Storybook parade shines with spirit

From Staff Reports

No reindeer this night! Guest of honor, Santa Claus, rides atop final float of 43rd Annual Titusville Jaycees Christmas Parade.

Titusville's premier holiday event a huge hit

      Thousands of North Brevard residents and visitors lined the streets of U.S. 1 last Saturday, Dec. 13, to watch Titusville's 43rd Annual Christmas Parade.
      Sponsored by the Titusville Jaycees, "A Storybook Christmas" was the theme of this year's parade, which kicked off at 6 p.m. from Miracle City Mall and proceeded north on Washington Ave., culminating on Broad St. in historic downtown Titusville some three hours later.
      Police cars and fire trucks, with horns blaring and lights flashing, led local community leaders and approximately 70 entries in this year's parade, which included floats, marching bands, businesses, community organizations, churches, and government worker groups, who were all waving, throwing candy and shouting, "Merry Christmas!".
      The weather cooperated, and everyone had a wonderful time—especially the children.

Titusville Jaycees 2003 Christmas Parade Winners

Best Overall: Star Dance Academy
Best Theme Display: 1st—Titusville Chamber of Commerce 2nd—Girl Scout Troop #1323 3rd—Cub Scout Pack 488		Best Light Display: 1st—Dixie Crossroads 2nd—Mims House of Prayer 3rd—Mike Carpenter
Best Children's Display: 1st—Girl Scouts USA / Imperial Estates 2nd—Cub Scout Pack 712 / Holy Spirit Church 3rd—Coastal Community Church		Best Musical Display: 1st—North Brevard Bears Youth & Cheerleaders 2nd—Big Brothers & Sisters / Economy Storage 3rd—Gretta's Dance School

A call to the community

Project E.A.T. seeking volunteers for Christmas Day

From STAFF REPORTS

      As the season of giving is getting into full swing, a call is being made to the North Brevard community to give another gift this year—your time.

(l to r) Crystal Wheeler, Cheryl Lawson-Young of Prevent!, and Rachel Cunio greet guest James Coney at the Dec. 25, 2002, Project E.A.T. dinner.

      The North Brevard Coalition of Human Services Project E.A.T. (Eat All Together) free community-wide dinner is slated for Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a new location, the Annex at Country Acres, 1850 South DeLeon Ave. in Titusville, and volunteers are needed on this special day.
      Just as a housewife has her home sparkling for her holiday visitors, members of the Coalition and volunteers will prepare the dining area of the Brevard County Parental Home, known as Country Acres, for the Christmas Day dinner.
      Armed with cleaning supplies and strong backs, the crew will work from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to move furniture and prepare the room for their anticipated guests. Additional time is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19.
      Volunteers for the clean-up as well as servers and entertainers are needed.
      If you can entertain a crowd, the Coalition asks that you consider volunteering your talents on Christmas Day as diners enjoy the free, holiday meal. "Our first year, five years ago, we actually had a DJ who entertained our guests," stated Robynne Hester, Coalition Chair. "Since then, there have been carolers as well as guitar groups, and we would welcome similar individuals or even karaoke singers."
      An added attraction for this year's dinner will be free horse and buggy rides by Clairese and Ron Austin of HorseSisters.
      The North Brevard Coalition of Human Services was established in 1994 to coordinate the resources and efforts of the various human services in the North Brevard region. The Coalition has grown to include many countywide organizations. Together, the member organizations have found ways to assist many families and individuals who would otherwise go without the basic human needs, including food, clothing, and/or shelter. The Coalition believes together we can assure no human is neglected by our community.
      Concerning Project E.A.T., Hester said, "This event does not target poor or homeless individuals, but is rather an opportunity for the entire community to break bread together. Our volunteers enjoy eating and visiting with folks who may have no family to celebrate with at this time of year."
      If you are interested in giving some of your time as a gift to your community this holiday season, call Robynne Hester at 383-5609.
      Donations of funds are always appreciated. Make donations payable to: North Brevard Charities Sharing Center (earmark Project E.A.T.), and mail to: City of Titusville, Harry T. Moore Social Services Center, 725 DeLeon Ave., Titusville, FL 32780.

