MIKKI KRAGELUND 

This January 12, beachside resident Mikki Kragelund and friend Nina Oosterveer — the “Sunny Cyclers” — will be biking the length of New Zealand to raise $5000 for the World Skin Cancer Foundation.

Mikki, whom many here know as “Michelle,” was diagnosed with stage-three melanoma nearly two years ago, but is currently cancer-free, thanks to early detection and treatment. Now living in New Zealand, Mikki came up with the idea for this ride as a way to raise awareness for one of the most deadly — and preventable — types of cancer out there.

Shortly after her birth in Denmark, she and her family moved to Cocoa Beach, where she spent most of her ”fun in the sun” childhood. “From a very early age I remember my parents emphasizing the importance of travel, staying active, and appreciating the outdoors,” she says. “Growing up in Florida was an ‘endless summer’ of year-round boating, camping, surfing and diving excursions — sometimes with sunscreen, sometimes without. It was an afterthought and a challenge to wear consistently when you are so active.”

At 24 and with less than a semester of college to go, a dermatologist appointment wasn’t at the top of her to-do list. But Mikki’s uncle and Southern California dermatologist, Dr. Bill Heimer, had a different idea. ”He makes regular visits to Florida and graciously provides family ‘derm’ checks while he is here,” Mikki says. “On this particular occasion, he was in between visits. He’d recently treated two patients the same age as me (and with a similar history as mine) that prompted him to think about me.”

It would be a few more months before her uncle would make another Florida visit. It was unusual, but for his peace of mind, he called to urge Mikki to go in for a skin check on her own. ”I was very touched by his concern and actually intended to follow through, but I didn’t. I was busy,” she recalls. “I had no symptoms and no real concern. He called again in two weeks to follow up then took it upon himself to schedule an appointment on my behalf. Three days later, I was handed a pathology report that revealed a stage-three melanoma.”

“The next month of my life was a blur of mixed emotions. Did I feel sorry for myself? Did I want pity from people? Did I even want people to know? Should I deny it? Ignore it? I felt ignorant and embarrassed because my Uncle had been begging me for years to be more careful in the sun and to have regular skin checks. Why hadn’t I listened?”

After numerous doctor’s appointments, 14 different biopsies, and one major surgery, Mikki was told that if she’d waited just four more months longer to get a skin check, her chances of survival — even with chemotherapy — could have been less than ten percent.

“It is a complete mystery as to why things work out the way they do in the world, but all I know is that my Uncle, and hero, caught it in time and was able to remove all the cancerous cells.”

Armed with the strong sense of optimism she cultivated while working for the Life Is Good Company, Mikki will join Nina on a 2,400-km bicycle journey to raise awareness for the importance of wearing sunscreen. She also hopes to show people that they don’t have to give up a life outside to avoid skin damage.

We spoke to her about the ride and the people who inspired her to give back.

You’re in Queenstown, New Zealand now. What do you miss most about Cocoa Beach?

I miss Cocoa Beach all of the time and I feel really fortunate to have it as my home base. The people and lifestyle in our little town is something I don’t think you can find anywhere else. At least I haven’t found it yet. I miss paddleboarding through the canals, camping out in the 1000 Islands, boating, playing bocce on the beach, surfing, stopping into the North End for a pint with Tom, or visiting Lolo at the Green Room… The list is endless! One of my favorite quotes is, “Man travels in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” I’m enjoying every moment I get to see somewhere new in the world, but I love that Cocoa Beach is the place I get to return home to.

What kind of training are you doing for your ride?

All kinds! Queenstown Gym has given Nina and I a free membership so we’re able to train during the work week. We are doing yoga, spin classes, weights, and circuit training. On top of that, we’re cycling and doing a ton of hikes. We’re really fortunate to be in a part of the world that offers so much outdoor opportunity to train.

Where does the route take you? What do you reckon will be the most difficult leg?

The route takes from Cape Reinga, located at the tip of the North Island, all the way to Bluff, the southernmost point of the South Island. It is about 1500 miles in total. We would be lying if we said we weren’t already looking forward to the ferry ride in the middle! The most difficult leg is going to be the west coast of the South Island from Greymouth to Wanaka. There’ll be lots of mountains and steep climbing there. I’m sure we’ll be hugging the pavement at some points and cursing the whole idea at others, but we’ll make it.

What kinds of bikes will you be riding?

Nina and I will both be riding a Specialized Sirrus Touring bike. Do I sound bike savvy? I’m not. It’s a bike designed for less-experienced cyclers who have trouble making it up big hills.

How did Nina get involved?

Nina and I arrived in Queenstown around the same time and found ourselves in the same circle quite often. Since Queenstown is as known for its partying as it is for its outdoor adventures, initially it was hard to meet people who wanted to be up early for a hike or rock climbing. Nina was and still is my “go to”! She’s always my first phone call because she’s always up for anything! The whole idea for Sunny Cyclers came about when we were hiking one morning. I was sharing my story with her and realized it had been one year since that melanoma diagnosis. I felt like doing something to celebrate and she just said, “Okay, let’s do it!” We laugh about it now, because she was thinking more along the lines of celebrating over a pint. She didn’t know what she was getting herself into.

Tell us about your diagnosis. Where was the spot found? Did nothing look suspect to you?

The spot was right on my chest. I had no symptoms and no real concern. I was one month from graduation, so in all honesty, a dermatologist appointment was the last thing on my mind! I was more concerned with “laying out” so I could have a nice base color for the ceremony.

What was your reaction?

I was bartending at Slow & Low when I got the call. I don’t fully remember my reaction, but I remember I had a plate of ribs in my hand and I was just staring at them.

What were your outdoor habits prior to being diagnosed?

Year-round boating, camping, surfing and diving excursions… sometimes with sunscreen, sometimes without. I was probably more inclined to reach for the ordinary “hat and shades” than sunscreen. I’ve been known to use tanning lotion and even spent the occasional 15 minutes in a tanning bed. In summary: My sun protection habits were terrible… Non-existent, even.

What do you do now when you’re outdoors?

A thick layer of sunscreen, a pair of hiking boots (with a high chance of mismatched socks), and some tacky ensemble of sun proof gear. And believe it or not, I’m single! We all love being out in the sun, and it’s hard to avoid, especially in Florida. The World Skin Cancer Foundation says it best: “Screen. Shirt. Shade!”

Above all, what have you learned from this experience?

I’ve learned that I’m not invincible and that a good tan isn’t nearly as important as my own health. I love to be outside. It definitely takes more effort to be safe in the sun, but it’s not impossible. I’ve also learned that I love to cycle!

You friend Barry offered you a lot of support after your diagnosis. How long have you known him?

I have only known Barry about three or four years now. I met him up in Boston while I was working for the Life is Good Company. He was diagnosed with cancer just before I was, however, his prognosis was much worse than mine. I remember him calling me right after I had just finished some diagnostic tests. I was in the stages of my diagnosis where I didn’t know if the melanoma had reached my lymph nodes yet, and admittedly, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. I answered the phone and the first thing out of his mouth was, “What can I have of yours if you go first?” I just doubled over and let the laughter pour out of me. His comment was so unnerving, yet it had exactly the light-heartedness I needed. He was a huge inspiration to me through the whole process. He has also fully recovered now and still causing trouble up in Bean Town.

You family has offered a lot of support too, of course. Tell us about them.

Mom’s hysterical. The older I get, the more I appreciate her wit and sense of humour. She is a beautifully free-spirited intellect who always encouraged commitment and urged me to create my own path, and she has, dare I say, a stronger sense of adventure than I do. Dad is a breed all his own. If any of you in town know Lars, I’m sure that’s enough said. He is a true sailor and waterman who found entertainment in strapping waterskis to my feet before I could walk and had a scuba tank on my back by the time I was 12. I hold him fully responsible for my complete love of the outdoors. And my Uncle Bill is my hero. What else can I say? At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. Between the three of them — and also my grandmothers, Gam and Boss, and my Uncle Donny — I had a pretty good support system.

And you’ve dedicated this ride, among other things and people, to your brother, Christian.

Christian is my best friend and my inspiration. If I could choose anyone in the world to travel, hike, surf, sail, bike, climb, camp, or explore with, it would be him. Every time.

How much money have you raised for the ride thus far?

So far we’ve raised over $3000 dollars. Our goal is $5,000, but we feel pretty confident that we’ll be able to surpass that. We have had unbelievable support here in New Zealand as well as back home. Absolutely Natural is a Melbourne, FL-based sun care line that retails all natural, chemical-free sun care products. Sunny Cyclers has partnered with Absolutely Natural and they will be the title sponsor for the ride. They’ve generously donated $1500 to our cause, 100% of which will go directly to the World Skin Cancer Foundation. They are going above and beyond to help us in our mission to raise further funds and awarenes. Nina and I both feel very fortunate to have them on our team.

What else are you in need of? Are you all kitted out for equipment?

We are ready to go! We have been fortunate enough to have organizations interested in sponsorships, so we have received our sun protection products from Absolutely Natural, bikes from Brazz, and panniers from Natural High. Outside Sports has supplied us with bike shorts and jerseys, and WSCF has even shipped over a tent for us to sleep in for the next two months! Thanks, guys!

How can people follow you or donate?

We will start our trip January 12, 2012. You can donate, follow our progress, and keep up with all of the adventures on our website www.sunnycyclers.com. All donations go directly to the World Skin Cancer Foundation — www.worldskincancerfoundation.com 

Ted Taylor of Ted Taylor’s Fitness
• Tobin Bennison 

Ever since he moved here from Baltimore, Maryland in 1995, personal trainer Ted Taylor has been a well-respected and very visible member of the Cocoa Beach community.

You’ll often see the incredibly fit 70-year-old walking on the beach with his wife, Susan, or stepping out of his downtown gym to Juice N’ Java next door for a smoothie.

Though he cuts an imposing figure, Ted is a soft-spoken man, the kind who downplays the many interesting events that have helped shape his life. He was a bail bondsman and bounty hunter for 30 years and has won 11 major bodybuilding titles — including Mr. America, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe — and countless other fitness awards. He has hung out with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late, great Jack LaLanne, and has probably been told that he should write a book more times than he cares to remember. Fortunately for us, he has.

Part memoir, part fitness manual, “Stay Fit for Life: How to Make Healthy Living Easy for the Rest of Your Life” is full of fascinating anecdotes and outlines Ted’s own 90-day body transformation program. The book also explains his simple “50/50″ eating plan, in which eating whatever you want on alternating days helps turn your body into a more efficient fat-burning machine.

Above all, “Stay Fit for Life” encapsulates a philosophy that has improved Ted’s own life and the lives of many others who’ve come to him for guidance. “What I offer through my book and at my gym is the whole package,” he says. “This is a fat, out-of-shape country. I have some film clips of people walking around in the 1960s and compare them to what I see now on a regular basis. I look around me now and I think, ‘Who are these aliens?’ Right now, 80% of Americans are overweight and 40% of them are obese. We indulge ourselves way too much in this country.”

With the holiday season right around the corner, it seemed like a perfect time to get some of Ted’s insight and advice.

You’re originally from Baltimore. What brought you to Cocoa Beach?

The weather. (Laughs.) I did a lot of business down here. I was a bail bondsman and bounty hunter and a lot of the people from up north would come down here to jump bail. I came down so much that I got an office. I started noticing that prices were cheap on real estate and there were some good investments around, so I bought a hotel — the Beach Place — and retired here in about 1995. I kept that until 2001. I had a gym in the hotel, and when I sold it I moved the gym here. I’ve been here in this location for about 11 years.

But you got your first taste for bodybuilding back in Maryland. What got you interested in fitness?

When I was 14 years old, I had some… Well, I wouldn’t call myself a juvenile delinquent, but I had some problems. My father wanted to punish me for the summer — you know, just keep me inside. So I said, “What if you let me join the YMCA? When you go to the office you can drop me off and pick me up on your way home.” I just wanted to get out of the house. I went downstairs — they called it the boiler room — and they had a weight room there. I was so impressed by the people there and that’s why I started. That was in 1955. I stuck with it and entered my first competition in 1959 and won Mr. Teenage Maryland. I was about 18 years old at that time.

What did your father think of that? He must have been very proud.

He looked at it positively because he was grooming me to be a bail bondsman and bounty hunter like himself. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps and take over the family business. He understood firsthand that you didn’t have to use a weapon if you had a strong physical presence.

And you did follow in his footsteps eventually.

Yes. He was my idol. But even then, you had to go a long way to get a compliment from him. I saw that his psychology was that you shouldn’t praise people too much. We had 99.5% apprehension rate working together. If I missed one person I never heard the end of it. Success was expected of me and he was tough as nails. Nowadays, everyone gets a trophy. Have you noticed this? They’ll say: “My daughter came in 9th place!” Now I believe in praising your children, but not to the extent we are today. But raising children is the hardest thing in the world.

You have children of your own. Does your passion for fitness run in the family?

I have two daughters, Lauren and Michelle. Lauren lives in Baltimore, Michelle in Atlanta. They’re both in great shape. I never pushed them hard, but I started a plan with Lauren when she was 14 and her body started to change. My wife Susan, who is 63, is in excellent shape. We’ve been married 24 years and she’s the love of my life. I have a sister who is 81 and in perfect health. My brother just passed away at 75. He was world-class artist who studied under Norman Rockwell, but he was also a gymnast and was the guy I looked up to. My father died at 95 — and he smoked 18 cigars a day and drank whiskey. But growing up, I started the interest in fitness, actually. After I started, many of my family members got involved. My niece is a world champion and my nephews all admired me growing up. They were always pretty proud of “Uncle Ted.”

You must have been a formidable bounty hunter.

I did it for 30 years and did quite well. Like I said, we had a 99.5% apprehension rate. That’s better than Dog the Bounty Hunter. In the ’60s, this was place was like the Wild West. I had more authority than an FBI agent and I had the full authority to go into any dwelling under any suspicion. If I suspected someone behind that door, I could bust it down. I could pull you over and take your car to chase someone else. But when I was younger I was a little arrogant. I think I took it further than I had to sometimes. As I grew older, the pressure started taking its toll. That kind of work takes its toll on your sleep schedule and your eating habits. The element of surprise is your greatest advantage, but I got into plenty of scrapes. I’ve been shot, stabbed, hit by a car, thrown out of a window… I still have trouble sleeping sometimes.

What are your thoughts on steroid use?

You know, it’s like anything out there — like smoking pot and graduating to heroin. If you do it in moderation and just be reasonable, it’s good for getting a jump start. But it’s also a falsehood, because when you stop taking them, you lose what you gain. Some guys start doing them and can’t work out unless they’re doing them because they’re dissatisfied with the results. I think that the best way to go about it is the natural way. If I had to impress two words upon people they would be moderation and consistency in training.

Over the years, fitness trends have come and gone, but yours seems more rooted in tradition. You don’t seem like the kind of trainer who screams and berates his clients.

You’ve seen trainers do that, hmm? Young guys, right? (Laughs.) I don’t do that. I still have a passion for this and I’ve got over 55 years of knowledge working with me. But with these trends you’re talking about, they have to sell magazines, right? They have to keep coming up with something different to sell you. That’s the American way. I saw one recently with this guy pulling these heavy chains. Have you seen this? Good god. But at least it’s getting people to the gym. But there are a lot of bogus things out there. I believe in the basics and the way it started. When I started, it was Steve Reeves. Remember him, the first Hercules? I just try to get people back to basics, starting with nutrition. I’ve never counted a calorie and have never been on a diet. I eat what I want to eat. This is part of my 50/50 plan. You can eat what you want to eat every other day — you just can’t pig out two days in a row. Every time you run into a problem is on the weekend. Pig out on Friday or Saturday, but not both. If you do it every other day, you’re body knows what’s happening. It takes two days for the fat to get stored. I don’t believe in diets. They don’t work. I’m sure you’ve seen people go on crash diets and lose 50 pounds and then gain it back. What I do is monitor and critique people’s eating habits and oversee a half-hour workout three days a week. It takes very little of your time to do this and you get guaranteed results.

And things must get particularly difficult during the holidays.

It’s the danger time. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the average American gains 7 lbs. and loses four of it. So in 20 years, they gain 60 pounds they never get rid of. Every day, everywhere you go during this season, there are temptations to overeat or graze. Cookies, fruitcakes, sweets, alcohol — you really start eating and drinking out of boredom or to relax from all the stress. It’s a miserable time of year. I hate it. For me, the holidays were always a moneymaking time when I was a bounty hunter because that’s when criminals came home. My wife hates when Christmas comes around because I get so grumpy. She calls me “The Grinch.” But this is also a really strategic time for me and my clients. I’m with them every other day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve to give them some encouragement. It’s all about moderation. And remember that the short time you derive pleasure from junk food will stay with you much longer through your life.

What’s your own regimen like?

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I get up at 4:30 a.m. and I’m here by 5:30. I stay all day long with a one-hour break. But I work out five days a week for several hours. I like to be regimented. I think it’s something I picked up in the military. If I have a break in my schedule or something doesn’t go as planned, I don’t like it. I also bike, swim, and landscape. This place is very conducive to body building and exercising.

You work with a surprising number of senior citizens here as well.

Yes, both men and women. It’s quite satisfying to see an 80-year-old bench press 200 lbs. He has no confidence when he comes here and he’s bowling over with enthusiasm by the time he leaves. In three months, I can get an 80-year-old to double his strength. I’ve got a got a 95-year-old who comes here. I really enjoy helping the seniors here. And they’re so amazed by what they can do and the results they get. More and more older people these days are staying in shape, living longer, and improving their quality of life. I have a plan to get as many local seniors in shape as I can. I met Jack LaLanne when I was 19 and he was 53. Back then, he offered $10,000 to anyone who could keep up with his workout. I tried it and lasted for about 15 minutes. When he was 59, he swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco handcuffed and shackled. Being in his presence, you just knew that you were in special company. He had a 28-year-old German Shepherd! Dogs aren’t supposed to live that long. I think he died prematurely. He expected to live to about 115, and I think he could have done it.

You’ve won loads of trophies over the years. What’s the last title you won?

Mr. Space Coast Over 70. I’m proud of it, but after all those other titles, it’s really no big deal. And I don’t mean to sound arrogant. Many of the other guys competing were just no comparison. I just go at it a lot more. Most of them do maybe two or three days a week, but I put in five when I’m training for a contest. It’s a lot of stress to put on your body, but for me, nothing’s an effort. I just love what I do.

Ted Taylor’s gym is located at 73 N. Orlando Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach. Drop in or call 960-7778 to make an appointment.

The Legend of the Seagullmen

How does one go about explaining the Seagullmen phenomenon? With great difficulty.

Conceived by brothers Frank, Chris, and David Dreyer and a group of close friends, the Seagullmen are a fascinating fusion of live music, performance art, cutting-edge theater, puppetry, 3-D film, and folkloric folderol.

Originally from Philadelphia, the Dreyer brothers moved to Cocoa Beach in 1977 when their father came to the Space Coast to start an advertising agency. “Each of us have been pursuing creative careers since we graduated from Cocoa Beach High,” Frank says, “and sometimes our talents are brought together on projects like ‘Legend of the Seagullmen.’”

David, the youngest, had been in bands since before graduation and has made his mark as a production designer for films, TV, and music videos in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Chris is the founder/director of the 3D Film Festival and has produced several movies over the years. Frank, the eldest, is a creative director/film producer based in Los Angeles and is also known as the performance artist Heinous Bienfang.

“Our professional careers have helped fuel the development of our artistic projects, giving us a chance to utilize each others talents,” Frank explains. “Even though we live in different cities, we all take turns staying in Cocoa Beach where our mother still lives. We’ve been helping her fight through stage-4 breast cancer for the last five years. She has a great support group in Cocoa Beach, but sometimes it gets tough. David has had to spend the most time back here. Our friends, especially the Mowreys, help her a lot when work takes all three of us away. Our mother, Angela, is a very inspiring person, courageous in her faith, and has always supported us to step up to what we think we would want to accomplish creatively.”

As the Seagullmen, the Dreyers and their comrades have created a local seasonal tradition with the riveting shows they put on each November.

We asked Frank via email to help us unravel the mystery of the avian heroes in preparation for their November 25 show in downtown Cocoa Beach.

It might be best to start off with an explanation of the Legend of the Seagullmen. Recount it for us.

This is a 400,000-year-old story with pirates, sailors, a rock band, and mythical sea creatures, officially qualifying it as a legend. The song, “The Legend of the Seagullmen,” go figure, tells the story. Four hundred thousand years ago, a league of pirates, led by Captain Red Beard, sold their souls to the Seagull God King, who in turn granted them an immense treasure and the power to live forever. However, just as Red Beard was reciting the chant, “We are the aire, we are the Seagullmen,” he was stabbed in the back by Man o’ War Man, who wanted the power and treasure for himself. The Seagull God King felt pity for the pirates and granted their souls eternal life as seagulls. So whenever you see a seagull on the beach it contains the soul of pirates long lost. Since that time, the Key has been hidden from the Man o’ War Man by a collection of sailors and pirates. Recently, the Key and the Legend were in possession of the Skipper, but that changed during a poker game gone bad at the lair of the Asian Pirate, which is located on an island off the coast of Cocoa Beach. The dying Skipper entrusted the Key and the Legend to Crusty the Sea Captain, with instructions to swallow the Key and give the Legend to a band of mercenaries waiting in Casablanca. The Skipper blew himself up rather than be taken by the Man o’ War Man and his Ghost Crab Army, and Crusty escaped. He made his way to Cocoa Beach, and being a drinking man, didn’t realize the Skipper meant Casablanca, Morocco, not the dive bar in Cocoa Beach. It so happens that a band called the High Voltages was playing at the bar that night, were mistaken for the mercenaries, and were told to travel with Crusty to the Seagull God Temple. They chartered a boat and followed the instructions of Crusty to become the new Seagullmen. Now, their arch enemy, Man o’ War Man, will stop at nothing to get back the Key and the power of the Legend.

How did you guys come up with the concept?

You may imagine that if you spend enough time in Cocoa Beach against your will, you either learn to love it or go crazy. The Seagullmen is all about doing both and embracing the subtle joys of our mythically world-famous hometown. We’re famous for a fictional TV show that was never shot on location here, for God’s sake. I don’t know if any of the three of us would be spending this much time here if our mother didn’t need us; we do have a love/hate relationship with Cocoa Beach. Imagine if Kelly Slater could only surf the waves here… He’d get quite bored. But it’s a great hometown. But with the Seagullmen, it’s mostly about David’s actual adventures playing with his band, the High Voltages, and how one night after a show at the Casablanca in downtown Cocoa Beach they met up with a crusty old sea captain who spun a tale of the Legend and gave them the Key to unlock the transformative super powers the Seagull God King gave them. Because they were a rock band, the powers come out when they play shows. You really just need to see the movie.

The story has been unfolding and progressing for some time now, right? Is it recapped for newcomers each time? At what stage is the Legend now?

As with all good long tales, the audience is introduced to the Legend of the Seagullmen at each show. How many bands start off a show with a 12-minute introductory movie? We always add more to the story every time we tell it. And if you’ve seen the show before, you haven’t seen the next one.

So it’s more than just a concert. How would you describe it?

The Seagullmen is a true 360-media phenomenon. More than just a band, it’s a story that is lived and told with film, video, music, art, and performance. The Seagullmen have cast a spell over the inhabitants of Cocoa Beach, and when they hear the music rise over the salty ocean breeze sweeping down Minutemen Causeway, everyone crawls out of their holes like ghost crabs to come to the show.

Who is currently in the lineup?

David, also known as “The Doctor” on guitar/vocals, Steve “Jewop” Caglianone on drums, and Dave “Gravy” McCullough on bass are the High Voltages. They wield the power granted by the Seagull God King to become the Seagullmen, and play their shows with Crusty the Sea Captain on keyboards and the Seagull God King on guitar. They must fight off villains like Captain Red Beard, Man o’ War Man, and the Ghost Crab Army. During the show, other creatures, pirates, and people join them onstage to help, including Manatee Man, who loves the Seagullmen but hates humans, as you can imagine. There’s Bloody Bill, the marine biologist who murders in the name of science, and the Asian Pirate… or whatever he is. Personally, I’m waiting for the Jellyfish Queen to make an appearance.

How did Brent Hinds of Mastodon come to be involved?

As a good friend of ours from Atlanta, Brent came with David to Cocoa Beach for some R&R a few years ago. He learned his true calling in life and is now a part of the Legend of the Seagullmen. His other bands — Mastodon, Fiend Without a Face, and West End Motel — are just excuses for him to travel the world and hunt for the Man O’ War Man. You really need to see the movie. It will all make more sense. Mastodon is playing the House of Blues at Lake Buena Vista on December 1. I highly recommend going.

Seagullmen shows have become a kind of seasonal tradition around here. How well does it go over with the Art Show crowd? I’ve heard some people were initially perplexed but were won over by the time it was all over. 

For the last few years, we’ve played shows on the Friday after Thanksgiving, before the Space Coast Art Festival, and they have been insanely popular. That Friday night is also big for the reunion crowd from Cocoa Beach High. We’re fighting with the City to allow us to hold our concert downtown, but it’s still in negotiation at the time of this interview. Each time the Seagullmen have played, they’ve overwhelmed the venue. Shows at Casablanca and at the North End Pub couldn’t hold everyone, and the bartenders are left crying in fetal positions after the show due to the massive thirsts of the crowds. Last Mother’s Day weekend we played an outdoor party in the field next to Mai Tiki and packed that place, too. I mean, you’re in Cocoa Beach, and if you miss the Seagullmen show, it’s like missing a shuttle launch — you have no excuse, just walk outside! If anyone was perplexed before a show it was intentional. That shouldn’t stop you from just showing up. Does a Ghost Crab ask what the hell that piece of dead flesh is on the beach or does it just start eating it?

What can people expect from the November 25 show? 

The band spent most of August and September in Los Angeles filming “The Legend of the Seagullmen Movie” in 3D with an expanded story line — so this will be much different than the last show we had for our “Seagull d’Mayo” party at Mai Tiki. So, 3D projection is in order, and we’ll have glasses for everyone with admission. (Please note: subject to be in 2D without notice…)

How long does it take you to prepare for a show?

Usually about three months to plan a major event, build the props, and make the movie. This time we’re going from a big show at the 3D Music Fest in Hollywood in September and Atlanta’s Little Five Points Halloween Parade and Festival in October to this show in Cocoa Beach on November 25. So we’ve been working on this show officially since August, but planning it since the day after the last show in May. It will take us all week just to set up the show and bring in the performers from out of town. Not to mention that the last 24 hours are usually spent with a dozen or more people not sleeping, just to get in all the last-minute details. Having it right after Thanksgiving means our whole family will be on hand to work on the show. I have four kids, and my wife and oldest daughter, Alex, help quite a bit. We hope a few of our cousins show up again. Last time, our cousin, who was the Sheriff of Atlantic City County, showed up unannounced and helped us with security… actually mostly with the authorities. The cost to put on a show this size is much more than any average band or event, with the props and equipment, not to mention the cost of making a short film. The citizens of Cocoa Beach have been very generous in their support, making it all worthwhile. And we hope to get a lot of ghost crabs to come out again this time.

What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face for this performance — and past performances?

Projectors, Projectors, Projectors! Anyone have a 3D projector we can borrow to avoid us having to ship one from Los Angeles? Everything is done DIY, which can be liberating, but it also means that there are a lot of logistical challenges. But I think that spirit adds to the atmosphere. It’s chaotic at times and we don’t know what will go wrong, but after putting on shows and performing for 20 years together, we all know that anything can happen, so we just roll with it.

Tell us more about the film. And what does else does the future hold for the Seagullmen?

It depends on whether the Seagull God King wants us to spread the Legend more or not… In Hollywood this is also know as “raising the budget.” We’re satisfied with just letting our friends in on it, but we think there are a lot more people out there who need to hear the story. Most of the backstory has only been told in film, and we do plan on developing the current adventures of the Seagullmen as they do battle with Man o’ War Man and try to escape the revenge of Captain Red Beard. Most of these stories are told during the live concert, but in the future we could easily see comic books, a TV series, and a feature film. I’ll leave you with the chorus from the song, “Legend of the Seagullmen,” because if you read this far into the story you deserve to hold the Key: “That’s right, this is entertainment/We don’t know why, we can’t explain it/It’s the legend and the power of the Seagullmen.”

The Seagullmen perform on November 25 in downtown Cocoa Beach at an as-yet-undisclosed venue. Check their websites online — www.theseagullmen.com and on Facebook: “Cocoa Beach Seagullmen” — or check www.thebechsideresident.com for further details as they emerge. You can also see video samples of their performances and short clips of the planned film.

Jillian Burghardt of The Rossetter House Museum
• M. Alberto Rivera • 

The history of the Rossetter House is the history of Brevard County. Overlooking the Indian River in Eau Gallie, on a property shaded with live oaks and sea grapes, this home has witnessed more than 150 years of change in the community.

The property was owned and developed by three different families, each of whom made lasting contributions to the county. When John Carrol Houston arrived in what is present day Eau Gallie, there were precious few towns nearby. It wasn’t until 1877, when commercial steamboat transportation became a reality, that there was significant growth in the area.

The Houstons called their homestead Arlington in 1859. It is believed that John Carroll Houston had his slaves build the first structure on the property where the Rossetter House now stands. From this site, he operated a refuge and staging area for blockade runners transporting goods from the Indian River to the St. Johns River during the Civil War. During the Reconstruction, Houston served as a Brevard County Commissioner while he and his family played hosts and hunting and fishing guides for wealthy northern sportsmen and naturalists. Houston also established Brevard’s second post office in 1871.

