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Vol. 31 No. 12 March 25, 2013 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Florida since 1984

Please see Brevard School Board Candidate Dean Paterakis, page 19

Former Brevard teacher Paterakis gearing up for school–board runBy Ken Datzman

These are tough financial times for public education. Complex challenges face

school districts of all sizes around the nation as their operating budgets shrink and

financial pressure mounts, creating an unclear path to progress.

State budget cuts in Florida began four years ago amid the economic storm and

blowup of the housing market. It led to the erosion of the state’s tax base. The result

was a sharp pullback in the ability of the government to fund services and pro-

grams.

The painful budget cuts reaped havoc, eventually taking their toll on school

systems in the Sunshine State. And the pummeling continues today.

The budget–shortfall hole is wide and deep for most public schools in Florida,

though the revenue outlook is starting to trend upward somewhat as the economy

begins to strengthen. Still, the shortfall nightmare is very real for educators.

The Brevard County School Board, for example, is grappling with the proposed

$30 million in cuts, looking at everything from furlough days for administrators to

“pay–to–play” fees for sports to closing select schools in the region.

But it’s not only Brevard County and Florida caught in the revenue squeeze. It’s

pretty much a standing headline in daily newspapers in all communities: “School

board continues struggle to balance the budget.”

“Public school systems all across the nation are in financial distress because of

dwindling state aid,” says Dean Paterakis, a former Brevard County teacher who

taught in public schools and now works for United Parcel Service Inc.

“Locally, there are many things we can do right now to help steady the ship in

the county. It’s all about leadership and making good decisions, I believe.”

From the sideline, Paterakis says he has been closely watching the financial

crisis unfold in Brevard as school–board members seek out solutions to bring the

budget in line.

Are there any budget heroes lurking in the county?

Paterakis said the unprecedented challenge public schools in the region face has

moved him to take action as a resident and citizen. He has filed papers to run for

the Brevard County School Board, District 5.

“I filed them the day Brevard County announced it planned to close a number of

schools,” he said.

The recommended and targeted closings are South Lake in Titusville, Clearlake

in Cocoa and Gardendale on Merritt Island, all schools that parents are fighting to

keep open sparking a lawsuit.

“I don’t think we need to close the schools they have proposed,” said Paterakis. “I

want to see all three of those schools remain open.”

School–board members are elected during the primary and sworn into office in

November. They serve a four–year term on the five–member board.

Paterakis, who also taught in Ohio and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1989 to

1998 (including at Patrick Air Force Base), says he’s running “because I think we

need people on the board who will actually listen to the citizens, and that we can

trust to spend our money appropriately.”

He added, “I have noticed that the citizens do not have much of a say anymore

when it comes to their child’s learning. It’s unfortunate. It’s got to stop and that’s

why I am out on the campaign trail.”

Paterakis said he would put together a citizens’ committee to help review how

the money is spent in the county on school projects and ensure “that school policy is

consistent.”

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BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.

Dean Paterakis, right, a former teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, has filed papers to run for the Brevard CountySchool Board District 5 seat. Paterakis, who works for United Parcel Service Inc., says the school district can savetens of millions of dollars by shelving FCAT. If elected, he said he will consider donating his $35,000 annualschool–board salary, excluding expenses, to area charities and nonprofits. Supporting his run are Denise Coyle,longtime school volunteer in the region, and Lewis Ruffalo, left, a former Brevard Public Schools employee. Theyare at the Residence Inn by Marriott on South Babcock Street in Melbounre.

BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth

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News

MARCH 25, 2013Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2

BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSHealth First appoints five new board members with a widerange of professional experience and academic credentials

ROCKLEDGE — Health First Inc. has

announced the addition of five people to its

Board of Trustees. They are:

l James Dwight is president and

headmaster of Florida Air Academy in

Melbourne, and co–founder and owner of

the Green Turtle Market in Indian

Harbour Beach. Dwight earned his

bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College

in Vermont and his master of fine arts from

Columbia University in New York.

He also has a master’s in educational

leadership from Florida Institute of

Technology, where he serves as a board

member of the College of Business. Dwight

is past president of the Association of

Military Colleges and Schools of the United

States and past chairman of the Brevard

Workforce Development Board, the

Melbourne Regional Chamber of Com-

merce Board and the Space Coast Early

Intervention Center Board.

l Cathy Eddy is the president of the

Health Plan Alliance. Eddy serves on the

Presbyterian Health Plan Board in

Albuquerque and chairs its Board Quality

Committee. She is on the Health Industry

Council Board in Dallas and advisory

boards for Women Business Leaders and

DST Healthcare.

Eddy received her master of business

administration degree in health–care

management and insurance from The

Wharton School at the University of

Pennsylvania. She has a bachelor’s degree

in news–editorial journalism from Kent

State University.

l Dr. Martin Isenman is a retired

physician. He served as medical director of

MIMA from January 1992 to May 2000. He

was also the chief of the medical staff at

Holmes Regional Medical Center in

Melbourne (1984–1985) and vice chief of

medical staff (1982–1983.)

Dr. Isenman is certified in geriatric

medicine by the American Board of

Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine.

He earned his medical degree from

Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn,

N.Y. Dr. Isenman spent much of his early

medical career at Strong Memorial

Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., before coming

to Florida.

l Richard McNeight brings more than

30 years of international management

experience leading and acquiring high–tech

computer, communication and software

companies. He is president of Modus

Operandi Inc., a leading software develop-

ment and services company.

McNeight earned his bachelor’s degree

in applied science from the University of

Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has a master’s

in engineering, in computer information

and control engineering, from the Univer-

sity of Michigan.

McNeight also serves on the Astronaut

Memorial Foundation Board of Directors,

the Florida Institute of Technology Board

of Trustees, the Modus Operandi Inc.

Board of Directors and the Eau Gallie

Yacht Club Board of Governors. He was

honored with the Dale Carnegie Interna-

tional Leadership Award in April 2006 for

the “single most outstanding company

leader in North America.” He was awarded

the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year by

Founder’s Forum and the Economic

Development Commission of Florida’s

Space Coast.

l Fran Pickett has more than 30 years

experience as a designer, master planner,

programmer and school–board member.

She is a Certified Educational Facilities

Planner and is president of Fran Pickett &

Associates.

Pickett earned her master of architec-

ture degree from Tulane University and an

Advanced Certificate in Educational

Facilities Planning from San Diego State

University.

She is the chairperson of the Space

Coast Health Foundation, serves on the

Loan Review Committee at Space Coast

Credit Union, Impact Funding Allocations

Committee for the United Way of Brevard,

and is a pre–kindergarten Sunday school

teacher at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Propeller Club luncheon to feature military speakersThe Propeller Club of Port Canaveral will host its luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. on

Wednesday, April 3, at Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill in Port Canaveral. The address

is 610 Glen Cheek Drive. The program is titled “The Importance of Port Canaveral.” The

featured speakers will include: Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander, 45th Space Wing;

Capt. John Heatherington, commanding officer, Naval Ordnance Test Unit; Capt. Tom

Allan, U.S. Coast Guard Sector, Jacksonville; and Col. Alan Dodd, commander, Jackson-

ville District, U.S. Army Crops of Engineers. To make a lunch reservation for the event,

send an e–mail message to [email protected] or call 452–5426. Attendees can also

pay at the door the day of program.

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Our Easter Wish is for everyone but, still, mostly for you Jessica. We love you, Erna

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EDITORKen Datzman

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORBill Roth

Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,education and commerce.

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UCF student: I wish someone had given me this advice sooner about collegeBy Heather WaymouthUCF Forum columnist

As a senior graduating from UCF in May, I recently

have spent a lot of time reflecting on my college experience

— and boy, I wish people had told me a lot of things sooner

about college!

Other than the expected advice of “Don’t party too hard”

and “Stick to the books” — which certainly are good things

to remember — there are plenty of tips I wish someone

would have shared with me four years ago.

