partners across the state in that the VITA program was sponsored by local CPA firms. In 2011 the sponsors were Harris, Cotherman, Jones, Price & Associates and Morgan, Jacoby, Thurn, Boyle & Associates.
The United Way VITA site, staffed entirely by volunteers, saw a dramatic increase in traffic over last year, up 38 percent. The program was promoted through local sponsorship dollars, a block grant from the IRS and through donated media. United Way of Indian River County also promoted the program through non-traditional means, producing a drink coaster distributed through local bars and restaurants; the coaster was produced by Vero Beach company Brandit Corporation at a deeply discounted rate.
Tax preparers: Ben Tartaglia; Darlene Forage; Dave Parker; David Geiser; Ed Kroah; Gail Doughtie; Ivan Munoz; Jay Kramer; Les Brink; Martin Zickert; Marvin Hathaway; Sheila Iodice; Susan Caito; and Eve Ballance.
Tax screeners: Rita Borucki and Louis Nicolini.
Childcare center is Grow Up Great site
Childcare Resources of Indian River announces that the Childcare Resources Education Center has been designated by the PNC Grow Up Great program as an official volunteer site. PNC Grow Up Great is a 10-year, $100-million bilingual initiative to improve early childhood education.
Through PNC Grow Up Great, PNC employees receive 40 paid hours off a year to volunteer and help increase the potential for young children to succeed. PNC employees will partner with Childcare Resources by volunteering at its Education Center, which provides affordable quality early education for 53 children, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, from working families.
Childcare Resources makes quality childcare affordable for income eligible working families living in Indian River County. The organization assists working parents with childcare tuition to enroll their children at local accredited childcare centers and in its opened Education Center. Childcare Resources also provides a wide variety of parent education and family support programs as well as professional development opportunities for early educators.
Cast of 'The Wiz' announced
The cast of the Summer Stage '11 production's of "The Wiz" has been announced, and the show is in rehearsal. Director Kevin Quillinan is working with a cast of 48, including a group of Munchkins, rehearsing at the Gifford Youth Activity Center this summer with choreographer Adam Schnell.
Cast members are: Shannon Maloney as Dorothy; and Jay Wiggins; Emma Johnson; Kasey Sanchez; Euphemia Rahming; Megan Taylor Callahan; Kimmy Zerega; Anna Morris; Jamari Williams; Quintin Smith; Peter Wixon; Michael Schiefer; Whitney Foote; Olivia Lazorik; Tahlia Cisneros; Heather Nevins; Emma Brownstein; Christian Herbst; Emily Stewart; Jade Wild; Piper Wild; Taylor Beckmann; Sean Castro; Mekenzie Moses; Patrick Schlitt; Jasmine Bell; Jacqs Carroll; Hanna Cole; Shae McDonald; Emily Salvador; Prelixus Taylor; Lillian Connell; Melanie Funka; Skyler Granito; Riley Lowell; Sarah Rahming; Mackenzie Ross; Alyssa Ruby; Ryan Terpstra; Hannah Wintermyer; Nadya Yrawecz; Shania Elizabeth Ross; Jasmine David; Brandy Queen; Sasigh Zhane Stafford; Xaria Ariel Reason; Demari Adams and Khalia Dawson.
"The Wiz" is an updated musical version of "The Wizard of Oz."
Additional production staff includes Karen Wiggins and Kaitlin Brewer. Scenic design is by Jon Moses; costume design by April Bowman, lighting design by Michael Bell, prop design by Richard Mason and sound design by Josh Schacht.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 22, 23, 29 and 30 and 1:30 p.m. July 23, 24, 30 and 31. Tickets can be purchased at www.riversidetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 772-231-6990.
The show is made possible through funding from the Richardson Family Foundation.
Warren re-appointed as Bar's paralegal
Priscilla Horn Warren has been re-appointed to The Florida Bar's General Practice Solo and Small Firm Section as its CLA-CP representative for the 2011-12 term. The nomination took place at The Florida Bar's Annual Convention on June 24 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. This is her 17th consecutive year as paralegal liaison with the Section.
