Vol. 14 No. 37 Thursday, April 3, 2003 NewsObserver@netscape.net
Local War Reaction Diverse, Heated, Worried
By: Scott Cook
Marvin Prince, a disabled veteran who served during Desert Storm, also thought the war in Iraq to be just. But he saw contradictions in U.S. motives.
As the war in Iraq enters its third week, war opposition grows across the country and in Titusville.
War protesters like Anderson anger Titusville warehouse worker Eddie Sanders.
Lorri Debaets, an office manager with a local automotive-electric shop, saw the current Iraqi war resulting from Desert Storm’s ineffectiveness back in 1991. So as more American, coalition and Iraqi lives are taken, more blood is shed, and the war is thrust into our living rooms on a minute-to-minute basis. The English philosopher Thomas Hobbes once wrote: During the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war, as is of every man, against every man.
Boys of summer hold last Over-Forty softball reunion
Any baseball players, especially those over the age of 40 , who can put away 13 kegs of beer in seven innings of Americans Pastime deserve some kind of award from the nation's brewers association. On Sunday, March 16 during their 10th and final softball reunion they didn't receive an award from Budweiser, but they did get all the free draft beer they could drink. And drink they did. And reminiscence. A group of guys now in their late 60's, 70's and 80's had no trouble remembering the days when the spotlight was on them every Sunday as they played double-headers from March to May at Sand Point Park. They discussed the Holy Grail - home plate - they attempted to find for two months each year. The first Over Forty reunion was held at Jack & Gloria's Pub (now gone) so it was fitting that the party was dedicated to Jack Byrne the original sponsor of the league. Jack passed away Jan. 31 and the 10th, and final reunion was held in his honor. The first get-together was initiated by Marge Etense, Jim Chapman and Dick Osada and it was held at Jack's place. Over the years the gang lost many of their ball player friends. One was this newspapers entertainment writer, Bob Bower, who died in 1996. Bob was the leagues original commissioner and this reporters good friend. It was wonderful to have a chance to talk to Bob's wife Pat and his son Shawn at the event and share some stories about him.
Dick Osada believed the number "10" was the magical number to end the events, saying "...since we're not getting any younger number 80 is around the corner for some of us. It's time to let it go," said Dick. After the first reunion Minnie Hightower came on board. The following years it was Ed and Pat Spence. All past reunions were successful and loaded with fun and laughter was the unanimous opinion. So who were these ballplayers and their sponsors who showed up at the diamond every Sunday - rain or shine- stone -cold sober, or a little in the bag. Can't do - there were too many of them, but I can report their sponsors and it's a memory test of sorts for many pub-crawlers of Titusville. How many can you remember? Well, there was Alibi's, Marker 34, Jacks Pub, Foxy's, the Blue Room, Whistle Inn, the Horseshoe Bar, Bavarian House, Keglers, the Dugout and Harold's (famous for the Wineburger, now New York, New York down on the river. Today, the Dugout is long gone as are most of the others mentioned - although some simply had a name change. The Dugout was razed when the Titusville Fire Department used the old building for a training exercise about seven years ago. The Sunday heros included jocks from all walks of life. There were doctors, lawyers (no Indian Chiefs), engineers, bartenders, welders - a cross section of both white and blue collar workers, from the Space Center and private sector. They played during a period when there were almost as many bars as churches in town. While many of the wives joined their husbands at the ball fields, others boosted church attendance. Sort of a quid pro quo. The wives covered all the bases while their husbands covered three. Four if one counts home plate. The consumption of 13 kegs in one afternoon is no exaggeration say the 'boys' who were there. In fact, said several, most of those ball players who were at the Eagles Club the day before St. Patrick's Day represented either the old Horseshoe Bar or Madden's. "However," said Jim Chapman, "Foxy's was the 'best drinking team in the league." Others argued that Joe Williams' Blue Room held that epicureanism distinction. Believe it or not, it was softball, not the beverage that was the draw every week. But the suds may have had an impact on the final score. Bob DeTorres, who played the infield for the Horseshoe remembered just one win for his team during the 1978 season. He should know. He was also the coach. "The score after four innings when we played Harold's was 29 to 6." The Boys of Summer had a long winter after that one.
