Volume 3, No. 1 • April 2009

No one can dispute that Grant-Valkaria is a special place due to our beautiful natural resources, and one of those resources are our people. In this is-sue and the next few issues, the Bugle will feature articles on and pictures of the people who contribute so much to make Grant-Valkaria such a great place to live. When you see these volunteers around town, say hi and shake their hand – they are the best neighbors any-one can have!

Citizens on Patrol (COP) – We’re in Good Hands

Last year, Mayor Yonts spoke with the Sheriff’s Department about the feasibil-ity of establishing a COP program in Grant-Valkaria. The Sheriff provided a COP Car in late May of 2008 and by Oc-tober of 2008, the Town had 10 trained

and certified Cit-izens on Patrol. These great volunteers drive around Town and are extra eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Deputies. They help with traffic at Grant-Valkar-ia Day activities, the Grant Sea-food Festival and the AirFest. If requested, the COP teams will check on your home while you

are on vacation and also if requested, check on senior citizens that may live alone or be at home alone during the day. They also meet and coordinate ac-tivities with the Barefoot Bay COP Team. The COP Team meets on the Thursday after the first Tuesday of each month on at 7:00 pm at the Barefoot Bay Golf Course Bldg. D. If you would like to be part of this very important team, call or

GRANT-VALKARIA IS A SPECIAL PLACE BECAUSE OF SPECIAL PEOPLE….

email Town Clerk, Sue Krueger at 951-1380 or Clerk@grantvalkaria.org for in-formation and application forms.

The Grant-Valkaria COPs are all special people, however, one of their members was recognized by the Town Council at the March 25 meeting for his recent out-standing action in avoiding a possible tragedy. Mr. Charles Perry was recog-nized with a plaque presented by Mayor Yonts for his quick eye and decisive ac-tion during the very crowded Seafood Festival. Mr. Perry noticed a very small child crying and walking away from the grounds on Avenue C. Noticing that she was alone, without her parents, he picked her up and took her to the near-est Sheriff’s Deputy. The Deputy com-municated with other Deputies on the grounds and soon found that the child’s parents had reported her missing. The child was safely reunited with her par-ents. Mr. Perry states that he was just doing his job as a COP, but to this child and her parents, he is truly a hero, and to our community, he is truly an asset.

The Road Crew – Pothole, make my Day!

Grant-Valkaria has about 45 miles of road and the Town’s Road Crew (or Public Works Dept., as they are more formally known) knows every pothole and knocked down STOP sign on them! This crew of volunteers does everything

from filling potholes to repairing and re-placing road signs to reconnaissance during TS Fay – the only thing they don’t do is complain. These fine gentlemen have saved the Town money and pro-vided a much needed service. The Road Crew meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am at Town Hall to plan their work and then head out on the Town’s roads.

If you see them on the road, wave and thank them (and try not to run over them-we need them!).

Even though this crew is very young at heart, there is some “senior citizen” as-pect to them and they would appreciate some additional help! Road work can be done any day of the week and this is a great opportunity for some the Town’s younger men to collect community ser-vice hours for their school requirements towards grades and scholarships. It is also a great opportunity for the rest of you guys to help out and share in the camaraderie that the Road Crew has developed.

Call or email Town Clerk, Sue Krueger (951-1380, Clerk@grantvalkaria.org) for information.

Neighbors Helping Others in Time of Need…..

As many of you know, one of our resi-dents’ home was demolished during

Mayor Yonts presents a certificate ofAppreciation from the Town to COP Team Member, Charles Perry.

The Grant-Valkaria COP Team in uniform! From left to right: Royce Stifflemire, Jim Allan, John McCarthy, Charles Perry, Vince Wilson, Cathy Landrum-DeMott, and Bon-nie Allan. Not present: Bob Hannah, and Richard Miller

Grant-Valkaria’s Public Works Dept. (aka The Road Crew) has provided an invaluable service to the Town since it incorporated. Please recognize and thank (from left to right), Mac McBee, Bob Thiem, and Road Boss, Dan Robino.

see Neighbors, pg 2

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see Going, pg 5

the Mother’s Day Fires of 2008. Led by Mayor Yonts, many people and agen-cies mobilized to replace her home and belongings. Ms. Donna Paquette’s life has been restored to normalcy through the efforts of many Grant-Valkaria resi-dents and businesses. Among those

to thank are Mayor Yonts, Mrs. Peggy Yonts, Daryl Williams of CDM Trucking, Jessica Williams, Bonnie Allan, Chris Hackford, Tom Burke, who provided an RV for temporary housing, Royce Stif-flemire, Dan Robino, A Storage Place, Jack King of Sod Installation, Kirk Nelson of Nelson’s Nursery, Brandon Hackford and the Hackford Landscap-ing and Lawn Care crew who installed the sod and planted the shrubs, and Town Clerk, Sue Krueger, Town Coun-cil Members Joe Hackford, Jason Mah-aney, and Dan Faden. Again, when you see these folks, these great neighbors, give them a warm handshake.

Grant-Valkaria’s Own “Geek Squad”……

Since day one, the Town needed com-puters, and networks, software, print-ers, copiers, computer security, backup

capability, email system, and document access and archiving system. Since day one, the Town has had its special team of volunteer IT (Information Tech-nology, aka “geek squad”) profession-

als and all of its computer and com-munication needs were met. This team con-

tinues to support Town Hall whenever problems arise or new capabilities are needed. Joe Mullins and Ray Kolar determined the Town’s IT requirements and proceeded to implement what was needed.

Joe is the “hardware” guy who installed the wiring, cabling, modems, phone lines, UPSs, and servers and continues to maintain them when needed. Ray is the “software” guru who helped deter-mine the computers and software to purchase and now continues to main-tain the system, addresses problems when they occur and keeps everything backed up. Ray also provided the Coun-cil with research and advice regarding the selection of the company that hosts the Town’s email and website and in-terfaces with them when new or differ-ent capabilities are needed. Ray also contributed the funding for the first year of the website hosting cost when the Town had no funds to start one. These residents provide a very valuable and needed service.

Even though they always work quietly in the background, the Town would cer-tainly notice their absence. Say hi to them when you see them (even though you probably won’t!). Send any ideas you may have for the “geek squad” to Town Clerk, Sue Krueger at 951-1380 or Clerk@grantvalkaria.org.

NEWTOWN HALL

HOURS

As of January, 2009

Town Hall

Will be OPEN

Monday thru Thursday8:30 am to 6:30 pm

Town Hall

Will be CLOSED on

Fridays The Town’s “Geek Squad”: Joe Mullins, Hardware Guy; Ray Kolar, Software Guru

Neighbors continued from Pg 1

Mayor Yonts and Council Members Jason Mahaney and Joe Hackford try to not drill each other’s feet to the ramp they built for Ms. Paquette while Royce Stifflemire tries to supervise.

WHAT’S GOING ON….

Some notes from Town Administrator, Rick Hood to keep residents up to date:

The Budget - It’s already time to be-gin the budget process for next year. Town Hall has been holding the line on spending this current fiscal year in

anticipation of falling revenues. Next year’s outlook for revenues is look-ing just as bleak. We will continue to monitor the revenues and expenditures on a weekly basis to ensure we oper-ate in the most efficient manner that is possible. As of March 1st we have completed 41.66% of our current fiscal year. Currently we have received 54% of our anticipated revenues and have spent 33% of our anticipated expendi-tures. So far so good! It is important to remember, however, that it takes an en-tire year to receive all of the anticipated revenues and to remember that most of the ad valorem taxes and storm water revenues generally come in during the first six months of the fiscal year which is the main reason for being ahead on revenues.

The Comprehensive Plan - The Local Planning Agency and the Town Coun-cil have completed their reviews of the text portion of the Comprehensive Plan. The Town Council will be complet-ing their review of the Future Land-Use Maps in the next 30 days. After that is complete, our consultants will make any necessary revisions to the documents and Public Hearings will begin for the transmittal of the plan to the State. Upon review by the State, we will ad-dress any questions they may have and will then begin the Public Hearing pro-cess for adoption of the Plan. This will mark a major milestone for the Town. Everyone who has contributed to this process should be commended for their efforts as this project began well over a year ago and everyone has remained focused and diligent in their efforts to complete the task.

Projects in Town…Valkaria Lakes Storm Water Project - The Town Council has recently approved the County to begin the survey work for the Valkaria Lakes Storm Water Project that was funded in this year’s budget. Survey work should be completed in the next couple of weeks and final design will begin soon after that.

A new house is being built on US 1 be-tween Carp Coastal Marine and Howlin’ Gator Kayaks.

Valkaria Fire Station - The Fire Depart-ment called to let the Town know that they were moving in to the new Valkar-ia Fire Station a couple of weeks ago and that they were planning an open house but did not have a date at that time. They will notify the Town when the Open House is scheduled.

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see Town Seal, pg 7

On November 4, 2008, Grant-Valkaria residents selected two incumbent Council Mem-bers and one new Council Member to fill the 3 open seats (Seats 2, 4 and 6). These Council Members will serve for a term of 4 years.

Council Member Lisette Kolar was newly elected and will be assigned to Seat 2 on the Council. Lisette was involved in the Town’s incorporation effort, served on the Interim Council, and was Chair of the Local Planning Agency/Planning and Zoning Board. Lisette grew up in Melbourne and has lived in Grant-Valkaria with her husband Ray, for 12 years. She enjoys sailing, kayaking and running and volunteering at the Grant Community Club and Seafood Festival. Contact Lisette at LKolar@grantvalkaria.org

Council Member Jason Mahaney was re-elected and will be assigned to Seat 4 on the Council. Jason was selected by the Council to serve as Vice Mayor for 2009. Jason moved to Florida in 1980 and to Grant-Valkaria in 2001 with his wife Regina and 3 children. Jason grew up in a small town in Tennessee, similar in size to Grant-Valkaria and he rec-ognizes the value of such an environment. Jason loves fishing, coaches Little League Baseball and has become a dedicated volunteer for the

Grant Seafood Festival. Contact Jim at JMahaney@grantvalkaria.org

Council Member Cathy DeMott was re-elected and will be assigned to Seat 6 on the Council. Cathy was born and raised in South Florida and moved to Grant-Valkaria to be close to her family who has resided in Grant-Valkaria for over 20 years. Cathy is a nurse whose volunteer activities include the American Cancer Society and work with neglect-ed and abused children. Cathy was recently certified as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member. Cathy is also a newly graduated Citizens On Patrol (COP) for Grant-Valkaria. Contact Cathy

at CDemott@grantvalkaria.org

MEET YOUR NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS

What Best Describes Grant-Valkaria?... Help Develop Our Town Seal

Every city and town has an official mu-nicipal seal that is only used by that city or town. Since Grant-Valkaria is so new, our Town does not have one, although the Town does have a corporate seal as required by law. The Town has used the sandhill crane on its stationery and has unofficially adopted it as our mascot. However, there are other aspects to our Town that could be represented on a spe-cial seal. The Town Seal should capture the character and history of the town.

Below are examples of various city and town seals and logos used by Brevard cities and towns.

CHARTER AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY RESIDENTS

The Town Council cannot amend the Town Charter on its own – the Char-ter can only be changed by a vote of the Town residents. Two amendments were proposed on the November 4 ballot and both amendments were ap-proved by the voters.

Amendment 1The first proposed amendment dealt with the date on which new ordinances take effect. Article II, section 2.11(c) states that all ordinances (except emer-gency ordinances) shall take effect 30 days after they are adopted by the Council. There have been times where it would have been beneficial for a non-emergency ordinance to take effect right away or on a date falling within less than 30 days. The residents ap-proved the amendment which will allow the Council to set the effective date of each ordinance. The Council can now set the effective date to be the most beneficial for the Town and not have to wait the 30 days for the ordinance to take effect. Residents can still chal-lenge ordinances regardless of the ef-fective date.

Amendment 2The second proposed amendment dealt with re-financing of emergency appro-priations. Article V, section 5.08 (c) of the Charter states that the Town Council cannot borrow money to be re-paid dur-ing a period extending beyond the end of a fiscal year without the authorization (vote) of the Town’s voters. Article V, section 5.09 of the Charter states that in an emergency, if there are no funds from which to draw, the Town Council can issue bonds (borrow money) to cover the cost of the emergency situ-ation. However, that loan must be paid or re-financed as long-term debt before the end of the fiscal year in which the emergency loan was made.

On November 4, the voters agreed with the Council’s determination that as long as the debt was incurred to deal with a bonafide emergency, the requirement to re-finance every year and/or obtain voter authorization would needlessly burden the Town financially. Therefore, Article V, section 5.09 will be amended to remove the payment or re-financing requirement from debt incurred due to emergency situations.

The Town Council wishes to include all Grant-Valkaria residents in the design and selection of our Town Seal. In order to accomplish that, the Council will go through the following process:

1. Residents submit drawings of town seal concepts to Town Hall by close of business on July 27, 2009

2. All submitted concepts will be post-ed at Town Hall

3. The Council will select the top 3 concepts

4. The top 3 concepts will be profes-sionally designed and sketched by an illustrator

5. The residents indicate their prefer-ence for the official seal from the top 3 designs via a survey

6. The Council will review the results of survey and select the final de-sign for the seal

7. The resident who submitted the winning concept will be recognized by the Council

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On March 5, 2009, over 40 business owners and representatives from Grant-Valkaria businesses met at the Grant Community Center for a “Round Table” discussion with Council Member Lisette Kolar and Town Administrator Rick Hood. The purpose of the Round Table was to allow the business owners to get to know one another, to share their vi-sions and concerns for the Town’s busi-ness community and to decide whether they want to organize as a group.

Also in attendance were Sebastian Council Member Dale Simchik who was invited by one of the business own-ers and, as always, there to help out, LPA/P&Z Member Denni Burr, and resi-dent Bonnie Allan. Mayor Del Yonts at-tended to listen, but did not participate in the discussions due to Sunshine Law restrictions.

The invitations were sent out by check-ing the Town’s list of Business Tax Re-ceipts (formerly known as Occupational Licenses). All those businesses regis-tered by a Business Tax Receipt were invited. In doing so, it was discovered that there are approximately 250 regis-tered businesses in Town, and 210 of those are “home based” or “home occu-pations”. The remaining 40 or so have “store fronts” in Town. It was discov-ered that since working farms are not required to file a Business Tax Receipt, those businesses were inadvertently

Grant-Valkaria Business Owners Meetleft off the invitation list. The business group will work to rectify this.

A myriad of businesses are to be found in Town – from working farms to lawn maintenance to personal chefs to en-gineering and renewable energy re-search. The business owners all agreed that meeting and organizing as a group would allow them to better voice their concerns as well as help each other. Some of the topics identified as issues to address included:

• Networking capabilities;

• There are different needs for “home based” versus “store front” businesses;

• Minimal regulation is desired;

• Establish attractive “motif” for the Town, but make it easy for busi-nesses;

• Agreement that commercial areas are US 1 and Babcock Street, the rest is rural residential;

• Agricultural pursuits should be rec-ognized as businesses (farms and equestrian pursuits);

• Farm sign regulations need to be revised;

• Many indicated desire for sewer and water along US 1, but need to recognize and understand the cost;

• The lagoon needs to be protected, but construction costs can be re-duced if there is less environmen-tal regulation regarding building on in-land lots;

• A traffic light at US 1 and First Street will probably be needed – even if on demand only;

• Establish a Grant-Valkaria Busi-ness Directory

Council Member Kolar took the initiative to jump-start the business community towards meeting and organizing if they desired, however, the intent is that the business owners will establish their own organization, separate from the Town. It is totally up to the business community to determine if they will meet periodi-cally with Town officials.

The group agreed to meet again on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm at the Grant Community Center. Keith Ryan, Manager of Orbit RV Park agreed to take the lead and set up an email list and do some initial organizing. If you are a business owner or an owner of a working farm or equestrian business and would like to participate in organiz-ing the business community in Grant-Valkaria, please contact Keith by email at gvbusiness-owner@orbitrv.com and give him the name and address of your business, a contact name, phone num-ber, and email address.

The table below lists the businesses that were represented at the first meeting of the Grant-Valkaria business community. Support our business community, get your business involved and join this great group of entrepreneurs.

MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS YOU!The Community Services Council of Brevard is an organization that provides many needed services for our elderly cit-izens. On March 18, they held a “Mayors for Meals Day” to bring attention to the “Meals on Wheels” program that brings hot, nutritious meals to home-bound residents or those for whom cooking good meals is too difficult. Mayors from

each city take an hour to travel with a “Meals on Wheels” volunteer on their regular route. Mayor Yonts participated last year, but was unable to this year. Council Member Kolar attended in his place so that Grant-Valkaria would be represented. The Community Services Council has received requests for “Meals on Wheels” delivery in Grant-Valkaria, however there are no volunteers to make those deliveries at this time. If you have an hour or two per week that you

can give, it would make such a big differ-ence in someone’s life. Please contact the Community Services Council at 321-639-8770 or visit their website at http://www.mealsonwheelsofbrevard.org.

Mayor Yonts and Micco volunteers on “Mayors for Meals” day in 2008.

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The Town held the first Grant-Valkaria Day celebration in July of 2007, one year after its incorporation. This has become an annual event held in July to celebrate the incorpora-tion, celebrate the Town’s history, and bring residents together. The format has been an old fashioned picnic by the shore at the Historical House grounds. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, music, raffles, and a dunk tank for the Mayor have all been some of the activities the residents have enjoyed.

This year, it was suggested to the Council, and they agreed, that Grant-Valkaria Day be held in May for numerous reasons;

• It is not as hot in May

• There is less chance of thunderstorms in May

• More families can attend because they won’t be out of town on vacation in May

• The fishing is better in May…

The fishing, you say? Absolutely. What better way to celebrate Grant-Valkaria’s history than a fishing tournament? This year, in addition to the picnic, the Grant-Valkaria Com-munity Association (GVCA) in conjunction with Treasure Coast Marina and Boat Yard will coordinate and host a fishing tournament – the First Annual Grant-Valkaria Spring Splash Inshore Tournament scheduled to start with the “Anglers’ Meeting on Friday, May 8 at Treasure Coast Marina. The tournament will be a progressive event where anglers can fish for 8 days and bring in their best catches to be weighed at Treasure Coast. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for snook, trout, red fish and sheepshead will be awarded on Sunday, May 17 at the Grant-Valkaria Day picnic. A “Top Angler Slam” prize will also be awarded for the best combined weight of all species. Details of the picnic, tournament activities, rules and entry forms will be available soon throughout the businesses in Town. Keep a good look-out and let your neighbors and friends know.

After prizes are awarded, the proceeds will go towards Town activities such as the Christ-mas Tree Lighting, next year’s Grant-Valkaria Day and Town projects such as “Welcome to Grant-Valkaria” signage, design and development of the official Town Seal, and pos-sibly toward a building fund for a future Town Hall. This year, the GVCA will also use the proceeds to purchase Christmas toys for “4 Brevard Kids” to distribute to Grant-Valkaria children whose families may need assistance.

Mark your calendars for May 8 for the fishing tournament and May 17 for the Grant-Valkaria Day picnic!

The Town would like to take the opportunity to thank all the sponsors that were so gener-ous with their donations, raffle items, and food for Grant-Valkaria Day 2008:

GRANT-VALKARIA DAY CELEBRATION MOVED TO MAY

Additional StorageB & D Bait & TackleBeck’s Auto ServiceBill’s Discount MarineC.O.D OutboardChristenson Lawn ServiceFirst Choice PropertiesGrant Community CenterHackford Landscaping and Lawn CareHistoric Grant Grocery and DeliHorse Creek Pottery Howlin’ Gator KayaksJam VehiclesJohn Chase

JP Mattys Grill & Deli RestaurantKitetricityKroegel Homestead Produce Micco Bay Car WashNorth Florida Ice VendingOur Town Feed StoreReel Changes Inc Riverside National Bank, SebastianRiverside National Bank, Palm BayRoute 1 MotorsportsSalty Dog Marine Center, IncTony’s Fish MarketTreasure Coast Marina & Boat YardWinn Dixie Supermarkets

GRANT-VALKARIA ARTIST DONATES PAINTINGGrant-Valkaria resident and artist, Ju Ju Ventura presented the Town Council with an original oil painting of a sandhill crane and two chicks. The artist read the following message to the Town’s residents:

“Wonderful weather, amazing up-close wildlife encounters and being close to both the ocean and the river are some of the features that make Grant-Valkar-ia such a great area in which to live. Ju Ju and Co., a group of artists, have plans underway to continue presenting events and activities that will help make Grant-Valkaria one of Florida’s great ART DESTINATIONS.

This present is significant of our mis-sion. The oil painting by Juju, of a moth-er sandhill crane and her two babies is a depiction of the two cities merging, the sandhill crane is our native bird and is thriving now under special protective conditions. GO BUGLE!”