Upon Houston’s death in 1885, the property went to his daughter, Ada Louise Houston. The back portion of what is now the Rossetter House was built after her marriage to William R. Roesch, who went on to become Eau Gallie’s first Mayor and founder of the city’s first newspaper, The Eau Gallie Record. Sadly, five of the Roesch’s six children died between the years 1887 and 1895. They are buried in the Houston Cemetery nearby.

The current configuration of the Rossetter House now stands on the property James Wadsworth Rossetter purchased in 1904, and is restored as it stood in 1908. Rossetter’s fish company was one of the largest consumers of gasoline in Eau Gallie, which is how he came to be the Standard Oil agent for South Brevard County. When Rossetter died in 1921, his eldest daughter, Carrie, took over her father’s agency and ran the business successfully for 62 years, ultimately becoming the longest running Standard Oil agent in the country.

Dr. Ben Brotemarkle of the Florida Historical Society offers some insight into just how incredible Carrie’s feat was for the time. “She (Carrie) went up to Louisville, Kentucky, where Standard Oil was based, and she went to the board of directors of Standard Oil and asked to take over her father’s operation,” he says. “Keep in mind, this is a young woman, and this is within months of women having received the right to vote in this country.”

“The way she told the story is that she listened in at the keyhole as the board of directors went back and forth behind closed doors and finally someone said, ‘Let the little lady have it. She’ll fail within a year and we’ll give it to a man.’”

In 1991, Caroline and her sister, Ella, donated their family home and collection of Victorian antiques to the Rossetter House Foundation as a monument to Eau Gallie’s past. Visiting this beautiful home-turned-museum is a must for anyone hoping to get a glimpse of a simpler, less-hurried time.

Jillian Burghardt manages the historic site and was good enough to sit down with The Resident to discuss its unique appeal. After reading this, you won’t have an excuse not to visit.

How did you become involved with the Rossetter House Museum?

Historic cemeteries have always interested me, and I began as a volunteer about four years ago to help maintain the Houston Family Cemetery, which is part of the Museum. The craftsmanship and charm of historic homes and stories of the lives of the people who lived in them is always fascinating to me.

The Museum hosts various community events year round, from Santa’s arrival in December to an Easter egg hunt in the spring. Is there one you enjoy most and why?

All the events involving children are most enjoyable. It’s our way to connect with our community, to cultivate young children’s interest in history and the Museum through a fun family event. The fall “Trick-O-Treat Scavenger Hunt & Fall Festival Bake Sale” is one of my favorites. What could be better than costumes, hunting for candy and decorating a cupcake with the Cupcake Witch? Ahh… to be a kid again!

Featured fall events like the Ghost Tours and Witches Garden Teas sell out very quickly. What’s one of the more interesting stories you can share from the Ghost Tour?

The Ghost Tours are based on a visit by two local psychic mediums who shared their impressions of what lingers on the property. The tour includes our two historic houses and the cemetery. According to the psychics, we have energies on the property. One of the psychics saw the apparition of a woman hovering over the foyer in the Rossetter House. The apparition said, “There’s too much commotion in my house.” Others while on the tour have shared some interesting occurrences; someone heard the name “Sam” whispered in their ear in the cemetery. Interestingly, there is a grave, missing a headstone, of Samuel Houston there. Others have taken photos of strange mists and possible orbs of light. Also, strange voices (EVPs) have been recorded.

The Murder Mystery Tour has become a very popular event as well. Is it the same mystery to be solved each time? Who’s responsible for writing the play and who are the performers involved?

The Rossetter House Murder Mystery Tour is a family-friendly event performed three times a year. (Upcoming Mysteries in 2012 are set for March 17, July 7, and September 1.) The Museum staff and volunteers write the murder mystery, which is based on the “Clue” board game. We choose a time period for the mystery — the last one in September was set in 1943. Volunteers, some of whom are professional actors, and staff perform as suspects. The mystery is never the same. We change different aspects of the mystery, such as the murder weapon, the room, and who committed the crime. Upon completion of the tour you can solve the mystery: Who did it, with what weapon, and in which room. If you guess correctly, your name is entered into the drawing for our Mystery Grand Prize!

The RHM is special in that the items in the Museum are all from the same collection, and weren’t donated or acquired from various sources. What are some of the more unique pieces visitors can see on display?

In the Ladies’ Parlor we display a Victorian Brass Bird Cage with a bird in it that tweets. An item I think is most surprising to visitors is our 1931 Model A Ford, which is displayed in the small garage on Hector St. on the north side of the Museum property. There are many antiques, from furniture, books, china, and silverware to small collectables on display throughout the house. When groups of young children visit and we explain what the chamber pot that sits on the floor by a bed is, that gets the biggest reaction!

What is RHM’s role in EGAD (Eau Gallie Arts District)?

The Rossetter House Museum is located in the Eau Gallie Arts District and is the south-end historic anchor for the district. The museum one of the few remaining preserved historic landmarks of the town of Eau Gallie. As a member of EGAD, we support the revitalization and preservation of the District. The Museum contributes to and is evolved with EGAD events. For example, in November we participate in the EGAD Scarecrow Challenge and in December for the upcoming Razzle Dazzle event, for which we’ll host four holiday tablescapes in rooms throughout the Rossetter House. Also, participating in the Eau Gallie Founder’s Day Fish Fry, coming up on February 18, the Museum creates an eye-popping History Tent display, featuring a wall of historic photos of Eau Gallie from the 1800s through the 1960s. Also, our Ghost Tours, which run February through October, coincide with the First Friday EGAD events. Our participation in EGAD events helps to provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the many unique historic and cultural treasures the District has to offer.

The RHM has become increasingly popular with for weddings and private functions. Can you tell us about what’s available to people looking to host an event here?

The rental of the grounds and gardens of the House are available for weddings, receptions, and other events. Expansive lawns, a charming courtyard patio surrounded by gardens, and tranquil ponds create a vintage ambience for any special occasion. Fall, winter and spring are the most popular seasons for weddings at the here. We also provide private garden teas for groups or organizations (20-40 people). In addition, the Roesch Parlor is available to rent for small gatherings, parties, and showers or meetings. Tea service is available (maximum 20 people) as well.

The Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens, which is managed by the Florida Historical Society, is located at 1320 Highland Ave. in downtown Eau Gallie. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Ghost Tours are held every Friday through the month of October at 7 p.m. Reservations are required; call 254-9855. Cost is $10 per person. A Witches Tea will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. Wear your finest witch hat and enjoy an afternoon tea in the garden, tea leaf and palm reading, and a ghost tour. Call to make reservations. Cost is $20 per person. Visit them online at: www.rossetterhousemuseum.org

Lear Bunda Writer/Director of “The Space Coast” Movie
Interview by M. Alberto Rivera; Photos by Jason Maris 

Over the years, Brevard County has served as the backdrop for a number of space-related films. But in each — from “Apollo 13″ and “Space Cowboys” to the unintentionally hilarious “Armageddon” — the Space Coast comes across as just that: a backdrop. Rarely do moviegoers get much insight into the soul of the area, much less the people who live and work here. Local filmmaker Lear Bunda, however, is about to change all of that with “The Space Coast,” his first feature-length film.

One of Bunda’s first memories was witnessing the Challenger disaster from his bedroom window. The event affected him deeply, and he’s been fascinated by the space program ever since. “Me and a lot of my friends were ultra space enthusiasts,” the Melbourne Beach native says. “We’d follow everything about NASA.”

As writer and director of “The Space Coast,” Bunda attempts to capture the wonders of our unique environment the way only a resident could. Though shooting for the independent comedy is still in progress, it’s safe to say that many Brevard landmarks will play as prominent a role as the film’s space-obsessed teenager, Dustin, who struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut against all odds.

“Dustin tries everything under the sun to get out of his small town on the shuttle, but he runs into obstacles like surfer gangs, police in the surfer gangs, the football team, and a father who enjoys partying more than his own son,” Bunda explains.

“It started off as a book about the 50 most ridiculous stories that have ever happened on the Space Coast,” he says, “but when I realized I was witness to about half of them, it was the perfect opportunity to draft a screenplay incorporating some of these events into it. One of the best things about the movie is that it’s drawn from real life. I always think that stories that happen in real life are way funnier than ones you make up, and this movie is filled with true stories.”

From the age of 11, Bunda has made over 50 short films informed by his childhood experiences and humorous observations. Now 28, Bunda lives in Atlanta, where he works as an editor for Adult Swim.

We spoke with Bunda there via email to ask him about “The Space Coast,” blowing up dishwashers, and unsung comedic genius Steven Seagal.

You live in Atlanta now. What do you miss most about Brevard?

As you may know, Atlanta is landlocked, which is sort of a nightmare not being able to go the beach after work or on the weekends. I try to get down to the Space Coast every other month. I genuinely miss the amount of nature you get to see and experience on a daily basis. Oh, and breeze. You all have breeze and it’s not fair.

Which Adult Swim programs do you work on?

I’ve worked editing at Adult Swim for nearly six years. I edit “Squidbillies” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” How do you edit a cartoon, one might ask? Traditionally, shows are made using storyboards and animatics before being sent to Korea to be animated, but that’s not how we do things. The producers record a script and hand me all the voiceovers for the entire show. Then they say, “See ya,” and for the next few months I build the entire show on my own — the action, the backgrounds, the timing, and the sound effects. Then we fine-tune until it’s ready to get animated. So what I put together is ultimately how it will air. I make, essentially, a very detailed moving animatic. It’s like making an infinity-piece puzzle. That’s what makes it so rewarding!

How did you first get into filmmaking?

I did TV production at Melbourne High School, which gave me access to equipment and an audience. I was only interested in comedy and it allowed me to perfect jokes and timing like a chef bakes brownies. Filmmaking is an art form that lets you share the way you way you see things, especially if they don’t exist yet or are ludicrous. It’s world building, and the Space Coast is a larger-than-life place where it’s normal for teenagers to build their own rockets and launch them into space off the beach.

What are some of the main challenges in working on “The Space Coast”?

It’s challenging to make this film with a low budget, which is essentially what I can afford. We have actors from all over the country I’m trying to get involved with the project, so it’s a real coordinated effort to get people here and on the same schedule to get some shooting accomplished.

Is it primarily a collaborative effort at this stage? Had you written everything beforehand or is it unfolding and changing as you go?

I had a sound, 90-plus-page script that I’ve worked on for about two years that I was really happy with. But once you get shooting I like to use it as a blueprint and see what interesting directions it can take while we do it. Actors make it come to life, so it’s good to give them the keys and let them run with it.

How much access do you have to the space center and technical props?

You’d think it’d be easier to get access to the space center, but they pretty much only help people out who are involved in movies like “Apollo 13″ and have a $100 million budget and a guaranteed distribution. You’d think they’d enjoy the promotion. But when life throws you lemons, you have to improvise. We’re going to be making a giant rocket out of dishwashers and free appliances we find off Craigslist. Then we are going to explode said rocket.

How many of your own experiences went into the character of Dustin?

I wouldn’t call it a biopic, but there are a lot of real elements about me and people who are playing themselves in the film. I saw Challenger blow up when I was four and the experience sort of stuck with me.

You mention that the idea for your film stemmed from a compendium of ridiculous Space Coast events you witnessed. What were some of those?

The most ridiculous stuff though was the surfer gangs — adults in their late 20s who would show up at high school parties with fake papers claiming they were STD-free. And these things would work… It was shocking. Oh, and I found a dead orca whale on the beach when I was like eight years old. It was in the paper and stuff.

At what stage in the filming process are you now? Is there a timeline for completion?

I shot a good 20% of it back in May with the talented Dana Snyder (Snyder voices the character Master Shake on “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”) and am currently in the middle of putting together an edit of what’s completed. The main actor at the last minute got into NYU film school, so we’ll have to hold off on shooting until he can get back. I plan on a serious shoot near year’s end when things cool down.

What are you in need of to carry on with the film? Backers? Technical help? Extras?

We will be needing extras when we go to shoot some of the larger crowd scenes. We have a really solid crew of industry professionals that are eager to take on a project this big. When we shoot, we can definitely use food. I’m looking for interesting props. Who knows, someone may have like a moon rover in their garage they’d let us use… We have a few private backers but we’re very interested in finding others who want to be involved at that level. We plan on bringing this to every major film festival and travel the country with it.

You’re a big fan of the movie “K-PAX.” What’s made you see it over 200 times?

“K-PAX” may be the greatest movie of all time. …But you’re only allowed to watch it as a comedy. Completely ridiculous movies that try to be serious amaze me because I can’t watch them seriously. A lot of times people never try to watch, say, a Steven Seagal film as a comedy. You should try it.

Any other films or directors you admire?

I’m a huge fan of Terry Gilliam, Kubrik, the Coen Brothers, Ridley Scott, Robert Zemeckis, Jim Henson, nearly every sci-fi film ever made, and all the “Saturday Night Live” films of the ’90s.

You’re a musician as well.

I’ve written and recorded a lot of music over the years. Making theme songs is a hobby of mine. We did a song a few years back called “In Melbourne” sung to the tune of “On Broadway.” The first line was: “Put your beer in Styrofoam and drive in Melbourne, beachside…” I’m currently recording an album for a new band I’m fronting called Spacewalker. It’s a space-themed indie rock/jazz/metal/pop band. I’m currently looking for someone who can make a space shuttle-shaped guitar that can have flames come out of the booster rockets.

Were you here for the last shuttle launch? How did it make you feel?

I filmed the last launch on the beach up in the Cape. I got a great view of it with a large crowd in the foreground. I felt like I was apart of the mission, having driven down for it and knowing I had once last chance to get it captured. I wouldn’t say I felt same thing the astronauts were feeling with all the gravity and whatnot, but it was pretty close.

Learn more about “The Space Coast” on Facebook and at www.thespacecoastmovie.com. View the trailer at www.indiegogo.com/the-space-coast-movie

Dr. Ben Brotemarkle of The Florida Historical Society
Interview by M. Alberto Rivera

Nestled beneath the shade of several live oaks on the corner of Brevard Avenue in Downtown Cocoa Village, the Florida Historical Society headquarters sits patiently, waiting for you to stop in. Chock full of maps, books, memorabilia, and photo albums, the FHS is part museum, part research facility and library. Anyone wishing to do research for school project or personal curiosity is welcome to visit and make use of the vast materials and speak with a volunteer or staff member.

Founded in 1856, The Florida Historical Society is the oldest cultural organization in the state and the only statewide historical society. It’s dedicated to preserving Florida’s past through the collection, archival maintenance, and publication of historical documents as well as other materials relating to the history of Florida and its people. The Society also operates the FHS Press, which publishes a diverse collection of books, maintains the Library of Florida History with its extensive archival collections, and manages the Historic Rossetter House Museum in Eau Gallie.

Because history need not be a dry collection of dates and distant locales, the FHS sponsors events to make the past come alive by demonstrating the relevance of past events to our lives today, and presents a variety of educational public outreach programs, including the Florida History Film Festival and the Discover Florida Lecture Series.

Dr. Ben Brotemarkle is the current Executive Director as well as the host of the weekly “Florida Frontiers: the Weekly Radio Magazine of the Florida Historical Society” on local public radio stations. He was happy to sit down with the Beachside Resident and discuss the origins of the organization, its plans for the future, and all things pertaining to the Sunshine State.

Who founded the Florida Historical Society?

It was a group of folks from St. Augustine who were interested in preserving the history of Florida. They realized then we had a rich history that needed to be preserved. They started collecting documents and publishing articles about the history of the state and holding annual meetings — all things that we still do today.

How did you become involved with the Society?

I’ve been involved with the FHS since the late 1990s, first as a member when I wrote my first book in 1999. I came and spoke as part of their lecture series and started attending annual meetings. Later, I was asked to be a board member of the FHS and I did that for about four years. And then three years ago I was asked to take over as the executive director.

What are some of the more common things people come to the FHS for?

We get a real variety; it’s as varied as the state itself. This year we’ve had a lot of interest in the Civil War, because it’s the 150th anniversary of the start of that conflict. And a lot more happened than people realize. We played a vital role in that conflict, supplying beef to the Confederate Army, and there are interesting stories about the sinking of the Union ship, the Maple Leaf, on the St. Johns River. … The only real battle that happened (here) was the Battle of Olustee. That was the major conflict that took place in Florida. We get people asking about the early Spanish colonial era. The 500-year anniversary of the naming of Florida takes place in 2013. People are gearing up about that. There’s a big debate about Ponce de Leon and where he actually landed. There’s a sign the state put up in Melbourne Beach; this is one of the probable sites where he landed. Then there are people in St. Augustine who say it was there. … We get people interested in tourism, interested in seeing old postcards and old photographs, and talking about the old roadside tourist attractions. We get a wide range of people wanting to discuss pre-history tribes to Spanish colonialism and pioneer settlement up to modern tourism and the space industry.

What are some of the functions the FHS sponsors?

We have a lot of activities. Because our statewide headquarters is based here in Brevard, a lot of the things we do are based here in the county, but we also have a statewide presence. Our “Discover Florida” lecture series takes place about once a month for most of the year. We bring in authors of books of interest to Florida history. We sometimes show films and have had film festivals based on Florida history. We also operate the FHS Press, which publishes about ten books a year. Some of them are obviously non-fiction, but we’ve also published fiction that’s heavily based on fact as well. By talking to teachers and the general public, we find that publishing historical fiction setting makes it more accessible. For example, this past year we published “The Trouble with Panthers” by William Culyer Hall. It won the Florida Book Award for best popular fiction. And he was up against some popular writers. We’re very proud that he won that award and that he won the Patrick D. Smith Award for Florida Fiction. Recently, we published “Florida’s Freedom Struggle: the Black Experience from Colonial Time to the New Millennium.” We have a wide variety of subject matter with the FHS Press and the Florida Historical Quarterly, which is our academic journal. It comes out four times a year, and is the primary benefit of membership. We also manage the Historic Rossetter House Museum in Eau Gallie. It’s a great facility. … The main focus there is the history tours. We also do the murder mystery theater there. They have all sorts of interesting programs that have helped make it the anchor of the Eau Gallie Arts District. We also are the proud hosts of the Florida Public Archeology Network, East Central Region. There are eight different regions around the state .. our area is one of the richest in the entire state for archeological discoveries and research, most notably for the Windover dig. It happened in the 1980s. It’s been called one of the most important archeological discoveries in the world.

Where is that located exactly?

It’s in Titusville, near the intersection of I-95 and SR 50. Back in the early 1980s there was a backhoe operator named  Steve Vanderjagt, and he saw this round sort of brownish object and he realized it was a skull. He had uncovered not just one, but several skeletons. It was quickly determined that this wasn’t some mass murder gravesite; these were old bones. They brought in anthropologists from FSU, Dr. Glen Doren came down, and they realized these were some pretty old bones. They knew these were at least 300 to 400 years old. Then they carbon dated them and discovered they had uncovered skeletons that were between 7,000 and 8,000 years old. So this is 3,200 years older than King Tut and 2,000 years older than the great pyramid. It’s a significant find. And so they did three different archeological digs over a two-year period in the ’80s and discovered hundreds of ritualistically buried bodies. They were almost all buried in the same exact way and they were woven in some of the oldest fabric found in the world. These same people had used this site at a Windover Pond for hundreds of years and they did DNA tests to establish the familial relationships. … The anaerobic peat bog environment preserved the bones and the fabric remarkably well. They could determine what the contents of one woman’s stomach were. Her last meal was berries and fish. … We have a lot of Indian mounds around here. The mission of the FHS and the Florida Public Archeology Network meld so well, (so) when we had a chance to host, we jumped at it. We maintain our archives here, at our building in Cocoa Village. We have an incredible resource here with our publishing arm and archives. We have thousands of rare and hard-to-find, out-of-print books. We have maps dating back to the 1500s and postcards, photographs, and genealogical materials. Finally, I need to mention that from here we also produce our weekly radio program, “Florida Frontiers,” which airs on various public radio stations around the state.

I was going to ask you about the radio show and you beat me to it.

Even though we’re the oldest historical organization in the state, I found that there were a lot of people, even history teachers, who weren’t aware of the FHS. They would ask, “Well, what do you do?” So we had a real public awareness problem. I had a background in public broadcasting. I had been in public broadcasting for 13 years in Orlando. I knew the public radio audience and the potential audience, that there was a lot of common ground there. I developed “Florida Frontiers” as a half-hour weekly radio magazine with NPR-style produced features and some straight interviews. We started off with four weekly broadcasts and now we’re up to nine weekly broadcasts around the state. We’re all over Florida, in Pensacola, the Treasure Coast, and down into South Florida. We’re not totally statewide yet, but pretty darn close. You can also listen to “Florida Frontiers” on our website so you can hear it any time around the world.

You’ve had a myriad of people on the show. Who would you like to get?

We had Patrick Smith on as our first guest. We’ve had really well known people, Maya Angelou talking about Zora Neal Hurston and Tim Dorsey. But some of my favorite pieces have been some everyday people who lived here giving their personal history. This week we had women who, during WWII, took over jobs men traditionally held while the men were away at war. Some of those stories are fascinating. Stories of everyday people I find really interesting. I also enjoy speaking with authors and people who are active in archeology and researchers. We have a wide variety of people on the program. And we make sure we go all over the state too, to museums to hear talks and collect sounds from all over the state. We keep up with all the latest research going on. If something interesting comes up, we try top cover it. Brian Owens is going to be on an upcoming show. (He made) a brand new sculpture in St. Augustine honoring the St. Augustine Foot Soldiers, the 100 people who participated in the civil rights demonstrations in 1964. … Dr. Martin Luther King came there and called St. Augustine the most violent city in America. (It’s) ironically in front of the old slave market, so you have this market in front of the Bridge of Lions, right in downtown St. Augustine where human beings, African Americans, were bought and sold. … Many people say (the Foot Soldiers) helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, because the legislation was sort of stalled out at this point. Until the actions in St. Augustine gave it momentum again and allowed it to be passed.

What do you enjoy most about your work here?

I love everything about my job. I’m a big fan of Florida History. I like reading the latest research. I get the first look at some of these manuscripts. Seeing somebody’s book that comes to publication is always gratifying.

What’s your own personal favorite period of Florida history?

That’s hard to say. I find the whole gambit fascinating. The ancient pre-historic people are fascinating. … The Native American tribes, the Temucah, the Caloosa, who were probably the most artistic tribe. … The Spanish colonial period and what it took to come here and colonize this foreign land. … It’s all fascinating to me. But particularly here in Brevard County. It’s amazing we start with the pre-historic Windover dig and in the shadow of the Space Program, where every manned space flight this country has done was launched just miles away from this mortuary pond. From pre-history to the future, it’s all fascinating.

The Florida Historical Society is located at 435 Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Village. The building is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tune into “Florida Frontiers” locally at 90.7 FM WMFE on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. or at 89.5 WFIT on Sundays at 7 a.m. To learn more, visit www.myfloridahistory.org. 

Pastor Dan Bailey of the Seafarers Ministry
M. Alberto Rivera

Often when people think of sailors in port, the image is one of tattoo parlors and seedy dives where bar fights are more common than beer nuts. What else is available to a sailor disinclined to indulge in vices with three days in an unfamiliar town?

The Space Coast Seafarers Ministry is a non-denominational ministry supported by the Southern Baptist Convention, and their mission is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the international crewmembers that visit Port Canaveral. Port Canaveral is the second busiest cruise ship terminal in the world and sees a great deal of cargo ship traffic as well.

Pastor Dan Bailey leads the Seafaring Ministry here and addresses the unique challenges of assisting a congregation whose members change weekly. There’s helping a sailor or crew member get in touch with distant relatives because of a birth or a death in the family, or visiting with crew member whose been put ashore to recover from an injury.

Pastor Dan enjoys the ever-changing aspect of his job and was good enough to help shine a light on what he does through the Seafarers Ministry.

How did you get involved in the Seafarers Ministry?

I was preaching in a traditional church and I felt I was preaching to a bunch of people who already knew the Bible pretty well. So I began to pray and talk to God and ask him to give me a place where I could go talk to people and minister to people who didn’t have a pastor.
I learned about Port Ministry and found a place in Brunswick, Georgia at a ministry there. I hung out with a chaplain there, learning what they did. I began to look for a place and this opened up in Brevard County.

How long has this chapter been around?

The ministry (serving Port Canaveral) has been open about 14 years. We used to have a small place off of Church Street. We’ve been here at this facility since 2001.

When was the Seafarers ministry founded?

The Seafarers ministry as a whole was started back in the 1700s by the British chaplains and pastors when the clergy used to go and visit the crews of the old sailing ships. The Baptist association with the Port Ministry has been around for the past 45 years.

What are the biggest challenges you find here that you don’t find in a more traditional ministry?

There’s a wide variety of needs we try to meet. We have crew members we minister to who are off the ships due to medical problems. (There’s also) the limited amount of time they’re here. We need to minister to them quickly. Then we also have to meet all the security requirements. There are security concerns with the badging, making sure that’s done properly.

Like what kinds of needs? When they come to you spiritually, what are some of the more common concerns?

Sometimes they are dealing with guilt. They’re away from their home 8 to 9 months at a time. Sometimes they get involved in relationships and they feel guilty. They’re married. So we get to talk to them about forgiveness through Jesus. Other problems they face is they get discouraged. They get depressed. They need to be reassured that God is there with them and for them. Encourage them to read their Bibles and to pray. Sometimes just being there to listen to them helps.

You’re dealing with a lot of different cultures and religions. Do they ever have any prejudice or preconceived notions about you?

Yes. Some of them are suspicious as to what we’re doing and why we’re doing it for free. They have ideas about America, Americans, and Christians. So it’s satisfying to see them change their views and even tell us… After we’ve become friends, they’ve changed their minds about us. They discover we have a lot in common. That people are basically people… We found that Muslims and Hindus are pretty receptive. We explain to them, that when we pray, we pray in the name of Jesus. When they need prayer they don’t seem to mind. They find comfort in someone else willing to pray over their particular needs. That’s usually their response.

How do you get around the language barriers?

Sometimes we’ll have a volunteer come in and help us out. But usually on the cargo ships they have at least one person who knows English well enough. And sometimes you just need a few words or a gesture and that’s enough.

Have you seen any changes in any of the individuals who come through here regularly?

We saw 25 people accept Christ last year. We had a Muslim guy here recently. He’d been hurt and spent over a month in a hotel recovering. We helped him with phone cards do he could call home while he was laid up. Initially he was aloof and suspicious of us. Then, after a while, he realized we just wanted to help him and be his friend. He ended up coming to church with us in Merritt Island and started coming to chapel services here. He had a change of heart and he became a Christian before he headed home. His name was Yusuf.

Do you see any significant differences between the crews on the cargo ships versus those from cruise ships?

Pretty much the same. With the cargo ships there are more language difficulties. On a cruise ship they have to be able to speak English, at least well enough to instruct a passenger on how to get off the ship in the time of emergency. On a cargo ship, they tend to not have as much money and are more likely to get some used clothing, whereas the cruise ship personnel will go to the mall and buy what they need new. They all have the same basic human needs – a desire for acceptance and love and to communicate with their families back home. It’s a chance to rest and relax away from the pressure of the ship.

What do you enjoy most about this type of ministry?

Meeting different people from all around the world. I enjoy the honesty of the crew members. They’re very straightforward with you. You know where you stand. When they realize we’re trying to help them, they see that genuineness. There’s a real appreciation. They express their thanks.

Can you tell me about this facility you have here? If I were a sailor just into port, what would I find here?

We provide free transportation to and from the ministry, and also to the mall and Walmart. We have 17 computers with Internet connections they can use as well as Wi-Fi for those who have their own laptops. We sell phone cards and phones that they can use to call home. We have different churches that bring in food so they can have a free lunch. There’s always coffee and cookies for them to snack on. There’s a clothes closet for those that need to pick up second hand clothing, and there are billiard tables and basketball hoops outside so they can blow off some steam.

What do you see are the challenges for the immediate future?

We have some plans to expand the back porch and add a deck. Funds are becoming a problem right now. Only three of us are paid. The rest are volunteers, which helps to keep costs down. We’re looking for ways to provide for the increasing number of crew members coming to Port Canaveral. As the Port grows, we’re expecting more crew members come and visit us here. I’m very, very thankful for the volunteers who give their time to make this place a successful hospitality center for the crew members. I’m also thankful for the funds and resources people and churches give that allow us to offer these services to crew members for free.

On June 30, the Space Coast Idol benefit series will draw attention to the Central Brevard Humane Society and the Animal Safehouse of Brevard, an amazing non-profit organization devoted to providing temporary safe placement of pets who, like their owners, need to flee from domestic violence situations.

While there are shelters for women and children, there are currently no facilities for their pets. Most women with pets will not leave their abusive homes if they cannot bring their furry loved ones along in fear of retaliation. Leandra “Leila” Preston, Professor of Women’s Studies at the University of Central Florida and avid animal lover, founded the Animal Safehouse in 2008 after recognizing the desperate need for a safe place for pets who are also subject to abuse while their owners seek safety. With the help of a network of volunteers and people like erstwhile Resident photographer and “Pet of the Month” correspondent Kate Flack, who is also currently an agent with Perrone Realty, the Safehouse has helped approximately 75 pets and their owners since its inception.