Warren is a nationally certified and Florida registered paralegal with extensive experience in assisting attorneys in the preparation of their clients' personal injury and civil litigation cases. She lives in Vero Beach and also is a licensed Realtor/TRC/buyer's agent with Associated Home Solutions Realty, LLC in Vero Beach. She is an active member with the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Paralegal Association of Florida, and is vice president of Trips with the Vero Beach Ski Club.
Club member's art chosen for exhibit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County member Ashley Christensen, 12, is one of 37 Boys & Girls Clubs artists whose work has been chosen to appear in the 2011 National Fine Arts Exhibit.
Selected from more than 252 finalists vying for top honors at this year's national competition, Ashley's piece, "House of Cool," won for the 10-12 year-old age group in the monochromatic category, and will travel with the National Fine Arts Exhibit on a nationwide tour. In recognition of their achievement, winning artists will receive a plaque and congratulatory letter from Roxanne Spillett, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Fine Arts Program is a comprehensive initiative promoting creativity in a variety of media as well encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment. As a participant in the Fine Arts program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County submitted artwork from four age divisions and 10 categories, such as watercolors, pastels, collage and sculpture. The national judging was held recently in Atlanta.
Douglas is newest Exchangite
Scott Douglas of Vero Beach is the newest member of Exchange Club of Indian River. Douglas is national account manager with Coventry Health Care, Inc. in Chicago. Past President Ed Kay is his sponsor for membership.
Exchange Club of Indian River provides the community with programs in youth activities, service and Americanism. Through participation in its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Exchange Club of Indian River's Foundation supports several youth-related charities in Indian River County.
The Foundation's second annual WinnerFest Merry Christmas Raffle, chaired by R.J. MacMillan, will be Dec. 18 at the Seventh Annual Pointe West's Winter Fest in Heritage Park, 1999 Pointe West Drive, Vero Beach. Top prize in this year's Raffle is a 32GB Apple iPad with Wi-Fi valued at more than $700. Merrill Lynch is a major WinnerFest sponsor. All proceeds benefit local child abuse prevention projects; the winner need not be present to win. The Foundation's other major annual fundraiser is the 35th annual Exchange Club Blue Water Open "Dolphin Mania" Charity Fishing Tournament on May 21.
Sharp's art aids hospital program
Barbara J. Sharp of Sebastian, a nationally recognized artist, recently completed painting a 5-foot-high, 4-foot-wide fiberglass butterfly as a fundraiser for the St. Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital's pediatric hospice and palliative care Wings in the City program. The butterfly replica was one of 54 in the collection that went to auction in April, raising $1.3 million dollars for the Jennifer and Jim Koman Expressive Therapy Program. The program helps children and their families identify, cope and share their feelings using art, music and dance to promote expressions of feeling while reducing pain, anxiety and fear.
Sharp's Born in the USA butterfly fetched $32,000 and displayed elements of the American heritage that represents the pride and graciousness of freedom. It was adorned with paintings, glass beads and mosaic pieces creating the Statue of Liberty, American flag, an eagle, the four presidents of Mount Rushmore with skyrocketing fireworks, seals of the Armed Services and more. It was purchased by a private buyer who has donated it to the USO at the Lambert Airport in St. Louis.
Sharp's fiberglass turtle replicas also were highlighted in the Mental Health Association's public art display TutleTrax in 2004 to help underwrite the programs offered by the non-profit organization. It was during this period that dual Vero Beach and St. Louis residents Jennifer and Jim Koman met Sharp.
For more information, visit Sharpartdesigns.com.
Presbyterian Women honor Freas
The Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach awarded Honorary Life Membership to Rosemary Freas on June 26. Honorary Life Membership, the highest recognition given by Presbyterian Women, has been a tradition in Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1912. Recipients of Honorary Life Membership (HLM) are part of a select group who have been honored over generations for their commitment and their faithful service to the church. PW of First Presbyterian Church has awarded this honor to thirty-six other women and men since 1993.
In a surprise ceremony during the morning service, PW Moderator Becky Stewart presented Freas with the symbolic silver HLM pin. She was assisted by Barb Schwin, 2010 Life Member. The contribution made in the recipient's honor is used to help support Leadership Development grants that provide training of women for future leadership within the church.
