Mr. Downtown leaves Titusville for Orlando job

...Wes heads West

By FRED KRUPSKI

Wes Hoaglund & Walt Johnson

      Titusville Redevelopment Specialist Wes Hoaglund left his job in City Hall Friday to take on a similar position with a private firm in Orlando doing what else? Downtown development. After all, that's his specialty. His talent for bid writing, development conceptualization, and a plethora of other responsibilities in his 15 years in Titusville, have brought in millions—and millions—of dollars for the rejuvenations in the historic area, encompassing several blocks of businesses, attractions and residential homes.
      Mr. Downtown knows how to achieve funding for public improvements. From the time he began his career in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he knew what he wanted to do— historic preservation, moving businesses to better locations, providing financial advice to small business, and coordinating the acquisition and relocation activities for city projects.
      In Titusville, his career has been marked with many success stories. Wes created the conceptual framework and mapped out the development program for major downtown reinvestment and secured millions in grant funding. Wes was one of the key movers in the creation of downtown's Titusville Commons, Space View Park, the two space monuments, and was engaged in redevelopment plan updates for the CRA. This was all accomplished since 1988.
      And it was in that year that one business couple opened their restaurant, Kloiber's Cobbler. Owned by Joe Thamert and Pixie Kloiber, they had this to say, "He was responsible for our being here. I was on my way back to Seattle (said Joe) and he talked me into staying and buying this old building (Denham's Dept. Store). We both thought something was going to happen downtown, but Wes said it would take a little time but someone was needed to lead the parade. So, here we are."
      When not writing grant proposals in his cubby hole in a small cubicle on the second floor of City Hall, Wes can often be spotted wandering the streets of downtown, eyes searching, mind racing, exploring ideas and potential sites and how they will work with potential tenants. This is how the man makes his plan. Wes Hoaglund and his passion for downtown revitalizations was the spark plug that ignited others to join the co-owners of Kloiber's Cobbler and turn a stagnant downtown to the vitality it has today.
      Now, after almost 16 years, he heads for greener pastures that he intends to make even greener. Wes leaves this week for a new job with a private firm in Orlando, and his job duties will go well beyond Orlando into other parts of the United States. His new firm is a full service company that performs civil engineering, planning, surveying, and constructing management. He will be serving as their Redevelopment Specialist, writing grants, and also serving as their certified arborist.
      Since he lives in Orlando, the move will be only half the struggle in settling in. The problem will be his missing his 15 years in Titusville. "I have mixed feelings about leaving, as you could imagine," he said.
      His many friends gave him a royal send-off with gifts, gags and some memories of his successes, and occasional stumbles. But for all the good natured humor, everyone felt the loss. And so will Titusville.
     

'Tour of Titusville' highlights area gems

From STAFF REPORTS       Francis Reilly, take a bow! His initiative has created the First Annual "Tour of Titusville" — a 6-stop tour highlighting Titusville's museums and attractions.

     Vice president of the Space Walk of Fame (SWOF) Foundation, Reilly believes the "Tour of Titusville" is a way to bring community awareness to our local museums and area attractions.
     Want discounts from 10 to 50% and win big prizes? All you have to do is stop in at six of your neighborhood attractions before 6 p.m. on December 12. Visit the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Valiant Air Command Museum, American Police Hall of Fame Museum, the US Space Walk of Fame Museum, The TAL Gallery, and the North Brevard Historical Museum; get your special flyer (pictured here, and available at the tour locations) stamped by each, and you will be automatically eligible to win any of the 25 prizes donated. They consist of a cruise for two to the Bahamas, air plane rides on a T-6 military trainer, cruises on the Indian River, dinners at Dixie Crossroads, and much more.
     Apollo and Skylab Astronaut Bill Pogue will draw the winners at 2 p.m. on December 13 at the SWOF Museum in Searstown Mall. You do not have to be present to win. Astronaut Kenneth Shipe and Gunter Wendt, author of "The Unbroken Chain," will also be present. All three will be available for autographs and book signings.
     And, if the tour wasn't enough, Reilly went out of his way to promote Titusville's attractions even more by designing and printing tour shirts (like the one he is pictured wearing). They are on sale at each location for $5.
      CLICK for a printable PDF version of the Tour.
     Take a tour before time's up!

