Art League's painting on pottery building adds pizazz!
From STAFF REPORTS
Across the street from Draa Field on the corner of Park Ave. and Draa Street sits the Titusville Art League's Pottery Building–and it's a sight to see. Over the years it has brought out the creative juices of many of our local residents, but thanks to brainstorming efforts by local artists and members of the Titusville Art League (TAL), a mural was painted on the pottery building to reignite the artistic fire in our community.
"What we are looking for is to express the cultural and artistic genius that resides within the community and its individuals," said Chuck Heller, newly elected president of the Titusville Art League. "Our desire is to reawaken the spirit of creativity."
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| Local artists and members of Titusville Art League show off sign to be placed on newly-painted pottery building, from left: Candi Thorpe, Leesa Morse, Joy Merckson and Bobbi Lacey. |
The pottery building had not been in use for over two years until Candi Thorpe, Mims resident and potter, needed more space–and equipment– to further explore her artistic abilities, and inquired about the pottery facility. Now, over a year later, she is TAL's Pottery Chairperson, and teaches pottery classes to both young and old.
"Our community is so fortunate to have such wonderful facilities to explore the wonders of art and allow the community to awaken and nurture their artistic abilities. We have tools and equipment here that you might not have access to without having your own studio," Thorpe said.
Since 1959, the Titusville Art League has been dedicated to promoting the arts and art awareness in Titusville and the surrounding communities, and has been serving the citizens of North Brevard through visual arts classes and workshops, art shows, and an on-going art experience with the public at the TAL Gallery in Searstown Mall.
To further promote art in our community, the TAL's Sunshine Saturday Children's Art Festival will be held on June 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be a fun day for children to experience art. There will be different crafts and activities for kids to participate in hands-on. The cost is $3 per child (t-shirts for tye-dying extra charge). Some of the activities include making: butterflies, T-shirt designs, bracelets, belts, etc. Hot dogs and drinks will be available.
You may also sign up for summer classes in pottery and art.
TAL offers classes for children and adults. Adult classes include pottery, oil painting, stained glass, photography and others as available; children's classes include art and pottery. In addition, various workshops are offered throughout the year.
For more information on TAL classes, contact Education Chairperson, Joy Merckson, at 267-6559 or visit their website at: www.nbbd.com/godo/tal/.
Police need help solving burglaries, criminal mischiefs
During the overnight hours of May 17 to May 18, numerous vehicle burglaries and criminal mischiefs occurred. These crimes occurred in the Country Club area of Titusville.
Small items and car parts were removed from at least six vehicles. Tires were damaged on at least six other vehicles. One family who had gathered together for a memorial service for their father were victims of criminal mischiefs to their vehicles.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Titusville Police Department at 264-7800 or Tips Line at 264-7874.
So many changes in just one year
... A Memorial Day reflection
By RICHARD J. SANTOS
One year ago, we were a nation at peace, but not now. A short year ago, Blue Star Service Banners were lost in the memories of a half-century ago, but not now.
On Memorial Day 2002, I see more and more Blue Star Service Banners in front windows of houses and business across America. A banner reminds us that a loved one from that family is serving in the U.S. Armed forces, fighting terrorism in Operation Enduring Freedom and providing homeland defense. Unfortunately, Gold Star Banners–displayed to indicate a family member who was killed while serving in the Armed Forces–are replacing some of the blue.
Today's men and women sent into harm's way differ little from the doughboys who fought in the trenches of France, the GI's who stormed the beaches at Normandy, or the troops who bought inches of land with blood at Korea's Chosin Reservoir.
Indeed, they are no different that the millions of men and women who have answered the clarion call throughout American history. As did those before them. Today's men and women that we honor did their duty. Regrettably, we must now add 3,000 more names to the list of our honored dead.
Some of the honored dead were in the Armed Forces, but some were not. Each was on the frontlines of the terrorist assault on America. All lost their lives on September 11th or the days following it is fitting that , as we remember the military men and women who died in service to America, we also just this once-remember as well the first casualties of the War on Terrorism. They are also American heroes who died in the line of duty. They gave their all in service to their country as surely as if they had been on the frontlines of Afghanistan.
Again, young Americans, wearing the uniform of our armed forces, are fighting in a war without borders and without clearly identified combatants. Some of them have given the supreme sacrifice for our nation. We are thankful that we are a nation that does not forget...that we are a people who remember and honor the memory of those who died fighting the enemies of the United States--wherever and whenever they threaten.
