Feeney predicts no layoffs at space center
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| U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney |
By: Fred Krupski
Actually it was more of a promise than a prediction when U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, along with NASA officials told about 150 area residents there would be no layoffs at Kennedy Space through the remainder of the year, particularly should the program be cleared for flight after an interim report is delivered in the next 30 to 45 days by the investigation committee.
"This would be positive news. However, the story I read about us sending up another shuttle in early fall is, in my opinion, empty guesswork. We're not going up until we're reasonably certain the problem is found and fixed," said Feeney.
Feeney represents the 24th District of Florida which covers portions of Brevard, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties. Elected in 2002, he was previously Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and was Gov. Bush's running mate in his first race for governor in 1994.
He currently serves on the powerful Financial Services and Judiciary committees as well as the Science committee which overseas NASA.
He addressed the residents at Brevard Community College's Titusville Campus for over two hours last Saturday morning.
Explaining his rationale for no layoffs this year he said the NASA team learned much from the Challenger disaster. "When you start laying off and staffing down, then the best and brightest go elsewhere creating a huge economic disadvantage in the long term."
He reassured those attending the town hall meeting after an opening address by his aide, and followed by a question and answer period that lasted about 45 minutes.
Also speaking, Jim Kennedy, deputy NASA administrator stressed that the center will be busy in the next months preparing for May and June rocket launches to Mars. Both stressed the importance of continuing manned space flights as well as the need for an alternative method of sending astronauts to and from space.
There is not the gloom and doom previously experienced when the Challenger exploded. "There are 270 new workers on the investigation team alone. There are two planned Mars missions scheduled," said Feeney.
Feeney explained that the Columbia was never designed to service the space station. "In that sense we haven't lost the capability to service the station. In fact, in the next 10 years they will be going up about nine times."
Responding to a question regarding budget cutbacks or those in Congress that favor eliminating manned flights, Feeney stressed his support, saying all flights are necessary. "This is the best place on the planet to launch the shuttle, and we have no choice but to be anything but the space power. The worlds leading power in space," he said.
"Some of those parts of the Columbia that fell over Texas were as heavy as automobiles. Can you imagine the parts falling on a populated area like the space coast," asked Feeney, pointing out the advantage of launching over the Atlantic.
The freshman, but apparently Washington -connected Congressman said the next generation of launch technology is constantly undergoing changes and refinements, even while the existing shuttles should be flying for another 15 to 20 years.
Tom Feeney, a native of Philadelphia, graduated in 1980 from Penn State University with a B.A. in Political Science and obtained his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983.
He was ranked among the most effective legislators of the year in 2000 by the Miami Herald. Tom Slade, past Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida said "Feeney is the most philosophically disciplined and principled member of state government that I've ever known."
Feeney is also the only Congressman representing North Brevard County that has ever maintained and staffed an office in Titusville: 400 South Street, Suite 413. His local phone number is 264-6113. His fax is (321) 264-6227.
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Council decision on Marina Park/Vectorworks a win-win situation
By Fred Krupski
Most certainly there will be a few residents unhappy with the recent City Council decision regarding the fates and future of both Vectorworks and the Marina Park ball fields, but even the most hard-headed will find solace in the fact that both parties came out of the controversy winners. So did residents and ballplayers.
The needs of both have been met with virtually no impact on the other.
In a nutshell the current park will share parking and the shared use of parking will reduce the cost of park construction to the taxpayers.
The company just north of the property needed the space and the Little League needed new fields and parking. They both won.
Vectorworks will built parking facilities adjacent to the southwest property line sufficient for 200 vehicles. They will pay 100 percent of the cost of construction and they will construct stormwater retention adequate to support runoff for a 60,000 square foot building to be built on Vectorworks current property. They say they will pay 100 percent of the cost of construction of a stormwater retention required to support their new building, and, - they will maintain at their own cost, the maintenance of the parking area.