Local toy company wins seal of excellence, helps children and seniors

Tutti Bambini—a company with heart

From STAFF REPORTS

Snuggle Pets - Pets in a Pouch

Becky Rich measures yarn for the kits with Catherine Abrignani & some of the Snuggle Pets

      What began as a program designed to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, evolved into an award winning toy manufacturing company. Snuggle Pets®, a product of Titusville based Tutti Bambini Toy Company, just won the 2003 Creative Kids Magazine Seal of Excellence. These plush creations have also won "The Best Toy Award" and "Special Needs Adaptable Award" from www.toy.com, and "Best Vacation Product" from www.drtoy.com.
      Snuggle Pets® are classic activity kits that turn into plush animals when children "sew them in minutes and love them forever," making them snuggable, collectible animal friends.
      The activity kits began as a developmental program for the Maryland State Community College System in 1984, designed to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. Catherine Abrignani, president of Tutti Bambini and Titusville resident, co-authored the award-winning practitioner's text ("Alzheimer's Disease: Activities That Work") to accompany a course in the program. The activities were found to delight diverse populations and teachers, therapists and readers requested that the book's how-to-instructions for making Snuggle Pets® be manufactured in kit form.
      Abrignani explains that the word "tutti" refers to the hierarchy of angels which have been sent to protect children. The name Tutti Bambini, Italian for "all children" is synonymous with the mission of the company: to provide quality, affordable products that enrich the lives of children, including those with disabilities.
      She and her company are also dedicated to providing opportunities for disabled individuals through work, and to employ adults over the age of 60.
      The Snuggle Pet® line, which Abrignani plans to expand, currently includes eight animal creature kits—stegosaurus dinosaur, teddy bear, dolphin with baby, bunny rabbit, sea turtle, kitty cat, puppy dog and pocket pets in pouch. They are all made from machine washable Vellux®, a product which helps to create a plush and fuzzy animal friend that is long lasting and long wearing. Each kit contains a die-cut animal shape with pre-punched holes for easy lacing, blunt English tapestry needles polyfil stuffing, colored yam and directions necessary to construct a Snuggle Pet® are designed for children and adults ages 5 and above.
      Just as every Snuggle Pet® comes with a trademark heart that adorns each animal, Tutti Bambini wants to be known as the company with a heart. In the hopes of making a positive impact on the world, Abrignani donates a portion of the Snuggle Pets® proceeds to a fund that provides services for homeless children.
      Kits can be purchased at children's specialty stores, as well as online. Locally Snuggle Pets® can be found at Tutti Bambini's store in Searstown Mall, Studio Plus in Miracle City Mall, Crafts and Stuff in Byrd Plaza, and a few are on display and for sale at the offices of the North Brevard Beacon.

