Laurilee Thompson, Ron Thorstad named co-winners of Titusville Community Service Award during Flag Day ceremonies

Ron Thorstad and Laurilee Thompson jointly accept the 2003 Titusville Community Service Award in honor and memory of Rev. Harry R. Lee.

By Fred Krupski
There are those citizens that sit back and observe the accomplishments of others while there are those citizens who perform and serve the community and personify the concept of unity and the spirit of service.
One of those was Rev. Harry R. Lee, who served Titusville as City Chaplain, Employee Assistance Advisor, and Chaplain for both the Sertoma Club and the Chamber of Commerce. It is for him that this prestigious award was created because he set the example of community service and set the criteria for all those recipients since it began in 1988 and has been bestowed upon 18 citizens, including co-winners in 1994; Sam and Ann DeCarlo, and this year's second pair of winners; Ron Thorstad and Laurilee Thompson.
The Community Service Award Select Committee recognized 13 nominees this year that included; Anthony Bollinger, Ethel Elder, Marcia Gaedcke, Art and Irene Winkle, Bill Hoskinson, Jerry House, Mark Morgan, Russell Shaffer, Jeff Walters and Amelia Williams. But it was Thompson and Thorstad who took home the plaques.
Ron Thorstad was nominated by Neta Harris, because, she wrote, "...He embodies the community spirit that helps to make Titusville the city of choice with the best quality of life on the Space Coast. Ron is involved in volunteer efforts that affect many social levels and age groups. He devotes many hours to local organizations/clubs, hosts a cable TV program, and was active with Transformation Titusville. Ron is an enthusiastic advocate for the community."
Thorstad is the owner of Space Coast Nature Tours and Captain of the " Skimmer," a 44-foot U.S. Coast Guard licensed vessel who takes visitors on "living history" tours of the Indian River Lagoon and includes narrated information about historic sites on the Titusville waterfront, adventures of pioneer settlers and the creation of NASA's spaceport.
Laurilee Thompson, nominated by Doug Stuckey and friends for her commitment to protect and educate people about nature and the environment. "She was instrumental in the creation and development of the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival which has gained worldwide recognition. Also, she aims for quality of life and preservation of our environment for future generations,"wrote Stuckey.
Laurilee co-owns the famous Dixie Crossroads Restaurant. Her involvement in many committees/organizations in the community, in the county, and state, personifies her leadership qualities. Her talents extend to business, nature, education and the youth of the community.

Harry R. Lee award nominees

Some of the nominees who were present included; Amelia Williams, Mark Morgan, Bill Hoskinson, Marcia Gaedcke , Jeff Walters, and Russell Shaffer. Sue Canada, and Jerry House.

The presentation of the awards were preceded by an hour-long ceremony attended by almost 200 people who were entertained by the St. Luke's Presbyterian Church Choir and The Titusville Singing Seniors with Barbara McGillicuddy directing.
Two of the highlights of the celebration featured Irene Harnish, member of DOES, Drove No. 183 who gave her rendition of the poem, " The Ragged Old Flag," a patriotic telling of the meaning of our flag by an old man told to a young boy who questioned the meaning and history of the symbol.
The keynote speaker, Capt. Bill Borger, Commanding Officer, Naval Ordinance Test Unit, Cape Canaveral, was introduced by Flag and Memorial Committee Chairman Francis Reilly, who introduced Mayor Ron Swank who read a proclamation from the city, and the introduction of all color guard units who participated in this years event.
Speaking extemporaneously, Capt. Borger described the flag as a symbol ...." much like the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Washington Monument, and others. But, as powerful as these symbols are, the flag stands above them all. It invokes our deepest emotions and represents our greatest pride. It is recognized all over the world and it unifies like no other symbol can," adding; "the flag represents our republic and that is an extension of ourselves."
At the conclusion of the program attendee's were invited to attend a free concert in Sand Point Park which began at 5 p.m. at the Valincenti Pavilion where the Community Band of Brevard, under the direction of Marion Scott presented a collection of patriotic music to celebrate the heritage of the flag.

