Friends of Enchanted Forest plan outdoor family fun festival to celebrate Earth Day 2002
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| (Top) Three children examine red rat snake at last year's Earth Day Family Fun Festival. (Bottom) This gopher tortoise is example of one of many animals that will be presented at the Earth Day 2002 Family Fun Festival. |
From STAFF REPORTS
Hundreds of children and adults are expected to attend the 2002 Earth Day Family Fun Festival co-sponsored by the Friends of the Enchanted Forest and Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department, North Area, on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's the 9th one that the Friends of the Enchanted Forest have sponsored, and it's a great opportunity to get to know your Florida backyard better.
This year the event will take place in Titusville's Wuesthoff Park because a new educational pavilion is under construction in the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. Wuesthoff Park is located off of Barna Avenue, just south of Cheney Highway (Rt. 50).
Presentations about live animals will highlight the day for many. The Brevard Zoo will make three "Animalia" presentations in the morning (limited seating). Jungle Adventures will be there all afternoon talking about the endangered Florida Panther and other animals. And a raptor exhibit will be there all day from The Avian Reconditioning Center.
Becky Smith, an herpetologist working for Dynamac at KSC, will present two slide shows about the gopher tortoise, aided by her tortoise "Stumpy." They will be followed by a field trip to examine the interior of a burrow. Becky is the author of the popular website on gopher tortoises: www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/gtortoise/. On the website she answers questions that come in from all over the world. More than 800 people used the website in February.
Every half hour an interpretive walk through the park will be led by one of the Enchanted Forest's trained guides, or an expert in a particular field, like wildflowers, butterflies or geology. These are "eye opening" experiences for those wanting to enjoy nature more.
More than 20 organizations will have exhibits at the festival. They include nature preserves like Merritt Island & Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuges; environmental organizations like Titusville Recycling, Environmentally Endangered Lands Program and Keep Brevard Beautiful; and outdoor activities like the Florida Trails Association and Indian River Audubon. The Coryi Foundation will be there to talk about our local bobcats, including the one whose range includes Wuesthoff Park! The exhibitors will have literature available, and will be able to answer your questions.
T-shirts and other items will be on sale. Great food will be provided by Hot Stuff Catering. Plan on getting lunch there as well--it will help support the Friends of the Enchanted Forest.
All of the exhibitors, guides and presenters at the 2002 Earth Day Family Fun Festival have children in mind. There will be storytelling, face painting, crafts and nature related games for the younger set. Check the latest schedule on the Enchanted Forest's website: www.nbbd.com/godo/ef/.
The Friends are also in need of more shelters for the animals. If you can loan them one, call 267-7367.
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Playalinda Beach has new park hours
Canaveral National Seashore announced new hours of operation for the Playalinda section of the beach as a result of "Daylight Savings" time and continued heightened security concerns. The following new hours went into effect on April 7th-- Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and the park will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ongoing heightened security measures of inspections of all vehicles while the shuttle is at the launch site, and closure of the Park before launch and during landing will continue at Playalinda Beach. As always, security concerns will be reviewed weekly in light of the national and the international situation.
The new "Daylight Savings" time hours for the New Smyrna section of the beach (Apollo Beach), which is out of the security zone, is 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, which went into effect on April 7 as well.
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Ward decides to go for four
From STAFF REPORTS
Titusville City Councilman Ken Ward submitted his notice to the City that he would be a candidate for Council Seat 3 in November.
Ward is currently serving the balance of the seat left vacant by the resignation of Carl Hurghes who accepted a job in Tennessee.
Ward, 38, a 1981 graduate of Titusville High School, is the owner of Canaveral Engineering Group. He was appointed by council among 11 applications received earlier this year.
A lifelong Titusville resident, Ward served on the Municipal Code Enforcement Board and was a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency. He was also a member of the Board of Education, Sculptor Elementary School; the American Congress on Surveying & Mapping and the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Brevard County. |
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Florida's local history comes aliveFrom STAFF REPORTS
Kelly Reynolds, "Professor of Living History," will make Florida's local history come alive with his portrayal of the Florida railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant at the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library on Thurs., April 18, at 7 p.m.
Plant was a Yankee entrepreneur who made the "American Dream" come true by connecting Florida to the rest of the country. He had steamboats that ran on every Florida waterway before the railroads became a network, as well as a chain of luxury hotels which eventually stretched from Punta Gorda to the St. Johns River during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Yet his railroads are what put many cities and towns in Florida and southern Georgia on the map.