EDITORIAL

Professional protesters charge developers are running city

      A group of political activists bent on the removal of at least two city councilmen, Ken Ward and Jeff Rainey, are pulling out all the stops in an attempt to discredit both—and maybe Mayor Ron Swank—alleging they are in bed with a number of developers and contractors who, they say, are running the City of Titusville.
      The most feral of them appear to be led by Walter "Dana" Pine, Thelma Roper, and Susan Canada, the three cohorts involved with Autumn Smith, publisher of the new bimonthly, monthly, weekly (or bi-something) Sentry tabloid newspaper. This is the newsletter started by Smith and her staff of three after failing to successfully continue publication of the 15-year-old News Observer.
      Apparently seeking a forum for their views, the three are using The Sentry to spread misinformation, either by propaganda, unsupported claims of conflict of interest, obfuscation and personal attacks directed at Ward and Rainey.
      A number of residents are unfamiliar with the political backgrounds of the Canada, Pine and Roper triad who have joined hands with Smith in their pathetic pursuit of a soapbox. Lacking any journalistic experience or objectivity, she gladly gives them one (See Kaleidoscope).
      Others are taking a more circumspect route in their criticism. While her demeanor before the council dais leaves a bit to be desired, including the theatrics, Titusville resident Laura Ward, (no relation to Councilmember Ken Ward), also has an agenda.
      Laura Ward has evidently formed a concerned homeowner rights organization. While we applaud her efforts and involvement, we are concerned that any alliance she may have with the most vocal protesters could thwart any efforts about the legitimacy of her cause. In the aftermath of revelations to be made public by this newspaper, Ward may discover her best contribution will be to distance herself from her bedfellows if any meaningful progress is to be made in the direction council takes in the future of this city.
      Curiously, much of the dissension over the past 60 days has resulted from a difference of opinion in the direction Titusville takes managing growth and the vision for its future.
      It was just a few years ago the residents, concerned about the lack of growth and its economic impact on the city, elected a pro-business council.
      It started in 1994 with the cessation of impact fees, followed by a number of additional incentives to attract business here. This policy was continued by the majority council elected in 1998. It continues to this day.
      But somewhere along the way, while these efforts became fruitful, it also attracted new families, along with new business ventures. This meant more families, new developments and, with the attendant rise in population, it raised the question of the infrastructure costs to taxpayers.
      This situation pitted the pro-growth against the anti-growth movements. Activists took their place on both sides of the issue. Rational groups support managed growth with safeguards to prevent urban sprawl and passage of lower density requirements.
      Others, the NIMBYs (Not In My BackYard) and other "cave" people, did not anticipate the robust growth now taking place and are pulling out all the stops to discourage what they call an infection of inferior planning and housing by some contractors.
      There is probably some truth in both arguments, but it isn't necessary to start World War III over the issue which can be resolved by intelligent discourse.
      While all this is coming down the pike, we have this trio of "watchdogs" who see a boogie man around every corner. They have been (and still are) making outrageous and fallacious statements, both vocally and in print, against members of council.
      Their principal targets have been Ward and Rainey who, contrary to their claims, have indeed been up front and forward with citizens.
      Ward has been accused of everything short of murder. Both he and Rainey have taken more abuse than any civic-minded resident who ran and was elected to council should.
      Rainey has been called a "liar" by Roper a number of times. Why one or both of them have not yet stood up and confronted their accusers to either put up or shut up, while injecting an expletive or two in the process before resigning their seats, is hard for many to understand. The aggravation they've been put through for 500 bucks a month just ain't worth it.
      Nor are the marathon meetings that often continue until 3 a.m., with a half dozen activists signing cards to speak on every subject under the sun—with the exception of the War in Iraq.
      We should also add the toll this has taken on their families.
      We also wonder why Jeff Gray, owner of Vectorworks, just doesn't pack up and leave town in frustration.
      Growth is coming. It will not be stopped—nor should it. What should be protected is the quality of life in this city and to encourage quality builders, not fly-by-nighters who simply want to gouge, gore, scam, and take the money and run.
      No one wants shoddy housing, such as cheap garden-type housing adjacent to quarter- and half-million dollar homes. Nor do we want housing squeezed together, such as those seen in Orange County and along Highway 50 in Orlando.
      City Council doesn't want that either.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Beacon puts Sentry on notice: Cease and desist the stealing!

By FRED KRUPSKI

      Publisher Laura Kelly is mad as hell and isn't going to take it anymore.
      I can't blame her. In fact, I will support her with every legal means at my command. This includes filing reports with the police, and retaining an attorney to prosecute those responsible for the theft of hundreds of copies of the North Brevard Beacon from our distribution points throughout the city and surrounding communities.
      This newspaper has a monetary value, and at least two employees of The Sentry's five members have been reported by business owners and advertisers of stealing bundles of our newspapers from their locations. Witnesses are prepared to come forward and identify those involved. If this theft continues, they will be prosecuted for larceny—a crime that can be punishable by jail and/or fines. I'm sorry this had to come to this, but we have no other recourse.
      I'm sure that behind this is the publisher and her marketing person.
      This is not just a case of theft, it is a question of moral character. They are either simply stupid, or just thieves. I think both would apply in this case.
      I'm hard pressed to know what, if anything, they're doing legally.
      They are currently being investigated for conducting business illegally from a home. (Their business is using a street address in town which doesn't have a mail depository, and uses a post office box. I know this because the small space they claim the newspaper is being produced from—behind my former store on Hopkins Avenue—is being used as storage next to the former paper.) To add insult to injury, this young woman has already been charged with a DUI and I believe police are watching her carefully to determine if she is, in fact, still operating a vehicle without a valid license.
      And these larcenists claim to be upstanding business and newspaper people? Hello!
      On a related matter, I should explain that for all those who subscribed to the News Observer and who received nothing for their money, the publisher of this paper is not responsible for reimbursement. The publisher of The Sentry is. You'll have to contact her by telephone, as no one seems to be at her newspaper's office.
      I'm also sure when she reads this she will attempt to fabricate some kind of counter charge against myself or any member of this staff. If that happens you will understand what promoted it. Just remember the source.
      Enough sad news...
      How about a little humor?