So here are a few things I’d like to pass along that may

help other students in their early years of college:

l Keep in touch with friends and mentors

Freshman year is generally the time for meeting new

faces and having fewer responsibilities compared to senior

year. Every year will become busier and harder academi-

cally and extracurricularly. Make sure to keep in touch and

make time for your friends and those who inspire you

along the way.

l Just because you choose a major doesn’t mean you’re

locked in to it

I’m not talking about the fact that students can switch

their major at any time. I am talking about afterwards

when getting out into the real world, and realizing that

career is not what you want to do. Never feel like you

might choose the wrong path. I know professionals who

studied performing arts and eventually found their way to

physical therapy graduate school. It’s never too late in life

to make a switch. And it’s not impossible. So, as a fresh-

man or sophomore, try not to freak out about finding the

perfect study, because it probably doesn’t exist. Plus, how

are you supposed to decide what you want to do with the

rest of your life at 19 years old? Just try to focus on your

interests and see where they lead you.

l Ask for help and build strong relationships with

professors and advisors

If you are having a hard time in a course, instead of

resenting the professor, visit him or her during office hours

and ask for help. I’m sure you’d be surprised at how willing

they are to sit down with you. On another note, getting to

know your professors and advisors in your major will help

you stay on top of course material, stay connected to

academic affairs, and open doors to opportunities. Some-

times the best way to build a relationship with faculty

members is to join a club they advise, too.

l Get involved. At the same time, don’t get too involved

Joining an organization is an easy way to meet new

friends, give back to the community and feel a part of

something extraordinary. I recommend getting involved in

two organizations at a time, and do them well. Maybe

choose one related to your studies and one related to a

campus organization. If you are someone who tends to

overwhelm yourself — don’t push your limits. Try to only

take on as much that won’t spread you thin. Find only a

few leadership positions and put 100 percent effort into

them. Mental breakdowns are not worth the stress.

l Apply for scholarships each semester

There are many scholarship opportunities just waiting

for students to claim. And I’m just talking about the ones

offered by individual universities — not even those offered

by other organizations on a national level. I suggest

keeping a list handy of scholarships available and their

deadlines. Even if you don’t have time to apply to all, make

it a goal to apply to at least one scholarship each month. I

wish I had started trying to find as many scholarships as I

could earlier on.

l Don’t stress over that one bad grade

You are either the student who obsesses over grades or

doesn’t care at all. I’m sure if you are part of the “don’t

care” group, you probably wouldn’t even stumble upon this

article in the first place. So for the ones who are perfection-

ists when it comes to schoolwork, if you are worried about

an upcoming test and feel like the world is going to end,

just remember that in a year, you won’t even remember

stressing over that midterm. Take a deep breath, study

hard and try your best. I promise you will still be breathing

in a week.

I don’t expect my advice to apply to every college

student, but I hope there is a message to guide at least

someone.

And just remember: We’re all at school to learn,

whether it’s academically or personally.

Now if only someone would tell me how to survive after

graduation in a few months!

Allen West Foundation launches, seeks to educate, train aspiring conservative leadersFormer U.S. Congressman and retired Lt. Col. Allen

West has announced the launch of Boca Raton–based The

Allen West Foundation, a Section 501(c)(4) non–profit

organization with the mission of educating and inspiring

the next generation of conservative leaders within the

minority and veteran communities nationwide.

A government truly “of the people” must be fully

representative of those it governs, he said. Both minorities

and veterans are under–represented in elected office at

both the state and federal levels, and the foundation seeks

to educate and motivate members of these groups to

increase their civic participation and representation in

government, said West.

“From the time I first took an oath to support and

defend our Constitution as a young second lieutenant in

the U.S. Army, I have committed my life to our nation and

its constitutional principles. I feel both a duty and an honor

to encourage others to follow a similar path.”

The Allen West Foundation will:

l Host issue–based forums designed to educate

participants on important public policy matters and

encourage greater civic engagement.

l Conduct educational seminars and provide other

resources for those considering becoming more engaged in

their communities or running for public office.

l Advocate on behalf of minorities and veterans on

critical issues facing their communities.

Visit www.AllenWestFoundation.org for details.

Viera Community Center to host event March 30A “Crafts Fair and Kid’s Springtacular” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at the Viera

Regional Community Center. Admission is free for the Crafts Fair. The Kid’s Springtacular is $2 per child; free for adults

accompanying children. The event includes take–home crafts, games, bouncy houses, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn

and an egg hunt at 11 a.m. The event is sponsored by Brevard County Parks and Recreation. Crafters can obtain

applications at the Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera. Vendor spaces, 8 feet–

by–8 feet, are $31.80 and include a five–foot table. All spaces are indoors, and payment must be received by Wednesday,

March 27. For more information, call 433–4891.

UCF Forum columnist Heather Waymouth is aUniversity of Central Florida senior majoring inadvertising/public relations and English writing, andcan be reached at [email protected].

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ORLANDO — The Small Business Institute, the

“premier professional association” of small business,

entrepreneurship educators and researchers involved in

student–analysis projects, recently announced that a

student team from the University of Central Florida’s

College of Business Administration, under the supervision

of faculty and staff, was a winner of its annual Project of

the Year competition, taking third prize in the 2013

“Graduate Business Plan” category.

The UCF team of graduate students Shannon Corrigan,

Brett Penta and Lindsey Powers, under the guidance of

the UCF’s SBI Program Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald and

Faculty Supervisor Kathie Holland, produced a winning

business plan for their client, Electronic Creations, in

competition with MBA teams from across the country.

In addition, the SBI announced that the UCF program

has been named the winner of the 2013 SBI Showcase

Award. The award is made annually to the SBI program

and its director in recognition of innovative development or

management, or because their SBI efforts contributed to a

“true small–business client success story.”

“It’s another great day for UCF’s College of Business

Administration’s students and faculty,” said Dr. Paul

Jarley, dean of that college. “Even as we celebrate the

College of Business Administration’s 50th Anniversary, we

are looking ahead to make the changes we must so our

school and our students stay relevant to our communities

and our stakeholders. The SBI program is a continuing

step in that direction. Its emphasis on experiential

learning working with local businesses demonstrates not

only our commitment to our community but also to

preparing our MBA students with hands–on experience

that will make them successful in a tough job market.”

In the SBI’s 2013 Project of the Year competition, the

UCF students worked with Orlando–based Electronic

Creations (EC), a company engaged in the installation of

automation systems, home theatres, audio systems,

appliance controls, security systems and a variety of

technological improvements to homes and commercial

businesses.

Working closely with EC’s President Robert Levy and

Vice President Robert Foust, the student team’s consulting

engagement and assignment was focused on preparing a

business plan for the launch of a new subsidiary aimed at

serving the rapidly growing age population of individuals

over 65.

Under the guidance of their UCF’s SBI Program

Director Dr. Lloyd Fernald, professor emeritus at the UCF

College of Business Administration, the student team

oversaw and implemented extensive research and analysis

to determine industry best practices; met weekly to

understand company processes and procedures; and

performed wide–ranging analysis of business and industry

strategies and performance.

As a result of their efforts, the students were able to

provide a comprehensive business plan comprised of both a

short– and long–term strategic analysis and set of

recommendations.

“Thanks to our Small Business Institute team from

UCF, we have a much better understanding of the

challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the

subsidiary we envision,” said EC President Robert Levy.

“This was a real value–added experience for us, and I

am pleased that the national SBI chose to recognize these

students and the UCF SBI program for their achieve-

ment.”

Sun Land Realty’s Dryer, Marschang announce land sale at the Crossings site in MelbourneReal–estate professionals Michael Dryer and Scot Marschang of Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Land Realty in

Indian Harbour Beach have announced the sale of 11.3 acres of multifamily land in Melbourne.

Dreyer is president, broker and owner of the firm. Marschang is senior vice president of commercial services.

The Crossings at Baymeadows is located centrally in Melbourne off Wickham Road, at a major north–south corridor.

It lies east of the Parkway Meadows and Baymeadows residential developments.

Dreyer also announced the sale of 1.87 acres of a medical office land site in Malabar. The property is an outparcel of

the MIMA Medical Office Complex and is located on the west side of the entrance at MIMA Boulevard. The property was

marketed and sold by Dreyer.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Land Realty is part of a collaborative network of independently owned and

operated affiliates comprising more than 200 companies and 3,000 professionals throughout the U.S. and internationally.