In an article from the East County Observer, April 2001, Reynolds was quoted as stating that if Plant had laid his tracks in the direction of the Manatee River as he originally intended, Bradenton might have become a city the size of Tampa. Reynolds has spent over five years researching the history of Henry B. Plant and the connection that commerce and daily work has had on Florida's history, which is what made Florida what it is today.
In his appearance at the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library, Dr. Reynolds will also feature a slide show of vintage photographs, many of which are of Brevard County. After his performance, audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions of either Dr. Reynolds or of Henry B. Plant.
This performance is being sponsored by through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council as well as locally by the Friends of the Mims/ Scottsmoor Public Library. The program is completely free and open to the public. Plan on arriving early as refreshments will be served from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
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| Dr. Kelly Reynolds portraying Florida railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. |
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South Lake Elementary places first in 'Odyssey of the Mind' competition
From STAFF REPORTS
South Lake Elementary's team were the winners of the Odyssey of the Mind Competition held on Mar. 16 at Brevard Community College, Melbourne Campus.
Odyssey of the Mind is a not-for-profit international problem-solving program that fosters the development of creative thinking and creative problem solving skills among young people. Participants compete in a variety of areas--from building mechanical devices to giving their own interpretations of famous classics.
In addition to winning first place for their division, South Lake also was awarded the Odyssey of the Mind Omer Award. The award is given in recognition of the team's demonstration of outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behavior and exceptional talent.
This is South Lake's second year in the competition and both times they have taken first place and have gone on to the state competition. On April 13, South Lake will go to Orlando to participate in the state competition and the winner will then go to the World competition, which will be held in Colorado this year.
President must not ignore industrial decline
GUEST COMMENTARY
By William R. Hawkins
When discussing his economic agenda in public forums, President George W. Bush repeatedly links economic growth with national security, as well he should. The country's industrial and financial strengths are the basis of America's power and influence in the world. This is why Osama bin Laden ordered his terrorists to strike at the U.S. economy.
Unfortunately, when the President turns to the weakest part of his program--international trade--his remarks are often clouded with contradictions that cast doubt on whether he understands what's at stake.
Take, for example, the following statement from Bush's recent talk in East Moline, Ill.: "To make sure people can find work...is to make sure that we open up the world for American products. Fearful people want to build walls around America. Confident people believe we ought to tear them down. I'm confident in the American worker. I know the American worker can outproduce anybody, anywhere in the world. I'm confident in the American farmer. I know the American farm is more efficient, and can raise more crop than anybody, anywhere in the world."
He wants to export American products to support American jobs, but his action item is to tear down the "walls" around America. His only identified adversaries are those "fearful" people-his fellow Americans-who worry about foreign competition taking their jobs. He does not mention rival foreign competition taking their jobs. He does not mention rival foreign governments that keep American products out of their markets while subsidizing and dumping exports to undermine American companies.
Yet in the same speech, the President made the case for a large degree of economic self-sufficiency in key sectors. He declared, "Part of the national security of the country is to know that we're self-sufficient when it comes to food production...we don't have to rely upon another nation to feed our people."
As to the energy sector, the President says, "We are too reliant upon foreign sources of crude oil...it's in the national security interests of our country to have an energy policy."
The problem is that the President did not mention manufacturing in the same way as agriculture and energy.
Sustaining America's manufacturing capacity--especially in those heavy-industry and high-technology sectors, which are at the core of any advanced economy, and any nation's military strength--is as vital to America as is our independence from foreign sources for our food and energy.
The American industrial sector has been hit hard in recent years. In 2001, the U.S. imported $1 trillion worth of foreign manufactured goods, supporting production, jobs and growth overseas rather than here at home. Years of trade deficits have done more damage to the American industrial base than has any terrorist plot. Over the past year, more than 1.3 million American manufacturing jobs have been lost.
While no President would consciously allow America to become dangerously dependent on foreign industry, isn't that precisely the risk we're taking if we ignore the ongoing decline in the U.S. manufacturing base?
William R. Hawkins is Senior Fellow at the U.S. Business and Industry Council Education Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Supporting American industry means keeping jobs here at home.
OP-ED
Endangered fish now beneficiaries of grant for cataract surgery
When I first read a news release issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regarding a pair of Gulf sturgeons who are now seeing better as a result of cataract surgeries, I thought it sounded a little fishy.
