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While the exact cause is unknown, autistic children face tremendous challenges in communicating and are often socially withdrawn.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.

Chris Maslow of SLOW Gallery x Fashion
• Tobin Bennison •

If you’re searching for the local nexus of cutting-edge, underground art, you’d not be far off the mark by going to downtown Melbourne’s SLOW Gallery.

SLOW owner and curator Chris Maslow, a Melbourne Beach native, prides himself on showcasing some of the area’s most renowned artists, people like Derek Gores, Beth Garren, and Bruce Reynolds. Since he opened SLOW last year, Maslow has also earned a reputation for changing attitudes toward graffiti and so-called “street art,” and several of the shows he’s helped organize have effectively redefined Brevard’s collective notion of art in general.

After graduating from Melbourne High in 2000, Maslow enrolled in the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and his studies there helped mold SLOW’s unique dual identity. Both a contemporary art gallery and fashion boutique, SLOW stocks many of Maslow’s creations for his own Slow Army label, as well as sought-after clothing by Volcom, Obey, L-R-G, Insight, and Lucy Love.

As a concept, SLOW began taking shape in Maslow’s Southern California living room six years ago. “The concept was an art-driven designer label producing clothing and other merchandise for men and women,” Maslow recalls. “Since its conception, we’ve sold products to retail stores all across the nation and distributed internationally to Japan.”

Maslow, a tireless champion of unknown local artists from all disciplines, is also a talented artist in his own right. “I always liked drawing as a kid and was decent at it,” he says. “I found that I was usually one of the more artistic people in my classes at school and it kind of became my identity, though I never considered myself an ‘artist.’ I was just a kid who could draw.” His first solo exhibition, “Slowly But Surely,” an interactive, multi-media showcase marked by humorous, thought-provoking pieces, runs through July 4 at 321 Agency in downtown Melbourne.

Maslow gave us his take on the state of local art and muses on its future, a future SLOW will surely have a hand in shaping.

SLOW is not just a gallery but also a clothing boutique. What was the inspiration for pairing the two together?

Since we were already manufacturing before the store concept came about, we thought it would be a good mesh with the art. Art is a luxury and not always as easy to sell due to its hefty price tags. The clothing sales are a great way to subsidize income and keep the rent paid. We sell art-inspired brands that compliment the contemporary art of the gallery. We sell local designers’ products on consignment to start out. If it sells, then we place orders for more and keep doing business with them. Right now I’ve been selling tons of Robin Lee designs. Robin is a jewelry artist and clothing designer. She creates super unique one-of-a-kind jewelry and bags. Also we sell clothing by Jbon, a designer from Rockledge who’s been putting out some really dope stuff lately.

Is there a mission statement for SLOW? What would you say is its guiding ethos?

We strive to be the primary source for progressive contemporary art in Brevard by constantly pushing the envelope and reinventing. We showcase talented artists, both local and national, but also cultivate and nurture emerging talents, recognizing that they’ll be the heavy hitters of tomorrow. We eat, sleep, and breathe ART sustaining at a vigorous pace.

What are some of the criteria for a piece’s acceptance?

I look for serious, confident, and original talented artists who are either well established or looking to get into the gallery scene. SLOW is a half-open door for artists looking to take a swing at doing art shows. We showcase artists from 16- to 65-years-old. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, so long as your work speaks for itself.

What is the greatest challenge in running SLOW?

Trying to constantly outdo ourselves with every show.

Of the shows SLOW has done, which one has made you the most proud?

The first time I ever curated a real art show. It was last July in Los Angeles at Mid City Art Gallery and was a showcase of Miami graffiti writers. I feel like this was a huge accomplishment for me, and a boost of confidence to prepare me for the year that would follow. I couldn’t have pulled that show off without the help of my crew, though. Thank you for that.

What was one of the more disappointing shows you’ve put together?

When I first decided I wanted to do an art show, I didn’t know the first thing about getting started. I threw it at a biker bar that booked parties and events. I set everything up and it didn’t go half bad. I sold some work and had a decent crowd come out. At the end of the night the bar overcharged everyone’s drink tabs and then complained that I owed them a nominal sum of money for their “lack of alcohol sales.” I ended up getting swindled and lost all the money I made that night. I almost quit then and there altogether.

How did your solo show, “Slowly But Surely,” come about?

Shortly after “Robot Love,” I was approached by 321 about doing a show. I’d been waiting for an opportunity to do a solo show and felt like the timing was good. We shook hands, and a couple months later it was on.

How was it received?

I’m very pleased with the feedback and reaction from the show. I wanted not only to shock people, but to also show them what I was capable of. I feel it was a success and a pivotal stepping-stone in my career. Go see it if you have the opportunity.

Who are some of your own artistic influences?

Anything that sparks inspiration. It could be music, a photograph or the way light falls on an object. I’m influenced by lots of different artists at the moment. Really, anyone who is completely dedicated to their trade. I’m constantly being pushed by my crew mates from The Cat’s Pajamas. I wouldn’t be the artist I am today if it weren’t for them.

Who, in your view, are some up-and-coming local artists?

Jeff Noble is a super freak. He is by far the most talented person I know, and I’m proud to be in a crew with him. He can master any artistic medium under the sun with a little bit of practice and has been a constant inspiration in my progression as an artist. Currently, Jeff is going to art school in Miami. He’ll undoubtedly be a world-famous artist some day. Better buy his art now before he blows up and it gets too expensive. Olivia Rogers is another. I discovered Olivia through the gallery. She’s an extremely talented and eccentric 18-year-old girl who can draw and paint ridiculously well. She’ll be going away to art school in September, but before she leaves she’ll be guest-curating “Next In Line,” which opens June 29 at SLOW. “Next In Line” will showcase emerging artists under the age of 21. Tom Bils is another great artist. I met Tom a year ago at a graffiti summer camp we instructed at the skate park. He stood out from the rest of the bunch and I saw tons of potential for him to become a good artist. I started to mentor him and gave him a job here at the store. He’s a refreshing and humbling reminder of myself at the beginning of my art career and he’s progressed so much within the last year. It’s kind of phenomenal. Tom is a great aspiring graffiti artist, but I think his conceptual work could make him famous some day. You can see Tom’s work at “Next In Line.” Sone is an amazing graffiti artist and calligrapher. He’s an aspiring engineer and is incredibly intelligent. He is a writer’s writer. The way he approaches his fine art is like that of a science experiment and the results are exquisite, often preserving and accentuating the natural beauty of wood grain. I am honored to have Sone as my crew member and look to him as a brother.

Who are some more well-known artists you admire?

Derek Gores is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a mentor. He has always given great advice support and I’m grateful. I’ve always admired his work and his accomplishments; he has achieved things I’ve only dreamed of.

Tell us your thoughts on the state of the arts in Brevard. Do you find the relatively unestablished scene here proves to be more of an asset or a hindrance?

I feel like there’s a fierce art scene brewing here in Melbourne. The fact that it’s unestablished makes it easier to shape the scene as it progresses and control the introduction of art and art collection for the new art enthusiast. If we can make this area an “art destination” for people halfway to Miami or Jacksonville, it could quickly develop in to an “art mecca” we control and regulate. I think everything is in a unique state. There is so much talent here. I think there’s something in the water. I also think that the Brevard Art Museum has initiated a lot of the positive change. Since Steven Maklansky took over at the Museum, we finally seem to have the right people in place to work on this whole “art mecca” thing. People are loosening up their perceptions of art and broadening their artistic horizons. Fine art isn’t just landscapes and dog portraits around here any more.

What other area might offer some direction? Which scene do you draw inspiration from?

Maybe West Palm Beach and Boca. They seem to have thriving art communities and similar town structure. It would be nice if we could get some of their scene to rub off on ours. I personally draw inspiration from major gallery destinations — Los Angeles, New York, Miami.  Basically anywhere that’s doing it big and loud, especially overseas.

What have you learned about the scene and the business since you opened?

All of it. I never curated a show in my life before diving headfirst into opening my own gallery. I couldn’t even use a cash register. I learned the majority of what I know about selling art and running retail within the last year.

What would you like to see happening for SLOW Gallery five years from now?

I would like to have more of a national presence. This year, we’re making the first steps toward getting the Gallery online. I hope to expand our audience beyond arms’ reach. I would also like to see another store/gallery location in California.

What is in SLOW’s immediate future? Tell us about some of your upcoming shows and events.

“Not a Drop Out of Place,” a Chris Wilson photography show, opens June 5. Opening June 29 is “Next In Line,” a show featuring emerging artists under 21-years-old, guest-curated by Olivia Rogers. “Slowly But Surely” runs through July 4 at 321 Agency in downtown Melbourne.

SLOW Gallery x Fashion is located at 1905 Municipal Lane in downtown Melbourne. Find out more by calling 676-4517 or by searching for “Slow Gallery x Fashion” on Facebook. 321 Agency, where you can see Maslow’s “Slowly But Surely” solo exhibition, is located at 1010 E. New Haven Ave., Ste. B in downtown Melbourne. Call 255-0566 for more information.

View Larger Map

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

View Larger Map

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.

theglobalfamily_01

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 21

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/

Randy Smith, Founder and President of Sea of Dreams

“Fred Hunt Jr. of Berwick, Maine and his wife, Cynthia, were walking on Cocoa Beach in Florida when a man came running out of the water, yelling for help for his wife. Hunt handed his wife his wallet, cell phone and shirt and darted into the water. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall, he was a strong, experienced swimmer. Hunt and another man, Qemal Agaj, soon reached the woman, Maureen A. Jennings, a Canadian mystery novelist. Each had an arm and they were moving her across the riptide that had caught her, one pushing, the other pulling. Cynthia Hunt saw her husband give one final push that moved Jennings out of the current, then saw his head go under. Fred Hunt drowned that day – October 22, 2007 – as he and Agaj saved Jennings’ life.”

So goes the account of Fred Hunt, Jr.’s death in an article that appeared last year in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. The article focuses on Hunt’s posthumously being awarded the Carnegie Medal, which is given to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving the lives of others. What the piece doesn’t tell you is of another award he received from the long-time friend whom he was visiting, Cocoa Beach resident and USPS mail carrier Randy Smith.

It’s an award you can’t help thinking Hunt would be far prouder of: Smith and countless friends showing their enduring love and respect for his memory through the creation of a local charity called Brevard County Sea of Dreams.

Brevard County Sea of Dreams, Inc. aims to direct focus on Brevard County beaches as some of the most dangerous in the world. In the year of Hunt’s death, 10 people drowned in Brevard due to the rip current alone, all of them surfers and all deaths which occurred in areas untended by lifeguards. Since they began their efforts to educate the public on ocean safety, the people of Sea of Dreams, through signage and flyers, outreach groups, and raising money and awareness for lifeguard stations and equipment, estimate that they helped save 300 lives last year.

In celebration of National Beach Safety Week (May 18-24), we asked Randy Smith and Vice President Karen Mack to help spread the Sea of Dreams message of responsible recreation and respect for our fickle waters.

Tell us about the origins of Sea of Dreams.

Sea of Dreams began as an idea upon the death of Fred Hunt while he was saving a tourist caught in a rip current here in Cocoa Beach. I came up with the idea that it would be great to promote beach safety and help achieve more extensive lifeguard staffing to honor of his memory.

How long had you known Fred?

We’d been friends for over 20 years. He was the person I always counted on; the person who was always there for me. He was the kind of friend who’d pick you up at the airport last minute in the middle of the night…little things like that made him such a special friend to so many people.

How is his family doing now?

They’re still in mourning, but adapting to life without him. Fred left his wife Cindy and two daughters, Chelsea and Lauren who are both in their 20s.

What has their response been to all you’ve done here?

