Titusville Florida - News Observer Newspaper
Free Christmas Trees Give Less Fortunate A Happier Holiday
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| Brian Baker, left, and son Ian ready a tree for delivery to a needy local family. |
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| Terri Eads, left, and daughter Allana ready a tree for delivery to a needy local family |
By SCOTT COOK
Hugs and smiles could be seen all over the Titusville/Mims area -last Saturday as members of the Titusville Sunrise Rotary Club and other volunteers donated their time and money to make Christmas more merrier for those in need.
About- 20 people spent the morning in a parking lot abutting Custom Decor on South Hopkins Avenue pruning trees, putting the trees in stands and bagging ornaments. The volunteers then loaded the firs and ornaments onto their vehicles and delivered them to 26 area families.
Peggy Crooks, community service director, says that the club Christmas Angels was responsible for centralizing the distribution of the trees. Any leftover trees were then given to the North Brevard Charity Center.
"We really try our best to deliver some Christmas cheer," Crooks, says.
Volunteer Randy Coleman brought his son along to help with the work.
"We get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people, he says. "It's a lot of fun, and my son gets to help people out who are less fortunate."
The rotarians actually went all the way to Asheville, N.C. to pick up the trees, and they estimate- that $1500 went toward the trees and trimmings this year.
Stanley Beberman, member and past president of the club, says they've been doing this thing for about fifteen years.
Beberman says that the club is also, involved in other yule activities like singing carols at nursing homes during the Christmas season.
"We try to do a lot of things for the community," he says. "But this is probably one of the most enjoyable."
Navy League Honors Adopted Ship
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| From left: President Fred Carl, Captain U.S. Navy Retired; Don Bruzdzinski, Commanding Officers of the Coast Guard Cutter USS Confidence; Kurt Ronstrom, Vice President of the Navy League; and Rose Manzo, League member. |
Navy League Council member Rose Manzo of Titusville hosted a Christmas dinner party in her home on December 8 to honor the Council's "adopted" ship, the Coast Guard Cutter USS Confidence based at Port Canaveral. The party honoring the ships crew was attended by approximately 110 members and guests including Cmdr. Bruzdzinski and ten crew members.
Awards were presented to Cmdr. Bruzdzinski and Manzo by Fred Carl, President of the Navy League.
Dinner was catered by the Raddison Hotel, Cape Canaveral.
The Navy League is a national organization of American citizens supporting the nations sea going services; navy, marine, coast guard and U.S. Flag Merchant Marine.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Seeks New Members For Increased Duties
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| Members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 4-9 in Titusville, from left: Murray Nance; Bob Bishop; Bill Ainsworth; Dick Puglio; Lisa Graham; David Graham; C.J. Guttormsen; Alan Adamson; Vicki Bishop; Harald Guttormsen; Roger Patterson; Mike Walko; Claude Elliott; Commander Bob Calvert; and Ed Callahan, Division Captain for East-Central Florida. |
By SCOTT COOK
Bob Calvert smiles while recalling the craziest thing he ever witnessed during his command of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 44-9 in Titusville.
A small, overcrowded boat broke down off Kennedy Point Marina with the passengers waving to onlookers on shore.
"The people on shore were just waving back, thinking nothing was wrong," Calvert laughs. "So the people on the boat spent the night out on the water getting bit by mosquitoes. They were in pretty sad shape the next day."
Calvert can laugh now at such antics, but his visage turns grim when explaining the increased duties facing the auxiliary since Sept. 11, 2001.
"We're heavily involved in Homeland Defense," he says. "Joining the auxiliary is a way for people to help out and still remain a civilian. And we are all civilians here, and that's a key point."
Calvert says that since 9-11 the U.S. Coast Guard has made increasingly more requests to the auxiliary and those requests have exceeded their capabilities.
To meet those new demands, Calvert and the rest of the auxiliary staged an open-house membership drive last Sunday at Sand Point Park.
Boating safety and boat inspection procedures were demonstrated. Patrol boats safety equipment and educational materials were also on display with members of the Port Canaveral Coast Guard Station on hand to answer any questions of aspiring auxiliarists.
Bob Bishop FSO of Public Affairs for the auxiliary also stresses the need for new members to maintain the everyday duties like like teaching an upcoming boating safety class on January 18, 2003.
But Bishop wants to remind the public that the auxiliary is strictly a civilian entity.
"We are not a law-enforcement agency," he says.
Bishop says that when the auxiliary inspects a boat, for instance, the matters of the inspection are kept between the inspector and the owner/operator of the vessel. He adds that these inspections are free of charge.
Besides boat inspections, Bishop says that more members are needed to patrol launches, check channel markers and do routine patrolling around the Indian River.
Calvert says that it costs only $35 dollars to become an auxiliarist, and members are not even required to have a boat.