The Safehouse currently relies solely on private donations and fundraising to stay in operation. “Friends and family help, and my sister’s and mom’s companies match donations,” says Leila, “and Brevard NOW allots funds from Take Back the Night each year and that pretty much got us through our last year, along with other help. Once we have our 501(c)(3) designation, we will then be eligible for and apply for grants.” And while they work closely with the Domestic Violence Task Force of Brevard, the Salvation Army domestic violence program, and the Serene Harbor Shelter, the Safehouse hopes to soon be a more solid component of the County’s domestic violence system. Ultimately, Leila and Kate would like to see one of the domestic violence shelters in Brevard build a kennel on-site.

You may have seen folks from the Safehouse at local events like Paws in the Park and Veg Fest, but they’ll have their greatest exposure at the June 30 Idol event at Milliken’s Reef in Port Canaveral. Organized by Kate, this local singing competition brings the community together while raising awareness of groups like the Safehouse. “The series spans several months and benefits several non-profits that all complement each other…a rather synergistic approach,” she explains.

We spoke with Kate and Leila about their extraordinary work on behalf of all victims of domestic violence — both the people and the animals that get caught in the middle.

Tell us about how the Animal Safehouse of Brevard first came about.

Leila: In January 2008, I read an article in ”People” about Christine Hartline from Rancho Coastal Humane Society and her pet safehouse program fostering pets for women in domestic violence shelters. I had been working as an anti-violence advocate and was involved with the Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force at the time. As a domestic violence and animal advocate, I brought the issue to the Task Force and learned that there were no such similar services. I conducted extensive research and talked to other programs in other areas doing this work, and spoke with both domestic violence shelters and animal shelters in Brevard to envision the best approach and assess the kind of support I might receive from other community agencies. Essentially solo, I decided to let the local domestic violence shelters know that I would start taking animals. I solicited fosters and volunteers, but initially it was mostly me and friends and family members fostering. I was spending my own money and really just being an activist doing what I felt needed to be done. It quickly became clear I would need help, and Kate suggested using MySpace (since that’s what was “it” back then). Later, my friend Arielle Schwartz became an essential part of the groundwork of our organization. I would say I ran it solo for a year before realizing I needed substantial help, which is when Arielle and Kate became more involved.

Tell us about your role in the organization, Kate.

Kate: When Leila and I became friends in 2008, I had a great appreciation for what she was doing and wanted to help. My initial involvement was primarily listening to her vision, and I then used my tech-savvy prowess to jumpstart the MySpace page, generating over 700 followers. I have past animal rescue experience as an adoption/volunteer coordinator and foster and marketing person, and it just felt natural to help generate exposure for this cause. Mainly, I try to raise awareness, solicit volunteers and generate community interest and involvement. I have done so through creating the website (www.animalsafehousebrevard.org), maintaining a presence on both Facebook and MySpace, and coordinating with businesses and individuals in Brevard to participate in events that raise awareness, funds and volunteers. Such events include Fiesta Brevard, a large-scale community rummage sale, and the Space Coast Idol Benefit Series, which is ongoing. Right now, my primary focus is generating foster and transport volunteers that are so desperately needed.

What are your duties there, Leila?

L: Whatever needs to be done. My primary role (and focus) is handling each foster situation as it arises. A domestic violence shelter calls me when a woman is in need of our services and I talk to her to find out the details of her animals so I can secure a foster and, if needed, a transporter to pick up the animal from the shelter, or another designated meeting place. I am often also the foster and transporter. As Kate mentioned, we are desperate for these types of volunteers. On the front page of our website, there are links on the right-hand side for foster and transport volunteers. Arielle has been my right hand person for the past few years in terms of hands-on work, but she recently moved away for law school. Even from afar, she continues to help when necessary and/or possible. We’re currently seeking a core volunteer who can be hands-on at a moment’s notice to take Arielle’s place. For anyone attending college, we have a service learning program where students can earn credit for volunteer hours in both Brevard and Orange Counties.

Describe a typical day at the offices of the Safehouse.

K: A typical day for Leila would be grading 100+ papers while trying to write one of her own while she works towards her PhD when suddenly the domestic violence shelter calls. They have a woman (possibly with children) needing to flee a violent setting but she won’t until she knows her four-legged child/children will also be safe. This is what it is all about. The buzz begins: First text messages, then a Facebook blast, then several phone calls… Whatever it takes to find someone who can meet the woman at the Palm Bay domestic violence shelter to transport her pet to safety, and to also find a good qualified fit for a temporary foster home for the pet(s). Often, Leila ends up dropping her own work to do the transport. Staying up late to get work done versus the possible consequences of subjecting anyone to violence for a single second longer than necessary is a no-brainer.

L: (Laughs) That pretty much sums it up. We don’t have an office, really. My house is the temporary shelter for dogs until we find a foster, and often becomes the foster home. Cats are more difficult because I have dogs and am allergic, but my front porch often suffices or they stay wherever we can keep them until we can arrange a foster, which is typically within 2 to 48 hours. Arielle or I get the incoming calls, get on the phone and internet, and between Kate and the rest of our “people,” we get the word out very quickly and work hard until we have the animal(s) in foster. We are about as grassroots as it gets.

How does the retrieval process itself work?

L: It varies. Typically, the animal is either at the domestic violence shelter, with a friend or family member of the victim, or still in the home she fled. If the animal is at the DV (domestic violence shelter), we try to retrieve the animal as quickly as possible since the shelters do not permit animals. Me or a volunteer will go to the shelter, talk to the victim about her pet(s), explain our program to assure her that her pets will be safe, have her sign our contract, and then bring the pet to its foster. If the pet is still in the abusive environment, Animal Control and/or law enforcement typically retrieve the animal and meet us in a neutral location nearby so we can retrieve the pets safely. Sometimes I meet the victim with a victim advocate in a neutral location, depending on the situation. Some situations are more dire and dangerous than others. We have also retrieved pets from Animal Control, usually the case if the woman leaves in the middle of the night and fears for her pets’ safety, requiring an immediate Animal Control pickup. The DV shelters work closely with law enforcement and we work with Animal Control North and South shelters. Approximately 60% of the pets we take in are reunited with their owners, many within our 90-day contract period. Some stay around a bit longer, like the foster I had for over six months who was eventually reunited with her owner. Others are given up for adoption by owners who don’t feel equipped to provide for them given their current circumstances. Some are abandoned, as domestic violence survivors often return to the abuser before finally escaping (or being killed) and we find new homes for those animals, as well. We see return clients on occasion. We have driven to Savannah, the Florida/Georgia border, and Naples, FL, to keep pets and their owners together. We also shipped a dog to Oregon once. My easiest situation was a client who retrieved her dog within a week. The longest we have had an animal was nine months (two cats who were eventually rehomed).

What happened with the dog you shipped to Oregon?

L: We had a dog in foster and the owner called me to tell me she was at the airport in Atlanta about to go to Oregon as that was her only safe place and she had to flee the county. (Domestic violence abusers often go to great lengths to track down and maintain control of their victims.) She desperately wanted to keep her dog but had no resources to get it to Oregon. I posted a message to the national Pet Safe Havens listserv to drum up ideas and support and was given the names of various national organizations and individuals who would assist in our endeavor. I contacted various airlines to find the best rate for transport and used Animal Safehouse’s meager funds to purchase a plane ticket for the dog. The problem was that the airport was approximately 200 miles from the survivors’ new location and a snowstorm was underway. A man from a local breed-specific rescue transport group in Oregon drove through the night to meet the dog at the airport and transported him through horrible snowy conditions the entire next day to reunite him with his owner. Talk about taking a village. This was one of the most challenging tasks I faced logistically and financially, but it was also one of our greatest successes.

What are some of the typical problems you face from case to case?

K: Animals staying in the program longer than anticipated, lack of funds to properly vet the animals and individuals who return to their abusers. We have had to find new forever homes for some of the pets because the women either went back to the abuser or couldn’t handle the responsibility. That is the most challenging part — that and the fact that we never know in advance when we need to act. That one phone call takes a lot of courage and it may be the only one made.

How often do you keep in contact with some of the people you’ve helped, if at all?

L: I was initially keeping in contact with many if not most of them, but over time I have had to create boundaries and “let people go,” since I get emotionally and personally invested with each case. I have a couple of folks I still talk to from time to time, who call to tell me how they are doing, or sometimes call for other types of help. But for the most part, I try not to maintain contact since I deal with so many people, tend to be overly compassionate in general, and am just very busy with my various other responsibilities. (Ten minutes after the interview, Leila emails The Resident): Ironically, one of my very first clients (the person whose cat we drove to Savannah) just called me and we talked for awhile and I realize that, ya know, I do keep in touch with my early clients it seems. I guess they have been “grandfathered” in.

Any final words?

L: Definitely. Domestic violence is more complex than many people realize. It is generally dangerous and difficult for a woman (and her children) to escape. Economic, psychological, safety, and other issues play a significant role in creating situations that increase the danger and difficulty. Domestic violence does not affect one “type” of person — it transcends boundaries. Abusers often use pets as tools of abuse and control to manipulate and scare their victims. The most dangerous time for a woman and her pet is when she leaves, so acting fast and confidentially is essential.

K: If people want to help, monetary donations are preferred and the Central Brevard Humane Society (636-3343) is set up to accept donations specifically for Animal Safehouse to cover vet care at their new onsite clinic. You can also donate directly online via Paypal on our website. With our upcoming participation in the Space Coast Idol Benefit Series, businesses can donate gift certificates or any items that would be appropriate for raffles and silent auctions for our events, or even participate as a headline sponsor. Call or email me (795-7595; kateflack@gmail.com) to arrange pick-up/delivery.

Find out more about the Animal Safehouse of Brevard at: www.animalsafehousebrevard.org or on Facebook: “Animal Safehouse of Brevard.” The Space Coast Idol event benefiting the Safehouse and the Central Brevard Humane Society takes place Thursday, June 30 at Milliken’s Reef (683 Dave Nisbet Dr. in Port Canaveral).

This month, we interview Gary Kitchens, one of the brains behind Brevard’s Green Team, a Cocoa Beach-based company that helps promote sustainable, “green” business practices.

This past February, in conjunction with Club Cars and Solar World, and with the support of the City of Cocoa, Kitchens and BGT were given approval to introduce in June an 8-person solar-powered golf cart to provide free transport and tours of Cocoa Village.

It’s an intriguing project, and places Brevard at the forefront of Florida’s burgeoning green-business revolution.

We asked Kitchens about the “Solar Ride” vehicles and BGT’s vision for the future.

Tell us a little bit about yourself first. Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Long Island, NY and am 20-year resident of Cocoa Beach. I was a snowbird since 1979 and have lived here full-time since 1991. After four years of engineering and frostbite at Clarkson University in New York, near the Canadian border, and earning an MBA in the early ’70s, I went on to develop a career in energy efficiency through design and development. I’ve since worked to create energy saving thermostats, high efficiency windows, heating systems, solar hot water heaters, and through Brevard’s Green Team, have developed Adopt-A Bin recycling programs and other initiatives throughout the County.

Tell us about the history and formation of the Brevard Green Team. How did it come about?

Brevard’s Green Team Organization was created in late 2008 to improve recycling at local businesses and to make Brevard a greener destination. Through community projects and by offering classes through a non-profit educational foundation, we hope to prepare the region for the green revolution to come. In 2009, we kicked off BGT’s Adopt-A-Bin program for countywide events, and we’ve since aided in recycling at over 100 events, including major league baseball games, the Cocoa Beach Air Show, NKF Surfing contests, and Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings, as well as Cocoa and Melbourne Village events, and other local festivals.

How did the idea for these “Solar Rides” start?

In March of 2010, the concept was conceived at a Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce event  at Rockledge City Hall. We asked Troy Tutterrow, of Extreme Custom Carts, if the vehicles were made of recycled parts and laughingly enjoyed a meeting of the minds about how to create a recycled, custom retrofitted, street legal, long-range, solar-powered golf cart to pick up recycled products at local events. Prior to that, a colleague, Dewey Kessler, had discussed using golf carts as “bar hoppers” at the Port, and though the idea sounded good to the merchants, the liability was ultimately not acceptable to Port Security. Extreme Custom Carts was contracted by Dewey to recycle  a 1995 cart into a street-legal vehicle a while back. He installed a custom-made, solar charging system in it, and after four months of successful private usage in low-speed locations, it’s still used for personal use and private events in the area. Now, with the help of Troy Tutterow, J.W. Jones of Power Shift Solar, Dan Faulkenberry of Push Creative Printing, Fred of Time Industries, and Russ Jamison of Atlas Insurance, we’re just weeks away from introducing our Solar Rides to Cocoa Village.

Why Cocoa Village?

There’s inconvenient parking there, and the Village has a prominent low-speed zone. What we’ll offer is welcoming, user-friendly access to and from long distance parking coupled with recycle bin pickups. Most of all, it will save visitors gas and time during their visit to the area.

When do you expect the cars to be in operation?

This June. State applications for street legal vehicle status have been submitted and we’re waiting for inspection. We’re going to start with one, and as greener endorsements grow, we’ll continue to build more. Right now we’re set for a 1-year pilot program.

What are the terms of the pilot program?

For one year, until further review, we’ll offer courtesy rides and tours into and around Cocoa Village. Eventually, the program will be limited to 6 vehicles with a recycle bin to be placed at 10 stops on the route.

Tell us a little about how the carts work and the construction process.

We started with old golf carts that had been returned from lease. The 8-passenger vehicles were retrofitted with the latest developments in comfort and electronics. We customized the nose to allow for added storage and incorporate 240-watt solar panels and digital controllers, and LED head and tail lights. Considering that most solar-charged technology has been for the 2-4 person carts, we’ve come a long way. The project required a larger roof structure, higher torque motors, and low-speed, street-legal outfitting.

What is the planned route?

Courtesy transportation and tours will originate at the Amish Deli, located at 607 Florida Ave. We’ll travel east on Orange Ave. and begin a 1.25-mile loop from the parking lot (South of 520) to pick up visitors from parking areas. We’ll continue south on Brevard Ave., east on Derby St., and turn north on Delannoy Ave. and around the park to West Harrison. Ten stops along the route will be designated pickup points for recycling containers.

What do you hope for the future of these carts?

We’d like to see expansion to similar low-speed areas such like Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral, Downtown Melbourne, the Eau Gallie Art District, and for 5k fundraisers and other events.

To learn more about the Solar Ride Program and other BGT initiatives, visit www.brevardsgreenteam.org

Mike Rogers of Grind for Life

Pro skateboarder and Cocoa Beach resident Mike Rogers founded Grind For Life, Inc. in 2003 as a way to provide financial assistance for people traveling long distances for cancer treatment.

A cancer survivor himself, Mike saw the need for this kind of help firsthand. “My cancer was super rare, so I had to travel from South Florida to New York City for my seventeen-hour surgery and radiation treatments,” he explains. “I had to cash in my retirement fund just to barely get through it, and I had was lucky enough to have my girlfriend’s family to stay with for four months. Imagine losing your job and home and being sick and broke at the same time.”

Through events and competitions across the country — like the one taking place April 23 at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park — Mike and a host of skateboarding luminaries raise awareness and much-needed funds for this worthy cause. Along with providing monetary support, Grind For Life also offers education on cancer recovery and survival as well as inspiration for patients and their families. Two Grind For Life Thrift Shops are also in operation in Cocoa Beach, the newest of which concentrates on hard-to-find vintage items and houses the organization’s offices and volunteer center.

We spoke with Mike from California, where he was wrapping up a successful Grind For Life event before heading back home to our shores.

You’re out in California now. What’s going on there?

We do lots of fundraisers in California, too. We just finished the Clash V event in San Diego and had all the best pro skateboarders come out to demo and help raise funds for Grind For Life and the Mission Valley YMCA Skate Park. Tony Hawk, Andy Macdonald, Bucky Lasek, PLG, and Adam Taylor were there, to name just a few. Over seventy top pros come out and skate to show their support. I’ll also be out here to compete in the Pro-Tec Pool Party soon. In the summer, I go again to skate in a demo with the amputee team from Adaptive Action Sports at X-Games. The skateboarding industry and the people of California have been very supportive.

How did Grind For Life get started?

I’m a two-time sarcoma cancer survivor and a pro skateboarder. A “grind” is a skateboard maneuver, so that’s how my friend Chris came up with the name Grind For Life. Chris organized a benefit event to help me after my second cancer battle. I had cancer as a kid and it came back twenty five years later. After seeing all my friends get together and do this for me, I felt a need to do the same for others. So I started a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and named it Grind For Life. We started by running a series of skateboarding competitions in Florida to raise funds to help people.

How is GFL 2011 different from GFL 2003?

We have seen many changes since we started, but one thing remains the same. Each person that has contacted GFL seeking assistance and fits our mission statement has been granted assistance. As we grow, we are getting more and more requests for help from cancer patients. We now have the tools needed to raise funds to help more people. Currently, GFL is doing more events than ever, we are receiving support from big companies and people are offering to do fundraisers for GFL. Our organic growth process allows things to happen at the right time.

What do you foresee for Grind For Life in 2021?

In ten years, we forsee having the “Grind For Life House” operating in New York City. It will be a residential facility like Ronald McDonald House but will allow adults, too. This housing facility will be specifically for families and patients being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who had to travel a long distance to get there. Hotel rooms in NYC are well over $200 per night, so a facility like this is needed for those who cannot afford hotels.

Describe a typical day for you.

My typical day when I’m not doing an event or fundraiser: Wake up, coffee, answer emails, phone calls, work on the computer all day communicating while I work in the volunteer center, get checks and care packages ready to mail, post office by 4, regular mail check, snack, skateboard at 7, dinner at 10, bed by 12, and then do it all again next day…

Share with us some inspiring stories through your work.

People tell me how meeting me inspires them to do good and gives them hope that they can get through rough situations. The kids who have cancer really inspire me to do my work and be out in public meeting them at events. I just met Angel out in California this trip. He lost an eye to cancer, too. His parents saw me on the news and brought him out to the Clash V to meet me. They saw me skate and we shared stories and Angel walked away that day so confident and uplifted. His parents cried and were so grateful. I am blessed to be alive to meet kids like Angel and help make his situation a little easier for him to deal with.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an organization?

The economy is a big factor and people aren’t able to give like they used to. That’s why we sell donated merchandise because it allows people to help without burdening them financially.

Tell us about the new shop.

The new shop is located at 81 N. Atlantic Ave. It’s called Grind For Life Vintage Store & Volunteer Center and sells vintage clothing, furniture and accessories as well as brand new stuff and very random cool stuff. The items we sell were donated to our other store, which is Thrift For Life, located at the south end of Cocoa Beach at 2370 S. Atlantic Ave. We opened the Vintage Store to showcase some of the unique and desirable items that might be overlooked in the thrift shop. You can also find GFL t-shirts and skateboards here. The Volunteer Center is located in the same building as the Vintage Store and will be a place where volunteers can get together to work at the store, sell merchandise online for GFL, plan local fundraisers and help with the office work.

What are some of the things GFL is most in need of to keep progressing?

Lots of good volunteers and committee leaders and more corporate involvement. We also need to start seeking grants, but need help to do that kind of work and to figure out the process.

Tell us about some of your upcoming events and projects.

The next local event is April 23 at Cocoa Beach Skatepark. It’s the second stop in the GFL Skatepark Series. It’s a skate contest/fundraiser that will benefit GFL and the Cocoa Beach Skatepark. Then we have the BBQ Bash in Lake Worth on May 14 at Bryant Park with eight bands and the Goat Ramp. Right now, we are working on getting the GFL Volunteer Center going and need volunteers for all sorts of positions. We’re in the planning stages for monthly mini-fundraisers in Cocoa Beach, like BBQ’, movie premiers, art shows, and tent events.

How are you doing, healthwise?

For the last eight years since my cancer surgery, I’ve been building my strength back up through diet and skateboarding and I’m feeling back to normal as I can be without my eye, cheekbone, half the roof of my mouth and my three stomach muscles in my face and no sense of smell. It’s just good for me to be alive.

Any thoughts on the ongoing health care debate?

I hope they work it out and people can be treated when they need treatment.

What is your personal philosophy?

Be positive, do the best you can each day, make good decisions, appreciate your health and never give up.

Any words of wisdom or inspiration?

Take it one day at a time. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Give a little of yourself to help others.

Learn more about Grind For Life at: www.grindforlife.org. The Grind For Life Vintage Store & Volunteer Center is located at 81 N. Atlantic Ave. in downtown Cocoa Beach, and Thrift For Life is located at 2370 S. Atlantic Ave. in south Cocoa Beach. Don’t miss the second stop in the 2011 Grind For Life Skatepark Series at the Cocoa Beach Skate Park on April 23. For more details, visit www.grindforlife.org

Patrick Smith: The Man Who Helped Define Florida Reflects
By M. Alberto Rivera

Like so many others, Patrick Smith moved to Florida because of a work offer. He became enamored with the state, and in his efforts to chronicle Florida have become synonymous with defining it.

His Florida novels, “Forever Island,” “Allapatah,” and “A Land Remembered,” are poignant and insightful portraits of the state in transition — and not for the better. Smith details the encroachment of development and the loss of a way of life. Initially he was concerned about how “Forever Island” would be received, wondering who on earth would care to read about some Seminole Indians. The book went on to be published in 36 countries, and was enormously successful in the Soviet Union — so successful in fact, that Smith and his wife were flown to Russia and given an all-expenses paid trip through the USSR for two weeks. This visit resulted in another book, “In Search of the Russian Bear.”

Smith threw himself into research for “Forever Island,” spending time in South Florida with the Seminoles, trying to get a proper understanding of his subject matter, just as he did for the book “Angel City.” He talks about both of these experiences in detail in his DVD “A Sense of Place.” The research not only paid off in the authenticity of the details, but in regard to the “Angel City,” which deals with working and living conditions in a migrant camp near Homestead, it brought about actual change. After the book was made into a CBS “Movie of the Week,” there was a public outcry for changes to be made. Laws were enacted to better protect the rights of migrant workers.

But of all his books, “A Land Remembered” is, by Smith’s own admission, “the book everyone wants to talk about.” It chronicles the MacIvey family’s rise from a subsistence existence to unbelievable wealth over the course of three generations, but as much as it’s about them, it’s also the story of how Florida grew from a sparsely populated frontier into a crowded, overdeveloped tourist destination. In the annual statewide “The Best of Florida” poll taken by Florida Monthly Magazine, “A Land Remembered” has been ranked the #1 Best Florida Book eight times.

A native of Mississippi, Smith moved Florida in 1966 to work at what was then Brevard Junior College as the Director of Public relations, a position he held until his retirement in 1988. He has published nine books and still resides in a modest home in Merritt Island, with his wife of over 60 years, Iris.

Smith has been nominated three times for the Pulitzer Prize and his lifetime body of work was nominated for the 1985 Nobel Prize for Literature. The complete list of awards and accolades Smith has received would leave scant room for anything else here, but among them, a section of a major highway — SR 520 running from East Merritt Island across the Banana River to Cocoa Beach — was named the Patrick D. Smith Causeway. He was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, and in 2002 Smith was the recipient of the Florida Historical Society’s Fay Schweim Award as the “Greatest Living Floridian.” The one-time-only award was established to honor the one individual who has contributed the most to Florida in recent history.

The Beachside Resident was fortunate enough to catch up with the distinguished man of letters who also happens to be our neighbor.

Why do you think that “A Land Remembered” has resonated so strongly with readers?

A lot of people think that Florida was always Walt Disney and amusement parks. Even though Florida had the first permanent settlement in North America, Florida was also one of the last frontiers. In 1860, the population of the state along the east coast from Cape Canaveral south was about 300 people. Because most living are from somewhere else, it (the novel) gives them an understanding of what a difficult place Florida was to live in. There wasn’t anything here.

Most authors hope to have produced a work that resonates with people and endures. How does it feel to know that “A Land Remembered” will continue to have its own life?

I get a lot of letters about the book. I recently received letters from an Indian School, from down south Florida, and they said they really enjoyed it. They told me Tawanda (the female Indian character) is their favorite character in the book… Because she’s one of them. I’m glad the book speaks to so many people and that it means something to them.
Of your body of work, do you have a favorite?

That’s like asking me to pick between my children.

You were working in public relations at Brevard Community College while you were publishing. Was it ever awkward once you began to publish?

No. Neither job got in the way of the other.

When did you find time to write while working a full-time job?

I wrote at night. Other people would be watching TV and I would be typing.

Based on the popularity of your books you were invited to the Soviet Union, and as a result, you wrote “In Search of the Russian Bear,” pre-Perestroika. What do you remember most from that trip?

They were fascinated by Florida and everything about the state. They wanted to know were there really alligators? They couldn’t begin to imagine an animal like that existing.

In the DVD “A Sense of Place,” you talk about how hard it was to motivate yourself to go down south to do the research for “A Land Remembered.” Was it similarly difficult with “Angel City”?

It was. After a week of work, I’d have to drive a few hours to go work some more. Then, when the weekend was over, drive back to go to my other job. It was backbreaking work.

You worked as a migrant worker in order to properly understand the predicament of people you wanted to write about in “Angel City.” How did you feel when actual change came as a direct result of your work?

It was made into a movie on CBS (and) it created such an uproar about the conditions of those camps that it resulted in new laws being passed to migrant workers.

Did anyone look at you funny when you showed up to work there?

When I went down to Angel City I drove an old VW bug… That didn’t raise any suspicions. But the people there didn’t know what to make of me at first. I’d show up and work. After a while they relaxed around me.

Are there any authors you currently enjoy?

I enjoy John Grisham quite a bit.

There are quite a few Florida writers, like Carl Hiaasen, who write about Florida conservation. Are you heartened when you read their work?

I met Carl Hiaasen back when he was a reporter with Florida Today. I like the way he writes and what he has to say. (Hiassen’s “Hoot” sat on a shelf just behind Smith as we spoke.)

If there was one thing you could change back from the way things are today in Florida, what would it be?

A lot of the development is just needless. We could do without so much construction and make better use of the land.

Your book, “The Seas That Mourn” is based on your experiences in the Merchant Marines. Could you tell me a little about that time in your life?

I was 17 when I joined. My mother signed me in. I was rated an able seaman and I was responsible for steering the ship. I worked in navigation. It was 1945… The war had ended. I never got shot at. I was in the merchant marine on and off for a couple of years. (Those experiences) help you because you meet so many interesting people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. I enjoyed several trips I made to North Africa, to Algiers, Holland, Sweden… I wouldn’t want to do it for a living, but it was interesting. We went to Russia… We were in Uzbekistan. It’s a Muslim nation, and the people then loved Americans.

Do you still enjoy writing?

Absolutely.

Do the awards and recognition you’ve received ever cross your mind when you sit down to write?

Never crosses my mind. I don’t think about it. I just write.

For all things Patrick Smith, visit: www.patricksmithonline.com

THE MOLLY ROGERS: PREPARE TO BE BOARDED
By M. Alberto Rivera
Photos by Tony Licalzi (aka Coitus Interruptus of the roman Empire) and M. Alberto Rivera

“I love hitting people! Hitting people is like the best part of roller derby. It’s really good therapy,” offers Molly Rogers roller girl Marri Murder Doll happily.

The Molly Rogers are Melbourne’s roller derby team and they are tough as nails. This is a group of women who aren’t shy about being rough on the track and doing what it takes to win. And even if they don’t win, they make the other team work for it. This is roller derby, complete with bruises, body checks, and broken bones. Anyone who thinks this isn’t real should strap on a pair of skates and see if they have what it takes to be knocked around by these ladies.

If you’re unfamiliar with roller derby, here is the quickest crash course ever: Contemporary roller derby is a contact sport, based on two teams roller skating in formation around an oval track. Points are scored by a designated scoring player, a “jammer,” who passes, or “laps,” members of the opposing team, including their blockers. As a result, offense and defense typically occur at the same time. The sport has its origins in the 1950s, but by the ’60s and ’70s roller derby had devolved into its own form of sports entertainment, in which theatrics came to overshadow the athletics and competitiveness. With the new grassroots revival of the sport, the emphasis is now on competition. With it strong do-it-yourself ethic, this is not your gramma’s roller derby.

And who looks at these women on the flat track and thinks, “Yeah, I wanna join”? Teachers, waitresses, physical therapists, interior designers, executive assistants, nurses, moms, and the girl next door make up the team. You have to be 18 to join, and the oldest MRRG is 47. But don’t think for a moment that anyone cuts her slack for her age. She does everything the 20-year-olds do and more. “Roller derby is for every type of woman, every size and shape. It just takes coming down, putting on the pads, and seeing if it’s for you,” says Marri Murder Doll.

The Molly Rogers are an all-volunteer organization. Everyone involved, from the referees, the ticket takers, and the emcees, all volunteer. The players are required to pay monthly dues used to pay for practice time at the skating rink. When they use the Sports Zone for bouts in Rockledge, the setup and teardown is done by the team and volunteers. According to treasurer Lotta Booty, “A minimum of 25 people are needed to help with the production of a roller derby match.

The team also holds fundraisers to help pay for their away matches. Last year saw them in North Carolina and Tennessee. This year, both New Orleans and Dublin, Ireland will be hosting the Molly Rogers.

All involved have adopted a derby names and readily admit they love becoming their alter ego. Sandra Bullwhip, Pistola Lola, M.C. Jammer, Tic Tactics, Blu-Eyed Gynecide, Lotta Booty, Marri Murder Doll — you get the idea. ”I get to be another person,” says Pistola Lola, real name Heather. And everyone says the same thing. The alter ego is liberating. Once the skates are on, the person who toiled at their day job for 8 hours is a distant memory.