The local firm specializes in commercial real estate sales and leasing services, including site selection, acquisition,

disposition, landlord representation, tenant representation, property management, real–estate counseling services,

receivership, and build–to–suit projects. Visit www.CBCSunlandrealty.com for more information.

TD Charitable Foundation awards grant to Brevard Rescue MissionBrevard Rescue Mission, which provides transitional housing and support services for homeless women with children,

was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank.

Funding will be used to establish the “Transformation Through Education Program,” which meets the educational needs

of both the mothers and their at–risk children by furnishing one–on–one tutoring in GED test preparation, homework

assistance, and reading proficiency. 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 480–9100 or visit www.BrevardRescueMission.org for more information.

Small Business Institute honors UCF’s College of Businessstudents and faculty, places third in 2013 plan competition

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Hospice of Health First announces addition of three associate medical directors to its team of professionalsROCKLEDGE — Hospice of Health First has an-

nounced the addition of three new associate medical

directors to its staff.

Joining the Hospice of Health First team led by

Dr. Ruddy Ruiz are Dr. Mario Ruberte, Dr. Chris Cobbold,

and Dr. Govind Sriramineni.

Dr. Ruberte, board–certified in internal medicine and

hospice and palliative care, is with Health First Medical

Group. He is also an associate professor at the University

of Central Florida School of Medicine, Department of

Internal Medicine. He is a graduate of Catholic University

of Puerto Rico, the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

Medical School and the Fifth Pathway Program at New

York Medical College. Dr. Ruberte performed his residency

at Eastern Virginia Medical School and spent one year as a

hospitalist at Sentara Health Systems in Virginia Beach.

Dr. Cobbold is a board–certified internal medicine and

hospice and palliative care physician with Health First

Medical Group. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology

from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and

his doctor of medicine from the University of Alberta in

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His residency was completed

in internal medicine at Summa Health System in Akron,

Ohio.

Dr. Sriramineni is a board–certified internal medicine

physician with Health First Medical Group. He came to

Brevard from Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, N.J.,

where he performed his residency in internal medicine.

Before coming to the U.S. and gaining his citizenship, he

worked in India as a primary care physician. He also

attended medical school in India at Sri Devaraj Urs

Medical College.

“Adding these experienced physicians to our team will

increase our ability to treat and manage the unique

symptoms of our Hospice patients in their own homes,

where they are most comfortable,” said Steve Bice,

executive director of Hospice of Health First.

“At Hospice of Health First, we believe our patients and

their families deserve the most quality and compassionate

care we can provide,” Bice added.

The professional staff of Hospice of Health First

provides skilled nursing care and support services to meet

the daily needs of the patient and family 24 hours, seven

days a week. For more information, call 952–0494 or visit

www.health–first.org/hospice.

UCF’s Dr. Sole earns award for her work contributing to nursing professionORLANDO — Mary Lou Sole, coordinator of University

of Central Florida’s clinical nurse specialist master’s and

doctoral tracks, recently earned the Researcher of the Year

Award from the National Association of Clinical Nurse

Specialists.

The award for work that has significantly contributed to

advancing the nursing profession was presented in San

Antonio at the association’s annual conference.

“Dr. Sole has made exceptional contributions to the

body of knowledge of nursing science. Her work has

improved the outcomes of numerous patients and she

continues to mentor future CNS researchers,” said Carol

Manchester, president of the association.

Dr. Sole’s primary research is on improving outcomes of

critical illness, with a focus on airway management and

infection. Her secondary research interest is in the

application of technology in clinical and educational

settings. She has published more than 65 articles in peer–

reviewed journals, mostly covering critical care and

nursing education.

Dr. Sole has worked at UCF since 1991 and was named

a Pegasus Professor, UCF’s top faculty honor, in 2008. She

is a Fellow in both the American Academy of Nursing and

the American College of Critical Care Medicine.

The textbook “Introduction to Critical Care Nursing”

(5th edition), by Dr. Sole, Deborah Goldenberg Klein and

Marthe J. Moseley, was named Book of the Year in 2010

by the “American Journal of Nursing.”

She was the lead investigator on a National Institutes

of Health nursing research grant related to airway

management in critically ill patients, and in 2006 her

expertise and commitment earned a gubernatorial

nomination to the Florida Biomedical Research Advisory

Council, on which she continues to serve.

The Orlando Health Distinguished Professor at UCF’s

College of Nursing, Dr. Sole received her bachelor’s degree

in nursing from Ohio University, a master’s degree in

nursing from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in

nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. She is

certified as a critical–care clinical–nurse specialist.

Broker Brian Lightle of Lightle Beckner Robison attends SIOR ConferenceCommercial broker Brian Lightle of Melbourne–based Lightle Beckner Robison Inc. recently attended the SIOR

Florida Chapter Conference in Orlando.

From locations across the state, members of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors converged on Orlando for the

two–day event, exchanging valuable information on the industry and building relationships. Roundtable discussions with

developers of office and industrial buildings included future development plans along with present opportunities.

Members also toured the Lake Nona community area, where a full slate of new office, industrial and mixed–use

projects are being designed. The projects are estimated to be $500 million in value.

The keynote speaker was Michael Randle, editor and publisher of “Southern Business and Development Magazine.”

He spoke about the future of manufacturing in the South. “The open exchange of information, experiences and market

knowledge between 50 of the top brokers in Florida was priceless,” said Lightle.

Lightle Beckner Robison Inc. is a full–service real–estate firm solely serving the commercial segment of the market.

Specializing in office, retail, industrial, investment properties and asset/property management, the firm serves Brevard

County extending across the entire states of Florida and Georgia. For additional information, visit www.TeamLBR.com.

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Balda Family Foundation acceptingapplications for college scholarships

The local Balda Family Foundation is accepting

applications for college scholarships through April 15.

The nonprofit, private foundation was founded in 2007.

Its mission is to motivate, inspire and educate academi-

cally promising, at–risk and underserved youth in Brevard

County through educational opportunities and college

scholarships.

Eligibility requirements and applications are available

at www.BaldaFoundation.org. Partial and late applica-

tions will not be accepted for review. Scholarship amounts

will range from $1,000 to $3,000 and all applicants will be

notified of the results by June 8.

The scholarship funds will be put into the recipient’s

college bursar account. No checks to individuals will be

distributed. Contact [email protected] for more

information.

BCC printing and graphic services earnrecognition; Lally and Smith are honored

Brevard Community College was recently notified that

its college–wide printing and graphic–services department

has earned national recognition by the Collegiate Advertis-

ing Awards.

Two staff members were honored for their creative

talents — Michael Lally and Mitzi Smith.

Lally earned a Silver Advertising Award for creation of

the 2012 National Championship Soccer Tournament

Program. Smith also earned a Silver Advertising Award

for the business–pocket folder she designed for the college.

The Collegiate Advertising Awards is an elite program

designed to recognize today’s most talented educational

marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in all

forms of advertising, marketing and promotion.

Entries are judged by a panel of design and education

marketing professionals with decades of combined

experience. Entries are evaluated on creativity, layout/

design, typography, production, quality and overall

effectiveness.

“We’re extremely proud of the talented staff we have

here at BCC,” said Dr. Jim Richey, president of Brevard

Community College. “Our college–wide printing and

graphic–services department is one great example of that

talent. It’s certainly well–earned recognition for a team we

count on for so many things.”

Seminar set for DeGroodt LibraryKick off the spring growing season with an informative

and money–saving seminar on how to save the seeds from

your own garden at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at the

Franklin T. DeGroodt Memorial Library in Palm Bay.

Brevard County master gardener Lucia Chankersingh will

conduct the program. The seed–saving seminar will

introduce new participants to the DeGroodt Library seed

exchange. Bring in your own labeled, homegrown or

heirlooms seeds, and trade them packet–for–packet for

seeds from the seed bank. Seed envelopes are provided at

the library. Contact Nancy Garmer at Franklin T.

DeGroodt Memorial Library for more information. The

number is 952–6318.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSCentral Florida Chapter of JDRF to host its‘Walk to Cure Diabetes’ — seeks volunteers

More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in

JDRF’s annual “Walk to Cure Diabetes” on Saturday,

April 6, at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.