Calvert says that joining the auxiliary has its rewards.
"It gives you a good feeling because you're accomplishing something," he says.
For more information, contact Bob Bishop at 321-385-9592 or log on to their website at www.nbbd.com/npr/cgaux.
2002 Titusville Christmas Parade
Colleague's column in other weekly recalled similar memories of receiving red fire truck for Christmas
I got a kick reading the column penned by Susan Smiley-Height, editor over at the StarAdvocate in the December 11 issue. First, I was amused that a little girl was the recipient of a traditionally little boys gift. And secondly, we appear (according to the photo in Susan's column) that we seemed to be about the same age. While Susan received her truck, in 1956, describing the experience as "the pure and simple joy (she) I felt at seeing my heart's desire beneath the Christmas tree," I too shared the same emotions 66 years ago.
However, there are some differences - and also some regrettable results that ensued 24 hours later in my case. My red and white fire engine was given to me by Santa on Christmas morning *in 1936. In those days the tree was put up on Christmas eve and presents were opened early (very) the following morning. Thus giving Santa Claus sufficient time for his deliveries during the night and early morning. And, I truly believed it was a gift from the old bearded man believing that during the height of the Great Depression when money was in short supply he was the only person affluent enough to afford such an extravagant gift.
The entire day I drove around our back street,. proudly showing off the truck to all my friends, ringing the hell out of the bell and waking up late sleepers. Not difficult if you are familiar with old North Philadelphia and understand that the streets were barely wide enough for one vehicle to negotiate the narrow 8 foot wide "alley's" which could not accommodate parked vehicles. You and your neighbors could almost shake hands across from the small streets without stepping off the opposite curbs.
The principal reason I was relegated to the street was primarily because of MY incessant bell ringing, and because the absence of any traffic made it fairly safe. However something did happen that could not have been foreseen by .anyone in my family. The back street, .named Delhi, but called Gum-Boot alley by the locals because the employees of the lumber yard located just 100 yards north of our house wore those peculiar looking knee high rubber boots when in the yard for safety reasons. No one suspected that anyone would be working on Christmas Day.
But someone was.
An employee was called in to fill a special rush order for a customer who was already parked on the other side of the lumber yard fence while the worker was loading his truck with a variety of various lengths of 2 by 4's. Unconscious of what was taking place and concentrating on seeing how fast I could peddle my new fire truck up and down the entire length of the one block alley called Delhi Street I paid scant attention to the truck loading and continued my travels, this trip heading in their direction. Nor did they see me as I approached them. What happened next was a one in a million accident.
As I approached the passenger side of the flatbed Ford truck, I barely heard the worker say, "Here comes the last Piece, and from his perch on top of a 12 foot high pile of wood, he tossed a 6 foot length of 2 x 4 toward the top of the pile in the truck.
He missed. The board caught me flat, on the center of my noggin, knocking me out of my fire engine into the street. For some reason (that later was described as a "hard head," by neighbors, friends, and some members of my immediate family) I did not lose consciousness, but the impact broke about a thousand blood vessels. As I staggered down the street towards home looking like a punch drunk boxer trying to wipe the profusely pouring blood from my face to see where I was going, the two men from the lumber yard finally saw what happened and rushed to my aid.
When we arrived at the back door my mother, aunt, and uncle had heard the commotion and were already outside. That's when their screaming started, drowning out my own piteous caterwauling.
Since we were miles from the nearest hospital, and could find no doctors working on this holiday, all three grabbed a part of my anatomy and raced two blocks to the nearest pharmacy. One of them had a towel pressed to my skull to inhibit the bleeding, but too late for any of them avoiding being covered with my precious scant supply of blood.
When we reached the drug store we were lucky. The Jewish owner/pharmacist happened to be there catching up on some paperwork. He had closed for business on Chanakah. Had he been a Christian I would have been in a heap of trouble and maybe bled to death.
Applying pressure to some areas in the vicinity of my head Doctor Berman began cutting my hair, explaining to the assembled and frantic relations that he was not permitted to use any anesthesia. I heard that and my crying intensified.
But he must have performed this procedure before because within 20 minutes he had me safely sewed up with eight beautiful stitches in a V for Victory pattern. To this day I comb my hair a little left of center of my cranium.
We all retumed home in one piece, our faculties not permanently impaired. But I did have one hellova headache for about a week.
Later I was permitted to ride my red fire engine again, but only if others were with me monitoring any traffic on Gum Boot Alley.
Epilogue: Due to the economic times the charge for medical services was three dollars. No law suit was considered against the lumber yard or its nearsighted employee. We were not a litigous society in 1936.
While I recovered completely and experienced no lasting effects of the experience, my friend Paul Smith still insists that "your mind works in mysterious ways."