The Beachside Resident was able to talk to a few of the Molly Rogers and get their thoughts on all things roller derby.

How did you get involved in Roller Derby?

“I’ve been skating my whole life and I was here (Galaxy Skateway) one night. And I saw all these tattooed girls trying to learn how to skate. I asked them what they were doing and they told me. They actually invited me, it was right when they first formed (as the Space Coast Slashers) So I came to a couple of practices, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”  — MC Jammer

” (I) happened to have the curiosity, time and the desire to get involved in a team sport again.” — Tic Tactics

What is your favorite part of a match?

“A perfect play. Getting through the pack safely and getting the lead jammer.” — Tic Tactics

“As a blocker, my favorite part was when I would hit someone and they’d go flying into the fans. My favorite part as a jammer was when my blockers worked well together and made it easy for me to get through the pack and score.” — Bettie Bond #007

“The very first 18-point jam in Florida was from me and we were playing against Jacksonville. We beat them by more than 100 points, at least. That’s my favorite memory.” — MC Jammer

“I love the second half of a bout. The adrenaline is running. We realize our mistakes. (It) gives us a chance to revamp and rethink what we’ve done. We have a chance to talk about it as a team, and if we’re behind we’ll usually pull ahead.” – Sandra Bullwhip

What do your friends and family think about your participation in roller derby?

“My friends and family think it is awesome, but were concerned about me possibly breaking bones or going to school with a black eye!”” — Bettie Bond #007

“Their biggest concern is about me getting injured, but they support my participation. My girlfirend is especially supportive and I love and appreciate that beyond words! I mention this because for those who play roller derby (ask any girl) it becomes your life. If your partner isn’t supportive, then eventually your back to being single but still playing roller derby.” — Tic Tactics

The day following a match, when you feel sore, do you ever question why you do it?

“No. However, I was recently sent to the ER with a shoulder injury during an away game against Jacksonville. The main question/concern on my mind was, ‘How soon can I play again?’” — Tic Tactics

“I broke my leg and right ankle in a state tournament. Bruises… I’ve gotten a few black eyes. It’s very strenuous on the body. Sometimes I’ll need to sit out for a week or two.” — MC Jammer

“I love the next day when I’m sore and beat up. It’s like, Yes! It’s a good healthy feeling, ‘cuz you know you went out and did your best. It’s like this exclusive club. Look at this bruise… Look at this wound… I’m a derby girl! It’s not for the weak at heart.” — Sandra Bullwhip

“I’ve had two broken pinkies… A broken collarbone. I just broke a rib. After I break a bone I wonder why the f@#$ I’m doing this… Oh yeah, because it’s roller derby and I love it. I love every moment of it.” — Marri Murder Doll

What’s the biggest misconception surrounding roller derby?

“That today’s roller derby is still theatrical like in old-school derby. Today when you get hit or hurt, it’s real.” — Tic Tactics

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is a fake staged game and that you’re allowed to throw elbows.” — Bettie Bond #007

What’s the best thing about being on a team?

“The hardest part of the team is that players come and go, so it’s a constant process of working well together. The best is that you grow a close friendship with many new girls.” – Bettie Bond #007

“… And the girls. You know people have stereotypes about people with tattoos, but they’re just normal people. They’re the coolest people I’ve ever met I my life. I love them. They feel like my family. They understand me.” — MC Jammer

“I love my alter ego. I get to be another person. And I love all the friends I’ve made. It’s like a sisterhood.” — Pistola Lola

“It’s a bunch of girls who don’t like hanging out with other girls hanging out together. It’s about a team of girls that have the same focus: Winning, and playing derby.” — Sandra Bullwhip

Are your significant others intimidated by you being in roller derby?

“No, but it’s very time consuming. They’ll say, ‘You’re always at derby.’ There’s practices and games, fundraisers. They tend to get a little frustrated with that.” — MC Jammer

“No one that I know so far has felt intimidated by my participation in roller derby. Some people think I’m too small-framed to play a sport as tough as roller derby, but other than that most people think it’s ‘cool.’” — Tic Tactics

“Sometimes. They’re like, ‘You do that? You’re kinda scary. You’re really little, but you’re really scary…’ It’s fun to know you can beat up the boys.” — Marri Murder Doll

To find out more about the Molly Rogers Rollergirls visit their Facebook page by searching for “Molly Rogers Rollergirls”

TWENTY QUESTIONS with: JIM MEYERS, aka GEORGE “THE ANIMAL” STEELE
Interview by M. Alberto Rivera

You may not recognize him as Jim Myers, the mild-mannered ex-teacher living quietly in Cocoa Beach, but his alter ego, George “The Animal” Steele, can still rattle your cage.

Now retired from the unlikely dual career of high school teacher and professional wrestler, Jim Myers has overcome a great many obstacles to be able to reflect calmly on his successes and hardships. While still attending autograph signings, making guest appearances on RAW, and working as a motivational speaker, Jim does his best to enjoy stress-free beachside living with his wife of more than 50 years, Pat.

As a child with dyslexia, a then undiagnosed condition, Jim struggled with academics. Not knowing what to do with him, his teachers sent him to the gym, and he became a phenomenal athlete as a result. He lettered 16 times, earning four each in track, basketball, baseball, and football, which eventually helped secure him with a football scholarship to the University of Michigan, where he managed to earn a Bachelors Degree. He returned to his high school in Madison Heights, Michigan, where he taught physical education and coached football and wrestling.

Jim was able to keep his second, more colorful job a secret for most his career, not becoming a full time professional wrestler until the tender age of 50. He’s also acted, having shared the silver screen with Johnny Depp and Bill Murray in Tim Burton’s 1994 film “Ed Wood.” He endured Crohn’s disease and baffled the doctors with his complete recovery, and has defied fate to make the most of the second chance he says God has given him.

How did you get involved in wrestling?

Going back to my second year of teaching, in 1961-62 — in that area somewhere — I was making $4,300 a year and I needed a part-time job. I learned that you don’t take a friend to a bar to apply for a job as a bouncer, drink a few beers, and hope to get hired. God was in control — I didn’t get hired. My friend was a huge wrestling fan; I never watched it. Couldn’t have cared less. I called the promoter at 2:30 in the morning… woke him up. He invited me over the next day. I went over, and he took one look at me said, “Beautiful!” I was wondering what this guy was all about. And then he calls me into his office, in his home. I met his mother-in-law, his wife, his kids, and I began to relax a bit. He brings me back into his office — I know nothing about wrestling — and he says, “Take off your shirt.” So I did. He walks around me, sees all the hair on my chest, and says, “Beautiful!” Now my eyes are really rolling around in my head, not understanding anything about wrestling or the look he was going for. Right off the chute, we decided we’d put me under a mask and I’d wrestle as “The Student,” with a cap and gown on, and I’d learn the business. That’s how I started wrestling. I had no interest really.

A lot of people are unaware that you spent 25 years teaching.

I went back to Madison Heights, Michigan — the same school I attended — planning on staying there two years, and then moving on with my life. I stayed there 25 years. I coached football for 17 years, started a wrestling program, in 1967, from scratch, and in 1969 we won a state championship. It was pretty unique. We had a great wrestling program. I had a lot of fun with football… (We) became a powerhouse in the area. Everybody at this level of wrestling was full-time… total career. Not me. I always looked at a wrestling, until January 1986, as a part-time job. I was a full-time teacher. Totally backwards. Then I start going full-time in a young man’s career at age 50. Whoo… it’s tough. Probably why I got so sick. I think I got Crohn’s from trying to run with the young bulls.

Did those two jobs ever collide?

This is what people don’t really understand… I might be at Madison Square Garden on Monday night or Saturday, and then I’d have to go back from George Steele to Jim Myers. From 20,000 people at Madison Square garden to coaching football — what a switch that is! It would have been near impossible to make it if it hadn’t been for my wonderful wife. When I’d come home, we’d have to get “George” in the box, psychologically, and get “Jim” out of the box. I’d have to go through this process or I’d go nuts. When I was wrestling, I was running a very fast track.  It was tough to slow down like that every week. Again, somehow it worked. I don’t know if anyone normal could have done it.

Who developed the George “The Animal” Steele persona?

They brought in Bruno San Martino, who was a WWWF champion at the time, to wrestle a show in Detroit. And they spotted me and I was invited to Pittsburgh. They set up a program with Bruno. I go there with my mask and they say, “No, no, no. We don’t want a mask.” I’m teaching and coaching, so I don’t want to use my real name. It’s a different territory, so the television didn’t bother me. I could be any name I wanted. One of the guys said, “This is the Steel City, Pittsburgh. Why not ‘Jim Steel’?” I liked ‘Steel,’ but not ‘Jim.’ Somebody said ‘George Steele.’ That happened (when) I was only 42 years old. That’s where it all started. This is 1967. Anyhow, (for the) first time I’m unmasked on television. I always had a mask on, and now I feel like I’m naked. Part of being a masked man is you do the show with your body because you have no facial expression. So when I took the mask off, I had all this here stuff going on (gestures with his arms)… I didn’t know about facial expressions. It was just a natural fit. And from there, business really shot up for them, so the next summer I was invited to the northeast, to the home of the WWWF, which became the WWF — it’s now the WWE — and they had no idea if I was going to go over or not.

You were there when wrestling became a huge business. What was that like?

There was Wrestlemania and the Hulk, and all that. It was bigger in the territories, but it wasn’t national. The territories were better for the boys. You could wrestle in one place and once that dried up, you could go wrestle elsewhere. Once we exploded, it got hard for a lot of the talent to stay in the wrestling business because of TV. It’s like a big, chomping monster… Overexposure. Vince (wrestling promoter Vince McMahon) did a great thing… He’s developed a circus atmosphere, where the name of the wrestlers isn’t as important. It’s a huge business now. It’s not the business I came up in.

Did you see the movie “The Wrestler”?

I sure did. I hated it. Number one: it’s not the business I was in. There’s two types of wrestling business: one is professional wrestling, the other is independent wrestling. They’re totally different. The guys in independent wrestling are not professional wrestlers. They don’t make enough money to survive on. To be a pro, this has to be your income, your livelihood. When friends of mine would go and see “The Wrestler” and think that’s what I was in… that’s not what I did. They show all this garbage of abusing their bodies… I never abused my body. The object of us wrestling, the way I wrestled, was to protect each other form getting hurt. If you hurt somebody, you weren’t very good at your craft. You wanted to make it look like you were hurting someone without hurting them. Now, they’re going out there using the barbed wire and so on, and so on… The WWE started to go in that direction and I quit watching it. I thought it (“The Wrestler”) was an overdone porno flick using wrestling. Totally disrespectful to the business I know.

How did your role in Tim Burton’s 1994 film “Ed Wood” come about?

Tim Burton was looking for someone to play the role of (Swedish wrestler and B-movie actor) Tor Johnson. He didn’t know if he wanted to go with an actor or a wrestler. My name kept coming up, and he finally called here one day. (He) told me who he was and he asked me how tall I was. He said I was too short… Tor was 6’4″; I was 6’1″. He couldn’t find anyone else, so they made me these shoes for me, to make me taller. I got the part. I didn’t know who Tor was. They told me I looked just like (him). I was flattered until I found out that Tor Johnson was the first actor to do monster movies without makeup. (Laughs) It was a fun thing. I got to meet a lot of wonderful people… Johnny Depp was a wonderful person… Martin Landau was so helpful to me… Bill Murray… all of them. The first day I was going to the set, this was a whole new ballgame… a starring role. When I got there I wasn’t nervous. I felt like I’d been there my whole career. There were a lot of similarities between wrestling and acting. We were out there four months. I said to (wife) Pat, “We’re not going to get caught up in this crap.” I talked to a few agents. They wanted me to move out to LA… Said I would have all the work I could handle… bit parts, character roles… But I loved the lifestyle of Cocoa Beach. I like to kick back here. I didn’t like the lifestyle of LA. It was just too plastic.

How did you get involved in motivational speaking?

I had a guy call me from the automobile industry and asked me to do that. I said, “I’ve never done anything like this”; he said, “Try it.” I did, it was fun. I don’t do a lot of it. It usually ends up in a Q&A about the learning disability… about the disease. Churches bring me in to talk to youth groups. I don’t charge for that. A few times they have a love offering… I give that all back to the church.

How did you choose the Space Coast to retire?

The doctors for my Crohn’s disease had recommended I move to the mountains for the tranquility… I was waiting to die, really. With bad knees and bad legs, the mountains didn’t sound too good to me. I always loved the ocean. We moved here expecting another six to seven months to live, really. I had a show in Orlando… One of the guys in the wrestling business, Tony Duria, had a condo here and invited me to come stay. In the morning, I went for a walk and was like, “Wow!” This is when they had the diner down the street (Herbie K’s). I was like, “Wow, wow, wow! You come over the two bridges and it’s like going into utopia.”

When were you diagnosed with Crohns disease?

I was still wrestling; I was too old to be wrestling. In 1986 I worked 97 straight days — back and forth, coast to coast, all over the place — Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and me. I started feeling really rundown. I thought it was my age. I wasn’t diagnosed with Crohn’s at first. A doctor hooked me up to an IV getting vitamins — nothing illegal, just the best stuff. I called it “jet fuel.” It picked me right up and I was good for a few days and then I’d crash. I told Vince (McMahon) that I needed some time off to recover. I spent 30 days in the hospital… I was fighting for my life. Now I have no symptoms of Crohn’s. It’s gone. The doctor’s can’t explain it. I got my life back. That was God looking out for me again. Let me give you my testimony — I want this in print… After dying twice on the table, I told my wife that we were going church shopping… We’re going to the first Baptist church of Merritt Island… Eliminate them. I was raised a Baptist… When I got real sick, I searched the foundation my parents gave me. I liked the preacher and his message, and a year later, in 2002, we were baptized. Life became a lot better. Now I let God handle it. I thought it was going to be a real struggle… It’s not. Just let it happen.

What are you most proud of?

My family, my wife, and my walk with the Lord.

At this stage in life, what do you enjoy most?

Waking up every day. I go to autograph sessions and people ask me if I still wrestle. I say, “Yes”… to get out of bed each day.

Kelly Slater
By Tobin Bennison

On November 17th, 2010 on a small patch of dirt and grass dividing the north and southbound lanes of A1A in Cocoa Beach, Brevard County received it’s newest landmark.

Traffic slowed to a crawl as a large crowd gathered for the unveiling of Tasha Drazich’s masterpiece, a 1,000+ lb. bronze statue of the man himself, Kelly Slater. There were children, local legends, kings and queens, mayors and mothers, and mothers of mayors in attendance, all brimming with pride that a local boy from their hometown had become the gifted and humble personification of a sport, a town, and a lifestyle we all hold dear.

Just days before, Kelly was in Puerto Rico, where he won the Rip Curl Pro, thereby clinching his 10th World Title. But despite all the celebration, the win was bittersweet, with the tragic passing just four days prior, of his longtime rival and close friend Andy Irons.

But with all this World Title and statue hoopla, there was still more work to do. Older brother Sean was to be married that same week, but not before a group of close friends traveled south to Key West for one last hurrah for the groom. There were bikers and tourists, drinkers and smokers, sailors and sons, and sons of sailors. There was beer drinking and fritter frying in between bouts of basking and relaxing in the sun.

It was here, after coming down from a rare chupacabra sighting, that I was able to ask Kelly a few questions…

Winning your 10th Title in Puerto Rico raises one crucial question: How were the empanadas?

Those were really good. Not that healthy, but the empanada shop was right on the side of the road on the way to the event from our hotel. I’m glad I didn’t go there until the last couple of days.

The winning of the 10th World Title is a huge deal that requires you to sit for numerous magazine and TV interviews. Which one do you look forward to the most? Will you be going on Glenn Beck?

Haven’t gotten that Glenn Beck call yet, but that’s top-of-the line, A-one stuff, so I don’t feel too let down…  I was just looking forward to The Resident interview.

There’s talk of you taking some time off to re-grow some hair and maybe put on a few pounds. Care to comment?

I’ll check into micro-follicular transplants and eat more sugar and get back to you.

Aside from winning the Title, what has been the highlight of the tour?

Not having to stress about it going into Hawaii. To have won four events this year and be consistently in the Semis and on after having a lackluster year is a great feeling. When you feel it you have to go with it.

When you get home and things have settled, what other projects do you see yourself investing some time in?

I’d like to visit the schools next time I’m home and meet some of the kids, then kick ‘em out of the skate park for a late-night private session with Scooter so the 8-year-olds can’t show me up.

We here at The Resident are putting together a television show with your younger brother called “Fishing with Skip,” which involves guests sitting in his boat and fishing with him while he regales them with various stories from his life. Each episode will run five hours. Can we put you on the list to appear?

I only have one hour. I’ll help write show topics…

If you haven’t noticed, American politics have gone completely nuts. If you were president for a day and were able to pass one law, what would it be?

I’d ban all lobby groups immediately. Then I’d only allow candidates to run on the same amount of campaign funds so that it’s equal. I’d also make a law that presidents get thrown in jail if they don’t answer the question. I know, I know… That’s three. Oh well… I think with the media available these days, you don’t have to spend the money and fuel and time traveling to all these places to shake babies and hold hands, right? Maybe we should have only voting and no actual faces or voices “leading” us, ’cause half of us hate whoever it is anyway. If we just had honorable and trustworthy voting, and whoever was in charge just simply went with all popular votes on things, I think that would make it easier. “Mr. Nobody for Prez.” Then we could blame “Nobody.”

In your many travels, have you learned any techniques for modifying the behavior of an unruly Beagle?

Ummm… What?

What was the last good movie you saw?

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” It was half-great. I need to see the second half next year and it’ll be really great. Didn’t want it to end.

Any words of wisdom for our Beachside Residents?

Don’t watch the news.

Your elder brother Sean had his bachelor party in the Keys recently. Which Key ran out of beer first?

Summerland and south to Key West did.

TWENTY QUESTIONS with AL YORK

When we first came up with the “Twenty Questions” feature six years ago, we did so with people like Al York in mind.  An ordinary beachside resident by most accounts, Al works in a field that is all the more extraordinary for its seeming ordinariness.

We’ve known that Al is chief mate on a tug for a long time and have heard a few tales of travels, but never knew the ins and outs of his profession — until recently.  Tugs play an important role in beachside life, but most of us would be hard pressed to distinguish one from a common barge, so influenced are we by the image of “Scuffy the Tugboat” and other quaint, portly vessels of the mind’s eye.

Al managed to take some time off from his duties to correspond with us from his boat to help demystify his trade.

Tell us about your own personal history. How did you first get into this line of work?

I was born and raised in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas. As Janice Joplin said, “It’s a nice place to be from” — as in not there any more. I attended the University of Houston and University of Texas. After college two high school buddies and I started a marine services company in Port Arthur. The business was sold and I went back to college but soon tired of that. I went to Florida on a vacation when a friend was transferred from JSC to KSC, and I liked it and stayed. Within a few years, I moved to a U.S. Navy base in the Bahamas and began working on research vessels. I advanced through the ranks to captain, left after 12 years, and moved back to Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral. Since then, I’ve have been working for a towing company out of Jacksonville. I started as a second mate, and am now chief mate training for a captain’s position. I’ve been in the marine industry for about 30 years. Of that time, I’ve accumulated about 15 years at sea. So half of my life for the past 30 has been, literally, spent on the ocean. It’s been a good life, but I’ll be ready for retirement in 2016, and not a day later.

Give us some specs on your vessel. What is its job?

It’s a 136-foot ocean going tug…7,200 horsepower. It’s basically a boat built around engine room and fuel tanks. We typically tow large RO/RO (roll-on/roll-off) cargo barges at 450 feet to over 700 feet from Florida to the Caribbean and back. There are usually six to eight in the crew — just enough to get the job done.

Describe a typical voyage.

Crew on in Jacksonville, depart that night, five-day transit to San Juan, Puerto Rico with one day in port and five days back to Jacksonville. Then, depart for a second trip, return, and then have one trip off.  If the weather is good and the cook is half as good, it’s a great job.

What are your main duties aboard the vessel? Describe a typical day for you.

I stand the 0400-0800 morning navigational bridge watch, have eight hours off, then stand the 1600-2000 watch with eight hours off… and so it goes for the trip. Aside from my watches, I’m responsible for training, supervising and evaluating the deck crew, conduct inspections, maintain logs, write reports, coordinate drills, and direct the crew in emergencies.

What’s been your most arduous voyage?

Florida to Brazil — a three-month trip, the longest so far, towing a submersible barge with two jack-up drilling rigs on the barge. We had to proceed at slow speed and divert for weather, but lost the derrick on one of the rigs when the “crown block” (the size of a VW Bug) broke loose and swung like a pendulum in the derrick and knocked it over the side of the barge. There was nothing we could do about that but watch and hope it didn’t pull more of the rig in with it.

Most memorable voyage?

A pleasure cruise through the Azores and Madeira to Lisbon. The Azores are on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and make up nine islands, volcanic in origin with black sand beaches, crater lakes, and very lush. And the kindest, most hospitable people I have ever met. I have been back several times over the years and look forward to returning soon. The most exotic port of call would be Rio de Janeiro and Recife, Brazil. Everyone should go to Carnaval once in their lifetime, preferably when young enough to enjoy the dusk-till-dawn festivities.

Any run-ins with pirates or suspicious activity?

I haven’t encountered any pirates myself, but others on the Caribbean runs have; they’re only interested in the cargo on the barge and never attempt to board the tug. Sometimes we have a stowaway, but it’s rare. We search the barge before departure and sometimes employ search dogs to ensure that there are no stowaways. It’s very expensive to pay the ICE fines, detention, and repatriate them back to where ever they were trying to escape from.

What do you all typically eat?

Food is usually a big morale issue on vessels, so the food is pretty good, for the most part. The problem we have is that there is no permanent cook. One of the deckhands cooks for the trip and if he/she puts forth a good effort, the meals range from a keel-hauling offense to very good. Getting enough fresh veggies to last for a two-week trip is sometimes a problem. We replenish food every two weeks in home port. We fish from the boat while underway and usually catch a few dolphin or wahoo. We always eat the first fish and freeze and take home the rest.

What do you do to pass the time?

I read for much of my off time and when I’m not catching up on sleep. We have VCR and DVD players on the boats and someone usually brings movies.

Favorite book at sea?

Don’t think I have a favorite book at sea — certainly none that involve a great white whale.

Which film accurately captures what it’s like to be at sea?

“Around the Horn,” a 30-minute film made and narrated by Irving Johnson when he was 21 and an apprentice seaman. It was filmed in 1929 on a four-masted bark in the nitrate trade (bat guano) from Valparaiso, Chile back to Hamburg Germany. After seeing

what those seamen went through, today’s mariner should have nothing to complain about. I don’t know that anything out of Hollywood accurately portrays what it’s like out here. Some days are truly magnificent and you have a feeling of being connected to all things, and on other days when the seas are really rough, it’s like being in prison with the posibility of drowning.

What do you miss most when you’re aboard for a long stretch?

Friends and family foremost, a bed that’s wider that 34″, and eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Oh, and just doing nothing or whatever comes to mind.

What’s the strangest seafaring superstition you’ve come across?

There are many, and none make sense to me. A few of the more common ones are: no turkeys, don’t depart port on a Friday, and women on board are bad luck. I don’t get the last one; I’ve sailed with some women, from captain to mate to chief engineer to cook, who have outperformed most men.

Ever seen St. Elmo’s fire? Any other strange phenomena you’ve witnessed?

I once saw St. Elmo’s fire in the masts — beautiful and freaky at the same time, like the women I seem to be attracted to. I saw the aurora borealis from the Gulf of Mexico once and once in the Bahamas. On clear nights in the middle of nowhere we could see several satellites in the polar orbit. And the stars… you’ll never see as many on land as you can at sea. The stars… it’s the stuff we’re made of.

What is your favorite activity while on land?

I live about 100 yards from the beach, so walking and bicycling the beach are almost a daily ritual. Of course, visiting with family and friends in Florida, Texas, and the Bahamas. I’ve thought about getting into kayaking on the river or during calm days at the beach, but I have too much salt in my diet as it is. So I think I should get back into golf. A friend of mine has asked me numerous times to play a round, but it always seems too hot and the A/C is blowing right over the bar stool at Paddy Cassidy’s. Winter is approaching, so now I have no more excuses… FORE!

Do you ever boat for pleasure?

HELL NO!!!

What will you do when you retire?

I retire from the union in 2016, but plan to keep busy doing something. I’m leaning toward refurbishing and flipping older homes, if the real estate market gets back to normal by then. I may even go back to the Bahamas where I began my career on the deck. “It’s paradise with a paycheck,” as my old boss used to say. Definitely do some traveling.

TWENTY QUESTIONS with Jennifer Rowlette-Reneau
• Interview by M. Alberto Rivera •

Jennifer Rowlette-Reneau is used to challenges. She’s not easily flustered or off put by obstacles; overcoming them is something she relishes. She taught herself how to surf and excelled at the sport. Having lost exact count, she knows she has medaled in at least 97 competitions, possibly more.

Jennifer surfed competitively on the UCF Surfing Team from 1989 to 1991, The U.S. National Team in 1998, the Eastern Surfing Association All-Star Team from 1996 to 1998, and U.S. Iron Woman Surfing Champion 1997. She was the East Coast Collegiate State Champion NSSA ’90, and she coached the Rockledge Community Surf Club from 1998-2002.

When her daughter Riley was born in 2005, a new challenge was presented to her in the form of a newborn with Downs Syndrome. Determined to give her daughter every opportunity to have a normal childhood, she started the annual Smiley Riley Beach Bash, currently in its fifth year, an event for Downs Syndrome children and their siblings and families to get together, enjoy the beach, and take some surfing lessons. Jennifer is now also part of a movement working to have surfing added as a Special Olympics Sport.

Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Florida who’s spent the last 15 years in Brevard County, and isn’t shy about giving back to her community.

Where did you grow up?

Hialeah, Florida.

When did you start surfing?

I didn’t get started until I was seventeen. I saw a surfing poster at a friend’s house and I had to ask her what it was. I was totally clueless about it. My family wasn’t the sort of people who hung out at the beach, so this was all brand new to me.

Who helped you get started?

I ended up at a surf shop called Little Hawaii in Hollywood, Florida, and I said, “I want to learn how to surf.” I had about a hundred bucks, so I asked, “What can I get?” They set me up with a used board and I’m pretty sure I didn’t even get a leash that day. And I went to the beach by myself. I watched other people surfing for a little while before getting in the water. I finally paddled out and swam up next to this older guy, he was about 50, and I asked, “What do I do?” He looked at me like I was crazy, and asked, “What do you mean?” I said, “I’ve never surfed before. How do I do it?” He thought I was lying, but said, “Turn around and get on your belly.” And when a wave came he yelled for me to paddle and then yelled, “Stand up!” I rode the wave all the way into the shore. When I paddled back out, he looked at me and said, “You’ve done this before.” It was really cool I met that guy. It could have been some jerk who ignored me.

Were you a natural or did surfing require you working at it?

Sports had always come easily to me, and surfing was no exception. Surfing quickly became all I was doing with my free time.

When did you move to Brevard County?

I moved to Brevard County after graduating from UCF in 1992 to Satellite Beach and lived there for 13 years. I loved it; I could walk or ride my bike to the beach and I did all the time.

You competed extensively. What are your best memories from that time in your life?

I’m most proud of being on the U.S. Team. It took five trials to get on the team. Then I had to compete against the pros in California; five back-to-back heats. It was grueling! It was truly an honor to represent the U.S. Team. Got to travel quite a bit as well, which was a lot of fun.

How often do you get to surf now?

Not enough.

Your daughter Riley was born with Downs Syndrome in 2005. When did the idea occur to you to start a program to start teaching children with Downs Syndrome how to surf?

When Riley was 3 or 4 months old I received a box from Lynn Sicoli with a bunch of clothing and a note saying “Congratulations!” Very short and very encouraging. Other people had said congratulations on Riley, but it was sort of guarded. This was positive and encouraging. Lynn is very involved in the DS community here locally, and I got to thinking I wanted to be involved and give back — back to the people who had supported me when Riley was born. We did the first one when she was 7 months old, and it was a big hit right away.

The Smiley Riley Beach Bash is in its fifth year. Was it hard to get all the volunteers to come out and donate their time to help put it together?

No, it really wasn’t that hard. I pulled out my rolodex and called everyone I knew. All the surf instructors and the businesses that sponsor us and volunteer their time, I’ve had a personal relationship with them all for 10 to 15 years. They all seem happy to help out and they tell me later what a great time they had. My family helps with the cooking and the set-up. It’s a good time for everyone involved. It’s not a fundraiser. It’s fairly easy to ask people for money, and if it’s for a good cause, people will be fairly generous. But one of the things I wanted to do was to give a memory that was going to last. You know, a day of good memories. I recently received an email from the mother of a little boy, Evan, who tells her the day at the beach was “One of his best days ever.” Craig Carroll (owner of the Ron Jon Surf School and former coach and pro surfer) helped pave the way. Before the Beach Bash there weren’t very many special needs students coming to the surfing school, but now it happens all the time. When I told him about my idea for the Beach Bash, Craig said, “What do you need?” He’s been incredibly supportive.

Have you noticed any of the special needs children having significantly more difficulties learning how to surf than other kids?