I don't know the amount of the grant, but now I know something smells.
Anyway, the surgeries were done in February at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh. According to the Wildlife Service, although North Carolina State has been doing animal cataract surgeries for several years, this is apparently the first time anyone had ever conducted the procedure on finnan haddie. I'm sure it's worth it if they can see better. Right?
It seems both sturgeons were anesthetized for the operation-- which lasted about an hour. They were kept alive and out of water using a special fish anesthesia machine. Ultrasonic energy was used to break the eye lens into small pieces that were then sucked out.
The whole thing, it seems, was successful, but for one small thing--the procedure left them slightly farsighted.
So now they need to be fitted with prosthetic lenses. Another small item. The lenses aren't available for fish.
Now these federally threatened sturgeon, who can reach a length of about 8 feet and weigh as much as 500 pounds, need to be fitted with eyeglasses.
Imagine sitting on the banks of the Apalachicola river system of Georgia and Florida and you hook one of these things--reel it in--and realize you just snagged Don Knots.
Driving away backyard burrowers
Since I bought a gun, set up a borrowed trap (recommended by naturalists to capture pesky animals) made of heavy-gage galvanized wire, I have yet to see hide or hair of one lousy Armadillo.
After investing hundreds of dollars on chemicals that have destroyed everything living on our lawn but the one creature on my hit list, I'm ready to call a truce and adopt the attitude of "live and let live."
It's like the situation in the Middle East.
I'm between Iraq and a hard place.
If they return, I may try one more thing. If it doesn't work I will surrender unconditionally.
I read recently that kids aren't the only creatures that hate castor oil. Moles, gophers and armadillos hate it, too.
There is a product called "Whole Control" available by mail order from The Vermont Country Store, which claims that this natural repellent drives away critters that burrow and tunnel. You attach a garden hose and spray away--no duct-taping to an exhaust manifold, risking self-induced euthanasia.
I've ordered a case of the stuff at $19.95 a bottle, which comes...uh, to something like the national debt. With what I've invested so far I could have single-handedly saved the Social Security fund.
However, by the time my bottle is delivered I may consider selling it to the highest bidder since the critter(s) have apparently moved on to another yard. I suspect it may be my next door neighbor's because I spotted some familiar holes on his property.
I also think the rats left a sinking ship because I now keep all the outside lights burning all night--and we have the utility bills to prove it.
Anybody interested in slightly used .22 rifle?
Retirement means no longer putting off jobs
Since I retired last month I no longer put off doing some of the things I've been meaning to do. I have a notebook that I review each day which lists tasks, in no particular order, I want to accomplish.
Tidy up work area, garage, workshop--and my desk.
Everything is now in perfect order, and now I can't find anything.
I now no longer rush into a job that I can't see through. Now I have a plan and think it over carefully from every angle.
As a last resort on something I don't want to do, I stall by doing something else I enjoy. Or I sit back and philosophize about it until the problem solves itself.
Someone should write a book about what to do at retirement.
Occasionally I get repair fever. Like fixing the channel on the garage door that I ran into with my van. I did give a handyman a deposit to buy the parts and fix it, but I never saw him again. So, after studying the problem I found the right tools to finish the job.
The other day, after seeing my yard trash sit in bags at the end of the driveway, I decided that Western Waste knew something I didn't.
My packaging was not in accordance with their rules of pick up.
When I called the office to get information on how to prepare my garbage, they told me how to package the stuff. I didn't know that one can't put yard trash in plastic bags, but that a can or box must be used. I know this because the garbage men open the bag and inspect its contents. Finding no leaves, twigs or branches, they close the drawstrings and leave it exactly where I left it.
I also requested one of those plastic boxes to deposit old newspapers, and another for glass and other stuff. They only left one container which I find I only have to put out at the curb every other week because I can now find many uses for old daily newspapers--like retraining my 18-year old cat in the fundamental art of toilet training.
So for all of you who stop me on the street, in stores, and pull me over into the median on the Interstate, I will only say this:
It appears the the armadillos have finally found greener pastures and I've learned that if one simply leaves them to their own natural devices they will soon depart and leave you with an inventory of solvents and chemicals that could solve the problem in the Middle East.
What does everyone do with their pennies?
I'm guessing that there are more than 3 billion dollars in jars in American homes. I know that we have about 50 bucks in pennies around our place. Why, oh, why does the mint produce these coins?