EDITORIAL

A Christmas guide for smart shopping

      This is the time of year when we resist the impulse to address any political matters, or any other negative commentaries regarding those who stand in the way of a better Titusville. Instead, its time to focus on the really important issues of the period.
      Like Christmas shopping.
      This year, there are several things to consider. An improving economy. A brighter outlook on the war in Iraq, particularly with the capture of Saddam. People will no doubt be spending more than they have the past couple of years. But major retailers are issuing a warning that shoppers should not wait until the 11th hour as they have done in the past.
      Why? Merchants are smarter this year.
      Retailers have developed a lean-and-mean Yuletide strategy and, if it works, shelves will be empty of desired merchandise much earlier. Like today, as you read this.
      After putting too much merchandise on the shelves in the past and being forced to discount heavily, purveyors of everything from women's leather coats to high-end TV's are being conservative this year. Many have cut inventories sharply, hoping to keep prices firm and profits decent. This could mean losing revenues when popular items sell out, but they would rather have that happen than get stuck with high inventories.
      Some are using door-buster deep discounts on a few popular items for just a few hours. The hope is that once inside, the store's shoppers will buy plenty of other stuff at full price. That strategy is working for big-box stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart.
      In past years shoppers waited until the last minute for items to go on sale; they became sharp at playing the waiting game. Not this year—especially with only about 7 days remaining.
      Our warning is: Wait—and you could be too late.
      This year consumers may see something they haven't in a long, long time: empty shelves.
      One more thing: When you're shopping, it's best not to think of the sales the stores will have after the holidays.
      They're may not be any this year.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Covering all bases this year to get to heaven