And he has maintained this throughout our personal and professional relationship in spite of not hearing about my head opening until he reads this column.
Other items of possible interest relating to the holiday season ...... I, or we, that is Sue and me, finally bought something really practical for our home this Christmas. Shopping at The Mall At Millenia last Saturday we passed by K*B Toys and stacked in the window was a display of toy trains. We obviously had the same idea at the same time; walked in and purchased a train set. Called the Coastal Express and radio controlled, it's literally got all the bells and whistles. It talks, has sound effects, whistles, rings, an authentic voice that calls "All Aboard," and puffs smoke.
Running around the base of the Christmas tree on 20 feet of track you could hear the damn thing all over the house and I play with it constantly to drive Sue crazy. I have the feeling that this year the tree will come down earlier than in past years just so she can get rid of the choo choo and migraine.
If you haven't been to' the new Millenia Mall I recommend it highly. With anchors Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdalle, Macy's and about 200 other stores, there's no need to go anywhere else to shop. Especially during the holidays. One thing you should know. Neiman Marcus does not accept Visa or Master Cards. They will take American Express, personal checks, or their own store credit card. I guess that's why some people call the practice Marcus Markups. Also, the store decorations for the holidays are a work of art. Check it out. Take plenty of cash while you're at it....
A Christmas Spectacular at New Smyrna .... Not being in the greatest of health all the time, my wife had to drag me kicking and screaming to a musical concert last week in New Smyrna Beach. A client of Sue's sent her a couple tickets to the annual affair held at the high school auditorium that featured a group of about 300 very talented kids from the local schools from elementary to high. Called the National Champion Showdolls the hour and 45 minute performance was terrific. I'm happy I went. The performance, staged and directed by music teacher Kelly Conway was truly professional and included youngsters with amazing dancing and singing ability. The cast included the Motown girls and guys which should not be missed. There were many performers under the age of 18 who could hold their own against any seasoned professionals. There were 31 separate and unique segments mixing dance and song. The lighting, presentation and total production was well worth the 30 minute drive, and, the 7 buck ticket price.
Too late this year, but try Again in 2003. They perform two evenings during the middle of the week. I'll remind you next year around the end of November and publish the dates and times.
- And have a wonderful Christmas, everyone.
By BOB SOCKS
Real Estate Transactions (150k +)
Port Canaveral news
 The Holland America Vaandam arrived in port Canaveral recently and ,pictured (above) with the Captain of the Ship is Vice Mayor Jeff Rainey of Titusville.
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 (Left) Ilene Davis admiring a giant set of lips, a sculpture on the Vaandam.
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- A home at 2725 Fawn Lake Blvd. ,sold for $215,000 (Fawn Lake)
- A home at 3645 Grantline sold for $215,000 (Mims).
- A home at 2547 Christopher Drive sold for $209,285 (Sanctuary II).
- A home at 2950 Kelley St. sold for $165,857. (Hickory Trails).
- A home at 2621 Driftwood Drive sold for $152,000 (Hickory Hills).
With the Christmas travel season fast upon us, the following holiday travel planning guide may prove useful:
Survey of 1,000 Americans, asking how they plan to travel over the holidays:
- People traveling at least 250 miles - 35 percent.
- Travelers who plan to fly on a major carrier - 81 percent.
- Planning to fly on a discount carrier - 19 percent.
- Chose airline for-convenience - 65 percent.
- Picked airline for price - 64 percent.
- Selected airline because of brand name - 21 percent.
Shopping survey as of 12110102 - Christmas shopping experience
- 75.6 percent of consumers went shopping over Thanksgiving.
- Top gift purchases included books, CD's, DVD's, videos, or video games (41 percent); clothing or clothing accessories (40.4 percent); toys (34.6 percent); and home decor or homerelated furnishings (23.7 percent).
- Consumers in the South plan to spend $1,703 on holiday expenditures, second only to consumers in the West, according to the American Express Retail Index. Of that amount, they expect to spend $1,114 on gifts and the remainder on entertaining, travel, decorations and other expenses.
- The strongest sales were in the toys and sporting goods category, which rose by 16.6 percent, followed by home furnishings and furniture, which grew by 15.4 percent.
- Two categories each declined by 5.4 percent: footwear and music, video and home entertainment.
- Only 8.2 percent of consumers have actually finished their holiday shopping.
Strictly my opinion
Happy Holidays to all my faithful readers. May you have peace, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead.
After three bad years in the stock market, look for a 12-15 percent increase in the Dow this year, .most of the increase coming in the latter half of the year. The past three years have been awful for investors and now it's time to recoup some losses and make a little money.
What to expect next year.
- Continued growth in Titusville, particularly with riverfront projects. Several will be announced in the next few months. Prices will be in the $300 thousand and up and will bring a number of wealthy new residents to Titusville, something we've needed for years.