No, not at all. A lot of this is up to the child. There is a lower amount of muscle tone associated with the condition, but a lot of the kids get right up and surf. There are more concerns from parents who fear their kids won’t be able to do it. There are a lot of perceptions and expectations that maybe this is too hard, but like regular kids they have to try first. But one of the great things we’ve seen at the Smiley Riley Beach Bash is strangers coming by to watch and cheer. It’s really positive and encouraging. It’s really touching.

Is there any difference in the kind of boards being used by the special needs surfers and other surfing students?

We use the same kind of boards we us at the Ron Jon’s surfing school — the soft-top boards. They’re safer for beginners.

Do children with Downs Syndrome have a fear of the water?

No more than regular kids. You’ll have some kids that are really fearless and kamikaze types, and others who are more cautious and need more reassurance — just like regular kids the same age. Like with any developing kid, it depends on the kid.

How do you get the siblings involved?

When I first took Riley to these long doctors’ appointments where she was being tested and then later doing therapy, her older brother was made to wait long hours. I knew it was important to get the siblings involved so they wouldn’t feel slighted. So it wasn’t just a day for the special needs kids, but for the entire family.

What’s a good age to get a child with Downs Syndrome exposed to surfing?

Eight is a good age to get started. If the parents are there with them and they are actively involved, then 6. We’re very safety conscious. It really depends on the child and the family though.

How did you get involved in having surfing added as a Special Olympics sport? What has this process been like?

I’d like to think that Riley and the Beach Bash was the catalyst for this. We learned how coachable these kids are and how much fun they were having. Right now, surfing as a sport for those with special needs is something only happening in Brevard. How far this will go will depend on how it’s received here first. But this is Florida; there’s no reason why this shouldn’t or can’t go statewide.

Do you have any long-term goals or expectations for these projects?

I’d like to see it taken to the next level. There were some events recently here locally. So the next step is to see surfing in the Special Needs community grow in Florida and to see if there’s enough interest for it to catch on. Take it one step at a time. Keep having a good time and enjoy every day.

(Note: The last sport to be added to the Special Olympics was judo, in 2007. In order for surfing to be added as a Special Olympics event it would need to be accepted by Special Olympic programs in other Florida counties, and then by the State. In order to reach the national level, it will take a minimum number of states to participate, and similarly, a minimum number of countries to reach the international level.)

Brandon Smith of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society

Indialantic’s Sea Turtle Preservation Society was formed in the ’80s by a group of citizens concerned about sea turtles and the threats they face.

With “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” as their motto, STPS boasts some 600 members, 13 board members, and a team of over 100 active volunteers who are directly involved in the preservation and rescue of sick and injured turtles. “We also help increase scientific knowledge by collecting nesting data in Cocoa Beach,” says STPS Media Relations Chair Brandon Smith, who first began volunteering with the Society while a student at FIT. “But most importantly,” Smith adds, “we try to educate others so that their actions help to conserve sea turtles.”

One of Smith’s college friends who was doing sea turtle research took him to his first STPS meeting in 1996. “I attended meetings when I could, and then after a few years started volunteering on a regular basis. I first started with conducting morning nest surveys. After a year of that, I added evening educational sea turtle walks to my activities.”

“I started off knowing nothing about sea turtles when I first joined,” Smith tells us. “Through the shared knowledge of volunteers, trainings, and my own reading and research I’ve gained a fairly large knowledge of sea turtles. …Though I do end up learning new things all the time.”

This September 18 sees the 2010 STPS Turtle Krawl, a 5K walk/run to help support the Society’s activities and endeavors. As sea turtle nesting season continues until October 31 — and not, as we erroneously reported last month, October 1 — we thought it a good time to speak with Smith and brush up on our sea turtle knowledge.

How has this nesting season gone this far? Any incidents or issues?

The final numbers are not in, though it seems like we are having more turtles this year than in years past. This is a great thing, as the loggerhead nesting numbers had been declining for nearly the last decade. Hopefully the increasing trend will continue. Unfortunately, we’ve also seen a higher instance of human activity and disturbance. During one of our educational turtle walks this summer we encountered over 50 people within a mile stretch of beach. Most were actively searching for sea turtles — many of them approaching the turtles, which is illegal without proper permits, and scaring them back into the water. We’ve also had many instances of large holes dug on the beach that can trap sea turtles.

Tell us a story from your time working with the Society to help educate readers about what does happen when these creatures’ environments aren’t respected.

Unfortunately, we have encountered too many instances of people interfering with sea turtles. On the majority of our educational turtle walks we find someone scaring turtles off with flashlights or by walking up to them. During one of this summer’s nesting surveys, we encountered an abandoned nest, uncovered and half full of eggs, where the turtle left due to a couple pouring water on it, to try to cool it down. There was also in instance last year where a large female died after falling into one of the large holes some beachgoers had dug on the beach the day before. We also can usually fill a shopping bag or two of trash each time we visit the beach. Through volunteering with a Florida Fish and Wildlife research study I’ve seen firsthand how this trash effects the turtles. We looked at the stomach contents of young turtles that washed ashore dead. A majority of them had bits of plastic in their digestive tract. Many with enough to plug up their stomachs or cut through their intestines.

Most longtime Residents seem pretty aware of turtle safety and nesting guidelines, but is there something you think people still aren’t getting?

We know many residents try to respect turtles, and I’m impressed with how dark our beaches have gotten since I first started volunteering. However, the thing people need to most understand is that it is not okay to approach nesting sea turtles. We hear people tell us all the time, “I’ve lived here 30 years, so I can do this,” or “I know what I’m doing, so it’s O.K.” Without a permit from FWC and USFWS, it is illegal to approach and/or disturb a nesting sea turtle. If they want to see nesting turtles, they should join one of the numerous educational sea turtle walks held by either STPS or other organizations in the County — Sebastian Inlet, Canaveral National Seashore, or the Barrier Island Center. Another easy thing for people to do to help sea turtles that they may not realize is to choose sustainable seafood when shopping or dining out. Seafood that has been harvested in ways to reduce or eliminate sea turtle mortality can greatly enhance their populations. The STPS office carries Seafood Watch wallet cards that can help people make informed decisions about the seafood they purchase.

What are some of the more widespread misconceptions about sea turtles?

They do not go into a trance when nesting. People think they can approach a turtle once it is laying eggs because it is “in a trance.” The turtle can still abandon its nest if it feels frightened. I’ve actually seen a turtle that kept dropping eggs down the beach to the water as it tried to flee from people who disturbed it.

Have you seen any direct or indirect effects from the Gulf Oil Spill?

We have not seen any oil spill results yet. Though we may not see sheets of oil on the beach, I suspect we will have an increase in the number of tar balls for years to come. The balls collect in the same currents that the young turtles grow up in. They will often ingest them thinking they might be food.

Do you think sea turtles are safer than they were 20 years ago or more in danger?

Sea turtles definitely have more protections in place than they did 20 years ago. I’d hope people are also more aware of their struggles to survive. However, they face greater habitat loss and disturbance due to higher populations along our coastal areas. The increase in trash floating in the oceans can also cause more problems for foraging sea turtles.

What does the future hold for sea turtles, both locally and worldwide?

The sea turtle’s future is uncertain. While we have made advances in areas locally, these animals are world travelers. We can protect them here on their nesting grounds, but if they don’t face the same protection on their feeding grounds in another country, our efforts here are in vain. Sea turtles need greater international protection to limit death due to bycatch and eliminate direct trade in sea turtle products.

Tell us about the Turtle Krawl. What can people expect for the day?

It’s a 5K walk/run to help support STPS sea turtle activities. People who participate will get a tech shirt with beautiful artwork from local artist Nemo. They also receive a reusable canvas tote as part of their race packet. Medals with Nemo’s artwork will be awarded to 108 participants in various categories. There is breakfast provided after the run. Also, following the race will be a free children’s run. This is the first year STPS has held the Turtle Krawl. Previously, it was held by Brevard County Parks and Recreation. This is also the first year it has been a sanctioned run. Previously it was a “fun run.” So the numbers we expect are up in the air since the dynamic of the run has changed, though we are hoping for somewhere in the vicinity of 300 runners. People can register for the event by going to: www.turtlekrawl.com

The Society takes part in many other fundraising events and outreach activities. Tell us about some of those.

We conduct educational presentations throughout the year for schools and various private groups. We also attend and talk turtle at many local festivals such as the Pelican Island Festival, Melbourne Beach Founders Day, and many others. In addition, we have host speakers at our general membership meetings. Those meetings are held the first Thursday of each month in the community room in Melbourne Beach. These are free and open to the general public.

What other organizations does the Society work with?

Because we deal with endangered species, we work closely with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to keep current on our permits and rules and regulations regarding sea turtles. We also work with the UCF sea turtle survey teams and help to keep each other informed on turtle activities on our area beaches. There are many other organizations we deal with throughout the year. The sea turtle community is a rather close-knit group, so you end up working and sharing resources with many organizations.

What are some other STPS events in the offing?

STPS will be a strong presence to help protect sea turtles as long as they need it. We will continue to educate residents and visitors to our county and we hope to continue Turtle Krawl as an annual event. We are also in the planning stages of a Sustainable Seafood Night where people can sample sustainable seafood dishes from restaurants around Brevard. It will be an effort to increase awareness on the power people have to influence seafood locally and, in turn, protect sea turtles and other marine resources globally.

How does one become part of the Society?

To become a member, people can submit membership dues at or office in Indialantic or go online to www.seaturtlespacecoast.org to download forms to mail in or you pay directly via PayPal. Those who wish to volunteer must attend some basic turtle training called “Turtle 101.” Then they must attend training specific to the activities they wish to be involved in.

Visit the Sea Turtle Preservation Socety online at: www.seaturtlespacecoast.org. The 2010 Turtle Krawl will be held on September 18 at Nance Park in Indialantic at 7:30 a.m. To learn more and to register, visit www.turtlekrawl.com

Jason Santini of Happy Healthy Human
• Tobin Bennison •

It’s hard to imagine now, but three short years ago Jason Santini was one unhappy, unhealthy human.

Once he adopted a raw vegan diet he began to feel worlds better, both physically and mentally. So dramatic were the changes he experienced that Santini decided to spread his newfound love of raw food’s benefits to the community through Happy Healthy Human, the co-op he now owns and operates.

Located in Indian Harbour Beach, HHH is a café, food and produce co-op, and community “life center” that offers guidance and healthy alternatives for those in search of a new, more holistic lifestyle. Since it opened last year, Happy Healthy Human has been overwhelmingly received by locals. “People love it,” says Santini. “We are really being welcomed into the community. I’ve never in my life received so many sincere acts of gratitude than in the past 8 months at this store. My work and ideas are really appreciated by those taking part in experiencing the fruits of my labor.”

We spoke to Santini about some of his own personal changes and his vision for a happier, healthier world.

What do like most about living beachside?

I like living near the water. Mother Ocean is a magical part of all of our lives, whether we acknowledge her or not. The slow pace of life is nice as well.

How did Happy Healthy Human come into existence?

After beginning my personal health transformation in 2007 and 2008, I was spending a massive amount of money on produce, so I decided to create a co-op style program that would allow me to supply my own needs and spread some organic food out into the community as well. I ran the co-op out of my house for over a year before opening the café. Now the co-op is just one facet of many that we offer to enhance the total health of our community and beyond. To date we have two different copycat programs in town that have taken my concept and ran with it; I embrace this as a success in my mission. Together, we supply a lot of organic produce to the area — a lot.

So HHH is more than just an eatery. What are some its other facets?

We’re a community life center dealing in healing. We want to project love and light outward to try and give a little push back against the rage of the machine. As a 32-year-old, I can reflect back 10 or 15 years, and life has really been accelerated in a very short amount of time. I guess it’s time for my age group to be the adults, and we get the choice to either make positive change and allow the world to be a better place for future generations or just sit back in a comfort zone and receive what’s given to us with no say in what that is. I choose to do the work in making my surroundings a better place, and my way of doing this is in sharing the gift of health-enhancing foods and services to the people. So when you walk into Happy Healthy Human, expect to be greeted with love via the vibe, the people, the hugs, the information, and the food. It’s all love.

Tell us about your first exposure to raw vegan foods.

In early 2007, I weighed 225 pounds and was not feeling well at all. Life afforded me a situation of forced change, so I decided to just change everything, using my diet as a catalyst to the transformation. I just started a juicing regimen and almost immediately I was suffering headaches and leaving solids in the toilet, although I was only drinking juice, which seemed ironic to me. I later learned I was suffering from a healing crisis and that the solids were just the glue I’d been eating that was sticking around. After about 8 months, I had lost about 80 pounds and was emptied out. I didn’t jump right into a raw vegan diet; I didn’t know what the diet consisted of at the time of my change. I just kept reading books and doing trials on myself and taking some real notes on what was happening inside and outside of me. After about a year and meeting some local love-filled raw food eaters — Bob and Cheryl of Rawberts — I was convinced that not only could a diet of just raw food be done, but that I was going to do it and absolutely thrive on it. I went 100% raw vegan at that point, in early 2008, and have no plans on looking back now. I’ve learned so much and have never felt better in my life. Each day is the best I’ve ever felt with very few exceptions. I strive for constant and continued self-improvement and find eating a raw vegan diet coupled with dedicated yoga practice is untouchable in achieving this goal.

What is a “raw food” diet? Explain some of the benefits of adopting the lifestyle.

A raw food diet is a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds in their raw state. Nothing is heated over 118 degrees, so that all enzyme activity stays intact, which helps the food digest itself. Also, none of the water or nutrients are lost when the food is eaten raw. Our bodies recognize raw foods and easily assimilate all they have to offer. The benefits of a raw food diet are numerous and span across a wide spectrum — endless controlled energy, weight loss (or gain) to the ideal weight for the individual, disease reversal, and clarity of mind, including sharpness and improved memory. Basically, humans are at the top of food chain, the most advanced living thing on our planet earth. If you eat a raw vegan diet you will achieve the optimal health condition possible for your human body. I tell people if they eat cooked food, meat or poison, they are living at 40-60% of their potential. With a raw vegan diet, those same individuals could crank up the living to 80-90% of their potential. No matter how good you are at anything, you will be much, much better by eating more and more raw foods. I suggest everyone gives it a try. The proof is in the pudding.

Describe your life and eating habits before adopting the raw vegan lifestyle.

I was always on the run, and bought things at convenient stores and ate out of bags. All bad stuff. Drinkers who smoke were in my life and in my mirror. My lifestyle was a lifestyle that centered around death and destruction, whether I was aware of it or not. Alcohol and eating animals represents suffering in many ways. A plant-based diet and lifestyle is centered around love and life. When we eat and live a certain way, we lose a lot of choice in our actions as we become what we eat in many ways — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Obviously, this is just my opinion based on the road I’ve gone down, but it seems pretty accurate the deeper and deeper I get into this healing. Today, I am just true to myself and the food choices I choose to eat will eventually become me. I want to be alive and full of life, so I eat foods that are alive and full of life and love.

Do you miss anything about that time? Do you have any “guilty pleasures” today?

I am the exact same person, I’ve just changed my lifestyle and habits from dark to light. I have much more love and respect for myself and this is projected outward. I don’t miss anything about eating and living poorly. I’m able to do things I’ve never dreamt possible before. I go into a prairie now and actually see the flowers, where as before I saw nothing. I recommend this simple adventure to everyone. Instead of reading someone else’s view and taking their word for it, give it a try and be your own judge. I tell people when they inquire about a raw vegan diet that the proof is always in the pudding, and it is. You just have to give it an honest try and it’s right there in front of you.

Describe the idea behind HHH’s mixed produce boxes.

When I was changing my diet I had a very difficult time finding quantity of quality produce at an affordable price. So I decided to be the change I wanted and started putting together variety boxes of organic produce for a set price so people could budget their organic produce into their weekly groceries. I would be the gatekeeper of choosing which health-enhancing seasonally abundant items are in their boxes and on their dinner tables. As a thriving healthy living advocate, I choose the weekly items in an attempt to enhance the health of everyone who participates in eating items from the box. The selection of stuff is made with the health of the consumer in mind more than the bottom line. We buy the best available stuff, not the least expensive organic stuff. I tell people to just buy the box and eat it all. In a little bit of time your health will improve, guaranteed. The boxes make eating better very simple, which is good.

What are some of the more popular items on the café menu?

Our most popular items are green smoothies, green juices, and micro-green salads along with nori rolls, “human” burgers and onion bread sandwiches. Our mylkshakes and ice-cream sundaes are pretty popular as well, and when we make pies and specialty desserts they go as fast as they are made. Our kale chips are wildly popular as well. We take kale, put a sauce on it and then dehydrate it to a crispy delicious delight that tastes better than Doritos — and they’re actually good for you. Wheatgrass juice is always a winner; a two-ounce shot is equivalent to eating five pounds of veggies.

What are some of your own personal favorites?

My favorites are very simple. I enjoy a good green juice or a “Daily V”, which is a wide variety of veggies juiced into a delicious, nourishing cocktail. The longer I eat only raw foods, the simpler my personal diet becomes. But I can still get down and binge with the best of them. When I get my eat on, it’s usually a big bowl of kale chips, some flax crax dipped in nut cheese or maybe a chocolate shake, some chocolate chia pudding or just something simple, like dates or strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce. Regardless of what I eat, it’s good for me and really good to me — check, check.

Do you think organics and raw food will stick in the public consciousness, or do you think they’re just part of a passing fad?

It isn’t a passing fad. We have those who decide to take responsibility for their own health situations and those who live a managed life of suffering. Whether they’re aware of it or not, it’s suffering. I know because I’ve been on both sides of the hot dog stand. As more and more people want their power back and are willing to take advantage of the solutions at their fingertips, the resulting changes will lead to a massive awakening of consciousness that will begin a herd mentality towards living good and loving oneself. Shortly thereafter, the peace train will hit full steam and the newfound abundance of love will overflow into the streets… Visualizations are great. I will be doing all I can, when I can, to help make sure this comes to pass.

What would you order for your last meal?

My last meal will be a green juice shared with someone I love, ideally.

What would you like to come back as in your next life?

The way I see it, I’m already there. I’m a living example of how we can recreate our current lives into the lives we dream about. We’re in full control, and when we learn to be true to ourselves and look upon ourselves with truthful eyes, we see the light very easily.

Any last words?

Love yourself and then just become love. If you want people to be nice to you, be nice to people. If you want to help make the world a better place, go out into the world and make something or someone else’s day better. Before long, selfless acts of kindness will be directed your way as well. We create what we are, so create something good. Peace.

Happy Healthy Human is located at 1869 S. Patrick Dr. in Indian Harbour Beach. They’re open Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays sees the arrival of mixed organic produce boxes, with hours from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. HHH also offers catering for all types of parties and corporate events with delivery and group discounts. Call them at 779-0077 to find out more, or visit them online at www.happyhealthyhuman.com.

Don Ryan of Surfers for Autism
• Tobin Bennison •

Last September, we interviewed Surfers For Autism President Don Ryan on the eve of what proved to be a huge event for area children and families touched by autism.

Autism, or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the nation and affects 1 in 150 American children. While the exact cause is unknown, autistic children face tremendous challenges in communicating and are often socially withdrawn. But Surfers For Autism (SFA) has created a day that levels this playing field with the help of a great equalizer: the ocean. During SFA events, qualified surfing instructors and volunteers guide children into the waves, and the line dividing them from non-autistic children swiftly disappears.

The non-profit Boca Raton-based SFA raises funds for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and has been a top fundraiser for the disorder since its 2007 inception.

Based on the phenomenal success of last year’s inaugural event for the area, Surfers For Autism are due back in Cocoa Beach on July 24 at Lori Wilson Park.

We checked back in with Don to find out what the organization’s been up to since we last spoke.

Tell us about last year’s Cocoa Beach event. How was it received?

Last year’s Cocoa Beach event was absolutely stellar on every imaginable level. From the attendance and how the community received us to the stoke on the beach — it really was breathtaking. At that time last year, it was the farthest we’d ventured from home, and it was uncharted water. From the word “Go,” this community embraced us with such passion and dedication that it really blew us all away. Each event has its own energy and vibe, but they really are all the same in terms of stoke and pure joy. Cocoa Beach is the surfing Mecca of Florida, so things really fell into place easily in terms of planning. One thing that was really touching was the attendance. The beach was completely packed, and we raised over $4,000, which for an inaugural event is a very solid number.

Any striking impressions from that day?

There were so many inspiring stories and surfers that it’s hard to narrow it down. We had one surfer that day that was an absolute ham, grabbing the microphone from reporters and just being the center of attention, which is not the norm for children with autism. Aside from the surfing, every area to the north, south, and west of us was dealing with horrific weather, and we were the only pocket of beautiful weather anywhere around. We are always looked after. It sounds strange to even say, but there were no complications or challenges related to last year’s Cocoa Beach event. This community embraced us entirely and everyone was on board as soon as they learned how true, real, and positive this organization is. There was no need for follow-up meetings or much back and forth. I would make a visit, do my presentation, and right away the response was, “What do you need us to do?” Brevard County Parks and Recreation and the lifeguards were instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of the event and made a huge impact. Local Firefighter Union 2969 also provided vital support.

What has the organization achieved since last summer?

SFA has been very busy since we wrapped up last year’s surfing season. We began an off-season fundraising concert series that ran from Fort Lauderdale all the way to Indialantic. These events were incredibly well attended and we were able to purchase many of the items needed to make us as self sufficient as possible. We filmed segments for some of the most watched news programs in the country, and we currently have a feature length, cinema quality documentary in production.

What have you learned about autism since you first became involved with the organization?

I’ve learned a lot more about the disorder itself, but specifically, I’ve learned that ASD is widely misunderstood due to a lack of awareness. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the country, and I’m just very surprised at the number of people who are unaware of ASD. On a personal and emotional level, SFA has helped make me a more compassionate and patient person. We’re all very passionate about what we do and we’re positive that it does make a difference.

Tell us about this July 24 event. What activities do you have planned?

We will be at Lori Wilson Park on July 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there is absolutely no cost to our participating families. If you want to register your child to surf with us, please send an email to: surfersforautism2010@live.com with “Space Coast registration” as the subject, and please describe your surfer. Surf sessions run throughout the day, but the day is about more than just surfing. We will have live music, face painting, catered lunch for our families and volunteers, raffles, puppet shows and pretty much anything you could think of that would make a stellar beach party.

Are you still in need of volunteers? What can people do to help?

Yes! Please! At our last event, we registered 152 surfers, which means we needed 250 volunteers. This is one of the most important areas we need to cover because without enough volunteers, kids don’t surf as much. You do not need to be a surfer, lifeguard or have special training to get in the water with our kids. If you’re interested in making a huge difference in the lives of close to 200 very special families, please send an email to: sfavolunteer@live.com with “Space Coast volunteer” in the subject line, and we will get back to you with the relevant information. The day of the event, there will be a massive fundraising raffle featuring surfboards, beach cruisers, surf gear, sunglasses and much more. Our website is currently being updated and you will be able to take donations online shortly at: www.surfersforautism.org.

Are there any other events planned for the rest of Florida?

We are thrilled to announce the addition of two new events due to the unfortunate situation in the Gulf with the oil spill. We had to pull two events from the West Coast of Florida due to that situation, and we will be in the Daytona Beach area August 28, the Saint Augustine area on September 25, and will wrap up the surf season in the Jacksonville Beach area on October 30.

Where do you hope to see Surfers For Autism come 2015?

By 2015, we will have the entire Eastern Seaboard covered. Several communities have been contacting us, and we cannot wait to bring them their first annual event. Once we have a few events at a given location, those areas will then become SFA chapters and will have the ability to host their events. By 2015, we will have chapters in California as well, as they are very passionate about what we do.

What message do you hope will come out of the day on July 24?

These children have incredible capabilities, yet the families face sometimes overwhelming challenges. We need to figure out what we did to create this condition. In 10 years, the odds of having a child with autism went from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 150. Plus, I think it’s important that people realize that these children are not unruly, spoiled brats throwing tantrums. Autism is a developmental disorder, not a physical disability.

To find out more about Surfers For Autism, log on to: www.surfersforautism.org, or find search for their page on Facebook. Lori Wilson Park is located at 1500 N. Atlantic Ave., about 1.5 miles south of S.R. 520 on A1A in Cocoa Beach.

Todd Kennedy, Program Director for WFIT 89.5 FM Melbourne

• When asked to describe WFIT’s strongest asset, the ingredient that sets it apart from other noncommercial radio stations, Program Director Todd Kennedy’s answer is simple: “Localism.” “In surfing it’s a bad thing,” he says. “But in radio broadcasting it’s crucial.”

A cornerstone of the Space Coast community since its first broadcast from Roberts Hall on the Florida Tech campus in 1975, WFIT has always prided itself on the attention it pays to local issues through a variety of award-winning programs. “All our DJs are a wealth of information about what’s happening in our community,” he tells me. “We also strive to publicize many local events through PSAs (Public Service Announcements) — ‘Music & Arts Calendar,’ ‘Coastal Connection,’ ‘Inside FL Tech,’ ‘American Variety,’ ‘Florida Frontiers,’ and other special announcements.” In addition, the station offers Jack Simpson’s beloved “Jazz on the Beach” and invites local musicians to perform live during “Sound Waves,” Kennedy’s own program devoted in part to the local scene. Broadcast Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., “Sound Waves” is a trusted source of what’s cooking musically around town.

It’s hard to think of someone more suited to the role of WFIT Program Director than Kennedy, an avid music lover, surfer, and champion of the community he so loves. Originally from Massachusetts, Kennedy began his radio experience while in college. “I was fortunate to be near Boston in 1977-1984, during the renaissance of new music. I saw firsthand all the great bands coming over from England, as well as terrific bands from Boston and the NYC music scene. I was still working in record stores to put myself through school. I would unload the latest UK imports during the day and have them on the radio by nightfall,” he recalls. “The Northeast area is also full of all sorts of public radio stations with a wide range of formats — jazz, classical, folk, and news. I expanded my musical repertoire to include reggae, world beat, blues, jazz, and classical music. When I moved to Florida in 1984, I managed a record store that sold music to WFIT, which began my relationship with the station.”

During the late ’80s, WFIT became one of the top alternative college radio stations in the U.S. Shortly after it was linked with the public radio satellite system in 1993, it changed its central format from jazz, expanded the variety of its programming, and became an NPR affiliate. In 1998, the FCC increased WFIT’s signal, gaining them a much wider audience that reaches as far south as Vero Beach, and in 2004 became the first radio station in the County to offer a high-definition broadcast. Today, 89.5 FM is still where people turn to hear insightful commentary and interviews, eclectic music, culturally diverse programming, and indispensable news. Thanks to audio streaming from their website — www.fit.org — WFIT now broadcasts both nationally and internationally.

We spoke to Kennedy about the phenomenal changes he’s seen since he first began volunteering with WFIT as a late night DJ, his broadcasting heroes, and how his vacuuming skills have come in rather handy.

What is your favorite thing about living in the area?

Sun, surf, and tunes.

When did you first begin working for WFIT?

I became a volunteer with WFIT in 1992 as a late night jazz DJ. I had a program called “New Jazz Visions” playing the works of up-and-coming straight-ahead jazz artists, as well as masters like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins. I was hired as Director of Operations in 1998 and became Program Director in 2004.

What prior experience did you have before signing on with them?

I have been around music my whole life. My very first job at 15 was selling bootleg records in the storefront of a pizza parlor. Bootleg records are live recordings and studio outtakes that are somewhat unauthorized, but provide a valuable documentation of an artist’s craft. It was there that I was exposed to an eclectic mix of music by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin, as well as new punk records from Patti Smith, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, and the Ramones. It was a wonderful educational experience for me to discover different styles of music. I still find all music fascinating and I am still on that journey today.

What does your position as Program Director entail?

Well, it ain’t what people think it is. Basically, I try to formulate the sound of the station. With multiple formats it can be a challenge. WFIT is very blessed to have so many talented DJs who bring a wealth of knowledge to the airwaves. I just try to give them the tools to create their craft. On top of programming, I am also an unqualified electrician, part-time plumber, computer technician and psychiatrist, and I do some vacuuming on the side. When my daily chores are done, I host “Sounds Waves” Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What is the station’s strategy for acquiring new listeners?

Our core audience is NPR listeners, who also have a wide variety of musical taste. Our goal is to bring some of those new music fans to the station. Perhaps a listener can hear a new Wilco song, learn about an environmental study on global warming on NPR’s “Morning Edition,” and later hear about a new kind of MP3 player on “All Things Considered.” I always urge young people to get involved in public broadcasting. Not just for music, but to support public media. WFIT was recently honored for our public affairs programming. While a WFIT intern, Ryan Arens did a terrific piece on the Daily Bread in Melbourne that won a top award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Also our work with the FL Tech Panther podcasts has been recognized. WFIT offers intern positions to those that want to be a part of the public radio experience.

In reaching that broader audience, there are some concessions that must be made. What are some of the ones you’ve experienced?

Radio is in competition for a listener’s time. Today, listeners do not have the time to sit glued to the radio waiting for their favorite song or hanging on a DJ’s every word. As a radio programmer, we have a split second to make a good impression and compel the listener to stick around, or they’re gone. Our shows must be focused and of high quality. I use the “NPR standard”: the program should be thoughtful, intelligent, and as good as NPR. And our shows must be supported by the community. The program must connect with listeners for them become a supporter.