They’re very grateful and supportive. They’ve also set up their own charity, the Fred Hunt, Jr. Water Safety Memorial fund which has the same goals as ours.

How many lives do you reckon have been saved since Sea of Dreams began its efforts?

It’s hard to gauge exactly since we began, but an article by Florida Today last year estimated we’d saved about 200 people in season, and 100 people off season with the full-time lifeguards we helped enlist. We’ve provided CPR training free-of-charge to many people and have distributed our pamphlets to the general public, hopefully enlightening them to the potential dangers of the ocean. We’ve also lobbied for more lifeguards in the County and have supported other lifeguards with a grant for expenses at their national competition. Funding is still pending, but we’ve helped plan the addition this year of 8 new seasonal lifeguard stations from Cape Canaveral to Indian Harbour Beach.

What are the specific kinds of training and education you provide?

In addition to CPR classes, we’ve also helped organize swimming lessons for children, started educational programs at local elementary level schools and have helped purchase some life saving devices.

What are some of the organization’s ultimate goals?

Currently, we’re concentrating on education and distributing flyers to hotels and tourist spots as well as to elementary schools. Our long-term goal is to eventually help with funding towards lifeguard training and expanding staffing in Brevard. We’d like to keep it a grassroots organization, though we do hope to grow and spread our message into other cities in the area. Right now, we’re just trying to get the word out about ocean safety. Ultimately, we’d like to expand the extent of our CPR and swimming classes and support the appearance of more lifeguards along the coast.

In light of the current economic climate, it looks as if lifeguarding is one area that may face cuts. What can be done to ensure lifeguarding’s future here?

Follow our news section on our website — www.seaofdreamsinc.org — and find out when you can come with us to Commission budget meetings. You can tell them that lifeguards are just as essential to our community as firemen are.

Considering that area has been ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous stretches of beach in the world, why do you think it’s taken so long to make ocean safety a legitimate concern here? Is it merely due to lack of funding?

Well, as I said, many people feel like they know the ocean and how it will behave. Also, many of our commissioners don’t think that our beaches need protection year-round, which is not the case at all. 100 of the lives we helped save last year were those of people who were in the water during the off season.

What kinds of fundraising events has Sea of Dreams held?

We’ve held several fund raisers, both large and small scale…we hold yard sales, classes and tutorials at the Cocoa Beach Library and put together a successful golf tournament, which we hope will be the first of many.

What are some misconceptions about lifeguarding here?

Some feel that because they live here — or that they’re surfers and experienced swimmers — that they know the ocean. But they don’t. Our lifeguards have rescued locals as well as visitors.

What do people need to understand about riptides?

Above all, don’t panic. Try to stay calm and resist the urge to fight against the current. Always swim with a partner and near a lifeguard if you can and try to assess the waves as best you can before getting too far out in to the water.

How can people get involved with Sea of Dreams?

By donating money, people can help us defray the costs of printing educational literature — we’re definitely in need of a larger copier — but we’re always in need of volunteers to distribute literature as effectively as possible — to surf shops, hotels, schools and visitor centers. Donations will help build fully-equipped lifeguard stations — not just stands — so that peole don’t have to wait on a truck or ambulance to arrive.

Tell us about Beach Safety Week. What events have you planned?

Our first annual fundraising event will be held on May 17th, one day ahead of National Beach Safety Week, which runs May 18th through May 24th. It’ll be held at the Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge at 175 North Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach. The day begins at 9 a.m. and should run until 5 p.m. We’ll be hosting a luau and there’ll be plenty of food, music and games, and we’ll be handing out sun safety and rip current information. A blood bank will be there as well to accept donations and we’ll be holding a 50/50 raffle with prizes like diamond earrings, a Sun Cruz VIP pass for 6, sunglasses, a night at the Best Western in Cape Canaveral, and loads more. Hula skirts will also be available for a $5 donation. All the proceeds will go to Brevard County Sea of Dreams. For more information, call (321) 243-8850 or (321) 298-4438, or you can check our website: www.seaofdreamsinc.org. Remember to wear your sunscreen!

* Credit is given to Matt Wickenheiser of the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram for the excerpt of his article.

Those of us who live in Cocoa Beach have a lot to be thankful for. There’s the beach, of course, the ocean and the beautiful weather, yet even without these blessings, the City itself holds enough treasures to bear us up. When the thunderheads roll in and the ocean lays itself down like a vast concrete parking lot, we can avail ourselves of some great restaurants and music venues, a large library that’s the envy of the beachside, and what could be our greatest civic treasure, the Surfside Players, one of the best community theatres in Brevard.

As dedicated as we are to being outdoors, life in Cocoa Beach just wouldn’t be the same without the respite the Surfside Playhouse offers within its walls. A true Cocoa Beach institution, the Playhouse and its rotating cast of beloved Players have recently celebrated their 50th year of uninterrupted operation, 50 years that have seen performances of everything from classics like “The Odd Couple,” “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “Oliver!,” to contemporary cutting-edge fare like “The Vagina Monologues,” “Sister Mary Ignatius” and “Frost/Nixon.”

The 269-seat theatre has been through a lot during those 50 years. We asked Surfside’s Heather McFarland, Member of the Board of Governors and an accomplished dancer, actress, stage manager, choreographer and director who’s been involved with the company since the age of 14. We asked Heather about Surfside’s past and what to expect 50 years hence.

Tell us a bit about the history of the Surfside Players.

In April of 1959, a dynamic group of determined thespians presented plans for a live theatre in Brevard County. They called themselves “The Surfside Players of Cocoa Beach.” The Players began implementing their plans, approved by city officials, civic groups and local residents.

When did the Playhouse itself first open? What was that first performance?

In May, 1959, their first production, “The Moon is Blue,” was presented at the Cocoa Beach Fire House. This was also the show that opened Surfside’s 50th Season in 2008. In following years, the Players staged their shows at the fire house, in churches and motels, and even on the beach! On January 6th, 1963, ground was broken for Surfside Playhouse at the corner of Fifth Street South and Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach. In April of 1963, the dream came true with the official opening of Surfside Playhouse.

Is there a favorite production among local audiences?

Because of the different nature of each production, each show is well supported among local audiences. However, for the last seven years Surfside has produced “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the fall. The show continually sells out year after year and is attended and loved by audiences spanning three generations. Because the show is so popular, it’s evolved into more of a special event experience that our audiences look forward to every year.

What is one of the Players’ favorite productions?

As in the previous question, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has been produced for seven consecutive years because people just can’t get enough. This includes the actors from the community. A few of the cast members have been involved in the production since its inception, but there are always new faces every year.

What’s been one of the most challenging productions for the Players?

I would say producing a musical — any musical — can be challenging. With musicals, there are so many theatrical aspects to tie together and present to the audience as seamlessly as possible. These aspects can include elements such as a larger cast, bigger-scale and more detailed sets, orchestras that include numerous musicians, additional directorial staff such as musical directors and choreographers and more technical requirements. Musicals generally have more people and “stuff” involved with the production, which means the need for better scheduling and attention to detail.

What’s one of the more controversial productions you’ve put on? What was the audience’s response?

Our current production of “The Actor’s Nightmare” and “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You” (which ran March 20-29) has raised a few eyebrows throughout the community and resulted in some passionate feedback. The second act of “Sister Mary…” is a religious satire and has rubbed a few patrons the wrong way. However, the majority of our audience has enjoyed the production and supports the Second Stage program that’s presenting the play for its effort to present cutting edge and controversial productions to a community that has few opportunities to experience it.

How are productions selected for inclusion each Season? What are some of the criteria for prospective performances?

Each year, around December, the Season Planning Committee begins meetings to discuss the upcoming season. At the meetings, each member brings ideas about productions that would be good options to include in the season. Criteria to be in the season include shows that patrons want to attend, those actors and staff will want to participate in, and name recognition. The committee does research throughout the year about prospective shows and also speak to community members, actors, directors, technical people, etc. to get their feedback. After discussing the benefits of each show, the committee creates a balanced season, produces a season schedule, obtains licenses and procures directors.

How long does it typically take for a production to become performance-worthy — from conception and casting to opening night?

Chairing the Season Planning Committee, one of my duties is to schedule the shows in the season from auditions to production, and make sure everything balances.  Generally, the committee allows six to eight weeks for a show to process.

Tell us about the audition process. Is it very competitive? How many potential players have no professional background?

Auditions are open to anyone in the community. They usually consist of readings from the script for a play and dance and music portions for musical auditions. Some directors will ask auditioners to participate in improvisational exercises. Popular plays and musicals can have very competitive auditions, but that secures the most talented cast for our productions. Very few of our auditioners have “professional backgrounds.” Most are members of the community with day jobs as engineers or servers. And each audition brings in new blood that we’ve never seen before, and that’s always exciting.

Who are some of the core members of the group?

The core members of Surfside Players are the Board of Governors, which is comprised of approximately 15 community leaders who have a vested interest in the success of the theatre. In addition, we have actors, directors, staff members and volunteers that keep coming back to support us season after season. Specifically, John Lineberger was a member of the Board in the 1970s and is currently serving again after a hiatus. Marilyn Rigerman, Treasurer, has been with the Board and supported the theatre for many years. Also, Arlan Ropp has been performing and working on shows at Surfside for several decades and is now a member of the Board as well.

How did you first get involved with the Players?

I first personally got involved with Surfside when I was 14 years old. I had danced and done acting classes until then, but had never participated at a community theatre. A friend convinced me to audition for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in 2000, which I was cast in. Since then I’ve worked my way to becoming a stage manager, director, board member and, most often, a choreographer. Surfside is really my “home” theatre and I feel very closely connected with all the people involved.

Do you see more or fewer young people getting involved in local theatre?

I definitely see more young people getting involved in local theatre. At Surfside, we offer numerous opportunities for students that need to achieve a certain number of volunteer hours for school. Surfside is a great environment to obtain these volunteer hours, and most students learn knew skills while building relationships with other volunteers.

The Players also work closely with the Youth Players and the Outreach players. Tell us a bit about their roles in the overall company.

The Youth Players have classes and workshops in the fall, spring and summer. The students are able to further discover how great theatre is from a young age. They’re educated about how a show is produced from beginning to end and are able to participate in a final show. It’s a great program for students to develop their talents and love for theatre. The Outreach group attends local community events performing selections from popular musicals and is comprised of young adults. For information on classes/workshops, auditions or shows, people should feel free to call the theatre at (321) 783-3127 or visit the website at www.surfsideplayers.com

You also hold annual playwriting contests. Have you gone on to work closely with any of the honorees after their initial win?

The local playwrights in the community love that we hold this competition each year. This year the competition is in its ninth year and the winner’s play will be presented June 12, 13 and 14.  Most of the applicants continue to write plays and submit them for review each year.  Last year’s winner, Lindsey Ferrentino, is currently living in New York and is having her play “Exile,” originally produced at Surfside, produced in April at the Manhattan Reperatory Company.

How are the Players supported?

In addition to ticket sales, we pursue and receive a number of grants, some from our local community. The Youth Program also generates some income to support our facilities. We also have a membership program that supplies those patrons with other benefits.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a community theatre troupe?

I believe one of the advantages of being a community theatre is the close-knit group of people that are involved. The personnel and volunteers at Surfside are extremely friendly and welcoming and there’s always something exciting going on. Unfortunately, being a community theatre, having a limited budget is something we have to contend with as well.

What kinds of current and future needs are the Players seeking to continue? How does one go about volunteering for the company?