- Highway 50 will be landscaped from Barna east to U.S. 1. Garden St. will be widened with the elimination of parking areas on Garden St.
- There will no war with Iraq. Saddam will be assassinated.
- Price of oil will go down. Gas prices will come down accordingly.
- The real estate bubble will burst in many areas of the country, but not here in Titusville, where Orlando workers will continue to discover the advantages of living here but working west of here.
- Bush will be a shoe in for President in 2004, having reduced, taxes, accelerating tax breaks, installing a prescription program for seniors, and generally making the tax situation in America a little more equitable.
Have a great 2003 .....
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Money is like a sixth sense, and you can't make use of the other five without it."
- Somerset Maugham
See our Dine Out & Entertainment section for places to go eat and for Christmas parties and New Year's parties.
- Check out Miracle City Malls section for all kind of holidays savings and go see Santa.
- If you like to play golf, be sure and use The Great Outdoors $5 Off coupon and save.
- Do you need to get a Christmas gift for a friend that's in the medical field? Stop in Clipeze on Garden St. and check out the different designs of Clogezes, plus Clipeze to hold tags.
- Cruising Outfitters at Sand Point Office Center, just across from Titusville's Municipal Marina, has boating supplies for yachts and RV gear. See ad for more details.
- It's almost tax time! Call William Tumblin & Associates, Inc. and make an appointment for all your taxes and accounting services.
- Stop by the Downtown Gallery. They have very colorful scenic and architectural fine art photography from Greece, Spain, Mexico, the Bahamas, St. Lucia and Holland just to name a few. They have a range of prices for every budget.
- Be sure and mark your calendar for the FREE Diabetic Testing at Sego's Home Medical Equipment on Wed., Jan. 15 starting at 9 a.m. till noon by Nancy Abner of Parrish Medical Center.
- Santa Claus will be at Searstown Mall on Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23 and Christmas Day in the theatre only. Check -out the Mall ad for times to see Santa.
- There's a Christmas parade at the Searstown Mall on Sat., Dec. 21 from 2 till 7 p.m. Plus a free Christmas Fashion Show by Jan Paul Fashions and pictures with Santa Claus, snacks, some giveaways and a Christmas raffle.
- Also in Searstown Mall next to Claudine's Cafe is El Shaddi Clothing Store and they are having their grand opening. They carry womens and girls clothing so go in and check them out.
- Stephens Jewelers is offering holiday savings from 15% up to 40% off on diamonds and gem stones, chains, watches and more. Check out the ad for more info.
- Titusville Exxon is a full service station. They invite you to visit their place of business and see the beautiful artwork by Pete Weckmann Sr. of lighthouses, tugboats, tall ships and more. They have frameable 8 x 10 pictures and stationary packs of 4 at affordable prices.
- Visit Townsend's Gifts & Collectibles on SR 405 across from the Eagles Fraternal Order for some unique Christmas gifts.
- The Southwest Connection Southwest Decor & Gifts in Downtown Titusville is closing on Sat., Dec. 28. Everything in the store is on sale at 30% off except consignments.
- For you race fans, register at Racin' Fans NASCAR Collectibles to win a Schedule Watch drawing on Sun., Dec. 22. See ad for other details.
- Clay Locke's Coastal Window & Tint is back and open for business. Stop in and say "Hi":
- Hair Image Family Hair Salon next to Bowmans Meats has specials in their ad.
- Pick up meat for the holidays at Earl Bowmans Meats and use their ad for Free (1) pound of Earl's homemade breakfast sausage with an in-store purchase of $10.
- The Pet Masters will have obedience classes for beginner and intermediate dogs starting Sat., Jan. 4th. Daytime or evening classes will be available and will last for 8 weeks. Call and sign up your pet.
- Linger Awhile received 456 tickets for the Thanksgiving Harvest Gift Basket drawing that was valued at $400. The lucky winner was Dot Cowan.
- Pleasures from the Past Antiques, next to Florida Hardware, has 20% off your purchase price.
- Stop in Priority 1 Shipping to send out your packages for the holidays and for your everyday shipping and mail service.*
- You can get FREE Cataract Screening at Ryan Eye Care. Look for his ad and call for an appointment.
- Top producer Rebecca Emery merged her RE/MAX operation in TItusville with the largest RE/MAX network of Volusia/Flagler County. Rebecca will be able to focus on the things that she does best - listing and selling real estate, and enjoy the infrastructure of a very large company who is expanding into Brevard. Rebecca can be reached at 321-223-3507.
- Stop in at Chops Restaurant and Lounge for a great dinner prepared by Chef Alice, formerly of Don's Riverside.
- If you're looking for Melissa Kesler-Jones you can find her at ERA The Property Place at La Cita.
I want to wish all my customers and friends a wonderful and safe holiday season.
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