Brevard Bloodhound Unit Awaits Quarry

By Scott Cook

Brevard bloodhound

Collars and Scents
Man-tracking “Tank” and FTO Steven Feaster of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department ready themselves for some routine training. Though Feaster has been training Tank since the age of 7 months, Feaster says that Tank is a “work dog first, not a pet.” Tank has been instrumental in helping catch fleeing felons. Feaster also says that bloodhounds will work until exhaustion, never giving up the hunt. “The hounds do one thing - they track,” he says. “And they’re doing a really tough job because they’re doing two jobs - smelling and pulling.”

“You are in the kennel of the best bloodhound unit in the state of Florida,” said Deputy and FTO Steven Feaster of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department as he swung shut the gate of the chain-link fence separating the yipping, baying kennel of six bloodhounds and the few surly inmates exercising or milling about just 30 feet away.
Slobber slings through the air as the six exuberant dogs scramble around in their kennels to get Feaster’s attention. Each hound hopes that HE will be the lucky dog that gets to jump into the back of Feaster’s pickup truck.
“Tank” is the lucky one today. The 6-year-old, 100-pound Tank is Feaster’s personal hound; he’s had Tank since the age of seven weeks. But versatility is foremost in the training of the bloodhounds. All eight deputies of the bloodhound unit are familiarized and have trained extensively with each and every dog.
Tank bolts out into the yard before Feaster can get the gate half open, his nose to the ground, eager for the hunt, a trail, a scent. Any scent.
This is one happy hound.
In its seventh year of existence, the sheriff’s bloodhounds have tracked missing children on bicycles, rounded up wandering Alzheimer’s patients and out-fled fleeing felons.
The hounds never patrol in cars and trucks; they’re on-call, however, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And since all the handlers are corrections officers at the jail, a handler is only a stone’s throw away if an emergency call comes in requiring a bloodhound.
Remember those movies like Cool Hand Luke and O Brother Where Art Thou? where the bloodhounds are sicced on the supposed bad guys? Such movies leave much to be imagined, and myths are often propagated. But Feaster is a believer.
“There are so many myths surrounding their smelling capabilities, and I believe them,” he said.
So what’s it like having such a strong sense of smell?
“When you or me walk in the front door, we can tell that spaghetti sauce is cooking,” said Feaster. “A bloodhound smells that same sauce and smells how much salt is in it, how much pepper, whether it’s fresh or canned tomatoes, how much oregano, garlic, et cetera.”
Indeed. With a sense of smell 50 times that of a human, the bloodhound is catching up to the shepherd as the favorite participant in the law-enforcement world.
“Shepherds are sprinters; bloodhounds are marathon runners,” said Feaster. “A trained bloodhound will never quit until he finds the source of the scent.”
There are some other good reasons bloodhounds are becoming so popular with law enforcers.

Bloodhounds can locate someone who is under water by finding the scent that is pooled on the top of the water.

If you stand a person apprehended beside the vehicle he ran from, a bloodhound can tell you if there was a second person who fled from the vehicle, as a bloodhound will instinctively start to trail any person leaving a scent not then present at the scene.

As a bloodhound on a lead does not bay on the trail, this allows the police officer to come up silently and may enable him to catch the predator with the child, which makes for an ironclad case, where the suspect’s DNA of the saliva, semen and hairs on the child can be matched.

FTO Feaster lets Tank loose on a wooded area, and the hound noses back and forth through the St. Augustine grass, picking up an old scent and moving on to a fresher one.
Tank’s ears flop and bounce sideways, pulling in air filled with the scent. His slobber falls to the ground, “rehydrating” the scent, thus making the scent more powerful.
This dog can hunt.
“These dogs are built for tracking,” says Feaster. “They are tracking machines.”

Girls Are Great !!!

YMCA is Happening this Summer !!!

YMCA summer camp

Peer models from Titusville High School tell other girls how they cope with growing up at the ‘Girls Are Great’ event held Saturday, June 7 at the Brevard Community College Titusville Branch which was attended by 150 pre-adolescents, 30 moms and over 20 resource representatives. Yey you! Heah you! Tired of sitting around and watching the dog scratch at fleas? Sick of all those Sponge Bob and X-Men reruns? Wonder where all the neighborhood kids are? Then come on down to the Titusville YMCA Family Center and register for the weekly summer camps that’ll have you wishing you’d been here sooner.
The camps feature a different theme each week, like “Wacky Water Adventures” and “Wild Science.” Field trips are also scheduled.