The Central Florida Chapter of JDRF is hoping to raise

more than $153,000 for research to find a cure for Type 1

diabetes and its complications.

“This is such a great opportunity for the community to

come together to raise money and awareness, said JDRF

Board of Directors President Joseph Ranaldi. “Diabetes

has a huge impact on many Central Florida families.

Insulin is a necessity, not a cure.”

To run an event of this magnitude and make it a

success, JDRF said it needs at least 50 volunteers. There

are a variety of jobs waiting for volunteers: including

setting up for the activities, helping with registration,

supervising children’s venues, providing entertainment,

serving in the food tent, and many more.

Volunteers will have a “great time, get some exercise,

and most importantly, be a part of the cure.”

“We never lose sight of our ultimate goal to remove T1D

from our lives forever. However, along the path to a cure

we are inspired by the many achievements toward the

treatment and prevention of this disease,” said JDRF

Director Martin Bernstine. “The outpouring of support and

commitment of people enables JDRF to continue funding

cutting edge research.”

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is supported by many

volunteers, local companies and in–kind donors. If you are

interested in volunteering, contact Marcia Stagni, JDRF

volunteer chairwoman, at [email protected].

Since it inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.6

billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80

percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research

and research–related education.

For more information, visit www.JDRF.org or call

(407) 774–2166.

Historian Gannon to speak at the April 2Ponce de Leon event in Melbourne Beach

United Third Bridge Inc. and The Florida Puerto Rican

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Inc. have confirmed the

attendance of Dr. Michael Gannon for “The V Centennial

Celebration of the Discovery of Florida” by Juan Ponce de

Leon in Melbourne Beach.

Titled “The First Landing,” the event will take place on

April 2 at Juan Ponce de Leon Landing Park.

The historian, academic, former professor of history at

the University of Florida, and Distinguished Service

Professor Emeritus of History will be attending The Royal

Mass, the re–enactment of the 1513 landing and the

unveiling of the Juan Ponce de Leon Statue, where he will

be a guest speaker.

Dr. Gannon is also known for his study of Spanish

colonial history and for supporting Douglas T. Peck’s

findings that the epic 1513 voyage of Juan Ponce de León

and his landing near Melbourne Beach on April 2.

Among numerous awards and honors, he is a Knight

Commander of the Order of Isabel the Catholic, granted by

King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

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Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse shines after renovation; now showcasing‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ the rock opera that revolutionized musical theaterBy Ken Datzman

COCOA VILLAGE — With its new interior look

and upgraded seating following a major renovation,

The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse is enjoying a

newfound love affair with the community.

The design project rounded the facility into a

“world–class community theater.” That’s the way

Playhouse patrons are describing the remake of the

auditorium, which showcases a large chandelier.

“The renovation has brought a new breadth of life

into the theater,” said Staci Hawkins–Smith, execu-

tive director of the Playhouse. “We took care in

making sure everything was just right.”

“As a performer on stage, when you look out into

the audience there is definitely a ‘wow’ factor,” said

veteran Playhouse actor Benjamin Cox, adding, “But

once you start your role in a show, all of that disap-

pears and it just turns to darkness.”

One of the biggest advancements is the

Playhouse’s new orchestra pit, which can comfortably

seat up to 30 players with all of their instruments.

“That means a larger orchestra and a fuller sound,”

said Hawkins–Smith, who has led the Playhouse for

more than two decades. “For ‘South Pacific,’ we had 27

players in the orchestra pit.”

The construction project added 95 seats in the

balcony, bringing the total capacity of the Playhouse

to 595 seats.

“There were times when we had to beg people to sit

in the balcony of the auditorium,” said Hawkins–

Smith. “And now the balcony fills up just as fast as the

main level. In fact, there are people who will only sit

in the balcony for a show. The view is spectacular.”

She said Playhouse attendees have commented on

the “comfort of the new seats we installed throughout

the facility.”

The Playhouse’s 23rd “Broadway on Brevard”

series has included the world premier of Tony

Macaulay’s “Build Me Up Buttercup — The Musical.”

Hawkins–Smith said it had “an incredible run.”

Throughout the month of March, the Playhouse is

presenting “Jesus Christ Superstar,” a rock opera by

Andrew Lloyd Webber (“The Phantom of the Opera”)

with lyrics by Tim Rice (“Evita,” “The Lion King”). The

musical started as a rock–opera concept recording

before its first staging on Broadway in 1971.

“For the past 23 years, I have tried to bring this

show here, and for 23 years I was turned down, based

on national tour and international tour demand, and

Broadway runs. It was a stroke of luck we were able to

secure this show for our 2012–2013 season the day

after it closed on Broadway,” she said.

The musical is based loosely on the Gospel’s

accounts of the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. As His

teachings are embraced, Judas Iscariot questions the

enlightened motives of this prophet. Christ’s final

days are dramatized with “emotional intensity.”

In the production, Cox is cast as Jesus Christ.

“It has taken me places as an actor that I’ve never

been before because of what it requires of you. For

me, it’s been very deep and meaningful. It’s caused

me to look into my own spirituality.”

The remaining show dates are March 21, 22, 26,

28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., and March 23, 24, 30

and 31 (Easter) at 2 p.m.

“With good fortune, we may have an evening

show on Easter. The cast is prepared. If demand is

really good, we could hold it over one day. That is

all we have the rights for,” she said.

Tickets, from $18 to $26, are sold at

www.CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com. Reservations

can be made by phone at 636–5050. The box office

hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday–Friday.

The “Jesus Christ Superstar” performances are

under the direction of Hawkins–Smith. “When I

come out of rehearsal, my body is sore. I feel like a

wet noodle. It brings out every emotion you have,

from joy to sadness to hope.”

The assistant director and choreographer is

Natalie McKnight, the president and founder of

Better Than Broadway Studio at Rockledge

Business Park, which provides training and

development for the performing–arts community.

The cast includes James Spiva as Judas

Iscariot, McKnight as Mary Magdalene, Brian

Smith as Pilate, Will Evans as Caiaphas, Richard

Evans as Annas, Stephan Snyder as Peter, Jeff

LaDuke as Simon, and Don Bricker as King Herod.

There is a “Jesus Christ Superstar” supporting cast

of 40 Playhouse volunteers.

Hawkins–Smith said it’s one of the most

talented groups of Playhouse performers she has

had “the honor to work with.”

The music is performed by an orchestra led by

music director J. Thomas Black Jr. and conductor

Bob Barone.

“The play starts with this fantastic slow–motion

combat,” said Hawkins–Smith, “resulting in a

disciple getting speared and dying. No words. Just

music.”

The Playhouse production team includes Ian

Cook, lighting and scenic design; Jeremy Phelps,

associate production design; Daniel Hill, costume

design; and Gavin Little, sound design and

engineering.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was the first musical

by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be

produced for the professional stage.

Following “Jesus Christ Superstar” on the

Playhouse schedule is “I’ll Be Seeing You,” a 1940s

cabaret show with Margaret Cross. Two perfor-

mances are set for Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. and

7 p.m.

Former New York City performer Cross

(“Finian’s Rainbow,” “Titanic”) is a Playhouse favorite. She will be

joined by her father, Don Cross (“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”) for a

musical walk down memory lane featuring songs such as “You’ll Never

Know” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

Next up, and adapted from the novel by Mark Twain, is “Big River:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” It will open at the Playhouse on

Friday, April 26. Twain’s classic book was published in the U.S. in

1885, a year after debuting in England.

Propelled by an award–winning score by the late country singer

Roger Miller, “Big River” provides a “brilliantly theatrical production of

pure Americana.”

Staci Hawkins–Smith is directing the classic ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the newlyrenovated Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. She has tried for more than twodecades to secure the rights to ‘Superstar’ for the Playhouse, of which she is theexecutive director. The renovation included adding 95 balcony seats. BenjaminCox is the lead actor for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’




Prevent! of Brevard to host ‘Jamboree’ fund–raiser at Melbourne Auditorium;longtime nonprofit organization makes life–changing impact in communityBy Ken Datzman

The long reach of Prevent! of Brevard

Inc., with its 22 programs targeting specific

population segments facing various

challenges in society, annually touches the

lives of more than 15,000 area residents.