Presbyterian Women (PW) is an active, independent, self-sufficient organization of women within the Church. They hold special events, meet regularly in Circles, participate in fundraising and other projects, and support Mission projects locally and around the world. They raised $11,500 to support 21 organizations in 2010.
Murray, Dimin earn bachelor's degrees
Ryan Murray and Philip Dimin graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. on May 14:
Murray of Sebastian is the son of Michael and Coletta Murray. He earned a bachelor's degree in business, organizations and society. He is a graduate of St. Edwards School.
Dimin of Vero Beach is the son of Michael and Tessa Dimin. He eared a bachelor's degree in American studies. He is a graduate of Fieldston School.
Tropical Night nets $51,000
The Youth Guidance 34th annual Tropical Night Luau's silent and live auctions raised more than $18,000 with party-goers bidding on a variety of items donated by local businesses and individuals, including restaurant and spa gift certificates, recreation packages, art and jewelry. Guests also could "sponsor a child" for summer camp for $75 a week.
Through sponsorships, community involvement and donations, Youth Guidance will be providing summer camp scholarships and other year-round activities to hundreds of children enrolled in the program. The Grass Skirt ($3,000) sponsor was Dyer Chevrolet and Dyer Mazda Subaru. The Mai Tai ($2,000) sponsors included George E. Warren Corporation, Vero Beach Exchange Club, Exchange Club of the Treasure Coast, Exchange Club of Indian River and Exchange Club of Sebastian. The Tiki Torch ($1,000) sponsors included Kiwanis Club of Vero-Treasure Coast, Vero Beach Rotary and Vero Beach Sunrise Rotary. Many other supporters and community members also helped to make thes Luau the best one yet. Tropical Night netted more than $51,000, and Youth Guidance extends its gratitude and appreciation to everyone who made the event so successful.
Youth Guidance will give camp scholarships to over 200 disadvantaged youth this summer, costing more than $62,000.
The primary purpose of Youth Guidance is to match each of its almost 700 at-risk K-12 grade children with a volunteer mentor 21 years or older. Mentors spend just a few hours a week with their mentee doing friendship based activities that they both enjoy.
For more information, visit www.ircyouth.com or call 772-770-5040.
Watson graduates marine academy
Cadet 1st Class Christopher Watson of Vero Beach graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy on June 18 with a degree in marine transportation.
Publix grant aids Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Indian River County announced that it received a $2,500 grant from the Publix Supermarkets Charities to fund The Mobile Feeding Canteen Program to provide hot meals to the homebound, disabled and at risk residents in the Indian River County community two times a week for the entire year through the disaster relief vehicle.
The Salvation Army of IRC started the mobile feeding program in 1999 to fill a void in the community where people who were confined to their home and were not able to leave their residence to obtain a meal or get groceries could receive help. This program not only provides a meal but also gives them hope that help is out there during these trying times with the current economic climate.
It is the support of community food drives, financial support and organizations like Publix Supermarkets Charities that has helped sustain the Mobile Feeding Program for over 10 years.
Moirano earns marketing degree
Ashley L. Moirano of Vero Beach graduated cum laude from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, N.H., on May 14, 2011 with a bachelor's degree in marketing.
Zimmer honored at Westminster
Isabella Zimmer of Vero Beach, a junior at Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn., earned honors for the spring 2011 academic term.
Freeman makes UNF dean's list
Katherine Freeman has been named to the University of North Florida's dean's list for the Spring 2011 term.
She is the daughter of Darcy and John Freeman of Vero Beach.
Waterlily photo winners named
At McKee Botanical Garden's seventh annual Waterlily Celebration on June 18, more than 500 visitors enjoyed two separate showcases of blooms: one in the Garden's waterways, and the other in the historic Hall of Giants, where 167 photographs were on display for McKee's second annual Waterlily Photography Contest. The number of entries was more than double last year's total of 82 photos.
The contest consisted of three judged divisions, Black and White, Manipulated and Color and a fourth "People's Choice" category that was voted on by visitors. Winners included Anne Malsbary (Black and White), Joan C. Jones (Manipulated), Shelley Stang (Color) and George F. Bollis, Jr. (People's Choice). Each was awarded a free Family Membership to McKee Botanical Garden.