Those questions go hand in hand. Our most pressing need at any point in time is volunteers. The volunteers that we do have do an impressive job, but we are limited sometimes due to a lack of manpower. Prospective volunteers need only to contact the theater’s box office to find out how to join in the fun, and there’s always something to do. Due to the fact that we have the same volunteers offer to be involved with our productions and events over and over again, it can appear to newcomers that we’re not welcoming to fresh faces. The truth is that we relish the opportunity to have new people involved in every aspect of running the playhouse and encourage anyone who has an interest to let us know that they’d like to be involved. We are willing to accept donations in any way that the public is willing to give them. We accept sponsorships to support everything from a chair in the auditorium to entire productions. And we encourage groups interested in funding specific productions to let us know about ways that we can partner with them.

What are some of the other productions in the offing?

2008-2009 was Surfside’s 50th Season, in which the mainstage season presented a popular show representing each decade. The season comes to a close with productions of the Arthur Miller drama “All My Sons” which runs from April 17th through May 3rd, and “The Rocky Horror Show” live rock musical from May 22nd through June 7th. Surfside recently announced the 51st season; see our website for more information. As noted by several media sources recently, Surfside continues to offer the familiar, favorite shows (such as “Sweet Charity” and “Oliver!”) that have entertained audiences for years, but is also becoming a venue to produce some more edgy, socio-political fare as well.

Is there any plan to show films at the theatre in the near future?

Yes. Several times a year we show surf films, produced by widely recognized filmmakers, which are very popular with the Cocoa Beach community. Check our website www.surfsideplayers.com for more information about upcoming films.

What are some of the challenges the Players face in the coming years?

Along with the rest of the nation, we’re facing some issues regarding the recession. So far, we haven’t been hit too hard, but have been aware that people are more considerate of what they spend their money on. Surfside makes sure to produce high quality theatre at a reasonable price to allow our audiences to see a great show, even on a budget.

The Surfside Playhouse is located at 301 Ramp Road in Cocoa Beach. Call (321) 783-3127 for information, or visit their website — www.surfsideplayers.com – for upcoming shows and events. As we went to print, Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” was in rehearsal. The show runs April 17th through May 3rd. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Call the box office at the number above for ticket prices and reservations. Pending rights, the Players’ 51st Season is due to include “Frost/Nixon,” “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Prisoner of Second Avenue,” and “Chicago,” among many others. Check their website for more details and to learn about their summer workshops.

Since its inception in 1990, the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program has aimed to protect the natural habitats of Brevard County by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands for conservation, recreation, and environmental education.

Assisted by Brevard County’s Parks and Recreation Department, the EEL Program protects the area’s unique natural habitats while managing them for their rare, threatened, endangered, or endemic plants and animals. Three directives guide the EEL Program: to conserve the natural resources through acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands and subsequent management of the natural resources; to offer environmental education opportunities on EEL sanctuaries, and thirdly, to provide passive recreation opportunities, such as hiking and wildlife observation on EEL sanctuaries.

More than 18,000 acres of threatened habitat have been saved thanks to their efforts, with much of that land having been purchased with the help of the State and the St. Johns River Water Management District. As part of their extensive and forward-thinking Program, EEL also offers outdoor learning and recreational opportunities to Brevard’s citizens and visitors. As Naturalist at EEL’s Barrier Island Sanctuary Management and Education Center in Melbourne Beach, Grace Foley develops and leads field trips for schools and other groups, performs outreach at schools and community events, leads guided hikes and workshops, and develops interpretive exhibits, signs and publications for the Program.

We spoke to her about the EEL Program’s custodial efforts and their plans to protect and nurture Brevard’s unique environment for future generations.

What is the EEL Program? How did it begin?

The EEL Program is voter-approved program with the purpose of bonding funds to purchase environmentally sensitive lands. The ultimate goal is protecting and preserving the biological diversity of Brevard County. Our county has really spectacular natural resources, and thankfully our citizens had the foresight to preserve much of it for future generations to enjoy. In 1990, a group of concerned citizens banded together in a grass-roots campaign to preserve land throughout Brevard. In a public referendum that year, citizens voted to tax themselves to purchase conservation land. Then in 2004, voters reaffirmed their commitment to preservation by approving a second referendum. Both measures were passed with around 70% support.

How does the EEL Program go about acquiring land?

This is one of the most important and least understood aspects of the program. We follow a detailed procedure with many steps. Environmentally sensitive lands are identified by the Selection and Management Committee (SMC), a science-based advisory committee appointed by the County Commission. The program is a willing-seller program only, and land cannot be condemned for conservation. All lands presented for purchase by willing sellers are reviewed by the advisory committee, and if it meets current priorities, it is appraised using multiple independent state-approved appraisers. The County contracts with The Nature Conservancy to negotiate all land deals on behalf of the County.

What constitutes a good candidate for sanctuary status?
The SMC defined criteria for environmentally sensitive lands includes, but is not limited to, threatened or endangered species, natural community type, rare plant or animal populations, hydrologic value, public access and environmental education value to the citizens.

How much Brevard land is in conservation under the Program?

Approximately 23,000 acres. Our sanctuaries fall into three categories, from the sites of our public Education Centers, to sites with passive recreation (hiking trails, etc…), and finally sensitive conservation areas with no public access. We have 12 sanctuaries throughout the county that have public access and recreation opportunities.

Where is the Barrier Island Center located, and what should one expect when visiting?

The Barrier Island Center (BIC) is located in south Melbourne Beach, 2.6 miles north of Sebastian Inlet on A1A. The center is an amazing new facility that showcases the theme of “From ocean to lagoon, all things are connected.” There are interactive exhibits that take visitors on a journey through five barrier island habitats and highlight the local wildlife, especially sea turtles. The center also has a theater showing educational videos, an observation deck overlooking the ocean, and a 1-mile trail that winds from ocean to lagoon. The BIC offers year-round public programming, including nighttime sea turtle walks during nesting season. I highly recommend going on an organized turtle walk with a trained guide, instead of going out on your own. Check our website for more information: www.barrierislandcenter.com.

To what extent is the Program involved in education? Does the Program host field trips?

Environmental education is a big part of the EEL program, and very dear to my heart. There are currently two EEL Management and Education Center’s open: at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville and the Barrier Island Sanctuary in Melbourne Beach. Both centers have interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the surrounding habitats and are great places to explore. As the Naturalist at the Barrier Island Center, I develop and lead field trip programs for public and private schools, home-school groups, scout groups, and summer camps. Our sanctuaries are like living classrooms, and provide an amazing hands-on learning environment. Students visiting the Barrier Island Center take part in my CSI-Coastal Science Investigators program, where one-day 3rd graders train to become sea turtle researchers, and the next day a 5th grade group investigates seagrass from the Indian River Lagoon. The Enchanted Forest offers a variety of field trips as well. In addition, we also conduct programs for the public, including guided hikes of our Sanctuaries, family programs, workshops, and guest speaker presentations. We also reach out into the community, so look for our booth at events like the County Fair, Melbourne Art Festival, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, and many others.

What are some of the Program’s recent acquisitions?

Over the last few years, the EEL Program has acquired several large parcels in north Brevard, including the Fox Lake Sanctuary near Titusville and the Scottsmoor Sanctuary near exit 5A in Scottsmoor. These recent acquisitions represent approximately 4,000 acres.

What sets the EEL Program apart from other conservation groups?

That acquisition decisions are strictly based on the best available scientific information, reviewed by a science-based committee. The Program is structured so that any property considered for purchase is required to be reviewed and approved by the Selection and Management Committee before being presented to the County Commission for consideration.

What are some of the challenges particular to Florida and the area that the EEL Program has had to grapple with?

The perception that the County pays more than the appraised value for land. Although this did happen in one instance with the Thousand Islands, this was a result of an imprecise appraisal process for island habitat. Besides this, the EEL Program has never paid over the appraisal for property.

In light of the new, purportedly “green” administration, what are some  of the challenges the Program will be facing?

We believe we will likely see continued support for conservation funding in Florida. We hope to continue to work with other agencies to create not just sanctuaries but wildlife corridors, so that species can access different habitats, food and each other.

What role is the EEL Program playing in Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands?

The EEL Program acquired the property with the assistance of a Florida Communities Trust State Grant, the City of Cocoa Beach and the Conservation Fund. The EEL Program is the designated manager for the property, and will work closely with the City to achieve the conservation and public use goals for the islands.

There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the plan to remove non-native invasive vegetation from the islands. What have been some of the concerns from citizens?

There is concern over removal of Australian pines. Citizens concerns included the loss of shade trees, loss of a visual barrier from lights across the river and the loss of wildlife habitat. Some people find them aesthetically pleasing, and also feel that they provide a “windbreak” and shoreline stabilization on the islands themselves. It’s a mistaken opinion that these plants have been there forever and we should just leave them alone, as they cause no harm. Australian Pine trees are a Category 1 Invasive Exotic species as recognized by the State of Florida. They often displace native plant communities like mangroves, which provide critical wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals. The ground below Australian pine trees becomes ecologically sterile and lacking in food value for native wildlife. Where Australian pines exist, biodiversity is often limited. Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity not just here in Florida, but worldwide. It would be a contradiction of the conservation goals of the EEL referendum to maintain exotic species on the nature sanctuaries.

What is the plan for removal of invasive plants? How long will it take?

It could take several years, which is an accommodation to the concerns above. The pines will be removed with heavy equipment over a 5- to 7-year period and burned on-site so the ash can be redistributed as nutrients back into the soil. Those not accessible by heavy equipment will be treated by hand (herbicide) and left standing.  There is a detailed plan for this worked out with the Cocoa Beach’s Land Management Committee, and the City should have a copy of this available for the public to read.

What kinds of amenities can people expect on the Islands?

The plan for the islands includes marked kayak/canoe trails, two short hiking trails, and possibly a small observation platform or boardwalk on one of the islands.

What are some of the other local lands in need of help?

Several properties are currently in the pipeline for consideration by the County Commission. These include properties both in the north and south portions of the County.

What do you see in the Program’s future?

Funding will be tight for at least several years, due to limited ability to bond further funding for land acquisitions.  If we believe conservation of our natural resources is vital to the health of our communities, we should continue to support efforts in that direction even when times are tough.

How can people help the EEL Program and get involved in their projects?

Participate in the public meetings hosted by the program and the County Commission. There are also numerous opportunities to volunteer with us, at one of our education Centers, or on our Sanctuaries. Contact us for more information!

What are some upcoming EEL-related events?

We schedule a variety of events each month to interest people of all ages. For example, coming up in March at the Barrier Island Center, we have an oyster mat making workshop, a sunset/moonrise kayak trip, a guided hike, poetry reading and workshop, beach cleanup, surf fishing workshop for women, eco-art craft for families, vegetable gardening workshop, and a guest presentation from Shawangunk Nature Preserve. And that’s just in one month! Residents can check out all of our upcoming events at all of our Sanctuaries on our website, www.eelbrevard.com. You can sign up to receive notifications for upcoming events near you.

For more information on the EEL Program, visit www.eelbrevard.com. For information on the Barrier Island Center, located at 8385 S. Hwy. A1A in Melbourne Beach, call (321) 723-3556, or log on to www.barrierislandcenter.com

Seen madly flipping burgers through the window of the Burger Inn’s kitchen, Al Urezzio certainly cuts a formidable figure.

During my first visit to that fabled burger temple, it wasn’t hard to imagine him living up to his “grumpy” reputation in person. From my removed (and rather safe) vantage point at a table outside, my mind colored by tales of his gruff demeanor, I could picture him cursing under his breath at a request for “extra onions” or maybe a demand that he go “easy on the ketchup.”

And then I thought, now really…how grumpy could he actually be? Hell, I’d be grumpy too if I were hovering over a blazing fryer in a kitchen seemingly hoisted from an old U-boat in mid-July. Plus, I consider myself to be pretty grumpy myself on a regular basis. Who knows, we could end up being great pals.