FWC proposes rule to manage Silver MulletThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today proposed a rule to manage and protect the silver mullet fishery. This rule is intended to reduce the harvest of silver mullet on the Atlantic coast, where fishing pressure is highest, and also to maintain healthy Gulf coast silver mullet stocks.Three species of silver mullet are included in this fishery - white, redeye and fantail mullet, and they are all primarily harvested as bait. Harvest of silver mullet currently is unregulated (unlike striped or black mullet). However, certain net specifications and fishing area restrictions do apply. The FWC has received public comments recently expressing concerns about the status of silver mullet on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The FWC’s Florida Marine Research Institute conducted a silver mullet stock assessment last year to evaluate the status of the population. Results of the stock assessment were consistent with public comments. Recreational and commercial landings and fishing effort have increased on the Atlantic coast since the mid 1990s. If fishing effort continues to increase, over-fishing is likely to occur. On the Gulf coast, landings and fishing effort have declined, and the population appears to be healthy. The FWC’s proposed rule designates silver mullet as a restricted species and establishes a weekend closure for silver mullet from July 1 through January 31 statewide. These closures would coincide with the current weekend closure for striped mullet and simplify mullet regulations. The rule also establishes a commercial closure to the harvest of silver mullet on the Atlantic coast during February. This closure, combined with the commercial weekend closure, could reduce commercial harvest by as much as 17 percent. For recreational fishermen, a statewide aggregate bag limit would be established for both striped and silver mullet of 50 fish per person. From February 1 through August 31, maximum vessel limit of 100 mullet would apply. From September 1 through January 31, a maximum vessel limit of 50 mullet would apply. Implementing the recreational bag limit statewide will also help simplify mullet regulations. The FWC intends to conduct a final public hearing on this proposed rule during its May 28-30 meeting in Kissimmee.
Taps: A History of the Military DirgeIt’s the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain, Robert Ellicombe, was with his men near Harrison’s Landing, Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Capt. Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the battlefield. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. Then in the dim light he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son! The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down, since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him one musician. The wish was granted. The haunting melody we now know as “Taps” and used at military funerals was born. The words are:
Day is done...
Mims is growing, and Titusville's development is not slowing a bitEDITORIALBy: Fred KrupskiWho'd of thunk it a few years ago? Starting with Mims, the catalyst is Walkabout and attracting developers in what may soon be the most ambitious project the area has seen since the development of Fawn Lake just a mile west of the interstate off SR 46. Described by some locals as the "ritzy area up here" Fawn Lake is growing faster than that wooden puppets nose. Homes are ranging in square feet from 2,200, to several over 8,000 square feet with an average of about 2,800 to 3,700 - all on approximately one acre lots. Lakefront dirt is almost gone but that hasn't dissuaded buyers; rural living has been attracting buyers from all over central Florida. - and beyond. Rumors that circulated a few years ago regarding chain merchants taking a serious look at the Mims area now seem to be reaching fruition. Talk has it that a major food chain is looking at US 1 and SR 46, plus a possibility that Home Depot may give Lowe's a run for their money - and it now makes sense. Not to be left behind in the pack is central Titusville, who also find gated communities secure, as well as a bit upper class. Last week City Council put their stamp of approval on a preliminary site plan for a subdivision that will bring over 450 more single-family homes to town. Called Plantation Oaks of Brevard the project is valued at around $60 million and could begin by July at Harrison Street and DeLeon Avenue. The gated community includes patio homes in the $110,000 to $150,000 range. Forget the cinder block buffer - this project will be circled by 50-foot natural landscaping. That's a class act. The size of the homes have less a requirement than Fawn Lake; 2,000 plus square feet, but sizes from 1,200 to 2,300 square feet isn't exactly chopped chicken liver. The new subdivision is the first of its magnitude in over 10 years. The lots in the 130 acre parcel will be 50’ wide and 120’ long and will back up to a natural preserve. Plantation Oaks will feature a community pool, clubhouse, and a RV and boat storage area. The project will be completed in eight phases and should be wrapped up in about eight years, mainly because there will be private roads with a pair of entrances off Harrison Street and another off DeLeon Avenue. Who will the buyers be? That's easy. It will involve those families scaling up; new residents to the area, particularly retiree's who Doug Engle, project developer of Hidden Oaks Development in Melbourne says will be about 80 percent of the buyers. And, there is also a distinct possibility that even if City Council reinstates impact fees on residential development buyers won't be turned off - which should silence some of the 'no-more-growth-group' of naysayers unless they pay their way contingent of long time residents. Add all of this to the projected development of high-rise condos near the Max Brewer Causeway and you've got a city on the rise. That alone will attract more than tire-kickers to the Titusville area. One of the Hidden Oaks development principals said his project is going to be a very clean and attractive community. It appears that all of the new developments fall into the same category and it's just more good news for the community.