By FRED KRUPSKI

      As usual during this holiday season, the Krupski's home is replete with decorations of the season. But this year there is a small but significant addition to our display of religious icons. We're calling it our SANTAHANAKWANSDAY.
      Along with the traditional ornaments, tree, Christian religious figures and the fat man, we've added Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (see photo).
      I'm far from being politically correct—the opposite in fact, but there is no reason not to try to cover your butt with God. I have nothing to celebrate the Hindu's or others' religions, but it's really not their holiday, plus the fact that we've only just so much room in the house.
      And, once again, this 72-year old teenager has his choo-choo trains up and circling the base of the Christmas tree. I might have mentioned before that this set has a remote control and one of the buttons sets off this awful racket with horns blowing, sirens screaming, and a conductor screaming "ALL ABOARD!" at the top of his lungs.
      I love it. It drives my wife nuts.
      This is our first Christmas in the new house and, since we've downsized about 1,500 square feet, putting up outside decorations was a piece of cake. Instead of climbing up a ladder for three days stringing thousands of lights, I was able to finish the job in a couple of hours. To think of it, we have more lights on the tree this year then we do outside. And, lo and behold, every set I used from last year worked.
      Shopping is another story. Take my wife. Please. (Henny Youngman line.) What do you get someone who has everything? Me included.
      In the past when I was stuck for an idea, some kind of household appliance would suffice. Not this year. Remember, when we moved we gave away enough stuff to furnish another house. Sue has given me a couple of subtle clues, however. A couple of them were subtly written on poster board and attached with duct tape to the front of the bar. She knows I can't miss it since I spend almost as much time in our bar as I do the bathroom.
      But that's another story.
      Oh, hell. Why not?
      One of the side effects of that new medication I was taking ("was" is the key word here) was an experimental capsule called Thalomid, where I was in a clinical test, didn't cut it. After taking these things for about three weeks I was either in bed or the john. Although I got a lot of reading done on the throne, after being knocked out and almost comatose for 12 to 15 hours a day, I decided being a tester made me testy.
      Another problem while taking this drug was that when awake I was a zombie. I would jump on my EZ RYDER scooter and forget where I was going. That's dangerous. Speaking of scooters (see photo of the clubs exclusive parking spots), I've moved to a new location. I am now merged with B & R Electric Scooters & Lift Chairs at 2416 S. Washington Ave., just north of Miracle City Mall on U.S. 1. Randy is a great guy and, recognizing I had a medical problem that limited my involvement in EZ RYDER on S. Hopkins Ave., suggested we join forces at his store—five times the space and 20 times the inventory. After I recover from the side effects of the drug I no longer take, you will probably find me there a few days a week. I'll be glad to see you.
      Now for some bits and pieces and other observations...
      For many years, more than I care to try to remember, there has been this total emphasis on material goods during the Christmas season. Nothing really wrong with this except that some citizens are left behind the crowd and it is often sad. The incidents of suicide, irrational behavior and other acts of self-destruction often occur this time of year.
      For example, what do recently divorced people do? What about the truly homeless? One year, when I was working at another newspaper I received permission for a special assignment to write a feature story about people left out of the loop. It was thrown out for volunteers and I drew the short straw. So, on Christmas Day, I hit a couple of hotel lounges and bars (those that were open, of course) and talked to some of the patrons. It was then I learned that the expression "Crying in Your Beer" was born. Talk about being despondent and on the brink of doing a "Brody" off the Brooklyn Bridge, this job was a bummer. Not only did it louse up my own Christmas and those around me, it put me in a deep funk for days.
      After talking to a few bartenders, I learned that while some of the tales were fabricated, many others were the real McCoy. So much so that I was tempted to bring some of these people home with me for holiday cheer. Mentioning this to some of the purveyors of beverages with a punch, I was warned to be careful. One bartender told me that one of his regulars did, indeed, take home some guy and when he left he took everything of value but the manger under the tree.
      The reason many hang out like this is that either they have no family, or in some cases, no money. In those days, drug use was not as prevalent as it is today, so I assumed the problem was money or family. One middle-aged man was nursing a drink for over an hour when I talked to him. He said he was building his courage to go to his son and daughter's home for dinner, but was killing time until other relatives left because he had nothing of value to bring and was embarrassed. He had recently lost his job and was living off unemployment compensation. He had tears in his eyes, and it was apparent he really didn't want to confide this to a total stranger. But, being a reporter, I was persistent. He told me a great deal more about his life, but space limits me from writing about it in this column. It was heart-wrenching...
      The problem today is that one doesn't know truth from fiction when talking to someone who's holding down a bar stool. Not that we are any more cynical today, but certainly more skeptical because of widespread drug use—including alcohol—which may have caused or contributed to their situation in the first place.
      I remember one man I met who wasn't in the bar, but walked in while I was talking to a couple of elderly people who had only each other's friendship to share on this day of sharing. It was a dramatic turnaround, as I learned later.
      It was cold and snowing, with little traffic on the streets. He sized me up, walked over and, in an English accent, asked, "Sorry to bother you, but I have a bit of a problem. I just left my office to go to a children's home to celebrate and have dinner, but I left my billfold behind and I can't get back in the building. Could you loan me 20 dollars for cab fare? Give me your address, and I'll send you a check on Monday."
      I did.
      He didn't.
      Half an hour later I saw him pull the same routine at another bar...
      Now, that's what makes us cynical and why we tend to ignore the legitimate requests.
      It's gotten so bad lately that when I pick up the phone and a voice asks, "Do you support your local police (or firefighters), because if you do I want to ask you to send..."
      That's when I hang up.
      And that is what I'm about to do now, because I'm probably running out of space.
      But I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season, before I sign off. Especially those who may find solace in the reality of knowing that there are many others who can't wait for the holidays to be over. For them it's a time of year they would rather sleep through than to be uncomfortable in the company of others more fortunate.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

By BOB SOCKS

Titusville Business License Report — November 2003

      Total licenses issued: 29   Breakdown as follows:
Home-based business - 17 Manufacturing - 1 Mobile Vendor - 1 Telephone - 2 Mental Health - 1 Drug Store - 1 Fluid Power Dist. - 1 Used Car Dealer - 1 Laundromat - 1 Yacht Broker - 1 Retail - 1 Construction Management - 1

Port Canaveral is booming

Here are the facts:

• Second busiest cruise port in the world; Miami is first, but not for much longer
• 4.1 million cruise guests in 2003
• Home port for two mega-ships—The Carnival "Glory" and the Royal Caribbean International "Mariner of the Seas," each capable of carrying more than 3,600 passengers.
• Home port to a pair of the largest gaming ships in the world, Sterling Casino's "Ambassador II" and Sun Cruz's "Surfside Princess."
• Port of call for at least three cruise ships travelling from the northeastern United States to other destinations.
• Cargo totaled 5.1 million tons in 2002. Petroleum is the leading cargo, followed by cement and newsprint.

      Port Canaveral is now planning its fourth mega terminal. Its 95,000 square feet will handle ships up to 250,000 tons and 1,000 feet long. With a minimum of modifications, the new terminal designed to accommodate any new cruise ship that may be constructed during the next 30 years.