Fred Krupski

Who said .... 'there's no fool like an old fool?"

It wasn't me. But it could have been. I know my wife believes the adage.
I say this because at my age, medical history and finally semi-enjoying semi-retirement the last thing I need to do is start another business. But that is my intention. I'll tell you why.
I know many of you have seen me tooling around town on my scooter. I do it because I love driving the damn thing around, smelling the roses, feeling the wind on my face - and saving a bunch of cash. I'm not sporting a tattoo, or wearing the obligatory black leather like those in Harleydom, but I've always loved motorcycles - even as a kid. Also I decided it helps to stay out of the rocking chair by jumping onto the saddle.
A close friend for 30 years approached me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. The central state's distributor for a couple of scooter manufacturing companies he wanted to know if I'd be interested in becoming his local dealer for a line of two and three wheel electric scooters as well as a 50cc Harley look-alike 4-speed chopper that makes me feel like Peter Fonda in the 1968 movie.
I rode it and was hooked immediately. Pictured below (in front of my garage) are just three of the models I plan on selling sometime in the next two or three weeks. From left is a 3-wheeled scooter/golf cart that travels along at 15 mph, and the 2-wheeler at right that is a kids or seniors dream. At center is the Pagsta Mini that's street legal and has an electric and kick start. It comes in a variety of color combinations and looks like the real thing until you get right up on top of it. Since it's a 49.5dcc, 4-stoke motor, no drivers license is required and its great for around town and fun for all ages. I love the fact that they average about 100 miles per gallon, have no costly repairs or insurance required and are never a parking problem.
What I probably like most is they help eliminate our dependence on Middle East Oil. How about that all you Americans!
I'm currently getting my new showroom painted and ready to open at 4527 S. Hopkins Ave (two doors south of the News Observer office). How's that for convenience?
When everything is painted, all licenses are secured, and inventory is in , I'll run an ad in this newspaper (who else?) and tell you all about these scooters. By the way, they’ll be priced from about $349 bucks on up.
If you don't see an advertisement in the next issue about the opening I will have either had a heart attack - or Sue.
Whatever happens I will have ended my oil addiction.

A breath of fresh air at council meeting

City mayor's usually don't get a standing ovation at City Council meetings, but during the last meeting in May, Mayor Ron Swank's wife Cathy received one.
Apparently Ron's wife Cathy was watching the meeting on TV when one of our citizen activists got up to speak, for the third or fourth time of the night, and blasted the mayor for not understanding the first amendment to the constitution. This guy may be bright, but he's a self-appointed watchdog, a constant critic of council, and as regular as death and taxes who appears at each and every meeting to vent his anger. His demeanor can be best described as arrogant, abusive - and obnoxious. He is rightfully the successor to the malodorous mantle worn by other, now less active gadflys who have made life a living hell for our elected leaders.
He picked the wrong night. So did one or two of his supporters who love to hear the sound of their own voices.
After the mayor's wife heard him chastise her husband and suggest he needed to read the Constitution, she apparently leaped out of her recliner, drove to city hall and proudly stood up for her man.
Requesting to speak under citizens to be heard (obviously a surprise to the mayor) she took the mike and let loose with both barrels. "He understands the Constitution and doesn't need anybody to teach him anything."
She spelled out the sacrifices public servants make and talked about the late nights, lack of vacations, invasion of privacy, and other benefits elected officials receive.
What prompted the exchange was that this citizen suggested the mayor violated his Constitutional right to speak during the meeting. He had already spoken ad nauseam on a variety of topics and was asked by the mayor, on his fourth or fifth try, to stick to the agenda items. His attack on the mayor was unwarranted, in bad taste, and showed him to be ill-bred and a bore.
Cathy Swank had a lot to say but managed to get in her main sticking points. "I'm mad," she said at one point. "I don't like them trashing you. You're a good man. I can't take any more of these meetings. If you run again I'll support you because you're my husband," were some of her remarks, however it was obvious that her support for his running for another term was luke warm. Completing her catharsis she returned to her seat - or left the council chambers - to applause.
Councilman Ken Ward was among others who commented on her appearance. "After this I wouldn't be surprised if my wife hasn't busted through these doors herself with the same complaints herself," he said adding that he was sorry she hadn't .