How beholden are you to the mainstream charts? Or do you feel like you’ve influenced them?

In order to be successful, you must satisfy your core audience. Public radio listeners like to be challenged, to hear new sounds. They have a curiosity for the world around them and they search out new information. I don’t really keep up on the mainstream pop charts, but I do chuckle sometimes when I see an artist on the top of the Billboard charts and we were spinning that record last year. I am a voracious reader of music news. I check out Spin, Paste, Mojo, Uncut, Under the Radar, Downbeat, and Rolling Stone (still). Also online sites like Pitchfork, Magnet, Stereo Gun, my nephew’s Smother and WFIT’s own Julian C. Lacking’s Ink 19.

So how do you “play” tunes over the radio now? Which format do you use?

I spin everything digitally, just little bytes of data. Songs are ripped or downloaded. In fact, most record labels do not provide CDs anymore. You just get a file from them. Now, many for our other DJs are old school and still play CDs. They would still play vinyl if we had a turntable that worked.

How would you define the current state of so-called “college” radio?

The mid-’80s were a special time for college radio. Record labels were flourishing, clubs were happening, and many bands could get played on college radio stations. You could party like it was 1999. Then, the party ended. Record companies collapsed, clubs closed, and suddenly Limp Bizkit was on the radio. Soon college administrators decided they could no longer afford to give thousands of dollars to campus radio stations. There were fewer opportunities for students to have careers in broadcasting or in the music business. Radio stations on college campuses had to learn how to be self-sufficient or perish. Many dropped their music programming for all news or expanded their formats to include classical and jazz. A few metamorphosed into multimedia giants like WBUR (Boston University), WXPN (University of Pennsylvania), KCRW (Santa Monica College), and WFUV (Fordham University). The ones that became successful provided compelling content to their core audience who in turn contributed to the station.

Who are some radio DJs you respect or draw inspiration from? Who is your broadcasting hero?

I am inspired by the work of John Peel on the BBC. He was a DJ for many years and covered every musical style. He championed many new bands and gave his audience a chance to hear some great live sessions recorded for his show. But without a doubt, my broadcasting hero is Jack Simpson, the host of “Jazz On The Beach.” I have such high regard for Jack. He still brings so much passion to the music every week. You can tell he loves the music he plays, and he presents the show in such a thoughtful and caring manner. It is such a privilege for me to know Jack and see the respect he has earned in this community.

Give us an example of a dream “in-session” musician or interview.

I think a session with Jack Johnson would be cool if he invites me to his house in Hawaii.

What do you listen to in private?

I don’t have any time anymore for private listening.

Where does WFIT get most of its funding?

WFIT receives over 50% of our funding from listeners. It is an incredible business model to have listeners gives you money for programming, but that’s what keeps us commercial-free. Another 30% comes from business underwriters. The rest comes from grants, in-kind gifts, and diverse revenue streams.

You just completed a fund drive. How often do you have them? What can people do to contribute even when there are none scheduled?

WFIT has two fund drives a year — in the spring and fall. We make no apologies for them; this is how public broadcasting works. WFIT is not entitled to huge financial handouts or government bailouts. Listener support is vital. Our strategy is to reduce the emphasis of on-air campaigns and develop new revenue streams though out the year. Our direct-mail campaigns are becoming more successful, and WFIT is incorporating more online giving. You can always give to WFIT anytime; we want to give you more choices on how to donate.

How has WFIT changed since you first began working with them?

The growth of WFIT in the last few years has been phenomenal. Our listenership has grown by 125% and our membership has increased by 230%. Our TSL (time listeners spend with us) is through the roof. We are so very fortunate to have a team that really believes in public radio and is up to the challenge.

What do you envision for WFIT five years from now?

WFIT is actively pursuing new technology. In the near future, WFIT will debut a new website with much more content and more user-friendly services like podcasting, playlists, music and arts news, and video content. We want to bring our local content to the world. WFIT is expanding beyond simple terrestrial broadcasting to reach a worldwide market. Recently, the FCC announced the far-reaching National Broadband Plan to greatly increase the country’s internet infrastructure. The internet will provide the new airwaves. Content will be flowing through space, adding new technologies as we move along. It is a very exciting time for WFIT 89.5 FM.

Steve Cayer of the Dinosaur Store

• It’s safe to say that Dinosaur Store owner Steve Cayer is one of the most fascinating people we’ve ever interviewed for “Skilled Labor.”

A delightful mixture of Indiana Jones and Willy Wonka, the affable Cayer has braved blinding sandstorms with Berber guides at Saharan excavation sites and has created a visionary, interactive wonderland devoted to his passion for rare fossils right here in Cocoa Beach.

For 14 years, the Dinosaur Store, then a small shop in the White Rose Shopping Plaza, was the Mecca for young dinosaur lovers, museum curators, and accomplished paleontologists from around the world. Having outgrown the space about one year ago, Cayer and his wife Donna conceived of a more ambitious setting for their hoard of fossils right across the street, a three-story complex that incorporates hands-on science experiments, simulated digs, live reptiles and amphibians, educational displays and games, and a permanent, world-class exhibit of Cayer’s astounding collection.

After finishing high school, the Massachusetts-born Cayer moved to Cocoa Beach, and in 1975 started Custom Docks, a company he continues to run with great success. During the construction boom of the ’80s and ’90s, he became financially stable enough to embark on digs accredited paleontologists could only dream of. Cayer describes himself as an amateur paleontologist, one who’s free of the funding bureaucracy that so often hobbles dig-hungry academics.

“Paleontology has always been a hobby of mine,” he tells us, handling a juvenile T. rex tibia in his inner sanctum within the vast building. It’s a kind of laboratory-cum-storehouse, crowded with tools, relics, and rare finds — a complete nest of raptor eggs, trilobites, crinoids — all in various states of completion, some still in bubble wrap, others bulging out of crates. It’s here that Cayer preps his discoveries for display, sanding them under a magnifying glass before meticulously sealing and restoring them for curious eyes.

“I started out as a child, picking rocks up off the ground. Anything — shells, bits of bone. It could have been a chicken bone the dog nibbled on last week. But I’d save it,” he explains. “I was just crazy for that stuff.” Cayer read voraciously to learn about dinosaur anatomy and excavation techniques and procedures, and made some valuable contacts within the discipline in order to gain broader field experience. “I outgrew going to the Peace River and finding pieces of mammals,” he laughs.

Cayer started going to the Sahara through Morocco in the late ’80s, and though it’s his favorite destination by far, he and Donna have also excavated sites in the Southwest U.S., Germany, and China. But he’s particularly proud of some well-preserved Spinosaurus teeth he uncovered in the Kem Kem Beds, a formation that spills out over parts of Morocco and Algeria. “The place is simply amazing. You can find things from the Cambrian epoch and go right down through the layers… through the Mesozoic, the Jurassic, the Cretaceous… The place is so untouched because it’s so miserable. You’re crunching on sand… You’re sweating… And the best thing you have is that 110-degree bottle of water in the truck. That’s the highlight of your day.”

Cayer takes us out into the Store, past the crowded gift shop and into the “Adventure Zone,” an interactive section dedicated to the science behind these jaw-dropping showpieces. Clustered around a central “Wild Nile Raft” ride and some arcade games are hands-on activities and experiments like electrical generators, soundwave and momentum machines, magnetized pendulums, and a working sluice where kids can learn about geology by panning for real minerals.

Beyond an animatronic raptor and the stylized “Movie Cave,” which plays looped educational films, is the “Reptile Run.” Inside, knowledgeable docents teach children about the collection of rare reptiles and amphibians — alligators, turtles, snakes, a dragon-like Argentine tegu, and several bright-skinned poison dart frogs. Adjacent to this room is a private Egyptian-themed excavation site, replete with expertly rendered facsimiles of Valley of the Kings ruins. In a long sand pit, kids can feel what it’s like to go on a dig as they uncover the bones of a buried Spinosaurus aegyptiacus.

Back through the gift shop and display area, which boasts the most elaborate array of fossils in the world, Cayer ushers us into the elevator to give us a sneak peek at the unfinished second and third floors. It’s here that his imaginative vision will soon unfold completely — over 20,000 square feet of larger dinosaur bones, replicas, and dioramas below, and an “Ancient Cultures” archaeological showcase above.

The dinosaur fossils will come from the retired traveling collection Cayer rented out to museums all over the country through his Paleofun offshoot project. “Ancient Cultures,” every design detail of which he oversees, will feature walk-through exhibits inspired by finds from China, Egypt, and Mesoamerica. Though still incomplete, the work done thus far is artful and highly accurate, from colorful background murals to attendant architectural flourishes like the pitted “sandstone” walls of a recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

“They used to call me ‘The Weird Bone Guy’,” Cayer says, recalling his in-home collection before its transfer to the first incarnation of the Dinosaur Store. “Once ‘Jurassic Park’ came out, I became ‘The Cool Bone Guy.’” “Jurassic Park” or no, it’s hard to look around at what Cayer’s accomplished since then and disagree. Very cool, indeed.

Steve and Donna Cayer’s Dinosaur Store is located at 250 W. Cocoa Beach Cswy. (SR 520) in Cocoa Beach. You’ll find a wide variety of fossils, minerals, meteorites, educational books, games and toys, and a selection of amber specimens, jewelry, and Dinosaur-themed gifts. The Store’s interactive Adventure Zone is open to the public (for a nominal admission fee), and is available for birthday parties, family reunions, field trips, and other events. Private functions are granted access to the Excavation Room. Visit the Dinosaur Store online at www.dinosaurstore.com for more details, or call (321) 783-7300 or 1-877-560-3466. Note: In the event of the Zone being reserved for special occasions, a notice will be posted on their website. Be sure to log on to check or call ahead for availability:  www.dinosaurstore.com

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TWENTY QUESTIONS with BEN MALIK

On Saturday, April 10, Cocoa Beach celebrates the 85th Community Fest, a family-friendly street party in the heart of the downtown area in honor of the City’s 85th anniversary. Centered at the intersection of Brevard Avenue and Minutemen Causeway, the event promises loads of activities, arts and crafts, live music, and food and drink, with all proceeds raised going to the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. In turn, all of these organizations will support local schools and residents with services and assistance. Last year, these service organizations helped raise over $162,000 for the community.

Organized by Ben Malik, President-Elect of the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis Club, this year’s celebration is set to eclipse previous events, both in terms of local attendance and funds raised. Ben, who’s also the Assistant Vice-President/Relationship Manager of Prime Bank in Melbourne, left the “congestion and hostile attitudes in South Florida” in 2006 with his family for Cocoa Beach, a place he lauds for its “strong sense of community.” “I have a deep affection for Cocoa Beach,” he says, “having come here to vacation for over 30 years and having learned to surf at 12th Street. I knew that I would end up here one day…”

Ben took time away from his busy schedule to tell us about the Community Fest and to answer twenty of our probing questions…

What are some of the things people can expect from this year’s Community Fest?

This is a family-friendly free event with kids’ activities including bounce houses, a water slide, a dunking booth, and a kids’ sidewalk art contest. You can also expect local arts and crafts, a live tiki carving demonstration by Mai Tiki and live music by Delgado, Cocolocos, and Vintage, as well as plenty of food and drink — including beer and wine. All proceeds go the Cocoa Beach Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. In turn, all of these organizations support our local community schools and residents. Last year we raised over $162,000 for our local community. The Lions Club will be collecting used eyeglasses to be recycled for people in need and will offer a free diabetes screening from Noon to 2 p.m. We will also be raffling off a 6’8″ surfboard — donated by Oceansports World — hand-painted by Mark Longenecker of Endless Summer Tattoo and autographed by many of the area’s top professional surfers during the Masters Surfing event at Sebastian Inlet.

Who will be some of the vendors there?

Food and drinks will be sold by the Kiwanis, Rotary, Elks, and Lions. We also have some talented local artists displaying their wares, including Rick Piper, Mary Moon, Wayne Coombs, and Pam Werneth of Jewelry by Pam. We’re thrilled to have the Cocoa Beach High School Project Graduation participate in this year’s event. They will be doing a bake sale to raise money for their organization that promotes a safe, alcohol- and drug-free party that parents give to their graduating seniors on the night of Graduation on May 14th.

How will this year’s event be different from previous Community Fests?

The idea was to make this year’s event more community- and arts-oriented by inviting other non-profit organizations in our area that help out our community. We will have volunteers from the Cocoa Beach Historical Society. The Big Red Bus will be on hand to solicit blood donors and volunteers, as well as Junior Achievement of the Space Coast. The Space Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross will have their Emergency Response Vehicle there. In addition, we’ll have Brevard Community College on hand to discuss continuing education options, some sort of game of skill between the Cocoa Beach Police Department and the Cocoa Beach Fire Department (free throws or horseshoes), and a demonstration by Patrick Air Force Base’s canine unit.

What do you hope people from the community will take away from the day?

That Cocoa Beach is a great place to live and raise a family. We have great beaches, excellent schools with very dedicated teachers and staff, great local restaurants and live music, many talented local artists, and people who really care about their community.

How much money do you hope to raise this year?

We’re hoping that by moving the event from June to April, our weather will be more cooperative and in helping us raise $10,000 this year.

How will the proceeds from this event be disbursed back to the community?

All proceeds raised from the event will be evenly distributed amongst the four service organizations, which in turn will be used for supporting our local community.

What was the main response from members of the community and local businesses while you were putting this together?

The community has been very supportive during the organization process and we have extended invitations to any of the non-profits organizations in the area. We have also gotten support from local businesses with sponsorships. If they could donate funds, in light of the economy, we were supported with in-kind donations, such as the surfboard donated by Roy Scafidi of Oceansports World, the free painting by Mark Longenecker, free use of a trailer by C &C Automotive for the stage, ice from Lawns By Scott, and free poster design by Jet Press, to name just a few.

What were some of the challenges involved in the organization process?

It takes a lot of planning, time, and effort to put together an event like this. We were very successful in keeping our overhead low due to our limited budget by reaching out to local businesses and members of our community. Trying to get four different service organizations to agree on things was actually easier than expected.

There’s talk that some would like to see this festival — in scaled-down fashion — become a regular “First Friday” event for the City. Do you think that’s possible?

Absolutely. It just requires people working together and getting sponsors to make it happen. I’ve already approached the City about doing more regular events like a Friday Fest like the one held in Downtown Melbourne. Cape Canaveral has also started a monthly Friday Fest. We have a nice area downtown… We could put together an ongoing monthly arts event to bring residents out and support our local businesses. I envision a smaller scale version of a Melbourne First Friday or our annual Arts Festival, with food and wine tastings from some of our local restaurants, arts and crafts displays by some of our talented artists, live music… A nice low-key affair for our residents to enjoy and support our local merchants.

Apart from the Kiwanis Club, what are some of the other organizations you’re involved with?

I serve on the board of the Space Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross, and I’m involved with Lead Brevard, the Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, and the Cocoa Beach Chapter of Surfrider. I was fortunate to attend the University of Florida in part on a Rotary Scholarship and have had some very good mentor figures in my life — these are some the ways I can give back to our community.

You moved here in 2006, but have been visiting since your youth. What was it about this place that brought you here? What gives Cocoa Beach its special appeal?

I learned to surf here in my youth driving over from Lakeland with a core group of friends before internet and surf cams… leaving at 4 a.m., not knowing if there were any waves… And there was always the thrill of seeing the first ray of light hitting the water at dawn. That was a magical time, and I vowed that I would live here one day and raise my family in a place where people actually say “Good morning” when you walk by them.

Favorite surf spot?

Home break, 11th Street.

What are some of the differences you’ve found between south and central Florida?

The laid-back people and uncrowded beaches — the general lack of crowds and high rises obscuring the coastline here. Let’s not forget not having to surf with 100 of your not so closest friends on a good day.

What’s the worst thing about living beachside?

Driving over the bridge.

What it was like running for city commission last year?

It was a great learning experience and finding out about the city’s past challenges.

Do you plan to run again?

There’s a strong possibility.

What does the future of Cocoa Beach look like through your eyes?

Sidewalk cafes and restaurants downtown, art galleries, and an eclectic mix of shops and stores with a vibrant local economy… A sort of mini-Cocoa Village/Downtown Melbourne that hosts monthly community family-friendly events.

What do you think Cocoa Beach needs to change to move forward?

Encouraging small business investment and infrastructure improvements will get us going in the right direction. We have to support our local economy and shore up the commercial tax base and our property values. This is how we keep our city going and here is how it can be done: 1) Speed up the permit process for new or existing business owners in the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district with a fast track approval committee of consisting of 1 to 2 persons for property improvements, expansion on parcels up to a 1-acre footprint in the CRA corridor. 2) Offer matching façade improvement grants for commercial properties within the CRA corridor (Melbourne offers $20,000; Palm Bay offers $15,000 in matching grant funds to property owners to spruce up their properties. Incentives for green building are also offered as well). This will encourage small business investment in our city. 3) Issue special revenue bonds to fund these items and infrastructure improvements in the CRA corridor (i.e. wider sidewalks, bike paths, and landscaping, streetlights, outside dining for restaurants within the CRA corridor.) This is the funding mechanism for all of these items that must be done now. 4) Utilize the Main Street program for the downtown CRA district and incorporate items 2 and 3 to accomplish this. We also should promote monthly events in the downtown District (Friday Fest, Art Fest, etc.) with sponsorship from public-private partnerships.

What’s your take on the real estate crash? When do you think it will come full circle?

We would need a lot more time and space to go over this topic that I am too familiar with. I would suggest reading the book “House of Cards” by William D. Cohan. In a nutshell, lenders ignored all common sense in lending guidelines, ignoring the basic fact that borrowers have to have the capacity to pay you back. Wall Street investment bankers sold the money backed by worthless mortgages packaged as AAA securities only to have the American taxpayers bail them out when it all imploded. The large declines in property values should have us near the end of this mess, hopefully. The government-sponsored loan modification is a complete waste of time and money; it does not matter if not your interest rate is 0% if you’re not able to find a job.

What’s your take on health care reform?

When Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people, maybe then we will have a bill someone actually reads before voting on it.

Any current discussion of Haiti is bound to include mention of the recent earthquake and its impact on the nation’s long-beleaguered history.

But in interviewing Haitian-born Satellite Beach resident Lamothe Lormier, president of the Global Family, Inc., a non-profit whose aim is to construct an eye clinic in the Haitian countryside, we feared talk of the tragedy would overshadow his organization’s goals. What we soon learned, though, was that recent events only served to put the organization’s objectives in clearer perspective, imbuing them with deeper shades of resonance — and urgency.

It’s no secret that Haiti’s history has been fraught with misfortune and sorrow, but for Lormier — who possesses an exhaustive understanding of both his country and the world that has helped shape it — Haiti is much less a fated tragedy than a potential success story punctuated with missed opportunities. In this disaster, Lormier sees only the possibility for real change as opposed to the band-aids Haiti has so long been given, a trend he’s striven to reverse all his adult life.

Armed with an optimism that is as infectious as it is confounding (at least to our comparatively sheltered American minds), Lormier redefined our perceptions of civilization and contentment, and reminded us that in every tragedy hides the chance for redemption, recovery, and ultimately, triumph.

Describe The Global Family for our readers.
Working with medical teams all over Haiti for 20 years as a medical interpreter and consultant I was able to see firsthand the desperate need for health care, eye care in particular. There are 50 ophthalmologists and eye doctors for the entire country and 70% of the population can’t get access to them. Most of these doctors are in Port Au Prince. In general, we have 1 doctor for every 8,000 people. People who live in the countryside aren’t able to get any help at all. It’s been a long process, but focusing on eye care is what I wanted to do — to set up an eye clinic in an area where it would be of use to the people. So far, we’ve done a topographical survey and have purchased 12 acres of land in a place called Thiotte, southeast of Port Au Prince. We have worked with local people to build an access road to the site and are now concentrating on raising money for construction. There is still much to be done. I first had the idea was to build one six years ago, and it’s just two years ago that I started the organization as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit.

Why did you choose to focus on eye care specifically?
In my work, there were many people who came to us with eye problems of all kinds, but most of the time they were simply turned away. This always puzzled me. I saw this happen everywhere we went. One time, much later in my work, I was with a medical team who was equipped to do eye surgery and I was struck by the joy I saw in these people’s faces after their treatment. It was a joy I had never witnessed before. Some simply had cataracts. Before their surgery they were resigned to being blind. But seeing that joy — for me it was like a miracle. Experiences like those triggered my attention to eye care. Eyes are not the priority in Haiti, food is.

What is the next step for The Global Family?
We want to do things the right way, which means that we need an architect, civil engineers, and there are lab tests that need to be conducted to test the soil. Because of its lack of infrastructure, Haiti is very vulnerable and very fragile. The same hurricane that might go through the area will kill 5 people in Puerto Rico, 10 in the Dominican Republic, 5 people in Cuba, maybe 2 or 1 in the U.S., but perhaps 1,000 in Haiti. We must do it the right way, which mean that proper codes must be obeyed, and that costs money. There are seven phases in all for the clinic and we must go phase by phase. We need a surgery room, then perhaps a general treatment area, then a pharmacy. Currently, our greatest need is funding. There are many difficult phases ahead.

You live in Satellite Beach now. How did you come to be here?
I have worked with many organizations, but 10 years ago, I was working in a program called PTPA (the Parish Twinning Program of the Americas, a non-profit organization focused on creating lasting sister relationships between parishes in the U.S. and Canada and parishes in Haiti and elsewhere) in Haiti as a translator for a medical team. My wife Kim was then working as a pharmacist and missionary from Wisconsin on a team I was working with. We were spending a lot of money on phone calls and going back and forth for a long time and then decided to get married. We wanted to be somewhat close to Haiti, so we decided that our compromise spot would be this area. I’ve lived here now for six years. Kim and I have a daughter, Luci (4) and a son, Luca (2).

Where were you when the earthquake struck?
I was here. For the first three days I tried to make phone calls and couldn’t get through. You have nightmares about what may have happened to your loved ones. Eventually I was able to get through and found siblings, but I lost many close friends. I went back to Haiti most recently with a medical team on February 27 and stayed for eight days. I find that sometimes when you experience great emotion your reactions can be mute, silent. I was under a big shock for the entire time I was there. I don’t think I was prepared enough for what I saw. You think you can get used to such things, in a way, especially in adulthood, but it is still a big shock. Haiti was a bad state before, but I still can’t put the devastation into words. I was speechless for a long time.

It seems people in the rest of the world reacted to the disaster not so much with shock as with a feeling of weary frustration. The big questions being asked right now focus on what needs to change in Haiti. What do you think needs to change to mitigate the human toll of tragedies like this in the future?
It’s a difficult question. For over 200 years, Haiti has been suffering in one way or another. We have had chronic instabilities for so many years. Because I have been exposed to American and “western” culture I was able to see and understand how people lived in other parts of the world — their education, social programs, health care — and to go to Haiti once every two months as I’ve done since living here and to witness that contrast is something incredible. I have always hoped to see changes in Haiti — big changes. It’s painful to think that it will take an earthquake to bring change, but Haiti’s history figures into the current chaos, and I think we need to understand that before we move further. Haiti was the first black country to be independent in the western hemisphere. This is a country that has had 33 coups d’etat and 23 constitutions since it gained independence. This is a country that has had four U.S. interventions and three from the U.N. This is a country that is 98% deforested. Facts like these help put things in perspective. Everyone has been trying to help, but not, I think, in the right way. When you look at Japan and the Meiji Restoration era that began in the 19th century, you begin to see some different approaches, if not answers. Japan made an active choice to leave stagnation behind and opened themselves up to western ideas and civilization. And look at them now. Look at the Four Dragons of Asia — Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. Almost 80 years ago, they were like Haiti. Right now, of course, people need food. They need emergency relief. But if you want to see a more advanced Haiti in 50 or 100 years, you must help Haiti as a whole, not just Port Au Prince. Educate the people and you will begin to see some change. You may not see a result in the short term. This recent chaos has opened a Pandora’s box of problems, hopefully so the world can see them as they are. The reason why the devastation is so great is that 80% of Haiti’s infrastructure was centered in “the Republic of Port Au Prince,” and not spread throughout the Republic of Haiti as a whole. Port Au Prince is home to all the universities, hospitals, administration — everything is centered in Port Au Prince. The countryside of Haiti, however, is another country. And the people who live in the countryside are essentially living in a big jail, so to speak. They are living without access to education, health care, and other important services. Hopefully, the world will see that. But simply throwing money at Haiti isn’t going to solve everything.

Why, in your opinion, has it been so difficult to set change in motion?
There are many outside factors that contribute to why Haiti is the way it is today. We defeated Napoleon’s army in 1804 and threw out the French to gain our independence. This was a big insult not only to France, but to western civilization as a whole. The French and other countries decided to punish Haiti by isolating and marginalizing her. Haiti had to pay a debt back to France from 1825-1946. It was $98 million at the time — it’s hard to put a number on what that translates into today. The Haitian people had to compensate their old masters, with a debt of independence. So that has had a huge effect. Apart from that, you have to understand that there are essentially two Haitis — you have some elite who speak French and practice Catholicism in Port Au Prince, and in the countryside, people who speak Creole and practice voodoo. There is a quote from Nietzsche that says that when you fight against a monster, you must be careful not to become a monster yourself. We fought so hard against French oppression and now we are just using those same tactics they used against our own people. People live like slaves in the shantytowns in the country, but you have a small group of people with all the wealth in Port Au Prince. They have the power over the brakes and the accelerator, and they’re using them the wrong way at the wrong times. It is a tool for oppression that education is given to a small group of people. When that happens, you have the educated saying “I deserve the wealth, or I deserve this or that,” while the others live like slaves. It is interesting to remember that when Pope John Paul II came to Haiti in 1983 he said: “Something has to change here — Il faut que quelquechose change ici.” Eight days later, the Haitian government changed the time zone.

There are a lot of long-held myths about Haiti that are still floating about in the rest of the world. Surely those must be conquered before any real change can begin. What are some you’d like to shatter?
Any time people here see Haiti I think that they always see it in a negative light — coups, riots, earthquakes, HIV, voodoo. What they might not understand is that there is also another Haiti. I can drive 8 hours outside of the city and there might be 100,000 people living in the countryside. But I won’t see a policeman the entire time. And there is no fighting, no sign of unrest. Almost zero crime. This is another civilization the world should see. Some might look around at the poverty and call it primitive, but I call it civilization. This is a different Haiti the world should know. I see it every time I’m in the countryside. When I see the people smiling the way they do with what little they have, it’s not fake, it’s real. Haiti will never be the same. But there are two things that can sometimes happen when you experience a trauma like that. The country can be like a phoenix and rise from the ashes with new ideas for change, or people can go back down. My hope is that they will rise. This is an opportunity for Haiti to come up with new paradigms. We feel sad, but we move on. It happened. It’s life. No matter how much we cry, tears will never bring our loved ones back to life. To honor their deaths, we must give every Haitian child the opportunity for an education. I’m sure that if we try to look at Haiti 100 years from now change may not seem possible. But nothing ever happens just through miracles. We cannot change what has happened, but we can change the present for a better future.

The Global Family, Inc. is a government-recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in the state of Florida dedicated to improve the quality of life of the Haitian people. The organization hopes to empower the underprivileged in the rural areas in Haiti by improving their lives through health care services in connection with medical missions. They hope to accomplish this mission through the construction of an eye clinic that will provide eye care services, minor surgeries, and community health care. To learn more and to donate, visit http://theglobalfamilyinc.org/, or send your tax deductible donations, in either check or money order form, made payable to Global Family, Inc. to: Global Family, Inc.; 870 Miramar AVE N (A1A), #1219; Indialantic, FL 32903. You can also donate online with your credit card. For more information, phone (321) 773-8306.

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TWENTY QUESTIONS with Aaron Collins, Conductor of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra

Within the profound realm of classical music, conductors are some of the most caricatured personages of the lot. The mere mention of them conjures images of gloweringly imperious white-maned figures gesticulating wildly from their symbolically heightened perches.

But along with a clutch of up-and-coming younger maestros throughout the country — and the world — conductors like 27-year-old Cocoa Beach native Aaron Collins, leader of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, has set out to shatter this musty cliché. Thanks to a discerning, adventurous, and highly accessible program, which includes both contemporary works and beloved pieces from the past, Collins and the exceptionally talented musicians who make up the SCSO provide comfort to traditionalists and plenty of surprising challenges for a growing number of younger music lovers.

Maestro Collins spoke to us about such lofty subjects as Samuel Barber’s tearful “Adagio for Strings” and the virtues of a cookies n’ cream milkshake.

What do you like most about living in Brevard?
Primarily what’s keeping me here is the people and community. I have a lot of great friends and family in the area. I like the fact that this area has a big city/small town feel. Plus, you can’t beat the weather.

What are some of the fondest memories of your Cocoa Beach youth?
Well, it’s not every day you can get out of bed and walk right down to the beach. I had a great time in high school as well… maybe too good of a time.

How did you first get involved with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra?
Well, the orchestra evolved out of a performance back in March 2009. The Space Coast Oratorio Society, a community chorus I conduct, performed Verdi’s Requiem. This particular piece of music requires quite a large orchestra. So I called many of my friends/colleagues who are professional musicians and filled the rest of the positions with gifted community musicians and talented youth. The performance was a huge success, and out of that the SCSO came to fruition. Over the entire summer and thousands of hours later, the Space Coast Symphony came to be. Our primary mission is to provide an opportunity for talented youth and college musicians to play alongside — and be mentored by — professional musicians. We have 22 talented youth musicians playing alongside professionals, which is something that is unique about our organization.