SPACE NEWS

      India said Friday that it has developed a rocket engine that uses super-cooled liquid fuel, a technology that would allow it to launch high-altitude satellites, send a man to the moon—or build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The engine proved its endurance by firing for nearly 17 minutes on the ground, the Indian Space Research Organization said in a statement. In a typical flight, the engine would need to burn for about 12 minutes.

TRAVEL

      With our publication date, Dec. 17th, being the 100th anniversary of flight, thanks to Wilbur and Orville Wright, I thought you might be interested in some flying facts:

• Annual number of paying passengers on U.S. airlines — 612 million
• Number of U.S. airports — 19,000 (14,000 are private)
• Passengers in 2002 at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the USA's busiest — 35 million
• Number of domestic and international departures for U.S. airlines in 2002 — 9 million
• Percentage of on-time departures from U.S. airports during the fourth quarter of 2002 — 86%
• Percentage of on-time arrivals from U.S. airports during the fourth quarter of 2002 — 83%
• Rank of New York-Ft. Lauderdale route among the busiest domestic air routes in 2002 — #1.

* * * * *

      The future of the workforce in America Over the next three decades, 76 million baby-boomers will be walking out the door, but only 46 million Gen-Xer's will be taking their place. The work force is changing and its going to happen quickly.
      By 2005, the size of the elderly population will swell by 80 percent, with a mere 15 percent increase in the number of working-age adults and children.
      In 2020, 1 in 6 Americans will be 65 or older, compared to today's profile of 1 in 8. By 2030, it will be 1 in 5.
      The Hispanic population will increase from 30 million today to 53 million in 2020. The median age of Hispanics will be less than 29, compared to almost 38 for the total population.
      Women will earn 54 percent of university degrees, compared to a 6 percent decline among men getting four-year degrees.
      These dry numbers are the ingredients of an enormous transformation of the work force, and our society. The key driver of change is boomers' impending retirement. They didn't have enough children to take their place—an average of 1.9 children compared to 3.1 children parented by the previous generation.
      Economists predict a shortage of 6 million individuals with four-year degrees within the next ten years.
      What needs to be done....
      Workers will need to retire later, or continue working part time during retirement.
      Get used to working with women in senior positions. They are becoming more educated than their male counterparts.
      Firms must start focusing on employee retention as a strategic imperative.
      Get used to a multilingual, multicultural work force.
      Firms must partner with local schools to support and lock in trained graduates.
      Its easy to get lulled into complacency when labor demand is soft, as it is now, but the demographic trends are pointing toward a precarious convergence—a flood of boomer retirements, few successors, and an influx of new immigrants. The expected result is a work force too small and ill-prepared to keep up with the demands of a knowledge-intense economy, or a bulging generation on social security and Medicare. It's time to prepare with forward strategies.

* * * * *

      I want to wish all my readers a very happy holiday season and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and rewarding New Year.
      As has been my trademark over the past few years that I have written "Business Briefs," I will now give my prophesies for 2004.

Stock Exchanges: End of 2004 — Dow Jones – 11,918; NASDAQ – 2,460
      *If you check the figures for the end of 2003, I wasn't far off.
      Titusville will be booming with construction as will all of North Brevard. Expect over 1,000 housing permits for 2004 in Titusville North Brevard.
      The Space Shuttle will not fly at all in 2004. First return to flight will be April 2005.
      Sean O'Keafe will be replaced as the head of NASA. He will become the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
      The population of Titusville at the end of 2004 will be 44,173 people.
      Searstown Mall will be 90% filled up due to the increase traffic caused by the Space Museum.
      Major changes will be done to the Miracle City Mall. Expect announcements in early spring.
      Several name restaurants will announce they will be building in Titusville. Locals will rejoice as they have been waiting for years to hear the good news.
      And congrats to the 4th Infantry for catching Saddam. Next on the list will be Osama Bin Laden.