The parking area designated for the company will be used primarily during the day and available in the evening hours when needed by park users. This will allow the cost of parking for the taxpayers and allow for money to be spent on additional recreation facilities.
The plan will draw families to enjoy the park, a recreation area that is a benefit to the City and County.
There are no negative impacts as a result of the agreement and no toxic wastes will be generated allowing those using the park freedom from exposure to toxic fumes or aerosols.
A few residents had been screaming before council , concerned that they were losing "their" park to private enterprise.
Writing the city about his proposal, Vectorworks President, Jeffrey Gray said the benefits of his plan was to maintain the property for the citizens without the possibility of creating vested or property interest in the property for business or industry.
Everybody wins. More jobs. Four ball fields - and plenty of parking.
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Admission fee to be charged at this year's Festival
Citing an increase in insurance premiums, event value and increased entertainment venues, the Chamber of Commerce will, for the first time be charging a one-price admission fee for the Indian River Festival, scheduled for April 24 through 27 at Sand Point Park.
Chamber President, Marcia Gaedcke, speaking to City Council had two specific requests for the event. The admission price and permission to allow beer sales for Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27. She also requested permission to close the park to the general public and provide controlled access due to the admission charge.
She said the fee would include all of the activities, in addition to free unlimited rides and access to all the live entertainment.
Council approved her request for the beer sales with only Vice-Mayor Rainey opposed. Traditionally beer sales contribute a large percentage of the profits from the festival.
The requests for the admission fee on a one-year trial basis passed unanimously.
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Community Resource Fair Coming April 5
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| From Left: Wendy Correll, featured singer shown with her parents Pastor Wendell Correll and Mary Correll. |
Scheduled events are from 9:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. and include free blood checks and infant car seat inspections. In addition, a story time presented by Rolling Readers is slated for 11a.m. and gospel-patriotic song performer Wendy Correll will be featured at 1 p.m. Correll, a local resident since 1967, started singing at age four with her father, Pastor Wendell Correll of Temple Baptist Church, Titusville, and continued with choral groups through her high school days and college at Florida State University.
The North Brevard Coalition of Human Services was established in 1994 and serves to educate the community and individual agencies about existing services, to work cooperatively to develop services that fill unmet needs, and as a united group act as a consultant to individual agencies in the preparation, review and submission of grant proposals or the development of new projects or programs. Each year its Project E.A.T. (Eat All Together), a free holiday dinner, is offered as a community-wide opportunity for fellowship and service. In addition, each quarter, Coalition members serves one of the weekly Stop Gap free Thursday dinners. A regular monthly meeting, open to the public, is on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Harry T. Moore Social Services Center, 725 S. DeLeon Avenue, Titusville, Joe Robinson currently serves as Chair and Squires is Co-Chair.
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Bronson predicts tough mosquito season – urges residents to minimize risks
Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson is urging residents and horse owners to take steps to minimize risks against pesky mosquitoes .Heavy recent rains and the emergence of warm weather make it likely that our area will face a tough and early mosquito season. And that's a warning from an expert.
Residents and visitors should begin taking precautions to minimize the threat of mosquito bites, and owners of horses, especially in the Mims/Scottsmoor area should get their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus, two of the more dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses, said Bronson.
"After nearly four years of drought, Florida has received plenty of rain during the past 18 months and the heavy rain that the state has experienced in the last several weeks, coupled with warm, almost summer-like weather in many parts of the state are a prescription for a tough and early mosquito season," said Bronson.
His department oversees and works with the state's local mosquito control districts to minimize the threat and he's urging residents to remove standing water from their property, as stagnant water in old tires, pet bowls, kiddie pools, birdbaths and flower pot saucers are excellent breeding grounds for the pests.
As soon as they emerge in a community, both residents and tourists should use an insect repellent to protect themselves from bites. "While mosquitoes are always a nuisance and in rare cases can transmit life-threatening diseases, the good news is that with some caution and common sense, people can significantly reduce their risk of being bitten.