It wasn’t until a few visits later that I plucked up the courage to interview him under the protective auspices of the Resident. No surprise then, that Al isn’t in fact “grumpy” in the “Soup Nazi” sense of the word — not at all — he’s simply an up-front, tell-it-like-it is kind of guy who has never once aspired to be a Saturday morning kid’s show host. And we like that about him. But who cares what we think? People from all over Brevard, Florida, and indeed the country like him enough to make the Burger Inn one of the last and most revered outposts of good, old-fashioned burgers cooked the way no one else knows how. Since 1952, fans have been trekking there for phenomenal burgers, sandwiches and shakes and for the wistfully historic atmosphere. And though he only took it over in 1991, Al still managed to keep all the previous owner’s clientele — thanks both to his grill skills and the grill itself, which has been seasoned by nearly 60 years of uninterrupted use.

As February 15th marks Al’s 17th year at the helm of the Burger Inn, we thought it only proper to pay respect to one of the area’s most beloved living legends. Not only is he a wonderful cook, he’s also an accomplished and very talented musician, a graphic artist, an engaging storyteller, and one of the best guys around.

And he’s not nearly as grumpy as you’d think.

But that doesn’t give you a license to call him “Mr. Happy.” So don’t get any ideas.

What do you love most about living here?

The weather.

Tell us about the history of your time at Burger Inn.

I’d bought a deli up in New York, but the deal fell through at the last minute. My daughter and I came down here to visit my Dad after that, and we stopped in for a burger. That was in December of ‘91. The burgers were delicious. As we were leaving, he said to me, “You know this place is for sale?” He just kept hinting and hinting that it might be a good thing to take over. From the postcards I’d been getting from here when I was up north, this place being for sale, and talking with my daughter, everything just came together and made me realize that this was the place to be, not in New York. And we just came down here to visit “Grandpa.” That was 18 years ago, and we never left.

Did the original owner take you under his wing after he sold it to you? You know, show you the ropes, give you some cooking tips?

Actually, the owners left on the day I bought it and left me on my own. The week before I took over I worked here a total of one week. And that was it. I took over on a Saturday morning. I winged it. I never even cooked on a grill before. That first Saturday I worked on my own, the place was slammed and I knew then that I had something special.

How long did it take you to come up with you signature burger?

Three months. I kept one cook on for that time. I was basically watching him and picking up his good points and eliminating the bad ones.

Did you change the menu after you took over?

The menu was very, very similar (and still is) from when I took over. I just got rid of the elements that weren’t up to par.

How did old regulars react to you taking over?

Aw, they were hard on me from the beginning. But who could blame ‘em? “Who’s this Yankee comin’ in and messin’ with our food?” I think more than anything, they were nervous about me changing everything. But like I said, I didn’t change all that much. I managed to keep all those customers and we all got along after a few months. It’s the taste of the burger they come back for. And it’s because of this grill. Been here since 1952.

So how did you get the “Grumpy” nickname?

The story comes from a little kid sitting at the counter. I was arguing with a customer. And the customer called me an “a**hole” after the argument. And the kid at the counter said, “Nooo, he’s not an a**hole! That’s just Grumpy Al!” And it stuck. So when it came time to name my musical act, how could I call myself anything else? People suggested that I change my performing name. To what, “Mr. Happy”? No! Too bad… I’m not grumpy when I play music. That’s what they yell out sometimes when I play: “Hey look! He’s smilin’!”

Tell us a little about “Grumpy Al,” the musician.

I play a state-of-the-art keyboard that gives me my backup band, so I don’t really need any other musicians. I just do the solo thing, playing all my own original music. I gotta play it to make it work. There’s no sequencers. My backup band works off of what I play on that keyboard. I was playing a gig one night and I had a buddy sitting in front and I’m playing this guitar solo on the keyboard, and when I come out of the solo, I have to hit a button to bring me back to my piano keyboard, which gives me my backup band. And when I came out of it, I missed the button. When I came back with the first chord, I just missed. If I don’t hit that right chord, my backup band says: “Ooh, we’re not in C… We’re in D-flat!” Everything changes. And so my buddy gives me this look. For the next six bars I just played all this mishmosh and everybody’s lookin’ at me. I said, “What the hell? You people thought that I’m not playing this thing?” Everybody laughed. You still gotta hit the right keys or it doesn’t work.

When did you first start playing music?

When I was 7 years old. My parents bought me a snare drum. I auditioned for my first band over the phone at the age of 11 telling the guys on the other end that I was 14. It was an instrumental band. And I remember wondering the whole time, “What’s an ‘instrumental’?” I found out pretty shortly after that. That was in 1961. We did all instrumentals…”Wipe Out”… You name it, we did it. I started that whole routine of being in high school band and then on to the club scene in New York and all that. I had friend that moved out to San Francisco who called me on the phone and said: “I got a band for you to join. Pack up your drums.” This was in ‘71. So I threw everything in my Volkswagen and drove cross country. I had one person in the car with me, but I did all the driving for five days. I was hallucinating in Arizona. I played with a bunch of bands…Life On Earth, Billy Blast-Off, Dr. Patch. I did some work with John York from The Byrds, Bruce Day from Pablo Cruise… In about ‘81 or ‘82 for home reasons — you know, relatives were getting old — I just decided to move back to New York. And that’s when I started focusing on playing keyboards.

What do you in your spare time when you’re not cooking or working on your music?

Actually, just work on the computer. Do my artwork — graphics. I’ve been drawing and doodling since I was a kid.

What’s your favorite album?

Any album by Steely Dan.

Favorite movie?

“The Godfather.”

Favorite book?

“Contract On America,” which is about the Kennedy assassinations.

If you could share a meal with anyone living or dead, who would you choose and what would you eat?

Whoever made the first hamburger. I’d like to know who that was… Where that came from…

If you could travel to any destination in the world, where would you choose to go?

Japan.

If you could travel back in time to any era in history, where would you go?

I’d like to go back to the old West days.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the winnings?

Travel. Wait, no. Actually, you know…I think I’d just hang out, which I don’t get to do. I’d sit around and enjoy the good weather of Brevard County.

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

Can I come back as myself, but with my brain power I had when I left? With all my thoughts now? (Adopts authoritative voice) “Well, you can come back, but you gotta start at the beginning…” Well, then why the hell would I wanna go back?

What would you order for your last meal?

Any kind of sub. A big fat sub.

Any parting words of wisdom after that last meal?

What’s next?

Visit Al at the Burger Inn (1819 N. Harbour City Blvd. (US 1); Melbourne) Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (321) 254-2211 for more information, and visit www.spacecoastlive.com to check out his gig schedule.

View Larger Map

Loads of us rely on the Cape Canaveral-based co-op when concerns about genetically-altered ingredients, pesticides, hormones, and dubious additives in our food are at an all-time high. And as 2009 looks to be the “Green Year,” Sunseed will play its most important and challenging role in the community since its inception.

Documents of Sunseed’s history name Joel Silver as a key founder, but in truth, the founders were far more numerous — a group of concerned families and individuals who all pitched in on a volunteer basis to make it the area’s first and most reliable alternative to chain supermarkets.

Joel helped organize Sunseed’s first foundations and has steered its growth since it opened in 1974. Today, he still oversees the co-op and keeps it running like a smooth, organic, extra virgin olive-oiled machine. When he’s not at the store, he’s either traveling the globe to discover exciting new products to add to Sunseed’s huge stock of good-for-you goodies or bringing great music to the beachside through Boxdrummer Enterprises.

Joel tells us what makes his world go round…

What do you love most about living beachside?

I love the ocean, the beach, the people… It’s still a laid-back community compared to most other places I’ve been… and I’m quite well traveled.

How did Sunseed begin?

A small group of us were vegetarians and to buy/eat all-natural food was just too expensive for us at the local health food store in 1973. Most residents at that time were low-income households and couldn’t afford the high-priced foods and vitamins. We decided to start a not-for-profit buying club at our house. Because of the big trailer truck deliveries, neighbors complained. So we opened a small, one-stall store in April of 1974. The growth and results of this meager beginning are quite obvious now.

What kinds of changes have you seen in buying habits since 1974?

More and more people of all ages are more concerned with their health and the junk foods their kids are eating. So a very steady increase in awareness of diet and organics has created a very steady increase in our growth of customers over the years and has brought our membership from 50-ish households to 2,000 — as well as multitudes of “walk in” tourists and locals. Over the years many “California-type” customers ask: “What’s a California-type Natural Foods Store doing in a small southern beach town?!”

Do you think the economic downturn has been hurtful or beneficial for the natural/organic foods market?

Hurtful. As with everything else. Many people think natural foods cost so much more — but they don’t. When gas prices were at their highest, our customers from Melbourne, Titusville and Orlando limited their trips to shop at Sunseed. Our fixed expenses (insurance and HMOs among the highest) and operating costs have increased way too much and way too fast, while our net income has stayed at a steady rate from the last year or so, not increasing the costs of operating the store. This is the first time (since a year ago last May) that we haven’t shown a growth of income. But we’re hangin’ in quite well compared to many businesses on the beach and throughout the USA. A big part of our ability to hang in is due to the best and most amazing staff Sunseed has ever had. They deserve most of the credit.

How has local agriculture been affected? And has Florida a long way to go in catching up, “green-wise”? How far has the State come since you started?

Over the last many years, the citrus groves on Merritt Island have been closed and sold with housing taking their place. So the local fruit we used to get and sell at very reasonable prices is gone. There are a few organic growers locally, though not many. We get vine-ripe pineapples and other fruit from Crackerbox Palace, an all-organic farm on Merritt Island. The vine-ripe pineapples they supply us with — no matter how many — never last the day through. We need more, more, more organic growers locally! The trend away from heavily sprayed and fertilized foods has taken hold and is becoming a very strong goal for many local beachside residents and worldwide. Florida is way behind “green-wise.” Compared to places like Santa Cruz, CA, we’re about 10 years behind. Florida has become a lot more “green” since we started in 1974, but still has a real long way to go to catch up with most of the country. We’re trying to do our part with Sunseed supporting the clean oceans, air, environment and all other greening projects and advancements.

With the renewed interest in organic/natural foods and all things green, do you find that less reputable companies, in an effort to “cash in,” are selling sub-par “organic” products?

Yes. As always, there are people that just want to get on the bandwagon and try to make a lot of money with newer trends. We buy our products from long-time, well-established companies that we can all trust. There are “discount” vitamins and foods that are being offered, lower quality, lower mg. per tablet, etc., but we only purchase from companies that are well known in the industry — hence our motto: “We sell only brand name vitamins you can trust.” Over the many years I’ve visited vitamin manufacturing plants and food processing companies all over the US and inspected their labs and their sources, I have almost always come away with a positive feeling with what they are doing. I get phone calls all day, every day from unknown companies offering great deals on “hot items,” but I never go for the pitch. The companies we buy from send in representatives to our store and we talk to them about ingredients, sources, and written articles by reputable people before we put anything on the shelves. As with anything, there is good, better and best. We aim for the best! Savings is important, but not always the way to go. Quality is a better criteria. Of the over 50 cooperatives and more natural food stores I’ve visited, our pricing beats ‘em all! When the motive is not profit, but the ability for lower income families to be able to shop for and eat clean food at the most reasonable prices available is and has always been our goal.

Have organic certifications become stricter or more lax? How many bodies out there dole out certification?

Organic certification has become much more strict. As far as how many “bodies” are out there inspecting, I have no idea. But the standards from the Federal Government have risen tremendously in the past year. If you see the little circle label w/green printing saying: “USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC,” you can be confident.

What’s the oddest natural/organic food trend you’ve seen come and go?