We have a new Robosapien in our house

No! I just coined the word because that's what it is.
Called a Roomba, it's an intelligent "FloorVac." Sue dragged it in last week after shopping at the new mall in Orlando. It's a small, round vacuum cleaner that's smarter than I am.
You charge it up, turn it on, leave home and forget about it. When you come home your house is cleaned. At least the floors, including wood, tile and carpeting.
It starts around the floor in a spiral pattern, cris -crosses the room in straight lines, repeating this pattern until its cleaning time (about 90 minutes) has elapsed. It uses an algorithm based cleaning pattern and also cleans corners and along walls because it has a spinning side brush.
This thing is designed to fit under the kickboards in the kitchen, bed or furniture if more than four inches off the floor.
The Roomba is powered by a rechargeable battery pack and for a typical pical operation the "thing" cleans three, 14 X 16 foot medium size rooms on one charge and takes about 12 hours or less to recharge. It also has a Virtual Wall Unit which blocks open doorways and confines it to one room if that's what you want. It also self adjusts for different cleaning surfaces.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The last time I saw something like this was on the Jetson's TV show over 30 years ago. I never thought somebody would really invent one that works.
In fact its better than watching the Jerry Springer talk show with all the weirdos. It's better than sliced bread.
I carried it upstairs to my media/office room and forgot to close the door. The damn thing headed for the stairs - got to within an inch of the drop-off - where I thought it would go crashing down to the first floor and self destruct. It didn't.
What it did was turn around when it reached the edge and head back toward me sitting at my computer.
The first day a friend called me and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was cleaning the house and vacuuming the carpets.
I lied. I was lounging on my hammock out back with a mint julep in my hand taking credit for something I didn't deserve. It was the best 200 smackers we ever spent.
By the way - the two cats are going nuts.

One more thing about my new white heat, hot putter

It looks strange, but few golfers are laughing.
You remember reading about the Two-ball putter I bought a few months ago? A few of you have and are happy with the results. Recently I read that European star Paul Lawrie won his first time out with Odyssey's WhiteHot-2-Ball putter.
Then Annika Sorenstam went Lawrie one better, winning her first two 2002 starts and then the first major of the year with the putter, which combines a patented urethane insert with a pair of white circles to aid alignment.
It's also turning up at country clubs, too. For all its gimmickry, the mallet has a sweet swing weight and a PGA Tour convert - Hot list hero Charles Howell 111, who entered 2002 about one putt per round short of superstardom.
If Howell stays with it and wins, this thing will reach critical-mass appeal.
And you heard about it here first.
Talking golf, I have some observations about Tiger Woods lately. He lost the U.S. Open, the Buick Classic, and hasn't won anything in his last several starts. Not that he's fallen out of the limelight, but he's had to play catch-up recently and he hasn't caught up.
My guess is that he's not playing enough, not playing hard enough, and has lost the edge. I think it has to do with his work ethic. He has the skills but he lack what he had and that's called "the eye of the Tiger."
He may be softened by the money, his girl friend and by his will to win. He may not just be hungry enough anymore.
Remember the first Rocky movie back in 1977 or so? His trainer, played by Burgess Meredith, said Rocky needed the "eye of the tiger" to win. I don't see that "eye" lately. In any case it hasn't hurt the tour or the purses now that others believe they have a shot at the big money. If I'm right, Woods is not alone. When you're a millionaire its hard to work hard, put in the practice hours and everything else required to be a consistent winner. In any sport.
The other reason for my suspicion is that has anyone seen his mom and dad in the gallery recently?
It just might have something to do with his lifestyle.
Funny none of the sportswriters (of which I was one early in my career) have mentioned it. They did talk about Vince Carter, the hottest thing in the NBA just a few months ago. He signed a multi-million dollar deal with Nike (also Tiger's main bank). Since then he's fallen out of the spotlight after an injury and having several of his teammates turn on him. They question his toughness, work ethic and leadership skills.
So maybe Tiger has been softened by the money. It's happened to others, so why would Tiger be an exception?
However it was great to see Jim Furyk winning the U.S Open and hugging his father - and the emotional scene with Tom Watson and his caddy.
I think I'll send this column to Tiger's business manager. Or better yet: to the folks who make the 2-Ball putter. Maybe I'll get a commission on the sale. Or, be de-commissioned by the Tiger Mafia.