From its esteem–building program for

pre–schoolers to its mother–child home

program, the organization has developed

and delivered services to children and

families across a range of social–economic

backgrounds since 1980.

“As an organization, we have made a

big impact in the community over the

years helping change lives, with a lot of

success stories,” said Kay Heimmer,

president and chief executive officer of

Prevent! of Brevard.

Some of her clients have even gone on to

earn master’s degrees and are now helping

others overcome serious hurdles in their

life. The not–for–profit provider works to

prevent “destructive behaviors, protect and

nurture children, redirect high–risk youth,

treat addictions and strengthen and unite

families.”

“We focus on providing direct services

for the clients and we work with the whole

family, which is critical in order to really

have an impact that’s lasting. We have to

break the cycle of addiction. Sometimes

we’re dealing with third–generation

addiction,” said Heimmer.

“It’s an extraordinary group of people

and the programs are so successful,” said

Jack Kirschenbaum, an attorney with

GrayRobinson in Melbourne who sits on

the organization’s board of directors.

Kirschenbuam, a longtime community

volunteer with his wife Diane, says

Prevent! of Brevard’s work in the region “is

much needed.” And because of the

government’s decreased funding for many

social–service programs, the organization

has “become a safety net.”

He has served on the Prevent! of

Brevard board for more than a year. “It

seemed to be the right thing to do and I am

happy I made that commitment.”

One of Prevent! of Brevard’s main

programs is “Sally’s House.” The facility

was established to offer a safe, comfortable

environment for women seeking to

overcome and maintain recovery from

addiction, said Heimmer.

Sally’s House, which opened in 1993, is

dedicated to assisting pregnant women.

The residential facility allows women to

keep their infants and older children with

them as they complete the program’s

requirements.

The clients may stay in the 15–bed

House for up to two years to be successful

in their recovery. To date, the facility “has

served more than 1,000 women and

children. We’ve had 72 healthy, drug–free

babies born at Sally’s House,” said

Heimmer.

“The goal, of course, is to have our

graduates of the program be self–sufficient,

to hold a job or be working toward a

degree, and be a caring parent,” she added.

Prevent! of Brevard has a long track

record of achievement in the social–

services arena. For example, it was one of

only 20 agencies nationally to be recog-

nized by the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services for its exemplary

programs.

Prevent! of Brevard’s funding comes

from a number of sources, including local,

state, and federal grants.

Prevent! of Brevard has also been

singled out by the Florida Department of

Children and Families, through grant

awards.

An important contributor to the

organization’s resources, as it works to help

the growing number of individuals and

families seeking its services, is the annual

“Jamboree” fund–raising social, which

typically attracts hundreds of people from

across the county.

The 17th Jamboree is scheduled from 6

to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the

Melbourne Auditorium. The 2013 Jambo-

ree chairpersons are Christine Lance, and

Jack and Diane Kirschenbaum. The event

hosts are Roger and Marilyn Dobson, John

and Darcia Francey, and Bjornar and Bjorg

Hermansen.

The idea for the benefit came from

Darcia Francey, who for over the past two

decades has helped nonprofit entities plan,

build, and organize fund–raising programs

in the community.

“We wanted to create an event that

would be fun and appeal to a wide audi-

ence,” said Francey, who is the Prevent! of

Brevard board of directors chairwoman.

“The feedback we had so often heard in

the community from people who attend

and support area fund–raisers, especially

men, is that they favored an event that

Carrabba’s Italian Grill of Merritt

Island is the Jamboree’s “lead restaurant

sponsor.” A host of area restaurants are

participating, including Tuscany Grill,

Matt’s Casbah, Auddino’s Italian Bakery,

Fujiyama Japanese Seafood and Steak

House, Old School Pizza, Taste of Thai,

and Continental Flambé.

The core of the Jamboree proceeds will

benefit Sally’s House, said Heimmer,

whose organization receives partial

funding for two of its programs from

United Way of Brevard.

The Jamboree is Prevent! of Brevard’s

only fund–raising event of the year. “We

have assured our supporters that we will

ask for their help only once a year and we

have kept that promise,” said Heimmer.

Prevent! of Brevard, which runs 22 programs that help shape lives, hosts only one fund–raising eventyearly — its ‘Jamboree.’ The 17th edition is set for March 23 at the Melbourne Auditorium. Individualtickets and sponsorships are available. From left: Darcia Francey, Prevent! chairwoman and creatorof the Jamboree; GrayRobinson attorney Jack Kirschenbaum, a board member of Prevent!; and KayHeimmer, president and CEO of Prevent! of Brevard.


featured a relaxed atmosphere and was not

a black–tie function. This is the Jamboree’s

17th year. So it has a lot of history. People

enjoy coming to the Jamboree because of

the atmosphere, and the great food and

entertainment.”

The Jamboree will feature food stations,

live and silent auctions, a reverse drawing,

and live entertainment from the band

“Smith & Western,” which plays a variety

of music. Event sponsorships start at $300

per couple. “This year we are also offering a

limited number of single tickets for $50

each,” said Francey.

To inquire about sponsorships or to

purchase a ticket, call Prevent! of Brevard

at 259–7262 or visit

www.PreventofBrevardInc.net.




Surfside announces its new season of performances; seeks volunteers in range of areas including directorThe Surfside Players organization at Surfside Play-

house in Cocoa Beach has announced its 2013–2014

schedule of theatrical performances for the 55th season.

The lineup includes: “Five Women Wearing the Same

Dress,” by Alan Ball; “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” by Jerry Leiber

and Mike Stoller; “Hello Dolly! by Michael Stewart and

Jerry Herman; “To Kill A Mockingbird, based on the novel

by Harper Lee; and “Shout! The Mod Musical,” by Phillip

George and David Lowenstein.

In addition to the regular schedule, the Playhouse will

host two special events: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,”

and “Love Letters,” by A.R. Gurney.

To prepare for the new season, Surfside is currently

seeking production staff and volunteers.

Contact Robin Pena at 626–1343 or [email protected],

or by Facebook Message (not by Wall post) if you have an

interest in any of the following areas, whether a specific

show or a general desire to help: director (respond by May

1); musical director; choreographer; orchestra/band;

costume design or sewing; set design, construction or

painting; props design; lighting/sound design or operation;

publicity/marketing; and artwork or media design.

Front–of–house volunteers (box–office manager, house

manager, usher, concessions) can call Jeanne Prichard at

783–3127. Surfside Playhouse says it is in need of volun-

teers “for any show,” including “Love, Sex and the IRS,”

which runs for the next two weekends.

For more information about this and other events, visit

www.surfsideplayers.com or the Facebook group “Surfside

Players.” Submit an e–mail or postal address to

[email protected] to receive updates on shows

throughout the season.

Surfside Players is a community theatre dedicated to

the performing arts through productions, presentations,

education and outreach.

The nonprofit organization is sponsored in part by the

state of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural

Affairs through the Florida Arts Council; “Brevard

Business News,” The Margaret Heins Foundation; and the

Brevard County Board of County Commissioners through

the Brevard Cultural Alliance.

Date changes for Space Coast Community Law School legal seminarsSpace Coast Community Law School, which offers free legal seminars to the public, has announced changes for its

March and April schedule. The seminar on “Wills, Trust and Probate” will be held on March 28. The new date for the

seminar on “Gun Control and Stand Your Ground Law” is April 11. Also, the speaker for the seminar on the “Formation

of the U.S. Constitution” will be Judge David Silverman, rather than Judge A.B. Majeed. For more information and to

view the full schedule of public seminars, visit www.SCCLS.com.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill to open first Melbourne location, sustainable–minded restaurant brings 30 jobs to areaChipotle Mexican Grill, the national restaurant

chain known for changing the way Americans eat fast

food through its commitment to “Responsibly Raised”

and “sustainably sourced ingredients,” will open its first

Melbourne location on Tuesday, March 26, at 2322

Harnett Drive in Viera.