Several years ago there was a huge trend for “no fat” products. The foods they produced had either no taste or a bad taste. We did stock a few if these items, but if something doesn’t taste good or help as it claims it will, why bother? It lasted a year or so, with many stores dedicating full aisles to these no-taste products. We never did — and that whole aspect died. There are now many “low” or “reduced” fat items available that at least are quite palatable to darn good-tasting. Some fat from good sources is okay. You just have to read ingredients and check out the chart with the fat facts listed.

What are some of the more popular items in Sunseed?

Our large selection of certified organic produce is a big hit. As is our “grind your own” organic coffee and beer selection from around the world. Fresh, locally-baked all-natural breads are a big hit. Clean cosmetics and health and beauty aids have become very popular. Our organic dairy products and “old fashioned” milk in glass quart bottles has taken on a big following. Arthritis supplements, diabetic products and especially gluten free foods, of which we have a huge selection, are growing rapidly. And of course our quality vitamins. One of our major companies produces only organic vitamins.

Which product can you not live without?

Quorn brand products are my favorite these days. Their mushroom-based patties and full-sized meal portions are just delightful. Chicken-style, they are easy to digest, inexpensive, easy and quick to cook, low in fat, not soy or seitan or rice-based, taste great and good-for- ya’ foods. Also, extra virgin, organic olive oil is all I ever use now. I can’t do without Sunseed in general! I do 99.99% of my shopping there and would find it very difficult to live without the full variety offered. It’s a one-stop shop; a complete natural grocery store. Another of our mottos is: “IF WE DON’T HAVE IT, YOU DON’T NEED IT!” But if there is anything you want that we don’t have, we’ll get it for you at no extra charge.

What kinds of changes can we expect from Sunseed in the future?

We’re aiming at becoming an all-organic store. Everything that is available as organic we’ll change over to. Continued growth as the continued interest continues.

You’re a musician as well. How did you get your start?

That could be a book! I’m a drummer and have been since the very early ‘60s when I played in rock bands in many clubs in and around Boston. I left “Bosstown” in 1971 and ventured out around the U.S.A. — yes in a VW van — ended up in Cocoa Beach and have been here for 37 years. I raised a family and ran the co-op, but always with music and playing live again on my mind. Now that I have such a competent staff I’ve had the time to get back into drumming. I play box drums regularly with Ben Prestage and several other local Delta Blues and other players — Josh Miller, Kenny Cohen, Danny Morris — and I’ve sat in with many national touring acts. I also play full tilt drums with the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz when a trio is called for. Music is in my soul; music is life! You’ll not stop by my house or Sunseed without hearing music, either recorded or live! I got bit by the electric Chicago Blues in 1964-5 and the scar has never healed.

Who are some of your influences?

Muddy Waters, of course, and so many others of his era now gone: Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Janis Joplin… Nowadays it’s the Siegel-Schwall Blues Band, John Hammond, Buddy Guy, Al Kooper, Van Morrison, John Mayer, Bruce Katz, and of course the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz. Basically all blues: boogie-woogie, Jerry Lee, etc. In the beginning, guys like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Sam Lay were idols.

You’re also a passionate promoter of music. How did you first get involved with John Hammond?

I’ve been a fan of John’s since the early ‘60s in Cambridge and Boston and we used to drive to NYC to catch his shows. Several years ago we really met at the 30th reunion of a coffee house on Cape Cod and had a long talk. Since then, we’ve met up in London, Seattle, Boston, Southern California, Times Square in NYC and about everywhere else, and have become good friends with him. John plays and sings with such passion and is one-of-a-kind and almost the last (as well as the top) authentic Delta Blues players who played with all the old masters and has become the master himself. He’s touring with an unbelievable show schedule. Ain’t no one better than John Hammond at what he does. He and his lovely wife Marla have become good friends with me and we get together as often as his grueling schedule allows. Great guy, great guitarist, great harmonica player, great singer and one of the best foot stompers in the business. John’s playing the Beach Shack in Cocoa Beach on Thursday, February 5th.

Are there any other Boxdrummer Enterprises events in the works?

We’re working on a Coco Montoya show in March and Michael Pickett (an award-winning blues man and Canada’s John Hammond) will be appearing in February or March. And I’m in the process of putting together a backup band for a Florida tour with the most amazing electric guitar player I’ve heard or seen: Harvey Mandel. Harvey has recorded with the Rolling Stones (on their album Black and Blue) and was being considered to become a Stone himself. Harvey also played and recorded with John Mayall, Charlie Musslewhite and Canned Heat at Woodstock, as well as studio and touring bands that would fill up the whole Resident! Most recently, he’s the guitarist for the Chicago Blues Reunion, a group of “survivors” from the Blues era of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

You’re stranded on a desert island for an indefinite period of time. Name a book, film, and album you’d like to have with you.

Book: “Be Here Now,” by Ram Dass. Film: I hate to admit it…“Pulp Fiction.” Album: Stand Back with Charlie Musslewhite, Barry Goldberg and Harvey Mandel. First heard it in 1965. It’s the album that got my attention and turned me on to the Blues. Still a favorite!

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Play more live music. Spend more time with my two wonderful “all growed up” sons. Produce more musical events. And maybe grow my beard back to the foot-long length it used to be.

If you could travel in time to any era, where would you go?

Back to the late ‘50s when I was growing up and all was peaceful and simple. Had to be home before the street lights were on; mug of homemade root beer was 5 cents; dinners were almost always at home; ice cream man came to our street every night in the summer. .. No cell phones; mom didn’t work and was always around; two, sometimes three TV stations (one was UHF), and playing outside with the gang on our street.

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

Same as this life…except as a better drummer! I’ve had a great life with two amazing sons to carry on.

What would you order for your last meal?

Homemade organic ravioli with organic mushrooms and organic raw pesto sauce and a big glass of freshly brewed organic unsweetened iced tea. Dessert? A homemade chocolate brownie with French vanilla ice cream.

Any parting words of wisdom?

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Greed has no place in our world. True friends are people that walk into your life and, no matter what happens, never leave. Peace, Love and Good Vibes to all. AMEN!

(And P.S.: Thanks, Beachside Resident, for your paper and what you do for the beachside. It’s well appreciated by all.)

Visit Sunseed Food Co-op at 6615 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cape Canaveral. Call (321) 784-0930 for more information. Check out this issue’s music section for details on John Hammond’s upcoming show at the Beach Shack.

By the age of 11, he was plowing behind a mule on his family’s Mississippi farm and found work at a local sawmill in his early teens. After later stints working in a log camp and driving lumber trucks, he was sentenced to 10 years on a chain gang for murder. Upon his early release, he made a name for himself as a self-confessed “Bad Man.” “I was a sure-enough dangerous man,” he says, recalling those times.

Amazingly, “T,” as he’s known to friends, didn’t pick up the guitar until the age of 57, mimicking his heroes Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf while drawing, no doubt, from a lifetime of dark, foreboding subject matter. Before signing to Oxford, MS-based Fat Possum Records, T was a regular fixture on Greenville’s Nelson Street, playing stripped-down sets for locals struck by the driving rhythms growling from his Peavey amplifier and the confident, almost desperate vocals tapped straight from his complex soul.

Now a tireless touring musician and the popular figurehead of Fat Possum’s revolutionary roster, T-Model Ford brings real Blues to dedicated aficionados and misguided Clapton apostles all over the globe. And this at the disputed age of 88, mind you.

December 13th sees his miraculous appearance at Cocoa Beach’s Chili Pepper Club. And while it may be hard to follow his between-song banter, laced as it is with non sequiturs and meandering free association, it’s important to remember that intelligible conversation isn’t what he’ll be there for. And he certainly won’t be there to water down or prettify the genre for the faint of heart. He’ll be there to play the Blues. And play them he will.

With the kind assistance of Marty Reinsel, his drummer and unofficial liaison, we tried to plumb the often murky depths of T. Model’s mind…

What’s your real name?

James Lewis Ford.

Where are you from?

I’m the Taildragger from Greenville, Mississippi… I was born in Forest, Mississippi.

When did you first pick up the guitar?

When I was 57 years old.

Why did you start to play then?

(Marty Reinsel: T-Model goes into a long — make that very, very long story, when you include the pauses and slow, deliberate delivery. He tells of how his last wife, his fifth, bought him a guitar and an amplifier right before leaving him, taking the kids with her…)

There wasn’t even another man … just her momma showed up sayin’: “We don’t want no trouble from ya James.” “You don’t need to worry ’bout me mamma.” But the boy (his son) didn’t want to go. He wouldn’t get in the car. I had to make like I was getting in the car with ‘em … I watched him look at me from the window … that’s when I went inside and picked up that guitar, plugged that amplifier in the wall, and turned it on. I tell ya — Woo wee! — that light came on, and I started playing with the switches and hitting the strings and I got it … I got it right away.

Did you learn from anyone?

I taught myself. I liked Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, so I tried doing some of the things they were doing, but it’s all my own.

What’s the most memorable gig you’ve played?

Huh. I don’t know… All of ‘em.

What’s the longest you’ve ever played in one sitting?

I played all day and all night.

(T-Model seems to refer to a picnic or a festival — it’s hard to say — but playing for three hours is nothing for him, and there are stories of parties he played for five hours. On tour this summer, he played for close to five hours that day. We had a radio spot in Chicago when he played, we drove the eight-plus hours to Minneapolis for another gig that night where he was supposed to play for about two hours. He went into the barbecue joint next to the venue and was given an acoustic guitar where he went on to play for about an hour to people just sitting at the picnic tables under the sunset. Then, if that wasn’t enough, he played two sets, about 90 minutes each, inside the club.)

How old are you, T?

I’m 88 years old.

(Wait, T’s cutting this one short. Since he was born in a field in Forest, MS, there is no accurate record of when he was born. His U.S. passport says he 84. His Mississippi driver’s license says he’s 87. He says he’s 88. And no one can agree on his actual birth date. If he says he’s 88, I say he’s 88.)

What is your least favorite thing about touring?

Nothin’.

What is your favorite city to visit?

(T doesn’t seem to understand this question. He talks about a woman in “Swisserland” who is “Waitin’ on me to get married.” So, maybe “Swisserland” is his favorite city.)

What music do you listen to most on the road?

(I’ll take this one. T’s favorite music is his own. Seriously. I’ve never met a musician who loves listening to his/her own music more than T-Model.)

What kind of music can you not stand to listen to?

(Again, I’ll take this one. He won’t say it, but based on his reaction, he doesn’t want to listen to any of his peers or anyone who may be deemed “competition.”)

Who among your peers do you most admire?

Huh?

(T, who among your peers do you most admire?)

Huh…?

(T’s not getting this, I can tell. I try this approach: “T, do you want to listen to any other Blues man, other than Muddy Waters or Howlin’ Wolf? Any other Blues guys from around you?”)

(Shouts) No!

What advice would you give to any younger up-and-coming Blues musicians?

Do your own thing… Don’t do what anybody else tells you to do that you don’t want to do.

What is your bitterest regret?

(T’s not getting this one either, despite a couple of efforts to re-frame the question. I know from spending time with him that he hated his daddy. His daddy sounded like an SOB. He beat off one of T’s testicles when he was a boy…likely between 8 and 10 years old. He talks about his brother wanting to kill his daddy. I wonder if T didn’t want to do it himself.)

What quality do you find most attractive in a woman?

All of her.

Apart from playing music, what is your favorite way to pass the time?

I don’t know.

(“If you’re not playing music, what do you want to be doing?”)

Gettin’ p*ssy.

What would you order for your last meal?

Chicken.

(I think T thinks you wanted to know what he ate last, so I follow up: “Did Stella (T’s woman) make you chicken?”)

Yeah.

How long have you lived with Stella?

I don’t know.

(“Maybe 15 or 20 years?”)

Yeah, something like that.

