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Plaque pillaged | 2nd Quarter Building Report
Kaleidoscope | My Turn | Grapevine
Vol. 1, No. 13 — April 28, 2004           Archives | Obituaries | Subscription | Current issue | | Contacts

Festival was fabulous for funlovers!

From Staff Reports
2004 - Indian River Festival
Aerial view of Indian River Festival taken from one of this year's attractions—helicopter ride by Vista Grand Helicopters.
      The Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce's prayers were answered as picture perfect weather blessed the 29th Annual Indian River Festival, held April 22 through 25 at Sand Point Park, along the banks of the Indian River Lagoon.
      In addition to the great food, entertainment, carnival rides and midway, festival-goers enjoyed events such as the craft and car shows, children's "Sweet Pea" pageant, "King of the Beach" contest, and bikini contest. Visitors were also able to learn about different businesses and organizations—as well as a few 2004 political candidates—at their informational booths.
      A highlight of the Indian River Festival, the 6th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race, which took place Sunday, featured over 15,000 rubber ducks competing in a "race" to the finish line. At $5 per duck, proceeds went to Crosswinds Youth Services, an organization designed to strengthen families and offer young people the skills, support and opportunities needed to become successful.
      As tradition has it, the Indian River Festival wouldn't be complete without the Great Indian River Raft Race, which took place at noon on Saturday. Winners were:

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Veterans Memorial Pier plaque pillaged

From STAFF REPORTS
Molly Farace
Molly Farace ties remembrance poppies on concrete base where missing memorial plaque was at Veterans Memorial Pier in Titusville
      In honor and respect to veterans, American Legionnaire Molly Farace makes it a point to visit all of the war memorials in Titusville every couple of weeks to make sure they are all being well maintained. But, on one of her most recent checkups, to her surprise and dismay, there was nothing for her to inspect at the Veterans Memorial Fishing Pier in Titusville.
      Ever since the Veterans Memorial Pier was opened and dedicated in 1977, there's been a bronze memorial plaque honoring all U.S. veterans, standing at the entrance to the Pier. Now, only the concrete base where the plaque once resided is there, with only some glue residue left on it.
      "I can't believe the plaque is gone," Farace said. "I knew it was loose, but it was not about to fall off."
      The fact the plaque disappeared in a time in which both the Max Brewer Bridge and the Veterans Memorial Pier are scheduled for repairs and reconstruction increases the odds it will be found.
      "I have no idea what happened to the plaque," said Jim Herron, City of Titusville Public Works Director, "but with all the work taking place down there, it could have been taken off for safe keeping, unbeknownst to us (City)."
      Other people believe the brass plaques are attractive to thieves and the memorial may now be sitting in someone's living room.
      In any instance, Herron has filed a police report with the Titusville Police Department, and has informed the County, which is overseeing bridge repairs, as well as the builders who are scheduled to start construction of the new pier.
Vetrerans Memorial Plaque at pier missing
      If the plaque was stolen, it would be at least the second incident of vandalism to the monument. In 1978, only one year after its dedication, five service medallions representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, were stolen—and never recovered.
      When asked if she thought it could be vandals, Farace responded by saying, "Why? When this memorial was put together for our soldiers, it was not only to honor them, but it was for all of us to remember them. Why steal it? It already belongs to all of us."
      The Pentagon has already stated that it will replace the medallions stolen in 1978. It is not known, at this point, where funds will come from to replace the plaque if the original one is not recovered. On February 27, 1977 the Gold Star Mothers, an organization of mothers whose sons or daughters served—and died—that our country might be a better place in which to live, unveiled and dedicated the memorial plaque in honor to all the American Veterans who served our country. The bronze memorial plaque had the following inscription:
In Honor of Those Who Served
Their Country In The Armed Forces
of the United States of America

      And, in honor of our veterans, we need to put the memorial plaque back where it belongs. Information on the whereabouts of this plaque should be directed to the Veterans Memorial Preservation Society, 264-0700, or the Titusville Police Department, 264-7800.