The photos were judged by Louis Ciszek, a founding member of the Indian River Photo Club and former professional photographer. He also judged the annual juried photo exhibition at the Vero Beach Museum of Art since 2007.
Contest rules stipulated that all waterlily photos had to be taken at McKee Botanical Garden in 2010 or 2011.
Photograph enthusiasts at the Waterlily Celebration also were treated to a free "Photographing Waterlilies" class taught by Pat Rice, past president of the Indian River Photo Club.
The Waterlily Celebration was sponsored by the AT&T Real Yellow Pages.
For more information, call 772-794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.
MacMillan to head Exchange
R.J. MacMillan will serve as the 38th president of Exchange Club of Indian River as its 38th president. Board officers include Aaron Bowles, president-elect; Jennifer Frederick, secretary; and Melinda Branand, treasurer. Other directors include Joan Barcus, Nancy Gollnick, Michele Knight, Barbara Parent, Robert Poore and David Walker. Andrew Molloy is past president. Florida District Exchange Clubs President Eric Menger of Vero Beach conducted the installation of officers at the Club's annual banquet June 17 at Culinary Capers in Vero Beach.
Ed Kay is this year's Exchangite of the Year. He was honored for his ongoing accomplishments, his excellent service as Board member and president, and his active participation in club activities since joining Exchange in 1983.
The stars of the evening were Peter Armfield and Lyle Ostrom, the club's honorary entertainers, who provided humor and music by Some Other Brothers.
Through participation in its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Exchange Club of Indian River's Foundation supports a number of local youth-related charities.
Petfinder.com hosts adoption seminar
Susan Kelly and Cheryl Collins-LeVan recently represented the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Rebecca Grohall, Sandy Leonard and Linda Richter represented Raining Cats Rescue at a one-day workshop in Fort Pierce, presented by Petfinder.com, the online database of homeless pets. The workshop was sponsored by PETCO. Topics included strategies to increase adoptability of animals.
Harvest Food earns $5,000 grant
Harvest Food & Outreach Center has received a $5,000 grant from the Missions Board of Community Church. The grant will be used to help facilitate the Summer Read & Feed Program which provides meals, books, school supplies and educational programs during the summer to fill the food insecurity gap for children who receive breakfast and lunch subsidies throughout the school year.
The mission of Harvest Food & Outreach is to help those in need to transform their lives by providing food, crisis care, opportunities for education and employment, and a hand up to families, individuals and children who are fighting to break the cycle of poverty.
For more information, visit www.harvestfoodoutreach.org or call 772-770-2665.
Hensley honored at Florida Southern
Carly Hensley made the dean's list at Florida Southern College for the Spring Semester 2011. She is an elementary education major with minors in Spanish and psycololgy.
Hensley graduated from Indian River Charter High School in 2009.
She is the daughter of Patti Hensley and the granddaughter of Gretchen Demole.
Boys, Girls Clubs earn Dyer award
Tatiana and Will Dyer of Dyer Chevrolet and Dyer Mazda Subaru presented the Dyer Difference Award and a $3,000 check to Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County Executive Director Elizabeth Thomason and Vero Beach Club Director Alex Soares.
The award was used to sponsor State Education Day, an annual state-wide event being hosted this year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County's Vero Beach club. Soares organized the July 9 event and invited Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Florida to come together for a day of fun, academic competition. The day's events included math, spelling, art, graphic design and debate competitions as well as fun, strategic games. Approximately 125 children ages 6-18 participated in the activities. Children and staff from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County have participated in State Education Day for the past 10 years; however, this is their first time hosting the event.
The three clubhouses in Indian River County are located in Fellsmere, Sebastian, and Vero Beach.
For more information, call 772-299-7449 or visit www.BGCIRC.org.
HFC honors Tierney's service
Eight years of dedication. Eight years of going beyond the job. Eight years of serving the needy in good times and in bad, in easy times and in hard times.
Thomas W. Tierney, Esq. was recognized at the Notre Dame Alumni Club breakfast by the Board of the Homeless Family Center (HFC) for his service to the families of the Center. The newly-established award is entitled, "Friend of Homeless Families," and contains an authenticated widow's mite from the first century.