The new 2,385–square–foot restaurant features

seating for about 90 guests and will be open daily from

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant opening will bring

some 30 new jobs to Melbourne.

Visit Jobs.Chipotle.com/Melbourne–jobs for more

information on applying for these job opportunities.

Chipotle will offer its signature menu items includ-

ing burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (burritos minus the

tortilla) and salads. Guests can choose from responsibly

raised meats including carnitas (pork), steak, barbacoa

or chicken, and vegetarian options such as grilled

vegetables, black beans and homemade guacamole, all

made fresh several times daily.

Chipotle burritos and burrito bowls can be served

with freshly steamed white or brown rice prepared with

a hint of cilantro and fresh squeezed lime, and topped

off with mild, medium or hot salsas, and rBGH–free

cheese and sour cream from pasture–raised cows.

The sustainably sourced ingredients reflect

Chipotle’s “core mission to improve the nation’s food

supply.” As the “first national restaurant company” to

commit to local and organically grown produce,

Chipotle served more than 15 million pounds of locally

sourced vegetables and herbs in 2012 and the company

remains the largest restaurant seller of Responsibly

Raised meats including beef, pork and chicken.

“For more than a decade, we have been working to

improve the nation’s food supply by finding more

sustainable sources for all of the ingredients we use in

our restaurants,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman

and co–chief executive officer of Chipotle. “It’s one of the

ways we are changing the way people think about and

eat fast food. Food made with great ingredients should

be available and affordable to everyone.”

Food is served in bowls made from recycled news-

print, and unbleached tray liners, napkins and cups are

made from recycled materials.

Outside its four walls, Chipotle founded the Culti-

vate Foundation, which is committed to creating a more

sustainable and healthful food supply and to raising

awareness concerning food issues. Through the

foundation, Chipotle has contributed more than $2

million to help fund initiatives that support sustainable

agriculture, family farming, culinary education, and

innovation that promotes better food.

Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993

and currently operates more than 1,400 locations. For

more information, visit Chipotle.com.

Beyond and Back Travel announces key partnership with Travel LeadersBeyond and Back Travel of Melbourne Beach has announced its association with Travel Leaders, the largest travel–

agency franchise network in the U.S. with hundreds of locations nationwide.

“Beyond and Back Travel’s new affiliation with Travel Leaders gives us the ability to offer significantly more benefits

to our leisure and business travelers,” said Pia Hanlon–Olsen, the owner of Beyond and Back Travel.

“These include reduced rates at more than 100,000 hotels worldwide, specially priced cruise vacations, negotiated

rates for many specially arranged tours, and the expertise of our outstanding agents who are committed to providing our

clients with the best possible travel experience.”

Beyond & Back Travel was founded in 1980 with the singular purpose of providing “unmatched levels of service” to

corporate travelers worldwide, she said.

“From our inception, we have remained on the cutting edge of technology while retaining the personal ‘human touch’

that is so lacking in today’s fast–paced environment. As a full–service travel agency, it is our attention to detail and our

dedication to the highest standards of personal customer service, start to finish, that has helped us achieve the level of

success and four–star reputation our clients have come to expect and enjoy.”

For more information about the agency, contact Carrie Bickford at [email protected], or Hanlon–Olsen at

[email protected].

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Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition to run for 16 days in April; full slate of outdoor activities for all age levelsFor two weeks, from April 6 to 21, the Space Coast

will be host to hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders

and more during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedi-

tion.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a diversity of ecosys-

tems during specially planned treks and tours during

the event.

Inspired by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition

that completed in April 2012, the Brevard Wildlife

Corridor Expedition will feature the active involvement

of many expert guides, residents and visitors.

Members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition

team, who traveled 1,000 miles in 100 days from the

Everglades to the Okefenokee, will serve as keynote

speakers during the Expedition.

The event is designed to build awareness of conser-

vation lands and wildlife corridors in Brevard County.

The Expedition will offer a variety of activities that

relate to the natural areas of the county. These activi-

ties will appeal to a wide range of interests, ages and

fitness levels.

The event will feature eco–tours on horseback, by

kayak or canoe and fat–tire bikes; stand up

paddleboarding in the Indian River Lagoon; a nocturnal

nature hike; a night critter watch ride; pontoon–boat–

guided excursions; wildlife photography, surf fishing;

and plant–identification instruction.

The program will include a 50–mile guided kayaking

and camping trip along the St. Johns River from Lake

Washington to Midway (west of Titusville), and a 74–

mile guided kayaking trip in the Indian River Lagoon

from Mosquito Lagoon (in the Merritt Island National

Wildlife Refuge) to Sebastian Inlet.

Another signature event is the “Saturday Spring

Seafood Jubilee” on April 6, catered by one of Titusville’s

top restaurants, Dixie Crossroads. The Jubilee will

feature fresh locally caught and prepared seafood. Held

at Fox Lake Park in Titusville from 4 to 8 p.m., the

Jubilee will kick off the Expedition in a casual social

atmosphere with shrimp and fish from Port Canaveral.

You can sign up for the Jubilee at the Expedition

website to help ensure Dixie Crossroads prepares

enough food to serve all who attend.

The Expedition is being organized by local volunteers

and has received support from sponsors and experts on

the lands and outdoor recreation of the area, including

special support from the Brevard County Environmen-

tally Endangered Lands program.

The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is

presented by the Brevard Nature Alliance, a voluntary

group of individuals and organizations associated for

the purpose of raising the awareness of citizens and

visitors to the value and importance of the natural

resources of Brevard.

To participate in the events, register at

www.ExpeditionBrevard.com. There will be updates at

www.facebook.com/ExpeditionBrevard as well.

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Area firm Creative Network Innovations achieves Blue Coat Systems’ Authorized Partner status; new productsMelbourne–based Creative Network Innovations Inc.

recently announced it has become an “Authorized

Partner” with Blue Coat Systems, a company that “leads

the industry” in providing Web security and Wide Area

Network, or WAN, optimization solutions.

“As a Blue Coat Partner, CNI is excited to bring

additional products, such as the PacketShaper, to provide

services that can monitor and control application

performance while providing security required on

networks, especially on the Space Coast,” said Corey

Johnson, CNI’s president and director of technology.

“This partnership is a natural complement to CNI’s

local data–center services and demonstrates our on–

going commitment to provide world–class Blue Coat

products and services to our clients in Brevard,” he

added.

To achieve this ability to provide sales and technical

support to customers on the Space Coast, CNI was

required to earn Blue Coat Sales and Technical Certifica-

tion Training in the areas of WAN optimization and

PacketShaper visibility.

“With focused expertise in our product, such as the

PacketShaper, CNI continues to make investments in

delivering the integrated and customized technology

solutions today’s business customers demand,” said

Tamela Gates May, senior director for national resellers

at Blue Coat Systems.

The PacketShaper is a cloud–connected WAN and

Internet appliance that provides real–time traffic

discovery and classification of hundreds of applications

and tens of millions of websites.

To find out more about how PacketShaper can help

your business, contact CNI at (800) 264–5547 or visit

www.CNIWeb.net.

CNI is a 16–year–old information–technology

company. It has a state–of–the–art data center in

Melbourne, and redundant data centers in Atlanta, and

Toronto, Canada.

The company’s service platform is based on managed

solutions. The firm has an experienced full–service team

providing a range of services, including colocation,

Internet access, website development and hosting,

networking, security, disaster recovery, onsite support,

and consultations.

Blue Coat Systems provides Web security and WAN

optimization solutions to “86 percent of Fortune Global

500 companies.”

For additional information, visit www.BlueCoat.com.

Former area banker Kevin Evans joins CenterState Bank as commercial lenderTim Pierson, community president of general banking with CenterState Bank, has announced the appointment of

Kevin Evans as vice president of commercial lending.

Evans is responsible for assisting business clients and area builders throughout Volusia and Brevard counties, in

obtaining the “best commercial loan product to meet their individual financial needs.”

During his 16 years with Indian River County’s former Indian River National Bank, which operated in Brevard

County, Evans served as senior vice president and area executive, responsible for all aspects of commercial and retail

banking.