How to get rid of a scam artist

The other day I was doing some shopping at Lowe's. When I returned to the parking lot to put my purchases in my SUV a man approached me with a request for money. This is what transpired: "Hey buddy! My car's is out of gas over here on the interstate where I was driving down from Pennsylvania and I ran out of money. Could you help me with a few bucks?"
      After hesitating a moment and giving him the once over, I said, "Oh, sure I can help you. But just answer a couple of questions first. If you can answer the third, I'll pop for a twenty to get you going." He gave me a strange look.
      I said, "Name the city of the capital of Pennsylvania; tell me the name of the governor—and for the other ten spot, name the two rivers surrounding Philly."
      With that I got a look of contempt and disgust.
      He quickly walked out of the parking lot.
      Try it sometime, but remember to know something about the state these hustlers say they are from.
      Trust me. It works!

Three tykes and you're out

Can anybody explain why any parent in their right mind would permit Michael Jackson to be the custodian of their offspring for any reason?
      I think the guy is guilty as hell, but I could be wrong. If he isn't, he should be prevented from having any contact with any child for the rest of his strange life. And, for the life of me I cannot understand why anyone would consent to a visit to his Neverland by anyone under the age of consent.
      Isn't it surprising that he has as much support as he does? Who are these people that defend him? Perhaps the only reason he could be found not guilty is that he was set up by a parent, and the kid coached to incriminate Jocko in a money scam.
      In any case, this goofball needs treatment.
      But then, so do those parents who willingly sent their kids to his lair.
      It had to be the money, right? Or are some people that dumb?

Late learning lessons about aerodynamics

      For years I've avoided any discussion about an airplane in flight. It was years before I thought anything about the fundamentals of how a plane, about a quarter-million pounds, is kept in the sky and how it could land at speeds of 110 mph with that kind of weight. I was probably sleeping during the class. At last I can talk intelligently about it. But now that I know, what do you bet it will never come up in casual conversation?
      It's simple. An aircraft flies because of the shape of the wing. It looks simple, but it is actually the most complicated physical component of the aircraft, and it took the longest to build. Look at the poor Wright Brothers.
      By comparison, the rest of the plane is simple; just a lot of round barrels riveted together. The tail was just a fixed vertical vane with control surfaces. But a wing is a work of art. It's strong and carries the weight of the plane. But, at the same time, precisely shaped to within a hundredth of an inch.
      The shape is what's crucial: it's curved on top, flat on the bottom. That means air going across the top of the wing has to move faster, and because of Bernoulli's principle. That principle says the faster a gas moves, the lower its pressure. So, the pressure within a moving stream is less than the air surrounding it. Since air moves faster across the top of the wing, it creates a vacuum which sucks the wing upward. The wing is strong enough to support the fuselage, so the whole plane is lifted up.
      As far as lift is concerned—the speed the wings move through the air, and the amount of curvature. The greater the curvature, the greater the lift. When the wing is moving fast, during flight, going maybe point eight Mach, it doesn't need much curvature. It actually wants to almost flat. But when the aircraft is moving slower, during takeoff and landing, the wing needs greater curvature to maintain lift. So, at those times, curvature is increased by extending sections in the front and back, flaps at the back, and slats at the leading edge.
      That's it folks.
      The problem will be how to sneak the "Bernoulli Principle" into conversation.
      Don't try it in a bar after you've all had a couple of belts. Try politics or religion. They're safer and easier to understand when you're at full tilt.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

