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Vol. 14 No. 24 Thursday, September 26, 2002 NewsObserver@netscape.net
Remembering those forgottenBy AUTUMN SMITH
Stand Down is a project benefitting homeless Veterans and Veterans in need of assistance. The event was successful with over 150 veterans from all over central Florida attending. Isaac Ramos of D.A.V. mentioned that veterans traveled from as far away as Orlando, Volusia County and south Brevard to attend. Space Coast Transit loaned a bus to transport many veterans to the event. Ramos said they fed over 200 people during the day. The D.A.V. and the D.A.V.A. funded the entire Stand Down with each contributing 50% of the cost. Many local fraternal organizations as well as local businesses were also involved by either volunteering or donating services and goods. The Volunteers of America furnished a unit with two doctors and Wuestoff Hospital had their mobile service unit with their own doctors and staff. Medications were donated as well for those in need. Approximately fifty veterans signed up for medical services from the two combined units. The Titusville D.A.V. Chapter 109 is the most successful in the state of Florida. While the Stand Down is very successful in providing many Veterans the assistance they deserve and need, the D.A.V. works year-round to aid them in any way possible. They regularly bring food, sodas and basic supplies to homeless veterans in their camps as well as provide transportation to the V.A. clinic in Vierra where they can receive medical care. Many veterans are not aware that they are entitled to the benefits they have earned; the D.A.V. helps to get those services and benefits to them. There is a dire need for community awareness and involvement. Every Veteran deserves the respect and assistance they have earned through their service to this country, through their service to the citizens of this very land where they seem to have been forgotten by so many.
Parrish Medical Center to have grand opening celebration “Welcome to Our World”The most dramatic North Brevard medical care advance in 36 years will be heralded with a community celebration, Sat., Oct. 12, when the new $80 million Parrish Medical Center is unveiled.The day's activities will last from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be events - all free of charge - for every member of the family, said George Mikitarian, Parrish Medical Center president and chief executive officer. As North Brevard residents enjoy themselves they will see and learn about the extraordinary new hospital built to serve them, he added. "The new Parrish Medical Center is one of the finest healing environments in America," Mikitarian said. "We want our friends and neighbors to have fun and be uplifted. We want everyone to see that the new Parrish Medical Center provides technologically advanced medical care delivered with skill and compassion. It will be a great day." The new Parrish Medical Center is located on U.S. 1, just north of the present facility and about 1.5 miles north of downtown Titusville. "Welcome to our World," a 25-minute original stage musical created by Thomas Murphy, will premier at noon. Murphy, who has his own production company, has for 21 years been an independent contract performer and producer for Disney live shows. All "Welcome to our World" performers are also Disney cast members. A series of family-oriented activities - entertainment groups, interactive exhibits, hospital tours and refreshments - will continue through 4 p.m. Highlights of the day include: An 11:30 a.m. flag raising ceremony and building dedication, complete with live patriotic music from ‘America’s Tenor’ Daniel Rodriguez, as PMC raises the new hospital's American flag for the first time. The hospital is proud to bring Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer, who stirred America with his rendition of patriotic songs following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to Titusville for the grand opening of the new Parrish Medical Center. “...Not only does he have a magnificent voice, he symbolizes the emergency services personnel across America who do so much to protect us” said Mikitarian. "Welcome to Our World" will be premiered Immediately following the flag raising. The show features professional singers, dancers, 20-foot magical puppets, a pyrotechnic display and other surprises. A live radio remote broadcast featuring morning show talent Dave and Mindy from Lite Rock WLRQ 99.3 FM. Musical performances by Paradise Band, one of Central Florida's most popular and requested musical groups; the 12-member Heat Wave Senior Drum and Bugle Corps, which performs throughout the country; and the well-known children's entertainment group The Learning Station, which inspires young children through dance, song and audience participation. Interactive activities including face painting, rock climbing, Brevard Zoo animal exhibit, balloon sculptors, mimes and jugglers. Stage shows featuring school children's favorites Tim "Mr. Science" Perkins and the acclaimed, family-oriented magician Greg Phillips, who has opened for such celebrities as Robin Williams and Gallagher. A Dixie Cruiser Classic Cars display presenting rare autos from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Improv comedy performances throughout the afternoon. A food court providing free hot dogs, cotton candy, ice cream, and soft drinks. Interactive health and wellness exhibits with the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, NASA spin-off booth, Fire and Emergency Safety Services, the Titusville Police Department crime scene van and a canine unit from the Brevard County Sheriff's Department. Special displays by PMC affiliates H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and the Florida Hospital cardiac program. "This hospital was designed as a healing environment," Mikitarian said. "That goal extends to everything from the skylight at the top of the four-story atrium to the tiniest detail in our larger, more technologically advanced patient rooms. "Whether it is for cardiac or cancer treatment, orthopedic care, women's services or any health care need, the new Parrish Medical Center will provide North Brevard residents with the finest medical care," Mikitarian said. "We want people to see and experience their new hospital. The entire PMC family is proud to host this day of celebration for the people we serve." The public is invited to walk through the hospital. PMC staff will be located throughout the building to explain the medical services on each floor. Available for public viewing are operating rooms, patient rooms, the oncology floor, the intensive care unit, emergency room, women's services and numerous other areas. Parking will be available at the Brevard Community College campus and Temple Baptist Church. Both are located north of the hospital and accessed from U.S. 1. Shuttle buses, including a bus for the disabled, will make regular runs to parking areas throughout the day. PMC is a 210-bed acute care facility, located at 951 N. Washington Ave. in Titusville. The medical center features a Cardiac Center of Excellence affiliated with Florida Hospital, one of the nation's top heart centers, and a Cancer Center of Excellence affiliated with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Florida's only National Cancer Institute's designated cancer center. For more information about the Oct. 12 event, visit the PMC website at www. parrishmed.com, or call 268-6110. www.parrishmedical.com.
Like Rodney Dangerfield, Titusville gets no respectOnce again the fair city of Titusville is at the bottom of the totem pole in having any place to shop for goods and services - and places to drink, play and do business. At least according to this years 2002 Best of Brevard, an advertising supplement that has been produced by Florida Today for many years. As I recall, former advertising sections had at least four or five kudos for north Brevard establishments.This year a paltry two, That's in 2, 11, a couple, a pair of. They were; the Village Inn Restaurant and Bakery in the "Best Breakfast" category, and the Bellwood Polish Restaurant in the "Best European Restaurant "category . And unless I'm mistaken and missed it, there were no local businesses at all in the "Runner-Up" categories either. This is not to say that we don't have fine establishments in our little town, but I am saying that in order to get in the running for the contest business owners must take the bull by the horns and risk writing cramps, or carpel-tunnel syndrome in order to be recognized. For example; in the category of seafood restaurants, why didn't Dixie Crossroads make the list? Everybody in the country it seems knows where Dixie Crossroads is. In fact when I mention Titusville to anyone in other areas of the state, or country who's visited here, an amazing number recognize the restaurant .When I mention Titusville they generally say, "Oh yeah, that's where that great Dixie Crossroads is. I love the food." So what's going on, you might ask. It's simple. In order to make the list a business must spend some dough advertising in that newspaper. That's number 1. Secondly, and the hard part, is to find as many people as possible (including your employees - even on the clock) to fill out hundreds, perhaps thousands the ballots and send them in. I've talked to some business owners who have used this technique in the past and it has worked. At least you have a chance. It's true what they say about long term memory......Having attained the ripe old age of 71 last Monday, I can attest to the theory that those of us in our age group (and perhaps older) can remember what we consumed for breakfast on a Wednesday morning 45 years ago but can't remember where we were last week let alone any details.This rattled me after reading about the death of football great Johnny Unitas, the Hall of Fame quarterback who broke nearly every NFL passing record and won three championships with the Baltimore Colts in his 18-year career. I was living in Philly in 1958, but was a Colts fan - not the Iggles (as pronounced by Philly phans) That allegiance came three years later. It rattled me because on that Sunday afternoon in November, 1958 some friends and I were having dinner at my house (the menu was eye roast, mashed potatoes, peas,corn, apple pie - and several mind-numbing beverages), while watching the game. I still vividly recall our subject of conversation and our enthusiasm when Unitas led the Colts to victory against the New York Giants in this championship game with fullback Allan Ameche diving into the end zone in overtime. I can understand if some readers question my veracity, but this is not the only incident that I can remember with clarity that occurred 45 to 60 years ago. My problem today is I had to stop for a moment on Monday and decide if I was celebrating my 70th or 71st year on this planet. Weird isn't it? Does it happen to you too? Recent elections proved majority of voters were knowledgeable about candidates......With a couple insignificantly unimportant choices those who took the time to cast votes in the September primary made good choices. My batting average was a decent 85 percent - not bad. I did however have a strange experience when casting my vote. After picking up my ballot - showing the lady my registration which lists me as Republican - and waking to the machine to begin filling in the oval, It dawned on me that I was casting my ballot for some strange names.Realizing the volunteers mistake, I returned the Democrat ballot and received the correct one. I wondered d how often this happens, and if it is common it might explain why the dopes in Miami-Dade and other south Florida polling places are still kvetching about the results of the presidential election. Mixed emotions about reinstating impact fees......Before city council makes a decision regarding the reinstatement of impact fees for new development in Titusville I would urge them to create a panel of businesses owners and community leaders to study the effect it could have on future growth. Since they were suspended in 1995 the city has witnessed a pattern of growth that it probably would not have had the fees not been eliminated. In particular, the expansion of businesses in south Titusville at the SR 50, I-95 corridor. There is no doubt in my mind that that would not have occurred. I would say the immediatereinstatement of the fees is somewhat shortsighted until a study reveals the true impact it would have. While there very well could be some revenue shortfalls in the upcoming budget it is unwise to act irresponsibly and not examine the long-range effects. I also believe it's smoke and mirrors to say that the city would have had a windfall of more than a million dollars since 1995. What should be addressed is how much of that amount would have been collected had the impact fees not been suspended. It's simple to determine: just ask those businesses who located here in the past seven years if they would have been part of the community had the impact fees been in force. Drug dependence: Don't knock it if you haven't been there.....While I can not support legalizing pain-killing drugs for recreational use my attitude is 180 degrees when it applies to those who require certain drugs for chronic pain.Noelle Bush, our Governor's daughter obviously has a major problem. One has to walk in her slippers to understand the severity of addiction and just how difficult it is to overcome. When I read about nutty things like the recent DEA raid on a medical marijuana club in California that caters to terminally ill patients I go bananas. Who will they bust next - Hospice? Here were people in genuine pain when these cowboys busted in with six shooters drawn, and weapons used in the movie, "Friday the 13th."putting bracelets on these poor souls, including a paraplegic. There are a dozen states that have decriminalized the use of pot for medical purposes; obviously passed by legislators with compassion who understand what the ravages of pain can do. It's not easy to kick. Try this scenario: Dixon Cherian, the three-year old boy in Palm Bay, suffering from terminal leukemia. He was diagnosed with myleodplastic syndrome in 2000, then acute mylogenous leukemia in June of 2001. He was not expected to live this long. I'm certain he's being given morphine. That's fine, but it's addictive. I know that when I miss my schedule of the duragesic patch and go beyond the 72-hour period of its effectiveness I'm ready to climb the walls. The withdrawal is agonizing; so much so that one can be tempted to do something drastic to eliminate the pain. Pain so severe that every bone and muscle of your body aches. You can't walk, sleep, or eat. You don't want to talk to anyone, or hear anything. All you want is relief. There are those who have no idea of the excruciating pain when one attempts to 'kick the habit', either by desire or necessity. Or by the simple mistake I made recently when my patch fell off while working in the garden and I was not aware of it for almost 24 hours. No one needs to suffer like this. So why am I one this subject? Because it is outrageous that as a result of some blue-nosed morality or religious conviction that marijuana is not prescribed by the medical profession for either long , or short-term pain, either a consequence of chronic physical pain that can make a zombie out of a person. Sorry folks, but pot is not the addictive pain-killer that morphine is. For older people who can not afford 'legal' drugs, pot would be the answer. It's certainly cheaper (or should be) if we were as enlightened as the lawmakers in Nevada, and the other 11 states that have taken off their blinder's. Yet we continue to be bombarded by those insisting that users are the moral equivalent of Adolph Hitler. Syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington should make all of us think what could happen to Noelle Bush if she were not the daughter of Jeb Bush. In a recent piece she correctly pointed out that if America's drug laws were applied consistently, Jeb, his wife and family would be evicted from their publicly funded mansion and be out on the street based on the public housing edict. What is good for the goose is apparently not good for the gander depending on your station in life This is democracy? This is fair? Hell no. The FDA makes chronic pain sufferers go through hell when a prescription is renewed for, as in my case, for the fentanyl transdermal system . Recently, after a duragesic patch fell off, I had to apply one of four I had remaining. When I attempted to receive a renewal one day early to make up for the 24 hour lapse, the pharmacist refused, saying he was under stringent regulations from the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and could be in deep dysentery and possibly lose his license. If this isn't overkill I don't know what is. Someone should quickly rethink our drug policy. There is, as in the Bush case, a glaring double standard that should be eliminated by the practical application of the law, as well as a compassionate conservatism and understanding of the rights of those of all of us, who, while users - not abusers, would rather be relatively pain free with a drug such as legal, medically prescribed pot than those so addictive there is constant apprehension and the fear of what happens when, for some reason a drug like morphine is not available when needed. If you disagree with me I suggest you talk to the parents of 3-year Dixon Cherian, myself, or any of the millions of other Americans who often suffer needlessly as a result of our insane, impractical ,dispassionate, and so far, unenforceable drug regulations. All the laws are accomplishing are to penalize those who truly and legitimately entitled to a new approach in the thinking of the problem. Once you've been this road yourself you may know what I'm talking about. If you've never been, nothing I say will convince you to ask that your lawmakers open their minds.
By BOB SOCKS Park HereIt’s very much in the planning stages, but a new 50-year master plan for Cape Canaveral includes a new spot for space-related businesses called the International Research Park.The 320-acre spot just outside the Cape Canaveral gates aims to attract businesses and academic researchers in the space business who want to be close to the base. The University of Florida is an early partner in the park. And the college set up originally to support Florida’s space industry, University of Central Florida, will likely have some involvement. “We’ve had some discussion about having an academic building there,” says M.J. Soileau, UCF vice president for research. Should UCF and UF locate there, they likely would have some select company. Both Duke and Harvard universities have made inquiries into the planned park. Smart Choice Automotive Group, formerly headquartered here in Titusville, has been sold for $1,900,000 to SC Recovery of Miami Beach. The stock, which was widely held by local investors is now selling for 1˘ a share. Real Estate Transactions
The Stella AwardsFor you readers who are fed up with the huge amounts of money given victims for frivolous law suits, may I present the Stella Awards:Named after Stella Liebeck, the 81 year old woman who won $2.9 million for spilling a cup of McDonald’s coffee on herself, the Stella Awards is a mock competition for individuals who win the most frivolous lawsuits imaginable. The following are some former candidates:
Strictly My OpinionSpace Walk of Fame Day at Miracle City Mall this Saturday sounds like a great day for the local community to come out and learn and hear all about the history of space and also a great opportunity to talk to Fred Haise, an original Apollo astronaut and a member of the Apollo 13 crew.What's happening with the riverfront project across from Sears Mall. The sign in front of the property shows all the units are sold out but the grass is growing and no work has been done on the property for months. Wednesday is decision day for the Astronaut Hall of Fame and Space Camp. What will happen no one knows. Supposedly there are two potential purchasers of the property. Many jobs are at risk. This is also budget approval week for the City of Titusville and the City Council. Who will survive the cuts, and who will fall by the wayside. Stay tuned to Channel 99 for more information. What’s new for Titusville, update on constructionPMC -Construction continues on the replacement facility just north of the original hospital. Road modifications are currently underway, which include a new southern entrance to Brevard Community College and an upgraded entrance to those residents on Oak Grove Road. Completion is scheduled for Oct. 2002 The general contractor is BEERS Construction of Orlando. RIVER LANDING - Construction has started on the 4-unit Townhouse project along S. Washington Ave. (US 1) on the river, across from Jalopy’s restaurant. The developer and contractor is ACI Corporation of Titusville. RIO VISTA PATIO HOMES - Site work is almost complete for the proposed 8-lot patio home subdivision on the river side of S. Washington Ave. (US 1) across from, Aerospace Interconnect Systems and Arby’s. The engineering firm for the project is Canaveral Engineering of Titusville. SPEEDWAY - Plans have been approved for the construction of a new store at the corner of Garden St. and N. Park Ave. The project will include the demolition of the existing store, an existing store, and existing doctor’s office to the east, and the residential duplex to the north. The new store will be 3,362 square feet in area and will include the replacement of the pump islands and canopy. The engineering firm for the project is Avid Engineering of Palm Harbor. SPEEDWAY #2 - Currently located on the site is a Shell Station at the corner of Cheney Highway (SR 50) and Serpentine Rd. (entrance to Lowe’s) which will be demolished. A new 3,830 square foot convenience store with gas pumps will be erected in its place. The engineering firm for the project is Lincoln Allen Civil Engineering Group of Largo. The contractor will be W.H. Bass, Inc. of Norcross, Georgia. THE HAMMOCKS - Construction is underway on the expansion at The Hammocks location in south Titusville on Cheney Highway (SR50). Four industrial/office buildings will be constructed, totaling 39,821 square feet. The engineering firm for the project is Tulino Engineering of Cocoa Beach. The contractor is ACN Company of Merritt Island. NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - Clearing has begun at the site of the new facility, which will be located on S. Washington Ave. (US 1) on a 19.2 acre parcel located on the east side of the highway across from the Space Coast Executive (TICO) Airport in south Titusville. The facility will consist of a 35,111 square foot fellowship hall and a 14,627 square foot sanctuary that will seat 1,028. INDIAN RIVER FENCE CO. - Currently located on S. Hopkins Ave. in the heart of Titusville. Indian River Fence will soon be relocating to their new facility in north Titusville on N. Washington Ave. (US 1), next to the Cherrydon Mobil Home Park. Construction has started on the new facility. The Contractor is C&C Construction of Titusville. PARK VILLAS APARTMENTS - Permits have been issued for the new multi-family apartment complex on S. Park Ave. The complex will sit on a 12.4 acre parcel located next to the Church of the Nazarene and will consist of 11 buildings, totaling 160 units and a clubhouse with a pool. The developer is Park Villas Association of Miami Beach. The engineering firm for the project is Honeycutt & Associates of Titusville. COLUMBIA PLAZA - Final plans have been submitted for the proposed business park located just west of the Elks Lodge on Columbia Boulevard (SR 405). The new business park will consist of six parcels ranging from 1 acre to 15 acres. The developer is Robert Kirk of Titusville. The engineering firm is Engineering & Design Group of Oviedo. DOLLAR TREE - plans have been submitted for the first retail store to be constructed in the new Columbia Plaza on Columbia Boulevard (SR 405). The new store will be 10,368 square feet of great deals. HIDDEN OAKS - A proposed subdivision located on Knox McRae Dr., west of the Sanctuary. This new subdivision will consist of 15 low intensity single-family lots. The developer is Jen Lee Development of Titusville. The engineering firm is CCEI of Titusville. AMERICAN POLICE HALL OF FAME - A proposed museum will be constructed in the Vector Space industrial park in south Titusville. The new museum will consist of 39,042 square feet of museum and office area, and 9,050 square feet will be an indoor gun range. The developer is the American Police Hall of Fame of Miami. The engineering firm is Honeycutt & Associates of Titusville. KIDZ KINGDOM - Plans have been submitted for a new Daycare facility in Titusville. The proposed 9,450 square foot daycare will be located west of the Royal Oak Colony Apartment complex’s entrance on Knox McRae Dr. near Barna Ave. The contractor will be Gene Loyd Contracting of Titusville. DOMINOS PIZZA - Plans have been submitted for a new store on N. Singleton Ave. across from Dairy Plaza, north of the Sprint convenience store. The new 1250 square foot store will also have drive-thru convenience. The owner/developer is Bill Blalock of Melbourne. The engineering firm on the project is Construction Engineering Group of Melbourne. SISSON VILLAS - The proposed 82-lot patio home subdivision will be developed on a 18.82 acre site at the
Visit the Downtown Gallery, 335 S. Washington Ave., and meet Heidi and Jeff Thamert. They specialize in fine art photography.
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