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$62,000 raised for Titusville Playhouse
Letter To The Editor:Over 500 people came out to party Las Vegas style for "Steppin' Out at the Starlight Club" event, organized to benefit the Titusville Playhouse on March 1. Money raised will fund theatre education programs, scholarships for students pursuing careers in the arts, and beginning repair and replacement for the theatre's 98-year-old roof.
As guests arrived, impersonator's; "Elvis," "Marilyn Monroe," the "Blues Brothers" greeted them and then were treated to the magic and comedy of Greg Phillips.
Brevard Community College auditorium was magically transformed to a glitzy Vegas night club with flashy hotel marquees, huge dice, lifesize renderings of slot machines and showgirls. Unique table centerpieces and decor was created by Barbara Evans, Meg Davenport, Barbara Mars, April Donalson, Heather Summy, Terri Tyree, TPI volunteers and THS art students.
Food Chair Henry Simonsen of Pumpernickel's did a great job in coordinating food and beverage stations. And the chefs outdid themselves by preparing their signature creations.
Food participants were; Exec Chef Chris Ciero-Radisson Resort at the Port, Indian River Pantry, Pumpernickel's , Dixie Crossroads, Claudine's Cafe, Plantation on the Green, La Cita Country Club, Valentino's-Searstown, Steamers Plus, Chef George Georges, E-Catering, Gin Seng, U.S. Food Services, Exec. Pastry Chef John Peach and Chef Anne Gregory of Eau Gallie Yacht Club, Caffe Chocolat, Gourmet Desserts by Teresa, and Rick's Bake Shop.
A silent auction with 130 items was presented, including a Royal Caribbean cruise, Disney porcelain figurine, an exquisite necklace designed by Jenny Garrison, hot air "Balloons Over Florida" ride, signed artwork and sports items were bid on.
Guests danced the night away to the music of Ken Varone's Dance Band, and non-stop entertainment by glamorous showgirls, vocals by Fleet Easton, and "Starz on Stage" impersonator's kept everyone entertained.
The night was upbeat and festive with a good time had by all, while supporting the fund-raising efforts of the Titusville Playhouse.
I want to thank everyone for their support.
– Linda Fliss, Titusville
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How others view Titusville's impact from Columbia tragedy
While most residents are cautiously optimistic regarding the effect on the community as a result of the Columbia accident which covered the nation in sadness, no one seemed to shed more tears than the 19,000 federal employees and 140,000 private contractors who share a $14-billion budget and a passion for space exploration. So penned a pair of writers with the St. Petersburg Times one week after the disaster.The core of the message was that Kennedy and Johnson space centers work together, but have very different cultures. In other words, a shared space mission, but worlds apart. The reporters were talking about a pair of sprawling space centers. On along the Atlantic seashore, and the other a prairie along the Texas gulf coast.
It is the job of the Kennedy Space Center to prepare NASA's vehicles for flight and send them skyward. Once the ship clears the tower, the Johnson Space Center, better known as "Houston," takes over from Mission Control, the famed auditorium filled with monitors and maps and workers who speak an alphabet soup of NASA terms.
"When the space ship returns, Kennedy welcomes the astronauts back to earth. But it is Johnson that brings them home. The story points out that the division of duties, forged in the early days of the space program, has created two intersecting communities with similar backgrounds but different cultures and a rivalry with roots in the NASA pecking order.
"They have the astronauts that fly, but we have the hardware," said Bob Giffen, a retired engineer who worked on NASA programs for 35 years through private contractors such as Lockheed , spending most of his time at KSC.
He said of Johnson Space Center: "They're the ones that get all the glory," and few would argue this .
The gap between the two centers also can be measured in dollars. Johnson received about $4 billion of NASA's Human Space Flight budget last year while Kennedy captured less than $800 million.
Kennedy is home to thousands of engineers and technicians who prepare space shuttles for launch, assembling the systems this propel the ships into space. Johnson, in contrast, is home to more designers and upper managers. It is where NASA's astronauts are based, spending comparatively little time in Florida. "They're more the academic, design, probably the white scarf and gloves type guys - kind of above us." said Charlie Mars, a retired NASA manager who lives here is town and remembers being on the phone with Houston every morning.
The dig we received from the reports on the West Coast newspaper, while probably true, is a kind of wake up call for all of us here. For example: "When Texas management from NASA visits Kennedy, many opt to stay in Cocoa Beach, not Titusville."
"It was like being near a beach that had the smell of rotten eggs," said Dan Mangieri, 70 a retired engineer for NASA who lives in Clear Lake, the Houston suburb that is home to Johnson. "I don't mean to be critical in any way," said Claudette Alderman, president of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, who visited Titusville in 1975 and 1995 to watch liftoffs, "but I thought it looked kind of old."
On that, there is no argument from Suzanne DuBeau, who grew up a "space brat" in Titusville and was part of the first class at Astronaut High where 80 percent of the families drew their livelihood from the space center. "Titusville was a fun place to be, but it has never gotten back the spirit it had," she said.
The story chronicled the growth here, discussing the early 1960s when Mission Control was here and so were the Mercury astronauts, that "brash gang of former test pilots who partied in Cocoa Beach and cruised around in Corvettes with impunity. Schools were bursting, churches flourished and two shopping malls opened. Well, that lasted until 1972, when Apollo 17 blasted off just after midnight on Dec. 7, the last of the moon missions.
The layoffs came, the malls suffered. People moved.
Adding insult to injury, Titusville was trying to recover from Apollo's end when the Challenger blew up in 1986, shutting down the program for over two years.
Said the St. Pete Times: "It remains a town that has seen better days. The two malls struggle to attract shoppers (also tenants) and motels offer free HBO as the chief amenity.
But though time passed, this city and surrounding areas of Brevard remained steeped in space culture.
But in the shadow of Houston a seed was planted 40 years ago and from the Johnson Space Center sprang a small world.
Up went houses, down went roads. In their wake came a wave of engineers, designers, M.D.s. and Ph.D.s, eager for the all-American suburban lifestyle. It became a company town. By the late 1970s Houston saw the fat tax base immediately to the south and made a run at annexing Clear Lake City and NASA . Residents fought back by attempting to incorporate. But after a yearlong battle in court, Houston came out the winner. The aerospace industry remains the biggest employer, but is no longer the only game in town. Petrochemical and biochemical companies have arrived. It now has a population of 200,000, generally younger, more educated and better paid than its Houston counterparts.
What did they say about the differences in the two areas? This: The beginning was 1961, as the site of NASA's new Space Flight Laboratory. Johnson Space Center topped the list of 23 cities - later named for President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who championed U.S. space exploration as a U.S. senator.
Staff: 3,000 federal employees , mostly engineers and scientists. About 110 are astronauts. And additional 12,000 work for private contractors. A fun fact is that in 1961 Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base topped the list of a site selection team for the space center. Houston was second, but jumped to the top when the Air Force decided to keep MacDill open. Houston also had the support of then-Vice President Johnson and four Texas congressmen in power positions.
And KSC?
President Harry Truman established a missile test site at Cape Canaveral in 1949. Eisenhower gave the site to NASA 10 years later and renamed it in 1963, just weeks after John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Staff:: 1,877 NASA employees and 15,000 employees from private contractors. In 1959, as scientists conducted tests this would lead to the first U.S. manned space flights from Kennedy, officials debated what to call the crews. Early on, the favored term was "cosmonauts" but "Astronauts" won the day. Government doctors urged that the first astronauts be chosen from dangerous professions such as auto racing and scuba diving. Eisenhower decided they should be military test pilots.
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By BOB SOCKS
Space Center To Cut 400 jobs.
France’s space center will cut about one-fourth of its work force in French Guiana, doing away with up to 400 jobs as it faces a decreased demand for commercial satellite launches, a top official said Monday, March 10th. The cutbacks were announced by Yannick D’ Escatha who heads France’s National Center of Space Studies, during a visit to the French Department in South America. Last year, 12 European Ariane rockets were launched from the French Guiana base carrying satellites. This year, only six launches are scheduled. The Orlando Sentinel did a lengthy story on Brevard County and Titusville in particular in the Monday, March 17th money section. If you get a chance, pick up a copy and read it. Its most interesting and shows how important it is for Titusville to diversify from the space program. The article compares Titusville to South Brevard and gives comparatives over the past twenty some years in regards to housing values, employment, commercial real estate available versus occupied space etc.What's New At The Port....
A 1,000 car parking garage will be build adjacent to cruise terminal # 10. In November, the mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ship afloat will begin sailing out of the Port, from cruise terminal # 10. In July, the Pride will be traded out for the much larger Glory and moved to Cruise Terminal 10.Titusville Business License Report
Total number of licenses issued: 35. Breakdown as follows:Home Based business-20; Restaurants-2; Glass Etching-1; Boat Sales-Wholesale-1; Art Gallery-1; Seasonal Sales Vendor-1; Auto Repair-1; Retail Sales-2; Sail Boat Rental-1; Building Contactor-1; Circus-1; Tattoo-Body Piercing-1; Dental Lab-1; Eye Care/Retail Sales-1
Port Canaveral News
New Bi-monthly car carrier service begins:“K” Line America’s M/V Commodore will call at Port Canaveral twice a month with Ro/Ro (roll on, roll off) service to Nassau, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala. The ship also can accommodate tall, heavy cargoes as well as automobiles, all of which are stowed below deck for safe sea transportation.
This new service will be an asset to companies such as Cartainer, which receives used vehicles from auction customers throughout the Southeastern U.S. and ships them to Central and South America.
Bankruptcy
As record 1.58 million bankruptcy cases were filed in the United States in 2002, up 5.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.There are no signs that the bankruptcy boom will slow down any time soon. Chapter 7 filings increased 7.2 percent to 455,877. Personal bankruptcies accounted for an overwhelming majority of the filings. By contrast, business bankruptcies fell by 1,559 cases last year to 38,540.
“Many Americans are living on the financial edge, then something happens, divorce, accident, job loss--and the trouble starts”, says Harold Dvorkin, president of the non-profit Consolidated Credit Counseling Services.
Seafest
Seafest will take place at Port Canaveral on March 28-30th (Friday-Sunday). This festival, which includes great seafood, entertainment, carnival rides, art show, motorcycle show etc., has been mentioned as one of the top fifty festivals in the southeastern U.S. And don’t forget the huge fireworks show to take place Friday evening, March 28th at 9 p.m.Poe Property Development
At the CRA meeting last Tuesday, the CRA approved the conceptual plan for the high rise development of the Poe property at the corner of Indian River Ave. and the Max Brewer Causeway. There have been changes as follows: The density was increased from 148 units to 210 units. The number of buildings has been decreased from 4 buildings to 3 buildings. The present marina building will stay where it is. The height of the buildings has been increased from 8 stories to 12 stories. The bottom two floors will be for parking. The marina will be re-built and become operational. The new developer will be Towne Realty/Builders of Merritt Island. They have been building in Brevard since the mid 70’s. Among the projects they they have been associated with are Oleander place in Cocoa Village and the new Whitley Bay, presently under construction in Cocoa Village.The builder hopes to begin construction on the first building in downtown Titusville this summer.
