Vol. 14 No. 34 Thursday, February 20, 2003 NewsObserver@netscape.net

Where the Stars and Stripes...And the Eagle Flies: A Day of Remembrance

A “Moment of Remembrance” was observed Sat., Feb. 8 at Astronaut Memorial Plaza. John Winchester played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes as local color guards and 200 onlookers prayed for the deceased astronauts of STS-107.

By: Scott Cook
I count myself in nothing else so happy...
As in a soul remembering my good friends.
The seven astronauts and families of Columbia STS-107 were honored with a “Moment of Remembrance” ceremony at Astronaut Memorial Plaza, Sand Point Park in Titusville on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Dignitaries, NASA officials, local and traveling citizens were on hand to pray for and revere the heroes who plunged from the sky over Texas on Feb. 1.
After a moment of silence in the misty, grayish early morning, Dr. David N. Greenblum addressed the crowd of 200 with an opening prayer.
“The Columbia mission was a way to celebrate peace, a way to conduct science for the good of all mankind and a way to forget about the dangers here on earth,” he said. “Now the mission has ended tragically. However, this community, which is indelibly linked to the space program, will not forget these heroes or the purpose for which they gave their lives.”
Ruth Sultz, Vice Chairman of the Flag & Memorial Committee/DOES Drove #183, welcomed the crowd which then stood as Carole Clarke, Flag & Memorial Member of the Titusville Pilot Club, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Spirits were lifted when Astronaut High School student Jillian Capobianco sang a heartfelt rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

An eagle spreads her wings.

An American bald eagle hovers below Old Glory during the “Moment of Remembrance.”

Mayor Swank read a proclamation from the citizens of Titusville.
“This tragedy has hit this community very hard emotionally,” he said.
Swank also said that this day of remembrance would hopefully go a long way in helping to heal the community.
Somber color guards snapped between attention and parade rest throughout the ceremony.
Units represented were the Astronaut High School Army JROTC; the Disabled American Veterans #109; the St. John Newman Association of the Knights of Columbus; the Titusville Police Department; and the University of Central Florida Air Force Color Guard.
Two guest books were available for all to sign.
Titusville Mayor Ronald Swank said that all the names entered in the two books would later be combined and transcribed into seven such books and given to each family of the deceased astronauts.
The books were donated by the North Brevard Funeral Home & Crematory in Titusville.
John Winchester of the Coastal Community Church performed “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes, causing a collective chill throughout the assembled.
Some wiped away bittersweet tears.
Titusville citizen Dawn Acklin sang “How Great Thou Art,” while a bald eagle stretched its wings toward the heavens.
The Rev. Erick Brookins, pastor of the Coastal Community Church, bowed his head and led the closing prayer.
And as Barbara McGillicuddy, choir director of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, began singing “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” a warm breeze swept over the park, blowing away some lingering clouds - perhaps a healing reminder from the Almighty that darkness always precedes the light Some of the crowd began leaving as John Kuntz played “Taps” on his bugle, but the direful tones seemed to lift - rather than oppress - everyone’s mood.
Still other folks ambled over to sign their names and register their thoughts in the guest books.
And others laid flowers, wreaths and other keepsakes to watch over the plaza that bares witness to those who so unselflessly gave their lives for a future intertwined with space exploration.
“God bless the crews and families of STS-107,” said Mayor Swank.
“And God bless America.”