During his eight years, Tierney served as a director and as president of the Board for three. He played a key role in interfacing with the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Coalition to secure three houses that can be used as a transition from moving out of the Homeless Family Center to greater self-sufficiency. He led the search committee which brought the current executive director to HFC. Tierney used his legal knowledge and expertise to the complexities of contracts, building permits and human resource issues. He provided sound judgment and solid advice to a wide range of management issues and challenges.
Tierney is leaving the Board after eight years but will continue as the chair of the Program Committee. He also will continue on the executive committee of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc.
The Homeless Family Center is a United Way partner agency that provides opportunities for homeless families to end homelessness by achieving self-sufficiency through education, living wages and permanent housing.
For more information or a tour of the Homeless Family Center call 772-567-5537, visit the HFC website at www.HomelessFamilyCenter.com, or "like" us on Facebook so you can have more information to decide if and how you want to help.
Williams attends FPS conference
Alexis Williams, a rising senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Sebastian River High School, has recently returned from the Future Problem Solving International Competition in La Crosse, Wis. The conference featured four days of competitive problem solving, cooperative educational seminars and social activities at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse from June 9-12.
Williams, coached by Mary Krause of Westside Elementary School in Palm Bay, qualified for the international conference through the Florida Future Problem Solving Program.
Along with 18 other high school-aged students across the state, Williams wrote, edited and submitted a narrative short-story, set at least 25 years in the future and based on one of the topics provided. This task encourages students to consider the current global issues and project them into the future.
With an original story set in the year 2049 and concerning cyber-terrorism and emergency planning, Williams earned the first-place honor, qualifying her to compete on the international level.
The first-place winners from each state and foreign country were invited to participate in the International Group Scenario Writing competition. The students were divided into groups of three or four and had two hours to collaborate and write a multi-part story based on the assigned futuristic topic. Williams, along with team members from California and Connecticut, produced the first-place scenario of the international conference, earning a trophy for each of them.
Not only is Williams the first student from Indian River County to go to the International Conference, but she is the sole participant in the region. Having actively participated in the program for the past seven years, Williams plans to continue with it throughout her senior year, and hopes to remain involved in it as a volunteer as she continues into college.
Competitions like FPS allow academically talented students the opportunity to showcase their creative skills worldwide. The program charters Affiliate Programs throughout the United States, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Korea, and Singapore, and mentors programs in Canada, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Portugal and South Africa.
Italian-American group gives scholarships
Italian American Civic Association of Vero Beach on June 24 presented scholarships to six recipients. A total of $3,000 was given to students of Vero Beach High Schol and Indian River Charter School.
Those recognized were Alexander Sechen, Amelia Strazzulla, Janice Goldsberry, Kathryn Casano, Grace Atherton and Nicole Gagnon.
Rose earns kudos from hospital
Deena Rose of Vero Beach received a certificate of appreciation of outstanding leadership, commitment and support in the battle against cancer from Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Perkins makes Law Review
Chase Perkins, a third-year law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, has been chosen as senior editor of Consumer Law Review. He also was selected for the Honors National Appellate Advocacy Program, American Bar Association Moot Court Team.
Perkins was named to dean's list Spring 2011. He is employed by the City of Chicago, Department of Law, Torts Division with a 711 Temporary License granted by the Supreme Court of Illinois to practice law in this capacity while completing his last year of law school.
Perkins also has been selected as securities director of the Business Law Society 2011-2012.
He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business in Dallas in 2008, and is a 2004 graduate of Vero Beach High School.
Moulton honored at N.H. academy
Nathaniel D. Moulton of Vero Beach earned honors for the Winter 2011 term at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Moulton.
Ophthalmologist Mallon to head group
The Florida Society of Ophthalmology, a statewide professional association for medical and osteopathic doctors who specialize in vision care, installed Dr. William J. Mallon as president at its annual meeting, Masters in Ophthalmology, held June 24-26 in Palm Beach.
Since 2003, Mallon has practiced at the Center for Advanced Eye Care in Vero Beach.
As FSO president, Mallon will help lead the nonprofit association, which represents more than 500 medical doctors focused on protecting the medical and surgical specialty of ophthalmology. In addition to active participation in legislative advocacy and the dissemination of responsible information to physicians and patients throughout the state, the FSO also provides continuing medical education opportunities.