On this Memorial Day I ask all citizens of this great land to remember the sacrifice of more than one million Americans whose memory we honor today.
Richard J. Santos is the National Commander of The American Legion. He represents 2.8 million wartime veterans.
 OP-ED
Church Street Revisited
I experienced a deep sense of depression– almost clinical melancholia– as Sue and I wandered around the neighborhood of West Church Street in Orlando last Sunday when we drove over to catch one of the shows at this year's Fringe Festival.
In case you don't know about it, it's a 10-day celebration of the arts centering on cutting edge theater offerings in many of the local venues, including the Church Street Exchange building.
Several friends say they went over during the week and had an enjoyable time. Unfortunately we went over on Sunday afternoon, thinking we would find the same activity. We were wrong.
On a Sunday afternoon Church Street looks like the scene of an old movie in which a submarine and its crew surfaces on the west coast after an atomic blast–and found no one alive.
We saw few people on the streets where most restaurants were closed. We did notice a couple of ragged-looking characters sitting against a wall of a boarded up business–rolling a joint– unaware, or unafraid they would be busted by one of several cops strolling the area in pairs.
What was so disturbing to me personally was that I remember the heydays of Bob Snow's entertainment complex when downtown Church Street was the place to go. Tourists flocked there joining the local residents who supported it as well. Rosie's quickly became the place to be after work, meet friends and support "nickel beer night" where young ladies of the opposite sex were one of the drawing cards. Next door was Apple Annie's Courtyard for a change of pace and a light lunch or snack and where you might take a new acquaintance you met next door for some intimate conversation.
This was in the 1970s and the activity continued for many years. The area expanded with investment growth; shops opened, new restaurants sprang out and things continued to boom...
...until the bust!
City Walk at Disney, International Drive and the the insatiable appetite of the "World" took its toll. Tourists left downtown Orlando in droves, leaving only the local residents left to support the huge enterprise. It wasn't enough. An exciting area came to a close when Bob Snow was forced into bankruptcy and finally sold his holdings.
I remembered those good old days as I peeked into the dark, dust-scarred windows of Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium and saw the corpses of what once was the magnificent ornate bar, brass railings, staircase, and other items Snow and his architects traveled the four corners of the globe to buy, crate and install in the facility that turned downtown Orlando around and created a hub of economic activity and excitement.
I could not foresee then that soon all would change as the mighty Disney Complex would take everything and move it south. They would build huge hotels and provide the transportation to their multiple attractions–adding additional comfort and convenience to their guests.
And then...I thought of what Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese poet, said about comfort..."the stealthy thing that enters the house as a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master..."
Perhaps Church Street Station, under the management of new owners, will rise once again to the prominence it once held under the direction of its original entrepreneur dreamer....but I probably won't live long enough to see it.
When do a handful of citizens constitute majority in a city of 42,000?
I am always amazed reading headlines that say things like, "Planned riverfront condos raise residents' concerns," and others very similar that use the word "citizens," but never name how many lamenters appear at decisions before City Council to oppose items on the agenda.
As far as I can tell, these complainers represent a tiny fraction of the population of Titusville, yet they seem to have a disturbing affect on the final decision making process of some members of our governing body.
One issue that comes to mind is the proposed development of condo buildings built on downtown riverfront land between Sand Point Park and the Space Walk of Fame. I can understand why there would be an outcry by some residents to go along with the developers proposal to move the future monuments away from the Space Walk of Fame riverwalk, but cannot understand the objections by some to allow the proposed height or density. The Space Walk of Fame riverwalk has been planned for a long time and to now consider moving it could present a problem for our lawmakers.
It's going to be a tough decision.
However, this council may find a way out of the dilemma should a new company receive a hearing who propose a development as a public-private partnership that would bring visitors downtown to a luxury hotel, restaurants and shops.
This should not prevent others from producing a plan that would also permit the construction of high-rise condos from being built elsewhere on the property. At some point there must be a comprehensive plan that will permit the construction of a mixed use development with business, condos, hotel and complex that will appeal to everyone–without having to move the Space Walk of Fame monuments.
However, to permit a few residents to stand in the way of any considerations to develop the property would be unfair to the vast majority of all citizens.
A case in point is the Vectorworks property north of the ballfields (which will be eventually moved north) where a few obstructionists are giving the council fits. To continue to delay the expansion of this facility and the jobs it will create is utter nonsense.
This council was elected by the "majority" of its citizens to make decisions–not a minority.
It's time they do it.