What do you do with yours?
I was thinking about how much money the government could save by eliminating them altogether. What lobby wants them to be continued? Could it be the petrol peddlers who like the sound of gas at $1.35.9, or the retailers who love the look of $1.88 on their signs?
Think about it a moment. They have no value--not in this hemisphere. Nobody wants to count them. Nobody wants to carry them around in their pockets. They sit in those little trays in convenience stores, and even those stores I frequent who know I deposit at least four every time I make a purchase, still accept my exact change for something priced at $1.01.
Maybe if we all collected our stash of cents, throw it in a paper bag and took it to the bank someone would complain to the proper Treasury officials.
This is just my two-cents worth.
By BOB SOCKS
Service Pays
It looks like oil and steel no longer match up to low-price fishing tackle or gift baskets. At least that's the picture painted by the latest Fortune 500 list, in which discount retailer Wal-Mart ranks as the nation's largest company. It is the first time in the survey's history that a service firm beat out the old industry giants like Exxon, Mobile or General Motors.
All told, Wal-Mart banked $219.8 billion in revenues for 2001, sometimes pulling in more than $1 billion a day. That's a long way from Sam Walton's first store, 40 years ago, in Rogers, Arkansas.
Titusville Business License Report ‚ March 2002
Total licenses issued: 31
Breakdown as follows: Liquor Store - 1; Restaurant and Liquor - 1; Restaurant - 1; Model Home - 1; Used Car Dealer - 1; Insurance Company - 1; Rubber Products Manufacturer - 1; Car Wash - 1; Building, Developing, and General Contractor - 1; Special Events Vendor - 2; Moving Company - 1; Yoga Classes - 1; Computer System Design - 1; Exterminating and Pest Control - 1; Arcade - 1; Advertising Agency - 1; and Home Based Business - 14.
Recent housing transactions
- A home at 1780 Ford Rd. in Mims sold for $172,000.
- A home at 3635 S. Ridge Circle sold for $229,000.
- A home at 3870 Oakhill Dr. in La Cita sold for $265,000.
- A home at 3645 Rosehaven on S. Carpenter sold for $285,000.
Port Canaveral news
February 2002 Port revenue passengers was a new record for February, up 5.5%, year-to-date.
Total cruise passengers year-to-date is now up 0.3%, with total year-to-date cruise revenues up 7.1% due to increased parking revenues and the addition of the Carnival Pride, which began sailing in January. Sterling Casino Lines continues to do very well with a record February passenger count of 147,509. On March 6, they surpassed a running total-to-date passenger count of two million passengers.
February cargo tonnage was down 34.1% and revenue down 47.2% but, with the economy improving, it is expected to be bottoming out. Year-to-date revenue improvements in the cruise market, when combined with cargo revenue shrinkage, as a ship total revenue figure, are now down less than 2%.
Titusville hotelier Carol Lee honored
Best Western Space Shuttle Inn owner, Carol Lee was honored by her peers recently with the presentation of the 2002 All-Star Governor's Award, one of only 14 presented annually in the U.S. and Canada. The ceremony was conducted at the Best Western International Governor's Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lee has owned the Titusville Best Western Space Shuttle Inn since November 1999 and has been a district governor for Best Western Hotels since January 2000. There are over 4,000 Best Western properties in over 80 countries.
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McDonnell-Douglas Building
Rumors are thicker than flies in August regarding the unoccupied McDonnell Douglas building, with different accounts of who is buying, who is leasing, who wants half the building, etc. I have spoken with Walt Johnson of our local economic development organization, the EDC, and Michael Gaich--and nobody is talking. They all told me there is an agreement with potential buyers not to discuss any detail of any possible sale. But all agreed that there is a number of potential suitors, and there is hope that a major announcement will be made over the next several months.
I called Knight's Enterprises in Vero Beach several times, spoke to a receptionist, left a message, and was never given a return call regarding their plans to move a portion of their weapons manufacturing capability to the Mac-Dac building. Over the last several weeks, the city of Vero Beach and the Indian River County Commission have made overtures to Knight's Enterprises trying to entice them to remain in Vero and do their expansion there.
Quote of the Week: "Always behave like a duck ... keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath."
James Bryant Conant, American Educator
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Stop in Storehouse Ministries in Sand Point Village Shopping Center for good used furniture, household goods, appliances, medical equipment --such as walkers, handicap bathroom accessories--and much more.