Are you married to Stella?

Hell no.

No plans?

No way… I been married 5 times already.

Any kids?

They say I have 26 of ‘em.

What do you hate most about the modern world?

(I know that T hates television. He thinks his grandkids watch too much.)

If you could travel in time, what era would you like to visit?

(T isn’t getting this one either. I think “era” is getting him. He says something about liking old western movies. That’s the only thing I’ve ever seen him watch on TV — at least with any bit of interest.)

What do you want for Christmas?

A woman. (Laughing)

Any parting words of wisdom?

Huh?

(“Anything else you want to tell the people?”)

What? … No.

(“You sure?”)

Good night, everybody.

T-Model Ford performs December 13th at the Chili Pepper Club (142 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach). Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 in advance; $12 at the door. Call (321) 783-8885 for more details. Visit www.myspace.com/thechilipepperclub for other information and clips of T-Model Ford performances and interviews.

In it, recently divorced treasure hunter Marshall Cross finds himself down on his luck. His foundering archaeology-themed amusement park, Treasure Island, is being threatened by ruthless real estate tycoon Denton Barrett, and Cross is hoping for a big find to stave off selling his dream. Finding Pizarro’s golden sword, an intricately carved, razor-sharp rapier lost in a hurricane in 1715 off the coast of Brevard County, would do just that. Cross’ problems mount when news breaks that a meteor is forecast to strike the Atlantic, threatening to send a mammoth tsunami barreling into the Florida peninsula. From undersea shipwrecks, to gator-infested swampland, to Kennedy Space Center — Cross’ adventures find him going toe-to-toe with Barrett’s paramilitary army, a seductive zookeeper, and a surly bull shark named Marge. Can Cross unearth Pizarro’s sword, save Treasure Island, uncover an astronomical conspiracy, and find love — all before the meteor crashes into the ocean and his new-found adversaries turn him into shark bait? You won’t know till you read it.

The folks at Lost Treasure Magazine call A Sword for Pizarro a combination of “the maritime adventure of Clive Cussler, the breezy escapism of Jimmy Buffet, and the witty mystery of Robert B. Parker,” while others attest to its great serial potential. Either way, Ryan’s entertaining novel, the culmination of a year and a half of what he calls “planned spontaneity,” puts Brevard County indelibly on the literary map.

We asked him a few questions at rusty rapierpoint…

What do love most about living beachside?

Ahh, beachside… Where the only thing hotter than the July mid-day sun is the venomous sting of the fire ant. Brevard County is a beautiful and wild paradise. It’s the only place on the planet where you can witness the future, with multi-million dollar NASA rockets blasting-off for the dark recesses of space, and at the same time see the world at its most primeval, in the untamed swampland where the gator rules supreme. I only spend a few months of the year in Brevard, and the rest of the year in the Northeast U.S. I often refer to myself as a dyslexic snowbird, since it’s usually the summer months I’m in Florida.

How did the idea for “A Sword for Pizarro” come about?

I initially wanted to create a sort-of anti-Indiana Jones adventure hero. A character maybe not quite as noble, not as smooth, but a bit more relatable and endearing than the fedora-wearing treasure hunter. I don’t recall when or where I came up with the plot; it had always sort of been in my mind. I began writing the story in St. Thomas, V.I. in the summer of 2005.

How does Brevard figure into the plot?

All of the action takes place North of Sebastian Inlet and South of the Cape. The hero, Marshall Cross, owns an archaeology-themed amusement park in Cocoa. He docks his boat at Port Canaveral and his girlfriend lives in Melbourne. The entire story is set among the sandy dunes and ABC liquor stores of the Space Coast.

What kinds of places are local readers likely to recognize?

A number of local landmarks figure prominently in the story, including Kennedy Space Center, the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Zoo, and even Disney World.

Are some of the characters based distinctly on locals you’ve met, or are they amalgams of different people from your travels?
You might meet our hero Marshall Cross sipping a rum and Coke at Grills Tiki Bar at Port Canaveral. Or you might find his sidekick Diego Espinoza eating a Bistec de Palomilla at Mr. Cubano’s Cuban sandwich shop. Fact? Fiction? I’d say a little of both.

When did you first begin writing in earnest?

I knew by the time I was in my teens that I wanted to be a writer. I was reading Kerouac and Bukowski and writing short stories and submitting off-beat poetry to small press journals when I was 18. During my college years, I worked as an editor on a number of philosophy textbooks. After school, I began freelance writing, which I continue to do today.

What are some of your influences?

I don’t usually read the same authors over and over enough to be influenced by one particular writer, but I greatly enjoy the conversational banter in mystery author Robert B. Parker’s books, and that has certainly rubbed off on me.

What is your writing schedule like?

I have a hectic schedule, and as much as I’d like to have a daily writing routine, I don’t. So my desk is often littered with scraps of paper scribbled with ideas and my computer is filled with first-draft files. I do try to write something every day, though.

What question do you most often get regarding the writing craft?
I get asked by aspiring authors, “How do you start writing a novel?” and I always say the same thing: “You don’t have to start at the beginning.” Just start writing — it could be in the middle, or somewhere in Act 3. What was originally going to be the very first paragraph of A Sword for Pizarro ended up in the last chapter. When you write, just let it flow, and worry about putting it in some kind of order later.

What other advice do you have for any budding writers out there?

Write for the right reasons. Write because you want to be read, because you have a story to tell. For every Stephen King and J.K. Rowling, there are a thousand underpaid unknown authors who still enjoy their craft regardless of never seeing their name on a bestseller list.

What does the future hold for you? Do you have another book in the works?

I’m currently working on the sequel to A Sword for Pizarro. It’s set in Brevard and the Abacos Islands and concerns a research vessel missing in the Bermuda Triangle and the appearance of a mysterious submarine.

What’s the last book you read?
Galleon Alley, by my friend Bob Weller.

What is your fondest memory?

It’s said that the sense of smell is the one most tied to memory; that you can smell a scent you hadn’t experienced in 30 years and recall feelings and emotions and the precise location of where you were the last time the odor touched your olfactory system. With that being said, every time I return to Brevard, I’m greeted with the smell of the sea air and the oleander flower that instantly transports me to childhood vacations in the Sunshine State.

What is your bitterest regret?

Nada.

If you could travel back in time to any era, where would you go?

I’d like to travel back to the American Revolutionary War, with layovers in the Jurassic period, and Honolulu, January 14, 1973 (Elvis’ “Aloha from Hawaii” concert).

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the winnings?
Travel more. Maybe buy a stateroom on the cruise ship The World. Maybe book a compartment on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Favorite meal?
Hot, crispy tacos with an ice-cold Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Favorite film?

“Jaws,” and not for the reason you’d think. This movie always spoke to me in different ways throughout my life. When I was young, I identified with the salty, roguish Quint. During my college years, it was the geeky Hopper. And now that I’m a husband and father, it’s the patriarchal Chief Brody I identify with. In the 1970s, most kids were into “Star Wars.” I loved my “Jaws.” Always have, always will.

Favorite music?

I enjoy everything from classical to disco to salsa y merengue. And if you live in Florida, you have to love Jimmy Buffett. I think it’s a State law.

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

“Jaws,” and not for the reason you’d think.

Any parting words of wisdom?

Please visit www.HoldFastBooks.com and order a signed copy of A Sword for Pizarro! Throughout November, the book is discounted 20% off the newsstand price, making it a great holiday gift for yourself or a loved one. Filled with high-seas excitement, breezy humor, and tropical romance, A Sword for Pizarro has it all!

For more information about Tom Ryan and A  Sword for Pizarro, visit: www.holdfastbooks.com or www.myspace.com/illdrinktoyourleg

Tony was first elected to public office as Cocoa Beach City Commissioner in 2001, where he served two terms. For the entirety of those terms, Tony worked on the purchase of the South Thousand Islands for preservation. He also supported the purchase and preservation of green space in Cocoa Beach with the development of Maritime Hammock on A1A. And, of course, he was a leading proponent of the Cocoa Beach Skate Park. He was elected to the Florida House in a special election in February and in his first session, earned a Freshman of the Year Award from the Florida Association of Counties and the Freshman Friend of Education Award from the Florida Education Association. He is currently running for his first full term in the Florida House.

Since 1986, he has been employed as an Inspector with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, and inspects foreign flag vessels to assist seafarers with employment, wage, safety, and health issues. His wife of 25 years, Athena, is a paralegal and freelance writer and editor. Their sons Tony and Ben are students at Flagler College.

We caught up with Tony at his office to ask some of our probing questions…

What is your favorite thing about living beachside?

Living in paradise makes it hard to choose one thing. My friends, the smell of salt in the air, opening the windows, surfing! I try to go over to my crosswalk every day, even if it’s just for five minutes. I never want to take the beach for granted. Oh — and the best thing about living in a small town is that even if you don’t know what you’re doing, everybody else does.

How did you first get involved in politics?

My neighbor came over to ask me to sign the height and density growth-management petition. I took a handful and walked door to door getting them signed. The rest is history.

As a Cocoa Beach City Commissioner you were pretty hands-on in municipal government. Did you have to amend your style for the state level?

It’s funny that you ask that. I brought my style with me. I just believe you can never be too hands-on or engaged if you are elected to represent people. I learned, especially during the hurricanes a few years ago, what a difference it can make in a community. That’s why I was so active as a Cocoa Beach City Commissioner and so far, no one has told me I can’t do that as a State Representative. So during the Fay flooding, I just jumped in the truck and drove to West Cocoa.

What did you give up when you got elected, and what did you gain?

I gave up personal time with family and friends, but gained a greater of fulfillment.

What do you enjoy most and least about campaigning?

I like meeting and talking to people the most. The thing I like least is the mostly untruthful negative attack ads.

You’re known as being one of the more environmentally conscious representatives out there. Tell us about your involvement in the recently passed Clean Ocean Act.

About four years ago it started when Sean O’Hare, Greg Gordon, Jim Waymer and I spent a Sunday touring a Royal Caribbean ship. Afterwards, the company VP o f Environment, whom I knew, asked why we weren’t looking at the gambling ships, and a bell went off in my head. I talked to our state legislator and Buzz Petsos, Cape Canaveral council member. I worked closely with the Surfrider Foundation doing events around the state to bring the problem into the light. I got a resolution from the Cocoa Beach City Commission, the Space Coast League of Cities, and the State League of Cities. Then I started going up to Tallahassee — a lot. Ultimately, this year, during my first session as a state legislator, the bill made it through the Environment and Natural Resources Council, on which I sat, and passed on the floor. Great timing!

What do you see in the District’s future, particularly in regards to the beachside areas?

The realist in me sees what most of us see: Some tough times ahead. The optimist sees a silver lining in those clouds. We have some great candidates running for office who really can make a difference and who care about responsible growth management. We also have some new alternative energy initiatives that can create new jobs.

What about the state of the Space Industry here? What needs to be done to ensure its longevity?

Statewide, we must keep doing what we did this session. We brought $15 million home to help fund pad refurbishment and life sciences, and to help bring in new business. We need to keep working with the federal legislators to keep this at the forefront. As the ranking Democrat in Brevard, I went to Tampa to meet with the Policy Director for Senator Obama. The objective was to get a Space plank in the platform. Ultima tely, because of this and the hard work of Senator Bill Nelson and others, Senator Obama came to Titusville and added Space to his platform, creating a “presidential space race,” which is good for all of us.

What are your priorities for the next legislative session?