Evans graduated from Albion College, the Florida School of Banking and the Oklahoma State Commercial Lending

School. He has had strong ties with Habitat for Humanity and the Florida Bankers Association.

CenterState Bank of Florida N.A., an independent Florida bank headquartered in Winter Haven, is owned by the

Davenport–based holding company, Centerstate Banks Inc. The holding company has 55 branches and combined assets

of nearly $2.4 billion. That ranks it among the top Florida–based banks in size.

CenterState Bank has been recognized by Bauer Rating Service, an independent bank rating and research firm in

Coral Gables, for 78 consecutive quarters.

The bank specializes in small–business services as well as checking and savings accounts, consumer loans, commer-

cial and residential lending, financial services and Internet banking.

CenterState Bank branches serving greater Volusia County are located in Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach and

Orange City. Evans may be contacted by calling (386) 689–8094.

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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS

Club Esteem’s inaugural ‘Beyond Breakfast’ with Watters raises more than $20,000 for the organizationClub Esteem’s inaugural spring fund–raising event at

the Hilton Melbourne Rialto, “Beyond Breakfast,” was a

big success generating more than $20,000 from sponsor-

ships and ticket sales.

The keynote speaker was former Notre Dame star and

retired NFL player Ricky Watters. He played on the Irish’s

National Championship team in 1988, and then enjoyed a

10–year NFL career, which included a Super Bowl

Championship with the San Francisco 49ers in 1994.

At the event, Club Esteem Executive Director Ellena

Little reported on the many achievements of the 147

students who currently attend Club Esteem.

Three of Club Esteem’s high–school students, Kayrol

Leslie, Daisha Washington and Shanaika Grandoit,

shared brief testimonials on how Club Esteem has helped

to prepare them for college and beyond.

Watters gave his keynote address talking about being

adopted and growing up in an inner–city neighborhood as

a “latch–key child.”

He emphasized to the room of businessmen, women

and community supporters, the importance of after–school

programming for economically disadvantaged children.

Watters provided guests with a copy of his book, “For Who,

For What: A Warrior’s Journey.”

Event sponsors who donated $1,000 or more were

invited to a private cocktail reception hosted by Watters

the evening before the breakfast event. Watters shared

with this group of 30 attendees personal information about

his life and career and provided opportunities for photos.

Several guests had the opportunity to try on Watters’

National Championship and Super Bowl rings.

Beyond Breakfast’s “Grand Slam” sponsor was the

Tupperware Brands Charitable Foundation. Other event

sponsors included: Scott and Monica Mikuen, Dave and

Anne Davis, Craig Technologies, Gelman Hair Restoration,

From Above Foundation, Florida Institute of Technology,

Winslow Retina and Vision Center, Miller and Hurt

Financial Group, Brett and Cindy Schuster, and Jim and

Mary Clamons.

In–kind donations were provided by: CK Communica-

tions, Liz Cowie Photography, Coalter Digital, “Brevard

Business News,” and WFIT 89.5 FM.

For more information, visit www.clubesteem.com. Club

Esteem is busy preparing for its next fund–raising event,

“Rock the Casbah,” which will be held Sept. 28. Interested

sponsors should contact Fund Development Director

Jennifer Ottomanelli at 298–8381.

Brevard Federated Republican Women to meet April 3The Brevard Federated Republican Women will host its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at the

Holiday Inn on North Wickham Road in Melbourne. The reservation deadline is March 31. Call 727–1212.

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Area surgeon Dr. Clevens to take part in program that offers domestic violence victims complimentary careDr. Ross Clevens, a board–certified facial plastic

surgeon in Brevard County, has been selected by the

American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery

(AAFPRS) to work with “Face to Face,” an internationally

recognized nonprofit organization offering domestic

violence and other trauma victims complimentary care.

Founded in 1992, Face to Face partners individuals

who have suffered from facial deformities with reconstruc-

tive surgeons from across the United States who agree to

perform surgery “at no charge” to the patient, on areas of

the face, neck, and head.

According to the AAFPRS, the primary goal of the

surgical program is to offer these patients the opportunity

to overcome the physical limitations placed on them by

circumstances beyond their control.

“Through surgery, counseling, and support, the

AAFPRS is helping victims break out of the cycle of abuse,

while also enhancing their self–esteem through surgical

intervention,” said Dr. Clevens.

“I have recently met with a mother of three who

endured years of physical abuse, which left noticeable

damage to her face, including a severely disfigured nose.

I’m happy to not only be part of the process to reconstruct

her abnormalities, but also part of the team helping

rebuild her life,” he added.

The National Coalition of Domestic Violence reported

that an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of

physical assault by an intimate partner each year, with

most never reporting the abuse. The AAFPRS through its

Educational Research Foundation is the first surgical

group to take a firm stand against domestic violence.

For more details on Dr. Clevens’ participation with Face

to Face, call 298–2988; for more information on the

Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery, go to

www.drclevens.com.

Voted one of “America’s Top Doctors,” according to the

“Castle–Connolly” guide, Dr. Clevens is a fellowship–

trained and board–certified facial plastic and reconstruc-

tive surgeon. He completed his education and training

at Yale, Harvard, and the University of Michigan.

Dr. Clevens is a graduate of Harvard Medical School.

He is a nationally recognized educator, author and

lecturer. He serves as president of The Florida Society of

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Wuesthoff

Medical Center chief of staff, and is the Brevard County

Medical Society president–elect. He has held numerous

leadership positions with the AAFPRS and the American

Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery

specializes in state–of–the–art facial plastic and recon-

structive surgery, laser treatments, and non–surgical

options for facial rejuvenation.

He has offices in Melbourne, Suntree and Merritt

Island.

Silhouette Hair Design to mark its 40th year in business with two public eventsSilhouette Hair Design at 3088 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne will mark its 40th year in business in April

and has announced two events it will be hosting for the public.

The salon will host a reunion and anniversary celebration for former employees and longtime guests from

2 to 5 p.m. on April 7. Two weeks later, there will be a ribbon–cutting ceremony, put on by the Melbourne Regional

Chamber of Commerce. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 23.

Darlyne McGee opened Silhouette Hair Design in January 1973.

“In my quest for superior guest services, the need for well trained and qualified staff became evident,” she said.

“Through the years, Silhouette Hair Design became known for its advanced education of its hair stylists and

superior quality–hair designs. We continually strived to provide Brevard County with the latest, newest, and most

up–to–date trends comparable to the styles of New York and Los Angeles.”

The demand for their services grew and one salon turned into six.

In 1987, she opened the Academy of Cosmetology, which has played a role in the “education and inspiration of

many talented, professional hair designers.”

For more information or to be a part of the anniversary celebration or ribbon–cutting event, contact McGee at

242–2594 or send an e–mail message to [email protected].

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Parrish Healthcare Center to host AWAKEsupport group meeting open to the public

The Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic support group

will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, at the

Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John, 5005 Port St.

John Parkway (east of Interstate 95 at the St. John exit).

The meeting will be held in the conference center by the

south entrance (near the sleep laboratory). This is a free

community service. Call 268–6408 to register for the

meeting.

At the AWAKE support group meeting, attendees will

have the opportunity to view the continuous positive

airway pressure machines and masks. General tips and

little–known facts about CPAP maintenance will also be

discussed.

Free sleep evaluations will be offered by a registered

technologist. Sleep apnea can result in depression, diabetes

and morning headaches. Sleep apnea also contributes to

high blood pressure, which an estimated 50 percent of

sleep apnea patients have, according to medical research.

The Parrish Sleep Disorders Center of Port St. John is a

four–bed facility where studies are conducted seven days/

nights a week. Diagnostic testing is done for sleep apnea,

narcolepsy, nocturnal seizures and other symptoms. Shift–

work sleep studies are conducted during the day.

Prudential Sterling recognizes top producersBarbara Wall and Nancy Taylor, broker–owners of

Prudential Sterling Properties in Indian Harbour Beach,

have announced their agency’s top–producing agents for

February. The Top Sales Associates were Josie Rekab and

Toie Crespi, while the Top Listing Associates were Lynn

Raymond and Alicia Lozeau. Prudential Sterling, founded

in 1982, serves all of Brevard and Indian River counties. It

also has an office in Vero Beach. The local phone number is

768–7600.