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Aqua Mart has moved to 1620 S. Washington Ave. next to Miracle City Photo. They invite you to visit their new shop and see their selection of fresh and saltwater fish, aquariums and supplies.
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Pick up your nutritional vitamins at Gladiator Nutrition and, while you're there, get 50% off any frozen cappuccino or fruit smoothie. They are yummy!
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Kloiber's Cobbler Eatery has new hours: Mon. 8 - 4; Tues., Wed. and Thurs. 8 - 8; and Fri. and Sat. 8 - 9. Stop in and try one of their new dinner specials.
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World famous Chico Fernandez hosts this month's free casting clinic at The Fly Fisherman on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come in and learn fly, spin and plug casting techniques.
Also, kayak demo day and rigging classes are coming in May. See the ad for more details.
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Remember, Hope's Treasure Chest is now Hope's Tea Room & Treasures. They are open Mon. thru Fri., 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving lunch and dinner, and Sunday's for a great brunch.
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Freddie's Feed & Seed is having a "Customer Appreciation Day" on Sat., April 13, with a truckload of wholesale tack available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They also have feed, farm supplies and bait and tackle.
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Donna Trant has opened Bikram's Yoga at 4545 S. Hopkins Ave., and is offering one free class with the purchase of a $ 10 class. Come in to develop strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone and much more. Yoga relieves back pain, controls high blood pressure and more.
See their ad for more information.
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KC's Rainbow Lunch has a Friday special--get a fish sandwich, chips and a soda for $4.50.
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Every 3rd Saturday, Neeka's "Forever Young" Lounge has a birthday bash. Stop in April 20 and enjoy food, fun, drink specials and music provided by "Bill Sides Show."
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Raintree Arts & Crafts Supply Center has a new shipment of knit, crochet, and cross stitch pattern books for just $1 each.
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Brevard Answering Service has opened at 702-B Garden St, and invites you to their grand opening on Sat., April 13. Come see their new office, meet the staff and see what they have to offer.
They are very competitive with rates, and have a new system in order to accommodate your answering service needs--with live operators...and no recordings. See their ad for more details.
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Dorman Sparks, owner of Spark's Furniture, is going out of business after 32 years. The building has been sold so he has to vacate and is offering 30% to 40% off his furniture and collectible items. Stop in for a great deal...
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Easy Waves Styling Salon, Inc., has moved to 5173 S. Washington Ave., across from Ekler's.
Michelle has rental space available for a nail tech, hair stylists and a massage therapist. And be sure to check out her ad for a perm special.
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Check out the ad for Scooter's Bar for free hot dogs and pizza.
Also, on Sun., April 14, go in and sing karaoke with Take II Karaoke from 2 p.m. 'til ?
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Every Thursday is Latin Nite with DJ Hector O. at Hopper's Lounge in The Holiday Inn from 8 p.m. until midnight.
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Need help maintaining your swimming pool? John Conrad's Pool Supply has everything you need to get your pool and spa in shape as quickly and effortlessly as possible, as well as games, toys and floats to make the most of what being a pool owner is all about.
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Diversified Computers & Cyber Shop is a Nextel authorized representative. See their ad for computer specials.
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Attention Boyd's Collectors-- Simply Precious Crafts & Gift Shop invites you to join them Sat., April 13, to "Celebrate America," with a limited edition of "Betsy B. Beariamerica" available for one day only.
There will also be a drawing to give away "free" a 30" Boyd's Bear. See their ad for more info.
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Stop in The Riverdeck Lounge on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. nights and enjoy dancing to music with DJ Ingine Boy.
Their Tiki Bar is now open as well.
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River Breeze Restaurant now has a salad bar for lunch and dinner, plus an early bird special from 3 to 5 p.m. Buy one dinner and receive 50% off the second dinner. See their ad.
And, stop in and enjoy live entertainment on Thursdays...
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The Pet Masters says to bring in your puppy or dog for obedience classes starting Sat., April 13.
They now have a new dog food--Ostrich & Potato--for dogs or puppies for 99¢ a can.
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It's "Customer Appreciation Month" at Mr. Submarine & Salads. Use their coupon and when you buy a whole sub or large salad, get the second for half price.
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Get your auto in shape before summer! Casto's Auto Clinic does complete auto repair and complete A/C repair.
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