Overall, my priority is to continue to represent my neighbors and my community, and not the 800-lb. gorillas (special interest lobbyists). In addition to essential space industry and high-tech initiatives, I will also continue to work for fair and sensible property tax relief and for fair homeowner insurance rates. We will have tough choices to make on the budget, which will call for thoughtful and compassionate consideration. We shouldn’t penalize our kids in schools and seniors in nursing homes. I will make decisions on what bills to sponsor in November, but one bill I committed to run is the underage drinking bill, which increases penalties for subsequent illegal sales of alcohol to minors, in much the way penalties now increase for subsequent sales of tobacco to minors. This bill was first initiated after two teen deaths in Titusville a few years ago.

Many of us get pretty jaded with politics, especially around this time of year. Are there any misconceptions about your work you’d like to dispel?

There really are some good, caring people running and in office.

How do you balance career, volunteer work, and the Legislature?

No idea. I just do it and it works out.

Are you still involved in the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum?

I am the Executive Director and as active as I can be, but our board members and volunteers are what makes it work so well.

What kind of music do you enjoy?

Blues, Zydeco, and the Danny Morris Band!

Favorite book?

“Puffer in WWII.” “The Puffer” was the submarine my father was on; James Clavell’s “King Rat,” and anything by Carl Hiassen and Elmore Leonard.

Favorite film?

“Dr. Strangelove,” “12 Angry Men,” anything DeNiro is in.

If you could travel back in time to any era, where would you choose to go?

The ’60s. Simpler times, uncrowded waves, and really cool cars.

What would you order for your last meal?

Athena’s buttermilk pan-fried chicken (only hers!).

Any parting words of wisdom?

Surf more. Obsess less.

For more information about Tony Sasso, visit: www.ElectTonySasso.org.

John Hearin, a Coastal Engineer and avid surfer who prefers the waves at Slater Way, grew up in Daytona Beach where he surfed the Sunglow Pier and Ponce Inlet on a regular basis. After earning a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in 1982, he moved to Cocoa Beach to work as a system engineer on the Space Shuttle Launch Team.

In 2005, Hearin went on to earn an MS in Coastal Engineering from FIT, where he’s  presently enrolled as a PhD student in Coastal Engineering. He most recently left the space program to become President of ASR America, a marine research and consulting firm based in Cocoa Beach.

Hearin and his colleagues are currently performing hydrodynamic computer modeling of the reef’s performance, but he took some time out to answer a few of our questions.

Tell us about the origins of ASR.

ASR Limited was founded in 1995 as the commercial offshoot of the Artificial Reefs Program at Waikato University in New Zealand. The founders, Drs. Kerry Black and Shaw Mead, developed the concept of the multi-purpose artificial reef as a sustainable method of coastal protection and recreational enhancement. ASR America was founded in 2007 as the North American Affiliate of ASR Limited. We are the only firm in the world who has actually designed and built a multi-purpose artificial reef.

How did you first get involved with the project?

I developed the preliminary design for the Space Coast Reef as my master’s thesis project while attending the FIT in 2005. After my thesis was completed, I presented my idea to Cocoa Beach City Commissioner Kevin Pruett. Kevin helped me get the idea before the Cocoa Beach City Council and the Brevard County Council. The county council unanimously approved the concept and the County then applied to the State Department of Environmental Protection for matching funds to perform the current feasibility study.

What are some of the other reefs you’ve been involved with?

ASR Limited has completed designs for over 25 multi-purpose artificial reefs including the Narrowneck Reef on the Gold Coast of Australia which was completed in 2000 and the Mount Maunganui Reef which was completed this year in New Zealand. We are currently constructing a reef in Bournemouth, England and will start building another reef in India later this year.

Why was this particular location chosen?

The current location, Osceola Lane in Cocoa Beach, was chosen based on its need for erosion protection and its economic viability. This site selection is preliminary and could be changed based on subsequent design considerations.

How much will the reef cost? Who’ll pay for it?

The preliminary cost estimate for the Space Coast reef is $5-6 million. The State has agreed to pay 50% of the cost under their innovative technology program. The rest of the funding would come from the county and private sources.

What materials will be used to construct the reef?

ASR America’s design calls for the use of geo-textile sand-filled containers. Geo-textiles are polymer-based materials which have been designed for use in the marine environment. The empty containers would be anchored to the seabed then filled in place with sand using a dredge pump. Once full, the containers will weigh between 200 to 300 tons and are extremely stable even under hurricane conditions. The geo-textile reef will very quickly become a living reef as marine life will readily attach itself to the non-woven fibrous material.

Can you give us some other specs?

The proposed design calls for a “V” shaped reef (see accompanying diagram) with a well defined focus (take-off zone). The reef is designed to provide an A-frame peak with left and right breaking arms. The approximate reef dimensions are 100 yards wide (alongshore) and 400 yards deep (offshore). The reef will be located 200 to 400 yards offshore in 15 to 18 feet of water with a minimum reef depth of 3 feet below mean sea level.

How long will it take to build?

Approximately 6 months after the geo-textile bags have been acquired.

When a wave is breaking, how many surfers can it comfortably accommodate?

We estimate that the current single reef design proposed for Cocoa Beach will accommodate 50 surfers at a time. Some of our more recent designs incorporate several small reefs in lieu of one large reef. We’ve found that the multiple-reef designs will protect more shoreline and provide more surfing opportunities for roughly the same cost.

What about when everything happens to be terribly flat out there? Will it function by making the most of weak conditions, or will it only break when the surf is big?

The reef was designed to break over a broad range of wave conditions from 1.5 feet at low tide to over 10 feet. The reef should break at all tides for any swell over 3 feet.

There must be some surfing purists out there who might object to surfing an artificial reef. What do detractors say?

There have been some complaints that the reef will be too crowded. I am sure that it will be crowded, but I’m confident that the locals will get their fair share of waves. The ultimate solution would be to build a series of reefs along our coast to protect our beaches and provide surfing enhancement. Virtually all of the best breaks in Florida benefit from man-made structures such as piers, groins and jetties. Sebastian Inlet and Monster Hole would not exist as surf breaks without the inlet construction project.

What are some of the benefits for marine life?

The reef will become a new ecosystem for marine life, eventually becoming a “living reef.” The geo-textile material has proven to be a very good base for marine life. The other reefs we have built were quickly populated with marine life and have become very popular fishing and diving sites.

And the environmental benefits?

The reef will promote a wider, more stable beach in its lee by dissipating the wave energy offshore. A stable beach will be less prone to erosion and will require less re-nourishment which is very disruptive to the shoreline ecosystem.

Economic benefits?

Presently nothing is done to stabilize all the sand that is pumped onto our beaches, therefore the process must be repeated on a regular basis at great expense. The reef will reduce erosion and help stabilize the beach. A stable beach will require less beach re-nourishment and therefore save money in the long run. A quality reef break in Cocoa Beach will also be a very valuable marketing tool for the tourism industry and could attract more high-profile surf contests to our area. The cost benefit analysis for the Narrowneck Reef in Australia was 1:70.

How have other reefs you’ve built been received?

The Narrowneck Reef in Australia has achieved all of its goals as a coastal protection and recreational enhancement structure. The reef has become a very popular surfing and diving site. The Mount Maunganui Reef in New Zealand has received mixed reviews during its construction phase. The reef, recently completed in June 2008, can now be fairly judged by the surfers of New Zealand.

What can people do to help see the project through?

Keep up with our progress on www.spacecoastreef.com. Contact your local politicians and tell them you support the reef project. Contact information can be found on the website.

Visit www.spacecoastreef.com to learn about the ASR team, find valuable contacts, read updates, and watch videos of similar reefs in action.

To Write Love On Her Arms.

You’ve seen it on shirts, stickers and posters, and if you’re like me, you’ve wondered what it actually means. Is it a band? Is it a song? A book? An excerpted lyric? A story? Turns out it’s all of those, and much, much more.

Begun by Melbourne Beach native Jamie Tworkowski, To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit organization whose goal is to find help for people in the throes of addiction and depression.

In July 2006, at the age of 26, Tworkowski left a lucrative and rewarding position as a sales rep for Hurley to form TWLOHA, inspired by the story of a close friend who’d hit rock bottom. After just two and a half years, TWLOHA now has the largest online audience of any non-profit organization on both MySpace and Facebook — roughly half a million people combined — and the TWLOHA Blog is one of the most read blogs on all of MySpace. They received a MySpace Impact Award in the category of Community Building, and were also voted “Favorite Trend” on the Vans Warped Tour in 2007. That same year, they donated over $100k to treatment and recovery and they’re on pace to give $250k this year.

We caught up with Tworkowski to hear the compelling and quite wonderful story of To Write Love On Her Arms…

What is “To Write Love On Her Arms”?

The mission statement is this: “TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.” Through our website, especially our blog, and opportunities to speak and be part of different tours and events, we have a platform to talk about these issues — both the reality of the problems and the solutions that exist in the face of them.

More than anything, we try to point to hope and help. We talk a lot about community — the idea that people need other people.  All of this grew out of a story and we realized quickly that the story we were telling represented people all over the world. Over the last two years, we’ve responded to roughly 80,000 emails and messages from people in 40 different countries. Many of those from people talking about these issues or asking for help for the first time. We hear from people who have lost loved ones to suicide, people writing in on behalf of loved ones and people who simply want to learn about the issues and how they can help. We do our best to let people know that they’re not alone, and to encourage people to begin to talk about these things and to get the help they need. We also invest in treatment and recovery directly.

How did the idea for TWLOHA come about?

To Write Love on Her Arms began as an attempt to tell a story and a way to help my friend Renee. When I met her in February 2006, she was struggling with drug addiction, depression and self-injury. She was denied entry into a treatment center and some friends and I spent the next five days with her. Halfway through that time, I asked her what she thought about telling her story. She surprised me and said that she really loved the idea, that maybe there could be “a purpose for her pain.” After five days, Renee entered treatment and I sat down and wrote a couple of pages. I gave the story the name “To Write Love on Her Arms,” which was essentially a goal –- believing something better for her life. I made a MySpace page so that the story would have a home, and I started selling t-shirts to raise money for Renee’s treatment.

The shirts ended up in the hands of some friends that play in bands, so people started seeing the shirts in other places. Meanwhile, friends started telling friends about the MySpace page. We started to hear from people dealing with the issues, people who had loved ones struggling with these things, people who had lost loved ones to suicide… I was working as Hurley’s sales rep at the time and realized pretty quickly that we had stumbled upon something important, that Renee’s story represented people everywhere and that maybe these were issues that a lot of people lived with but few people talked about.

The messages kept coming in — people asking for help, people wanting to get involved…and the shirts kept selling. I realized this was an opportunity to do more than just help one person. This was a chance to really speak to these issues and to invest in treatment on a bigger scale. I left Hurley in July of 2006 and have been working on TWLOHA full-time ever since.

Where is Renee now?

Renee is doing really well, though I think she would tell you that life is still hard, that sobriety is a choice and a journey and a struggle. She lives in Orlando. She is two and a half years sober. She works with TWLOHA and she just wrote a book called “Purpose for the Pain,” which is a collection of her journal entries from the last several years.

How does TWLOHA differ from similar organizations?

A lot of non-profits look and feel and sound the same. A lot of them tend to focus on the problem. I didn’t grow up wanting to run a non-profit. I grew up around surfing and then I spent eight years working for Quiksilver and Hurley. I also grew up in a house full of music. Even in writing the TWLOHA story and selling the shirts, I didn’t mean to start a non-profit. There’s been a lot of freedom in all of that. I wanted to see people find hope and help and I wanted to encourage others to learn how to love people that live in difficult places. It’s still true today. We want to move people. We try to do things in a way that is creative, tasteful, hopeful, poetic and brave.

What organizations work with TWLOHA? And where does the money go?