By DIANNE SIMMONS

FROM THE GRAPEVINE By Dianne Simmons Still shopping? Take our special Antique & Gift Section with you when you go shopping for those last minute holidays gifts. There's lots of unique things to get all around town!
* * *
Growing Crazy, a gardener's nursery, has lots of beautiful poinsettias and other plants on sale for the holidays.
* * *
Stop in The Mail Center at 3206 S. Hopkins Ave. and welcome new owner, Roy Harrison, to the community. Be sure and take in his coupon to receive $1.00 off shipping or merchandise.
* * *
Nancy Pender is still next door at PRC Bulk Mail and can help you with all of your large quantity bulk mailing needs.
* * *
Looking for stocking stuffers? Stop in Clipeze, Inc., located at 2212 Garden St. (next to House of Care), to get pin employee ID badges for nurses, city or KSC employees, and many other badges for companies. They also carry nurse's shoes and bags.
* * *
Clay Locke's Coastal Window & Tint welcomes Donnie Hall to their company. He's offering headliner specials. Check out their ad for details.
* * *
Use Jeanette Adrian Salon & Spa's coupon to receive $5 off on facials, hair care or a massage. And purchase a gift certificate for one of their services and pamper your special someone for Christmas!
* * *
Look for Curves' ad and "give the gift to amaze," to a special family member or friend.
* * *
A-1 of a Kind Shoppe is offering 20% off everything in their shops.
* * *
If you're looking for barber Sharon Martin (formerly from "A Man's Salon"), she's now at Central Barber Shop. Go in and see her for a haircut.
* * *
Garden Street Depot at the railroad tracks is having a closing sale and is offering 20% off all merchandise. They have antiques, collectibles, trains and misc. train items.
* * *
For the holidays, JayBee Jewelers is offering 10-25% off all jewelry in stock and 25% off certain watches. See their ad for details.
* * *
There's newly purchased estate items from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s at Pleasures from the Past Antiques & Garden Shop.
* * *
Is there a paintball fan in your family? Check out Ace Hardware's ad for big savings.
* * *
Townsend's Gifts and Collectibles, located at 3535 South St. (SR 405, across from the Eagles), has lots of unique gifts and home accessories. See their ad for details.
* * *
Receive $2 off any DVD movie purchase at Spaceport Video Center. They can also help you find that special movie you're looking for.
* * *
Realtor Silvia Roth wants the public to know she has moved to ERA The Property Place at 416 Cheney Hwy. If you're planning to buy or sell, look for her ad and let her help with all of your real estate needs.
* * *
Are you a Nascar collector or know someone who is? Racin' Fans is having a storewide sale on cars, shirts, hats and more.
* * *
Janice Wagoner is the owner of Me & Mexico located at 115 Broad St. in the Baldwin Shopping Center. She has been an artist for 30 years and specializes in photography, sculptures, paintings, and portraits. She can do portraits in clay, pastel watercolors, oil and photography.
* * *
Call Easy Waves Styling Salon for a $45 perm special which includes a haircut, style, and conditioning.
* * *
Eggnog is Bagel World's flavor of the month! They will be closed Christmas Day, so get your bagels Christmas Eve.
* * *
Studio Plus now has over 8,000 sq. feet of gifts, art and home decor. Use their coupons from their ad and save.
* * *
Draft beer is coming soon to Wings & Dogs. In the meantime, they have specials for regular hot dogs, chili dogs, and free ice cream! See their ad in the Dining & Entertainment Guide for more info.
* * *
Kaisu at Krista James Salon is a skin care specialist. She has gift certificates for skin care and air brush tanning.
* * *
Titusville Elks Lodge #2113 is open to the public on Sunday mornings for a breakfast buffet. Cost is $4.50 and includes coffee and juice.
* * *
Cindy's Hallmark in Miracle City Mall wants you to know that Cindy's Christmas Shop is open (across from the center stage) and is offering 25% off your purchase.
* * *
Need to get your woman something for Christmas, but don't know what to get her? Stop by Aliff Hair Design & Spa for a gift certificate.
* * *
Seasons In The Sun RV Resort on Hwy. 46 in Mims is having a Christmas Dance on December 23rd. See their ad for more details...
* * *
Westside Baptist Church invites you to come to their Christmas Eve Candlelight Services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
* * *
No time to cook? Be sure to check out our Dining Out & Entertainment Guide for great dining ideas, as well as their holiday schedules.
* * *
We at the North Brevard Beacon invite you to visit our smoke-free office to place a classified or display ad, get a subscription for our newspaper or just visit us & see what we're all about. If you have any ideas for our newspaper, give us a call! We want everyone in the community to be involved. After all, we are your community paper!
* * *
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope you have a safe holiday season.

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