The entire Town is very appreciative of Ju Ju’s generous donation and senti-ments. The painting will be displayed in Town Hall for all to enjoy.

Town Council Members (from left to right sitting), Joe Hackford, Vice Mayor Jason Mahaney, Cathy DeMott; (standing) Pat Bryan, Dan Faden, Lisette Kolar, Mayor Del Yonts and artist Ju Ju Ventura with the donated painting.

The Valkaria Community Park - located just west of Corey Road has received final site plan approval and the County Parks and Recreation Department has informed our Town Administrator, Rick Hood, that they will be going out to bid as soon as they obtain all of the oth-er outside agency permits. This park should be completed in 12 to 16 months. It will be a primarily passive park with a pavilion, playground, walking trails, re-strooms, lighting, and parking.

Christenson’s Landing Boat Ramp – Greg Minor, South Area Manager

for Brevard Parks and Rec attended March 25 Council meeting. He is also in charge of the Christenson’s Landing Boat Ramp. All permits have been re-ceived except for FDOT for the change in egress and ingress. The ramp and dock contractor had increased his costs due to requirements that came out of the permitting process. These require-ments were able to be met by less ex-pensive methods and the County did

not approve some of the proposed “cost of doing business” increases sought by the contractor, so the contractor will be performing the work for very close to the original $660,500. Mr. Minor indi-cated that there are adequate funds to finish the boat ramp and that the work will start in 3 to 4 weeks. The boat ramp and embankments should be complet-ed in 6 to 8 weeks and then the upland work will begin.

Going continued from pg 2

6

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN GRANT-VALKARIA….

Since the last Sandhill Bugle published in October 2008, three of the Town’s most special events have been successfully held, and there’s always something coming up!

The First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration was a great success. A large

turnout of kids of all ages en-joyed hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies and helped decorate our beautiful live tree with unique ornaments from home. The weather was quite chilly and, along with the beautiful Christmas music provided by our neighbor, Richard Zemkoski, added to the cheery feeling of Christmas. A special Santa Claus rode in on the fire truck and made the day while Mr. Mayor and his helpers flipped the magic switch to light the tree just at dark. Many thanks to Mr. Buzz Tietig for his generous contribution towards the Christmas Tree and to the GVCA for the lights

and volunteers. If you missed the Christmas Tree Lighting last year, plan to attend this year – it’s a great way to start the holidays.

The 3rd Annual Valkaria Air-port AirFest was held on Feb-ruary 21, another gorgeous Grant-Valkaria Day.

From early morning until twi-light, residents and AirFest at-tendees enjoyed aerobatics, exhibits, rides, music and good food. For all those “who would

rather be flying”, it was a great way to feed their habit! For all those who came to savor the sights and learn about aviation, it was a great way to get them hooked. The AirFest gets better every year, be sure you join the fun and excitement next year.

When January rolls around, you will see Grant-Valkaria residents at the Grant Community Club work parties get-ting ready for the Grant Seafood Festival. This year was no exception as record numbers of volunteers came out and accomplished the seemingly impossible. The 43rd Annual Grant Seafood Festival took off without a hitch on a beautiful Saturday in February. The weather forecast for Sunday was not good, so many people came out on Saturday to make sure they could get some of that great seafood, enjoy the music and shop for crafts. Despite the blustery wind and a few showers, Sunday’s crowd seemed to enjoy the day too. The Seafood Festival is a special

event and, if you volunteer, you will ex-perience real small town spirit.

Nasty winds and clouds did not stop the crowds from coming or the cooks from cooking!

Looking forward to the spring…..Grant-Valkaria Day will be held on Sunday May 17, this year. In addition to the annual picnic, the first annual First Annual Grant-Valkaria Spring Splash Fishing Tournament will be held from May 8 thru May 16 with prizes award-ed at the picnic on May 17. For the last 2 years, Town residents have en-joyed meeting each other at the picnic as well as enjoying music, hot dogs, hamburgers, raffles, door prizes and dunking the Mayor!

This is another “small town feel” event (because we are a small town) where you will probably know the majority of the people you see – and if you don’t, you soon will. Make plans to participate in this tradition-in-the-making.

Look for fishing tournament rules and entry forms at local businesses.

See You There!