By BOB SOCKS

2003 biggest, best in Florida

• Bank Holding Companies — Bank of America
• Trust Banking Firms — SunTrust Bank
• Private Client Thrifts — Washington Mutual
• Mortgage Lenders — Bank of America
• Credit Unions — Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, Tampa
• Office Parks — Orlando Central Park
• Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firms — CB Richard Ellis
• Commercial Real Estate Developers — Stiles Corp., Ft. Lauderdale
• Construction Firms — Lennar Corp., Miami
• Hotels and Resorts — Disney's All Star Resort (5,760 rooms)
• Convention Facilities — Orange County Convention Center
• Hotel Meeting Centers — Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center
• Public Universities — University of Florida (46,850 students)
• Independent Colleges and Universities — Nova Southeastern University (21,619 students)
• Community Colleges — 120,508 students
• Highest Paid CEO's — Jerrold Blair, World Fuel Services Corp., Miami-$3,890,113 (base salary)
• Highest Director's Fees — Andrx Corp, Davie, FL, $70,000/year/director
• Top Executive Compensation — Stuart A. Miller, Lennar Corp., Miami, $8,764,200
• Health Insurers — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
• Life Insurers — Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
• Property and Casualty Insurers — State Farm Mutual Auto Ins.
• Title Underwriters — Attorney's Title Insurance Fund
• HMO — Health Options, Inc., Jacksonville
• PPO — Beach Street Corp., Tampa
• Daily Newspaper — St. Petersburg Times
• For Profit Hospital — Cedars Medical Center-Miami
• Not-For-Profit Hospital — Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami
• Airports — Miami Intl. Airport (30,060,241 passengers)
• Seaports — Port Canaveral (3,824,240 passengers-2001
• Electric Utilities — FP&L (4 million customers)

Metropolitan Market Projection: Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay area

• Present population—502,400
• 2008 Projection—546,100, an increase of 8.7%
• Household average retail sales—$27,187.00
• 2008 Projection—$28,229, an increase of 14.9%

Brevard County Growth Projection

• Total Population—502,400
• Number of Households—211,400
• Average residents per household—2.37 persons
• Percent of Households with income of $50,000 or more—33%

      My population analysis: Moderate growth in most of the county with excelled growth in North Brevard. Why? Value. The word is out and our housing and land values are quite a bit less than the competition. Look for the greater Titusville area to grow by 20% over the next few years.

Port Canaveral News

      Art imitates life....For years, a handful of airlines have gone to town, painting the sides of their jetliners. Now, cruise lines are getting into the act. Royal Caribbean's "Mariner of the Seas," which sails out of Port Canaveral every Sunday on one-week cruises, is a floating canvas for pop artist Romero Britto, who has painted his trade-mark cartoon-like designs across the entire pool deck. In fact, the "Mariner of the Seas" has over $18 million dollars worth of original art throughout the public areas of its 15-story mega-liner.
      Getting into the artistic mood, the Norwegian Cruise Line's "Norwegian Dawn" sports a six-story-high picture of the Statue of Liberty. And not to be outdone, Norwegian's "Pride of America" will have a giant U.S. flag design painted across the length of the ship next summer

About Town

      Bruster's Ice Cream on Hwy. 50 has begun construction. From what I've heard, it is the finest ice cream in this country.
      A new car wash is under construction on Hwy. 50 at the site of the old Mobil station, across from Indian River Plaza.
      According to my count, there will be over 1,000 housing units built on Sisson Road over the next several years. Sterling Forest, at the intersection of Sisson and Little League Road, is already begun, with another large project doing site work directly to the south. I hope the government leaders of both Titusville and Brevard County have plans to widen Sisson, as the traffic is going to increase significantly. For you new-comers, Sisson Road is a two-lane, somewhat rural road that connects 405 and Hwy 50.

Top 5 Moron Stories

1. Will the real dummy please stand up? AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
2. With a little help from our friends: Police in Oakland, CA, spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing 10 tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up!"
3. What was plan B? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.
4. The Getaway! A man walked into a Topeka, KS, Kwik Stop
5. The Grand Finale: In Bakersfield, CA, a couple, who were new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 ft going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power was applied.

After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, thinking someone there could tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard. Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer.