We fund suicide prevention via Hopeline/1-800-SUICIDE, residential treatment via Teen Challenge and Mercy Ministries, self-injury treatment via SAFE Alternatives, and 24-hour phone and online counseling for young Australians via KidsHelp. We fund treatment for individuals in central Florida, we’re about to start investing in treatment in the UK and we also support two different organizations that fight human slavery and the sex trade in India.

This is part of what we do — funding the work of others. But we also believe in the work that we do, and so we invest in this work as well. We are invited to participate in concerts and tours and other events and we also get opportunities to create our own. We get invited to speak to people in a lot of different settings. There’s a lot of planning and travel associated with these events. We work with counselors, designers, accountants and lawyers to be able to do what we do. We have an intern house and an office in Cocoa. We have a small staff, and we do our best to meet their needs and give them the tools they need to do their jobs and do them well.

Name some of the high-profile musicians who’ve become part of TWLOHA. What do you think is the appeal for them?

Most of the support has grown out of friendships. It started with Switchfoot and Anberlin wearing the shirts early on. Those guys were friends of mine long before TWLOHA. Since then, we’ve connected with Paramore, Thrice, Evanescence, Jimmy Eat World, Bayside, The Rocket Summer, Copeland, Between the Trees and a bunch of others. We hear from bands all the time that are helping spread the word or asking how they can get involved. The music community has been hugely supportive and has so much to do with people finding out about TWLOHA. Oh, and Sophia Bush wore on of our hoodies on the show “One Tree Hill” earlier this year, so that was quite a nice surprise.

Some musicians who support TWLOHA may be accused of perpetuating depressive thoughts with dark lyrics and subject matter. Is it hard for people involved in the organization to come to terms with that?

We are fans of honesty, so we are not afraid of music that speaks to pain or the darker parts of life in a way that is real. Some people need to hear that to know that they are not alone. That said, we know that some music glorifies things like depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Some songs tell people to stay in those places and we think that’s bullsh*t. We want to see people find hope and help and I’m proud to say that the bands I mentioned earlier, the bands we’ve toured with and the bands you’ll see on our MySpace page — these bands are making music we believe in.

How has TWLOHA been received by the public?

People have been really kind and supportive. A lot of “causes” are  focused on specific things happening in some other place or to a certain group of people. We feel like the issues we talk about are important because they affect people all over the world. Everyone can relate to pain and places we feel stuck. So we’re not talking to people about something happening in some other place. We’re talking to people about them, their friends, their family.
That said, we’ve grown fast and we live in a day where some people are ignorant and some people are rude and they want to see things fall as fast as they rise. Plus we’re a non-profit, so people are quick to ask questions, or simply to doubt that something that looks like a good thing might actually be a good thing. We have to explain things and provide answers and then, at a certain point, we just have to leave it there and walk away. You’re not going to please everyone, especially when you try to do something in a way that’s unique. A lot of people offer opinions from the sidelines and we’re trying to invite people to take the field.

How can people get involved?

The best place to start is the website or our MySpace or facebook page. People can donate or buy a shirt online.  They can join our street team.  The biggest thing we hope is that people will simply take the time to learn about these issues and to learn how to help people who live with them.

TWLOHA has grown at a pretty rapid rate; do you find it hard to still keep a local, grassroots focus? Are there satellite groups out there?

I read something that Chris Martin (from Coldplay) said about writing their new record. A case could be made that Coldplay is the biggest band in the world and he said he just kept thinking about an imaginary 16 year-old kid named Dave. He wanted to make a record that Dave would love, a record that might even make Dave’s life a little better. I smiled when I read that because I think it’s right — you have to find a way to remember the individuals. TWLOHA grew out of telling one story and trying to help one person. Now the goal is to try to help a lot of people believe that their story matters, to encourage people to get the help they need and to encourage the people around them to do their part. It’s still about individuals.

No satellite branches or regional groups at the moment, just because we’re trying to keep the message consistent. These are sensitive issues and we’re trying to do something unique, so we have to be careful who we work with and what we put our name on.

What role does religion play in TWLOHA?

The language of what I believe is pretty obvious in the original TWLOHA story. But as this quickly became more than a story, we knew that we were going to have to choose our battles. And so we wanted to create something inviting. It’s true today.  We want to do things in a way that meets people where they are, as they are. I feel like the word “Christian” and the language of Christianity has been misrepresented and abused, so we don’t call TWLOHA a “Christian organization.” We’re trying to love people. We’re trying to learn what that word “love” actually means — we think a lot of it is about meeting needs.

How should people seek help from TWLOHA?

The first step to recovery is the one that most people never take. Two out of three  people who deal with depression never seek help, and untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. These issues can be difficult and confusing, but these issues are also very treatable. Hope and help are real and we just want to be part of the process of people finding them. We think that hope begins with people believing that they’re not alone, and believing that it’s okay to talk about these things. We are not pointing to ourselves as the final solution. We’re just trying to be part of the first step, we’re trying to encourage people and change the way people think about these issues, and we’re also trying to invest in treatment and recovery.

People write to us via email and MySpace and Facebook. We do our best to encourage them, to let them know that they’re not alone, and we challenge them to begin to be honest and to get the help they need.  We also point people to the Find Help section of our website (www.twloha.com)

What does the future hold for TWLOHA?

We have a dozen interns spending the summer with us, from as far away as Australia and England. So it’s exciting to see our team grow and to have the extra help. That’s something that will continue. We just launched a campaign called “PICK UP THE PHONE,” which is simply an attempt to support the work of 1-800-SUICIDE — they have answered nearly 3 million calls in the last ten years and they need help financially.

We’ve seen so many surprising doors open, from the internet to Hot Topic to the Warped Tour to opportunities to speak at concerts and universities and churches. The idea of “global” is certainly something we’re committed to as well. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last couple years. We just have to continue to dream and do things in a way that is honest, creative, hopeful and bold.

Any parting words of wisdom?

You’re not alone. People need other people. Your story is important.

With today’s diversity and complexity of surfboards, foam, and fins, as well as the sheer number of choices out there, Dave Seehafer thought the consumer needed more information before buying a new board — especially at today’s prices.

His solution? The highly-anticipated Boards & Waves Expo, which will allow consumers a unique educational opportunity to talk face-to-face with surfing’s top shapers, fin designers, foam manufacturers, local surf retailers, and both pro and amateur surfers, in a fun, friendly, and informative environment. A grass-roots alternative to the highly-corporatized and industry-centric Surf Expo in Orlando, Boards & Waves gives a portion of its proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, giving back to the East Coast’s favorite sport, while supporting the local roots of the industry.

As one of the main brains behind this surfer-friendly showcase, Seehafer helped organize two days to touch, feel, and inspect the latest surfboards, fins, blanks, and accessories from the surf industry’s top shapers and manufacturers. Attendees can inspect the newest foam blanks, review the latest fin designs, watch shaping demos, and sit in on how-to seminars.

We asked Seehafer about the origins of the Boards & Waves Expo and which kind of fruit he’d want to wear on his noggin…

How did the idea for the Boards & Waves Expo come about?

As an action sports industry analyst, I was tracking the flat trend in surfboard sales. Based on the success of the West Coast surfboard show, I realized that today’s surfer was incredibly confused and overwhelmed about the variety of board shapes, styles, and other factors. Ricky Carroll and I were chatting in his factory (R&D Surf) last November, and decided that we needed to have a surfboard show open to the public here on the East Coast.

What makes Boards & Waves different from the Surf Expo in Orlando?

The Boards & Waves Expo is unique in that it’s the first of its kind on the East Coast which is open to the public, unlike the Surf Expo. This will give surfers an opportunity to talk with shapers, blank manufacturers, fin designers, and and others in the industry about the incredible diversity of boards. Hopefully this will give today’s surfer the information and knowledge to buy a new surfboard with confidence, knowing that it will perform for his/her surfing ability in the waves that they’re riding.

What are some of the activities planned for the event?

Surfboard shaping demonstrations throughout both days, surfboard painting by one of the industry’s top artists Drew Brophy, Q&A seminars with top shapers, a seminar with Surfline’s Mike Watson on how to predict waves, a StandUpPaddle demo, a collection of vintage surfboards from the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, lots of product giveaways, surfboard raffles, free Lost Energy Drink, and an “after Expo” party on Saturday and Sunday night at the Ocean Deck.

What kind of companies will be exhibiting?

There will be over 60 exhibits featuring surfboards from Rusty, Firewire, Ricky Carroll, Wooster, Orion, and Viking, foam blanks from Ice9 and HomeBlown, fins from FCS and Rainbow, surf art by Damien Share, The Surf Gallery, and Hunter Glass, as well as Kicker Audio Products featuring the new iKick for iPods, surf accessories, local surf shops, and much more.

What do you think the average person would gain from attending this expo?

It is my hope that all Expo attendees will leave with a deep admiration and respect for today’s shapers, be stoked about today’s new shapes and designs, and then go to their local surf shop and buy a new
board!

Do you think this has the potential to become an annual event?

I’m already working on the 2009 Expo details; I’ll let you know as soon as everything’s confirmed…

How has the response been thus far?

The industry has been supportive of the Boards and Waves Expo since they first heard about it. The economy and soft surfboard sales have made it more challenging, but it’s going to be a great success, setting the stage for an even bigger Expo next year. I invite surfers of all ages to come to the Expo, touch the boards, talk to the shapers, and find out about your next new board — maybe even win one!

Are there plans for a similar event in other regions of the country?

I’ve looked into venues in Virginia Beach and Ocean City, MD. But for now, I’m focusing on Florida.

You’ve lived in Hawaii and California for some time. How does it feel to be back in the south?

Many of my closest friends — and longtime surf partners — live here in Florida, so it’s good to be back here, surfing the waves together when we get them, and planning our next surf adventure somewhere in the world.

If you could bring any aspect of Hawaii back with you, what would it be?

Excluding waves, I miss the killer Hawaiian, Korean, and Vietnamese food, along with the rainbows that would come after the daily rain shower.

What was your biggest beef with California living?

The high cost of buying a house close to the beach!

Among your wide travels, which place would you say is the most beautiful?

I’ve been fortunate to travel to many, many spots around the world in search of waves, but I’m partial to the Caribbean with its multiple shades of turquoise and blue.

If you could dine with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

JFK. I’d want to find out how he had so much fun as a young President while handling the Cuban missile crisis.

What quality do you most admire in a friend?

Trust.

What’s the last book you read?

Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at Fifty.”

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

“Endless Summer.” It’s what started my life as a surfer!

Have you ever punched anyone in the face?

Once, in high school.

If you had to wear a hat made of fruit, what fruit would you choose?

Pineapple. That way, I’d have my own source of pineapple juice for my rum drink.

Any parting words of wisdom?

Protect the environment, save the waves, and travel the world. Mahalo!

The Boards & Waves Expo will be held Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center (2700 N. Atlantic Ave.; 386-672-3770) in Daytona Beach. Admission cost is $5 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Surfrider Foundation. Ages 12 and under enjoy free entry. The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club nearby will hold an “after Expo” party on Saturday and Sunday nights. Wear your Expo wristband to enter the surfboard raffle each evening. Enjoy specials on Landshark and Red Stripe beer and see some of the many exhibitors, including Wooster Surfboards, R&D Surf, Inc., Orion Surfboards, Lucas Surfboards, Vision Surfboards, Coyle Surfboards, Glenn Klugel Surfboards, Maui Nix Surf Shop, Surfari Surf Shop & School, and Island Trader Surf Shop. Kicker Audio Products will have a booth featuring their brand new iKICK audio speakers for iPods. Also, Drew Brophy’s new DVD on how to paint surfboards will be debuting at the Expo. He’ll be on hand to share his painting skills during his 1 p.m. seminar on both days. Visit www.boardsandwaves.com to read detailed information on exhibitors and scheduled events. You can also call the Expo’s Florida office at (904) 242-9792.