How is each season’s program put together?
Well, there are many different aspects to programming, and the SCSO is unusual in that the musicians have a say in the music we perform. Before we had any programs selected, I asked many of the musicians what would be their dream piece to play. After I collected their answers, I went on to program the season. If you look at our season’s programming, every concert is jam-packed with works you rarely hear in Central Florida. Not only is it because of the difficulty of the works, but also the forces (size of the orchestra) it takes to perform them. I also think it is vital to present music that is being written today. New music tends to be different from what most people associate classical music with. It generally has elements of atonality (music with dissonance and often not pleasing to the ear). However, you can’t keep going back to Beethoven or Brahms. There are many composers out there now who are writing wonderful music that is deserving of a performance. You have to be adventurous as well. However, adventurous programming should not be likened with contemporary music. Adventurous programming is about making interesting combinations, not about totaling up the number of contemporary works and exclaiming at the end of the year, “We performed 10 new works this season!” Lastly, it is important that the audience has an active role in both programming and listening. I enjoy conversing with audience members and finding ways to incorporate the audience into the musical process. There are few communal experiences left in our world and I love being able to create those exciting moments for both the orchestra and the audience. Most importantly, you have to program music that is playable in the amount of time you have. With two 3-hour rehearsals, you do not have too much time to rehearse. It’s always a challenge each and every concert cycle. But we are limited by finances. Each rehearsal costs $5,000 to $6,000. In an ideal world, three to five rehearsals would be great!

What other organizations are you affiliated with?
The Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra, Central Florida Lyric Opera, Central Florida Winds and Chamber Winds, Community Band of Brevard, Orlando Concert Band, Pegasus & Colbourn Brass Ensemble, Space Coast Brass & Percussion Ensemble, Space Coast Oratorio Society, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, and Trombonanza.

You’re also an accomplished composer. Tell us about the first piece of music you composed. How old were you?
I began writing music at the age of 9 or so. For several years, most of my music was imitations or impressions based off the music I listened to. As time went on, I started to find my voice (although that voice is still evolving). When I was 13, I wrote a work for orchestra and chorus called “The Dracula Suite.” I ended up winning several national competitions in 1993 to 1994, and it was the first check I received for my music. Funny thing is that this work still gets more performances than most of my other music.

As far as composing goes, where do you draw much of your inspiration from?
Inspiration can come from all aspects of life — your surroundings, the people you hang out with, where you grow up. Our generation of composers is the first generation to have music so easily accessible and at the tip of our fingers. We can access World Music, Rock, and even Uncle Luke. All of these things influence my music.

Do you have an all-time favorite composer?
Too tough to say… there are so many different composers out there. Here’s ten in alphabetical order: Samuel Barber, Bela Bartók, John Corigliano, Elliot Goldenthal, Gustav Mahler, Christopher Rouse, Igor Stravinsky, and John Williams.

What is your favorite piece of music, 1) to perform and 2) to listen to?
To perform: probably a Mahler Symphony. To listen to: For many years now, it still remains Samuel Barber’s Symphony No. 1. There is something about that piece that gives me chills each time I listen to it.

What in your opinion is the saddest piece of classical music out there?
John Tesh’s “I Want To Breathe Your Air.” All kidding aside, I think Henryk Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3 is pretty somber. But then you find uplifting moments in it as well. Another one may be Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” (most people may be familiar with it as the theme from “Platoon.”)

What’s the most difficult piece of music you’ve been asked to perform?
It’s hard to say… even a symphony by Mozart can be extremely difficult. Each piece presents new challenges. It takes quite a bit of preparation for each work.

Other than classical music, what do you listen to for pleasure? Do you have a favorite musician or band?
I like most genres of music. I primarily listen to classical. However, I like Rap/R&B, Rock, Jazz, and some Country. Outkast and Tool are a couple of my favorites.

What kind of music can you not stand?
Polka, some Country, and really slow Rap.

Along with several younger conductors, like Gustavo Dudamel, you’re part of a group that’s injecting new life into the scene. Are there any stodgy myths about conductors you’d like to dispel?
No not really… many of those stodgy myths are true! When people find out that I am a conductor, almost 85% of the time they say, “You mean the guy who waves his arms like this?” (then they proceed to conduct). There is a little more to it than waving your arms and making funny faces.

What makes a conductor a good one?
Conducting is the hardest and easiest thing to do. It’s the easiest because we’re not actually making any sound or playing an instrument. It’s the hardest because we have to somehow convince 85 people in front of us to move a musical phrase in the same direction and have that really be conveyed to the audience. Conducting is like any leadership position in that the power with which you are entrusted comes with huge responsibility. The musicians are relying on you to create an imaginative environment that shows them at their best. The audience is expecting to be moved and excited by your interpretations. One perceptual problem for audiences is that a conductor’s work is chiefly done in the rehearsals leading up to a performance. It is in rehearsal that a conductor has the chance to really work in detail at getting the musical results they are after. Some conductors talk a lot to get what they need out of the ensemble, while others show enormous detail in their physical gestures, which reduces the need to use many words. This is really the art of conducting — successfully converting the communication of mental will into the physical domain. The truth is, it is the musicians who really make the conductor look good. There is nothing like standing in front a group of such talented musicians and making music together. There is no other art form quite like it… it is quite similar to team sports.

Do you have a favorite meal?
A really good Cobb salad followed by a cookies n’ cream milkshake.

Favorite drink?
Vodka. I like Bloody Marys and martinis.

Favorite film?
“JFK.”

Speaking of which, you’ve composed music for films yourself and have a special affinity for composers of film music. Do you have a favorite composer? Is there a famous film you’d have liked to compose music for?
I really dig John Williams and Danny Elfman. Both are great composers. Ya, maybe something epic like “Lord of the Rings.” It’s not often you get a gig writing music for a film with such a large tapestry and scope.

The SCSO is also in need of funds and instruments. What can people do to help?
Live concerts once had the appeal that a new play or film would today. My concern is that, despite all the gains in public accessibility, something critical has been lost. This loss is the sense of a living culture, of people being directly engaged in music. The easiest way to help make this orchestra successful is simply attending our concerts. With a ticket price of $10, we are not profiting. We are simply looking to survive and provide affordable and exciting concerts to the community. One interesting note from our previous concerts is that 70% of our audience base is under the age of 40. I think this is something that is most unusual for most professional-level symphonies. I encourage everyone to come and check out a concert. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t like it at all. That being said, it’s $10 and I think it is worth checking out. In addition, people are more than welcome to make donations. Lastly, we could always use volunteers and ambassadors for the orchestra. It would be fantastic if we weren’t bound by finances.

What are some of the things on your wish list?
Our Wish List gives you an inside look at all of the costs and hurdles that are presented to the SCSO throughout the year. Very often you donate money to an organization and have no idea how it is getting spent or where it goes. The Wish List allows people to see where their money is going. It includes various items necessary for the operation of the office, musician needs, music, instruments, and concert production.

What do you see in the SCSO’s future?
I think our two primary missions are so important. Ideally, I would love to see us do more concerts, have more educational programs, lower our ticket price even more, provide more free chamber concerts, and touch more lives. Also, I would love to do a Summer Music Festival in Brevard County similar to Daytona Beach’s International Festival or the Aspen Music Festival. With the support of our community, the sky is the limit.

For more information on Aaron Collins and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, visit www.spacecoastsymphony.org.  Here’s a brief listing of some upcoming concerts for the SCSO: March 14 — Dvorak’s Requiem, a free foncert at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach
featuring 70 singers from the Space Coast Oratorio Society; April 24 — Shostakovich’s Fifth at the First Baptist Church in Merritt Island, featuring 185 musicians from the SCSO and BSYO in a side-by-side concert. June 12 — “Made in America” at the First Baptist Church in Merritt Island, featuring the World Premiere of Brandon Clinton’s “Liberty for All”; July 17 — The Music of Brahms at the First Baptist Church in Merritt Island; August 7 — “The Joy of Music” at the First Baptist Church in Merritt Island, featuring world class saxophonist Dr. George Weremchuk.

To say that life is good for Bert Jacobs is not only a hackneyed journalistic cliché, it also happens to be a very misleading statement.

It implies is that everything’s hunky dory for the Life Is Good co-founder simply because he’s fabulously wealthy and successful. What it fails to recognize is that life is good for Bert because he’s chosen to make it so through a refreshingly optimistic life philosophy, one that gauges wealth and success not in monetary units, but in smiles.

By now, everyone is familiar with the story of how Bert and his brother John turned their modest van-based apparel and accessory company into one of the most successful and widely recognized brands on the planet by dint of hard work and unswervingly upbeat attitudes.

How was the idea for Life is Good conceived?

We’d been hawking t-shirts in the street and selling door-to-door in college dorms for five years. On a long road trip we had a discussion about how the media inundates our culture with negative information; how all that focus on what’s wrong with the world creates negative energy. We wondered if we could create an icon and a message that focuses on what’s right with the world — something to create positive energy. It was as simple as that.

You often attribute optimism to be the driving force behind your success. Where were you in life when you chose to adopt this philosophy?

Probably in the crib. Our Mom is a genuine optimist. Growing up, she would say things like: “I like not having any money; that way I don’t have to think about what I might buy.”

When optimism doesn’t get the job done, what’s your back-up plan?

Optimism isn’t a plan, it’s a disposition. In other words, optimism is about how we view the world. Pessimists tend to see obstacles and optimist tend to see opportunities.

Did you ever dream Life is Good would grow to such an extreme degree?

That’s a tough question. People want to believe that we were two clowns hacking away in the street and sleeping in our van and we got lucky. And that’s partially true. But another truth is that we always had big dreams and a big vision for Life is Good.

How do you handle the naysayers and the veterans in your business who shrug off your success as a fluke or passing fad?

Lots of people told us when we started in ‘94 that the concept was so simple it wouldn’t have legs. That was 15 years ago, and we are still going strong. Talk is cheap, so the best way to handle naysayers, rather than disagree and start arguments, is to prove them wrong through actions. After all, any sh*thead can kick a barn down, but it takes a carpenter to build one.

Has working so closely with your brother affected your relationship?

Like most siblings, we have our ups and downs, good days and bad. But after 20 years of working with Johnny, I’d have to say it’s strengthened our relationship in every way.

Which moment in your career has stood out as a cherry atop your sundae?

If I had to pick one moment, it might be in 2006, when 31,000 strangers came together at the Life is Good Pumpkin Festival on Boston Common and broke the Guinness World Record for the most lit pumpkins in one place at one time. It sounds silly, and the record really is. But that night we raised a half million dollars for kids with life- threatening conditions. That’s the power of optimism.

Many children have benefitted from your efforts and those of LIG. Is there a particular story that sticks out for you?

Kids are our greatest inspiration. They believe anything is possible, and therefore, it is. There was an 11-year-old girl named Lindsay Beggan. She was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer sometime around 1997 and she showed an amazing spirit. She taught us more about courage and the power of optimism than anyone.

Your seminars/lectures are very entertaining and uplifting. Have you always had a knack for public speaking?

No, I never did it until recently. I’m not sure I have much skill even today, but when you believe in something and you’re telling your own story, I guess it can be compelling to people.

What’s been your most memorable on-stage moment?

Several years ago, I announced that we were starting the Life is Good Kids Foundation. An old woman marched out of the crowd up on the stage and kissed me. Her breath smelt like rotten fish, but I smiled and hugged her back. Something drove her to walk up in front of all those people. She obviously had a personal story of her own relating to children with life-threatening conditions. I didn’t ask her for details, but it was still a special moment.

What do you see as your biggest overall achievement?

I think it’s been mine and my brother’s job to get the ball rolling, to make social causes the center of our organization’s mission. It’s pretty clear to me that the biggest achievements related to this project will come from other people long after we are dead and gone.

What are your thoughts on our current economic situation?

It’s a wake-up call. America has contributed many great things to the world, but recently there has been some laziness and greed. I think the most important question to ask ourselves at this juncture is: ‘What have we learned from this recession?’ In the wake of this crash, I think there is more opportunity than ever, depending on how you answer that question.

If LIG hadn’t worked out, what do you think you’d be doing?

Probably the same thing I was doing before LIG: Teaching skiing and delivering pizza.

In what ways has success changed your lifestyle?

Nothing much has changed. After my brother and I hit the $100 million mark, we bought Honey Nut Cheerios instead of the plain ones.

What is your most reliable method of relaxation?

I have the same close group of friends I grew up with. We all have our challenges and adventures in life, but when we get together there’s something comforting about the same old jokes.

What is your favorite music?

Ben Harper.

Favorite movie?

“Rocky” (the original).

Where is your favorite place to eat there at home?

The Seven’s Pub on Charles Street.

What were your first impressions of Cocoa Beach?

Looked like it hadn’t changed much since Colonel Nelson and Jeannie hung out there. Great beaches, and I’ve met a lot of great people.

Where were you able to find a decent meal while here?

Juice N’ Java.

What is your favorite out-of-town destination?

The South Island of New Zealand.

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

I’d cut my brother out of the equity… Just kidding.

What quality do you most strive to achieve?

Know who you are and act like it.

What quality do you most admire in a friend?

Everybody seems to be your friend when everything’s rolling your way. I think you have to look around yourself on your very worst days… That’s when you see who your real friends are.

Do you have any heroes or role models who have helped shape your recipes for life?

Dr. Suess.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Cocoa Beach.

Where do you see Life is Good in 10 years?

In 10 years we will cross into completely different product and distribution categories, such as home goods, food and beverage, and entertainment. All divisions will centrally focus on raising money and awareness for kids who need it most.

Since December 2008, our good friend Frank Duffy — or Petty Officer Duffy, an E-6 Electrician’s Mate in the U.S. Coast Guard — has been stationed on the remote, treeless island of Attu, the last link on the Aleutian chain of islands and the westernmost point of Alaska.

Originally from Cocoa Beach, Frank joined the Coast Guard at 23, and his first unit was stationed with the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley from 2001-2004 in Kodiak, AK. From 2004-2005, Frank served with an Aid to Navigation Team in Honolulu, HI, afterwards serving in Ft. Pierce at the Coast Guard Station there.

Now on Attu, Frank and 19 other Coast Guard personnel (along with two dogs) oversee the operation of a Loran Station, which transmits signals that aid in navigation. The Loran system itself is fairly outdated, as almost everyone now uses GPS, and the station, the island’s lone structure, is due for permanent closure sometime in 2010. But Loran signals still serve as part of a vital backup system, and Attu itself, though a harsh outpost, is also a rich treasure trove of forgotten history.

During the later years of World War II, Attu saw occupation by the Japanese, and American soldiers were sent to reclaim the island, which they ultimately did after a series of protracted battles. After the War, over 20,000 American military personnel remained stationed there until the 1950s. When he’s not busy keeping the station’s electrical system up to snuff, Frank, an avid fisherman and hunter, spends his time exploring the island with legs that are now just as white as those of the black-socked snowbirds he used to mock as a kid.

Frank is due back in three weeks, just in time to spend Christmas with his wife Eva and their three children. As a kind of early Christmas gift for the Duffy clan, we thought we’d touch base with Frank via email and make him this month’s “Twenty Question” interviewee.

What first made you want to join the Coast Guard?
I grew up with the Banana River in my back yard and I love the water. I just wanted a job where I could always be near or on the water, plus I get to serve the Country. I’ve been in for 8-1/2 years.

Did you have a choice about getting stationed on Attu? How did your being sent there come about?
Yes, I did have a choice. I chose Attu because you get paid a little bit extra for being out here, and when you leave you have a good chance of getting to go where you want to get stationed next. Soon I’ll be getting stationed at Station Ft. Pierce for four more years where I’ll be an electrician working on boats and all the other electrical issues there. I was stationed there from 2005-2008, so I have some good friends who work at the Station and some good fishing buddies in town

How do you get to and from Attu?
It’s a long journey. You fly to Anchorage, then to Kodiak. You then have to take a Coast Guard C-130 plane to Attu, which is another 1,000 miles from Kodiak. We get a C-130 flight to bring us food and supplies once every two weeks. It’s the only flight to and from the island.

Tell us about the Japanese occupation of Attu during World War II.
The Japanese took Attu in 1942 with little resistance because there was only a small village of native Aleuts on the island whom they took captive and sent as prisoners to Japan. Given Attu’s strategic location, the Japanese hoped it would be a stepping stone to taking over America. They also new that taking over a piece of American soil would help demoralize the American people. On May 11, 1943, the Americans landed on the island and were hoping to take the island back over in five days. The battle ended up taking 20 days and resulting in a death toll of 549 Americans and nearly 3,000 Japanese. The Americans left a large military presence on the island until the 1950s.

We understand that the island is littered with reminders of the occupation and ensuing battle. What kinds of things have you found?
There are lots of bombs, mortars, bullets, and grenades left behind. Most of the buildings from the ’40s and ’50s have been destroyed due to the wind and weather. The coolest thing I’ve found was a dog tag on the beach. The name on it is “Lloyd Wamlacf.” I’ve tried to find him with no luck. My goal is to return it to him if he’s still alive or to send it to someone in his family. I also found a Japanese glass ball washed up on the beach; they used to use them for floats on there nets. You get a lot of stuff from Japan, Korea, and China wash up on the beach. I also find lots of Coke and beer bottles from the ’40s and ’50s. There are a bunch of rusted vehicles on the beach, too. The Americans ran them into the ocean before leaving the island to prevent anyone from using them if Attu was ever retaken. It was cheaper than shipping them back to the States. My favorite place to hike is called Fish Hook Ridge, the site of a major battle that has been left untouched since the fight. An American soldier named Joe Martinez got the Medal of Honor there. He died trying to take the ridge. You never know what you’re going to find there. You can see bullets behind the rocks where soldiers from both sides hid and fought. I’ve also seen some human remains on the ridge. The Japanese government is in the process of removing the bodies, cremating them, and sending them back to Japan.

Your isolated situation there reminds us of the John Carpenter version of ”The Thing,” in which an Antarctic research station is infiltrated by an extraterrestrial parasite that can mimic the human form. Do you have any spooky stories for us? Has the power gone out yet?
I hear that a lot. The power has never gone out; we keep our generators in excellent condition. The only thing I would say that gives me the chills is walking out on the battlefields and standing where hundreds of people fought and died. Especially when I ran across human remains.

Describe a typical day at the station.
We work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We get up at about 7 a.m., eat breakfast and start the workday. Our main purpose here is to transmit the Loran signal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I have to work on the generators, vehicles, and all the other electrical equipment on the island. During the winter, we spend a large amount of time on snow removal of the station and our runway.

What are the seasons like?
The summer is awesome. The hills turn green with grass and there are flowers all over the place. It’s pretty foggy in the summer, but you get some absolutely perfect days, too. Plus, in the summer you can have up to 20 hours of light a day. I can remember fishing at midnight and thinking it was about 6 p.m. In December it gets light out around 11 a.m. and dark at 5 p.m. The summer here is short, though. Things turn green in June and start to turn brown in late August. The temperature is usually down in the 50s most of the summer, but you will get nice days in the 60s and low 70s. You get mixed snow and rain from October to December, and you can expect lots of snow from January to March. I lived in Kodiak for three years before this and the weather is bad there, but Attu is much worse. The craziest thing is the wind. It gets extremely windy in the fall, spring, and winter. We’ve had winds over 100 mph several times. The conditions can be very similar to that of a hurricane, but you can’t see anything because of all the snow. This week’s forecast: hurricane force winds and 43-foot seas. It gets ridiculously bad here.

What do you guys do for fun?
We play pool, darts, watch movies, go to the gym, snowboard in the winter, and fish for salmon, trout, and halibut in the summer. The only things to hunt are ducks and geese, which are plentiful since there are no predators. We can play volleyball or basketball in our warehouse, but it’s not heated, which makes the games interesting. The waves here are bigger than any I saw when I was stationed in Hawaii. The water is so cold and there is so much kelp that no one surfs here. We have seven television stations here, so we can keep up with whatever is on CNN. We also have Internet access about 60% of the time, though it’s very slow. It does seem like every time I talk to someone back home, I hear some news I had no idea about.

Does everyone get along?
Everyone gets along surprisingly well. We do argue and talk trash, but it’s all in good fun and never gets serious. You get to know everyone’s personalities well since you have to live together in the same building for a year.

Who does the cooking? What kind of food do you typically eat?
There are two Coast Guard cooks on the island who cook three meals a day Monday through Friday, and two meals on Saturday and Sunday. The cooks do a great job and the food is great — the best I’ve had in the Coast Guard. Good food keeps people happy and gives us something to look forward to every day. The only things we sometimes lack are fresh fruits and veggies. We can always dig something out of the refrigerator if we get hungry; it’s always open. The cooks put out a good spread for all the holidays out here. It’s hard enough not being home with your family and friends, so it’s a little more laid-back out here than it was at other units I’ve been to in the Coast Guard.

You’re something of a legend in local fishing circles back home. Give us a good fishing story from your time there.
My best fishing story is one of a 380-lb. halibut we caught from our station recreational boat. We had just caught and released a couple of 150-lb. halibut that day and were getting ready to leave when it hit my rod. I had already fought one, so I let my buddy Giovanni Beltran fight it. We were anchored and had to tie a buoy to our anchor and ditch it so we could chase the fish; we got spooled by a fish a week earlier. After about an hour-long fight, we got it to the surface and realized there was no way we could lift it into the boat. We towed it to the beach in our 18-ft. Boston Whaler and used a forklift to pick it up. The world record halibut is 459 lbs.; to catch a 380-lb. halibut is a once-in-a-lifetime catch. There is no commercial fishing pressure on the halibut here, so the fish get large and are still plentiful.

What do you miss most?
I miss my family the most. My wife Eva and I have three children, Thomas (6), Eva (4), and Luke (2). It’s been hard; my wife was diagnosed with Wegener’s disease in January of 2008. She was in good health when I left for Attu last December and had just finished going through chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her disease flared back up this past June while I was in Attu, and it required another round of chemotherapy. She only needs one more dose of chemo next week and she’ll be done with her second round of treatment. She’s doing great now and we’re hoping her disease is gone for good. I don’t know how she can take care of three kids, go through chemotherapy, and work part-time — she is truly amazing. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, not being able to be at her side while she was sick. If you asked the single guys here what they missed the most, they would tell you women in general. It is strange, to say the least, going months at a time without seeing a female. Besides seeing the wife and kids, I’m definitely looking forward to going fishing in the “No Motor Zone” back home. I have dreams at night here about that place. I’ve been going there since I was a kid, and I plan to fish there until I’m too old and weak to hold a paddle.

We’ve heard that you also really miss some local restaurants. Where will you go first when you return?
I’ve been craving some sushi since I got here. I would pay $100 for some yellowfin tuna rolls from Grills right now.

What’s the most important personality one should have for enduring this kind of environment?
The most important quality to have is a positive attitude. If you only look at all the negative things, you’re going to have a bad tour here. You have to make the best this situation and realize that a year goes by pretty quickly — at least it has for me.

Name a material item you couldn’t live without there.
Even though it’s slow and doesn’t work very often, a computer with an Internet connection is the most useful item here. We have personal Internet we each pay $30 a month for, which isn’t bad considering how isolated it is.

Do you guys get many care packages? What’s the thing you request the most?
Yes, I have my wife send me stuff all the time like pictures and drawings the kids have done. Most material items I can order over the Internet, but it takes forever to reach here since we only get a flight every two weeks and not all vendors ship to Alaska. We did have someone send iPods to everyone out here. That was one of the nicest acts of kindness I’ve ever experienced. The whole crew was pretty touched by that.
What do you think you’ll miss about Attu?
I’ll miss the friends I’ve met here. They become almost like family after you’ve been stuck in the same building for a year with them. I’ll also miss the outstanding halibut fishing and all of the history that is here on Attu. Not many people get a chance to see this place; you can’t just get a plane ticket and come out here. There aren’t any commercial flights to Attu.

Would you ever want to repeat the Attu experience?
I don’t think I would want to repeat this experience. It’s too long to be away from your children. There some other units that are pretty isolated out there, but I think this is truly about as isolated as you can get. When I was stationed in Hawaii, I got to work on navigational aids in some remote spots on islands like Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. I loved it. I could do that again and not even get paid.

TWENTY QUESTIONS with JOHN FISHER, MARINE FISHERIES OBSERVER
Interview by Matt Badolato

Meet Indialantic’s John Fisher, a 22-year-old Florida Institute of Technology grad who took his first job out of college as a marine fisheries observer in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. He’s a Floridian surfer/fisherman/diver raised in the southern heat on the often mellow Atlantic shores. Now he’s cruising the merciless Bering Sea on huge fishing boats, “Deadliest Catch”-style, in search of fish and adventure.

What made you decide to go to Alaska?

I saw a flyer in my second year of college about observing on the Bering Sea; it sounded adventurous and promised good pay. Then, my buddy from school went off for the job and had positive things to say about the experience, so I applied. A final deciding factor for me was that I would be up there during the summer months, out of the blazing Florida sun. But you can’t throw a Florida boy up here in the winter without causing permanent damage.

What kind of training did you go through?

There was a three-week course at a NOAA facility in Seattle which paid special interest to paperwork, safety on fishing boats, and fish identification. It’s amazing how different the fish are on the other side of the continent.

So you rented a board and went surfing while training in Seattle, how was that?

It hurt. I got an ice cream headache the one time I was dumb enough to duck dive. I spent the rest of the session trying to keep my head out of the water. The Olympic Peninsula is really awesome, though. The wave was in this little bay wedged in between two enormous headlands with dense evergreen forest coming right up to the shear cliffs. The beach was all cobblestones and huge pieces of driftwood.

What is Dutch Harbor like?

The island is a bunch of huge mountains and volcanoes that are completely treeless and covered in green shrubs and ferns. They rise right out of the ocean and shoot up into the fog that always seems to be there. The town (if you can call it a town) of Unalaska is very cool and completely different from anywhere I’ve ever seen. You feel like you’re pretty close to the edge of the earth.

How’s the food on board the ship?

I learned that the expiration dates on eggs and milk don’t mean anything. These guys will eat anything that doesn’t smell worse than the fish lying on deck. Except for the age of the food, it’s all really good, though. My last three meals have been lamb chops, filet mignon and ribs. You would starve being a vegetarian on these boats.

What do you do to pass the time on board?

I’ve read more in these last three months than I have in my entire life. Besides reading myself insane, I tried a little handlining in 150 feet of water and actually caught a few sculpin and flounder, and I spend a lot of time joking around with the guys on board, listening to their crazy stories. My parents got me an MP3 player for graduation and that’s kept me entertained. Nothing like some tunes while rocking on the Bering Sea.

What are some of your duties?

I keep up with the fishing progress for NOAA — kind of the eyes of “the man.” We observers sample the catch for species composition, the abundance of certain prohibited species, and any interactions with marine mammals (we haven’t caught “Free Willy” yet). We also make sure all the safety equipment is in good working order. My last boat gave me a special and very important extra task as the head dishwasher.

Meet any celebrity crab fishermen at Dutch?

There are some mixed feelings about that whole situation up in Dutch. Many of the guys up here care very little for the “Deadliest Catch” show… maybe they’re jealous. I did see some of the TV fellows, and a few of the famous boats. They look like all the other fellows and boats out there. I found out that there are observers on the “Deadliest Catch” boats; they’re just not allowed to be on TV.

What’s the average weather up there like?

I can only speak for June through September, and honestly those are the only months I care to experience on the Bering Sea. The weather up here is very consistent. It’s 45 to 50 degrees every day, and even though it’s daylight for most of the hours of the day, I’ve seen clear blue skies only three times in my entire stay. Fog, mist, and clouds are relentless and give an ominous and dreary feel. We went through four storms in my time up here and that was a scary thing to see. The ocean can truly become angry in a hurry, and it makes a 180- foot boat seem like a very small thing. My bunk is way up in the bow, and when the weather comes up, it’s a constant roller coaster ride. You can forget walking around or sleeping. Just lay down and hold on and hope everything goes well. The guys that work up here in the winter are either crazy or just extremely tough and brave… I haven’t figured out which yet.

Everyone on board get along well?

Watching the differences in human relationships and interactions on these boats compared to normal life on land has been interesting. Just imagine a bunch of people from all walks of life being crammed into a small space and completely isolated from the rest of the world for months and months. There is nothing to do except work, eat, sleep, and sit around, and no one to talk to except each other. Every normal process that occurs between people on land happens, but is just sped up. You get to know people really fast, you get in quarrels and disagreements quickly, get over it quickly, and repeat the process over and over and over. I will say this: I have never been involved in more complaining in my life… that is a favorite pastime up here.

What kind of fish do you catch?

All of the boats I’ve been on have targeted pollock. That’s the generic white fish fast food restaurants use for cheap fish sandwiches and fried fish sticks and what they grind up to make imitation crab meat. Besides pollock, we get a whole bunch of other interesting critters as well. Sleeper sharks, HUGE halibut, more kinds of flounder-looking things than I thought could exist, ancient lampreys, and huge squid are some of my favorite by-catch species.

What is there to do in port?

I haven’t really had time to explore too much, but there is hiking, fishing, a gym, a community pool, and a few bars. You can stand on shore and watch the pink salmon and dolly vardens busting little schools of baitfish, and the world-record halibut was caught out of Dutch.

What do you miss most about Florida?

Trees, surfing, Bull Creek, shorts, the Mobile, Grosse Point across from LongDoggers, and Wal-Mart.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back?

