Santa's Arrival Kicks Off Yule Season

Alexis Roberts, 4, of Titusville, said she's been "a really good girl" this past year. She also thinks Santa is a "great guy."

By SCOTT COOK
Eager kids and spending parents buzzed and swarmed around Santa Claus as he made his annual trek to the Miracle City Mall on Friday, Nov. 29.
Santa said he left his reindeer home this year because of the warmer Florida weather.
"I fly in by helicopter," Santa said. "It's just too hot for Rudolph."
Barbie dolls seemed to be on many girls' wish lists this year.
Alexis Roberts, 4, of Titusville, was impressed by Santa's kindly demeanor and thinks she'll get exactly what she wants this year because she's been a 'very good girl.'
Alexis asked Santa to bring her a Barbie jeep and Barbie scooter with training wheels.
Mariah Larkins, 5, of Titusville, had Barbie clothes at the top of her list.
And despite some economic pundits' forecasts of a dismal spending season due to a slumping economy, Miracle City Mall manager Sylvia Krajna is still optimistic.
"I definitely do not see any decline in sales," Krajna said.
And though this Christmas shopping season will have six fewer shopping days, Krajna feels the impact will be minimal.
"I know (the season) is shorter," she said. "But people will still be out here shopping."
Santa agreed, saying that the number of kids visiting him at the mall this year is up from last. Christmas season.
"Business is very big this year," he said.
Santa said that he planned on returning to the North Pole after his mall gig for a day's rest. He then plans on stepping up the elves' production of toys and other goodies.

Hayride Almost Turns Hellish

A hayride went awry when, Molly, a 20-year-old Belgian horse, crashed into the rear of two parked vehicles.

By SCOTT COOK
A pleasant hayride with Santa most turned disastrous Friday when the hitched horse was spooked by a passing car revving its engine.
About 35 onlookers, mostly parents with children, stared in shocked disbelief as the frightened, 20-year-old Belgian mare pulling a riderless hayride wagon galloped across a Miracle City Mall parking lot straight toward the crowd.
The horse, Molly, then veered left and trotted between two parked vehicles, wrecking and losing the waagon and damaging the rear ends of the vehicles. Molly then made her way to a far end of the parking lot where her shaken owner, Helen Seng of the Flying D Ranch in Titusville, was able to catch up to her.
Seng, who planned on giving children free hayrides with Santa,, said that she was in a critical reinfree stage of hitching Molly to the wagon when the passing vehicle scared the horse.
"It's almost as if the person in the car knew what was going on," Seng said. "But that's the risk we take when we do this kind of thing."
Seng said she was grateful no one was injured. She also said Molly appeared to be okay but will undergo a more intensive examination back at the ranch.

Table setting contest shows Thanksgiving spirit is still alive

From Left: Louise Bennett and Natalie Walls, members of the Eagles Nest Circle of the Titusville Garden Club, proudly hold their winnings at the tablesetting contest held recently at Home Furniture in Mims.

By SCOTT COOK
The 10th Annual Thanksgiving Table-Setting contest was held Nov. 26 at Home Furniture on S.R. 46 in Mims. The contest was open to area women's social and civic clubs, with eight clubs participating this year. All groups received a cash prize from Home Furniture. This year's top winner was Eagles Nest Circle of the Titusville Garden Club. J.T. Shealy, owner of Home Furniture, said the contest winners were -determined by patrons browsing by the decorated tables the past few weeks. The customers then picked their favorite table by casting a paper ballot. Shealy added that a record 518 votes were cast this year.
Louise Bennett, member of the winning club which was awarded $100, said that different members of the garden club contributed to the overall design of their table.
"There's a little bit of all the members here," she said. "Everyone in our group is represented on this table. It takes a team effort. to get it all together."
Mrs. Bennett also said that the winnings from the contest go to promote community projects that her club is involved with.
Second place winner was Jacaranda Mim's Garden Club with Pat Pfaff as president. This club was also the first to volunteer for this contest when it was conceived 10 years ago.
Before the winners were awarded their prizes, Mr. Shealy thanked all the participants for instilling some Thanksgiving spirit into the store.

Guys are Great a great success

Mike Bollinger of Titusville High shows how to tie a tie at Guys are Great.

Add forty boys between, the ages of ten to twelve, mix them with twenty high school peer models, add a pair of successful local role models, lots of good food and the chorus of sixty Lowe's hammers, and you have one great event, according to the planners for GUYS ARE GREAT, A celebration of Growing Up and Understanding Our Changing Bodies.
The November ninths event, presented by B.E.T.A of Titusville, Inc., and sponsored by the Brevard Community College Titusville Campus and Jess Parrish Medical Foundation, was deemed a complete success, according to Pat Mackey, B.E.T.A. director. Opening with a first-class presentation of the colors by the Jr. RO.T.C. of Astronaut High School, the next event found the participants warming up to the day's events with sit-ups and military exercises directed by a joint boy and girl squad. Local physician Douglas Gotlin highlighted the theme of the program, a celebration of growing up and understanding our changing bodies, with a discussion of puberty. Further enhancement came when Tom Sivert, a senior at Astronaut High School, presented Skills for Life, and was later joined by youths from both local high schools in a rap session on their experiences. One parent commented, "Great program - Skills for life was #1, even the more because of the age of the presenter!" The teen session induded a man-to-man lesson on how to tie a tie with a trophy tie to take home with each boy.
Other outstanding features of the day included two role models, Pat Fischer and Dr. David Daly, explain- ing how they achieved their goals. As one parent remarked,: "It's important to see in person and hear how someone was like you as a boy and grew up to make it." A pre-food break crash course on manners was offered by Betty Greene before the youths and parents chowed down. Clairese Austin impressed those attending the parenting session (Parent Comment: "I think it was very informative in helping me to understand my son and ways to help," and another commented, "I didn't know what I didn't know.").
Not only was Josh Robinson's mini stock car #34 available for display, but a genuine soap box derby was among the twenty resource booths on site. Displays ranged from a model of the male torso to fishing lures manufactured by local industrialist Andy Renzetti who brought his son Andrew as a participant.
A fitting climax was the team of Sue Sherman and Rick Kelly who lead a hands-on creation of spice racks and picture frames, courtesy of Lowe's Home Improvement.
Planners are now preparing for the 9th annual GIRLS ARE GREAT, targeting nine to twelve year old girls, scheduled for June, 2003.

Fred Krupski

A little of this, a bit of that ... with a heavy dose of that

A number of readers' noticed, the absence of this column in the last issue. It was-only the second time I've missed deadline in the past 13 years, but unavoidable. Comments ran the gamut in terms of opinions as to the reasons. Most people thought I was either throwing in the towel, or was on my death bed. Neither was the culprit.
Simply put, I was under the weather, and under the-covers for more than a week trying to rally from a flue-like bacteria that invaded my respiratory system and knocked me down for the count. Ironically, the onset came just a week after receiving my flu shot. However in all fairness to my MD, Frank Dienst (Mavin of lung disorders) I suspect it had little to do with the shot, but more likely the result of a newly acquired allergy that resisted all- medication, until Prednisone, was prescribed. It worked, but at a price.
Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, but it does have some nasty side effects. Had I taken the usual off-the-shelf medications I probably could have written my column, but Prednisone is a different drug altogether. Some people (I was one) experience mood changes, nervousness and depression. I've talked to others who experience the same effects. My friend Geoff Coggins, golf superintendent at The Great Outdoors says he uses the drug fairly often for his allergies and he said that his wife Lynn, like my wife Susan, are ready to run for the hills when we're on it. In addition to mood changes one can also become belligerent and morose at the same time. you don't feel like talking to anyone, but hide in bed hugging the blanket like Linus and mouthing Greta Garbo's line about wanting to be alone.
Fortunately I finally got over it, but regretfully did pass part of it along to Sue which laid her up for a couple days as well.
Convalescence did give me the chance to catch up on some reading., Other than.. the local papers Which alternately had me amused and aggravated, I also tackled several mail order mags that specialize in hard to find items that guaranteed delivery by Christmas. There are 'many gift catalogs offering unusual items at attractive prices - and you don't have to fight the crowds. It's fine for shut ins. As a result much of my holiday shopping was done with no strain or pain.
Now for a little of this and that .... Turn on the bubble machine. The first of our pair of decorated trees is in our bedroom/sitting room on the second floor. My wife indulged my need for retro nostalgia, and against her better taste and judgement purchased a few strings of bubble lights. In sharp contrast to our traditional tree in the great room below this one takes me back to the 1940's and 50's when the bubble light, .,novelty was the rage, along with the advent of artificial trees that Sue despises. That 'epoch also introduced us to color wheels and metal trees with the color-coded dots on each branch. They were the tackiest things you ever saw. Some of them were even on a turntable - the lights blinked constantly - and staring at the- thing long enough. would drive you nuts. I also recall that stores sold artificial pine scent to spray on for that "authentic" odor. They did stink, in more ways than one. Thank heaven we'll never see the likes of them in our lifetime ........ What the newspapers were saying: Tonya Harding. You remember her. The former Olympic figure skater will make her debut as a professional fighter before the Mike Tyson - Clifford Etienne bout scheduled for February. They haven't announced her opponent yet. I have a suggestion. Send Nancy Kerrigan in the ring against her armed with a tire iron directed at both knee caps. Or, how about someone the calibre of Lizzie Borden who wielded an ax with great dexterity. Anyone who pays to watch this performance - both Tyson and this bimbo who was striped of her title and banned from competitive skatinf for life should have their head examined ........ Recent elections boed well for citizens of Titusville: My predictions on the outcome of the City Council races, as well as other local contests, were pretty much on, target -,except for a couple of mussel -in-cheek. endorsement's I made to arouse the ire of some residents and create a little controversy. Sadly, more than, half the population has no idea who's representing them in chambers, but enough knowledgeable voters went to the polls and vindicated me and sent :the right message last November. Jeff Rainey and Ken Ward were the obvious choices to retain their council seats. Both men share similar philosophies of where the city needs to be headed. While there are some differences in ideologies because of party affiliations they rarely enter nonpartisan differences on this level of government and all five members appear to blend well. Their commitment to budgetary restraint, economic development, controlled growth, and their understanding of the importance in finding a solution to escalating water, sewer and stormwater rates is laudatory. They also ,understand that when the growth of Titusville remains somewhat stagnant it is not necessary to increase spending at City Hall. They also understand the lessons of social spending and defend the public sector status quo. The city doesn't require more employees when the population remains static. While not denying services to the poor, and several social agencies who are budgeted for aid, they understand that it is not prudent to go crazy with social spending at the risk of frustrating needed repairs on roads, beautification, attracting companies paying descent salaries and concentrating on the best bang for the buck - which means other unnecessary funding should not have priority over basic services to the citizens. All this can be done without any new taxes that would be disastrous, both for the local economy and and for city's services and quality of life. This mature and experienced leadership team understand this. I applaud the roughly 40 percent of registered voters who took the time to arrie at this conclusion and who put their vote where their grey annte was. ........ Out of the mouths of thinking volunteers: I've advocated this in the past and now comes along a member of Titusville's planning and zoning commission, John Beasley, who agrees with me. In short, Mr. Beasley is recommending that city fathers consider their current banking arrangements and why a change may be in order. Specifically he, believes that, Titusville's annual income,, of approximately $68 million should be deposited in a locally chartered bank instead of SunTrust, -a bank chartered out of Tallahassee who can, and does loan that money outside, the area, instead of zeroing in .on local residents and businesses. His point, well taken, is that the current bank can lend the money anywhere in the state which has little or no positive effect on the local, economy. Whereas a locally chartered bank, making loans to local people could stimulate the economy and force an infusion of capital into Titusville. It's a suggestion that made sense when I explored it several years ago, and makes more sense today. After all, it is the people's money. Isn't it? Perhaps now is the time to talk to your council members and discuss the issue. Any inconvenience would be outweighed by the benefits of-,& banking arrangement with a locally chartered institution who's roots are here ........ Don't say I didn't warn you: Anyone reading about the trails and tribulations of Sheriff Phil Williams and the shenanagins going on in his office, particularly pertaining to intimidation, threats and general coercion of employees who did not support his election in one of the most important jobs in the county should not be surprised at what has been recently revealed about his ego and spitefulness. It was for those reasons I anticipated problems during his campaign against Ron Clark. 'I remind readers that I did not endorse Williams but supported his opponent. Sadly, Clark did not have the clout with the power brokers in Brevard and who's war chest reflected his base of support among the shakers and movers. I'm not always right - but I am when it counts. I didn't get to be this old just to be stupid. Ron Clark is not the type of "politician" Phil Williams is and many people believe he lost the election because still interested in the job ........ PETA tsetummelters are giving me a headache with their carping: In Yiddish the noun "tsetummelteh" (pronounced tseTU-m'lt, rhymes with "its tumult) and is feminine for a bewildered, dotty, scatterbrained female. We have one around town who just happens to be another one of those People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals extremist. This lady wants everyone who happens to own a fur coat, or jacket (and there aren't many around anyway) to toss it in the dumpster, or, and get this - donate it to the homeless. The item interested me because recently my wife arranged to have an old1mink jacket converted to a sweater, using much of the fur on the front and back panels combined with knit sleeves. It makes sense when she makes her trips up yonder. What doesn't make sense is this PETA maids suggestion and her reasoning. She talks about animals killed for fur in "unimaginable tortures," and advises against wearing fur or fur trim. It's okay for a homeless person to wear one on the way to the Salvation Army, while encouraging a mugging from someone more homeless but who has a penchant for furry pelts. I want to ask this lady how she feels about wearing calf leather, capeskins, patent leather, pigskin, tan leather, sheepskin, rabbit, or any other frippery made from animals. And what about snakeskin, or alligator shoes? Why not put every body out of business and be done with it. In the meantime my wife-has a mink that's been dead for over 35 years that will finally serve a purpose. Of course, we could take it to a taxidermist and have it mounted for a fraction of the cost. A Bronx cheer for this gal ........ Feminist and newspaper should put their boycott to test in Tiger Wood's bruhaha: Now the New York Times wants Tiger Woods to skip the Masters next year because of the all-male membership at Augusta National Golf Club. Others support the boycott, including CBS Sports, which televises the event. The woman behind this is Martha Burk and her National Council of Women's Organizations attempting to coerce Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson because he does not permit woman among members. Hold it! Who died and made her boss? Why should Woods side step the event to make a statement when there are any number of white players who could step up? Woods doesn't believe that taking the stand in support of Burk is any of his business. It isn't. The white golfers who dominate the ranks of the PGA - should also be called on to protest. But why should they? Hell, that's their living. If those liberal bastions of media; The New York Times and CBS, want to make a point and exercise a boycott (a word I detest) they should pull all reporters out of the press box - and CBS should pull the plug on broadcasting the Masters. They should boycott the event. Don't spend a dime on the event - and lose a bundle in advertising dough. Let them put their money where their mouth is instead of asking Woods and other players to take the financial hit. ........ Time to paint up, fix up for holidays: Now that I'm feeling much better and am behaving normally, Sup and I decided I get off my skinny behind and do something constructive around the house. By the time you are digesting this by-weekly diatribe I'll be running around the house with a brush and bucket, and dripping more paint all over the floors, mirrors, and switch plates than on the walls. I'm good, but sloppy because I'm in too much of a hurry. "What's the, rush?" asks Sue. "What else do you have to do?"
I could get sick again and read everything that makes me write columns like this out of desperation, internal frustration, trauma and mental shock.
But if you agree with my opinions, it makes it all worth while.
As Sue says, what else do you have to do after you're done painting?'

Business Bulletin Bob Socks

By BOB SOCKS

Housing Market

Home resales in the Melbourne/Titusville/Palm Bay market rose 33% in October compared with October 2001. This is the highest percentage of increase of any metropolitan area in the State of Florida. The median sales price-meaning half sold for more-and half sold for less-rose 14%.
The median sales price in Brevard County for October 2002 was $114,900. The State of Florida median price for October 2002 was $140,900.
This is a red hot market and increases such as mentioned have never been seen in the past. It seems that the Titusville area is being discovered, particularly from our neighbors from the west who use Titusville as a commuter town, live here and work elsewhere.

Titusville Business License Report - November 2002

Total licenses issued: 21 Breakdown as follows: Home based - 14; Car Wash-Mobile - 1; Auto Repair - 1; Special Events Vendor - 1; Used Car Sales - 2; Wholesale Sales - 1; Hydraulic Sales and Repair - 1.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy filings by individuals and businesses jumped 12 percent in the three months ending in September to a record 401,306 according to data released last Monday. New bankruptcy filings in the 12 months ended September 30 totaled 1,547,669; up 7.7 percent from the year-earlier period and exceeded. the record high of 1,492,129 in 2001, a. year in which the economy slid into recession, data compiled by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts show.

Sanford-Orlando International Airport

Southeast Airlines plans to begin five-times-a-week service between Sanford and New York's Newburgh Stewart International Airport. Flights will run daily except Tuesday and Wednesday. Newburgh-Stewart International is located in the lower Catskill Mountains, north of New York City.
Real estate transactions of interest

A home at 3860 Pinetop Blvd. sold for $380,000 (Evergreen subdivision).
A home at 7596 Egret Drive sold for $275,000 (Windover Farms).
A. commercial office building at 4495 S. Hopkins Ave. sold for $155,000.
A home at 3804 Wethersfield Circle sold for $150,000 (La Cita).

Federal "Beige Book" Report - Sixth District - Southeast U.S.

Activity was "sluggish," led by "lackluster" retail sales. Businesses remained reluctant to hire workers. An ongoing shortage of health care workers, however, led some hospitals to recruit overseas. Rising health care costs were a major concern for businesses. Medical malpractice premiums rose, and some companies reported sharp jumps in commercial insurance rates Manufacturing was "subdued." A producer of carpet tiles for offices reported layoffs. Defense contractors, however, continued to see increased demand. Hotel bookings for the holiday season in Miami were lower than expected, while reservations for winter cruises were strong.

Thanksgiving Weekend Shopping Report

Retail was bustling the day after the Big Bird with Wal-Mart jammed at 6 a.m. The big item was the 27" TV for $148.00. It was sold out by 8 a.m. Ace Hardware had made its figures by I I a.m., Belks was jammed all day.
So it looked like the day after Thanksgiving was very successful.

Strictly my opinion

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend,. and best wishes for a great holiday season. Xmas is but three weeks away.
The new Titusville City Council had their first meeting this past Tuesday. The new Council is the same as the old council with one big difference. The difference is that now. they are, all elected by the citizens of Titusville, not appointed as three of them had been. Mayor Swank was swept into office during the primaries. Conrad had no competition, and Ken Ward won handily. Jeff Rainey had the most difficult race and the electorate gave him a vote of confidence, he won by a reasonable margin. These five young men, our new City Council, have a vision for Titusville, a focus for the future, and the means to accomplish their collective goals. The future looks bright with these young bulls in charge and we can expect a very positive future barring unforeseen circumstances. So you new council ... go get them and now its Titusville's turn for success.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"A good farmer is nothing more than a handy man with a sense of humus."
- E. B. White

The Buzz around town is ...

Make your pets grooming and boarding reservations at The Pet Masters for Christmas now. Stop in and pick up stocking stuffers for your pet.
Fabric Emporium's store is closing and everything is up to 75% off. See ad.
Santa's Elves are busy planning Special Events at Miracle City Mall. December 7th the Kung Fu & Tai Chi of Titusville will demonstrate martial art techniques at 11 a.m. followed with a performance by the First Baptist Church of IRC Choir at 2 p.m. December 14 is turning into a big day of festivities with performances by the Lady Harpists of Titusville, Riverview Elementary Choir, Cathy's Dancing Angels, and the Sand Drift Aikikai School of Martial Arts. Bring your "Wish List" and visit Santa. Afterwards enjoy Titusville's Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. The Elves are still busy scheduling events for the Holidays so be sure to join them throughout the Season! Call 269-7521 for more details.
Singleton Golf Center is giving (1) free bucket of balls during your birthday month. Check out their Calina Golf bags for a Christmas gift.
There's not many shipping days left before Christmas. The Mail Center says to ship your fruit up north on Monday or Tuesday. See their ad for holiday hours, even on Sundays.
A-1 of a Kind Shoppe has moved to 3303 S. Hopkins Ave. (Formerly Arta-Factree). They said to visit them at their new home and receive 10% off your next purchase with their ad.
Get a delicious free smoothies at Gladiator Nutrition with a purchase of $25 or more.
Be sure and order your fresh flowers from A Greenhouse Florist for the Holidays. They have relocated to 4519 S. Hopkins Ave.
Go into Diversified Computers for details and register for a drawing before December 14th for a chance to win a computer system for Christmas plus some other prizes.
Bucks Lawn Mower Shop is having a sale on lawn mowers. Go see what's available.
Wittekind's Towing & Recovery says to come in and see new service manager Dave Gothall for all your auto and truck repairs.
The TAL Gallery invites you to come in and see new Christmas items of Secret Sister cards, shell crafts and more.
Ramada Inns Lounge is now Daddio's Lounge with entertainment on Wed., Thurs., and Fri. featuring D.J. Wolfman and Sat. karaoke with Lenny, "Keeper of the Stars". See ad for more details.
Jay Bee Jewelers will have a large selection of cultured pearlg for 2 days only on Thurs. & Fri., Dec. 5 and 6. All cultured pearl jewelry will offer 25% off. Shop now and save.
Join the merchants in historic downtown Titusville for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Country Christmas street party on Fri., Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be live music, carolers, a silent auction, car show, and meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The stores are havingsales on Washington Ave., Main St. and Baldwin Plaza and plan to have dinner in your favorite restaurant downtown. Check out the street party section for their ads.
See Ross and Barbara Walker's Pit Stop Shop's ad and sign up to win a shirt, hat or banner and other items.
Simply Precious Crafts & Gift Shop says to come see Mr. & Mrs. Santa, Giggles the clown and more.
The Southwest Connection is having a one day only sale on Dec. 6 with 35% off on jewelry and other savings.
Sign up for $100 gift certificate at the Potpourri Patch during the Street Party and the month of December.
The Christmas Dream Shoppe has new merchandise for decorating your home for the Christmas holidays.
I went into Garden Street Depot and enjoyed eating egg nog gourmet ice cream from WM. J. Sweets. Go in and shop and check out the ice cream.
Kloiber Cobbler will be open for the downtown street party serving hamburgers, hotdogs, chili, real french fries and more. They will have seating inside, out front and out back and will be staying open late.

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