By BOB SOCKS
Lucky Titusville
How lucky can one city be? The McDonnell-Douglas building sells last week, and then, right across the street at the Speedway convenience store, someone walks in and buys a lotto ticket worth $35 million.
We'll have to wait and see if the lucky winner lives here, is perhaps one of the space center workers, or a tourist who bought the winning "quick pick."
Whatever the case may be, congratulations...and spend it wisely.
Time to get upset!
The Brevard County Commission seems to be sticking its nose where it doesn't belong.
First example is the Flagler property which was recently annexed into the City of Titusville. The developer has plans for industrial, commercial and residential uses and the County Commission is trying to put the casbah on this development. This is the land from Hwy. 405, down Grissom, to King's Highway.
Second, and even more outrageous, is the lawsuit the County Commission has threatened on the City of Cocoa regarding the mega mall, Brevard Crossings, which the City of Cocoa has approved. There is no more waste of taxpayers' dollars than when one government entity sues another.
Message to the Brevard County Commission: This is city business– this is not your business.
Record business in the Port
Buoyed by the public's fears of flying, Florida's cruise industry is getting record business and expects the summer to be lucrative too. Port Canaveral officials said recently that 392,210 people boarded cruise and casino ships in March–a nearly 10% increase from the same month a year ago and the largest number of cruisers in a single month in its history.
Port of Miami was busier still, recording an 11.8% rise in boardings. Officials said 402,784 people sailed out of Miami in March, compared with 360,262 the year before.
Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced that the Carnival Glory will become one of the newest and largest cruise ships to be based at Port Canaveral, when it begins year-round 7-day Caribbean cruises in July 2003. The Glory, which is being constructed at the Fincantieri Shipyards, will be 110,000 gross tons, have 3,000 passengers and is being constructed at a cost of $500 million. The Carnival Pride, which began sailing at the Port this past January, will be re-located to Long Beach, California.
For your future cruising information, there are presently 33 ships under construction, all over the world. All will begin sailing over the next 30 months. The largest under construction is the Cunard, Queen Mary II, a 150,000 gross ton vessel, being built at a cost of $780 million.
What's new in TItusville...continued
- Parrish Medical Center is due to open this fall.
- Indian River Fence Co. – Permits have been issued for construction of the re-location for the local fence company, which is currently on S. Hopkins Ave. The new facility will be in north Titusville, next to Cherrydon Mobile Home Park.
- Park Villas Apartments–Plans have been approved for a new multi-family apartment complex on S. Park Ave. The complex will sit on 12.4 acres located next to Church of the Nazarene, and will consist of 10 buildings, totaling 160 units and will include a pool and clubhouse.
- Columbia Plaza–Site works for the proposed business park, located west of the Elks Club on Columbia Blvd. (SR 405) is underway. The new business park will consist of six parcels, ranging from 1 to 15 acres. Robert Kirk of Titusville is the developer.
- Dollar Tree–Plans have been submitted for the first retail store to be constructed in the new Columbia Plaza. The new store will be 10,368 sq. ft.
- Hidden Oaks–A proposed subdivision will be located on Knox McRae Dr., west of the Sanctuary. The new subdivision will consist of 15 low-intensity single-family lots. The developer is Jen Lee Development of Titusville.
- American Police Hall of Fame – A proposed museum to be constructed in the Vector Space Industrial park in South Titusville. The new museum will consist of 39,042 sq. ft. of museum and office area, and 9,050 sq. ft. of indoor gun range. The developer is the American Police Hall of Fame of Miami.
- Kids Kingdom–Preliminary plans have been submitted for a new daycare facility located just west of the Royal Oaks Colony Apartments on Knox McRae Dr. near Barna Ave. The daycare will be 9,450 sq. ft. The contractor will be Gene Loyd Contracting of Titusville.
Home economics status report
- Domestic (U.S. and Canada) movie box office gross sales in 2001–$8.13 billion.
- Amount Americans spent on videos and DVD rentals in 2001–$12.9 billion.
Ä Percentage increase in retail sales for home furnishing stores from 1992 to 2001–81.6 percent; for clothing stores–41.1 percent
- Cookbooks sold in 2001–38.8 million
- Travel books sold in 2001–14.9 million
Tying the knot?
June is a big wedding month in America. The average American wedding now costs $20,357.
Where's all the money going? Here's how the big ticket items break down: Engagement Ring $2,000
Reception $7,182
Honeymoon $2,825
Wedding Gown $1,000
Photographer and Videographer $1,106
Real Estate Transactions of note in North Brevard
Commercial Property:
- 612 S. Washington Ave. (Budget Motel) sold for $950,000.