On the light side....

Have you read about Abercrombie & Fitch being accused of racial discrimination?
It's getting nutty out there folks.
This company was accused of racial insensitivity in the past, but last spring it removed T-shirts from stores after Asian-American groups complained about depictions of two slant-eyed men in conical hats and the slogan "Wong Brothers Laundry Service - Two Wongs Can Make it White." I think that is really clever advertising copy whatever the copywriters were smoking.
The lawsuit, filed by nine Hispanic and Asian plaintiffs, alleges that Abercrombie discriminates against blacks, Hispanics and Asians, hiring a disproportionately white sales force, puts minorities in less visible jobs and cultivates a virtually all-while image in its catalogs and elsewhere.
It's a sad day when an employer can't hire who they want without being served with a federal lawsuit.
The only SLAP suit I could understand is if the plaintiffs alleged that the company had no sense of offbeat humor.
On the other hand I have fairly thick skin and unlike many of these offended "minorities" have sufficient self esteem and confidence that I am not offended by ethnic humor. Hell, when you're of Irish, Jewish, - and God knows what other ethnic strain or background you learn to laugh at anything really funny. I can even laugh at some Italian and Polish jokes.
It's the “Blond Jokes" I can't hack.
Probably because my wife Sue is a blond.
Not really......, ahhhh.... I was once a brunette.

On the sad side...

It was with sorrow I learned of the death of Homer Dew who died on Friday, June 20. Homer was a long-time regular contributor to the opinion page and Letters to the Editor of this newspaper. An avowed conservative and strict interpreter of the Constitution he was an accomplished writer and expressed his opinions eloquently. Since I had not received copy from his during the past year, and only talked to him briefly, I knew he had medical problems.
However, he did reach the age of 87, and had few regrets about how he spent his life.

Business Bulletin Bob Socks

By BOB SOCKS

Highway 50 Corridor

With a CVS Drug Store under construction at Highway 50 and Barna Road, there will be three full drugstores, a Wal-Mart and a Kmart where a customer can fill a prescription , on Highway 50 between US 1 and I-95.
Also, there are two new Chinese restaurants opening soon. The Ping-On on Highway 50 will be completely remodeled and will be a full-service Chinese-Japanese restaurant called “The Asian House.”
In the Indian River Plaza, the old Red Lion Pub, formerly First Federal Savings and Loan, will re-open as “The Golden Lion.” That will give us a choice of four oriental restaurants on Highway 50.

Federal Beige Book Report - Federal Economic News for Southeast U.S. in May 2003

The economy was subdued. Retailers relied on discounts. Chemical firms laid off workers as high natural gas prices hit profits. South Florida tourism rose, and Gulf Coast casino profits were up. Farmers welcomed heavy rain, despite some field work delays. Home building rose, commercial didn’t.

Florida is Business-Friendly

A new Tax Foundation study showed that Florida is among the most business-friendly states in the nation, a factor the foundation cites as being a driving force behind the state’s 12 straight months of positive job growth.
The study lists Florida as having the seventh-best business tax climate in the nation in 2002.
The top-10 states in the Tax Foundation study include Wyoming, New Hampshire, Nevada, Colorado, Alaska, South Dakota, Washington, Oregon and Tennessee.
States ranking at the bottom of the list are Nebraska (46), Ohio (47), Arkansas (48), California (49) and Mississippi (50).

Fourth of July

The long fourth of July holiday is but a week away. AAA is predicting 37.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the weekend - the highest total for that weekend in at least nine years. The Lake Mary-based travel club predicts the number of travelers will be two percent higher than the 36.8 million people who traveled a year ago.
Of this year’s travelers, an estimated 32.6 million are expected to travel by car, up two percent from last year.
“A big turnout this holiday could trigger an upturn in domestic tourism for the remainder of the summer,” said Sandra Hughes, vice president of AAA Travel.
A weak economy, coupled with lingering concerns about security since the 2001 terrorist attacks, have pounded the nation’s travel industry.

Quote of the Week:
“The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to obtain the largest amount of feathers with the least-possible amount of hissing.”
– Jean Baptiste Colbert, 1619-1683 - French statesman and finance minister under Louis XIV

The Buzz around town is ...

Make plans for you and your family for the 5th of July Celebration and Fireworks Cruise in downtown Titusville. That’s correct... Saturday the 5th of July. Captain Ron from Space Coast Nature Tours will be having a special Fireworks Cruise. There are only 49 seats available, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Chamber. Call now at 267-4551 for reservations. We will have a Civil War Reenactment, patriotic concert with the Community Band of Brevard at 8 p.m. and a fantastic Fireworks display at 9 p.m. Party will be on Broad Street downtown beginning at 5 p.m. and the fireworks will be viewed from Space View Park at the end of Broad Street. While you’re there, take some time and visit the stores.
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Call Solar Control & Sound about hurricane safety film to protect your home for the hurricane season.
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Bagel World can make 5 a.m. early-morning subs for fishermen going out Garden Street, and they have 5 gallon buckets of ice for .89� a bucket.
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Stop in Hair Image Family Hair Salon and take advantage of their 10% off sale in June.
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Park Villas Apartments is having a "Picnic at the Park" on Saturday, June 28. See ad for more details, plus about $500 bonus bucks.
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Use Press-tige Cleaners coupon for 50% off your dry-cleaning order.
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Linger Awhile says there’s only 4 days left for red-and-yellow tag sale. See ad.
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Cohen Medical now accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield for city employees. Call for an appointment.
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Word was out that el Leoncito Cuban & Mexican Restaurant is closing. This is not true. Matter of fact, I understand they are really busy and doing great. Don’t believe everything you hear.
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Have you been looking for hairstylist Gloria Wells from Hair Cuttery? You can find her at Nataucha’s Hair & Nails at 4330 Hopkins Ave. Stop in and see her.
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Just Bag It, a gift shop in Baldwin Shopping Plaza, has gifts for all occasions. They have nautical gift items, bridal gift bags, plus you can design and create your own purse.
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Next door is Vessels In Stoneware Pottery Studio & Gallery. Saralyn Lamb is featuring her beautiful gourd art at the gallery now.
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Hurry into Ken’s Used Books for their last week of being in business. See the ad for specials.
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Absolute Eye Care is having a back-to-school special for eyeglasses. See their ad and buy one (1) pair and get the 2nd pair absolutely FREE!
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Hey golfers! The Great Outdoors Golf has great summer specials. See the ad for details and while you’re there, plan to have lunch or dinner at Plantation On The Green.
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Michael’s East Side Bistro is now open for lunch and dinner. Call and make your reservations.
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Expressions Hair Designs has a 20%-off tanning package. See the ad for a coupon and see other services they offer.
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Need to mail bulk mail? PRC Bulk Mail Inc. is at The Mail Center. See ad for services.
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Big City Subs at Dairy Plaza is under new management and says to check out their ad for wing specials.
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Get with Dallas Butler at City Mortgage, 1551 Garden St., for your mortgage needs.
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New owner, Jason Reichman, of The Irish Pub says there will be no changes. He invites you to come in and take $1 off any service by using the coupon in the ad.
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Boutique Plus, next to Riverside Bank, has lots of new clothes. See ad for new items and big, big sizes.
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Owners Kristen Thomas and Gwen Slaughter of the new Show Time Deli at 332 S. Washington Ave. is a soda fountain style deli and lounge. Join them for their grand opening Saturday, July 5 with live music by The Seeds and use the coupon in the ad. They deliver, catering is available and they also serve beer and wine.

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