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City of Titusville 2nd Quarter Building Report

Compiled in March 2004 by Titusville's Building Department)
      Many of these projects are well underway, if not completed. For up-to-date revisions/additions, contact the Building Dept.

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KALEIDOSCOPE

As one ages, contemplation of early choices just muddies life's waters

Fred Krupski
By FRED KRUPSKI
      I suppose that I should have known better than to write about a subject that makes some people think. I'm rerferring, of course, to any subjects involving religion, politics (if I oppose the extreme right wing nutball faction), or any topic that condemns biting off snakes heads to prove one's dedication to a particular religion.
      And since this newspaper received a spate of letters responding to my column about the "Passion" movie from the usual suspects who hadn't a clue—or had a dim view about what my point was, I've decided to abide by the old and wise maxim not to discuss these prohibitive matters in bars, or columns. But at least in bars the matter is usually forgotten when the other side sobers up. However, for my swan song, I did receive a brief missive from Jim Harnish who wrote: "Absolutely great article on 'The Passion.' I feel it should be picked up by The New York Times. "I, too, was brought up in a homogeneous area and didn't understand prejudice until I entered life on my own."
      Thank you, Jim. You evidently got it. To the others who didn't, I must confess that I'm a passionate reader who has always been intoxicated with the communication of intelligent discourse and respect of all differences of opinion—except intolerance.
      But getting back to the headline I wrote for this column, which you will find is related to the above because it is about life choices we make and why I became a journalist instead of a butcher or baker. Or, actually, a career executive with either the Disney or Belk-Lindsey organizations. Both offered, but rejected by me in favor of my current pursuit.
      Recently I read somewhere (not in any local media) that the founder of Mrs. Paul's died. Homemakers will know the name because it was one of the first fast foods. Catholics will surely remember because the fish sticks made food preperation quick and simple on meatless Fridays.
      The founder of the company was Mr. Edward Piescheck, or "Eddie," as everyone in our neighborhod called him. A first generation American of Eastern European descent, my grandmother and Eddie's mother were what was then called "old country relatives." They shared the common values bonded by their cultural heritage. The men brought to this country the trades they knew, but many of their offspring, given the education denied their parents, became entrepreneurs—a drive and talent not limited to Yankee ingenuity, and only restricted by their own lack of self esteem.
      Eddie was one of those, and in a time when political correctness was not in our lexicon. He either shrugged off the Polock jokes told by friends with good humor, or, if said with intent to villify, he was big enough, and strong enough to make the person telliing the offending remark regret it. Just in passing, I notice that one seldom hears these jokes anymore, perhaps having something to do with the fact that while several of our partners in the Iraq war have hauled butt, the Poles are hanging tough.
      Meeting Eddie again after my discharge from the Army, I was considering my career choices when he offered me a job with his company. He thought I would make a good saleman in his fledging frozen seafood company, and made me an offer I should not have refused; but did, instead taking an entry level job with a newspaper. Now, as I look back, I wonder where my life would have gone being the third member of Mrs. Paul's, heading up the planned sales and marketing. The second was his partner Paul. Both died multi-millionaires.
      Basically, I remained in the publishing business, only contemplating a change in 1970 when I prepared to move to Forida. Two offers came from the Disney people to head up their Lake Buena Vista project, and the other to manage the men's buying division at Belks. Both would have entailed locating in either Orlando or Bradenton. I had already decided I liked the east coast of Central Florida for some reason, and decided to stick with the knitting and accepted a job at the Orlando Sentinel.
      Looking back, I must have made the right choice, even though the monetary rewards would have been greater had I followed the more circuitous routes.
      One is going to die anyway no matter what one's profession, so why not kick the bucket doing something you enjoy, I rationalized.