7

The Sandhill Bugle is published quarterly by the

Town of Grant-Valkaria5120 US Highway 1

Grant-Valkaria, Florida951-1380

Editor-in-Chief Lisette Kolar

Contributing Editors

Del Yonts, MayorRick Hood, Town Adminisitrator

Sue Krueger, Town Clerk

Printed byAllStar Printing

ONLY IN GRANT-VALKARIA…..

To save on gas during the recent in-creases in price (and because she loves to ride), Grant-Valkaria resident, Helen Leach began to ride her horse to the Grant Community Library to check out books and DVDs. Helen soon discov-ered that there was no convenient place for her to tie up her horse while she was in the library. She thought that a hitch-

ing post would be very help-ful, so she requested p e r m i s -sion from the Grant Commu-nity Club to install one. They g r a n t e d her per-m i s s i o n and she and her husband

John, with help from our Town’s “Super-man” volunteer, Walt Smith, installed the library hitching post.

In checking with Town Hall regarding any permits or restrictions on hitching posts, Town Administrator Rick Hood stated he could find no reason the hitch-ing post could not be installed and that he had to admit, he’d never had such a request before in all his past experience. Helen wrote as part of her request: “I feel it would be most consistent with our rural appeal and may encourage more to do the same. Saves gas! Exercises horse and rider! Community appeal! Maybe even a little free fertilizer for the flowers!...I love this Town!”

Helen Leach (rear), Sonter, Rose, and friend Cheryl Pearson at the Grant Library hitching post.

Town Website is www.grantvalkaria.org.You can be added to the Town Email List by emailing: Webmaster@grantvalkaria.org

Town Hall address: 5120 US Highway 1Town Hall mailing address: PO Box 766, Grant, Florida 32949Town Hall phone number is: 951-1380Town Hall FAX number is: 956-5660

LPA and P&Z Board Meetings - 4th Monday of each month; 7:00 pm at Town HallCode Enforcement Board meets as required.

Town Council Meetings – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; 7:00 pm at Town Hall

To contact Council Members: Mayor Del Yonts: DYonts@grantvalkaria.org Vice Mayor Jason Mahaney: JMahaney@grantvalkaria.org Council Member Pat Bryan: PBryan@grantvalkaria.org Council Member Cathy DeMott: CDeMott@grantvalkaria.org Council Member Dan Faden: DFaden@grantvalkaria.org Council Member Joe Hackford: JHackford@grantvalkaria.org Council Member Lisette Kolar LKolar@grantvalkaria.org

To contact the District 3 County Commissioner: Commissioner Trudie Infintini D3.Commissioner@brevardcounty.us (321) 952-6300 To contact our State Legislators Representative Ralph Poppell Poppell@myfloridahouse.gov (772) 770-6708 Senator Mike Haridopolos haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov (321) 752-3131

To contact our Members of Congress Senator Bill Nelson http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm 1-888-671-4091 Congressman Bill Posey http://posey.house.gov/Contact/ (321) 632-1776

Keep in Touch with YOUR Community and help us keep in touch with you:

Town Seal concepts should include the following items:

• The words “Town of Grant-Valkaria Florida” OR

• The words “Grant-Valkaria Florida”

As examples, some items that might be included could be:

• A sandhill crane

• Boats and/or fishermen

• 2006 (year of incorporation)

• Other Items that represent both communities of Grant and Valkaria

It is recommended that concepts be submitted on 8.5x11 inch (preferred) paper or canvas but should not be sub-

mitted on paper or canvas larger than 11 x 17 inches. Concepts can be hand-drawn or software generated. There is no age limit for participants.

E n t r y forms and details of the rules will be available at Town Hall or on the Town’s webs i t e . Concepts will be due no later

than close of business (6:30 pm) on Monday, July 27, 2009.

Send in your ideas and be a part of Grant-Valkaria’s history!

Town Seal continued from pg 3

Grant-Valkaria’s Corporate Seal

Town of Grant-ValkariaPO Box 766Grant, Florida 32949

St. Johns River Water Management District Imposes Watering Restrictions

To enhance water conservation, the St. Johns River Water Management District has amended their landscape irrigation rules. The tables below summarize the District’s landscape irrigation rule, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C) 40-C-2.042.

For further information, you can visit the District’s website at: http://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/

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