Strictly My Opinion
Impact fees are back, effective April 1, 2004. The shuttle will not fly for at least 18 months. Although they say there will be no layoffs, I am very skeptical. From my friends who work at the space center, not much is being done, workers are standing around doing make work types of work. I feel the city council should rescind the impact fees for the foreseeable future, as a sign that Titusville is still growth orientated. When I moved here in 1969, Titusville had a population of 37,500 people. Now we have around 42,000 people. That is not much growth for 35 years. I think the council should re-focus its vision on growth, jobs, new industry away from the space program, cleaning up Titusville, and planning for a tough couple of years coming up. The NASA Space Investigative Committee is coming to KSC for public hearings next week. The public will be invited to speak. Their phone number is1-888-703-2242, their website is www.ciab.us.I watched the city council meeting Tuesday night, March 11th. The council is getting beat up from all fronts by a group of citizens that are trying to dominate and control the meetings. They get up and speak on every subject, are abrasive, lack respect, threaten, and can be disruptive. Its time for the business committee to counter these people with some positive comments when these negative doom sayers get up to speak. The council is made up of people just like us. Their pay is nominal, the time involved is significant, and the satisfaction can be fleeting. This city council is trying to do the right thing, but its tough. They need business support.
Quote of the Week:
“I’m proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is – I could be just as proud for half the money.”
– Arthur Godfrey
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Linger Awhile says they have the largest selection of linens in the whole Central Florida area. They also have Debbie Thibault’s American Collectibles and Miss Fannie Turgeon’s Limited. See ad for other items.
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Titusville Beauty Supply & Shoe Shop has moved from 664 S. Park Ave. to 101 Broad St. at Baldwin Shopping Center. Be sure and use their coupon and receive 10% off any hair care products. See ad for more details.
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Do you love to line dance? Good Time Charlie’s Food & Fun is now open serving lunch and dinner and offers line dancing and lessons.
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Donald Quirk of Raymond James Financial Services is offering an investment class based on today’s markets and post geopolitical challenges. He invites you to join him for a popular four week class. See ad for more information and call for appointment.
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It’s now Turkey hunting season! Stop in Indian River Sportsman for all your supplies for hunting and fishing.
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Bagel World says to join their club for Boar’s Head lunch and collect 10 stamps to receive your FREE sandwich. They have given away 367 FREE Boar’s Head sandwiches. Also you can get Boar’s Head lunchmeat everyday at the low price of $6.49 a pound.
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Absolute Eye Care, Inc. and Dr. Bernadette Woods-McShane, O.D. have joined together in caring for the medical needs of our community. They offer complete eye care and a full service optical center with an in-house lab. Saturday appointments are also available.
They are located at 4500 S. Hopkins Ave., Suite B.
Dr. Bernadette Woods-McShane is a Board Certified Optemetric Physician specializing in adult and pediatric eye infections, glaucoma, evaluations for vision correction cataract surgery, Orthokeratology and specialized contact lens fittings. Dr. Woods-McShane has been servicing the eye care needs of our community for 11 years.
Linda Johnson is a Board Certified licensed Optician and certified contact lens technician. Linda Johnson has been servicing the optical needs of our community for 11 years.
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Watercolor Exhibit April 8-30th in the Old Bank Building: Sat., April 12th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. is the Gala opening for the Watercolor Exhibit.
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The Downtown Merchants will be sponsoring an Easter Bonnet Contest. Six prizes will be given away in the funniest and fanciest categories for men, women and children. Stop by the shops to pick up your special Easter Egg. Dress up for Easter and come out and have a grand time!
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Several shuttle paintings including the Challenger and Columbia’s last flight, plus a stained glass shuttle will be on display for the month of March and April at the TAL Gallery in Searstown Mall. Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10 - 6, Fri. and Sat. 10 - 7, and Sun. 1 - 5.
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Looking for a great pressure cleaning job? Call Garner Garrison’s Pressure Cleaning Service. Use his ad and save $5.
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The Salvation Army has new hours. See their ad in this issue for times.
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Did you know Valentino’s on Garden St. makes Sicilian Style Pizzas?
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Orange Plumbing has a fantastic value for you – see their coupon.
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Park Villas Apartments is a brand new, affordable apartment community located at 1023 Park Ave. in Titusville. They are currently offering to pay you a $500 sign-up bonus when you sign a 12 month lease. See their ad for more information.
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