Holiday's U.S. origins may surprise you

      On Mother's Day, it's customary to shower moms with gifts, flowers and candy. But have you ever stopped to think about the holiday's origins?
      In the early 1850s, Anna Reese Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker who never married, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community. She believed this cause would be best advocated by mothers and called the event "Mothers' Work Day."
      In 1905, after Jarvis' death, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the work of her mother. She began to lobby prominent businessmen and politicians, including Presidents William Taft and Theodore Roosevelt, to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. She hoped Mother's Day would increase respect for parents and strengthen family bonds.
      The first Mother's Day observances were in church services honoring the elder Jarvis held in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. By 1911, every state held its own Mother's Day observance.
      On May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as an official national holiday.
      As Mother's Day became more commercialized, however, Jarvis became upset, and even was arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mother's group. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the Mother's Day tradition.
      However, many florists, card makers and candy companies disagree.
      Whitman's Chocolates, founded in Philadelphia in 1842, became one of the first confectioners to provide Mother's Day assortments, including its famous Whitman's Sampler, to consumers looking to thank their mothers with a gift of fine chocolates. Whitman's stores were crowded annually with people looking for just the right Mother's Day assortment.
      Today, the Whitman's Sampler remains one of the most popular gifts given on Mother's Day, with one sold every 1.5 seconds in the United States.

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IT'S MY TURN

By BOB SOCKS
      My vocation allows me to drive around Titusville almost every day, and I have noticed a very disturbing trend that has existed for many years, but abruptly forced me to think about the many large commercial buildings that are vacant and for sale in Titusville.
      I will briefly describe each and guess at the square footage to bring you up to speed, starting in the south.       There are also a number of smaller empty buildings that are too numerous to mention.
      What disturbs me is that the large empty buildings are spreading like a virus. The OfficeMAX building and the old Goodings building being empty really upsets me. For who is going to buy or lease these buildings? Probably nobody.
      The City Council needs to take a hard look at this deteriorating situation and make some changes—quickly. These empty buildings are a negative on the community. Maybe give the owners of the building a tax incentive to allow the buildings to be sold for less, business incentives to allow new start-ups to open in empty buildings, talk to the school board about using several of the buildings for schools. With all this growth coming, there are certaintly going to be lots of kids. Possibly the Eckler Building would be perfect for all the growth coming to South Titusville.
      If you have any ideas on what to do, or even a comment, please write, FAX, or e-mail me.
      These empty buildings are not going to go away. There must be a solution to this problem.
* * * * * *

      Be sure to view the City of Titusville's 2nd Quarter Building Report we have printed in The Beacon. Thanks to Titusville's Building Department for the information for all of North Brevard to study.
      For those of us who have lived in Titusville for a number of years, the growth to come in North Brevard is incredible. But no road will be impacted more over the next five years than Sisson Road. As you review the report, pay attention to how many projects are slated to be constructed on Sisson.