Residential Homes:
- 733 Plantation Dr. (Great Outdoors) sold for $245,000
- 2735 Gator Trail (Windover Farms) sold for $244,857
- 5200 Winchester Dr. (Cathedral Pines) sold for $184,000
- 2830 Notre Dame Dr. (Cathedral Pines) sold for $173,000
- 509 Twin Lakes Dr. (Great Outdoors) sold for $170,000
- 4875 Winchester Dr. (Cathedral Pines) sold for $157,857
Quote of the Week:
"Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage."– H.L. Menken
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Brevard Feed & Seed is having a Nutrena Feed Sale from May 22 thru June 1. See their ad in this issue and take advantage of the savings.
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Sign up for summer fun at Titusville Ballet & Jazz Center. They're offering a 6-week dance and gymnastics program as well as a dance & gymnastics workshop. Look for their ad for more details.
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Parents...do you need to keep in touch with your teens during the summer? Stop in Mr. C's Rentals over by Dunkin' Donuts on Garden St. and get a pager or prepaid cell phone.
They carry prepaid cards for cellular and long distance, and can even reconnect old phones. Accessories are also arriving daily.
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Able Monument & Sandblast Co. wants you to know they have relocated to 2219 Garden St., next to Carter's Pub. They offer different types of services, so see their ad for more info...
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Buy one (1) hotdog at Arbetter's Hotdogs and get one (1) hotdog free thru June 30!
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Call Brevard Aluminum about awnings. They beat the heat, keep the hot summer sun from fading your furniture, carpets and drapes, and protect against hurricanes.
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Make sure to mark your calendars for the huge Historic Downtown Sidewalk Sale on Sat., May 25. Browse through the shops and get some great deals!
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Call Brevard Answering Service and inquire about their 24-hour service. They've got affordable ratesã and no signup fees!
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See The Holiday Inn's ad for Hopper's Lounge and check out their entertainment schedule. Lots of fun things are happening there...
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Do you enjoy an authentic Italian meal? Kloiber's Cobbler is proud to welcome Italian Chef Jarrod Mastroianni to their establishment. Jarrod, who graduated from our own Astronaut High School and attended culinary school in West Palm Beach, has traveled to Italy several times to visit his familyãand bring back those traditional, secret family recipes.
Since customers are enjoying his dishes so much, Kloiber's decided to make every Wednesday, starting May 29, their official "Italian Day." Go in and try one if their lunch or dinner specials such as lasagna, ravioli, tortellini or spaghetti and meatballs, just to name a few.
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Seasons in the Sun Motorcoach Resort is now open to the public.
Located off of Hwy. 46 in Mims, I took a tour of the resort last week and saw the wonderful, natural wildlife surroundings for Phase I, which consists of four areasãThe Groves, The Hammocks, Circle the Wagons, and the Village Activities Area.
This is a private, gated community featuring a beautiful community center, swimming pool, lap pool, whirlpool, gazebo facilities, group activities, bocci ball, tennis courts, shuffleboard, laundromat, private bath and dressing rooms and much more. You've got to see it for yourself! Stop in and take the tour...
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Boutique Plus has new men's shirts, jeans and shorts up to size 6X. See their ad for more details.
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Jimmy & Cory's Italian-American Restaurant has new lunch and dinner specials. Take in their ad from this issue and receive 10% off a $10 purchase or more.
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You and your family are invited to a free corn boil, featuring corn and iced tea until it's gone, to meet and get to know Ken Ward, Titusville City Council candidate for Seat 3. This event will take place at Sand Point Park Main Pavilion on Sat., June 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.
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G & W Roofing says they are re-roofing and flat roof specialists. Look for their ad and see all the services they offer.
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If you're looking for Staci Bullock, she's now at Easy Waves Styling Salon at 5173 S. Washington Ave. Use her ad from this issue for a full set of nails for only $19.99 (limited time only).
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Curves For Women is an exercise facility designed for women, specializing in the hour-and-a-half workout in only 30 minutes. They use circuit training, where you alternate between resistance activity and aerobics.
Strength training is the secret to permanent results. Research shows that if you strength train while losing weight, your body will first use its stored fat for fuel, increasing weight loss by 300%.
Located at 688 Cheney Hwy. (Indian River Plaza), they provide a convenient, comfortable atmosphere. Join now with 60% off service fee. Stop in or call today, 264-3939.
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