Seniors benefit from drugs sold through the Canadian pipeline

By Fred Krupski
ANALYSIS
As thousands of senior citizens have found, Canadian pharmacies are encountering strong oppostion from U.S. drug companies for shipping into the states. Soon, the practice may become illegal, thanks to the drug industry's enormous lobbying power. Lobbying by drug and medical product producers totaled $97 million in the 2000 election alone.
As a result, drugs sold in Canada at one-third to one-half of what they are being sold for in the United States. We're talking about name brands - not generics.
Many older Americans, looking at skyrocketing drug prices are now forced to do without, or break the law.
It may not be long before this Canadian Connection is broken.
But there may be a temporary solution. European and Asian pharmacies are now being frequently used as alternatives to Canada, in part due to prices that are well below those to our north.
Previously seniors, primarily choose Canada to fill their prescriptions - until now. "U.S. seniors are using e-mail to fill their prescriptions abroad, according to FDA guidelines," says Michael McCormick, developer of www.SeniorDrugs.org.
The senior focused website offers free access to regularly updated international price lists for the 120 most popular brnad name U.S. prescription drugs, as well as more than 1,300 generic medicines.
Seniors are able to compare their current prescription costs with the same medications when mail-ordered from abroad.
This is a shameful situation that needs to be addressed now.
While there are free prescription drugs available in some cases, it is also a well kept secret. If your medications are too expensive for your budget, there is information in a new booklet that might help. Many major drug companies provide free or low cost medication, but rarely, if ever, publicizes the program.
The Cost Containment Research Institute in Washington has just published a 48 page booklet, "Free & Low Cost Prescription Drugs. The revised fifth edition booklet gives hard to find information on how and where to get free or low cost drugs. Consumers can receive a copy by sending $5 to cover the cost of printing, postage and handling to: Institute Fulfillment Center, Booklet #: PD-85, P.O. Box 210, Dallas, PA 18612-0210.
In the meantime, more than a million seniors spent over $600 million on drugs ordered from Canada.
One is Bob DeTorres, a long time Titusville resident who discovered Holly Kelly of Senior Care Insurance Advisors. Faced with increasingly high drug costs, DeTorres learned from Kelly about Total Care Pharmacy, a company in Calgary.
He requires three particular drugs he takes regularly. They are Norvasc, Micardis, and Nitrolingual pumpspray. Prior to ordering the medication from Canada his monthly bill totaled $291.62. Purchasing from Total Care Pharmacy his costs are now $177.67 - for the same drugs. A savings of $113.46 each month.
There are some disadvantages that involve ordering serveral weeks in advance, but this inconvenience is offset by the savings, said DeTorres, a view shared by many other seniors on a fixed budget.
Should the Federal government be forced by lobbyist for the drug companies - who enjoy tremendous profits - to make buying from Canada , and soon other countries illegal, it would be shameful.
It is time to call, write, or FAX your elected leaders and vent your anger. Perhaps one politician should be Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, whose feelings regarding the American system of medicine and heath care is well known.
The problem will not be solved with a nationalized health care and prescription system that dictates coverage and that rations care. All Americans must have a system in place in which all have a good insurance policy, choose their own doctors and provide seniors and low income American the help they need.

Steppin' Out Gala just around the corner

The Titusville Playhouse is excited to announce its March 1 fundraiser, Steppin' Out at the Starlight Club. Tickets are on sale now for this power-packed, high energy Las Vegas themed event which will be held at the Brevard Community College's Titusville Campus.

Stars of Steppin' Out

Fleet, Sterling Stars on Stage Impersonator's and the Starlight Dancers will perform at the March 1 fundraiser.

The campus will be transformed into a colorful nightclub setting filled with non-stop entertainment and music.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will benefit all of TPI's education programs, as well as scholarships for students, and beginning repair and replacement of the theatre's original roof.
The sponsoring host is BCC-Titusville Campus.
Admission is $45 per person and includes almost too many things to name.
For example: The Las Vegas Review with Show Girls, Sterling "Starz on Stage," impersonator's, Greg Phillips comic-magician, Fleet Easton, a national entertainer, Ken Varone Show Dance Band, as well as gourmet food and dessert stations.
There will be an "exclusive" silent auction, 50/50 drawing, Stargazing (buy a star and win a surprise gift) and cash bars.
Dress is nightclub attire (or whatever is in fashion vogue today. Almost everything goes except bib overalls.
For tickets, information or to reserve a table for 8 or 10, call the Playhouse at 268-1125.
Benefactors so far are: Florida Today, LandAmerica GulfAtlantic Title, Custom Decor, Sun Trust, Boeing, BellSouth Yellow Pages, Clear Channel Radio Brevard, Transformation Titusville Coalition, Rex Engineering, Parrish Medical Center, John Evans, P.A., Frank Dienst Photography, Lynn and Richard Librizzi, BCC and Royal Caribbean International.
TPI's programs are sponsored in part by the Brevard County Board of Commissioners, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and the Brevard Cultural Alliance.

Blood bank to supply troops

Space Coast Blood Bank recently announced an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to supplement the military's blood supply during wartime, if and when additional blood is needed.
With the very real prospect of a war with Iraq, the military has developed this agreement to assure all blood needs would be met. While the military collects its own blood and relies foremost on that blood for its troops, when requested, Space Coast Blood Bank will fulfill part of their blood needs not met by those sources.
The Bank will use its best efforts to ensure that the military's needs are fulfilled by recruiting people to donate, not only for their local communities, which always need blood, but also for the men and women serving our country.
"Right now, our blood levels across the country are very low and we need more donors to come in regularly, since we do not know when the military call may come. Blood is needed everyday - not just in times of disaster or military action, " said Jeanne Dariotis, President of America's Blood Centers, and whose comments were echoed by Zidi Gleman, director of the Garden Street facility.
Red blood cells have a 42-day shelf life and platelets only 5 days, so the supply must be constantly replaced. To donate blood, each donor must be in good health, 17 years old or older and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
As a benefit to the donor, a mini health check, which includes evaluations of blood pressure, iron level and cholesterol, is performed to help the donor maintain their good health. The entire procedure, from completing a short medical history to drawing the blood and resting afterwards with refreshments, takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Blood donation is safe, painless, and healthy people can donate every 8 weeks.

Fred Krupski

I've found the answer to rapidly rising gas prices by gougers

Sometime in the next 30 to 45 days, should gas prices continue to go through the ceiling to inflationary levels, I have a decision to make. At this point it isn't going to be a difficult one. Very simply I'm about to do two things.
One: Give my 11 year old Dodge Caravan (which looks bad, runs good) to the Shriners. I've talked to both Joe Dan Tucker and Ted Beck who said they would be delighted to take it off my hands. I think they plan to paint it garishly with clowns and balloons and use it in their parades, special fund raising events and other nice things they do with kids.
Two: Since it appears that Sue and I may soon be moving back to town, having a contract on our home in Fawn Lake and located a nice townhouse at La Cita, there are a couple of sound reasons why we no longer need two vehicles with four wheels apiece. I will be just a mile and a half from the News Observer office, no further from my favorite pit stops where I meet the " boys" where we discuss a variety of local issues, impending tragedies, new businesses, and last, but not least - our golf games.
In view of the new proximities and convenience, plus the fact that we are exchanging our two car garage for a one car cubicle, it makes perfectly good sense to me (although my wife has some reservations) to purchase a conveyance that gets over a 100 miles to the gallon. You guessed it! A motor scooter. Sort of a fancy moped. Called the "Venice," this little hummer is a Retro number with 49cc displacement, a 2-stroke air cooled engine that weighs a mere 165 pounds soaking wet.

Made by Twist-n-Go, a subsidiary of Classic Motor cycles and Sidecars, Inc. headquartered in Preston, Washington outside of Seattle, the scooter is made in China with cheap labor and can be purchased in town from a local dealer for under 15 hundred bucks. It's 1.5 gal gas tank can take me to Jacksonville on one tank of gas. Not that I'm taking it on the Interstate mind you, but I'm just making a point.
he parent company knows its business. CMSI has more than a decade of experience in the motor sports industry, having succeeded in taking the Russian Ural motorcycle with sidecar from a primitive "tractor type" vehicle to a fully EPA and DOT compliant street cycle, even meeting the California Air Resource Board's strict exhaust pollution standards.
It has plenty of room to store my attache case and other items in the under seat compartment. It does have a rear luggage rack which I'm thinking of modifying to a vertical rack to hold my golf bag.
After a close friend showed me the company brochure and allowed that he also had an interest in buying one, for many of the same reasons as I, and yet another guy also expressed a serious interest to return to his young manhood of the 1950's with another toy, I drove to C & D Golf Carts, located on Plantation Drive at The Great Outdoors and test drove two models. I haven't had that much fun since I broke my ankle kick starting my old 350cc Indian motorcycle in the mid 50's when I was a brash, daredevil 26-year old and setting broken bones was relatively inexpensive.
The "Venice" will also fit very nicely next to our Honda CRV in the small garage. Incidentally, if any of my future close neighbors on Sawgrass read this I can only say that they shouldn't be concerned about noise levels. The scooter doesn't sound like a Harley. Very quiet.
To further advance my case for purchase with Sue I convinced her that pump prices will soon reach $2.50 a gallon. Why do you think all those Europeans use them with gas around 5 buck a gallon?
I also figured I could recoup my investment in about 18 months when you factor in insurance, licenses, repairs and servicing.
Make sense? Sure it does.
One catch. I haven't seen too many geezers riding one of them around with a foxtail on the handle bars.

Some thoughts on the inevitable war with Iraq

Opinion polls continue to show Americans' views favor international cooperation and suggest strongly that President Bush needs the support of countries like France, Germany, Russia and China. I'm beginning to believe this may be true.
More and more I'm beginning to believe that our president and some of his feathery little farts that have a tendency to fly in a herd may be jumping the gun. But I also know that it will happen - and soon - with or without anyone else. Possibly without Great Britain.
My mind has been slowly, but assuredly changing after reading the words of people like Milly Ivins, George Will, Cal Thomas - and most recently Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who makes more sense than all of them.
If you missed his interview last Sunday on Meet The Press, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander made sense. What he said was “We (Americans) are at a turning point in history and about to embark on an operation that's going to put us in a colonial position in the Middle East, following Britain, and following the Ottomans."
He said a great deal more that gave me pause about our commitment to war - and essentially fighting alone.
I like George Bush, even while I cast my vote for John McCain.
But to listen to our government telling me to buy Duct tape and plastic sheeting to guard against chemical and biological warfare makes me nervous indeed. I'm old enough to remember that during WW2 we were told by our teachers to climb under the desks , or sit against the wall in the hallways for protection. I also remember being told to construct bomb shelters in our back yards during the Cuban missile crises and the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
I mention the above pundits because of these reasons: Ivins is a Bush hater; Wills loves him, as does the very conservative Cal Thomas and views the war with Iraq as a religious crusade. Muslims against Christians and Jews. I don't completely buy any of their stories.
I did, however, find Gen. Clark's comments and opinions to be thought provoking, reasonable and and intelligently studied.
Our economy is a disaster and with other concerns such as health care, our deficit and a dozen other concerns that should be addressed immediately.
But this stuff about Duct tape slays me. If I fall for that nonsense then I'm taking my baby pictures, family photo albums, and a Beretta over/under 28 gauge, and ...a big black, threatening, nasty Benelli 12, capable of holding five three and a half inch shells into my bomb shelter under the stairwell (poured concrete block). I did qualify as an expert rifleman during the Korean Conflict and while I never shot anybody to death I know that I have some weapons of semi-mass destruction.
I don't know how all of this is going to turn out but I know it should be taken seriously. People I've been talking to appear simply to damn complaisant to suit me.
Instead of us running to Lowe's for tape we should instead order a new booklet from the New Era Survival Research Institute. Its called the Survival Resource Guide for a Nuclear, Biologic or Chemical Attack."
It provides information about what to do to improve personal safety in the event of a terrorist attack, and gives a detailed information about indicators off a possible incident and what should be gathered to be reported to authorities. The book also includes a section containing information about an in-home shelter plan.
Of course by that time it could be too late.

Business Bulletin Bob Socks

By BOB SOCKS

Miracle City Mall owners gives up their lease

The ownership of Miracle City Mall has changed hands.
On November 30 last year a package arrived at the Mall with the keys inside. Opening the parcel was Nicholas Karantinos, long-time land owners and investors who just happened to have a deed to the land. The previous owners, Miracle City Associates of Toronto gave up their lease and the Karantinos family were thrust into ownership as the new operators.
According to Karantinos the previous owners allowed the mall to decline over the years and would not invest the money necessary to refurbish. The mall is 35-years old and long overdue for a complete makeover.
The family is looking a several options; foremost is the philosophy that the residents of Titusville deserve a nice place to shop, with quality stores and merchants and avoid driving 30 miles to other shopping centers. They will be seeking professional help, new ideas, optimism and plan major renovations over time.
Long time manager, Sylvia Krajna, with 10 years at the helm will be departing Feb. 21 for Henderson, N.C. to accept a new management position with a firm who owns 45 strip plazas.
Despite adversity, Sylvia was a business leader in the area and will be missed.

Gaich Company closes deal at VectorSpace

The Michael Gaich Co. of Merritt Island has announced the fourth land sale at Titusville’s VectorSpace in 8 months. VectorSpace is a planned corporate environment located at SR 405 and U.S. 1 at the entrance to Kennedy Space Center.
The 7.5 acre tract is zoned for 250 hotel units and has 500 feet of frontage on the Indian River.
The buyer was Supra Color Enterprises, Inc. of Cocoa Beach. The sale price was $650,000, or $2. per square foot.

Walk of Fame expands in mall

The Space Walk of Fame is again expanding in Miracle City Mall. They are moving into the old Walgreen’s across the mall from their present museum location. This should become a great tourist attraction, for locals and tourists alike.
These folks have accumulated a great collection of space memorabilia which is on display (at no admission fee) with volunteers who explain the details of what is what through our history of space exploration.

Orlando-Sanford airport news

OSIA set an annual record of more than 1.26 million passengers passing through its gates - a 3.4 percent increase. The record was fueled by a more than 11 percent increase in December’s 2002 passenger count. Domestic passengers outnumbered international travelers, 33,001 to 27,326.
Additionally, airport cargo was up in December by 25 percent. But, there’s a downside to those positive numbers: total aircraft operations at Orlando Sanford were down for both Decembers by 13 percent and the year by 6 percent.

Merritt Square Mall sold

Bayview Malls LLC, a division of Miami-based Bayview Financial Trading Group purchased the Merritt Square Mall for $32.75 million. The almost 500,000 square foot mall is anchored by JC Penney, Sears, Burdines and Dillard’s. Burdines and Dillard’s own their respective pads and were not included in the purchase.
The mall was built in 1970. The Sears wing was added in 1988, and the extensive interior and exterior renovations were completed in 1999.
Cushman and Wakefield’s Miami office negotiated the sale on behalf of the seller, John Hancock Life Insurance Co.

Strictly my opinion

Since the loss of Columbia two weeks ago I have spent a great deal of time talking to space workers, local business people, retirees, and the general public on their reaction to the disaster and what they expect for the future. Following is an overview to the many conversations I’ve had.
The community is incredibly sad about the loss of Columbia and its seven astronauts. With the NASA investigations just beginning to be serious, nobody knows when we will be going back to space. With just three vehicles left NASA can not take a chance with another accident.
Space travel, which was risky at best, is now extremely risky. NASA has some tough decisions to make as does Congress. It will take time. Space workers seem to think we will be launching within several months for one major reason: We do not want to become dependent on the Russians who have the capability to re-supply the International Space Station with supplies and manpower.
The present three occupants have volunteered to stay up in the ISS for an additional year. That may not be practical but could become a reality. The Russians also have the capability to push the ISS back into necessary orbit from time to time, so based on factual information we should not be in a hurry to put the shuttle back in space. The sacrifice will be that without the shuttle, construction on the ISS will come to a halt for the time being.
So what about Titusville?
It’s just to soon to tell.
If the shuttle does not fly for a year there will be layoffs. If the shuttle does not fly for 6 months the workforce could remain intact.
In 1986 when the Challenger exploded at take-off, the unemployment rate was 6 percent. It is presently at 5.7 percent. There are 24,054 people employed in space-related endeavors in Brevard, which is 13 percent of the county’s work force. Of that group, roughly one in four work directly on the space shuttle program.
The future of space travel?
NASA wants to keep the shuttle flying until 2020. By then the ISS will be completed and they will have plenty of time to R & D test, and be operational for a new age space plane.
Cost of the new vehicle will be in the $30 billion range at this time with current dollars. I believe it will be much more. If Congress gives NASA the funds, a new plane could be operational in 10 to 12 years.
In 1986, 3 percent of the federal budget went to the program. Now NASA receives less than three-quarter’s of 1 percent. Times have been tough for NASA. The question is - have they spent their monies wisely and how does America feel about spending billions on a new venture.
My feeling is that the shuttle will be operational in a year. NASA must do something about the foam falling off the fuel tank. The teacher in space will go on the back burner and all of us in Titusville will be holding our collective breaths when they announce the new shuttle schedule and set a date for launch.

Quote of the Week:
“Apart from a good mind, the two most important assets for a United Nations diplomat are a good tailor and a strong liver.”
– Richard Woolcott

The Buzz around town is ...

Stop is Clay Locke’s Coastal Window & Tint and welcome back Jason Cooper and receive $10 off any auto tint job.
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There’s a March madness sale now at Miracle Photo with 50% off all framed art prints, in stock posters and limited edition art prints.
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Planning on moving? Call Tarrell Moving & Storage the only allied agent located in Titusville for a free estimate. See ad for more info.
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Adair Beauty Salon in Mims invites to you come welcome Sheila Laney, a full cosmetologist to the shop. * * * North Brevard clubs, organizations, and small businesses have a new home-town source for custom embroidery of their logos on quality apparel. Indian River Dry Goods Company, which recently opened in historic downtown, will help you become a walking advertisement for your group or business by stitching your logo on a wide selection of shirts or other products. They offer personalized gifts and historic Titusville items as well. Stop by their store at 308 S. Washington and see what they can do for you.
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Vessels in Stoneware, a pottery studio and gallery, is now open in Baldwin Plaza. Potter, Jo Chapman, creates her functional pottery on the premises and you can actually watch her "throw" pots in the studio. In the gallery there are casseroles, serving pieces, wine chillers and more. All of the stoneware is safe in the oven, microwave and dishwasher and contains no lead. She will also do special orders from your own needs or ideas in glaze colors that will blend with your decor. In keeping with her long held philosophy that pottery should be used everyday by everyone, her prices are reasonable and very affordable. Vessels in Stoneware is open Monday - Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm.
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We see that Orange Plumbing is offering $7 off any service - use his coupon if you’re having problems.
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Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Canaveral Pizza and Subs has opened up at 3855 S. Hopkins Ave. (the old Sobik’s Bldg.) and will be serving pizzas. calzones, subs and wings. Be sure and use their coupon for a large pizza and garden salad.
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Join Curves for Women in Titusville or Port St. John and receive 60% off the service fee. See ad for details.
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Looking for furniture? The Dusty Rose Antique Mall has lots of furniture. Their ad has quite a few pieces advertised.
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The artists at the Gaslight Mall is having a Mardi Gras on Fri., March 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. Go down and see all the items by wonderful artists with so much talent.
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Bo Miller’s Automotive Service is excited about the response they’ve received from the community to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association and wanted to thank everyone for the continuous help this month. See ad for specials.
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What’s Round & Tasty? Use Valentino’s Family Restaurants coupon and save on a 14" or 16" Pizza; they also have free delivery.
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Heard the scissors clipping at the new Doggone Pet Salon? Clip out their ad in this edition and save $2 off on services.
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Coming soon is the YA-YA Sisterhood in downtown Titusville at 346 S. Washington Ave. It’s a gallery for local master craftsman & artisans displaying their work for your shopping convenience.
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If you’re looking for cosmetologist Jeannette Hamilton and Adrian Johnsey you can find them at Jeannette Adrian Salon & Spa located at 772 Country Club Dr. across from La Cita Country Club.
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The Blues Brother’s and Elvis will be starring at BonJohn’s Robin’s Nest Lounge on Fri., Feb. 21st starting at 9 p.m. Don’t miss them.
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Need to fence your yard? Indian River Fence Co. has 6x8 wood panels in stock. See the ad for other specials.
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Get your wedding gifts at Award Trophy Co. They do glass engraving and invitations engraved on plaques.
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Seasons in the Sun is a brand new motorcoach resort. They rent and sell sites. See the ad for all the details.
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Used Car Dept. says to bring in your income tax refund and check out some good looking pick-up trucks for you to see and drive.
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Midtown Restaurant at 3434 S. Washington Ave. is now open serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They’ve got a great menu so stop in and they are only a block north of Searstown Mall.

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