War is over, armidillo winsMIMS, Fl. - When one can't fight the critters in shells any longer, there are two choices: retreat or give up. Oh, there is one more, move. Which is what we did over the past few days. The Krupski's have moved back to the big city. We found a lovely town house at La Cita and by the time you read this we'll be in our new digs.Before we left there was just one thing I wanted to accomplish. Murder that damn armadillo. But it was not in the cards. At least my deck - assuming I was playing with a full one which some of my friends doubt with my single-minded determination to rid the world of this shell-covered terrorist. With our move I leave the new owners the challenge that eluded me for three years. They can have the pesticides, chemical agents, trap, bait, baseball bat - and 22 rifle to finish the job. "But what happens, " say some "if you inherit another residing in the woods behind your house on Sawgrass Drive?" My answer is that there is not sufficient lawn for any self-respecting armadillo to file homestead upon. And "lawn" is something I will not miss. We're downsizing as they say in the real estate trade. Among other items we willed to the new owners ( a great couple from North Carolina who are bringing their horses along) are various and sundry garden implements. The major one being the riding mower which jarred my aching back each week for almost four years. The other major change is exchanging a second floor master bedroom for a ground floor sleeping sanctum. The next time I'm carried out to a waiting ambulance it won't be by a couple guys in uniforms pitching me over the railing. I leave with dignity. Since we now have only room for one vehicle in the one car garage I have donated my old Dodge Caravan to the Shrine Club, and instead purchased my scooter. Plenty of room for that and the Honda CUV . Particularly since I won't be needing all those lousy tools and workbench. Things are looking up at last. Not that my former neighbors weren't lovely people (they were) but we've been lucky to have equally great ones. One, Kent, is also a golfer, Imagine that! You know what golf is; the game in which you yell "fore," shoot six, and write down five. Luckily we had a head start on the packing part of the move. We started two months ago and filled 175 boxes. God only knows where we're going to put the "stuff" and may have yet another garage sale. *Check this week's Classified section of the paper for some good buys which we stored in a storefront in the same strip center as the News Observer. Condolences to Ed PoeOur sympathies go out to long-time Titusville resident, property owner and developer and businessman Ed Poe on the death of his lovely wife Janet.Janet passed away on March 25 at Parrish Medical Center at the age of 82. But you would never know it. She thought much younger. In the relatively short time she was a resident of Titusville, she was very active. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church as well as a member of the Sew-Sew Club, P.E.O Club Chapter B.T. the LaCita Country Club and on the Board of the Brevard Symphony. Services were held for Janet on March 28, and memorial donations may still be made to Hospice of St. Francis in Titusville. Changing cuisine habits resulted from Iraq warSince the newspaper has lost the advertising account of a local French restaurant as a result of my comments (and thousands of others including the local daily - which the owner seems to ignore and selects me as the culprit) I found it a blessing in disguise.The wife and me popped into the Bellwood Polish Restaurant one night recently and enjoyed it immensely. And since the Pole's are on our side in this war and the French are against us it just seemed to make sense. When you stop in say hello to Waldemar Jasinski, the owner and chef. The guy has been an award-winning restaurateur for years and as soon as you taste his authentic age-old family recipes you will understand why. Smacznego! Enjoy! One of my favorite golf jokes...The husband reluctantly agreed to play in the couples alternate shot tournament at his club. He teed off on the first hole, a par 4, and blistered a drive 200 yards down the middle of the fairway.Upon reaching the ball, the husband said to his wife "just hit it toward the green, anywhere around there will be fine," the wife proceeded to shank the ball deep into the woods. Undaunted, the husband said "that's OK sweetheart" and spent the full five minutes looking for the ball. He found it just in time, but in a horrible position. He played the shot of his life to get the ball within two feet of the hole. He told his wife to knock the ball in. She then proceeded to knock the ball off the green and into a bunker. Still maintaining composure, the husband summoned all of his skills and holed the shot from the bunker. He took the ball out of the hole and while walking off the green, put his arm around his wife and calmly said, "Honey, that was a bogey, and that's OK but I think we can do better on the next hole," to which she replied, "listen you rectal cavity, don't bitch at me, only two of those five shots were mine." This story came to me from Jack Kuntz. What's your favorite golf joke?
By BOB SOCKS Titusville Lotto Winners!!!Congratulations to the eight City of Titusville water-department workers who recently won a $3 million lotto jackpot.Each lucky winner should receive approximately $135,000 after taxes. This is great news for the local community, as that money will probably be spent locally. Port Canaveral NewsA brand new U.S. Navy ship will be commissioned at Port Canaveral on Saturday morning, April 12 at 11 a.m.The USS Mason was named in honor of two previous ships of the same name, the second of which was the first U.S. Navy ship to carry African-American sailors to sea. The Mason will join the illustrious ranks of its predecessors on April 12 when it is commissioned into active service. The class AEGIS Type Guided-Missile destroyer is commanded by U.S. Cmdr. David Gale. Real Estate Transactions in Excess of $150,000:Great Outdoors area:
Titusville/N. Brevard area:
Strictly My OpinionThe Columbia Investigative Committee is gone, having spent two days on the space coast investigating the loss of Columbia.The foam seems to be a major problem and has been for years. Perhaps NASA has been lucky not to have incurred losses sooner, but their luck has run out. The investigative commission, which will issue their final report sometime in the future, will probably suggest that the foam problem must be addressed and fixed before the next shuttle launch will be allowed. How this will affect layoffs and business slowdowns is not known, but here are some employment facts:
I will stand by my prediction that the shuttle will not fly until the summer of 2004, if at all.
Quote of the Week: Brevard County Economic Index
Analysis:
Enter the Spring For Spots fishing tournament sponsored by Ranger Boats & Mercury at Mosquito Lagoon Outfitters on Fri. and Sat., April 25 - 26 for a chance to win a Ranger Back Country 169 with 90 hp Mercury and Trailer valued at $24,000. See the ad for more details and call.
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