By DIANNE SIMMONS

Order your holiday turkeys and pies now from Pumpernickel's Delicatessen. German Christmas Stollens are also available. See their ad for more goodies.
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Be sure to shop at Raintree Arts and Crafts Supply Center to receive 30% off your christmas items.
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Show Time Deli has been serving a "Thanksgiving Wrap" with turkey, dressing, gravy and cranberry slices. They are talking about putting it on their menu. Go in and ask about it.
      And if you like Karaoke, make plans to be there Thursday night for dinner, and sing with Jill of "Be A Star" (or just listen!).
      On the night of the street party, "Reflections" will be playing jazz. (Our friend Ron with UPS is in the band.) And there will be two bands on New Year's Eve.
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Go by Vessels in Stoneware in the Baldwin Plaza to see their pottery, gourds, and batiks gift items.
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Lost your tan? Expressions Inc., a full-service salon, is offering 20% off their tanning package.
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Plan to attend the benefit poker run for Glenda Smith taking place Saturday, Dec. 6, at Fuzzy's Tavern.
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The Viking Sewing Gallery is having a "Snowman Party," plus a storewide sale. See their ad for more details.
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Rose Tysdal says, "No—I have not moved!" See her ad, and call her for a $5 coupon discount.
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Let realtor Steve Roberts of Century 21 Flag Agency help you with all your real estate needs. See his ad for some of his listings.
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R & J Koi & Water Gardens, located at 4545 S. Hopkins Ave., can show you how to create a water garden for your livingroom or yard. You can create your own little piece of paradise or let them do it for you! Stop in and ask about their "Build-A-Pond Day."
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Stephen's Jewelers invites you to come in and check out their holiday specials. In addition, they are having a Customer Appreciation Antique Estate Show & Sale on Friday, Dec. 5.
      They also have an in house jewelry repair department. See their ads in this issue for more details.
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Kloiber's Cobbler Eatery invites you to come in for their signature dinners, such as black bean lasagna & homemade meatloaf, and, of course, some of their real mashed potatoes.
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Need a lift? Nataucha's Hair & Nails has a couple of perm specials going on. Check them out in their ad.
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Let T & B Heath Electric Corporation help you with all your electrical needs—residential or commercial. Free estimates are gladly given.
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Check with Sandi Scott at Allstate Insurance for coverage you might want to get before the holidays.
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Antona's Salon & Spa invites you to their annual Christmas Open House on December 4th. There will be door prizes, hors d'oeuvres and lots of gift giving ideas.
      They welcome Kathryn "Kat" Jamison, hair stylist, nail tech and skin care specialist.
* * *
Stop in Brevard Feed & Seed and check out their Christmas gift cards & pet gift sets for your pets. Be sure to use their coupon for extra savings.
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Need to do some house cleaning for the holidays, but don't have the time? Call Kim's Cleaning Service Inc. She's bonded, licensed and insured, and has been in business for years in Titusville. She's now accepting commercial bids, too! See her ad...
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D.L.'s Booth at the Dusty Rose Antique Mall is offering 15% off anything over $20. See the ad for sale dates.
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There's big savings on ECHO Blowers & Steel Shredder Vac/Blowers at Buck's Lawnmower Shop. See their ad and go shopping!
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New owner Robin Guillory, of Critters Animal Grooming, is offering a $5.00 off coupon with a complete grooming—and a free bandanna!
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Enjoy Chef Mike's Italian, Cajun and American cuisines. Mike invites all of you to dine at his Midtown Restaurant.
      Chef Mike grew up in New Orleans where he learned to love the Cajun style of cooking. He began his restaurant career at the age of 16 bussing tables at Tu Jack's Bistro in New Orleans. He soon advanced to waiting tables. A short time later he was promoted to basic food preparations. The Chef of some 40 years at Tu Jack's recognized Mike's interest and talents and pressed him into preparing more advanced dishes. He advanced quickly under the Chef's tutelage, where she taught him the art of fine Cajun cooking.
      Mike did not limit his knowledge to only Cajun cooking. His middle eastern ancestry accounts for his interest in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Mike also learned to make pastries.
      Midtown is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in and take advantage of Chef Mike's breakfast & lunch specials.
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Stop by the Gaslight Mall during the street party and visit the artists and gift shops.
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Remember to join the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Merchants for their "Downtown Street Party" on Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-10 p.m. Historic Downtown will become a winter wonderland! Bring the children to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. See the special section in this edition for more details.
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The Downtown Merchants are having a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Why not plan to come shopping, have dinner at one of our fine restaurants, and then stay for the Titusville Christmas Parade, taking place from 6 to 9 p.m.
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