Give my girlfriend and mom a great big hug and then check the waves.

Not long after Kelly Slater won his first world title, former Ron Jon’s president Bob Baugher commissioned a statue of Cocoa Beach’s famous son to greet visitors to the famed surfing institution.

Everyone admires it, but few locals (and even fewer visitors) know that it’s Slater. Some 13 years after its installation and an astounding 8 more world titles later, there’s never been a better time to update the image of this undisputed icon of surfing, a man who has gone through his fair share of changes since that first momentous win.

Enter Cocoa Beach siblings Sam and Tasha Drazich to conceive of the Kelly Slater Project, the aim of which is to install a large-scale bronze sculpture of Slater at 4th Street North and A1A in Cocoa Beach as a monument to both an incredible athlete and the community that fostered his rise to fame.

The statue, sculpted at 1 and 1/2 times Slater’s 5’9″ height by accomplished artist Tasha, depicts Slater, astride a replica board shaped expressly for the Project by longtime friend Matt Kechele, executing an extreme cutback, one of his signature moves captured by ESM photographer Tom Dugan when he was surfing Sebastian Inlet in 1996. One conception of the finished product has it “balanced” on a small, plinth-like fountain. A full-size clay version of the smaller protoype has been made already, and a rubber mold has been cast from the figure. That mold is now on its way to a Sarasota foundry to be bronzed.

Both Sam and Tasha grew up with Slater and have invested a large amount of their own money to honor his achievements and Cocoa Beach as “the epicenter of the surf industry on the east coast.”

After Tasha produced a half-scale model for Mayor Skip Beeler and city commissioners, the Project gained swift approval, and the City has agreed to help with lighting and electricity, ground clearing, and regular maintenance of the site. Though the sculptural work is continuing apace, more funds are needed to complete the statue.

We asked Tasha about the artistic process and about The Kelly Slater Project fundraiser to be held in conjunction with the Central Florida Animal Reserve at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on August 29.

How did the idea for the Kelly Slater Project first come about?

My older brother Sam has been talking about this project for years. After Kelly had won his 6th world title, his campaign intensified. I began working on the small model about three years ago and the large sculpture a little over a year ago.

Tell us about your own artistic background.

I’ve always had an interest in art from an early age. I took every art or art history class that I possibly could throughout the years. I’ve even audited a few classes after I graduated from college just to be around other artists. My serious interest in sculpture formulated in college. Haverford, the brother school of Bryn Mawr, had a foundry on the campus and students were encouraged to use that facility. Neighboring Philadelphia also has some great art museums, including a Rodin Museum. After graduating from Bryn Mawr, I attended the New York Studio School for drawing, painting, and sculpture where I studied sculpture.

Surely you’re drawing from your own studies in art history and Classical and Near Eastern archaeology for this project. What were some of your inspirations for the piece?

I wasn’t really thinking of one sculpture in particular. Of course I love Greek and Roman sculpture. Those influences might be finding their way into the end product subconsciously. Renaissance-era heavy hitters that blow my mind are Michelangelo and Bernini. 19th- and 20th-century masters to me would be Canova, Daniel Chester French, Rodin, Degas, Henri Moore, Giacometti, Willem de Kooning, Motherwell, and Richard Serra, to name a few. Kelly himself is great inspiration. He is fluid, powerful, and has moments of concentrated energy. I just hope I captured some aspect of his movements.

Is this the first figure you’ve done in such an extreme pose?

This is the first athlete I’ve done. My brother and a friend decided to use a particular photograph of Kelly surfing at Sebastian Inlet as inspiration. They decided that this was one of his signature moves. It would have been much easier to do a bust, a standing pose, or even a less extreme movement. I definitely had moments where I felt like I was in over my head. It would be impossible for a model to hold that pose, so we rigged a series of ropes for the model to balance on.

How else was this sculpture different from other ones you’ve done? What have you learned from this particular piece that you didn’t expect to?

Before this project I was focused on a series of Florida wildlife sculptures. I also have an interest in preserving Florida’s natural heritage. The exotic creatures that reside here are great inspiration for an artist interested in capturing different character and form. Hopefully they will still be here for future generations to enjoy. Because there is such a rich history of sculptures of the human form it is difficult to tap into something unique if you decide to follow that tradition. The animal sculptures turn out to be more whimsical. I’m not sure why that is. As far as the process of sculpting goes, I attack each project in a similar way. The Kelly sculpture was different from the other sculptures I’ve done mainly because it was very important to capture a likeness that would stand up to heavy scrutiny. I didn’t expect to enjoy doing this project as much as I did. When the initial anxiety went away, I really enjoyed working in such a large scale. It was a major physical challenge.

How long do you work on the sculpture each day?

I usually work for six to eight hours on a good day, not necessarily in a row. If I get too frustrated, it’s good to step away for a few days.

What has the public’s response been thus far?

Overwhelmingly positive. A few people offered an honest critique. The clay model was displayed in the Cocoa Beach Public Library for a few weeks in April. Again, the response was incredible. Everyone who has lived in Cocoa Beach for a while has a story about Kelly. It was really interesting to hear about how he is interconnected to so many people in this community.

Were there problems deciding on the location of the final sculpture? What were some of the other spots up for consideration?

We had a number of different locations in mind, but the “Triangle Park” near 4th Street North and A1A (across from the Glass Bank) was the first choice. We were thrilled when the City of Cocoa Beach approved that site. Other possible locations were south Cocoa Beach where A1A splits, Shepard Park, 520 and A1A, to name a few. It was also mentioned that when the new City Hall was built there would be a public park area with room for outdoor sculpture.

Is the fountain stand going to be part of the finished piece, or is that still in the conceptual stage? How did you get that idea?

My brother saw the fountain in Santa Barbara with dolphins, so we decided to experiment with it further. I think it would come out nice. The fountain was one idea we were kicking around, but it may not be feasible. It also adds extra cost and maintenance.

How much money have you raised for the Project thus far?

We’ve raised almost $10,000 so far. My family has fronted a large amount of money and time for this project. The total cost of casting the figure in bronze is $47,000. This does not include design production, installation, patina, and initial costs of creating the clay model. The total required to fund this project is $120,000.

How did the Central Florida Animal Reserve come to be involved in the Casino Night fundraiser?

Tom Blue is a surfer and long time friend of my brother Sam. Tom mentioned that he was the president of the Central Florida Animal Reserve (www.cflar.org) and invited him for a tour. Tom explained that their current challenge is to purchase a larger facility to house their over 50 resident tigers, lions, cougars, and several other animals. We asked them if they were interested in teaming up to organize a casino night, and they agreed.

When will the sculpture be completed?

The completion date depends on how well our fundraising efforts go this fall. Times are pretty tight for a fundraising drive, but if enough people buy a t-shirt — 4,000, to be exact — we will be there.

How can people view some of your other work? Are you available for commissioned pieces?

A few of my pieces are in the Cocoa Beach Public Library. I also have a website: www.natashadrazich.com. I am available for commission. I also enjoy doing portraits.

Having traveled quite a bit and been involved in several art scenes, what is your impression of the state of art in Brevard?

I personally know a number of talented artists, musicians, songwriters, photographers, and filmmakers in Brevard. There has always been a great scene here. Many of these artists remain “under the radar” simply because we don’t have as many venues as other areas. In contrast to my experience in New York where many people were saturated to the point of being jaded, the good thing about Brevard is that people are hungry for culture.

How can people donate to the Kelly Slater Project?

You can visit the donation page at our webpage — www.thekellyslaterproject.com — or send a check or money order to The Kelly Slater Sculpture Project, P.O. Box 321182, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-1182. Any individual or business that donates $500 or more will have their name engraved on a plaque on or near the final Kelly Slater monument. You can also attend our Casino Night Party at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on August 29. You’ll have fun while also supporting our organization. We are a 501(C)(3) non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.

In 1985, the National Trust for Historic Preservation formed the National Main Street Center and introduced the “Main Street Four-Point Approach” as a community-driven comprehensive methodology for revitalizing older, traditional business districts throughout the Country.

Those four points? Organization, by building cooperation and consensus among many groups and individuals, or “stakeholders;” Design: By working with property owners and the City to enhance the physical appearance of the commercial district; Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the existing economic base and retail mix of the downtown district; and Promotion: Marketing the district’s assets to potential investors, new businesses and residents, as well as shoppers and visitors.

It’s a commonsense way to address the variety of issues and problems that face traditional business districts. Today, the National Trust Main Street Center leads a coast-to-coast network of more than 1,200 state, regional and local programs, powerfully linked together through a preservation-based strategy for rebuilding the places and enterprises that make sustainable, vibrant and unique communities.

In 2003, after many months of planning and meetings with downtown stakeholders working closely with the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and local business owners, Melbourne Main Street was certified as an official Florida Main Street program and joined over 50 other Main Street programs throughout the state. The Main Street Approach is a unique development tool for achieving economic revitalization that has helped communities across the country bring their downtown shopping and residential districts back to life through the work of four standing committees of dedicated volunteers who work diligently to create a desirable and safe downtown environment to live, work and play.

We spoke with Melbourne Main Street’s very busy Executive Director, Laird Gann, who manages all aspects of the successful program from A to Z.

How did you first come to be involved with Melbourne Main Street?

I was born and raised in Florida, mostly in Clearwater, and earned an advertising degree from UF. My career took me to North Carolina, where I spent 20 years in the “corporate world,” working in public relations, event marketing and brand management. From there I moved on to a PR firm in St. Louis, a promotion agency in Chicago, and then a consulting business, which I brought with me when I returned to Florida. I got involved with the Florida Main Street program by managing a program in Palm Harbor, north of Clearwater, and then learned about this position in Melbourne in 2003. The rest is history. When I came for my interview, I fell in love with the area — the laid-back lifestyle compared to the Tampa Bay Area and the incredible beaches. I actually felt like I was stepping back in time 30 years into the “old Florida.” I’ve been here just over five years.

Where do you get inspiration from to organize events each month?

Events are really a small part of our efforts, though they are significant in two ways: they enable us to shape and build a positive, lively image for our downtown area, and it’s a primary fundraising source. The Florida Main Street program is also a wonderful networking resource, and we do all share information with each other throughout the year.

What other kinds of services is Melbourne Main Street involved with, apart from the events themselves?

It’s a wide variety of functions and services, from working to get all “stakeholders” on the same page regarding issues like events, to downtown parking and infrastructure improvements. Our organization works closely with downtown merchants and residents in our efforts to make Historic Downtown Melbourne a great, lively and safe place to live, work and play.

Are you also involved in organizing the seasonal street parties and art festivals?

I am involved with everything that MMS organizes, schedules and conducts: Friday Family Fests, the Main Street “Masters of Art” festival (which is held October 3-4), the popular Candlelight Shopping events on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and various other events throughout the year. We’re also somewhat involved with other organizations that schedule such events, communicating to merchants the dates of the activities, street closure details, estimated attendance, and other critical information.

In what ways has downtown Melbourne changed since the inception of the Main Street program?

The downtown merchant organization and the City actually led the effort to visually improve and revitalize the downtown retail district long before Melbourne Main Street was formed. The benefit of the Main Street certification was that it provided a successful “blueprint,” or business plan, to guide future efforts. The National Main Street program was formed in 1985 in an effort to revitalize older downtown shopping areas that began deteriorating with the arrival of large suburban shopping centers and malls. What we see today is the result of a lot of hard work by downtown stakeholders and the City for some 20-plus years.

In what ways have these events changed since you first began?

I was fortunate in that when I arrived, the growth and interest in downtown was already building momentum. It’s not something that happens overnight. The interest in returning to an “urban lifestyle” is a national phenomenon, and we’re certainly seeing it here as well. Especially in a tight economy like we have today, people want, and really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to gather with others from all walks of life and share a relatively inexpensive evening.

How much does it cost the City to host these Friday Family Fests and other events? Does money come strictly from the City, the local businesses, or both?

That’s why we call our events “fundraisers.” Using Friday Fest as the example, our costs average something in the neighborhood of $3,500, covering the band and services such as police, street cleaning, porta-johns and beer and wine. Our income sources are vendors, beer/wine sales and sponsors. Our crowds average somewhere in the 2,500 to 3,000 range — depending a great deal on the weather — and on a good night we’ll clear maybe $1,500. A lot of work for a pretty small return, which is why we say our activities, and events, are, again, “a labor of love.”

How do you choose the various street vendors for these events? Is it open to everyone from anywhere in Brevard?

We try our best to select vendors that do not compete with our downtown merchants or our existing vendors. We’ve had as many as 60 vendors, and you’d be surprised that they come from as far away as Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, and many cities in between. That’s also a good indicator that the word is spreading and more and more vendors want to be part of the success.

What percentage of attendees aren’t from the area?

More “non-locals” are coming downtown as the word spreads about all the new shops and restaurants now open for business. Based on all kinds of indicators, I now refer to Historic Downtown Melbourne as “the shopping, dining and nightlife capital” of Brevard and northern Indian River Counties.

What advice would you give to other communities who’d like to implement similar events of their own?

All of our activities, especially labor-intensive events, rely heavily on volunteers. If an organization doesn’t have a large group of reliable volunteers, as well as support from throughout the community, then I’d suggest that community follow another course, because this work really is a “labor of love.” It takes a large group of dedicated stakeholders to all come together and share a common goal of building a stronger community. Individual merchants, residents and individuals cannot accomplish as much if they don’t work together. The Main Street program provides a workbook and a work plan on how to organize, how to break up key responsibilities, how to recruit the right businesses and the right board members and volunteers, etc. It’s a well organized and proven program for achieving success. It’s a lengthy process, so do not expect results overnight.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to face in organizing them?

Actually, the biggest obstacle we have here in Melbourne is scheduling events that do not conflict, either by date or nature of the events, with other organizations or events in the Space Coast. Brevard County is fortunate in that it offers an incredible variety and number of events and activities throughout the year. It’s really a good problem to have for residents, visitors and business owners.

What is the most difficult part of the planning process?

Now that’s quite a question! It’s simply organizing and managing everything from city permits and entertainment to street cleaning, police presence, street barricades, vendors (food, beverage, art, craft, and business), and volunteers, to porta-johns.

What have you learned since you began working within the program?

Actually, I learned this many years ago, and it certainly holds true in this position, and it’s an old saying that applies to all aspects of life: You’ll never please ALL of the people ALL of the time!

What are some of the busiest months for you?

Believe me, all months are busy in my position, as various administrative tasks and other responsibilities continue throughout the year: attending City Council meetings twice a month, attending eight MMS committee meetings a month, serving on the Board of Directors of the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the Henegar Center for the Arts, attending quarterly Florida Main Street meetings and submitting quarterly reports, and working on special projects with the City of Melbourne as requested.

Where are some of the best places for people to find parking for Melbourne’s First Fridays? Which part of the downtown area is routinely closed off?

Parking is available along East New Haven Avenue and on side streets, as well as in several Public Parking lots downtown. Parking will improve tremendously during the holidays when the new multi-level parking deck opens on the site of the old City Hall on Strawbridge Avenue, adding over 400 new spots to our downtown parking inventory. Street closures for Friday Fest are on East New Haven between the railroad tracks and Waverly Place, and on portions of Municipal Lane and Vernon Place. For art festivals, closures extend from US 1 to Livingston Avenue along East New Haven. Interestingly, the Main Street folks feel that parking problems are a very good indicator that your retail district is growing and thriving.

What kinds of Melbourne Main Street events can people look forward to in the coming months?

Our monthly Friday Family Fests are the second Friday of each month (except December); those are our primary ongoing events. The summer months are somewhat more difficult to plan due the heat and uncertain weather conditions. In July 10, the Friday Fest will feature Dub City Tribe; on August 14th the Steve Thorpe Blues Orchestra will perform; and on September 11th, the John Quinlivan Band will take the stage. Events which are being considered (but not in the planning stage yet) include car and bike shows, craft shows to complement our art festivals, boat and watercraft shows, multi-cultural and holiday events, and an upscale beer and wine festival.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Melbourne Main Street relies on memberships, sponsorships, events and other fund-raising programs to fund its various activities. All meetings, all committees and Board membership are open to anyone interested in helping shape the look, feel and future success of Historic Downtown Melbourne. For more information on upcoming events and participating businesses, call (321) 724-1741, or visit www.downtownmelbourne.com.

A mere six days after Air Force Reservist Lt. Colonel D. Brent Baysinger took command of the 301st Rescue Squadron, he and his team of Airmen were deployed to Afghanistan as part of an Air Combat Command mobilization of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter aircrew, maintainers and support personnel.

The 301st, which originated in 1956, is now part of the 920th Rescue Wing based at Patrick Air Force Base and has saved countless lives since their deployment to the remote, mountainous region in late March. The 920th is the Air Force Reserve Command’s premiere combat search and rescue unit and trains and equips over 1,200 rescue Airmen. The Wing’s mission is to employ highly-trained aircrew and elite pararescuemen to locate and recover Armed Forces personnel during military operations.

We spoke with Col. Baysinger about his experiences in Afghanistan rescuing wounded soldiers and civilians — and trying to fly without the aid of adequate light…

What do you like best about living beachside?
My wife is from Minnesota and I spent five winters in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Because of this, we’re both pretty much done with long, cold winters! The weather here is fantastic year round and the variety of things to do makes it a great place to raise a family.

How did you first get involved with the 920th? How many years have you been with them?
I was offered a job by FedEx November of 2001, but at that time we were involved in a little dispute over the skies of Kosovo and the Air Force was not letting anybody leave active duty. They were, however, letting folks leave if they were going to a National Guard/Reserve assignment. While supporting the Air and Sea Spectacular Air show in Daytona Beach, I ran into a buddy who was flying for the 920th and told him my tale of woe. He informed me that the 920th was looking for pilots and that I should come to the drill training that weekend in July to interview. The interview went well, I was hired into the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing, the Air Force released me and I started working with them on November 16, 2002. (I was also hired at FedEx in my civilian job August 2002 and had to complete training with them before coming on board as a Reservist with the 920th, hence the seemingly long timeline).

When did you deploy to Afghanistan, and when did you return?
I’ve actually deployed there twice — March of ’07 and later in ’08. We left on the most recent deployment August 24 after being delayed several days by Tropical Storm Fay. Although the storm delays caused some logistical headaches, it was a positive thing for most to get to spend some extra time at home with the family before deploying and also eliminating the worry of being on the road while their families were weathering the storm. Despite the three-day delay for departure, the squadron assumed alert as scheduled on August 29th, a testament to the can-do attitude of both the maintainers who unpacked the helicopters and got them ready in short order and the operators who performed all of their change-over duties in record time. The return trip was, luckily, far less dramatic. We left Kandahar January 4th as scheduled, but had a 24-hour delay in Germany because there was no crew to fly the C-17 aircraft to the States. Although everyone was eager to get home, we managed to find something to do to kill the time! The next day, the same crew who flew us from Afghanistan would be taking us home. Upon arriving back to Patrick, we managed to talk the crew into shaving more time off the schedule by landing on the short runway at Patrick (the long one was closed) rather than landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Apparently the social hours we had spent with them in Germany were time well spent!

What was the first thing you did when you got back?
Went to bed and slept — for a long time.

What did you miss most while there?
The good news (for us) was that we were busy enough while we were there that we didn’t have a lot of time to think about what we didn’t have. In addition, the Air Force has made significant strides in ensuring that there are plenty of phone lines and morale computers to allow people opportunities to communicate with family. It’s not quite the same as being there on Christmas morning to open presents, but the Army folks who we worked with daily had already been there 8 months before when we arrived, which helped us keep things in perspective, as did seeing the condition of the people we were picking up.

Describe a typical day for an 920th Airman in Afghanistan.
Everybody had their own piece of the puzzle, so it’s difficult to describe a “typical” day. We were very thinly staffed for aircrew, so each aircrew member was either on a 12-hour alert duty; in crew rest for their 12-hour alert duty; or sitting around the clock alert at a forward deployed location. We did have a “backup crew” so that if someone got sick, we would have the capability to substitute bodies, but that crew was often called in to duty at times when the Army was unable to provide an escort for us. There was a daily alert briefing where we would give the weather, intelligence updates, maintenance updates on the helicopters (i.e. which bird was on alert) and any other information that needed to be gotten out. While on alert, the crew was required to remain in the building (except for short trips for meals or quick trips to the Base Exchange) and everyone was on a beeper in case there was a mass casualty and we had to launch multiple helicopters. Or, in case there was a rocket attack on the base and we had to provide accountability for our members (we got very good at that by the end since we had a lot of rocket attacks). We did have a sleep room so that the “night crew” could sleep in the building to reduce the response times. All other specialties maintained a 24/7 presence in the building as well, despite often only having two people deployed for that specialty (i.e. life support, flight management, intelligence). Never underestimate the creativity of aircrew members restricted to a confined space, however. There was a “media room” where a computer connected to an overhead projector could be turned into a makeshift movie projector, and the “war room” where eight laptops were networked together and multiple “scenarios” were played out…daily. The maintenance side was very similar, although their workload was driven by how often we broke the helicopters! They did an amazing job, considering the harsh environment, and I don’t think we ever missed a launch due to maintenance.

Tell us about some of the people you helped there?
In addition to airlifting U.S. Servicemembers, we airlifted Coalition Forces, Afghani Nationals and children — as well as working dogs. One of the children we helped out was a young girl named Satara. She was 7 or 8 years old and is one of ten in her family. Approximately three years ago, she stumbled into a still hot tandoor (an outdoor oven that has a wide opening) and burned both feet. She ended up missing two toes on her right foot from the accident and had her big toe on her left foot burned, and the way the local medical people had bandaged her left foot caused her to heal with her big toe in a complete flexed (curled under) position, actually forming a skin bridge over time. This caused her great pain when she tried to walk, and she couldn’t get to school anymore. She and her oldest brother traveled down from the far Northwest area of Afghanistan more than 400 miles to a U.S. Field Surgical Team in the middle of the country to see if something could be done to correct her left big toe. They traveled by cab which was really expensive and dangerous. The Air Force Surgeon did some releases of the skin, soft tissue, and tendons to bring her toe back straight again. In doing this, there was an area on the underside of the toe which did not have skin coverage, so they took some of the excess skin from the topside of the toe and used it as a full thickness skin graft on the underside area of defect. She did very well after the surgery and was released to go back to her town after about 2 1/2 weeks. We flew her to her home in Herat in Western Afghanistan with her older brother who brought her to us for help. Both of the kid’s parents did everything possible to give them a good future like we do for our children in the U.S. Without U.S. healthcare, Satara would have been a crippled and some of the children who we helped might not have made it at all. Additionally, we were always airlifting the working dogs when they got injured and sick just like the people.

How many lives were saved during your deployment?
450 lives saved by 920th crews — situations where, without immediate medical evacuation, a person would lose their life, a limb or their eyesight (LLE injuries); 615 assists — medical evacuations where LLE were not in immediate danger; 496 escorts — an accompanying flight into hostile or denied territory to recover injured personnel, and 2,215 missions flown.

What’s been your most memorable experience with the 920th?
During the 2007 deployment, we were going into a particularly difficult landing zone at the bottom of a very deep, very steep, very dark mountain valley to pick up an injured Army troop and his doctor. There was absolutely no ambient light, so we were using an Infrared searchlight, which could act as a beacon for any enemy equipped with night vision goggles (NVGs), despite the fact that an army helicopter had been shot at with a rocket propelled grenade earlier attempting to pick up the same folks. There was no escape route, so we knew if we had any type of mechanical malfunction (or got shot at) the only way to go was continue the approach and hope for a good landing. After picking up our “passengers,” we were staring at a cliff so we had to do a hairy, elevator-like take off straight up (we just barely had enough power to do it), pedal turn the helicopter back in the direction we had come, and climb out of the valley. After doing all of this, and discussing how we never, ever, ever, ever wanted to try that again, we were informed by our wingman that they were unable to dump fuel (to adjust the weight of the helicopter so there would be enough power to climb back out) and we would need to go back in after dropping off our current passengers and pick up the folks remaining at the landing zone. On the plus side, apparently practice does make perfect since it was easier the second time!

Explain why it’s particularly difficult to fly in Afghanistan. Did you have any close calls?
There are two things (other than people shooting at you) that make Afghanistan a challenging environment for helicopters. The first is the brownouts. The second is performance issues. The amount of horsepower a turbine engine can deliver to the rotor system is determined by how much air goes through the engine (massflow) and how much heat energy can be put into that air. The upper limit of the heat energy is plastic deformation of the turbine blades (literally, burning up the engine), so the cooler the outside air temperature is, the more energy you can put into that air before reaching that fixed upper limit. The converse is also true — the hotter it gets outside, the less energy you can put into the air, therefore the less power you can produce. Also, as you go up in elevation, the air gets less dense. By the time you get to 8,000 feet above sea level, the air is only half as dense as it was at sea level. This adversely affects the massflow side of the power equation. Unfortunately, the entire country of Afghanistan is what is known as a high desert. It is both high altitude (most of the country is higher than 3,000 feet MSL) and summer high temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees. This combines to greatly reduce the power available to the helicopter. This makes flying approaches, or more importantly an unexpected go-around from an approach, very difficult, since the first indication to a pilot that he is pulling too much power is the rotor system slowing down, followed shortly afterwards by the generators dropping off line and, if nothing is done, losing directional control of the aircraft. Also, while brownout approaches don’t necessarily require a lot of power, taking off again does. The only safe way to take off from a brownout is to go straight up to avoid hitting the ground or any other unseen obstacles while transitioning to forward flight. Unfortunately, this requires an extra margin of power since you lose ground effect as you hover higher above the ground before you start to regain the efficiencies of forward  flight.  Also, although the lack of light could render the Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) useless, the Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) would always give a good picture. The problem with both of these devices is that you have a much narrower field of view than you do with your eyes.  Imagine trying to fly a helicopter while looking through two toilet paper tubes and you have a pretty good idea of what it’s like flying on NVGs.  he FLIR has similar issues, but it is tied to only “looking” in the direction that the helicopter is moving. This becomes a problem when trying to turn around in a narrow canyon, for instance. Probably the scariest thing we encountered flying in Afghanistan, however, is the brownouts. Afghanistan has some of the finest dust that you will find anywhere in the world. It feels just like talcum powder. As the helicopter approaches the ground, the downwash from the rotor system kicks this dust up into the air, causing the pilots to lose what little vision they had from the NVGs or FLIR. Depending on the approach, this could happen while still as high as 50 feet above the ground.  This is particularly dangerous when shooting an approach to a confined area surrounded by walls, ditches, or vehicles. With the lack of vision at the end game, it’s very easy to gently drift into a catastrophic situation. Any close calls? Yeah, quite a few. It’s a very unnerving feeling to touch down after a brownout and, as the dust slowly dissipates, see that you ended up a few inches from a ditch or the probe sticking through a barbed wire fence.

What’s the most rewarding things about your job?
Clearly, the rescue motto “These things we do that others may live” pretty much sums it up. It’s great to be able to go home at the end of a day and realize that, quite literally, you saved someone’s life. I’ve been lucky enough to have participated in two rescue missions where we plucked an unlucky boater out of the Atlantic, the first few days of the Hurricane Katrina evacuation where we picked up 99 people, two cats and a dog, and this latest deployment where, honestly, I lost track of how many people we picked up.

What’s the worst part of your work?
Most aviators tend to have type-A personalities — we don’t like to do things less than perfectly. Unfortunately, as a an Air Force Reservist, juggling becomes a life skill, and you have to prioritize the million-and-one things you’re responsible for in the execution of three very different lives — in my case the Squadron Commander, a FedEx pilot commuting to Memphis for work and a husband/father of two daughters. By definition, there will be times when you neglect something in one job so that you can be marginal in another and still have to deal with someone in all three of them feeling that you’re letting them down. That takes some getting used to.

What quality is most essential in a good squadron?
Ask ten different people and you’ll get ten different variations of an answer. Most of them boil down to the same core answer, though. It takes good people to make a good squadron. As long as everyone is more interested in getting the job done than they are in ensuring they get the credit for getting the job done, amazing things can be accomplished. As I talked about earlier, it is very frustrating to only be able to start looking at a problem and then have to leave for Memphis for my civilian job with loose ends hanging. The good thing is that I can rest assured that someone else will pick up where I had to leave off and make sure that whatever problem had arisen, it was taken care of appropriately.

Do you feel that violence has escalated or diminished?
Escalated. Definitely.

What myth would you like to dispel about Afghanistan and Afghanis?
It seems that most Afghanis are just like most Americans in that they would like to be able to get up in the morning, work an honest day’s work and come home and spend some quality time with the family. Unfortunately, there are a relative minority of individuals (on both sides of the fence) who are intent on making the other side look like the evil empire. The difference is that there is no means of effective mass communication in Afghanistan, and if there were, most people would probably not believe it, given the history in that country of credible government. This is why the Taliban is so effective; they tend to work (whether it is positive or negative coercion) at a very local level on a personal basis with village elders. This is something we are just starting to do. Most Americans probably don’t understand how undeveloped the great majority of the country is. Most of the towns we flew over at night were only lit by campfires. They also fail to realize how little sway any type of central government has on the average Afghani. Their allegiance lies in family first, then tribe (or village) and then, perhaps, to a government. In the U.S., people get upset when a law is passed because they know they will be forced to do something they don’t want to. In Afghanistan, there would be far less resistance to an unpopular law because most people would simply ignore it.

To learn more about the 920th Rescue Wing, visit www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil/