Group welcomes new members
The Junior League of South Brevard recently hosted its installation dinner for provisional members.
It welcomed new members: Kathryn Fredette, Maryam Brazdo, Ashley Haymond, Erika Iurcovich, Amy Jagdmann, Alexis Klima, Natalie Marshall, Brooke Paholik, Alexandra Reed, Ginna Roberts, Laura Rouveyrol, Kristin Schroeder, Rekha Vyas, Dana Wagner, Mary Carson Wouters and Liz Moran-Young.
The Junior League offers its members extensive training in areas such as leadership and organizational development, community needs assessment, strategic planning, communications, advocacy and fundraising.
Members pragmatically assess problems and solutions, motivate volunteers and create new partnerships in the public and private sectors.
If interested in joining the Junior League of South Brevard, recruitment will begin this summer.
Benefits of membership include community service, leadership development, personal development and friendship.
Membership is open to women 21 and older.
Requirements include completion of a provisional program, paying dues, attending monthly general meetings, making a commitment and completing an application.
Visit www.jlsb.net or email membership@jlsb.net for more information.
Volunteers shine in statewide awards ceremony
Brevard County volunteers received second-place honors during the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders annual awards ceremony, which celebrated the contributions of more than 450 statewide volunteers.
The award was based on the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries served by volunteers in counties with populations between 250,000 to 999,999 people.
SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is operated throughout the state in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging.
The program provides free and unbiased education and counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers.
Trained SHINE volunteers help elders understand and receive the health insurance coverage they need through Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning and insurance, and other health care issues.
If you are interested in volunteering for the SHINE program, please contact Tammy Harris at Brevard County Housing and Human Services Department at (321) 633-2007 or email tammy.harris@brevardcounty.us or call Lynne Meagher, area volunteer coordinator at (321) 752-8080.
Ombudsman of the Year named
Ruth Battle-Hall was named Ombudsman of the Year, serving Brevard County.
Ombudsmen volunteers receive this award by demonstrating exceptional efforts, going above and beyond the call of duty in advocating for long-term care facility residents living in nursing homes, adult family care homes and assisted living facilities.
Ombudsmen volunteers from the program's 18 councils, located throughout Florida, protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of Florida's most vulnerable population.
This year marks Ms. Battle-Hall's 10th active year serving as an ombudsman.
Her outstanding service is evident in her work and dedication to long-term care residents and has proven to be an invaluable asset to her fellow council members.
For more information about the program, local council meetings or becoming an ombudsman volunteer, please call (888) 831-0404 or visit ombudsman.myflorida.com online.
High school honored for leadership in service
The Jefferson Awards-Deloitte Students in Action program has selected Eau Gallie High School as the Central Florida recipient for outstanding service by a high school.
Eau Gallie High School will represent Central Florida at the national ceremony and gala event in Washington, D.C., June 18-20.
They were selected at the 2012 regional competition for best showcasing the programs' seven goals in the Students In Action program and for their philanthropic contribution to the community and their school.
They have helped to pave the way for greater volunteerism throughout Central Florida.
This year the student body at Eau Gallie participated in several service projects and logged more than 31,000 hours, which is more than a $651,000 financial impact to the community.
The Jefferson Awards Students in Action is currently operating in more than 325 high schools nationwide in 13 regions. The Jefferson Awards will select one outstanding high school as the national honoree.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796, or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
Assisted living residents attend baseball game
A local attorney recently took 15 assisted living residents from local senior communities to a baseball game.
The residents were from Brookdale Senior Living assisted living communities: Sterling House of West Melbourne I at 7300 Greenboro Drive in West Melbourne, Sterling House of West Melbourne II at 7200 Greenboro Drive in West Melbourne, and Southland Suites Melbourne at 2680 Croton Road in Melbourne.
Elder law attorney Amy B. Jackson took residents and staff to the spring training game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
She purchased an air-conditioned suite, along with hot dogs, French fries, popcorn, cookies, soda and beer.
Many of the residents who went had never been to a professional baseball game, and those who had said it had been years since they attended a game.
The event was very much appreciated by the staff and seniors of the local Brookdale Senior Living communities.
For more information, call Troy Denault at (321) 725-3100, email tdenault@brookdaleliving.com or visit www.brookdaleliving.com.
Inmates remove 2 million pounds of trash from roadways
The sheriff's office inmate work crew program has hit a major milestone by removing 2 million pounds of trash from Brevard County roadways.
This program was implemented by Sheriff Jack Parker in July 2005 and puts both male and female inmates to work beautifying the community while supervised by sheriff's office personnel.
While removing trash, inmates also clean up and remove graffiti found along Brevard County roadways.
In addition to removing trash and graffiti, inmates remove invasive plants from the islands along the Banana and Indian rivers in cooperation with "Keep Brevard Beautiful" to protect the environment and enhance these areas for the general public to enjoy.
The inmate work crew program also provides labor for construction and maintenance projects for other agencies and nonprofit organizations.
While working on these projects inmates earn skills that can be used to obtain gainful employment upon release, which greatly reduces their chances of being rearrested.
For more information, visit www.BrevardSheriff.com.
Experienced substance abuse counselor opens office
Angela Bozorth has been a substance abuse counselor in Brevard County for more than a decade, working with clients referred from adult and juvenile drug court, felony and misdemeanor probation, DUI traffic school and a host of other social service agencies.
Recently, she opened her own practice to offer clients, as well as other referral sources, services.
Changes Recovery Services, located at 474 N. Harbor City Blvd., Suite 3, Melbourne, offers discreet parking in the rear of the building, as well as being located directly on the SCAT public bus route.
It offers day, evening and weekend individual sessions and classes with professionally trained counselors who are committed to using the latest evidence-based practice techniques.
Ms. Bozorth holds degrees in legal studies and criminal justice administration. She is a certified criminal justice addiction professional (Florida certification board No. 271) and a member of the American Counseling Association.
For more information, email abozorth@yahoo.com, call (321)506-2765, (321)600-4974 or visit www.angelabozorth.com.
Company partners with local foundation
The Shower Shirt Company and Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation have joined forces to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by cancer.
The company recently joined the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation as a corporate sponsor.
For more information, call (321) 652-1302 or email pr@jlsb.net.
Junior League announces grant recipients
The Junior League of South Brevard has announced this year's grant recipients.
They are Brevard Rescue Mission and The Space Coast Foster and Adoptive Families Alliance.
The Community Business Partner of the Year Award went to Sorensen's Moving and Storage.
The Junior League grants are $1,000 each, and the recipients were chosen based on meeting criteria of fulfilling a critical need in the community.
Visit www.JLSB.net for more information about the Junior League of South Brevard.
High school girls win Grand Champion title
Four Melbourne High School girls earned Grand Champion at the state of Florida Future Problem Solving Competition held recently in Orlando for their Community Problem Solving Project: Beachside TOPSoccer.
Kimberly Bress, Elizabeth Bress, Cara Cagney and Beatrice Ottomanelli received this recognition after identifying the lack of activities for children with disabilities in Brevard County and deciding to implement a soccer program specifically designed with these children in mind.
TOPSoccer is a nationwide soccer program designed for athletes with disabilities.
The Melbourne High School students presented an action plan to the Melbourne Beach Soccer Club, along with a request for the club to adopt their TOPSoccer program locally.
The idea was a winner and with full support of the MBSC Board of Directors the program was launched in March.
Because of their amazing work in the community, the four girls who began the program have been invited to present their project at the International Future Problem Solving Competition this summer. Only two Community Problem Solving Projects were selected from all of the high schools in the state of Florida.
For more information about Beachside TOPSoccer, a video of the opening day is available on Youtube under the title: Beachside TOPSoccer, Week One. Additional information and registration is available on the web at www.beachsidetopsoccer.webs.com or find the Beachside TOPSoccer program on Facebook.
Grant formative evaluations completed
The Brevard Public Schools Adult and Community Education Department's 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants Office recently completed formative evaluations of three of its grant programs - Space Explorers, Zoo Explorers North and Art Explorers.
The formative evaluations addressed grant operations and progress made from August through December of 2011 in attaining the goals set in the grant. By analyzing the results, the grants team was able to identify successes and areas in need of improvement.
Brevard Public Schools Adult and Community Education Department is currently administering four 21st Century Community Learning Center grants at 16 different elementary schools throughout the county.
These five-year grants provide learning opportunities in reading, math and science, as well as personal enrichment in fitness, fine arts, character education and technology.
For more information, contact Jackie Francisco at (321) 264-1276, Ext. 3020, or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
Take Stock in Children inducts students
Joined by state representatives, school board members, donors and volunteer mentors, the Take Stock in Children program inducted 45 Brevard Public Schools middle and high school students at a ceremony recently held at the Brevard County School Board.
Upon successful completion of the program, these students become eligible for college scholarships.
The Take Stock in Children program strives to keep students in school with the incentive of a college or vocational school tuition-paid scholarship. This year, 280 students applied to the program.
Deserving students from low-income families are selected for the program between seventh grade through the ninth grade.
The students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or above, remain crime- and drug-free, attend school regularly, have low disciplinary referrals and meet with a mentor one hour per week.
The Take Stock in Children Program began in Brevard County in 1996 with 10 students. Since then, 458 students have successfully completed the program, earned the Take Stock in Children scholarship and are attending local community colleges and Florida universities.
Approximately 232 local students are currently participating in this life-changing program. Statewide, more than 7,000 students participate.
If you would like to learn more about the Take Stock in Children program or wish to volunteer as a mentor, please contact Take Stock in Children at (321) 633-1000, Ext. 415 or visit www.brevardschoolsfoundation.org.
Dog beach pilot program proving successful
Tourists, college students and sun-worshippers aren't the only ones flocking to Brevard County beaches this spring.
Less than two months after the county opened its first official dog beach at Canova Beach Park, all indications point to success with relatively few incidents being reported, mindful dog owners abiding by park rules and a routinely full parking lot, said Parks and Recreation director Jack Masson.
Mr. Masson credited Brevard County Sheriffs Office Lt. Ron Cook, Citizens on Patrol and volunteers with Sandy Paws of Brevard for their assistance in keeping visitors aware of rules governing the park.
All dogs must be on leashes and display current (or forever) county licenses and have proof of vaccinations in order to use the facility. There is no cost to use the dog beach.
The pilot program was approved in October by the Brevard County Commission.
The boundaries of the dog beach are Eau Gallie Boulevard to the north and the property line of the Radisson Suite Oceanfront Hotel to the south. Signage is posted to indicate boundaries.
For more information, please call the South Area Operations office at (321) 255-4400 or Animal Services at (321) 633-2024.
LEAP Program enjoys awards
The Learning Empowerment through Agency Partnership program has received statewide recognition twice this year for its outstanding work in the Brevard community.
LEAP participant Jonathan Rodriguez has been recognized as a "student success story," by the Florida Bureau of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services. His picture and information are displayed on a poster in the Turlington Building in Tallahassee, and his story highlighted on the Bureau's website at www.fldoe.org/ese/history.asp under the student success story section.
Additionally, the state Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development and Transition awarded the statewide Business of the Year award to the Big Lots LEAP site on Malabar Road.
The LEAP Program is an employment training program for people with moderate to severe disabilities.
For more information, please contact Kathy Lowe at (321) 633-1000, Ext. 549.
Seeking compassionate volunteers
Hospice of St. Francis is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers.
Hospice volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services. No previous experience is needed.
Training is provided at no cost to the participants, and volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County.
Two training classes are scheduled - one in Melbourne during May and one in Titusville during June.
The classes will be at Hospice of St. Francis, 4875 N. Wickham Road, Suite 104, Melbourne and 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville.
For more information and to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, volunteer coordinator in Titusville, or Mary Larson, volunteer coordinator in Melbourne, at (321) 269-4240 or (866) 269-4240.
Golf championship results
The Viera East 9-Hole Golf League Championship Tournament, played recently, produced the following results:
League Champion Low Gross was won by Iko Brobst.
Low net flight winners placing 1st and second were:
1st Flight, Joan Eisenbarth and Barbara Janos
2nd Flight, Barbara Kurr and Nancy Razzini
3rd Flight, Diane Schnellhammer and Gail McGinn
4th Flight, Shirley Ferris and Mary Ann Schon.
A celebration cake was enjoyed after lunch at Mulligans Grille.
Forty-nine Brevard Public Schools earn 'Energy Star'
An astounding 49 schools, or 57 percent, of the Brevard Public School district schools, have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's prestigious "Energy Star" for the 2011-12 school year.
Nine additional schools have qualified for the award and are awaiting formal approval.
The Energy Star award is a national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection, signifying that the building's energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide.
Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.
For more information about the Brevard Public Schools energy program, visit http://energyconservation.brevardschools.org/.
State legislature gives college funding
The Florida Legislature has given Brevard Community College a total $26.7 million funding increase for the next fiscal year to construct a new Public Safety Institute, advance programs to help students succeed and make needed building renovations.
The money was contained in the $70 billion state budget for fiscal year 2012-13 that lawmakers passed March 9 and Gov. Rick Scott signed April 17.
The allocation comes as the College embarks on a plan launched by its president, Dr. Jim Richey, to focus on academic programs and business partnerships to help create jobs and revive the Space Coast economy.
Among the programs is a recent decision by the Board of Trustees to have the college start offering four-year degrees in organizational management starting in August 2013, a first in the college's history.
The largest part of the funding boost is a one-time $14 million allocation to purchase land, install infrastructure and build a Public Safety Institute on BCC's new proposed campus in Viera, which is located near the Brevard County Government Center.
The new institute will consolidate public safety programs currently located across BCC campuses in Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay, and as well as off campus at Port Canaveral.
For more information, call (321) 433-7017 or email glischj@brevardcc.edu.
Middle school earns recognition
The L.B. Johnson Middle School Yearbook, "The Round Up," has been recognized for excellence and featured in the 2012 "Gotcha Covered Look Book, Volume 10," celebrating the best-of-the-best yearbook design and creation.
School yearbook and class ring maker Jostens' "Gotcha Covered Look Book" is a collection of spreads and photos from outstanding yearbooks and their creative themes, cool covers, dazzling designs, relevant coverage, storytelling copy and action-packed photography.
The L.B. Johnson Middle School yearbook was one of 400 yearbooks selected from approximately 3,000.
The 2012 panel of judges, comprised of nationally-recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisers, selected best examples of yearbook spreads and photos to make up the 288-page "2012 Look Book."
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796, or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
Former major leaguers honored during Red Sox-Yankees ceremony
Florida Tech pitching coach Lee Stange and former Panther Tim Wakefield were honored alongside former Red Sox players at the 100th anniversary celebration of Fenway Park recently.
Mr. Stange and Mr. Wakefield shared the stage with Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski and a plethora of players from the past during the pre-game ceremony.
The game between the Red Sox and New York Yankees started at 3:15 p.m. EDT, the same time the first pitch was delivered at Fenway Park on April 20, 1912.
On that day, the Red Sox beat the Highlanders, now known as the Yankees, 7-6 in 11 innings. Both teams wore throwback uniforms on Friday in commemoration of Fenway Park's first game.
For more information, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
Space Coast teams advance to world finals
The Florida Odyssey of the Mind held its state finals tournament recently at the University of Central Florida.
Teams ranging from kindergarten through college presented their solutions to one of five problems (plus a primary demonstration problem).
Thirty-two Space Coast Odyssey of the Mind teams advanced to the state finals following the regional tournament.
Finalists from all around the state of Florida converged on the UCF campus for the state tournament.
Seven teams from Brevard County Public Schools were selected as the top teams in their problem and division, and Roosevelt Elementary's team also received a Ranatra Fusca award for outstanding creativity.
Space Coast Odyssey of the Mind is supported, in part, by the Brevard School District and the Harris Foundation.
This all-volunteer program helps prepare students to think outside of the box and develop teamwork skills that will help them as 21st century learners.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796, or visit davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
NASA wants amateur astronomers
A new NASA outreach project will enlist the help of amateur astronomers to discover near Earth objects and study their characteristics.
Near Earth objects are asteroids with orbits that occasionally bring them close to the Earth.
A new citizen science project called "Target Asteroids!" will support NASA's Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security - Regolith Explorer mission objectives to improve basic scientific understanding of the objects.
OSIRIS-Rex is scheduled for launch in 2016 and will study material from an asteroid.
Amateur astronomers will help better characterize the population of near Earth objects, including their position, motion, rotation and changes in the intensity of light they emit.
Professional astronomers will use this information to refine theoretical models of asteroids, improving their understanding about asteroids similar to the one OSIRIS-Rex will encounter in 2019, designated 1999 RQ36.
For more information about NASA, visit www.nasa.gov.
For more information on Target Asteroids! and OSIRIS-REx, visit http://osiris-rex.lpl.arizona.edu.
'Brevard's Got Music Talent' winners
The Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard has announced the winners of the "Brevard's Got Music Talent" award for the 2012 competition at the Henegar Center.
This year's winner of the $1,000 first place award went to Dorothy Gal, 18, soprano vocalist who has a talent for opera as well as acting.
The second place winner for $500 went to Keith (Hunter) Curry, 19, vocalist and actor with Broadway flair.
Third place winner for $250 went to Bethany Hargis, 13, pianist with her poise and dancing fingers.
This year a fourth place prize of $125 went to Garrett Kealer, 17, with his variety of percussion styles on drums.
The competition featured a variety of musicians with the 12 finalists ranging from age 13-19. The remainder of the 12 finalists received $50.
Angela Tucker, 15, qualified in two categories - piano and violin. Ariel Berrean, 15, and her sister Eliana Berrean, 13, were both vocalists. Clement Li, 17, was a violinist, and his brother Nathaniel Li, 14, pianist, were among the finalists.
Nicholas Johnson, 15, played cello; and Karen Toney, 19, was on marimba.
The judges consisted of Dr. Robert Lamb, Dr. Jamie Younin and Mrs. Genelle Koenig. Last year's winner, Sonya Belaya, performed piano.
To view more about the shows and competitions from the Creative Arts Foundation of Brevard, go to www.CAFOB.
Brevard Rescue Mission exceeds goal
Brevard Rescue Mission had record-breaking attendance recently at the Third Annual Women Who Care Luncheon.
With the generosity of corporate sponsors and nearly 400 women attendees, the mission exceeded its $100,000 goal.
Brevard Rescue Mission works to permanently break the cycle of homelessness by providing homeless women with children housing, access to health care, transportation, education, nutrition, job training and life skills in a safe, Christ-centered residential setting.
Donated funds provide housing, education, transportation, counseling, medical care, parent training, household budgeting, tutoring, job training, food and clothing and case-manager support services.
Call (321) 480-9100 or visit www.BrevardRescueMission.org for more information.
VE 9-Hole Ladies Golf League
The Board of Directors of the VE Ladies 9-Hole Golf League held a breakfast meeting at the Residence Club recently to elect new officers for next year.
Nominees for next year were voted on with the following slate: Sue Buttner, president; Shirley Ferris and Mariette Present, co-vice presidents; Nancy Razzini, secretary; Sandy Barbaro and Diana Ashbrook, co-treasurers.
Many thanks to the outgoing board: Mary Ann Ollier, president; Sue Buttner and Mariette Present, co-vice presidents; Sandy Barbaro and Margo Anderson, co-treasurers; and Carol Conway, secretary.
Lady golfers wishing to join the 9-hole league may call Carol Conway at (321) 507 4068 or Mary Ann Schon at (321) 242 7088 for more information.
NASA tests GPS system for large earthquakes
The space-based technology that lets GPS-equipped motorists constantly update their precise location will undergo a major test of its ability to rapidly pinpoint the location and magnitude of strong earthquakes across the western United States.
Results from the new Real-time Earthquake Analysis for Disaster Mitigation Network soon could be used to assist prompt disaster response and more accurate tsunami warnings.
The network uses real-time GPS measurements from nearly 500 stations throughout California, Oregon and Washington.
When a large earthquake is detected, GPS data are used to automatically calculate its vital characteristics, including location, magnitude and details about the fault rupture.
Accurate and rapid identification of earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and stronger is critical for disaster response and mitigation efforts, especially for tsunamis.
For more information about NASA programs, visit http://www.nasa.gov.
New rector at Sebastian's
St. Sebastian's By The Sea Episcopal Church of Melbourne Beach has called The Rev. Norman Desrosiers to become its new rector.
Father Desrosiers comes with more than 30 years of clergy experience both in parish work and as a military chaplain.
He was ordained in Massachusetts and has since traveled the world with his ministry.
He retired from active duty as the wing chaplain at Patrick Air Force Base in 2006, and at that time began a six-year ministry with Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Satellite Beach.
Father Norman is married to the former Barbara Stedman of New Jersey. They reside in Melbourne, where Barbara spends her time in her art studio. The Desrosiers have two grown daughters, Kimberly and Caroline.
For more information, please call St. Sebastian's office at (321) 723-3015 or Father Desrosiers at (321) 243-4815.
New leader of Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Bishop John Noonan has appointed Joe Buranosky as the new executive director to lead Catholic Charities of Central Florida, a $10 million charitable agency that has served the community since 1962 and is based in Orlando, with offices in Lakeland, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, and Leesburg.
Mr. Buranosky is a 30-year military veteran. As a Marine Corps office, he served in many leadership positions where he was responsible for team building, program management and strategic planning. His commitment to his faith as a Roman Catholic is demonstrated throughout his career by serving in social justice ministry at numerous parishes helping migrant workers and the homeless.
He was previously employed as business manager at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. He worked with the rector and staff to begin a ministry to help the poor and homeless and support local social justice initiatives.
Catholic Charities of Central Florida is a human services organization guided by the Catholic faith.
Its mission is rooted in the principles of Catholic social teaching: to provide vital social services for people in need regardless of their religious, social or economic background, and to improve lives of individuals, families and the community.
For more information, call Teresa Peterson at (407) 432-1974 or Elizabeth Arenas at (407) 408-2655.
Stone Middle School students earn first place
Stone Middle School's seventh-grade science research team, called Iris, took first place in Florida and first place in the Southeast region in the eCybermission competition sponsored by the U.S. Army.
They will now join three other seventh-grade national finalist teams and will compete in the eCybermission national judging and education Event in Washington, D. C., in June.
ECybermission is a free, web-based, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine.
It promotes teamwork and creativity as a way to encourage students to become more involved in STEM education
Team Iris earned this honor for their research on methods of helping bleached corals recover.
The team, under the direction of teacher Richard Regan, consists of the following students: Marilyn Costa, Marissa Jordan, Kylie Lindenmoyer and Brianna Youhana.
Each of these students has won $1,500 and an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for an additional $2,500 each in prize money.
Stone Middle School is in Melbourne.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796 or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
NASA seeks solar array systems proposals
NASA's Space Technology Program is seeking proposals to develop solar array systems to enable space electric propulsion systems of the future.
NASA is seeking proposals from all potential U.S. organizations, including NASA centers and other government agencies, federally funded research and development centers, educational institutions, industry and nonprofit organizations.
Proposers will design, analyze and test a scalable solar array system capable of generating more than 30 kilowatts of power and prove flight readiness through an in-space demonstration of an advanced, modular and extendable solar array system.
NASA expects to make up to three awards for the first proposals, with total combined costs of approximately $15 million to $20 million, based on availability of funds.
For more information, visit http://nspires.nasaprs.com, http://go.usa.gov/mj2 or http://go.usa.gov/mjT.
FIT student accepted to USRowing National Team camp
Florida Tech's Anastasia Stodoloski is among an elite group of student-athletes who have been selected to participate in the USRowing Women's National Team Freshman Camp June 11-17 at the University of Washington.
Ms. Stodoloski, a pre-med major from New York, N.Y., was the only NCAA Division II rower on the list of accepted student-athletes, which spanned 24 names.
She is joined on the list by representatives from Division I programs, such as UCLA, Notre Dame, Princeton, Southern California, Stanford, Wisconsin and Yale.
The camp is geared toward coxswains and rowers with elite level potential and aspirations.
Its main goal is to expose the student-athletes to the U.S. National Team training regimen.
For more information, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
Economic Development Leadership Award
Space Florida was recently awarded the Economic Development Leadership Award from CoreNet Global, the world's leading association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers.
The award submission by Space Florida detailed the use of Kennedy Space Center facilities by The Boeing Company for manufacture and test of its Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) spacecraft.
The Economic Development Leadership Award recognizes leadership, best practices and innovations in economic development representing national, state, regional and local interests.
The entry for this award was made possible by the agreement Boeing made with Space Florida to use Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 (OPF-3) to manufacture, assemble and test the company's CST-100 spacecraft, which ultimately will provide NASA with reliable, safe and affordable transportation to the International Space Station and other destinations in Low Earth Orbit and create up to 550 local jobs.
For more information, visit www.spaceflorida.gov, www.beyondearth.com, www.eflorida.com or www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.
Animal Emergency Race Team participates in Melbourne 5K
The Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center of Brevard's Race Team members recently took part in the Melbourne Art Festival's Annual 5K Run in downtown Melbourne.
For the past five years, members of the center staff have participated in this race and also other area fundraising races.
The Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center of Brevard, located at the southwest corner of Eau Gallie Boulevard and Croton Road (2281 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.) in Melbourne, offers emergency services for pets 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There is always a veterinarian on the premises, using state-of-the-art imaging equipment to handle emergency and specialty care needs.
For more information, call (321) 725-5365.
What do you know about asthma?
This May, during Asthma Awareness Month, the American Lung Association would like to remind you how important it is for people with asthma to manage their asthma.
Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed so people with the disease can live a normal, healthy life.
If you or someone you know has asthma and would like to learn more about it, the American Lung Association invites you to participate in a new online learning module, Asthma Basics.
There is more information about asthma available at www.Lung.org.
Fiesta Brevard salsa winners
More than 1,500 people came out to enjoy the Eighth Annual Fiesta Brevard, a collaborative community awareness/fundraising event for 20 Brevard County nonprofit organizations.
The event was held at the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach.
In the Judge's Choice division of Brevard's Best Salsa Contest, the winners are:
. First Place - Hospice of
St. Francis - "Heavenly
Heat"
. Second Place -
Volunteers of America,
Cocoa - "Sarge Smoking
Hot Salsa"
. Third Place - Space
Coast UCF Alumni -
"Black & Gold"
In the People's Choice division of Brevard's Best Salsa Contest, the winners are:
. First Place - Creative
Mixes - "Island Delight"
. Second Place - Space
Coast UCF Alumni -
"Black & Gold"
. Third Place - AFLAC -
"Duck Salsa"
The first place winner of the Judge's Choice and the People's Choice Salsa Contest will be serving up their winning recipes at the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce's "Chowder with a Twist" that will be held in the spring 2013.
The Best "Dressed" Booth Contest for the participating nonprofits was held again this year. The nonprofit booths were judged on the creativity of their decorations and how their decorations best conveyed their organization's mission.
The winners are:
. First Place - WEGO
Ministries
. Second Place - Harmony
Farms
. Third Place - Brittany's
Wish
In the hat contest, first place was awarded to Amy MacDonald, second place to Cathy Funkhouser and third place to Julie Dula.
Fiesta Brevard is a community awareness/fundraising project organized by the Nonprofit Task Force Committee of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Foundation donates golf cart to VA clinic
Representatives from the Indian River Colony Club Foundation and the Veteran's Administration Clinic in Viera recently gathered for a short outdoor ceremony, as a four-seat refurbished golf cart valued at $3,000 was donated to the clinic.
Chief medical officer Thomas Howard, M.D., accepted the cart on behalf of the clinic, thanking Indian River Colony Club general manager John Robinson and IRCC Foundation chairman, retired Major Gen. Huck Long, U.S. Army.
The golf cart will be used to help transport patients to the VA clinic from the far reaches of the facility parking lot.
Indian River Colony Club is a 55-plus Viera community began as a retirement destination for military officers. It is a fully-maintained and gated neighborhood of nearly 800 homes on 453 acres.
Call (321) 877-298-8124 for more information.
Humane Society needs compassionate roster homes for animals
The Central Brevard Humane Society is in need of compassionate and caring individuals to provide foster homes for shelter animals.
On occasion, an animal requires foster care before they find their new "forever" home. Examples of this could be instances such as an animal that needs the tender care of a loving home to recover from a brief illness/surgery or a long-term resident that simply needs a mini-vacation from the shelter.
All veterinarian care and medications are provided by the Humane Society at "no cost" to the foster parent.
The typical length of a foster is four weeks, but could be as short as one week; it varies depending on the specific case.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, contact the Central Brevard Humane Society at (321) 636-3343 or email fosterprogram@crittersavers.com.
National Drowning Prevention Month
The month of May is the beginning of warmer weather, which brings a larger number of people to the water.
This brings an increase in drowning tragedies; therefore, May is officially National Drowning Prevention Month.
The Brevard County Health Department's Environmental Public Health Services has teamed up with the Florida Department of health's Office of Injury Prevention in participating in this year's WaterproofFL Campaign to help educate families on drowning prevention.
Unfortunately, Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths in children between the ages of 1 and 4, and Brevard County ranks eighth in the state. It takes less than 30 seconds for a child to drown.
You should stay close, always be alert and watch your children at all times. You should learn and practice water safety skills, CPR and have life saving equipment, such as life rings, available for use. You should use barriers, such as fencing, pool alarms or covers. It is also important to avoid drain entrapments. Do not let your children play or swim near drains or suction outlets.
To obtain more information on drowning prevention, please visit www.brevardeh.com and click on Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places. You may also contact Cynthia Leckey at (321) 633-2100, Ext. 52305 or email cynthia_leckey@doh.state.fl.us.
National Merit Scholarship winners
National Merit Scholarship winners have been announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and five Brevard Public Schools students were among the honorees.
The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Brevard's 2012 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are as follows:
. Erin H. Conlon,
Melbourne: Probable
career field - Engineering
. Kate Crowley,
Melbourne: Probable
career field: Medicine
. Samuel K. Hartford,
Melbourne: Probable
career field: Physics
. Clement Li - Merritt
Island: Probable career
field: Chemical
Engineering
. Troy K. Cunio -
Titusville: Probable career
field: Music
National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors.
The scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796.
Brevard Rescue Mission awarded grant
The Brevard Rescue Mission, which provides transitional housing and support services for homeless women with children, was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from the Junior League of South Brevard.
This award will provide funding to educate children to be nutritionally literate and empower them to develop healthy eating habits for life.
Brevard Rescue Mission is privately funded by donations from individuals, civic organizations, foundations, churches and area businesses.
Donated funds provide housing, education, transportation, counseling, medical care, parent training, household budgeting, tutoring, job training, food and clothing, and case-manager support services.
Call (321) 480-9100 or visit www.BrevardRescueMission.org for more information.
Educator to serve on national council
Sharon Reynolds-Mixon, district media resource teacher of Brevard Public Schools, was recently selected to serve on the National Council on Digital Citizenship.
Comprised of approximately 50 education thought leaders from across the country, the council is supported by Microsoft in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education and Topics Education.
In its third year, the council is leading the effort to help K-12 school systems successfully address digital citizenship as a vital 21st century skill.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796, or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
Brevard County 'Take Stock in Children' receive college scholarships
Take Stock in Children, a statewide nonprofit organization with a solid history of breaking the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope to at-risk students, is celebrating the graduation of 48 low-income high school seniors in 16 Brevard County public schools.
Each of these students will receive a college scholarship to attend the Florida state college or university of their choice.
This graduation signifies that these students have met with their Take Stock in Children mentor once per week, maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and remained drug- and crime-free. This is the commitment that each Take Stock in Children scholar makes upon joining the program in order to receive a college scholarship.
Take Stock Scholars are graduating from Astronaut, Bayside, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Eau Gallie, Edgewood, Heritage, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite, Space Coast, Titusville, Viera and West Shore high schools.
To learn more about Take Stock in Children or to become a valued mentor or supporter, please call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 415, or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.
Melbourne High crew teams to compete in national championship
Two Melbourne High School rowing team boats took the 2012 Florida State Scholastic Championships held in Sarasota recently.
The rowing team, consisting of coxswain Aaron Evans and rowers Andrew Stebbins, James Mullin, Nathan Esterline and Jake Combs won the Men's Varsity 4 Championship, while the team consisting of coxswain Marissa Chodorow and rowers Zack Bell, Luis Mata, Drew Hegedus and Bob Sison were champions in the Men's Junior 4.
These victories advance these teams to the Scholastic National Championships which will be held in Camden, N.J. beginning May 25.
In addition, AJ Powshok won second place scholastically in the Men's Varsity Single Scull Race; qualifying him to race in the national event.
While the team is a club of Melbourne High School, it does not receive school funding. The Mel Hi Crew/Melbourne High School Rowing Association Inc. is a nonprofit organization.
For additional information about the teams, the organization and the competitions, or to make a donation, please visit http://melhighcrew.com, call (321) 537-1810 or email cesterline@cfl.rr.com.
'Do Not Call List' and telemarketing top the list of consumer complaints
Commissioner Adam Putnam of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced the top three complaints received in April through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (800) HELP-FLA consumer hotline: do not call, solicitation of contributions and motor vehicle repair.
In total, more than 3,000 complaints were filed by consumers in April, and the department received 33,716 calls and 2,387 emails for consumer assistance and information.
In the last month, the department has responded to many consumer concerns and taken action against several individuals or businesses operating outside of Florida law.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state's clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department's consumer protection and information hotline at (800) HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, (800) FL-AYUDA (352-9832).
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.
Florida Tech awarded presidents' award
Florida Tech was one of only 24 institutions among 300 schools selected to receive the first Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes athletics programs with four-year academic success rates of 90 percent or more.
The academic success rate measures graduation rates for virtually all Division II student-athletes, including transfers and those not receiving athletic-related financial aid.
FIT student-athletes performed well above the national four-year ASR average of 72 percent. In January, the Panthers' impressive rating helped the Sunshine State Conference retain the highest ASR for the fifth straight year at 86 percent.
For more information, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
New head volleyball head coach at FIT
Florida Tech athletic director Bill Jurgens recently named Amy O'Brien head volleyball coach.
Ms. O'Brien takes over the program after being named interim head coach earlier this spring. Prior to being named interim head coach, she served as an assistant coach at FIT for the last two seasons.
As an assistant coach, she focused on the Panthers' defense and serve-receive with the liberos and defensive specialists.
Ms. O'Brien totaled 1,717 career digs in her four-year collegiate career at the libero position. She played two years at Florida State College at Jacksonville, earning NJCAA All-Region, Florida Community College Activities Association All-State and All Mid-Florida Conference. She then played two years at FIT and finished her tenure only 13 digs away from accumulating 1,000 digs as a Panther. Her 487 digs in 2009 ranked third in the Sunshine State Conference.
Ms. O'Brien graduated from Florida Tech with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2009. She is currently working towards her master of business administration degree.
For more information, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
Student-athletes recognized at Carrabba's awards banquet
Florida Tech's student-athletes were recognized for their athletic and academic achievements during the Carrabba's Italian Grill of Palm Bay Athletic Awards Banquet at the Clemente Center. Handing out the awards were President Anthony J. Catanese and athletic director Bill Jurgens.
Taking home the coveted Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards were three individuals. Simon Cummings received the male honor after guiding FIT to its first outright Sunshine State Conference Regular Season Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Championship. He led the SSC in scoring during the regular season at 17.5 points per game, while finishing first in minutes played (34.7) and second in steals per game (2.2).
Women's cross country and track and field's Nicole Clarke and women's basketball's Briauna Hagins were named co-recipients of the Female Athlete of the Year honor. Ms. Clarke qualified as an individual for the NCAA Division II Championship last fall in cross country. Leading up to the event, she recorded six top-10 finishes in seven races, including a first-place finish at the Florida Tech Invitational and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division II South Region Championship. In track and field this spring, she won one race and placed among the top three in three races.
Ms. Hagins, a two-time All-America Honorable Mention recipient, became FIT women's basketball's first player to record 1,000 rebounds over her four-year collegiate career. She finished her senior season as the program's record holder for total rebounds with 1,079 and tied the program's single-season record with 340. Her 11.7 rebounds per game ranked 11th in NCAA Division II and her 16 double-doubles ranked 10th. In March, she led her team to its second straight NCAA Championship appearance.
Volleyball's Janelle Branch and once again baseball's Ryan McChesney were tabbed Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year.
Mike Schmidt from men's tennis and women's track and field's Kelsey Clayton won the newly named Andy Seminick and Martha Work Sportsmanship Awards.
Ashton McClairen from the women's basketball team received the Athletic Director's Leadership Award for her contributions to the team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee of which she served as president.
In a competition among its peers, the softball team was awarded The Panther Cup for accumulating the most points in seven categories. Those categories were athletic excellence, academic excellence, athletes supporting athletes, career and personal development, commitment to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, community service, and going above and beyond. Head coach Val Silvestrini's team totaled 656.91 points, which was more than 120 points more than the second-place team.
The Male Team GPA Award went to the inaugural men's swimming team for posting a 3.26 cumulative grade point average. The women's accolade went to the tennis team for its 3.65 cumulative GPA.
Head men's and women's tennis coach Bill Macom was recognized with a plaque for his 300th career win, earned March 5 against Saginaw Valley State.
Nearly 150 student-athletes from each of the university's 21 sports were named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher.
For more information, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
School Board of Brevard County ends teacher negotiations
The Brevard County School Board and the teachers' union contract negotiations finally ended recently following a five-hour impasse hearing.
With a unanimous vote, the board adopted the special magistrate's three non-binding recommendations.
The recommendations support the district's stance to maintain the same 2010-11 teacher salary schedule while providing a full step salary increase for any teacher who has been employed by the Board since the 2007-08 school year and one-time bonuses of $700 for those at the top of the pay scale or $350 for teachers hired since 2007-08. The total cost to the district of more than $5.7 million.
Approximately 100 retired or current teachers, family and community members attended the morning session of the hearing, which started at 9 a.m. A few carried signs and flags or wore red shirts saying, "BFT speaks for me."
The contract now goes to the Brevard teachers for a vote. If the teachers do not accept the terms of the contract, the two parties again negotiate all components in the document, including tentative agreements between the two parties, except for the three issues resolved. Today's impasse hearing decisions are binding. Raises for teachers would be retroactive to the beginning of this school year.
Negotiations between the two parties have not started for the 2012-13 school year.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796, or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
Exemplary science teachers announced
The Space Coast Science Education Alliance has announced the 2012 Exemplary Science Teacher award winners. These Brevard Public School teachers will be honored at an awards dinner at the BCC Planetarium on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m.
Local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions have joined forces to recognize and encourage the dedication, effort and effective educational practices essential in inspiring students in grades K-12 to excel in science.
The eight teacher winners were selected from nominations submitted by students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members.
Selection was based upon teacher essays, letters of support and other evidence of exemplary classroom practices.
The 2012 Exemplary Science Teacher award winners are:
. Pamela Aulakh, Manatee
Elementary School
. Michelle Ferro, West
Melbourne School for
Science
. Cinsy Krehbiel, West
Shore Junior/Senior High
School
. Holly Mentillo, Ocean
Breeze Elementary School
. Colleen Simpson,
Sunrise Elementary
School
. Somer Sutton, Heritage
High School
. Beth Toledo, Endeavour
Elementary School
. Diane Westcott, DeLaura
Middle School
For more information contact Ginger Davis, Brevard Public Schools, (321) 633-1000, Ext. 314.
Laureate Epsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Laureate Epsilon Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority recently elected the following officers for the new sorority year using the theme, "You're Among Friends:"
. President: Linda Paiva
. Vice president : Jewell
Patton
. City council
representative: Shari
Andry
. Recording secretary: Dee
Siebeneichen
. Corresponding secretary
Alice Napier
. Treasurer: Nicki
Woodrow
For more information, call (321) 723-2250.
Brevard schools named by the American Heart Association
The Brevard Public Schools, as an employer, has earned the Gold Level award in the American Heart Association's Fit-Friendly program for championing the health of employees and creating a culture of health and wellness within the workplace.
The Fit-Friendly Companies program by the American Heart Association is a catalyst for positive change in American businesses. Companies participate by demonstrating progressive leadership in making the health and wellness of their employees a priority.
To receive the award, businesses must embrace at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and culture.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796 or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
SpaceX completes crew accommodations milestone
Space Exploration Technologies has finished an important evaluation of a propotype Dragon spacecraft designed to carry people into orbit.
This key milestone is part of SpaceX's partnership with NASA under a funded Space Act Agreement to advance the design of crew transportation vehicles.
The primary goal of the tests was to determine whether the layout will allow astronauts to maneuver effectively in the vehicle.
Several veteran space shuttle astronauts and NASA engineers conducted the evaluation during a pair of two-day-long reviews.
This is the seventh of 10 milestones SpaceX must meet through July 31.
This includes the development of a launch abort system for crew escape during launch or ascent.
For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.
Five Brevard high schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has released its annual "America's Best High Schools" report, and five of the nation's top high schools are Brevard Public Schools.
The BPS schools in order of national ranking are: Edgewood Junior/Senior High School, West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School, Satellite High School and Bayside High School.
Both Edgewood and West Shore are in the top 100 in the nation and the top 10 in Florida. Edgewood, West Shore and Cocoa Beach were awarded Gold Medal status, and Bayside and Satellite received Silver Medal status.
The goal of the U.S. News & World Report is to provide a comprehensible, impartial picture of how well public schools serve each of its students - from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving - in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college level work.
They analyzed 21,776 public high schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia. This is the total number of public high schools that had 12th-grade enrollment and sufficient data, primarily from the 2009-10 school year, to analyze.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiates status review of rattlesnake
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the eastern diamondback rattlesnake as threatened and designate critical habitat for the species under the Endangered Species Act.
This finding stems from a petition submitted last summer by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Coastal Plains Institute Inc., Protecting all Living Species and One More Generation.
The decision, known as a 90-day finding, finds that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the eastern diamondback rattlesnake may be warranted.
The Service will undertake a more comprehensive review of the snake's status throughout the species' range to determine whether listing is warranted under the act.
Eastern diamondbacks can grow to a length of about eight feet and are the largest rattlesnakes in the world.
The eastern diamondback historically ranged along the coastal lowlands of the southeastern United States from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana, including all of Florida and its Keys.
Written comments regarding the proposal may be submitted by one of the following methods:
. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R4-ES-2012-0006].
. U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. [FWS-R4-ES-2012-0006]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
Comments must be received within 60 days, on or before July 9.
The Service will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov.
54 Panthers among Florida Tech's newest graduates
Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese presented degrees to 54 Panthers during spring's undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies at the Clemente Center. They join more than 50,000 alumni spanning the entire globe.
The graduates represented 18 of the university's 21 sports and cheerleading.
Among the newest graduates are three assistant coaches who earned their master's degree: Jennifer Gillette, Jonathan Hanna and Ray Herring.
For more information and a list of the graduates, call (321) 674-8250 or visit www.floridatechsports.com.
Brevard Public School parents respond to survey
The results are in and 18,419 parents responded to the Brevard Public Schools Parent Survey.
This is a 2 percent increase over the 2011 response rate.
The survey included multiple choice questions that cover a variety of topics from office staff, to instructional staff, to clean campus, to school lunches.
Parents were also given opportunities to provide comments on the individual items and about the school overall.
Principals have been given their individual school results to share with faculty and parents.
District and individual school results are posted on the survey results website at http://parentsurvey.brevardschools.org.
For more information, call (321) 633-1000, Ext. 796 or email davis.christine@brevardschools.org.
- For Hometown News