BSO to relaunch its beverage and foodfestival April 28 at Melbourne Auditorium

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Wine, Beer and

Food Festival will return to the Melbourne Auditorium on

April 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Guests will enjoy an evening of more than 200 wines,

champagnes, import and micro beers, and culinary

delights from area restaurants and caterers. Tickets are

$50 in advance and $60 at the door the evening of the

event. The price includes admission for one and a keepsake

BSO wine glass.

Tickets are available at winefest.brevardsymphony.com

or by calling the BSO office at 242–2024.

Local organizations are invited to sponsor the event.

Sponsorship levels begin at $250 and include an array of

benefits including event admissions, event visibility and

BSO season tickets.

This event is hosted by Petty’s Meat Markets,

Melbourne and Suntree. All proceeds benefit the Brevard

Symphony Orchestra.

Follow @BSOWinefest on Twitter or visit the event’s

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BSOWineFest for the

latest updates. For more information, contact the Brevard

Symphony Orchestra at 242–2024.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSBrevard School Board Candidate Dean PaterakisContinued from page 1

He also talked about the costly “double–dipping,”

referring to the state’s Deferred–Retirement Option

Program created by the Legislature in 1998. A loophole in

the program lets Florida government workers retire, then

take their old job again while collecting full retirement

benefits.

Paterakis is building his base of support in the county.

Denise Coyle, a longtime school volunteer in the area and

Lewis Ruffalo, a former Brevard school district employee,

say they like Paterakis’ ideas for budget reform and are

standing behind the candidate.

“We need to look at administrative cuts,” they both said

almost simultaneously when asked about areas where

they thought there was room to maneuver to shore up the

school budget.

Ruffalo added that he felt the school district needs to be

“more consistent and adhere to its policies. There some-

times can be a great deal of variance from school to school.”

Ruffalo worked for the school district for nearly 19

years, he said. His most recent position was as a data–

management specialist.

His primary duty was the management and daily

oversight of the “learning software, which is one of the

most critical pieces of software for the school district. I built

it from the ground up over eight years. It took a lot of

expertise,” said Ruffalo, who is now seeking new opportu-

nities in the local job market. “I’m totally focused on the

future” and he says he has a strong skill set to offer an

employer.

Coyle has been a dedicated school volunteer for the past

20 years, ever since her children started kindergarten. She

is currently a volunteer at Heritage High School in Palm

Bay. “I have devoted a lot of energy and time as a school

volunteer.”

Coyle, for example, set up a “prom closet” at Heritage

High to help students who cannot afford to buy their own

prom dresses and attire for other school events.

“Last year I outfitted 29 girls for homecoming. I

personally purchased every single dress. I provided them

with prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. It makes you

feel good about what you’re doing,” said Coyle, her voice

breaking.

She has been a band parent, too, playing a leadership

role for the organization.

“I believe Denise and Lewis are right about eliminating

administrative positions to help bring the budget in line,”

said Paterakis. “There is just too much administrative

overhead. There are clearly spots to cut. That’s the way I

see it.”

School–board members take on one of the most

important responsibilities that can be assigned to any

citizen: helping to plan the education of the state’s youth.

And in today’s environment that is no bowl of cherries.

“It’s a rocky road but I have never stepped away from a

challenge in education,” said Paterakis, who ran for the

first time for a school–board seat in Brevard County five

years ago.

School–board members have a full plate of responsibili-

ties, including creating a shared vision for learning,

building strategic partnerships in the community, hiring

and evaluating the superintendent, ratifying collective–

bargaining agreements, and setting student–performance

standards.

What makes a good school–board member? Experts say

the most effective board members possess most or all of

these qualities: consensus–builder, community participant,

decision–maker, information processor, leader, and team

player.

“You have to be effective in dealing with all constituen-

cies,” said Paterakis.

An education graduate of Cleveland State University,

Paterakis, who has two children in Brevard schools, is

running on a platform of fiscal responsibility.

School–board members are paid a $35,000 annual

salary for their work. Paterakis thinks that is too much

“for a part–time job” that includes health–care benefits. He

sees the position as one of community service.

“If elected, I would deny those health–care benefits. I

would also take a pay cut. I am actually considering, if

elected, donating my school–board salary beyond my

expenses to nonprofits and charities in the county,” he

said.

Paterakis said when he met with Titusville Mayor Jim

Tulley he learned that he “only makes $8,000” a year

running the North Brevard city.

The school–board position could “very much be a full–

time undertaking, if you really want to put in the hours.

It’s just like teaching. Teaching can be more than the

typical eight hours, or just eight hours,” added Paterakis.

The Florida School Boards Association Inc., a nonprofit

organization in Tallahassee, sees the mission as being so

critical it created a Certified Board Member program.

The 96–point core curriculum provides board members

with awareness in a number of key areas including school

finance and policymaking.

Paterakis said he has made a list of cost–saving

measures he would look at as a newly elected school–board

member. At the top of his “hit list” is the high–stakes,

controversial Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or

FCAT, which was designed to measure student progress.

“I would ask the state to review the policy of the FCAT,”

he said.

“Right now, we could save millions and millions of

dollars by eliminating that testing. Research has shown,

for many years now, that it has done nothing to improve

education. We could bring that money back to the school

system where it can be used appropriately.”

There seems to be mounting discontent between the

state and Florida school districts over the role of the FCAT.

A number of districts have passed resolutions calling for

the testing to be scaled back.

Paterakis says the FCAT is a “waste of taxpayers’

money.”

The test is administered annually, in late February and

early to mid–March as well as April, to all public school

students in grades three through 11. Students in grades

three through 10 are required to take the reading and

math portion every year.

Private and parochial school students are not required

to take the FCAT; most of these schools administer

another standardize test instead.

Paterakis says the test rewards the schools that already

are performing well.

“We could save the state over $250 million for data that

we can get just by taking the average income of the

families surrounding the schools. I don’t need the FCAT

scores to know which schools do better than others. I can

just ask my local Realtor to give me the area’s average

home sales price for the year and I guarantee the list will

be in similar order. And that list is free.”

Though the system is designed to reward public schools

for excellence in teaching, many educators and community

members have criticized the program. They say it takes

funding from schools that need it most.

A number of school boards in the state, including some

of the largest districts, have taken an anti–FCAT position

when it is used as a single measure of performance.

“Locally, we could shore up the financials and keep

those targeted schools from closing,” said Paterakis about

the FCAT savings.

“We could hire more teachers and teaching assistants,

people who actually have an effect on children and their

learning. We need a school board that is willing to take

that step. The control needs to stay local, but it’s going

further and further from the community. It’s going back to

the state and the federal government.”

The U.S. already tests more children more often than

any other nation. Despite this, many claim that more

testing and accountability based on those tests will

improve education, particularly in schools serving pre-

dominantly low–income and minority–group children,

according to the National Center for Fair and Open

Testing.

The National Center says there is an “important role

for good assessment of student learning. The public

deserves to know how well schools are doing, schools need

to use information about student learning to improve

teaching, and there should be intervention in schools

which are unable to improve even when they have been

provided the resources and tools to do so.”

But “none of this requires heavy reliance on results

from state or commercial standardized tests. Focusing on

those tests will not lead to high–quality education for all

children, but instead will turn schools into test–prep

assembly lines that will leave many children behind.”

Paterakis said when he was a local teacher he never

had “a child fail the FCAT. In fact, my students’ scores

were tops in Brevard County and in the top 1 percent in

the state of Florida.”

Florida’s merit–pay law ties student academic perfor-

mance to half a teacher’s evaluation.

Paterakis said teacher evaluations are being revamped

again. “It’s politicians making policy in education. I’m tired

of these mandates coming down from the state and federal

level. As a school–board member I will fight these man-

dates. I believe they are detrimental to learning and

education in general.”

The “Orlando Sentinel” recently reported that a team of

educators statewide is working to create standardized

“assessments for students in niche subjects.” The effort

centers on designing a more equitable way of grading a

teacher’s performance.

Paterakis says he favors “positive change” in education.

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