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From The Grapevine
By DIANNE SIMMONS
Vessels in Stoneware at Baldwin Shopping Center in downtown Titusville, has handmade pottery, pictures, gourds, jewelry, candles and more.
* * *
Next door to Vessels is Me & Mexico Art Gallery, featuring paintings, sculptures, and photography. They also do professional commissioned portraits.
* * *
Just Bag It in Searstown Mall says to bring in their ad to receive a 10% discount. They have unusual gifts for every occasion, plus red hat sleep shirts, red hat Capri sets and other red hat items.
* * *
At Bagel World, you can get sandwiches and subs made with Boar's Head meat and cheese, or you can buy it by the pound. They also have great tuna sandwiches and tuna salads. Stop in on Mother's Day from 6 to 11 am. to get your bagels and Krispy Kreme donuts.
* * *
Are you looking for gymnastics, dance, cheer or workout uniforms? Check out the new Angeleigh's ad which features their four-day clearance sale—10 to 50% off everything!
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Diversified Computers Sales and Service builds and repairs computer systems. Also, see their ad for details on 2004 Nascar Nextel "Cup Series" cell phones and more.
* * *
Take Mom out to Singleton Golf Center on Mother's Day! When you buy her a bucket of balls, she can get the same size bucket of balls free.
* * *
It's almost summer time!! Call Brevard Aluminum Construction Co. to have a nice screen room added to your home, or let them enclose your screened porch into a Florida room.
* * *
Seasons in the Sun RV Resort on Hwy. 46, west of Mims & I-95, is offering discount rates. If you're having a party, you can rent their huge clubhouse. See the ad for all amenities in this edition.
* * *
Don't hesitate to call ERA The Property Place at 269-2223, or stop by their office at 416 Cheney Hwy., Titusville, for advice or information from your local real estate experts: Edward Arbogast, Kara K. Baker, Douglas Bartolett, Mary H. Bashlor, Ted Beck, Jamia Q. Brogan, Lorraine Conley, Alice Galligan, Audrey Harness, Gail E. Hickman, Pamela J. Holloway, Andrea Kohon, Gloria B. MacLean, Tracy L. Mascellino, Juanita Pennington, Sandra S. Petty, Anna L. Poteet, Silvia M. Roth, Julie Taylor, Helen I. Thomas, Barbara L. Triandafils, Linda A. VanGinderachter, Walda Whitely, and Mary B. Whitlock.
* * *
Hey, Bikers!! Plan to sign up on May 22 at 9:30 am. to ride in the "Save Our River Front" poker run benefit starting from Fuzzy's Tavern. The benefit starts at 3 p.m. with 50/50, raffles, auction, food and fun.
* * *
Look for the new Kelley's Cuts and Styles ad for specials on perms, relaxers, and haircuts. Call for an appointment today!
* * *
Storehouse Value Center, formally Sand Point Thrift Store, has moved to 3312 S. Hopkins Ave., across from A-1 of A Kind Shoppe. They have new and used furniture, appliances, clothing, and household items.
* * *
Hair Image Family Hair Salon offers 10% off any hair service during the month of May. See their ad for details...
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Looking for a special gift for Mom? Stephen's Jewelers is offering Mother's Day specials from 10-30% off rings, pendants, and pins.
* * *
Do you need to get a wedding gift? Award Trophy Co. offers glass engraving, invitations engraved on plaques, photo and clock combinations and more.
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Write a letter to Antona's Hair Salon and Spa of 100 words or less telling them why your Mom deserves a "Deluxe Beauty Makover (over a $300 value). The deadline is May 3. Call 383-7333 for more details.
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Check out the ad for Altman's Air Conditioning and Heating and receive $10 off preventative maintenance check-up on you're A/C-Heat unit.
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Shop at Townsend's Gifts and Collectibles for Mother's Day gifts. You can now "Commemorate on China" baby footprints, birthdays and more.
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Call Coastal Window and Tint and ask Donnie about their headliner and door motor specials.
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Patricia's Studio is offering decorative painting classes. Check out their ad to sign up.
* * *
Indian River City United Methodist Church Mission Team will be having a yard sale on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Taylor Real Estate office, 3333 S. Hopkins Ave. The funds from the sale will be supporting an Indian River City United Methodist Church mission.
* * *
Get one haircut at Kolors Salon for the regular price and get second person's haircut at half price. Call for an appointment today.
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The Downtown Gallery is having a Mother's Day Sale, offering 10% off custom framing.
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Check out our "Dining Out and Entertainment" Guide for Mother's Day breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Also, look throughout this issue for Mother's Day gifts and other specials.
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Congratulations to Geo Systems, Inc. located at 210 S. Washington Ave. in Historic Downtown Titusville, for receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the North Brevard Beautification Commission during a luncheon at Paul's Smokehouse. The award was presented by Jacklyn Gregory, Chairman, on April 8. This award was given for outstanding and continued maintenance in landscaping and site improvement of a property within the North Brevard Area. Special recognition is given to Titusville's Growing Crazy for their creativity and hard work.

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